1888-11-08 — Page 3

three districts of the western part of the city, of the respective areas of 13, 771, and 35 acres including streets, with the result that an average population was found of 1,077, 1,501, and 48 persons to the acre in the three districts respectively. I doubt if this density of population is reached in any city or town of the United Kingdom or of the continent of Europe. In considering however the question of the effect of overcrawling on the health of the population of Victoria the fact must not be lost sight of that the city is of but limited width, occupying only a nariów strip of ground, with an extensive harbour on its northern, and with a considerable open space on its southern side,

METEOROLOGY,

Rain-fall-It will be seen from table No. I, page 7, which I have compiled from the Reports of the Director of the Government Observatory that the island of Hongkong is subject to very heavy rain fall during short periods. Isubmit here with some information on this subject in the form of diagrams shewing the great varia tions in the amount of rain-falls that annually accur between May and September and the small rain-fall recorded during the months of January February. November, and December is particularly noticeable.

THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1888.

At 1.20 pm. No, 3 was started; making but ale progress eastward it was carried on the fland through the harbour as far as the Canton Wharf returning thence as far as Causeway Bay on the following ebb tide; its course is indicated by a green line.

At 3 p.m. No. 4 was started on the commence- ment of the flood, and after pissing North Point on the fland tide fullowed practically the same

course as No. 1.

by

At 4.45 and 6.15 p.m. Nos. 5 and 6 were started and left aftout fill the night of the 22nd. No. 5 would probably, on the following ebb tide, pass North Point, and No. 6 would follow some what the same course as followed by Nos. 1 and 4. The course of each of these floats is indicated

green and blue respectively. At 8:15 am, Augast the 22nd, No. 1 was started nff Belcher's Point and took an easteri course past North Point on the following flood, it drifted back a little to the west of that Point nod would probably have got into the mid channel current on the following ehh and been carried through the Lycunun Pass; its course is indicated by a brotum line.

At 10.15 h.m. No. 2 was started and, after progressing down the Sulphur Channel for some distance returned on the half ebb, arriving off Temperature Humidity, Duration of Sun the Canton Wharf at 10 pm at the end of the flood it would take a north-westerly course and shine.in table No, 2 will be loand the mean month temperature btained from hourly obwould probably be carried thence up towards servations, also the mean humidity for each the Canton River on the next food, passing out month, and the total duration of sunshine, The west of Green Island on the following ebb; its

course is indicated by a red line. temperature ranges from about 45° to 90° Fahrenheit, and the humidity in 1887 ranged from 19 10 95.

Winds Table No. 3 gives the direction, duration and velocity of the winds for each month in the year.

Easterly winds predominate nearly the whole year but southerly winds rccur to a large extent during the months of May, June, July, August, and September. The Meteorological Observa tory is situated on the Kowloon peninsula 110. feet above sea level.

TIDES.

The tides in the harbour of Hongkong are semi diurhal but considérable difference often exists between the heights of two consecutive tides, the higher beng called the "superior "* and the lower the "inferior" tide."

The difference in height of superior and inferior tides depends mainly upon the moon's declination either north or south of the equator.

At the times of the moon crossing the equator the tides ore epipla

The maxinium range of lide may be taken as 'eight feet and the highest water under.ordinary circumstances as 8 feet above Ordnance Datum and the lowest t font below that Datum.

Tidal Observations-With a view to ascer taining the general effect of the tidal currents af the points proposed for the sewer out-falls fe., Belcher's Point to the west of the city and North Point to the cast, I made in conjunction with Mr. Jas. Sampson of the Public Works Depart ment several float experiments on the 27th and 28th of February last during the north-east Monston, and again on the 21st and 2nd of August during the south-west Monsoon,

current.

(1.) that the large sizes of the sewere cause considerable depusit in the lower levels during the dry season, (3) that no efficient means of ventilation exist. The first two evils, from what I have said, cannot be remedied, and the third also presents considerable difficulty. In drains of such neces sarily large size as to be able to discharge at times large volumes of storm-water any such interruption as would be caused by large Raps or tips would probably lead to the bursting of the sewer, and fünther, during the dry sensin an extensive accumulation of sewer gas must take place, for the natural forces at work in the sewers are insufficient to effect a complete change of air in a short period. From what I have seen of some of the branch drains I believe | there still exist old drains in the city which should either be used for surface and sub-soil water, only, or else replaced by pipe sewers.

