港史文本 - HK In Texts: Sessional Papers

PAPERS LAID BEFORE THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL OF HONGKONG 1902

Table of Contents

1. Assessment

Report for 1902-1903

2. Belilos Reformatory

Statement Regarding

3. Blue Book for 1901

Report Ou

4. Botanical and afforestation

Report for 1901

5. Chair and Jinricksha Coolies

Despatch on

6. City of Bombay Improvement act, 1898

Extract from

7. Collapsed Houses

List of

8. Education

Report of Committee on

9. Education

Report for 1901

10. Education - Queen's College

Report for 1901

11. Estimates for 1903

Memorandum on Draft of

12. Financial Returns

Report for 1901

13. Financial Statement

In Connection With Estimates for 1903

14. Fire Brigade

Report for 1901

15. Gaol

Report for 1901

16. Harbour Master

Report for 1901

17. Housing of Populations of Hongkong

Report on

18. Immunity of Chinese in Cape Colony from infections of Plague

Correspondence Regarding

19. Kowloon Waterworks Gravitation Scheme

Correspondence Regarding

20. Legislative Council

Proceedings of the

21. Medical

Report for 1901

22. Medical Department Staff

Report of Committee of inquiry into adequacy of

23. New Post office

Papers Regarding

24. New Territory

Report for 1901

25. Observatory

Report for 1901

26. Plague Prevention

Memoranda on

27. Po Leung Kuk

Report for 1901

28. Police

Report for 1901

29. Post office

Report for 1901

30. Professor Simpson's Recommendations

Reference Table to

31. Public Works

Report for 1901

32. Public Works Department

Report of Commission of inquire into

33. Registrar General

Report for 1901

34. Sanitary

Report for 1901

35. Sanitary Condition of Hongkong

Report on

36. Sanitary Condition of Hongkong

Report for 1901

37. Sanitation

Statement Showing action Taken to Give Effect to Mr. Chadwick's Recommendations

38. School for European Children amd School for Chinese of Upper Classes

Correspondence Regarding

39. Sewerage and Drainage of Hongkong

Report on

40. Sterling Salaries

Papers on introduction of

41. Subordinate Court Returns

For 1901

42. Supreme Court Returns

For 1901

43. Volunteer Corps, Hongkong

Report for 1901

44. Water account

Statement of for 1901

45. Water Storage Capacity in Hongkong and Kowloon

Replies to Questins in Council

46. Water Supply of Hongkong

Report on

47. Widows and Orphans' Pensionfund

Despatch on Rate of Exchange for Payment of in England

48. Windows and Orphans' Pension Fund

Report for 1901

}

773

No.

39 1902

HONGKONG.

REPORT ON THE ASSESSMENT, FOR THE YEAR 1902-1903.

Laid before the Legislative Council by Command of His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government.

ASSESSOR'S OFFICE, HONGKONG, 22nd July, 1902.

SIR, I have the honour to submit my Report on the Assessment for the

year 1902-1903. 2. The City of Victoria. The result of the new Valuation is that the Rateable Value of the City of Victoria is, in the list which came into force on the 1st instant, $6,945,115 as compared with last year's (1901-1902) Assessment, $5,969,765-an increase in Rateable Value of $975,350, equivalent to 16.34 per cent.

3. The Hill District.-The Rateable Value of the Hill District is now $193,990 against $164,490 last year-an increase of $29,500 or 17.93 per cent.

4. Hongkong Villages.-The Rateable Value of the Hongkong Villages has been raised from $199,281 to $220,453—an increase of $21,172 or 10.62 per cent.

5. Kowloon Point.-The Rateable Value of the Kowloon Point or Tsim Tsa Tsui District has increased from $178,067 to $289,945-a difference of $111,878 equal to 62.83 per cent.

6. Kowloon Villages.-The Rateable Value of the Villages comprising the remainder of British Kowloon is now $517,830 as compared with $378,149 last year-an increase of $139,681 or 36.94 per cent.

7. The Whole Colony.-The Rateable Value of the whole Colony is now $8,167,333 as compared with last year's Assessment of $6,889,752—an increase of $1,277,581 or 18.54 per cent.

8. Interim Valuations.-During the period from 1st July, 1901, to 1st June, 1902, Interim Valuations have been made as follows:-

In the City of Victoria.

438 new and/or rebuilt tenements, rateable value,

173 improved tenements, rateable value,

.$583,540

Replacing Assessments, amounting to

.$190,755

117,200

73,555

657,095

189 Assessments cancelled, tenements pulled down, or being in other respects not

rateable,

156,335

Increase in City of Victoria,

.$500,760

In the Rest of the Colony.

431 new and/or rebuilt tenements, rateable value,

.$208,758

5 improved tenements, rateable value,

..$890

Replacing Assessments, amounting to

300

590

209,348

104 Assessinents cancelled, tenements pulled down, or being in other respects not

rateable,

Increase in the Rest of the Colony,...

The total number of tenements affected by Interim Valuations being 1,340.

27,661

..$181,687

50-5.8.02.

774

9. Vacant Tenements.-The number of reported vacant tenements in the City of Victoria inspected under section 35 of the Rating Ordinance averaged about 176 monthly against 103 last year.

10. Tabular Statements.-The usual tabular statements giving comparisons of the Valuation for 1901-1902 and the new Valuation for 1902-1903 are attached.

11. Staff. The services of Mr. CHAN U CHIU, Interpreter, and his successor Mr. CHEUNG SHIU HUN were dispensed with during the year, Mr. CHEUNG LAI KAM now occupying the post.

Mr. CHAPMAN returned from leave on 27th November, 1901, and left again for England in charge of the Coronation Contingent of Volunteers on 14th May last.

The members of the Staff, with the exception of the two first mentioned, have discharged their duties to my satisfaction, particularly Mr. CHEUNG YUK FAI who has shown much energy and zeal in the performance of his duties.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your most obedient Servant,

The Honourable

A. M. THOMSON,

No.

Colonial Treasurer.

District.

Table A.

THE CITY OF VICTORIA.

DAVID WOOD,

Acting Assessor.

Valuation 1901-1902.

Valuation 1902-1903.

Increase.

Percentage.

Kennedy Town,

122,620

131,215

8,595

Shek Tong Tsui,..

258,365

324,025

65,660

Sai Ying Pun,

1,324,775

1,531,915

207,140

Tai Ping Shan,

537,005

559,110

22,105

Sheung Wan,

752,585

945,860

194,275

Chung Wan,

2,228,270

2,539,410

311,140

Ha Wan,

282,935

331,700

48,765

Wan Tsai,

279,640

368,070

88,430

Bowrington,

62,305

· 84,435

22,130

Soo Kon Poo,

121,265

128,375

7,110

5,969,765

6,945,115

975,350

16.34

Table B.

THE HILL DISTRICT AND HONGKONG VILLAGES.

District.

Valuation 1901-1902.

Valuation 1902-1903.

Increase.

Percentage.

The Hill District,

164,490

193.990

29,500

17.93

Hongkong Villages,............

199,281

220,453

21,172

10.62

363,771

414,443

50,672

13.93

Kowloon Point,..

Kowloon Villages,....

District.

Table C.

KOWLOON POINT AND KOWLOON VILLAGES.

775

Valuation. 1901-1902.

Valuation 1902-1903.

Increase.

Percentage.

178,067

289,945

111,878

62.83

378,149

517,830

139,681

36.94

556,216

807,775

251,559

45.23

Table D.

THE COLONY OF HONGKONG.

Valuation

District.

1901-1902.

Valuation 1902-1903.

Increase.

Percentage.

The City of Victoria,

5,969,765

6,945,115

975,350

16.34

Hill District and Hongkong Villages,

363,771

414.443

50,672

13.93

Kowloon Point and Kowloon Villages,

556,216

807,775

251,559

45.23

6,889,752

8,167,333

1,277,581

18.54

No.

1902

HONGKONG.

STATEMENT REGARDING BELILIOS REFORMATORY.

Laid before the Legislative Council by Command of His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government.

One child has been accommodated in the Belilios Reformatory from the date upon which it was opened up to the present day. There are no young criminals now resident there.

The total cost in respect of the one inmate was nil, as he only remained in the building a very

short time. .

The amount expended on the Reformatory up to date is as follows:

(a.) Maintenance of buildings, furniture, &c.,

(b.) Emoluments of officers connected with the institution,

.$ 606.99 2,781.42

Total,

..$3,388.41

As there has been only one inmate of the Reformatory since it was first started, the Committee appointed by Sir HENRY BLAKE to enquire into educational questions has been requested to consider and report what should be done as regards the Reformatory. The Report of the Committee has not yet been received. When the Government is in possession of its views, steps will be taken without delay to deal with the question. Though the Master and Assistant Master have had nothing to do in the Reformatory, they have not been idle. They have been and are now employed by the Govern- ment in other Departments. Mr. CURWEN, the Master, was for several months attached for special work to the Colonial Secretary's Office, and is now in the Postmaster General's Department. Mr. BULLIN, the Assistant Master, has been provisionally appointed First Clerk in the Registrar General's Office. The money expended on account of their salaries has not therefore been wasted.

HONGKONG.

REPORT ON THE BLUE BOOK FOR 1901.

Laid before the Legislative Council by Command of His Excellency the Governor.

No. 390.

GOVERNMENT HOUSE, HONGKONG, 29th August, 1902.

SIR,-I have the honour to submit the following general Report in connection with the Blue Book for 1901.

I.-FINANCES.

The Revenue for the year 1901, exclusive of Land Sales, was $3,973,578, or $636,523 more than the estimate; inclusive of Land Sales the total revenue was $4,213,893. The Expenditure, exclusive of the cost of Public Works Extraordinary, was $3,723,249, or $455,317 more than the estimate; including the heavy outlay on Public Works Extraordinary, the total expenditure was $4,111,722. There was thus an excess of Revenue over Expenditure of $102,171.

The sources of Revenue which proved most productive and were chiefly res- ponsible for the excess of actual over estimated receipts were the opium monopoly, the assessed taxes, chair and jinricksha and some other forms of licences, the Post Office, and stone quarries.

The items which yielded a smaller sum than the estimate were not numerous, and represented no very large amounts, with the exception of the item of New Territory Land Revenue, from which a sum of $140,000 had been anticipated and only $28,783 received. This return, however, compares well with that of 1900, when only $1,300 was collected from this source. As has already been pointed out in New Territory Reports, the difficulties in connection with the settlement of land claims make the collection of Crown Rent a slow process.

The figures quoted above do not represent the whole of the revenue derived from the New Territory during 1901, as they do not include its share in the consi- derable increases to general Revenue derived from the opium monopoly and other miscellaneous sources.

The amount realised from land sales was much less than that realised in 1900. In that year more than $816,000 was received from this source; in 1901 only $240,315, or nearly $160,000 less than the estimate.

(4.)-GENERAL REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE.

The following is a brief abstract of the heads of Revenue and Expenditure for 1900 and 1901 :-

801

No. 44

1902

REVENUE.

1900.

1901.

Increase.

Decrease.

Light Dues,

Licences and Internal Revenue not other-

wise specified,

Fees of Court, &c.,

Post Office,

Rent of Government Property,

Interest, ...

2,270,145.69 295,386.11 284,453.22 325,603.33 355,912.74 482,777.27 555,469.58

1.14.

Miscellaneous,

Water Account,

Land Sales,

238,910.74 280,100.36 151,034.87 169,119.45 816,222.92 240,315.06

55,379.38 58,375.98

2,996.60

1,847,272.78

422,872.91

932.89

30,309.41 72,692 31

1.14

41,189.62

18,034.58

575,907.86

Total,....

4,202,587.40 4,213,893.22

588,146.57 576,840.75

Deduct Decrease, .

576,840.75

Nett Increaes,..

$11,305.82

50-8.9.02.

802

EXPENDITURE.

Charge on account of Public Debt, Pensions, Departmental Expenditures,

Military Contribution, &c., Public Works Extraordinary,

1900.

1901.

Increase.

Decrease.

$ 153,363.07

162,363.84

9,000.77

559,007.43

84,732.84

3,001,878.17 3,560,885.60 473,205.89 388,473.05

3,628,447.134,111,722.49

568,008.20 84,732.84

Deduct Decrease,

84,732.84

Nett Increase,..

$483,275.36

Revenue for 1901,

$4,213,893.22.

Expenditure for 1901,......................... 4,111,722.49

Surplus............$102,170.73.

TOTAL REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE FOR THE FIVE YEARS 1897-1901.

Revenue, Expenditure,

Surplus,

1897

1898.

1899.

1900.

1901.

$ 2,686,914.70 2,918,159.24 3,610,143:25 4,202,587.40 4,213,893.22 2,641,409.71 2,841,805.20 3,162,792.36 3,628,447.134,111,722.49

45,504.99 76,354.04 447,340.89 574,140:27 102,170.731

(b)-ASSETS AND LIABILITIES.

At the end of the year under review the total Assets of the Colony amounted to $2,023,581.60, and the Liabilities to $987,058.06, thus leaving a credit balance of $1,036,523.54 not including certain arrears of Revenue amounting to $61,132.

(c.)—PUBLIC DEBT.

The nature of the loans contracted by the Colony and the conditions govern- ing their repayment may be ascertained by reference to I (D) of the Blue Book Report for 1898,. page 3.

LOAN ACCOUNT.

Dr.

· Cr.

To Inscribed Stock Loan at 3% interest, to be

paid off on the 15th April, 1943,

£341,799.15.1 By Sinking Fund

£20,363.12.8

II. TRADE, INDUSTRIES, FISHERIES, AGRICULTURE, AND LAND.

(4.)-TRADE AND SHIPPING.

The following table shows the principal articles of import in the year 1901 in vessels of European construction, compared with similar returns for 1900. The figures represent the tonnage:-

Aricles.

1900.

1901.

Increase.

Decrease.

Beans,

560.

Coal,

1,045,812

1,290 917,144

730

128,668

Cotton Yarn and Cotton,

19,993

14,423

5,570

Flour,.....

154,111

145,287

8,824

Hemp,

54,105

31,195

...

22,910

Kerosine, (bulk),

64,732

70,728-

5,996

(case),

69,979

77,977

7,998

Liquid Fuel,

2,759

3,973

1,214

Lead,

2,350.

260.

