Sessional_Paper_1903 — Page 388

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A contour survey, extending from the shores of the estuary up to 200 feet above Ordnance Datum, was about completed and surveys in connection with the determination of the drainage area and diversions of roads, along which the pump- ing main would be carried, were in progress.

79. City Waterworks-Provision of Public Fountains.-Under the new Water- works Ordinance, (No. 29 of 1903), passed in August, the occupiers of tenement houses were to be supplied with water by means of public fountains, the services to such houses, unless in exceptional cases, being disconnected from the mains. Accordingly, the fixing of fountains was proceeded with and 233 in all were erected in the Western district of the City. Instructions were, however, received from the Secretary of State to suspend action under the Ordinance, so far as regarded the provisions mentioned above, and the fixing of fountains was discontinued.

80. Rainstorm and Typhoon Damages. Though the rainfall of the year was not excessive-97.50 inches-it was nearly all condensed into 3 months, 80.82 inches falling from the 8th May to the 13th August inclusive. Following upon a period of excessive drought, this rainfall wrought much damage in the way of land- slips and caused great injury to roads, whilst the somewhat numerous typhoons were responsible for serious damage to buildings, especially those of a temporary or less substantial character.

The estimated cost of making good the damage done amounted to about $36,800, of which nearly $26,000 was expended up to the end of the year. The principal items of expenditure were the following:-

Roads in the City,....

Roads outside City,.

Landslips on roads and damage to nullahs,

Landslips in Public Cemetery,

Buildings, principally matsheds,

Telephone lines,.

"Praya wall and piers,

$12,399

3,782

4,945

793

2,389

471

196

As already stated, these sums represent only part of the cost of repairing the dainage in some cases.

81. Coronation Celebrations.-Arrangements were made for illuminating a number of the principal Public Buildings, including the Queen's Statue, on the occasion of the Coronation of Their Majesties the King and Queen. All prepara- tions had been practically completed for the night of the 27th June when the arrangements were cancelled in consequence of His Majesty's illness. The illumina- tions subsequently took place on the night of the 9th August, but were unfortu- nately marred by a heavy downpour of rain, which occurred at an early stage of the proceedings.

The following are some particulars of the Buildings treated:

Queen's Statue-730 incandescent electric lamps outlining the canopy, &c. Government House-530 incandescent electric lamps forming the devices.

of a Crown, Prince of Wales' feathers and the letters E. R. Clock Tower--4,000 small, coloured glass lamps, besides 56 flare lamps. In addition to the above, about 6,000 lanterns were used in illuminating the Post Office, Supreme Court and other buildings.

The only other events in connection with the Coronation celebrations, which require to be recorded here, were the unveiling of the Duke of CONNAUGHT's Statue (presented to the Colony by the Honourable Sir CATCHICK PAUL CHATER, C.M.G.) on the 5th July, and the turning of the first sod of the King's. Park in Kowloon on the 6th August, both of which ceremonies were performed by H. E. Major-General Sir WM. JULIUS GASCOIGNE, K.C.M.G., Officer Administering the Government. On the occasion of the latter, a tree was planted near Austin Road by Lady GASCOIGNE. The scheme for the formation of the Park involves the removal of the Rifle Ranges to a new site and the settlement of the boundaries of land bordering on the Park required by the Military Authorities for the erection of Barracks. These matters were still under negotiation at the end of the year.

82. Perch on Rock near Lyemun.—

Railing in Openings in Sheds at Animal Depôts.-The expenditure incurred under these headings was on account of work done, but not paid for, during 1901.