There are few water closets in the city, their construction being prohibited by law. The system generally adopted, for removing the excreta being the pail system as described in Mr. Chadwick's Report. I certainly agree with Mr. Chadwick that if a sufficient water supply can be obtained the more general adoption espe cially in Hotels, Clubs, and large mercantile and other offices, of water closets, would be advisable on'sanitary grounds.

There is practically no sub-soil drainage in the city except in the Wong-nei-chung Valley where such drainage has been carried out during- the last six months,

PROPOSED WORKS...

After careful consideration of the whole of the foregoing facts and a close study of the locality, i art of opinion that the ends of efficiency and eco omy will be beat met by:-

(1) The construction of a new system of pipe sewers admitting only a limited quantity of surface-water and by adopting out-falls for such a system at suitable points 'east and west of the city.

f

Though the best available without pumping 1 cannot recommend the proposed position of this out-fall as a permanent measure and would strongly advice in preference, that the main be extended to the alternative point of out-fall at North Point.

I: . .

Another intercepting artery can be carried breach of contract should be decided according along a portion of Hollywood Road, and so avoid to the liw of England was upheld. The Brasi to some extent the laying of large sewers (inford. City is not opposed in principle. The which it is difficul to effect satisfactory discon. Judge there on substandally similar facts found nexion), up steep gradients to carry off the that the intention was to contract with reference sewage of the higher levels,

to the local law. It is only the finding of lact which differs. It is to be hoped the Supreme Court in the Alontana's case, which strongly resembles the case of the Missouri, will lay down a general rule, and let us add, one which will sustain the contract the parties have del- berately made-New York Maritime Register:

རྟ་ ་

ESTIMATES OF COST.

The areas of the eastern District is 247.acres, I am of opinion that the Separate System of In it are situated the Barracks and Military and sewerage for the city of Victoria presents no

serious engineering difficulties and that it is un Naval Establishments but the higher levels are at present but little built over. The sizes of the questionably the one adapted to meet the sani sewers have been calculated to discharge is thry requirements of the community... inches of the rainfalling over the whole Dis- trict. As just stated, i am only able to recomé mend the construction of the out-fall at Bowring-estimated cost of the works ton as a temporary expedient and therefore deem it desirable to submit herewith a plan (sheet No. III.) and also a section showing the necessary works that would have to be under- taken in order to extend the out-fall to North Point. Such an extension, if carried out, would provide also for the sewerage of, the Causeway Bay Reclamation and of Tung-lo-wan. giving a

total area draining to North Point of 170 acres.

The size of the out-fall has been calculated to discharge, per 24 hours 11 inches of the rain which falls over the whole area. The invert of the sewer being 5.37 feel below Oninance Datum it will be necessary to adopt Pumping Machinery in order to discharge the sewage into the harbour. Taking 1 inches of rain-fall per 24 hours over the whole surface, we get a flow of 1,470,150 cubic feet per 24 hours.

The present dry weather flow of sewage I estimate does not exceed 100,000, cubic feet per 24 hours and notwithstanding any future Increase in boutes and population probably will never exceed 300,coo cubic feet. I recommend there. fore that high class machinery in duplicate be installed capable of lifting 300.000 cubic feet per 14 hours and that pumps of a less costly charac ter though not so economical is working be in stalled for the purpose of dealing with the larger volume i. 1470,150 cubic feet occasionally brought down during heavy rains,

(2) The ulilization of the existing drains for The sizes and gradients proposed for the new conveying the natural stream sihrough the sewers have been the subject of careful calcula- city and for carrying off surface and sub-tion the aim and intention being to maintain a self cleansing velocity throughout the whole soil waters..

system, Considering the existence of large drains throughout the city and the facilities offered for getting rid over the surface of the storm-water in back yards during heavy rain-fulls. I am of opinion the sizes proposed for the new sewers will be found ample to meet the requirement of the increase in population,

At 12 o'clock No. 3 was started. Taking an easterly course it reached Yaunati bay at 6 to pm, and alter sweeping round on the flood in a south-westerly direction it took an easterly course arriving off the Canton Wharf at 10.35 pm, at which hour the commencement of the next ebb would probably take it eastwards past North Paint; its course is indicated by a green line. At 2.75 p.m. No. 4 was started and travelled, eastwards slowly; its cause is indicated by a blue line. At 5.40 p.m. No. 5 was started on the flood tide but made little progress; its course is indicated by a red line.