2,090

Opium,

3.194

2,872

322

Rattan,

10,204

3,488

6,716

Rice,

673,029

618,780

54,249

Sandalwood,

3,811

5,27,2

1,461

Sulphur,

33.

Sugar,

238,863

241,291

2,428

Tea,

6,393

1,473

4,920

Timber,

82,311

66,860

15,451

General,

1,172,094

1,278,619

106,525

Total,..

3,604,322

3,480,987

126,385

249,720

Transit,

2,143,749

2,134,585

9,164

Grand Total,......... 5,748,071

5,615,572

126,385

258,884

Nett...

132,499

There was a considerable decrease in coal imports as compared with 1900, but the amount imported in 1900 was far above the average. The coal imports for 1898, also, were stated to have been abnormally large, but the returns for last year show an increase as compared with that year of nearly 100,000 tons.

The principal features to be remarked in the reported trade of the Port for the year 1901 are:-

(i.) A decrease in the Coal imports of 12.3%. (ii.) A decrease in the Cotton imports of 27.8%. (iii.) A decrease in the Rice imports of 8%. (iv.) A decrease in the Timber imports of 18.7%. (v.) A decrease in the Hemp imports of 42.3%.

(vi.) An increase in the General imports of 9.8%.

(vii.) Also small increases in case and bulk Kerosine and in Liquid Fuel.

The nett decrease in import cargo is 123,335 tons or 3.4 %.

In exports there appears to be an increase of 150,823 tons or 7.7 %.

In transit cargo, a decrease of 9,163 tons or 10.4%.

In the interior

The Import Trade was very depressed throughout the year. of China there was much poverty, and trade was hampered by unauthorised exactions on goods beyond the confines of the Treaty Ports. The fall in the exchange of silver and the high values ruling on the home markets-especially in raw cotton and al cotton fabrics-also militated severely against this branch of trade.

803

804

The Opium Trade was far from prosperous during the past year.

In the Bengal drug, owing to large stocks early in the season and a declining exchange in the latter half of the year, the business done, though considerable, was productive of loss to both importers and native dealers. The demand for Malwa was poor and disappointing, and the prices obtained left no margin for profit. Owing to the Formosan Government being practically the only buyer of superior Persian, the rates for this drug fell from $825 per picul, the opening quotation, to $640 per picul in the latter end of the year.

As regards the trade in Indian Cotton yarn, the year under review shows a decidedly marked improvement over the previous twelve months.

The Imports to Hongkong and Shanghai, which showed a shrinkage of close upon 60 per cent. in 1900, increased again over 100 per cent. during the past twelve months, whilst sales in Hongkong showed an excess of 45,715 bales and those in Shanghai of 69,083 bales.

A great and important movement has taken place which has opened the whole of the markets of inland China to the world. Manufacturers on the spot will cer- tainly be unable, at least for some time, to meet the greatly increased demand which will thus be occasioned; and in the meantime India may fairly hope to reap some share of the harvest, more especially if Lekin-a veritable millstone round the neck of this trade-is effectually removed.

The following figures are of interest :—

COMPARATIVE TABLES OF IMPORTS AND EXPORTS AND REPORTEDŜALES OF INDIAN GREY YARN EFFECTED IN HONGKONG AND SHANGHAI DURING THE YEARS 1876 TO 1901.

Imports

Direct shipments

Total

Imports to

from India

Year.

Hongkong

to Shanghai

China and

from India.

and Japan.

Japan.

Total Sales

effected

Hongkong.

Total sales

Shanghai.

Bales.

1876

17,598

6,758

1877

30,288

30,289

17,806

1878

37,799

30,031

1879

47,338

6,721

54,059

42,093

1880

60,265

3,980

64,245

49,571

1881

55,705

7,834

63,539

54,411

1882

82,286

6,458

88,744

77,945

1883

97,200

16,514

113,714

89,889

1884

137,075

12.858

149,933

112,450

1885

150,221

27.954

178,175

147,894

1886

175,291

50,089

225,380

142,974

1887

178,790

88,435

267,225

182,152

1888

187,368

90,242

277,610

182,198

1889

225,457

104,850

330,307

197,941

55,401

1890

209,689

167,353

377,042

187,330

104,016

1891

218,732

171,130

389,862

161,504

134,337

1892

237,569

186,305

423,874

219,189

154,386

1893

207,935

119,625

327,560

171,491

112,786

1894

237,260

146,121

384,381

169,117

129,938

1895

257,803

144,250

402,053

213,854

120,911

1896

256,367

244,376

500,743

215,375

151,935

1897

279,412

167,623

447,035

187,948

117,861

1898

,308,978

168.467

477,445

221,144

147,678

1899

315,369

288,307

603,676

205,441

167,860

1900

153,610

110,409

264,019

152,277

125,796

1901

291,885

228,688

520,573

197,992

194,879

SHIPPING.

The total tonnage entering and clearing during the year 1901 amounted to 19,325,384 tons, being an increase, compared with 1900, of 880,248 tons, and the same in excess of any previous year. Of this increase, 165,128 tons are due to the

fact that steam launches trading to ports outside the Colony have been included this year, whereas in former years they have been returned separately.

There were 45,349 arrivals of 9,681,203 tons, and 45,171 departures of 9,644,181 tons.

Of British Ocean-going tonnage, 2,917,780 tons entered, and 2,897,200 tons cleared.

Of British River Steamers, 1,697,242 tons entered, and 1,701,417 tons cleared, making a grand total of British tonnage of 9,213,639 tons entering and clearing.

Of Foreign Ocean-going tonnage, 2,637,552 tons entered, and 2,609,902 tons cleared.

Of Foreign River Steamers, 48,545 tons entered, and 49,503 tons cleared, making a grand total of Foreign tonnage of 5,345,430 tons entering and clearing.

Of Steam Launches trading to ports outside the Colony, 82,564 tons entered, and 82,564 tons cleared.

Of Junks in Foreign Trade, 1,631,272 tons entered, and 1,634,896 tons cleared.

Of Junks in Local Trade, 666,248 tons entered, and 668,699 tons cleared.

Thus-

British Ocean-going tonnage represented..

Foreign Ocean-going

River

Steam launches

Junks (Foreign Trade)

(Local Trade)

.30.1%

.17.2%

.27.5%

0.5%

0.9%

....16.9%

6.9%

The actual number of ships of European construction (exclusive of river- steamers and steam-launches) entering the Port during 1901 was 682, being 337 British and 345 Foreign. Thus 682 vessels entered 3,570 times, and gave a total tonnage of 5,555,332 tons. A comparison of the Shipping Returns for 1900 and 1901 appears in the following table, from which it will be seen that though there was a large decrease in the number of vessels under the British flag (chiefly due to the withdrawal of some river steamers) there is an increase in British tonnage of 58,441 tons.

1900.

1901.

Increase.

Decrease.

Ships. Tonnage. Ships. Tonnage. Ships. Tonnage. Ships. Tonnage.

British, Foreign.

Junks in Foreign

Trade,

7,511| 9,155,198 | 6,715 9,213,639 3,429 4,866,969 | 4,092|| 5,345,502

35,425 3,224,856 35,394 3,266,168

58,441 796 663 · 478,533

41,312 31

Total,

46.365 | 17,247,023 46,201 | 17,825,309 663 578,286 $27

The above table does not include junks in local trade, the business of which shows an increase of more than 700,000 tons over that of the preceding year.

The problem of providing berthing accommodation in the Harbour for the ever-increasing tonnage frequenting the Port is one that is getting more difficult each year, and though there may not be any very pressing necessity just at present, there can be no reasonable doubt that, with the constant advance in size, draught, and number, as well of Ships-of-War as of the Mercantile Marine, and of Foreign as well as British Shipping, the water space will soon be found inadequate...

805

806

The following tables, as showing the relative importance of the Shipping con- ducted under the various national flags, will be of interest:-

ENTERED.

CLEARED.

NATIONALITY OF VESSELS.

Vessels.

Tons.

Vessels.

Tons.

American,

111

155,667

104

147,711

Austrian,

128,483

122,632

Belgian,

British,

3,360

12,407 4,615,022

12,407

3,355

4,598,617

Chinese,...

138

18,932

140

19,113

Chinese Junks,

17,736

1,631,272

17,658

1,634,896

Corean,

796

Danish,

25,903

Dutch,

40,872

French,

328

243,588

328

238,427

German,

844

1,242,642

843

1,239,967

Italian,

18,782

19,502

Japanese,

336

692,981

333

688,140

Norwegian,

78,004

73,821

Portuguese,

10,456

Russian,.

8,797

Siamese,

Spanish,...

Swedish,

No Flag,

the Colony,

784

6,923

2117A

8,797

407

784

6,923

2,747

Steam launches trading to ports outside

1,542

82,564

1,542

82,564

Total,..

24,687

9,014,955

23,056

8,892,918

(b.)-INDUSTRIES.

During the

year 1901, most of our local industries, which are chiefly carried on upon joint stock principles, were well employed throughout the year, with satis- factory results.

'Cotton spinning by the local company was hampered by the plague. The results to original shareholders were not good, owing to the initial cost of the Mill being higher than originally estimated. However, the capital was written down largely, and fresh capital brought in, with the effect that the present condition of the Company is very satisfactory, and the future outlook promising. Improved dwell- ings for their operatives are shortly to be erected, and the system of piece work has been successfully introduced. >

The sugar industry has been hampered by the large importations of Continental bounty fed sugar into Japan and other markets which used to draw their supplies from here.

The shipping industry during 1901 was presperous throughout the year. Over-speculation in shares both here and in Shanghai has in many cases ad- versely affected the value of shares in several of the local undertakings, but I think that this is merely a temporary condition and that things will come to their normal level before long.

If the heavy fall in silver becomes permanent, it must eventually stimulate local productions in many directions, particularly in the repairing and docking of ships, as this work can be excellently done by Chinese under European supervision.

The local Dock Company is a large and will equipped institution, and the docking facilities of the colony will, in the course of the next few years, be largely augmented by the Admiralty Dock and by considerable works of the same sort at present under construction by Messrs. Butterfield & Swire at Quarry Bay.

The Hongkong Dock Co. are at present building a large river steamer for the Canton route, and if the result is satisfactory a considerable development in ship- building may shew itself, especially if silver remains low.

The labour question-the crux of the industrial problem here-gives serious food for thought, and it is to be hoped that the extension of the boundaries of the colony may make it possible to provide cheaper and healthier house accommodation for the labouring classes, so that the two chief elements of industrial prosperity- cheap labour and cheap money-may be successfully united.

At present, high rents and some unseen influence-probably Chinese guilds - militate against full advantage being taken of the abundant supply of labour in the adjoining provinces.

(c.)-FISHERIES.

There are no fisheries of importance. The local demand for salt and fresh fish is met by fleets of fishing junks and a large number of net stations, and the fish that are required for salting are dried and salted on the beach. There is a very large local demand for fish from the Canton River, which are brought down alive in tanks in the daily passenger steamers.

(d.)-FORESTRY, BOTANICAL SCIENCE, AND AGRICULTURE.

The Forestry and Botanical Department is under the charge of a Superintend- ent and Assistant Superintendent, aided by a large staff of gardeners and foresters. Perhaps the most important work carried on by this Department is the planting of trees. Camphors have been planted as an experiment in the New Territory, but it is feared that they cannot be grown there so as to give an adequate return on the capital invested. The experiment was not successful, but will be repeated. Rubbers were also tried, but the climate is not suitable to this Central American and Malayan tree and most of the plants died in the cold season.

Much interesting botanical work is yearly carried on in Hongkong. Mr. FORD, the Superintendent, has shown that the total number of plants, exclusive of mosses, lichens, sea-weeds and fungi, indigenous to Hongkong, is 1,397, probably more than are indigenous to the whole of the British Isles. Plants and seeds are regularly interchanged with other botanical institutions, and the number of plants which are successfully introduced into the Colony by this means is constantly increasing. It is hoped that before long an experimental Economic Garden will be established in the New Territory for the purpose of introducing and distributing amongst the natives new plants of economic value.

The hilly character of the Island and its comparative absence of fertilising soil has prevented agriculture from becoming an active source of industry in Hongkong. The acreage of cultivated land in the Island is a little over 400 acres only. The old dependency of British Kowloon, which is chiefly composed of level ground, contains almost the same amount of cultivated land. This, however, tends to diminish as buildings extend. The only part of the Colony where agricultural industries can be expected to thrive is the New Territory, which, though intersected by extensive ranges of barren hills, contains valleys where rice and sugar and other crops are grown with success. The acreage of cultivated land in the New Territory (including the islands) is not far short of 100,000, but much of this contains exceed- ingly poor soil and consists of minute holdings belonging to the poorest class of peasants. The Government has taken steps to introduce some better qualities of sugar-cane into the New Territory. Some attempts have been made to grow the mulberry but without success.

(e.)—LAND GRANTS AND GENERAL VALUE OF Land.

The available amount of building land in Hongkong, except in the New Territory, is so limited that it has for many years commanded a very high price, and Land Premia and Crown Rents form a considerable portion of the Colonial Revenue. Land in private hands has proved to be a most lucrative source of wealth to its owners, while at the same time its scarcity and high value have tended to

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808

raise house-rents to such an extent as to seriously embarrass large numbers of Chinese and European tenants. Very extensive reclamation works have been and are still being successfully carried out, and large areas of level building ground have thereby been created. It is hoped that before long a practical commencement will be made of a new reclamation which will extend from the Naval Dockyard in the centre of the town to Causeway Bay in the East.

The sales of Crown land in 1901 were, as has been already stated, much less than those in 1900.

III.-LEGISLATION.

Thirty-seven Ordinances were passed during 1901, of which fifteen were amendments of Ordinances already in force, and two were private Ordinances for, the naturalisation of Chinese.

From the Imperial point of view perhaps one of the most important measures of the year was the first Ordinance, which raised the annual Military Contribution of the Colony from 17 per cent. to 20 per cent. of the total gross revenue, exclusive of land sales and premia on leases or statutory land grants.

