Sessional_Paper_1908 — Page 693

573

WORK UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE.

21. The number of plans dealt with and approved was less than in 1906 but, in several cases, they were for large and important buildings of the Godown or Factory type. A mere comparison of the number of plans dealt with, without regard to the magnitude of the buildings to which they relate, hardly affords a fair criterion of the volume of work carried out. The decrease is chiefly among plans for minor alterations of existing buildings to bring them into compliance with the Public Health and Buildings Ordinance, or for alterations or extensions of Chinese buildings. The fact that the Sanitary Board has modified its line of action in the matter of Cubicles probably explains the decrease first- mentioned whilst the diminution under the second head may have been due to the stringency of the money market or to expectation on the part of owners of property contemplating alterations that they would derive some benefit from the passing of the amending ordinance which was known to be engaging the attention of the Government.

22. Plans.-Plans were deposited during the year for the following, the figures for 1906 being given in a parallel column for purposes of comparison :--

European Houses,

Chinese

""

Buildings and Structures other than the above,

Alterations and additions to existing buildings,..

Verandahs,

Balconies,

Sunshades,

Areas,

Piers,.

Total,

1906.

1907. Increase. Decrease.

14

18

4

214

133

81

131

155

24

2,068

1,809

259

99

20

79

40

63

23

45

53

•

2

25

23

2

2,636

2,276

61

421

The building trade, in common with other trades throughout the Colony, continued to be in a depressed state throughout the year.

23. Certificates.-The following certificates for new buildings were issued :-

144 for domestic buildings under S. 204 of Ordinance No. 1 of 1903.

71 for non-domestic buildings or works.

These figures show a decrease of 18 in the number of domestic buildings and an increase of 23 in the number of non-domestic buildings certified as compared with 1906, or a net increase of 5.

24. Notices and Permits.-Notices relating to structures in a dangerous condition were served in 142 cases, whilst 932 permits and 224 notices of a miscellaneous nature were issued. These figures show a decrease of 84 in the dangerous structure notices and of 91 in those of a miscellaneous nature as compared with 1906.

25. Resumptions for Scavenging Lanes, &c.-A statement of the work done will be found under the heading "Public Works Extraordinary ".

26. Private Streets.-Ui Hing Lane was resurfaced under the provisions of Sections 186 and 187 of the Buildings Ordinance, the work being carried out by the frontagers under the superintendence of this department.

27. Improvements of Public Streets.-In connection with the erection of new houses occupying the whole of M. L. 115 & I. L.s 412 & 413, Spring Gardens Lane, Cross Street and Albany Street were raised and resurfaced, the owners of the lots mentioned contribut- ing a sum of $797.43 on account of work for which they were liable as the result of being permitted to construct balconies projecting over the footpaths.