With respect therefore to a sewage out-fall at

Though the sub-soil drainage of malarini soils North Point it appears from these experiments:-

(i) that during both the north-east and south is a matter of great importance to the Public west Monsoons there is a strong tidal Health, this will be impracticable in the lower current tending to carry all matters held parts of the city at present unless such sub-snil in suspension in the waters of the harbour drains are connected with the sewers, an expedi- at or about North Point through the Lyeem that would be attended with serious risk for mun Pass during the ebb tide, and that it would convert such sub-soil drains into this tendency extends as far as Kowloon channels for the escape of sewer air through the Point during the north east, Monsoon, jen

sub-soil into the houses themselves. Owing to (s) that during the north-east Monsoon the the long periods of drought or of limited rain- flood tide sweeps through the harbour and fall and to the steep declivity of the greater part effectsa general dispersion of all suspended of the drainage areas, the flow of water in sub matter, and that, there is also a strong soil drains will always be very variable and will current round Kowloon Point towards the no doubt very often be if In the latter case South of Stonecutters' Island.

drain traps attached to sub-soil drains will prove (ii) that during the south-west Monsoon ineffctive and sewer air will freely course the general tendency of the flood tide is through such drains and issue through the to carry suspended matter from North interstices provided for the escape" of sub-soil through the harbour towards the mouth of the Canton River.

And with respect to a sewage out-fail at Belcher's Point it appears from the experis

ments :-

(i) that during the north-east Monsoon the ebb tide will probably carry all suspended matters out to sea to the south of Green Island.

(i) that the flood tide has little effect at this Point either during the north-east, of south-west Monsoon.

water,

Further, in the case of any stoppage occurring in a foul water sewer with which B-soil drains happened to be in communication, sewage might back into the sub-soil drains and escape through the joints as just described. These objections will be got rid of if all foul waters are diverted from the existing drains of the town into special channels of their own; sub-soil drainage then becomnes possible and may be led without risk into the present existing drains.

The Semrate System as designed contemplates the e provision of overflows along the line of the proposed intercepting sewers in order to relieve them in case it should be found impracticable for the present to exclude from them as much of the storm-water as I have specified. In many instance the rain from the back yards of private Houses will be admitted into the proposed new sewers but where back yards are continuous from one street to another such storm water con easily be dis erted fro is the sewer by a contiguous sur- face gutter from yard to yard, fran gratings being fixed in the communication holes at each parti tion wall. Some rainfall from the backs of houses must, under any circumstances, be admitted into the proposed new pipe sewers but the special method of providing for the carrying off of storm-waters from private premises is a detail that must be considered individually in each case.

The following is a tabular statement of the

Main No. 1 and branch sewers....$ -19,650.00 Main No. T

... 105,320.00 Main No. 3

34.590.00 Main No. 4.

40,740 00

$ 200,110.00

Add 15 per cent for contingencies, 2993.00

Total,...$ 230,000.00

The subsequent continuation of Main No. 4 to North Point and the installation of Fumping Machinery in duplicate at North Point I estimate at a further sum of $113,000, making the lota! estimate $343,000.

FINANCIAL

The construction of these works will probably 'occupy a period of from three to four years, but considering the benefit that future generations will derive from them it seems reasonable that the burthen of their cost should be spread over a longer period.

1 do not anticipate that any extensions or additions to the Project, at least any extensions of importance would be necessary before the year 3001, and I therefore think the payment for the cast might be extended at least over twelve years, and accordingly I would submit the propriety of including this outlay in any Government loan that may be contemplated in connection with public improvements, or if the amount be raised as o separate loan of itself that it be paid off, capital and interest, by equal annual instalments within the time above mentioned. By this arrange ment the percentage of the Annual Rateable value would yearly decrease (assuming that the Rateable value continues to increase as it has done in the past) and a margin would conse- quently be available for further purposes without increasing the rate of taxation. The Rateable Value for 1887-8 was...$3.901.933 The Rateable Value for 1838-9 $3.050,790

Showing an increase of s per cent. If this increase be maintained the Rateable Value in 1901 will be $5,450,914.-

If a loan were negociated for $230,000 at 5 per cent for a period of a years capital and interest to be paid off in equal annual instalments, such instalments will equal $25.044 or '85 per cent of the present Rateable Value or *48 per cent of the estimated Rateable Value in foot. It the larger sum of $341,000 (to include the $113,000 required to defray the North Point extension and Pumping Station) were borrowed, the annual instalment $18.690 would 1.27 per cent. of the present Rateable Value or 71 per cent, of the estimated Rateable Value of igor.