Ordinance 5 is perhaps the most important measure of the year. It is an Ordinance "to establish a Code of Procedure for the Regulation of the Process, Practice, and Mode of Pleading in the Civil Jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of the Colony." The Supreme Court was established by legislative enactment in 1845 and all its proceedings were regulated by the practice of the English Courts "unless and until otherwise ordered by rule of the said Court.' Successive attempts at im- proving the Civil Procedure of the Court were made in 1855, 1856, 1858, 1860 and 1861, and led to the enactment of what is known as the Old Code of Civil Procedure, in 1873, which abolished the old distinction between common law and equity, and established a uniform procedure for the administration of both. Alter- ations were from time to time carried out during many subsequent years, and the new Code, which was drafted last year by Sir JOHN CARRINGTON, C.M.G., and enacted as Ordinance No. 5 of 1901, contains the final results, up to the present time, of all the changes and improvements which experience had found necessary.

Ordinance No. 13 of 1901-a Consolidating and Amending Public Health Ordinance was an important measure which will probably, however, be partially superseded by new legislation during 1902.

IV. EDUCATION.

The system and methods of education in the Colony are fully described in the Report for 1899, since which time there have been few changes. The whole system of education is at present under consideration, and may shortly undergo considerable modifications as the outcome of the deliberations of a special Committee appointed towards the close of the year. A description of any changes which may take place should find a place in the next Report.

The principal school in the Colony is Queen's College, an institution which forms a distinct Government Department. The total number of pupils on the roll European, Chinese and other Asiatics) is nearly 1,500. The average annual ex- penses of each boy are less than $18, and the total fees received by Government amount to over $28,000. There is a large staff of English and Chinese masters, who provide the pupils with an education which not only enables many of them to compete successfully in the Oxford local examinations but also fits them for import- ant posts as interpreters and clerks in the Government service and in mercantile houses.

There is a growing feeling amongst both British and Chinese residents that the system of educating European and native children side by side in the same schools is not without its serious drawbacks. The subject has been fully dealt with in a

Petition forwarded to you in September last, and the outcome will probably be the establishment of one or more good schools for European boys and girls and similar schools for the children of the better class Chinese.

V.-PUBLIC WORKS.

The total expenditure on Public Works during the year was $687,325.70.

The principal work initiated was a greatly enlarged scheme for the construction of Water-works to supply the Kowloon Peninsula with water by gravitation, the estimated cost of the work being $835,000. The reservoir to be constructed is situated in the New Territory, in connection with the development of which several works were in progress, principal among them being the road to Taipo, 16 miles in length.

Work was begun on an additional reservoir at Tytam for increasing the supply of water to the City of Victoria.

A number of buildings were in progress, including the New Law Courts, Harbour Office, Western Market, and Governor's Peak Residence.

A large Reclamation Scheme in front of the eastern section of the City, estimated to cost $5,000,000, was under consideration, and arrangements for the construction of an electric tramway, 9 miles in length, were nearly brought to a conclusion.

VI. GOVERNMENT INSTITUTIONS.

(a.)-HOSPITALS.

Government Hospitals consist of the Civil Hospital, to which is attached an isolated Lying-in Hospital; Kennedy Town Infectious Diseases Hospital, and the Hospital hulk Hygein.

The Civil Hospital contains 124 beds in 18 wards; the Lying-in Hospital 6 beds for Europeans and 4 for Asiatics; and Kennedy Town Hospital 78 beds. In 1901, 267 cases were treated at Kennedy Town, of which 204 were cases of plague, 42 of small-pox, and 15 of cholera.

Two thousand nine hundred and forty-eight (2,948) in-patients and 12,663 out-patients were treated at the Government Civil Hospital in 1901, showing a slight decrease in the figures for 1900. Malarial fever alone was responsible for over 800 admissions.

The Tung Wa Hospital, supported by voluntary subscriptions among the Chinese and only to a small extent endowed by the Government, takes the place of a Poor House and Hospital for the Chinese sick and destitute. Chinese as well as European methods of treatment are employed in accordance with the wishes expressed by the patients or those who are responsible for them.

(b.)-ASYLUM.

The Lunatic Asylum is under the direction of the Principal Civil Medical Officer. European and Chinese patients are separated, the European portion of the Asylum containing 8 beds in 8 separate wards, and the Chinese portion containing 16 beds. Ninety patients of all races were treated during 1901, and there were 7 deaths.

(c.)—THE CHINESE COLLEGE OF MEDICINE.

This institution was founded in 1887, largely through the efforts of Dr. PAT- RICK MANSON, Dr. CANTLIE and others, for the purpose of teaching surgery, medi- cine and midwifery to Chinese. The Government of the College is vested in the Court, of which the Rector of the College, who has always been a Government Official, is President. 57 students had been enrolled up to 1901, and of these 12 have become qualified licentiates, who have obtained various posts under Govern- ment and elsewhere. The institution is of great value in spreading a knowledge of Western medical science amongst the Chinese.

.809

810

(d.)-Po LEUNG Kuk.

This is a Society, under the supervision of Government, for the protection of women and children. It has done much good work in connection with the sup- pression of brothel slavery, which was in Hongkong and still is in China, one of the gravest social evils. If the Registrar-General, who acts as President of the Society, has reason to believe that a girl is being sold into a life of prostitution against her will, or if she is, in his opinion, of too tender an age to judge for herself as to her mode of life, she is sent into the Po Leung Kuk, where she is fed, lodged, and, unless she has relatives who will receive her, appropriately educated until she has an opportunity of making a respectable marriage or of earning an honest livelihood by her own exertions. The institution is managed by a number of Chinese gentle- men who are annually elected as a Managing Committee.

The number of women and children admitted into the Home during the year was 389, being 52 more than in 1900. 187 were restored direct to parents or relatives or were sent to some Benevolent Society in China, 3 were adopted, 5 placed at school, and 50 were married.

(P.)-REFORMATORY.

The Belilios Reformatory, presented to the Colony by Mr. E. R. BELILIOS, C.M.G., has not been occupied. It has been proposed to make use of the building, with the donor's consent, by turning it into a School. The matter is at present

under consideration.

)-SAVINGS Bank.

There is no Post Office Savings Bank in Hongkong. A branch of the Hong- kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation takes the place of such an institution in this Colony.

(9.)-POLICE.

The total strength of the Police Force, which stood at 630 in 1898, 827 in 1899, and 929 in 1900, now stands at 920, including 145 Europeans, 366 Indians and 409 Chinese. The gradual diminution in armed robberies and lawlessness in the New Territory made it possible to withdraw a number of men from that part of the Colony during the year to strengthen the force in the City of Victoria and Kowloon. The executive staff now consists of a Captain Superintendent, a Deputy Superintendent and two Assistant Superintendents. The conduct of all the con- tingents is reported to have been satisfactory.

Since the middle of the year, the Chinese Provincial Authorities have main- tained a force of soldiery along the northern boundary of the New Territory, who have co-operated with our Police in preventing the incursion of armed robbers into the Colony.

(h.)-PRISON.

The daily average of prisoners confined in Victoria Gaol was 499, as compared with 486 for the year 1900. There were 180 convicts in the Gaol on the 31st December, 1901, against 141 on the same date in 1900, 96 in 1899, 55 in 1898. This shows an increase of 125% during the past 3 years. This large increase is synchronous with and largely attributable to the inclusion of the New Territory in the Colony.

The total profit of all industrial labour amounted to $24,783 as compared with $17,458 for the preceding year. All minor repairs to the Gaol have been carried out by prison labour. A new wing was completed and occupied by long-sentence prisoners early in the year.

The question of extending the Prison accommodation in the Colony has been for some time engaging the attention of the Government.

The Superintendent of the Gaol is also Captain Superintendent of Police, and is assisted by an Assistant Superintendent, a medical officer, chaplains, and European and Indian warders.

()-FIRE BRIGADE.

The Superintendent of Fire Brigade is also Captain Superintendent of Police and Superintendent of Victoria Gaol. The European members of the Brigade, with the exception of the Engineer, are also members of the Police Force voluntarily enlisted, and for their services in the Brigade they receive a small addition to their

pay.

There are also a number of Chinese foremen and engine-drivers. The Bri- gade possesses a powerful floating fire engine for use in the Harbour, four land steam engines, and 29 despatch boxes. The 5 fire engines were all built by Messrs. SHAND & MASON.

There were 58 fires and 84 incipient fires during the year, and the Brigade turned out 57 times. The estimated damage caused by the fires was $630,381 and by the incipient fires $212. The only year in. which greater damage was done by fire was 1898, when the total damage was $829,814.

Towards the end of the year the work of extinguishing fires was rendered more arduous by the drought and the consequent want of water in the mains.

VII.-JUDICIAL STATISTICS.

The number of Convictions in the Superior Courts during the last 4 years are as follow:-

1898

1899 1900 1901

1. For Offences against the Person,... 2. For Offences against Property,

3. For other Offences,

3 10

The total of all cases reported to the Police was 9,172 as against 9,873 in 1900. This represents a decrease of 7.10 per cent. In offences which are classed under the term "serious" there was a decrease of 128 cases or 3.62 per cent.; in Minor Offences a decrease of 573 cases or 9.03 per cent. Three men were arrested and convicted for being members of an unlawful (the Triad) society. There was a notable decrease in piracies and armed robberies, partly no doubt owing to the efficacy of recent legislation on the subject.

VIII-VITAL STATISTICS.

(.)-POPULATION.

The last Census was taken in January, 1901, when the population was found to be 283,975, exclusive of the Army and Navy. The numbers of those forces amounted to 7,640 and 5,597, respectively. In the middle of the year the popu- lation is estimated to have been as follows:-

Non-Chinese Civil Population,

Chinese Population,

Army,

Navy,

9,560

280,564

5,462

5,074

300,660

The New Territory was not included in the recent Census, but a fairly accurate enumeration of its population was made. It numbers about 100,000, which brings the total population of the Colony up to rather over 400,000.

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812

It is significant that while the total increase in the population of the Colony during the five years between 1897 and 1901 was 35,095, the increase during the same period in the population of British Kowloon (which used to be a garden suburb of Victoria) was no less than 16,534, or nearly half the increase for the whole Colony.

There were 1,088 births during the year, and of that number 848 were Chinese. This is equal to a general birth-rate of 3.6 per 1,000, as compared with 3.3 in 1900, 4.3 in 1899, and 4.7 in 1898. Owing, however, to the large number of Chinese infants who die unregistered, it is estimated that a more correct birth-rate for the past year would be 4.7 per 1,000.

(b.)-PUBLIC HEALTH.

As compared with the 1,088 births mentioned above, there were 7,082 deaths in 1901. This gives a death-rate of 23.5 per 1,000, as compared with 23.9 in 1900, 23.8 in 1899, and an average of 22.5 per 1,000 during the past five years. The deaths included 1,562 from bubonic plague, which again visited the Colony and ran its usual course. Excluding the deaths from plague, the death-rate for 1901 would have been 19.03 per 1,000. Among the non-Chinese the deaths numbered 412, of which 302 were among the Civil population, 96 among the Army, and 14 among the Navy. This is equal to a death-rate of 20.5 per 1,000. The British deaths among the non-Chinese numbered 116; the rest were chiefly Indians, Malays and Portuguese.

One thousand six hundred and fifty-one (1,651) cases of Plague were reported during the year, of which all but 89 were fatal.

of which all but 89 were fatal. The disease showed an increased tendency to attack Europeans. The chief causes of death among the non-Chinese resident civil community were plague, phthisis, malaria and pneumonia. There were more cases of small-pox than usual, and some cholera cases were imported.

It is hoped that when the much-needed improvement in the sanitary condition of the City is effected, there will be a large decrease not only in the deaths resulting from bubonic plague but also in those from phthisis and other chest diseases, which are

more or less directly attributable to overcrowded and insanitary

dwellings.

It is to be regretted that the experiment of once more sending troops to reside in the building which was originally destined to be a Military Sanitarium, has not proved successful, and the hopes expressed in paragraph VIII () 8 of my Report on the Blue Book for last year have not been realised. After a brief period of freedom from malaria, the troops stationed there began to be attacked in consider- able numbers and had to be wholly withdrawn from the building, which now stands empty.

The treatment with larvicides of the breeding places of the Anopheles mosquito- is being actively continued.

(c.)-SANITATION.

In spite of the efforts of the Government, the Sanitary Board and the Legis- lature, during the past few years, the sanitary state of the Colony still leaves much to be desired. The City of Victoria retains its unenvied pre-eminence in the matter of surface crowding, and in spite of the enforcement of the provisions of the Insani- tary Properties Ordinance of 1899, the condition of the vast majority of the Chinese dwelling houses is far from meeting the requirements of modern sanitary science. As there seemed to be no prospect of amelioration without the adoption of more radical measures than had hitherto been attempted, and as the Community showed by a Peti-

tion which they addressed to you in the course of the year that they were prepared to face the heavy expenditure which stronger measures would certainly involve, Sir HENRY BLAKE asked you to send out an expert to enquire into the sanitary state of the Colony and report upon the steps which in his opinion should be taken to remedy existing defects. In October, 1901, you informed Sir HENRY BLAKE that you had selected Mr. OSBERT CHADWICK, C.M.G., a sanitary expert of wide experience and no stranger to Hongkong, for this special work. About the same time you informed him that you had selected Professor SIMPSON, M.D., to pay a simultaneous visit to the Colony with a view to a thorough enquiry being made into the origin of bubonic plague, and the best means of providing against its annual re-appear- A notice of the work done by these gentlemen, who had not yet arrived in the Colony at the end of 1901 will, it is hoped, appear in next year's Report. A certain result of their visit must be the introduction of legislative measures to con-

solidate and amend the present Health and Building Ordinances.

ance.

(d.)-CLIMATE.

The average monthly temperature throughout the year was 72.1° F. as com- pared with 71.6° F. during 1900; the maximum monthly temperature was attained in July, when it reached 82.2° F., and the minimum monthly temperature was recorded in the month of February, being 54.8° F.

The highest recorded temperature during the year was 92.7° F. on August 3rd, and the lowest was 38.4° F. on February 4th.

The total Rainfall for the year was 55.78 inches, as compared with 73.73 inches in 1900 and an average of 77.2 inches during the past ten years. The wettest month was May with 14.10 inches, while there were also 14 inches of rain in the month of August; the driest month was January, with only 0.685 inch. The greatest amount of rain which fell on any one day was 4.23 inches on April 7th, while no rain fell on 213 days of the year; the relative humidity of the atmosphere throughout the year was 75 per cent. as compared with 77 per cent. in the previous year.

