Sessional_Paper_1902 — Page 650

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In January of last year the Board called the attention of the Government to the deficiency in the market accommodation of the City of Victoria, and recommended the erection of temporary markets on vacant sites of Crown land. I understand that this matter is now receiving the attention of the Public Works Department.

The market accommodation at Shankiwan is still very inadequate and a new market is certainly required in that village. An extension of the Wanchai Market, which is far too small to meet the needs of the population of that district, has been planned, but had not been put in hand at the end of the year.

There is still but one Inspector of Markets for the whole Colony, and his duty also comprises the supervision of the Cattle Depôts and Slaughter House in Kowloon. I think the time has come for the Board to strongly urge the appointment of a special Inspector for Kowloon, so that the present Inspector of Markets can devote the whole of his time to the markets in the City and in the villages of Shauki- wan and Aberdeen and to the cattle sheds and dairies on the Hongkong side of the water.

STAFF.

Inspector WATSON remains in charge of the animal depôts and Slaughter Houses at Kennedy Town, and Inspector COTTON carried out the duties of Inspector of Markets during the year, but was appointed to the Depôts and Slaughter Houses from January 1st, 1902, when the new scheme for the management of the latter by the Board came into force. Inspector MACEWEN was appointed Inspector of Markets from the same date.

Mr. JOHANNSEN has continued to perform the duties of Overseer of the Central Market and has occasionally assisted at the Depôts at Kennedy Town when one or other of the Inspectors has been on the sick list.

The Government has decided to improve the quarters provided for the Inspector in charge of the Kennedy Town Depôts by the addition of a two-storied wing to the building-thus enabling this officer to have a bed room on an upper floor, which is most desirable in this climate.

The Secretary,

TARY BOARD.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your obedient Servant,

FRANCIS W. CLARK..

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