In England the raising of loans redeemable by a number of annual payments for the purpose of constructing sanitary works of a permanent character has for some years received the sanc ion of the Imperial Government, and it is on this account, that I submit this suggestion for consideration.

The floats used consisted of wooden buoys conical in shape, five feet in height and two feet in diameter from which were suspended wrought iron vanes 4 feet by 1 foot 6 inches of T shape construction and so designed as always to keep.

The proposed sewers are intended to be laid the larger nurlace of the vane square to the The total weight of a float was

out in straight lines and manholes are provided 236 lbs, and the depth of the vane belaw.

I will now briefly describe the new Sepirate at every change of direction in order to facilitate the surface of the water was about 7 feet. (il that during the south-west Monsoon System of sewers proposed. On looking at the inspection or the removal of obstructions should Surface floats constructed of wood were also the ebb tide acts in an easterly and north-plans it will be seen the city is naturally divided the latter at any time occur. As a rule every man. set ad if and watched during the day, but their

into four drainage districts. Three of these dis-hole will be furnished with a ventilating grating to easterly direction, course fillowed so closely on that of the sunken From the foregoing I am of opinion, consider-tricts are situated to the west of the Albany be placed as near as possible in the middle of the street. Additional ventilators will also be vanes that further observation of them wasing the depth of water and strong tidal currents Nullah, and one to the east. There are thus abandoned soon afer sunset as unnecessary. A that exist in the harbour during the whole of four proposed main intercepting sewers which for provided wherever the interval between two boat with adequate crew was detailed to watch the year leading to the general dispersion and the convenience of reference I will allude to as manholes is longer than 350 feets Flushing doors the drifting of each float and to follow it day mixing of all foreign matters with the tidal numbers il 2, 3 and 4, draining districts No. 1, will also be provided in some of the manholes and night and having a steami-launch at our waters, that no nuisance will arise from the 2, 3 and 4irespectively as marked on the accom- on the mains where the fall or inclination is To the Honourable J. M. Price, Surveyor-Gene-

small, and for the purpose of obtaining a rapid

ral, &c, &c., &G disposal we were able to visit each float placing of sewer out-falls ni Belcher's and North panying plan. periodically, and to note its change of position. Points, and it is on this account that these two

change of air in the sewer and of preventing a Points have been selected as suitable out-fall

decided set of air therein.to one point, traps and valves will be fixed in some of the manholes, stations.

The out-falls will he protected by tidal valves.

Do the plan submitted herewith the relative positions of the several floats at the various times of our visits are shewn, the approximate course between each observation being sketched in. I will now briefly describe the courses of the floats.

On the morning of February the 27th (during the nor h-east Moonsoon) at 10.15 a.m. float No. I was set adrift off North Point on the ebb tide, the course at followed by this float is indicated in the plan by a red line.

At 10.30 am. Host No. 2 was started about three quarters of a mile east of North Point; its course is indicated in the plan by a blue line.

Both these fats got into an eddy in Quarry Bay, No. 2 grounded in shallow water and on being moved out to the position of the surface float it closely flowed the course of No. t.

At 11 am. float No. 3 was wet adrift off North Point and nearly made the Lyemun Pass; is course being indicated by the green line.

At 17.30 p.m. No. 4 was started off North Point; its course is indicated by the brown line. At 1 pm. No. 5 was started about a mile and half ent of North Paint; its course is indicated by, the yellow line.

The tide turning shortly after I p.m. a strong current set in through the Lyemun Pass carrying the floats westwards;

At 2.55 p.m. at No. 6 was started off North Paint on the flood tide its course is indicated tay a red line.

1

This fat passing to the west of Green Island found its way out to sea on the afternoon of the following day.

At 5 15 pm. No. 7 was started off North Point, altertravelling a short distance westwards this doat sturned on the ehh ai far as the Lyemua Pass Lut missing the mid channel current feturned on the flood. Its course is indicated by a blur lloc, At 6.45 pm. No. 8 was set addrift off North Joint and after travelling westwards for four Jours it returned on the ebb and passed through the Lyemun Fars at 2.30 am. Its course is idicated by a brown line. This completed the float experiments at North Point.