The average daily amount of sunshine throughout the year was 5.5 hours, and on 35 days only was no sunshine recorded.

It may be mentioned that the rainfall of 1901 was less than half the rainfall of the year 1891. Taitam Reservoir, the principal source of water supply, was not filled throught the year, and only one rainfall during the last 20 years (that of 1895) was lower than that of the year under review.

IX. POSTAL SERVICE.

The cessation of the Boxer troubles in the North of China gave an impetus to trade, which was faithfully reflected in the steady increase in postal business.

The monthly sales of stamps showed an increase of $21,765, as compared with 1900, and for the first time since the adoption of the penny postage the revenue exceeded the highest revenue from the same source in former days. The returns from the Branch Post Offices at Shanghai and in China also show gratify- ing results.

The Revenue of the Department from all sources in 1901 was $355,912, and the Expenditure $273,685. The nett balance to the Hongkong Post Office on the year's transactions amounted to $82,227.

The Acting Postmaster General comments on the fact that though many foreign Post Offices were opened at various ports in China during 1901, no new British Offices or Agencies were opened. He is strongly in favour of the establish- ment of Agencies at Chefoo, Tientsin and Peking.

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14-

X.-MILITARY FORCES AND EXPENDITURE.

(a.)-REGULAR FORCES.

The following Return shows the number and nature of the Forces employed in the Colony during 1901 :-

CORPS.

EUROPEAN.

Officers.

Warrant

Officers.

N.C.O.'s

and Men.

INDIAN.

Officers.

Warrant

Officers.

CHINESE.

N.C.O.'s N.C.O.'s

and Men and Men.

TOTALS.

General Staff,.

Garrison Staff,

Royal Garrison Artillery,

Royal Engineers,

Hongkong-Singapore Battalion, R.A. 12

Chinese S. M. M. Co., R.E.,

Second Battalion Royal Welch Fusrs. 27

Army Service Corps,..............

Royal Army Medical Corps,...

A.Ö.D. and Corps,..

A.P.D. and Corps,..

Indian Sub-Medical Dept.,

Educational Dept.,.................

1,012

..6

Hongkong Regiment,

22nd Bombay Infantry,.

3rd Madras Light Infantry,

5th Infantry Hyderabad Contingent,.. 13

ಈ :

WHONN: HEN:

578

601

437

466

221

238

65.

....

1,041

898

928

678

703

652

678

671

699

Totals,

150 13 1,930 68

3,338

65 5,564

(6.)-COLONIAL CONTRIBUTION.

The Colony contributed $801,275 (being the statutory contribution of 20% of revenue) towards the cost of the maintenance of the regular forces in the Colony and Barrack Services.

(c.)-VOLUNTEER CORPS.

The total establishment of the Corps is 351 of all ranks. The strength in 1901 was:-Staff 7; one Field Battery (80) of six 2.5" R. M. L. Mountain Guns; three Machine Gun Companies (157) of four .303" Maxim machine guns each; an Infantry Company (53); an Engineer Company (25), and a Band (19).

The .45" Maxim machine guns have been converted into guns of .303" calibre.

The expenditure on the Volunteers, which is entirely borne by the Colony, was $26.772.60.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your most obedient, humble Servant,

W. J. GASCOIGNE,

Officer Administering the Government.

}

The Right Honourable

JOSEPH CHAMBERLAIN,

His Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for the Colonies,

&c.,

&c.

683

No. 1902

HONGKONG.

REPORT ON THE BOTANICAL AND AFFORESTATION DEPARTMENT FOR THE YEAR 1901.

Laid before the Legislative Council by Command of His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government.

BOTANICAL AND AFFORESTATION DEPARTMENT, HONGKONG, 18th April, 1902.

SIR,--For the information of His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government I have the honour to forward the Annual Report on this Department for the past year, 1901.

STAFF.

2. The Superintendent was absent on leave from the end of March, 1900, until the end of September, 1901; the Assistant Superintendent, who officiated during his absence, was actively employed, and with the effective work of the clerks and the leading men in the different departments, he has maintained the ordinary routine work generally in satisfactory order.

3. Towards the end of the year the Head, Forester, SUEN TUNG, resigned in order, as he alleged, to go into business, and YUNG CHING was appointed in his place. The latter enters with an excellent character, and although he lacks knowledge of forestry work, he promises soon to acquire what is needed.

4. The Foreman Forester also resigned, and he was replaced by WONG SING Po, who was educated in the Queen's College and promises to become a useful man.

5. During the previous year there was the unprecedented number of 45 changes in the out-door staff and notwithstanding the general increase of wages which commenced on January 1st, there were 37 changes again last year, 15 of which occurred in the 3rd quarter; in the 4th quarter the numbers decreased to 11, and during the 1st quarter of this year there has been a further fall to 6 only, so there is some promise now of improvement which, I hope, with careful management, may be maintained.

6. Last year was a record one for absences on account of alleged sickness, 968 days having been registered.

BOTANIC GARDENS.

7. Plant-houses.—In my Report for 1900 I mentioned that No. 1 Plant-house-in the Old Garden-was being re-built on an enlarged and improved plan; this consisted principally of the sub- stitution of tables supported partly by angle iron instead of brick walls, which could never be kept clean on account of mossy growth on them, of increased width of tables and of a roof at a greater height, bearing split bamboos with the internodes cut out and the concave sides placed uppermost, which carries off about half or more of the rainfall; the bamboos are spaced at about half their width which allows just sufficient light to penetrate for successful plant growth. These changes have resulted in a very great improvement in the condition of the ferns which the house contains.

8. Immediately after my return in September, No. 2 house was razed and its re-construction commenced, followed by No. 3 in the same manner, in order to complete the plan which was designed when No. 1 house was commenced, but the execution of which was interrupted by my absence when on leave.

9. Nos. 1 and 3 houses are each about 52 feet long by 26 feet wide, and No. 2, which stands transversely between Nos. 1 and 3, is 37 feet long by 28 feet wide. No. 1 is filled with ferns and kindred plants and Nos. 2 and 3 will be used for the accommodation of orchids and ferns as the old

houses were.

10. The enlargement of the three houses will give 400 square feet of additional table space for plants.

11. At the north and south of this range rockeries have been constructed and the entrance at the south end instead of being by way of a flight of steps is arranged to come in level from a side-walk.

12. Just before the end of the year extensive repairs were commenced to the plant-houses-Nos. 5, 6, 7 and 8—in the nursery and the usual annual re-painting was done to these houses and gates, railings &c., in different parts of the Garden.

50-7.7.02.

684

13. Walks.-Repairs to these as well as many other things were suspended between March, 1900, and October, 1901, but in the autumn arrangements were made for resuming the work of surfacing with cement a large area of the decaying lime-concreted walks, the whole of which should be completed during the current year when no further expenditure should be needed on any walks with gradients for a great many years to come.

14. Lawns. Many of these are becoming very uneven owing to the sinking of the earth in places, but more particularly to the action of earth-worms which are very numerous and very large. For this reason the lawns require to be frequently re-laid and a good deal of work is needed and should be taken in hand as soon as possible.

15. Shrubberies.-Shrubs grow so rapidly and become worn out so quickly that it is necessary to be constantly re-planting some of them, and there is of this work a rather unusual amount which now requires to be done.

16. Rockeries.—What has been said in regard to shrubberies applies equally as much to rockeries. These are usually made in the shade of trees and over their roots, which quickly grow into the good soil prepared for the plants which grow in the rockeries. The re-planting of all rockeries is now much needed and work on them has commenced.

17. Succulents.-These have become overgrown in places and worn out in others and much need increased attention and re-planting.

18. Roses. I have been for many years endeavouring to improve these and increase the number of varieties which can be grown here, but although there is ample evidence that very great improvement is possible and that all the conditions for greater success are within reach, yet I find the greatest diffi- culty in the execution of what is indicated by myself.

19. Japanese Bamboos.-A few years ago a small collection of bamboos, including Phyllostachys, were obtained from Japan and planted in a group by themselves. These have thrived and produced a good effect and encourage the enlargement of the collection.

20. Indigenous Orchids.-A small rockery was made some years ago for the reception of a collection of Hongkong orchids, which, however, are not in the condition which good cultivation might have produced.

21. Rhododendron javanica.-In 1897 a collection of hybrids from this beautiful Java Rhododen- dron was obtained for trial from Messrs. J. VEITCH & SONS of London. They were kept under glass for some time, but afterwards they have been grown-in pots-under slight shade and shelter from heavy rains and have succeeded very well indeed, and annually produced their lovely flowers.

22. Bougainvillea glabra. Cæsalpinia nuga.-The exceptional colour of the flowers of the formee exercise the minds of many people when making use of it in combination with other colours. For thr benefit of those who are interested I may mention that if it and Caesalpinia nuga, which is a robust climber indigenous to Hongkong, are planted near to each other, the yellow flowers of the latter and the flowers of the Bougainvillea have a pleasing effect. Casalpinia vernalis, also an indigenous climber but with more beautiful foliage although smaller flowers, is also useful for the same purpose.

23. Fibrous-rooted Begonia.-Seeds of this plant were obtained for experiment from Messrs. SUTTON & SONS two years ago and it has proved a most valuable addition to bedding plants here, flowering between the cold and hot seasons. It has been treated as an annual, but as one plant has lived through both seasons although in a bed and exposed to all weathers, it is possible that by careful selection in plants from which seeds are gathered a strain may be established which will be perpetual.

24. Wistaria sinensis.-This favourite climber has not flowered well in Hongkong, but it has been experimented with by providing good soil for its roots and a horizontal trellis for its branches where it gets full exposure to sun. With this treatment it produces flowers in fair quantity, but the racemes are rather small, these however should be capable of improvement by better cultivation.

25. Acclimatisation.-Opportunities are watched for increasing the number of desirable ornamental plants, and in this way two welcome additions have been established; one a Pink-Dianthus-which Mr. E. S. KELLY had introduced to his garden, was kindly contributed by that gentleman in response to a request, and it is flourishing even through the summer. This is the first of the Pink family which has made itself at home here. The other is the "southern-wood"-Artemisia abrotanum- which Mrs. WICKING before she left Hongkong had successfully established at the Peak, and which thrives equally as well, with some protection down here.

26. Hippeastrum (Amaryllis).—VEITCH'S strain of this showy bulbous plant which was introduced some years ago to replace older and inferior varieties is succeeding remarkably well not only in pots but in an open border for which a sufficient stock was propagated three years ago. For those really interested in their gardens this easily cultivated plant could not be too highly recommended.

685*

27. Western and Northern China Plants.-Messrs. JAMES VEITCH & SONS of London have very kindly contributed through their collector, Mr. WILSON, who has recently returned to England after three years' plant-collecting in China, some plants which are valuable acquisitions. Amongst them should be specially mentioned Jasminum primulinum, a species with, as has been said, “glorified” yellow flowers of J. nudiflorum, Libocedrus macrolepis, a very fine conifer, Magnolia Delavayi and Primula obconica all of which are thriving remarkably well. The Primula has its home on ledges of rocks in the Yangtsze gorges above Ichang and is, I believe, the first one of its genus which has really succeeded in Hongkong.

28. Supplementary Indigenous Plants.-Two unknown climbing plants were discovered in the Island in 1899 and brought to the Gardens to be grown until they flowered in order to identify them. Flowers were produced in 1900 and last year. One is found to be Canavalia obtusa, D. C., and the other a species of Illigera, which is apparently the same as specimens in the herbarium which were collected on the Lo-faü Mountains in the Kwang Tung Province. These bring the total number of plants, exclusive of mosses, lichens, sea-weeds and fungi, indigenous to Hongkong, up to 1,344 that is 38 more than BENTHAM gives as indigenous to the whole of the British Islands, BENTHAM in the "Flora Hongkongensis," published in 1861, described 1,053 plants as found here. About ten years later Dr. H. F. HANCE in his supplement enumerated or described an additional 75 plants, and now I have a further list of about 253 later discoveries, which make the total number 1,397 species.

On the 19th April, 1900, a paper on "Some Mosses from China and Japan," by Mr. E. S. SALMON, F.L.S., was read before the Linnean Society in which 18 mosses were recorded from Hongkong, 16 of which were additions to the Flora, 5 previously found only in Japan, 5 before not found out of India, and 1 new to science; the latter was named Calymperes Fordii, Beach.

29. Interchange of Plants and Seeds.-Introductions are somewhat more curtailed as the rather limited available space becomes less for their development, but every year there are many interesting and useful additions. The chief donors of plants, seeds or animals during the year were:—

Acclimatizing Association, South California. Agri-Horticultural Society, Madras. BLAKE, Lady

Botanic Gardens, Aburi, West Africa.

Calcutta.

Durban.

})

Jamaica.

Ootacamund.

Saharanpur. Sibpur.

Singapore.

Sydney.

BLACKBURN, Commander

Conservator of Forests, Bengal.

COOKE, Mrs. R.

CROOKE, J. R., Gibraltar. DAMMANN & Co., Italy.

FUNG WA-CH'UN.

HALLIFAX, E. R. HODGINS, Captain A. E. HUNG YEUNG.

KIRKWOOD, J.

LOBER, A., Manila.

ORTIF, Rev. J.

ROEBELEN, C., Bangkok.

Rangoon.

BULLEY, A. K.

Chinese, A

CHUNG, Dr. K. U.

State Gardens, Baroda.

Prefectural Agricultural Station, Formosa.

30. The distribution of plants and seeds has been maintained, but on a rather limited scale.

chief recipients were:--

Acclimatizing Association, South California. Acclimatization Society, Queensland.

Belilios Public School.

BERG, V., Vice-Governor, Caroline Islands.

BLAKE, Lady

Botanic Gardens, British Guiana.

Ceylon. Durban.

•

Jamaica.

Station, Lagos.

BOURNE, F. S. A., Shanghai.

Cox, Dr. W. H.

CROFTE, Col., Gwalior.

CROOKE, J. R., Gibraltar.

CURTIS, C., Penang.

HALLIFAX, E. R.

HANCE, T.

HARRIS, A. H., Wuchow. HENRY, Dr. A.

HODGINS, Captain A. C.

Public Museum, Milwaukee.

Queen's College.

Royal Gardens, Kew.

STEPHENS, M. J. D.

TRESEDER & Co., Truro.

VEITCH, Messrs. J., & Sons, Chelsea.

