Sessional_Paper_1905 — Page 295

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The Lai-chi-kok water-works designed to filter 200,000 gallons a day have been constructed mainly to supply filtered water to the Water-Boat Companies that supply the Shipping in the Harbour. Formerly the water was taken direct from the stream into these water-boats and there was therefore some risk of the water being contaminated and, if unfiltered, a danger to health. These works are still in progress, but will be ready by March 1st, 1905. From that date the various water-boats will draw their water through meters and will be charged for what they

consume.

The repairs to the West Point Filter Beds were necessary through the firing of heavy artillery from the Victoria Battery, the vibration set up causing a crack along three of the filter beds and shaking down some of the ceiling of the bungalow.

In November, the Albany Service Reservoir was thoroughly cleaned out and repaired. It is satisfactory to report that the leakage from this Reservoir has now been reduced from approximately 200,000 gallons à day to under 10,000 gallons.

The Fire Hydrant Service at the Lunatic Asylum was required in case of fire, no provision having been made formerly.

The water supplies to both the Blake Gardens and Albany Nullah Nurseries were required by the Botanical and Afforestation Department for the purpose of watering plants, &c. Both these supplies are taken from nullah or spring sources.

42. (Item 29). Water Account, (Meters).-There was a large expenditure against this vote owing to the increased number of meters issued. The cost for them alone being $12,200.

VI.-PUBLIC WORKS EXTRAORDINARY.

Buildings.

43. (Item 1.) Bacteriological Institute.-This Contract was signed on 19th of March, but owing to some unavoidable delay, in the removal of the Sanitary Board matsheds, and therefore in gaining possession of the site, work did not commence until 16th of May, 1904.

The Architects, Messrs. LEIGH & ORANGE, who are superintending this work report as follows :—

The foundations of the main Institute building proved very unequal, "on the Western end being loose filling for a depth of 15 to 20 feer. "and on the Eastern end solid, but of disintegrated granite containing "water.

On this foundation an extra on contract for cement con- "crete in lieu of lime concrete became necessary, valued at $376,50. "The foundations of the Western side of the Animal Houses were of a greater depth than taken in the quantities and there will be a slight

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extra on same.

"The buildings have progressed satisfactorily, the brickwork, roofing and "iron and cement concrete floors of main building being completel "and the brickwork to Animal Houses an! Servants' quarters well 44 ' in land.

"The brickwork is somewhat rough in appearance owing to the inequa- "lity in size of the bricks, but the bricks are of good quality

Canton make.

"It is anticipated the work under this Contract will be completed by

"1st of May, 1905."

44. (Item 2.) Cattle Depôt Extension. This work begun in 1903 was com- pleted on 9th June, 1904. It consists of a new shed to hold 240 cattle, lean-to sheds to hold 283 more head, a fodder shel, increased accommodation for coulies and two new water tanks. This work entailed a great deal of excavation and filling in. An average depth of 10 feet of filling in below the floor level being required. Some subsidence took place in the spot which affected a lean-to she l but in no case have the walls been affected. Particulars of these shels are given in the 1903 Report.