XXISTING SEWERS.

L

In the early days of the Colony the drainage of Victoria was naturally provided for by the streams travening the numerous valleys running south to north. As the city increased lateral, drains were constructed of brick and stone of a very imperfect character and some of these may still exist. Within more recent times, especially after the Reclamations between Queen's Road and the Praya had been made it became necessary, in order to maintain clean liness and also for the convenience of the public to cover in most of these streams, large drains built of granite were therefore constructed along the valleys as shown by red lines on the plan which accompanies this 'report. There are altogether, without counting small branches, 33 main outlets into the harbour along the Praya, their sizes vary from one foot and a half to six feet Most of these sewers have vertical sides with V shaped or fat segmental inverts and are covered over with granite slabs. A full description of the various sections together with diagrams is to be found in Mr. Chadwick's Report, Part 1, Sections 2 to 5. The duly of these drains as sewers is small compared with their duty as sub-soil and surface draint as the whole of the sub-soil and surface-waters from the northern slopes of the hills above the city have to find their way into the sea by pass ing through them.

The drainage-areas are comparatively small but the heavy tropical rains that this island is subject to render it necessary to provide for the discharge of unduly large volumes of water in the lower portion of the city.

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Main No. 1 providing for the drainage of district No. (coloured red on plan sheet No. 1) will commence in Caine Road opposite Castle Roid where it receives the sewerage from Seymour Road, Castle It then takes 1 Steps and Castle Road westerly course along the Caine Road, Bonham Road, Hill Road and Queen's Road West re ceiving the sewerage from Robinson and Rich mond Roads, and ultimately discharging into the harbour at Belcher's Point.

The area of this district is 160 acres, and it is only thinly built over, but in order to allow for future extensions the sizes of the sewers have been calculated to discharge per 24 hours as much as I inches of rain-fall over the whole area. Main No. 2 providing for the sewerage of District No. 2 (coloured brown on plan sheet No. 1) will commence in Queen's Road Central opposite Pottinger Street and takes a westeily course along Queen's Road receiving the sewer, age from those portions of the Chung-wan, Tai ping-shan and Sai-ying-pun districts which are situated south of the Queen's Road. On reach ing Centre Street this main will take a northerly course down Centre Street, and arriving at the Praya will turn again to the west and follow the line of the Praya where it will receive the sewage of a portion of the Shek-cong-tsui District and ultimately discharge into the harbour it the proposed out-fall at Belcher's Point.

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I have not considered it necessary to design any system of sewers for Kennedy-town situated at the extreme west of the city, as that suburb is at present very sparsely built over, and because sewers can at any time without difficulty be constructed leading into the Sulphur Channel, the scour through the Sulphur Channel being sufficient to prevent any nuisance therefrom.

HOUSE-DRAINS.,

As I am here dealing with the subject of main-drainage and not of house-drainage 1-need not enter very fully into the question of house- drains though I need scarcely add 1 have con- sidered this matter very carefully before laying the scheme for the proposed main sewerage of the city before you. I would however state that in my opinion, Ordinance No, 24 of 1887" together with the Bye-Laws now before the Sanitaty Board clearly define what a house drain ought to be and only place such restric tions on house owners as are placed on them in England and as I have found necessary in my experience as a Sanitary Engineer.

Unlesss house-drains are properly constructed under such sanitary provisions as those contained in the Bye-Laws above referred to they will be practically worse than no drains at all, and considering their close proximity to buildings, house-drains obviously require even more careful

The area of this district is 213 acres and it is almost entirely built over. The sizes of the sewers have therefore been calculated to dis-supervision than main sewers. charge 2 40 inches of rain-fall per 24 hours, or 1/10th of an inch per hour, over the whole area.

Main No. 3 providing District No. 3 (coloured yello e sewerage of

yellow on plan sheets I and II.) will commence in Queen's Road After studying the rainfall and the character Central, at the Corner of Murray Barracks, of the hills, I am of opinion that during where it will receive the sewerage from Garden heavy storms the built area may con Road, and will pass down Murray Road to the tribute 3 inches and the hill sides. above Praya where it will turn along the Praya in a the city a inches of rain-fall per hour, over their westerly direction as far as Winglak Street, respective areas. It is clear therefore that no which it will traverse and thence discharge into hali measures can be entertained for getting rid the harbour at Possession Point. This main is of the surface waters, and considering the aur designed to provide for the portion of the city face levels we have to deal with, any scheme for situated between Queen's Road Central and the obtaining their ultimate discharge at points out-Praya the area of which is igo acres. side the city is practically out of the question. The circumstances prevailing in two portions