The

Prefectural Agricultural Station, Formosa.

31. Plant Sales.-Although there was not any falling off in money realised by the sale of plants there was a large decrease in the number of plants sold. This was in consequence of the prices having been doubled about the middle of the year and the result so far as the public are concerned is that only the more wealthy of the community are now able to buy. pared with 3,451 in the previous year.

The number of plants sold was 2,345 com-

686

32. Loan of Plants.-There was under this heading a proportionate falling off in the number of plants applied for so that the anticipated doubling of revenue did not follow, the figures remaining but very little in excess of those of the previous year, the small increase was practically of no advantage to the Government and yet the public did not obtain the usual amount of satisfaction. The plants lent are chiefly for public purposes such as balls, concerts, &c., and they consist of specimen plants in pots from 10 inches to 18 inches in diameter, the plants being from 2 feet to 10 feet in height. The numbers lent during the last three years were:—

1899, 1900, 1901..

•

.4,235 .3,651

.2,570

There may have been some little reason for a small increase in the prices of plants sold, but as a profit was already being made on loan plants there was not sufficient reason for an increased rate for them, therefore it has been taken off and the previous rate reverted to, as it was not the original inten- tion, nor is it desirable, that profits should be made out of plants lent for such purposes as these are.

Aviaries and Deer Pens.-The birds and animals continue a source of attraction and are in good condition.

ย

There seems to have been a good deal of mortality amongst them during the year but the numbers have been maintained by various additions from time to time for which thanks are due to the donors.

34. Rainfall. The rainfall was only 58.03 inches, which is the smallest since 1895 when it was only 53.55.

Appendix A gives the statistics.

HERBARIUM.

35. The collections of dried plants are in good condition. Work in this section of the Department during the absence of the Superintendent, naturally, had, as usual, to remain in abeyance.

36. The time of the Superintendent, which had been so much absorbed in additional work in other directions, has not been sufficient to allow of a mass of material which has been accumulating for a few years to be dealt with beyond having collections of dried plants poisoned to preserve them from destruction by insects. These collections now require to be mounted and incorporated but I still have not time to go through them in preparation for the Chinese assistants to do the mounting, nor to incorporate such as are mounted.

37. Herbarium work is conducted entirely by the Superintendent with Chinese assistants only.

LIBRARY.

38. Beyond the usual periodical publications and reports there have been no additions of standard works.

39. Insects cause a good deal of trouble in the care of books which are in open cases. Closed cases with glass doors which would retain the fumes of naphthaline would probably preserve the books in better condition.

40. Annual Reports, Bulletins, &c., have been received from the following establishments, to the chiefs of whom thanks are due:-

Calcutta, Ceylon, Grenada, Jamaica, Kolonial Museum Haarlem, Mr. Romell, Stockholm; Natal, New South Wales, Rio de Janeiro, Royal Gardens, Kew; Saharapur, Sydney, Straits Settlements, Trinidad, the Agricultural Departments of Cape of Good Hope, England, Queensland, United States of America, University of California, West Indies, Zanzibar, Forest Administration in Assam, Ajmere Merwara, Baluschistan, Bengal, Burma, Bombay, Central Province, Coorg, Hyderabad, Madras, North- West Provinces and Oudh, Punjab, Western Australia.

Purchased:-

Gardeners' Chronicle, 1901.

Journal of Botany, 1901.

Botanical Magazine, 1901.

Presented:-

Flor Forestère de la Cochine-by Royal Gardens, Kew.

Hooker's Icones Plantarum-by the Bentham Trustees through Royal Gardens, Kew.

FORESTRY IN HONGKONG.

41. Planting operations in Hongkong were the smallest on record since afforestation work was established. The total number of trees planted was 1,719 which amounted to one small day's work in the usual order of planting. Annual plantings should, at least, equal the number of trees destroyed by fire or by illicit tree cutters in the previous year which, however, exceeded those planted by 971,

Observatory

YEAR.

Observatory.

Taitam.

Pokfulam.

Observatory.

Taitam.

Pokfulam.

Observatory.

Taitam.

Pokfulam.

Observatory.

Taitam.

MAY.

JUNE.

JULY.

AUGUST.

SEPTEMBER.

TOTAL.

OCTOBER.

Pokfulam.

Observatory.

Taitam.

Pokfulam.

Observatory.

Taitam.

84-85,

85-86,

9.04

4.86

86-87,

1.781

87-88,

2.05

88-89,

19.53

89-90,

48.84

NO GAUGE

GAUGE

16.76 23.86

34.92 10.55

NO GAUGE

NO GAUGE.

90-91,

11.23

9.72

14.84

4-57

9.44 11.03

4.24 31.36

0.15 10.62

3.10

5.47

9.54 13.08

32.70 13.54

9.73 28.24

4.27 12.08

14.95 10.81

14.12 27.87

24.63 9.08

15.24 13.15

10.13 13-32

18.14

10.21 12.37

31.25 5.84

3.00

14.10 56.33

5.46 83.47

3.63 52.72

10.79 43.71

7.93 73.67

58.24 3.09

87.77 2.51

2.32

1.49

9.15

15.08 10.96

19.45,

6.41

NO GAUGE.

47.29 2.81

48.48

2.03

GAUGE.

1.53 0.76

1.70

0.05

3.20

0.79

89.19

4.52

ΝΟ

0.77

ΝΟ

GAUGE.

0.00

1.78

0.55

0.85

4.09

NO GAUGE.

1.35 0.00

1.50 1.25

0.00 0.87

1.50 2.01

2.47

8.43

1.45

0.18

0.73

11.80

93.07

8.72

1.54

0.18

2.39

22.60

8.95

1.94

59.56

0.01

0.00

Ο.ΟΙ

0.00 1.37

1.1 1

0.04

91-92,

28.00

92-93,

8.57

93-94,

94-95,

95-96,

96-97,

97-98,

90-99,

99-00,

00-01,

13.97 31.86 21.32 30.37 22.82 23.10 25.02 18.05 16.79 13.45 12.90 11.43 12.37 2.30 3.50 3.25 1.96 1.60

6.81 10.54 34-37 35.41 35.94 10.79 12,35 12.66| 12.09 | 12.54 15.32 7.01 9.94 10.61 72.83 77.05 85.07: 0.02 0.05 0.00 0.34 0.42 16.13 23.95 21.86 7.09 10.57 7.74 21.22 29.25 23.26 8.73 14.52 9.15 15.04 18.82 14.54|| 68.21 97.11 76.55 17.87 17.65 21.36 0.03 0.00 0.00 0.04 0.00 0.00 0.89 20.01 22.88 16.24 16.54| 22.87| 14.87 9.47 10.13 9.98 16.53 20.80 15.52 19.11 18.53 8.28 81.66 95.21 64.89 17.57 16.10 5-34 0.09 0.02 0.76 0.68 0.34

5.64 6.72 3.63 4.97 8.24 4.44 18.87 18.39 18.46| 6.13 7.75 7.06 3.96 6.56 5.52 39.57 47.66 | 39.11 0.50 0.60 0.47 0.32 0.64 0.18 0.20 0.20 0.35 1.73

1.15 1.35 0.65 18.63 18.00 13.67 12.42 11.67 10.80 5.20 5.57 3.62 9.99 12.51 9.71 47.39 49.10 38.45 7.91 7.10 5.92 2.97 2.63 1.00 1.29 2.76 1.28 2.26

14.86 16.68 17.02 23.35 25.20 22.05 5-57 4-45 8.45 25.55 33.19 19.87 8.34 9.25 2.75 77.67 88.77 70.14 6.42 8.32 4.39 7.32! 7.57 5.31 0.48 0.38 0.27 1.16

5.70 6.18 3.72 14.25 15.87 17.31 7.05 7.05 9.40 9.90 8.81 12.85 5.30 6.19 7.65 42.20 44.10 50.93 7.16 9.66 5.76 18.98 19.40 17.06 10.13 13.61 11.31 19.98 24.54 23.41 6.30 9.47 7.45 62.55 76,68 | 64.99| 9.31 14.53 9.41 26.52 34.25 26.94 10.13 17.00 12.70 6.69 6.72 4.91 4.31 6.85 4.85 56.96 79.35 58.81

12.60 100.64 95.18 98.23 6.21 7.73

5.67

0.07 0.52 0.59

0.92 0.52

0.36

1.53

0.03

0.41

1.61

6.72 10.12 8.48 0.79 Ι.ΟΙ 0.55 0.02 0.02 0.00 0.19 0.88 0.08 0.26 1.64 2.66 1.76 1.79 1.75.

3.84 1.31 5.78 13.08. 7.65 0.15 0.03

2.14 0.77

0.16 0.68

Pokfulam.

Observatory.

Taitam.

Pokfulam.

Observatory.

Taitam.

TABLE II.

NOVEMBER.

DECEMBER.

Pokfulam.

Observatory.

Taitam.

Pokfulam.

Observatory.

Taitam.

Pokfulam.

Observatory.

Taitam.

TOTAL.

OCTOBER.

Pokfulam.

Observatory.

Taitam.

Pokfulam.

TABLE II.

Observatory.

Taitam.

Pokfulam.

Observatory.

Taitam.

NOVEMBER.

DECEMBER.

JANUARY.

FEBRUARY.

MARCH.

APRIL.

Pokfulam.

Observatory.

Taitam.

2.03

3 73.67

ΟΝ

89.19

4.52

› 56.33

5 83.47

3 52.72

ว

43.71

GAUGE.

58.24

3.09

87-77 2.5I

47.29 2.81

48.48

NO GAUGE.

2.32

1.49

1.53 0.76

1.70 0.05

3.20

0.79

GAUGE

1.35

0.00

GAUGE.

0.00 0.87

0.60

2.70

2.35

2.47

1.50 1.25

1.50 2.01

0.00

1.78

2.47

8.43

0.55

0.85

1.45

0.18

0.77

ΟΝ

4.09

0.73

NO GAUGE.

oie

1.50

1.54

8.70

1.89

3.97

0.72

NO GAUGE.

3.14

2.59

2.19

2.95

4.II

10.43

GAUGE.

11.71

2.49

ΟΝ

12.27

NO GAUGE.

2.37 14.89

1.78 5.67

3.57 5.64

6.95

16.50 25.51

1.65 16.33

4.34 23-55

7.74 25.20

25.49 81.84

83.73

93.07

8.72

1.54

0.18

2.39

1.48

4.15

1.96

25.59

20.42

NO GAUGE.

59.56

0.01

0.00 0.01

0.00

1.37

1.II

0.04

0.00 0.24

0.18

2.58

2.42

3.15

6.21

7.73

0.03

39.11 0.50 0.60 0.47 0.32 0.64 0.18 0.20 0.20 0.35

I 47.39 49.10 38.45 7.91 7.10 5.92 2.97 2.63 1.00 1.29 2.76 6.42 8.32 4.39 7.32 7.57 5.31 0.48 0.38 0.27 6.72

577.67 88.77 70.14 5 42.20 44.10 50.93 562.55 76.68 64.99

5 56.96 79.35 | 58.81

100.64 95.18 98.23 1 72.83 77.05 85.07 0.02 0.05 0.00 0.34 0.42 0.07 0.52 0.59 0.36 1.53 1.22 1.52 0.46 0.50 0.48 3.39 3.70 4 68.21 97.11 76.55 17.87 17.65 21.36 0.00 0.00 0.04 0.00 0.00 0.89 0.94 0.69 0:58 0.62 0.73 881.66 95.21 64.89 17.57 16.10 5.34 0.03 0.09 0.02 0.76 0.68 0.34 0.41 0.52 0.09 0.83 0.64 0.29

239.57 47.66 6.24 4.78

1.23 1.59

5.67 2.30 3.50 3.25 1.96 1.60 0.92 0.52 0.30 0.64

1.25 0.93 1.16 3.90

3.34

5.02

11.59 11.30

1.02 7.40

12.60 99.80

22.97 76.27

28.86 68.91

99.26

113.49

4.73 66.96

4-73

14.00 27.73 28.70 30.66 128.37 123.88 128.89

ΝΟ

GAUGE.

100.37

70.26

77.34

89.19

0.27 0.17

1.39

1.28

1.73 1.09 1.23

2.26 3.74 0.41 1.82

7.95

1.45

0.82

1.44 0.35 2.10

0.66 0.61 3.24

3.44 8.43 11.85

0.46 2.49 3.32

1.21 0.60 2.61 2.98

1.94

2.45

16.11| 14.69 18.33 21.98 87.52 95.38 107.05 3.12 22.17 22.70

0.66|| 23.60 22.22

1.58 14.25 12.15

2.15 20.31 20.57

26.36 90.38 119.81 102.91 7.34 105.26117.43 72.23 8.94 53.82 59.81 48.05 12.96 67.70 69.67| 51.41

1.16 I. II 0.72 2.52| 1.72 2.26 0.17 0.23 0.08 3.44 5.14 10.12 8.48 0.79 1.01 0.55 0.02 0.02 0.00 0.19 0.12 0.05 2.20 2.06

1.63 21.51 24.47 14.66 99.18113.24| 84.80

0.88 0.08 0.26 1.64 2.66; 1.76 1.79 1.75. 2.14 0.77 0.98 0.74 2.64 1.61 3.84 1.31 5.78 13.08 7.65 0.15 0.03 0.16 0.68 0.66 0.29 0.77

1.67 0.32 0.15 0.14 3.14 2.27 1.89 3.02 3.30 2.92 2.78 0.41 0.69 1.27 1.35 0.94 9.03 12.07

3.75

3.32 13.38 17.23 14.21 55.58 61.33 65.14 1.43 2.41 13.52 12.47 12.12 76.07 89.15 77.11 7.03 19.29 31.44 18.07 76.25|110.79 76.88

Pokfulam.

Observatory.

Taitam.

Pokfulam.

Observatory.

Taitam.

Pokfulam.

Observatory.

Taitam.

Pokfulam.

TOTAL.

GRAND TOTAL.

Observatory.

Taitam.

Pokfulam.

