Sessional_Paper_1902 — Page 945

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10. Notices and Permits.--Notices relating to structures in a dangerous condi- tion were served in 174 cases, whilst 798 permits and 930 notices of a miscellaneous nature were issued.

11. Ordinances.--A brief amending Ordinance (No. 30 of 1901) was passed in October, making important modifications with regard to the height of buildings. It also contains certain restrictions regarding the conditions under which the erection of verandahs and balconies may be permitted in future.

12. General Remarks.-The year was one of very great activity in building and constructive work. Apart from the Naval Yard Extension Works, which are exempted from the provisions of the Building Ordinance, the largest works in progress were those of Messrs. BUTTERFIELD & SWIRE, for the establishment of a shipyard at Quarry Bay. Among buildings' which were in progress may be mentioned Princes Buildings (south-western section), the Hongkong Club Annexe and the Club Germania. Much reclamation work was being carried out in the neighbour- hood of Hok Ün, Yaumati, Mong Kok Tsui and Tai Kok Tsui.

13. Improved Type of Tenement Houses.-Messrs. PALMER & TURNER, in applying for a plot of land in the Taipingshan Resumed Area, submitted a design for an improved type of tenement houses, which they proposed to erect upon the land in the event of their acquiring it. The principal feature of the design was the provision of a yard-space between each pair of adjacent houses enabling win- dows to be provided for the admission of light and air along the sides of the houses. The yard-space was, howeyer, practically enclosed on all sides by the houses, thus preventing to some extent free circulation of the air.

Another design was put forward by the Acting Director of Public Works (Mr. CHATHAM) and, by direction of His Excellency the Governor, both designs were submitted to the Sanitary Board. Like the plan sent in by Messrs. PALMER & TURNER, Mr. CHATHAM'S design provided an open area between each pair of adjacent houses, but the area was open to the public street and was of greater width, thus ensuring better lighting and circulation of air. The dwelling rooms were shown to extend through from the street in front to a lane at the back, into both of which large windows were to be provided, the kitchens occupying a space at the sides of the houses between the open area already referred to and the back lane. The arrangement proposed rendered it possible to alter existing houses so as to be practically in accordance with the plan. The Sanitary Board having reported to Government that Mr. CHATHAM's design was the best which had yet come before it, provision has been made in the Conditions of Sale of land since sold for the erection of houses in accordance with it or with such other design as may be approved by the Sanitary Board.

ANNUALLY RECURRENT Works.

14. Maintenance of Buildings.-The buildings involving large expenditure were the following:-

Civil Hospital, including concreting compound,.. Kennedy Town Hospital (Infectious Diseases),

.$4,349

791

Government House, painting externally,

2,994

Queen's College, colour-washing, painting, etc.,..

1,928

Shek Tong Tsui Market, colour-washing, painting, etc............ Shops forming adjunct of Western Market, colour-wash-

851

ing, painting, etc.,

605

No. 5 Police Station, colour-washing, painting, etc.,................ Magistracy, colour-washing, painting, etc.,

749

571

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