Experience has proved that the exising drains of this District are so different that in calculat-see no reason why this should not be done at

On the following day, February the 28th, a imilar series of suneriments was effected at Bicicher Point. At 8.45 AM. No. I was started the ebb tide and taking a westerly course, as indicated by the red line, got into shallow water of the town are of ample size and that they the north-west of Green Island. On being effidently fulfil their purpose as surface water it free again this doat continued its westerly drains. It may also be mentioned that the most Course round Green Island and turning south advantageous courses in respect of efficiency and

ards made for the open sea. KOMEN

economy fr, the natural valley lines have in most At 11 am, float No. 2 was started and passing cases been selected, and that the drains are con elect through the Sulphur Channel gained the structed in a substantial manner. As surface- as its course is indicated by a blue line. Pa water drains therefore their construction Icaves. At 1.45 pm. No. 3 was started and also passed little to be desired, though they may no longer through the Sulphur Chahnel, but picating the be suitable as sewers, and flod do was carried in a north-westerly direc- In the earlier days of the city the Combined il in outside of Green Island: Its course is System of drainage was undoubtedly by far the Indicated by a brown line, more economical system, and perhaps with the At 3.50, 5.10 and 6 p.m. respectively, Nos. 4, small population and limited public revenue at 5 and 6 were set adrift. These as indicated by its disposal the Colony would have shrank from the blus, red and brown lines made little pro- the expense of a dual system, but when one con gress

welders the present position of the city, the limited At 925 a.m. on the 21st of Augaal during the ares of land available for building purposes and south-west Monsoon float No, I started on the consequently the excessive crowding that exists abb ide, got into slackwater off the west point in many portions especially in the Western and of Quarry Bay, sut remained almost stationary Central Districts where the population reaches until the turn of the tide when it proceeded to as many as 1,600 persons to the acre, the time westwards aliving off the sooth of Stonecutter has, in my opinion, arrived when.every endeavour I land at to p.m. During the following cbbit should be made that modern sanitary science turned-as far as Kowloon Point, and daring places within our reach, to improve the sewerage the next food it was carried back at 8p.m. Vistoriaspor showing a tendency to leave the ony/ChThe principal objections to the continued use

miskit course la indicated.

hot of the existing system of drains for the convey

I have the honour to be, Sir, Your obedient Servant,

(Signed), FRANCIS A. COOPER,

Assoc. Mem. Inst., C.E.,

Sanitary Surveyor, Public Works Department,'

THE LAW OF THE FLAG.

AGAIN.

The subtle and difficult question, what low shall be applied as the test of the validity of a contract to transport merchandise from one country to another, where diverse laws exist in the two countries is again brought in the field of discussion. It arises on given set of circumstances, is considered, decided only with special references to the particular facts in issue, or is evaded, loses its importance for a day, but presently recurs. The true rule is not established, or acceded to, and the question continues to press for settlement; it is a sort of uneasy international Banquo that will not down. There is involved in its determina- tion anapparent conflict of principles; a struggle for supremacy between the law of the place where the contract is made and that of the place where It is to be performed. Pascal recorded a great truth when he said "that is a pleasant system of law which is bounded by a mountain or a stream,"

The subject of this article was suggested by the recent decision of the Chancery Division in the case of the steamship Afissouri; and of the possible bearing of that decision, upon the Montana's case now under advisement by the Honourable Justices of the United States Supreme Court. In the Missouri's case, which has occasioned much comment in Maritime I consider that it cannot be too strongly circles, a contract was entered into to carry impressed upon the public mind, that it is sheep and catile from Boston, to Liverpool, the connexion with the Government main upon certain expressed conditions, one of which sewers, of badly laid out and badly built was that the shipowners should be exempted house-drains in private premises, wherein from liability for loss or damage arising from the house-sewage is imprisoned for long the negligence of the master or crew. The vessel periods, and therefore entirely decomposed was stranded on the Welsh coast owing to the before it leaves' such private premises to pass negligence of the master and crew. The stipu into the Government mains, that is to be attri-lation referred to was not valid under the law of buted the chief cause of foul emanations from Massachusetts where it was entered into, but was the main sewer-openings in the streets and else valid in England where the cattle were to be where, and that therefore the first or initial stop delivered. The damage, however, did not occor towards sanitary reform is obviously the recone in Massachusetts or in England, but upon the struction of beuse-draine. It is therefore of the high seas during the voyage. The application utmost importance that defective house-drains of one law or the other, obviously saved or lost should be dealt with as soon as possible and I the plaintiff's case.