;

95-96,

96-97,

97-98,

90-99,

99-00,

10.54 22.87 14.87 | 10.24 9.47 10.13 9.98 16.53| 20.80 15.52 19.11 18.53

5.64 6.72 3.63 4.97 8.24 4.44 18.87 18.39 18.46 6.13 7-75 7.06 3.96 6.56 1.15 1.35 0.65 18.63 18.00 13.67|| 12.42 11.67 10.80 5.20 5.57 3.62 9.99 12.51 14.86 16.68 17.02 23-35 25.20 22.05 | 5.57 4.45 5.70 6.18

7.16 9.66

8.28 81.66 95.21 64.89| 17.57 5.52 39.57 47.66| 39.11 9.71 47.39 49.10 38.45

16.10

5.34

0.03

0.09

0.02 0.76

་

0.50

0.60

0.47

0.32

0.64

0.18

0.20

7.91

7.10:

5.92

2.97

2.63

1.00 1.29

00-01,

8.45 25.55 33.19 19.87 8.34 9.25 2.75 77.67 88.77 70.14 3.72 14.25 15.87 17.31 7.05 7.05 9.40 9.90 8.81 12.85 5.30 6.19 7.65 42.20 44.10 50.93 5.76 18.98 19.40 17.06 10.13. 13.61 11.31 19.98 24.54 23.41 6.30 9.47 7.45 62.55 76.68 64.99 9.31 14.53 9.41 26.52 34.25 26.94 10.13 17.00 12.70 6.69 6.72 4.91 4.31 6.85 4.85 56.96 79.35 58.81

6.42

8.32

4.39

7:32

7.57

5.31 0.48

(

6.72

10.12 8.48

0.79

1.01 0.55 0.02

(

0.88 0.08 0.26

1.61

1.64 2.66

1.76 1.79

រ

3.84 1.31

5.78 13.08

7.65

0.15:

Observatory

Total 17 years, ..............

213.86

Average over 17 years, | 12.58

292.92

17.23

233.41

13.73

228.91

13.46

143.11.

[1112.21

8.42 i

65.42

Taitam:

· Total 10 years,

122.73

―

220.18

148.92!

|147.89

110.49

750.21

71.59

Average over 10 years,

12:27

22.02

14.89

14.79

11.05

75.02

7.16

Pokfulam :

Total 15 years,

154.38

274.00

214.14

209.75

125.87

978.14

61.95

3.16

23.19

Average over 15 years,

10.29

18.26

14.28

13.99

8.39

€5.21

4.13

1.55

* Gauge removed during this period.

89.40

5.26

26.93

1.59

16.73

0.98

31.60

{

Taitam

Pokful

Observ

Taitah

Pokfula

Observ

Taitam

Pokfula

Observa

Taitam.

Pokfula

Observa

Taitam.

2.03

1.52

8.72

0.01

GAUGE.

2.32 1.49

1.53 0.76

1.70 0.05

0.79

3.20

0.77!

1.54

NO GAUGE

1.35 0.00

1.50

1.25

0.00

0.55

1.78

0.85

4.09

0.00 0.87

NO GAUGE.

0.18

1.50 2.01

2.47 8.43

1.45

0.18

0.73

2.39

NO GAUGE.

0.60 2.70

1.50

8.70

0.10

1.54

1.89

3.97

0.72

1.48

NO GAUGE

2.35 2.47

3.14 2.59

2.19

2.95

4.11

10.43

2.49

4.15

2.37 14.89

16.50 25.51

25.49 81.84

83-73

GAUGE.

1.78 5.67

3.57

5.64

11.71

6.95

12.27

1.96

NO GAUGE

1.65 16.33

4.3423-55

7.74 25.20

0.00

0.01

0.00

1.37

I. II

.21

7.73

5.67 :

2.30

3.50 3.25 1.96

1.60

0.04

0.92 0.52

0.00

0.24

0.18 2.58

2.42 3.15

25.59.

20.42

1.02 7.40

GAUGE

12.60 99.80

22.97 76.27

28.86 68.91

99.26

113.49

NO GAUGE.

100.37

70.26

77.34

89.19

4-73 66.96

4.73

0.30

0.64

1.25

0.93

1.16 3.90

3.34

5.02 11.59 11.30

14.00 27.73 28.70 30.66 128.37 123.88|128.89

joz

7.57 16.10

5.34 0.03 0.09 0.02

0.05 0.00 0.34 0.42 0.07 0.52

0.59 0.36 0.46 0.50 187 17.65 21.36 0.03 0.00 0.00 0.04 0.00 0.00 0.89 0.94 0.69 0:58 0.62 0.76 0.68

0.48 3-39 3.70 3.44 0.73 0.27 0.17 0.46 2.49

0.34 0.41 0.52 0.09 0.83 0.64 0.29 1.39 1.21 0.60 2.61 0.60 0.47 0.32 0.64 0.18 0.20 0.20 0.35 1.73 1.09 1.23 7.95 6.24 4.78 1.45 1.44 0.35 2.10 7.91 7.10 5.92 2.97 2.63 1.00 1.29 2.76 1.28 2.26 3.74 0.41 1.82 1.23 1.59 0.82 0.66 0.61 3.24

0.48 0.38 0.27 1.16

0.02 0.02 0.00 0.19

1.53 1.22 1.52

8.43 11.8516.11| 14.69 18.33 21.98 87.52 95.38 107.05

3.32 3.12 22.17 22.70' 26.36 90.38 119.81 102.91

2.98

0.66 23.60 22.22 7.34 105.26 117.43 72.23

I.I I

1.58 14.25 12.15 8.94 53.82 59.81 48.05 2.15 20.31 20.57 12.96 67.70 69.67| 51.41

36.42 8.32 4.39 7.32 7.57 5.31 0.72 2.52 1.72 2.26 0.17 0.23 0.08 1.63 21.51 24.47 14.66 99.18 113.24 84.80

6.72 10.12 8.48 0.79 1.01 0.55 0.12 0.05 2.20 2.06 1.67 0.32 0.15 0.14 3.14 3.75 3.32 13.38 17.23 14.21 55.58 61.33 65.14

.9.88 0.08 0.26 1.64 2.66 1.76 1.79 1.75. 2.14 0.77 0.98 0.74 2.64 2.27 1.89 3.02 2.92 2.78 1.43 2.41 13.52 12.47 12.12 76.07 89.15 77.11

1.61 3.84 1.31 5.78 13.08 7.65 0.15 0.03 0.16 0.68 0.66 0.29 0.77 0.41 0.69 1.27 7.03 19.29 31.44 18.07 76.25|110.79 76.88

1.94

3.44

2.45

5.14

3.30

1.35

0.94

9.03 12.07

9.40

26.93

16.73

5.26

1.59

0.98

24.79

1.46

33.56

43.66

1.97

2.57

99.38

5.85

334.45

1446.66

19.68

85.10

71.59

31.60

8.01

10.68

16.62

15.55

56.23

210.28

7.16

3.16

0.80

1.07

1.66

1.56

5.62

21.03

960.49

96.05

61.95

23.19

12.35

17.28

27.51

36.41

83.26

261.95

1240.09

4.13

1.55

0.82

1.15

1.83

2.43

5.55

17.46

www.

82.67

Pokfulam

Observa

Taitam.

Pokfula

Observa

Taitam.

Pokfular

Observa

Taitam.

Pokfular

Observat

Taitam.

Pokfulam

687

but these will be far more than made good this year as arrangements are made for bringing up the numbers either by planting or sowing seeds to about that of the previous year's work which was 54,000.

42. The planting of lands suitable for trees either in regard to their growth or facilities for protec- tion is almost completed in the Island except in catch-water areas of reservoirs, and those are being attended to this year. Afterwards planting generally will be only needed to replace losses by fires or other mischief. Statistics are given in Appendix B.

43. In connection with the completion of the main features of tree planting in Hongkong, it will be useful and interesting to mention here that since the establishment of an Afforestation Department the whole of my plans have been carried out under my direct guidance and control by Chinese and without European assistance, except once a year when either the Assistant Superintendent or a Police Constable was employed to count tree pits to check the contractors' numbers, and also when the Assistant Superintendent has carried on the plans during, mostly, rather brief intervals when I have been absent on leave. The work has not been done without constant care, but it speaks well for the Chinese staff, who, if the leading members had the same educational advantages and technical training as Europeans, would be still more valuable.

Thanks are due to the Police Department for again rendering great assistance in extinguishing grass-fires; the stations at Shaukiwan, Stanley, Aberdeen, Pokfulam and West Point (No. 7) having done a great deal of work with the aid of hired coolies paid by this Department, as usual.

44. Thinning of Plantations.-There was also a little diminished activity in this work. The number of trees cut out was 32,274, which sold for $728.15, a decrease of $96.30 compared with 1900. The items and particulars are provided in Appendix D.

45. Fires. There was a considerable increase in the number of fires and trees destroyed by them, 12,174 trees having been killed and there were 41 fires. Little Hongkong district has a very bad reputation in this respect, as have also Mount Davis and Mount Kellet, the two latter owing their misfortunes most probably chiefly to the people who frequent the graves there.

46. Experience points out the necessity of still further widening fire barriers as trees increase in size, especially when they are on steep declivities. Probably 50 feet will be a necessary width in some places.

About 32 miles of fire barriers were cleared and 3 miles of new ones made. Appendix E contains statistics of grass-fires.

47. Protective Service. Only 310 trees were reported as having been stolen, but there is evidence that the forest guards have been very slack and I have no doubt they have neglected to report in many cases as tree cutters seem to have been pretty active.

The guards had 55 cases, but of these there was the very unusual number of 19 aquittals; the number of convictions averaged about 7 only for each man for the whole year.

There is only one forest guard who has as much as one year's service, it is therefore not surprising that with so many changes their work is far from what is desired.

FORESTRY IN THE NEW TERRITORY.

48. Tree Planting.-As mentioned in my Report for 1899 soon after the New Territory was taken over I made arrangements and operations were commenced in October for planting about 80,000 trees. Four new Police Stations were first to have about 20,000 trees planted in their neighbourhoods and then a beginning was to be made with planting about 60,000 in a broad band on each side of the new road which had been commenced and was to run from Kowloon to Taipo. I hoped that in time the roadside planting would be extended, year by year, to Taipo, a distance of 17 miles. The number of trees actually planted was 81,154 and they consisted chiefly of Pines, Camphors, Eucalyptus and Tristaneas. A considerable number of pine and camphor tree seeds were sown in situ, the failures-there are always some-have now been re-sown or re-planted.

In addition to these a supplementary plan was carried out of sowing seeds of Pinus Massoniana broadcast on each side of the road between the 3rd and 6th mile stones and they have given most satisfactory results. A rough measurement of the land sown and estimate of seedlings gives an addition to the 81,000 named above of about 22,000 which were not alluded to in the Report for 1900, making a total for the first year's work in the New Territory of about 103,000 trees.

49. Broadcast sowing, if the land on which the seeds are sown and the time of sowing is well chosen, produces as good plantations as the more expensive plans of sowing in situ or of planting trees. The total costs of planting in the New Territory amount to about $54 per acre, whereas the costs of broadcast sowing are only about $5 per acre. Each method has to be adopted according to circum- stances, but in future broadcast sowing should receive special attention and planting should be reduced to narrow limits. This conclusion is the result of careful experiments and observations which I have made for some years past.

50. During the past year the working plan sketched in 1899 has been extended by 11,800 trees being planted around Police Stations, two of them new ones, and 125,565 continuing the new road, the

688

latter composed of 17,407 trees planted, 98,158 trees reared in situ in prepared soil and 10,000 reared from broadcast sowings.

51. Eucalyptus and Malaria.-A great deal has been made at different times and places of the supposed benefits of planting Eucalyptus, in malarious places, a theory which I have never been converted to and about which for many years I have spoken words of caution to those who pinned their faith to it. Last

Last year the medical authorities here recommended the planting of Eucalyptus in selected places in the New Territory and in Hongkong and preparations were made for carrying out the recommendations and planting Eucalyptus this spring, although two of the places were, as I understand, under water and where, of course, nothing could be done until they were first filled in with soil but which work I believe is not yet done.

In connection with this subject I may quote what Professor ANGELO CELLI, an authority on malaria, said in his book "Malaria According to the New Researches," published in 1890. Writing of trees planted near Rome he says, at page 142: "The Eucalyptus planted round our railway stations "are now proved to be useless against malaria, if even they do not do more harm than good by har- "bouring the mosquitoes near the houses. Here outside the gates of the city, at Tre Fontane, an "intensely malarious spot, there is a fine wood of them, and in Australia there are enormous forests "of these trees and all are malarious."

And again, at page 234, he says: "That the planting of woods is not a protection against malaria "has been demonstrated by the example already recorded of the Tre Fontane, where in spite of the "Eucalyptus wood which has grown vigorously, this disease still remains."

In consideration of facts such as these, which were not altogether unknown before the publication of Professor CELLI's book, I think caution should be exercised in adopting planting recommendations for the object of preventing malaria only.

The planting of Eucalyptus trees which has been done here was not intended any more than the plant- ing of the other trees as a preventative of malaria specially but they were in common with all tree-planting intended to act in other ways for the improvement and healthfulness of the districts.

52. Fire Barriers.-Trees planted have been protected from fire as far as possible by making 4 miles of fire barriers 15 feet wide and re-clearing 1 mile 10 feet wide.

53. Conservancy. No system of conservancy of trees which were in existence before the territory was taken over has yet been adopted, as the time has not yet arrived for taking action in this matter, but notes and information are being collected in preparation for what may seem advisable in due course. The Government is in possession of information connected with this subject and also of my views on the same to which there is no necessity for making further allusion here.

54. Estimates.-I found that $8,000 had been placed on the Estimates of the Department for expenditure in the New Territory this year, but as this was in excess of present requirements and was based on a proposed plan of work which was unsatisfactory and included rearing trees by the more expensive system of sowing in situ instead of the effective and vastly less expensive system of sowing broadcast above referred to, I recommended its reduction to $3,000 which is ample for this year.

55. I hope to be able during the next few months to submit a special Report on the Forestry pos- sibilities of the New Territory which will deal exhaustively with the whole subject both of conservancy and planting, and until that is carefully considered it is not advisable to extend work beyond the limits on which it has been conducted so far.

ECONOMIC GARDEN.