ing the sizes of the sewers I have sub-divided it once under the powers conferred by the Public into the area draining above Ice House Lane, Health Ordinance of 1887. The ultimate decision which may be called Sub-district 34 comprising of the Government with respect to the scheme of 120 acres extent and the area draining I above main-drainage now proposed does not in any Ice House Lane to the west which will call way affect the question of houses-drainage, ̈ ̈* Subdistrict 30, 70 acres in extent.

DISPOSAL A

In sub-district 34, are situated Government If the present Combined System of main House, and the Botanical Gardens, occupying drainage be left undisturbed' the large volume extensive grounds and not likely ever to be to be dealt with during heavy rains will closely built over, moreover, the elevation and necessitate several points of discharge along position of the Albany Nullah, admit of a free batlet being always obtained for storm-waters in this neighbourhood. The site of the main sewer along the Praya has therefore been calculated to convey inch of rain-fall per 24 hours over this sub-district. The other sub-district 38 being closely built over, the sizes of the sewers have been calculated to discharge 24 inches of rain per 24 hours falling over the whole sub-district in addition to the inch contributed by sub- district 34

)

The decision is grounded upon the presumed: intention of the parties to contract with reference to one rule of law rather than another; "the rights of the panties to a contract are to be judged by that law by which they may justly be pre- sumed to have bound themselves. Proceeding upon this principle the court decided that the intention of the parties as gathered from the contract was to bind themselves according to the law of the place where the ship belonged-by the law of England. Two considerations were treated. the Praya, and the expense of carrying out as importants First, that the parties could not be large sewers to low water will be found very presumed to have intended a bugatory act. great compared with the expense attendant on. Second, that the contract related to the employ- the smaller pipe sewers under the Separatement of a seagoing vessel for a service the greater System. Besides, large sewer-extensions beyond and more onerous part of which was to be rendered the sea-wall would be an obstruction that will on the high seas, where for all purposes interfere will native shipping,

Jurisdiction, civil and criminal with respect to By the light of the float" experiments I have | all, persons, things and transactions on beard, made, and judging from the present condition of she was, as it were, a floating island over which the Prays foreshore I cannot favourably view the England had an absolute, and for all purposes disposal of sewage along the foreshore from a of peace an exclusive a sovereignty as over her number of omlets along the Prays frontage dominions on land, and which, even while in a I repeat Isomider the out-falls to the cast and foreign port, was never completely removed from west of the city which I have recommended, Englich jurisdiction, There Be Bieber at North Point and Belcher's Point will to no way dinate inalters in the usual form of bill of lading. pore objectionable if the Separate System which throw light on the interest such as the adopted and further I am satisfied that in the provision for payment of freight faBrides Western District the whole of the tawage south Sterling and the exemption from damage by of Caine adfand west of the West Terrace the Dacon's enemies parts

mpletely intercepted and carried to This decision is logical, and in accord with

connecter cases, notably case for the

Maryland where an ex

Main No. 4 providing for the sewerage of dis trict No. 4 (coloured brown on plan hest will commence in Queen's Road Central opposite the Royal Naval, Yard and will traverse Queen's Read in an easterly direction as far as the Eastern Guard House, where it turns down Arsenal Road to the Praya, and continues along NO the Praya, an far, the Bowrington Canal, and ronis outlets along the Praya; there discharges into the harbour, › At this point, may be.

off the foreshore, also il receives the sewage of the Bowrington: the out-

of

|

OTHELLO'S DEFENCE.

WITH VARIATIONS › HE" TELLS TITE STORY OF

HIS WOOING OF DESDEMONA,,

Most polent, grave and reverend seniors and any sophs or freshmen who may be hanging about, 'that I have eloped with this old gentle- man's daughter is most true. True, I have married her as you can see by this certificate, which cost me $1.65. The head and front of my offending hath this extent, no Moor.

belonged to a debating society or served in the Rude" am I in my speech, never having City Council, yet you will notice that I am giving it to you straight. Since these arms of mine had seven years" pith and my wrists begau to wear reversible cuffs, I have annually served world can I speak more than pertains to feats o in Peekskill's tented field. Little of this great of broils and stews and fries, therefore little shall I grace my cause by chinning for myself, yei as I can't afford to hire a lawyer I ́nm compelled to do it. I will a round, unvarnished talej deliver, 15 you might not swallow a square story striped and varnished.

Her father loved me, drank at my expense, borrowed maney of me, while he asked me to tell him of the battles, sieges, triumphs that I had passed. I ran it through, even from the time when I ran away from school to go in swimming or was thumped for crawling under a-circus canvas to the very moment that he bade me tell it. And Desdemona used to get où to it, too, when she could steal away from her task, for the hired girl was off to Asbury Park and Desdy, had to do the housework. This I observ in', took once a pliant-hour, or hour and a half, and drew from her a prayer of earnest heart that I would spin the yarn to her that she had gathered but in part.

My story being done she gave me for my pains 1 world of sight-tolerable sighs. Twas pitiful wondrous pitiful-and I was pretty full myself, 'o tell the truth. She wished heaven bad made her a raan after similar plans and specifications, She thanked me, and bade me if I had a phono graph that loved her to whisper my story into it that she might grind it out anytime, and that would woo her. That settled it. She loved me for what I had passed, and I loved her with- nut being asked.

Here comes the lady, Lether make her cross to this affidavit-Texas Siftings,"

To-day's Advertisements.

STEAM FOR

COLOMBO, SINGAPORE, PENANG,

ADEN, PORT SAID, MARSEILLES, MALTA, GIBRALTAR, BRINDISI, ›PLYMOUTH, AND LONDON; ALSO,

MADRAS, CALCUTTA AND AUSTRALIA.

V.B.-CARGO CAN “BI TAKEN ON THROUGH

· BILLS OF LADING FOR BATAVIA, Marseilles, TRIESTE, HAMBURG, NEW YORK AND BOSTON.

SPECIE ONLY LANDED AT PLYMOUTH ....

HE PENINSULAR AND ORIENTAL STEAM

NAVIGATION

COMPANY'S Steamship "RAVENNA," Captain A. B. Daniell, with Her Majesty's Maile, will be despatched from this for LONDON direct, VIA SUEZ CANAL and. usual Forts of call on WEDNESDAY, the 218/ November, at Noon.

Cargo will be received on board until 4 P.M. Parcels and Specie (Gold) at the Office until 4 PM., on the day before sailing,

For further particulars regarding FREIGHT and PASSAGE apply to the PENINSULAR & ORIENTAL STEAM NAVIGATION COMPANY'S Office, Hong- kong.

The Contents and Value of Packages 'are re- quired to be declared prior to shipment,

Shippers are particularly requested to note the terms and conditions of the Company'

Hack Bills of Lading.

'E. L. WOODIN,. Superintendent.”

P. & 0. 5. N. Co.'s Office, Hongkong, 8th November, 1988,

NOTICE TO CONSIGNEES.. t * STEAMSHIP " CLAYMORE,” FROM GLASGOW, LIVERPOOL, PENANG,:

AND SINGAPORE.

CONSIGNEES of Cargo are hereby informed

that all goods, are being landed at their risk, into the Godowns of the Kowloon Wharf and Godown Company, at Kowloon, whence and/or from the wharves delivery may be obtained,

Optional cargo will be forwarded unless notice. to the contrary be given before NOON, TO MORROW.

No Claims will be admitted after the Goods, have left the Godowns, and all Goods remaining will be subject to undelivered after the 15th inst.,

rent,

All Claims against the Steamer must be presented to the Undersigned on or before the 15th inst, or they will not be recognised. No Fire Insurance has been effected. Bills of Lading will be countersigned by

ADAMSON, BELL & Co,

Agents......... Hongkong, th November, 1888.

HONGKONG RIFLE ASSOCIATION,

the Rifle Competition CLOSE NTRIES FOR AGGREGATE PRIZES TO-MORROW (FRIDAY), at Noow, on the

Tange.

POOL Additional Pool Targets will be placed at 600, Boo and 900 yard ranger BALARA

AMMUNITION.Martini-Henry Rife and Carbine Cartridges can be obtained on paymest in the Secretary's tent. A

JOHN ANDREW Acting Hon. Secretary, Hongkong, 8th November, 1888.

*Masonic.

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