56. In C. S. O. No. 1,768 (1), dated 7th July, 1899, when dealing with the subject of the New Territory I suggested amongst other things the establishment of an Experimental Garden for the purpose of introducing and distributing amongst the cultivators plants of economic value which would be new to the territory. In 1900 this object was approved and money provided in the Estimates for carrying it out in 1901, when, during my absence, a site for the garden was selected and an attempt made to purchase the land, but the matter of ownership and the high price asked for the land caused a delay and the question was still open on my return in September, which, however, was quite early enough as the land could not have been dealt with satisfactorily at that time. On inspection I found the selected site unsuitable and recommended its abandonment, which was approved, and another site. has been chosen which has all the advantages desired.

This newly chosen site, which is accessible in one hour from Hongkong by launch, has also the advantage, which the other had not, of proximity to suitable hill land for experimental forest tree cultivation which can be conducted under the same economical management as the garden will have.

MOUNTAIN Lodge.

57. The construction of a new summer residence at Victoria Peak for the Governor involved the re-laying out of the grounds there, and the extension of the lawns over the site occupied by the old building after its removal. I therefore recommended in C. S. O. No. 2,333, dated 18th September, 1899, that this work should be carried out and a sufficient sum of money be provided for the work, which was adopted. In last year's Estimates the money was provided, but works were not commenced until October, when, however, arrangements were immediately made for commencing work, and good progress was made up to the end of the year.

689

KOWLOON PUBLIC RECREATION GROUND.

58. In 1898, His Excellency the Governor, Sir H. A. BLAKE, G.C.M.G., foresaw the necessity of providing additional recreation grounds, and after discussion of the subject he requested me to submit a report on the most favourable site for a Park at Kowloon. This report was forwarded on January 12th, 1899-C. S. O. No. 120. It contained a recommendation for the formation of a large Park of about 90 acres of land, part of which was to be taken up by a new road that should open out on one side of it a large area of land that would be made available for building sites for a good class of houses. In the event of this scheme being considered too ambitious or of there being then insurmountable difficulties in carrying it out, I submitted an alternative plan which would allow of a Park of about 11 acres being made at first. This large scheme would necessitate the removal of Military, Navy and Police rifle ranges and the forfeiture or exchange of other Military interests.

At the time there were difficulties in carrying out either scheme, but in the early part of 1900 the Honourable F. H. MAY, C.M.G., who was then Acting Colonial Secretary, brought up the subject for re-consideration, with the result that the lesser scheme was sanctioned.

Changed conditions having made still greater claims for extended recreation grounds and the probabilities of their acquirement having become more hopeful I made a request in January of this year for a further re-consideration of the large scheme and it received the warm support of His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government-Sir WILLIAM J. GASCOIGNE, K.C.M.G. It is hoped, therefore, that during the present year a very large portion of the main scheme will be sanctioned* and that plans and arrangements for laying it out can be put in hand. This land would provide public golf links and lawns for tennis, bowling, foot-ball, croquet, &c., in combination with an ornamental Park.

The Honourable J. H. STEWART LOCKHART, C.M.G., suggested at the first meeting of the Corona- tion Committee that this work should form a permanent Memorial of the Coronation of His Majesty Kind EDWARD VII and that the grounds should be named King's Park.

WESTERN DISTRICT PARK.

59. The upper portion of this land was laid out in 1898 by the Public Works and the Botanical and Afforestation Departments, the former making roads and re-distributing a large amount of soil, and the latter continuing soil re-arrangements and carrying out the turfing and planting. Part of the money for the work was provided by the Government and part by the owners of property in the district.

In response to a desire of residents in the neighbourhood the Government decided last year to extend the work to the portion of land on the north side of Lower Richmond Road, and $10,000 for this purpose was included by this Department in the Estimates for 1902. This, however, I found was much in excess of what was necessary and the sum was consequently reduced to $5,000. The work will again be carried out jointly by the Public Works and the Botanical Departments, the former having the heaviest portion in hand.

The maintenance of this Park, for which no additional sum of money has been provided, will rest with this Department and the expense will be defrayed by the Forestry Vote, which is sufficient for the purpose at present.

ELECTRIC LIGHTING OF THE BOTANIC GARDENS.

60. In June of last year His Excellency Major-General Sir W. J. GASCOIGNE, K.C.M.G., communi- cated with His Excellency the Governor reporting an offer of Lieutenant-Colonel TEVERSHAM, to allow his Regimental Band to play on certain days in the Botanic Gardens for the benefit of the Public. In consequence of this it was decided to make provision for lighting the Gardens by electricity for which a sum of $800 was placed on the Estimates for this year. An examination of the proposed arrange- ments have, however, revealed some weak points which require further consideration and, if eventually adopted, perhaps certain modifications. In the meantime satisfactory arrangements can be made for lighting by other means.

REVENUE.

61. The particulars of Revenue collected are given in Appendix F.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your most obedient Servant,

CHARLES FORd, Superintendent,

Botanical and Afforestation Department.

The Honourable J. H. STEWART LOCKHART, C.M.G.,

Colonial Secretary, &c.,

&c.,

&c.

* Sanctioned in June by the Secretary of State for the Colonies.

690

Date.

Appendix A.

RAINFALL OBSERVATIONS MADE AT THE BOTANIC GARDENS, DURING 1901.

RAIN GAUGE, ABOUT 300 FEET ABOVE SEA LEVEL.

Jan. Feb. March. April. May. June. July. Aug. Sept.

Oct.

Nov. Dec.

.01

.03

2.69

...

.03

.21

.05

10,

.01

.02

.01

.35

1.22

.04

12,

13,

.04

14,

.05

11,

.10

.03

.21

.32

.10

.47

.85

.31

.39

.13

3.71

.20

.14

.38

.57

.04

.70

1.03

.01

.07

4.11

3.99

.22

.46

.63

.03

.05

.01

.03

.12

.01

.05

.17

.65

15,

16,

17,

18,

19,

20,

21,

22,

23,

24,

25,

26,

27,

.01

.03

.01

.08

.02

.22

.03

.57

.56

.11

1.01

1.22

.03

.01

.72

.08

.14

.01

.82

.01

.28

.09

1.48

.01

.26

.01

.37

1.19

.85

.01

.18

1.05

1.74

.01

.37

.24

1.27

.24

.02

.01

.21

1.26

.01

.06

.01

.30

.36 1.77

.0i

.32

.02

.01

.02 1.17

.26

.03

.62

.01

.02

.26

.01

.06

.11

.01

.07

.14

.09

.07

.08 1.43

.01

1.64

.33

884

28,

29,

30,

31,

Total,..

.56

.19

.12

.33

.10

.63

.73 1.33 9.46 11.44

.10

.69

5.43 5.74 15.74 2.21 3.39 1.06

.94

Total inches for the year-58.03. Observations made at 10 A.M.

CHARLES Ford,

Superintendent,

Botanical and Afforestation Department.

.14

.03

.12

.68

.02

.30

.04

.25

.35

.24

.11

.07

.37

.15

.05

.01

.12

.29

.18

.02

Appendix B.

STATISTICS OF PLANTING OPERATIONS.

691

HONGKONG.

Tristania con-

Locality.

Camphor.

ferta.

Pinus Thumbergii.

Area in Acres.

Grand Total.

1,093

1,136

499

01/1

499

Total,.....

1,592

11/

1,719

Near Peak Road, Victoria Peak, Plantation Road,

CHARLES FORD,

Superintendent,

Botanical and Afforestation Department.

Appendix C.

STATISTICS OF PLANTING OPERATIONS.

NEW TERRITORY.

Pinus

Locality.

Massoni-Camphor.

ana.

Mela- leuca leuca- dendron.

Eucalyp-

Pterocar-

Area

phylla.

tus platy-triloba.

Aleurites

pus indiens.

Tristania conferta.

Grand

Tota

acres.

Au Tau, Police Station,

500

New Road,

15,925

474

508

Do.,

in situ..

92,840

5,318

Do., broadcast,

10,000

Ping Shan Police Station,

Sai Kung

Do.,

3,284

Sha Tai Kok Do.,

3,476

152

Tai-po

Do.,

479

400

240

120

Total,...... 125,525 5,989

508 1,619

120

3,523

1,488

1/3/3

1,988

500

17.407

98,158

10,000

1,535

134

2,014

3,729

3,868

201

1131137,365

Superintendent,

CHARLES FOrd,

Botanical and Afforestation Department.

Deep Water Bay,.

Jubilee Road,

Little Hongkong,.

Military Sanitorium,

Mount Davis.

Gough,

Kellet,.

Parker,

Pokfulum,

Repulse Bay,

Stanley,

Tytam-Tuk, Wongneichong,

Tree Prunings,. Brushwood,

Appendix D.

SALE OF FORESTRY PRODUCTS.

Locality.

Quantity Pine Trees.

Amount realized.

3,485

57.95

738

52.90

1,576

58 42

2,033

29.26

727

39.57

5.49

622

36.00

9,995

222-20

1,921

82.45

3,593

43.86

5,680

65.49

1,386

9.99

435

24.67

32,274

728.15

104,239 catties.

4,000

19.56

0.40

Total Revenue for Forestry Products,...

$748.11

CHARLES FOrd,

Superintendent,

Botanical and Afforestation Department.

692

Date.

Appendix E.

STATISTICS OF GRASS FIRES.

Localities.

Number of Fires.

Number of Trees destroyed.

1901.

February

Deep Water Bay,

Do.,

Repulse Bay,

Aberdeen,

Shek O;

Pokfulum,

Cape Collinson,

Pokfulum,

150

March

Do.,

823

Aplichau,

Little Hongkong,

Shun Wan,

Mount Kellet,

Mount Davis,

Pokfulum,

Tai Hau Wan,

200

* A

Stanley,

Shek 0,

April

Aplichau,

Kennedy Town,

Deep Water Bay,

Shun Wan,

Little Hongkong,

1,000

196 1,519

Mount Kellet,

Stanley,

•

Sookumpo,

Mount Davis,

Aplichau,..

Mount Kellet,

3,100

May

Tai Hong Village,

August

Mount Kellet,

1,100

October

Pokfulum,

Tytam-Tuk,..

November

Little Hongkong,

3,190

Mount Parker,

200

Deep Water Bay,

December

Quarry Bay,

100

Deep Water Bay,

300

Total,...

12,174

Plant Sales,..

Loan of Plants,

Forestry Products,

Appendix F.

REVENUE.

CHARLES FOrd,

Superintendent,

Botanical and Afforestation Department.

783.30

174.88

758.11

$1,716.29

CHARLES Ford,

Superintendent,

Botanical and Afforestation Department.

HONGKONG.

No. 10

1902

No. 526.

CHAIR AND JINRICKSHA COOLIES.

Laid before the Legislative Council by Command of His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government.

SIR,

GOVERNMENT HOUSE, HONGKONG, 31st December, 1901.

I have the honour to report that, in consequence of a number of complaints which reached the Governinent in connection with the difficulties of procuring and retaining reliable coolies for private chairs and jinrickshas, I appointed a Com- mission, in August last, for the purpose of enquiring into the cause of these com- plaints and suggesting a remedy.

2. The Commission held fourteen meetings during the months of September, October and November, and examined a large number of witnesses.

The Report in which the evidence of these witnesses was reproduced, and in which the Commissioners formulated their suggestions for the removal of the alleged grounds of discontent, was submitted to me last month. I gave it my very careful consideration and perused all the evidence upon which the recom- mendations of the Commissioners were based.

3. I did not find myself in agreement with the deductions drawn from the evidence by the Commissioners, and was unable, therefore, to concur in their recom- mendations. I invited the Members of my Executive Council, however, to give me the benefit of their views on the subject, and caused them to be informed of the opinions held by myself.

4. On the 20th instant, the question was fully considered in Executive Council, especially as to the question whether there should or should not be compulsory registration of private coolies, and it was advised by a majority of the Members of Council that no steps should be taken to carry out the recommendations of the Committee. This advice was given on the ground that the recommendations, if carried out, were not calculated to bring about the desired result, nor, in the long- run, to satisfy the employers of private coolies, inasmuch as the real causes of discontent appeared to be traceable to the state of the labour market of Hongkong and China and other natural economic conditions.

5. I have now the honour to transmit for your information six copies of the Report together with a statement of my own views, which I drew up after reading the Report but before I consulted the Executive Council.

6. I also enclose an extract from the China Mail of the 20th instant from which it appears that the difficulties dealt with by the Commissioners who drew up the Report may be mitigated by other methods than those suggested by them- methods which would be less subversive of sound economic principles.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Yours most obedient Servant,

The Right Honourable

J. CHAMBERLAIN, M.P.,

His Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for the Colonies,

&c.,

&c.

HENRY A. BLAKE,

Governor.

streets.

(Enclosure.)

Extract from "China Mail" of the 20th December, 1901.

The difficulty in procuring ricksha coolies seems to have been almost met by the recent action of the authorities in placing 500 extra public rickshas on the There are now twelve hundred of these conveyances plying in Hongkong, and the coolies, finding that their earnings are not so profitable as before, are throwing aside the public ricksha and going into private employ. The public ricksha owners grumble that many of their machines are lying idle for want of coolies. The grumble, of course, is justifiable when one takes into consideration the fact that the licensee has to pay $72 a year to the Treasury for the licence for each ricksha.

Minute by His Excellency the Governor on the Report of the Committee appointed to enquire into and report on the Question of Chair and Jinricksha Coolies.

Honourable COLONIAL SECRETARY,

I have very carefully read and considered this report and the evidence upon which it is based. The causes of the difficulties complained of are fairly set forth in the answer of the first witness to question 7 of page la—(a.) the demand for coolies is greater and the coolies are more or less limited in number; (b.) they are under no control and they can do as they like; (c) the cost of living has increased and wages are still going up. The latter reason given is borne out by 17 of the 32 responses in Appendix E. and is emphasised by Inspector HANSON in his answers to questions 9 and 10, page 11. On the other hand, as suggested in questions 3 and 4, page 14, as private chair coolies are usually housed, the increased cost of lodging outside ought to tend to increase the supply of private chair coolies.

Another reason of the alleged discontent of private chair coolies is that they object to performing the light work outside the mere carrying of chairs that has hitherto been within the scope of their duty.

The proposals put forward by the Members of the Commission to meet this state of discomfort are compulsory registration of all coolies employed as private ricksha or chair coolies, and the reduction of the fares of public ricksha and chair coolies so that their possible earnings would cease to be a temptation to private chair coolies to leave private employment and become licensed public chair coolies. The establishment of a coolie farm was also suggested, question 10, page 15, but Mr. HANSON's answer "There is no doubt that if these people are put into the hands of one person, the community will have to pay largely for that man's mono- poly" confirmed by Mr. DYER BALL's answer, question 6, page 23, is borne out by the demand of NGAN WING CHI who had evidently been approached on the subject of a monopoly, and was prepared to undertake the supply of 2,700 private chair and ricksha coolies in three classes at eleven, ten, and nine dollars respectively.

On the subject of registration, the views of the witnesses are very divergent. Registration has been tried before and prove a failure, because the masters would not be troubled by any restriction of the kind so long as they could get their work done. Mr. MAY's answer to question 2, page 6, shows how far this disinclination went to accept any trouble even in a case where it was notified to the master by the police that one of his boys was a thief. The answer was:

"Well, so long as he does not trouble me, I don't mind." The evidence of Mr. DENNYS, late Crown Solicitor, showed that he was strongly opposed to any interference by compulsory registration of private coolies as an interference with freedom of con- tract, questions 6 to 9, page 29; and at question 6, page 31, he gives the reasons for

the present difficulty, that is, that a street or cargo coolie can earn more money than a private chair coolie. The evidence of Mr. SAUNDERS, pages 92 to 99, is also very strongly against registration, on the grounds of interference with freedom of con- tract (question 3, page 94) and also of the danger of intensifying the present dis- comforts (question 4, page 94) “There is a limited supply of these people and, if you weed them out, there will be an insufficient supply." Mr. SAUNDERS' evidence appears to have been rather a resistance to persistent arguments of the Commis- sion in favour of registration making employment of unregistered coolies an offence, than the volunteering of his views on the questions under discussion.

Mr. BREWIN, the Registrar General, declared himself in favour of compulsory registration, question 6, page 57, but the answers to the questions from 4, page 58, to question 7, page 59, show some of the practical difficulties of identification. The examination of the witnesses shows that the Commission entered upon the inquiry with strong views upon the advisability of compulsory registration and of the necessity for reducing the fares of the public ricksha coolies and chair coolies so that their earnings would cease to induce private chair and ricksha coolies to elect to serve as public licensed coolies rather than to engage as private coolies. Inspector HANSON said, question 3, page 15, that two men can make from sixty to eighty dollars a month with a public ricksha, but at question 7, page 16, he places the probable duration of a coolie's ricksha life at three years, while NGAN WAN CHI, in answer to question 11, page 90, shows that over ten of his ricksha men have died, because they had a long run over the new road from Kowloon to Shatin.

Mr. BREWIN, in answer to question 6, page 60, said that cargo coolies are the best paid. The question at the bottom of the page assumes that in such case the reduction of the ricksha and chair fares would not have much effect in driving the men into private employ. Mr. FUNG WA CHUN, question 10, page 65, placed the earnings of a street coolie with a pole at 40 cents a day while other coolies make $15 a month. And that the increase in wages is not confined to Hongkong is shown by Mr. LAU CHU PAK (questions 3 to 12, page 71) by which it appears that in South China wages have risen 30% in the villages. The first three witnesses agree that compulsory registration will probably produce a strike.

I have analysed the evidence thus carefully as I consider it highly undesirable, to interfere with sound economic principles except very strong local reasons are shown-that I cannot find in the evidence given before the Commission. Freedom of the port and freedom of contract are two principles under which Hongkong has grown and prospered. The original Registration Ordinance was repealed because the European population showed that they did not care to avail themselves of its provisions, and the passing of such an Ordinance as is now recommended might have far reaching consequences, extremely inconvenient to Europeans dependent upon the services of chair coolies. It has been shown in the evidence that Regis- tration Offices have been tried on more than one occasion and have failed from want of support, and it is evident that any master who desires to be satisfied as to the character of his chair coolies, can refuse to engage any coolie who does not produce some evidence of his character. All that is required is a common agree- ment between a number of employers. Or, if a number of people find it difficult to obtain coolies, it is evident from the stateinents of Chinese witnesses that there are men in the Colony who would undertake to supply them if arrangements were made with them. Mr. HANSON points out, on page 14, the objection the Chinese coolies have to many restrictions, and it seems to me that compulsory registration would reduce the labour supply and further raise the wages.

But the question as to fares and as to the issue of tickets as recommended in para. 21 might be considered in Executive Council. In para. 20 Inspector HANSON'S statement is quoted. These amounts may possibly have been earned in one of the busy months before the large increase of 1,200 rickshas, but, granting the

100

statement that, for the year the average nett earning was $10, this cannot be reckoned exborbitant remembering the short life of a ricksha coolie, and is not more than can be earned by a cargo coolie.

If a system of tickets could be adopted it would, in my opinion, save many disputes especially with people who do not carry very small change, and who generally receive Chinese coins in exchange. I have spoken to Mr. HEWETT on the Shanghai system which, he tells me, works well, and if such tickets were issued by Government, probably books of them would be bought freely and used by sailors, &c., &c. As to the amount, a sum equal to one penny farthing does not appear to be very startling even for the shortest journey, and is decidedly moderate for fifteen minutes, but this could be considered in Executive Council. Increased competition must bring down the earnings and with lower fares we might find such a curtailment in the number of rickshas as would reproduce the inconvenience felt last year.

Circulate for Executive Council.

10.12.01.

H. A. B.

787

No. 1902

HONGKONG.

EXTRACT FROM THE CITY OF BOMBAY IMPROVEMENT ACT, 1898.

Laid before the Legislative Council by Command of His Excellency

the Officer Administering the Government.

49. In determining the amount of compensation to be awarded for any land or building acquired under this Act, the following further provisions shall apply:-

(1.) The Court shall take into consideration any increase to the value of any other land or building belonging to the person interested likely to accrue from the acquisition of the land or from the acquisition, alteration or demolition of the building;

(2.) When

any addition to, or improvement of, the land or building has been made after the date of publication under Section 27, 32, or 39 of a notification relating to the land or building, such addition or improvement shall not (unless it was necessary for the maintenance of the building in a proper state of repair) be included, nor in the case any interest acquired after the said date shall any separate estimate of the value thereof be made, so as to increase the amount of compensation to be paid for the land or building;

(3.) In estimating the market value of the building at the date of the publication of a declaration relating thereto under Section 29, 32, or 39, the Court shall have due regard to the nature and then condition of the property and the probable duration of the building in its existing state and to the state of repair thereof and to the provisions of sub- sections (4), (5) and (6) of this section;

(4.) When the owner of the land or building has, after the passing of this Act, and within twenty-four months preceding the date of the publication of a notification relating to the land or building under Section 27, 32, or 39, made a return under Section 155 of the Municipal Act of the rent of the land or building, the rent of the land or building shall not in any such case, save as the Court may otherwise direct, be deemed to be greater than the rent shown in the latest return so made: Provided that where any addition to or improvement of the land or building has been made after the date of such latest return and previous to the date of the publication of a notification under Sec- tion 27, 32, or 39 relating to the land or building, the Court may take into consideration any increase in the letting value of the land due to such addition or improvement; (5.) If in the opinion of the Court the rental of the land or building has been enhanced by reason of its being used for an illegal purpose, or being so overcrowded as to be dangerous or injurious to the health of the inmates, the rental shall not be deemed to be greater than the rental which would be obtainable if the land or building were used for legal purposes only, or were occupied by such a number of persons only as it was suitable to accommodate without risk of such overcrowding;

(6.) If in the opinion of the Court the building is in a state of defective sanitation, or is not

in reasonably good repair, the amount of compensation shall not exceed the estimated value of the building after being put into a sanitary condition, or into reasonably good repair, less the estimated expense of putting it into such condition or repair;

(7.) If in the opinion of the Court the building being used or intended or likely to be used for human habitation is not reasonably capable of being made fit for human habitation, the amount of compensation shall not exceed the value of the materials, less the cost of demolition.

50-25.8.02.

HONGKONG.

LIST OF COLLAPSED HOUSES FROM 1ST JANUARY TO 3RD AUGUST, 1902.

795

No. 43

1902

Laid before the Legislative Council by Command of His Excellency

the Officer Administering the Government.

50—10.9.02.

LIST OF COLLAPSED HOUSES FROM 1ST JANUARY TO 3RD AUGUST, 1902.

Porsons

House

No.

Name of Street.

Nature of Collapse.

Date.

Owners.

Architects.

Contractors.

Date of

Erection.

Remarks.

Killed. Injur- Rescil.

ed.

CENTRAL DISTRICT.

Bridges Street,

Party wall and floors,

Old Bailey Street,

Do.,

36 Caine Road,

3 Houses, Bonham Strand, 129 | Des Voeux Road West,

131

Do.,

The Pines," Peak Road,. Landslip (coolie quarters),.

Side and cross walls,

Do.,

Collapse of Verandah,

5 Ladder Street,

Top of Front walls and Ve- randah columns,

Roof,

2.8.02.

Chau Yuk Shan,

John Lemm.

Not known.

In course of

erection.

4 Chartered Bank,

Do.

Sin Tak Fan,.

B. B. Harker.

ang Fat.

Do.,

Do.

Poon Chai Shi,

Denison, Ram & Gibbs.

Wing Wo.

In course

erection.

Do.

An end house at time of collapse.

Due to a landslide falling on coo- lie quarters.

Contractor fined $100 twice-Ist on 28th April, and again on 19th May, 1902, for bad work.

Mistake apparently.

Lo Kang Yue,

Yun Yü Lun,..............

Palmer & Turner.

Leigh & Orange.

Unknown.

About May,

1900.

Do.

Do.,

Chan Hing Nam,

Do.,

T. J. Mullan, for new storey.

Do.

About Nov., No. 131 corner house. 1900.

Caused by collapse of houses in Caine Road.

Do.

37 | Gough Street,

5 Chung Wo Lane,

Collapse of cook-house,

3.8.02.

Yau Shiu Chi,

Not known.

Not known. Old property.

Portion of back wall and kitchen floors,.

5.8.02.

Chan Lo Shi & Chan

Do.

U Pan,

42 | Queen's Road West,

Projecting brick cornice,

1.6.02. I

Tsang Yee Shan and

Do.

4 & 5

Wa In Fong,

„Portion of roof,

25.7.02.

Tsang Sun Wan.

No. 4, Wong Leung, &

Do.

No. 5, Cheung Yuk.

CHEUNG CHAU.

17 Houses,

ABERDEEN.

Tin Wan,

Partly collapsed,

Do.,

45 Little Hongkong,

Partly collapsed,

2.8.02.

******

Outlying District in the New Territory.

[2]

796

LIST OF COLLAPSED HOUSES,—Continued.

Persons

House

No.

Name of Street.

Nature of Collapse.

Date.

Owners.

{ Injur

Killed.

ed.

Rescu-i

ed.

Architects.

Contractors.

......

Date of

Erection.

Remarks.

Chan Tze Chun,

Not known.

Not known).

Old house.

6 Land Investment Co., Leigh & Orange.

Mow Wo.

Feb., 1901.

(eung Pi Kuk,

Not known.

Cheung Yuk Chai,

Unknown.

Not known.

Unknown.

Not known.

Unknown.

Old house.

Do.

SHAUKIWAN.

Shaukiwan East,

2.8.02.

EASTERN DISTRICT.

Cross Street,

Back wall of kitchen,

7.7.02.

45 Praya East,

17 Swatow Lane,

33 Nullah Lane,

Roof, side and front wall to 1st floor level,

2.8.02.

Collapse of kitchen,

Roof of kitchen collapsed,

12.8.02.

THE PEAK.

Stolzenfels,

TSIM SHA TSUI.

Electric Store, Naval Depôt, Part of roof,

2.8.02.

PING SHAN.

35 Out-houses,

20 partly collapsed,

YAUMATI.

.:..

[ 3 ]

Outlying District, New Territory.

Yam Kiu,

Not known.

Humphreys Estate & Palmer & Turner. Not known. Finance Co.,

In course of

erection.

Not known. Old property.

Do.

Humphreys Estate & Palmer & Turner.

Do.

New houses

Finance Co.,

unoccupied.

Lung Sing Lai,

Unknown.

Ho Tsz Shan,

Li San Ting,...

M. J. D. Stephens,

Do.

Very old unoccupied houses.

Do.

Denison & Ram.

Do.

In course of

coustruction.

Unnum Temple Street,

Verandahs of 5 new houses, 14.5.02.

bered.

50 Battery Street,

Roof of house,

25.5.02.

Unnum Station Street North,

Roof collapsed,

28.5.02.

bered.

165 Kramer Street, Taikoktsui, Roofs collapsed,

30.5.02.

167

Do.,

169

Do.,

Unnum- Reclamation Street,

Verandahs of 2 houses col-

bered.

lapsed,

797

LIST OF COLLAPSED HOUSES,~—Continued.

Persons

House

Name of Street.

Nature of Collapse.

Date.

Owners.

No.

Injur- Rescu-

Killed.

ed.

Fung Chew,

Architects.

Contractors.

Date of

Erection.

Remarks.

Luknown.

Unknown.

Do.

Unknown.

Do.

Fire previous to collapse.

Very old property.

Land Investment Co., Leigh & Orange. Loong Cheong 19.3.1902.

Pestonjee Eduljee,

Yueng Pi Kuk,

Palmer & Turner.

Lin Wo.

In course of demolition.

Exec. of Ho Shu Tong,

Not known.

Not known. Old property.

Chan Ki,

Do.

YAUMATI, Continued.

Station Street,

Veraudal collapsed,

Temple Street,

30 &

Kowloon City Road,.

Do.,

Both collapsed,

2.6.02.

3.6.02.

18.7.02. 10

WESTERN DISTRICT.

2 & 4 Eastern Street,

Party wall,

11.3.02.

First Street,

Cook-house,

29.7.02.

200 | Third Street,

Front wall,

2.8.02.

202

Do.,

Frout wall collapsed,`

204

206

Do.,

Dos

Do.,

208

Do.,

210

Do.,

10 &

Second Street,

Partly collapsed,

3 First Street,

Ground floor collapsed,......

Do.,

Cook-house collapsed,

2 Bonham Road,

Verandah collapsed,

& the Verandah of 2 honses,

New houses, Bonham Road, One house totally collapsed

Portion of 4 new houses,

Pokfulam Road,

......

798

[4]

Unknown.

́Old property.

Li Po Kum and Li Po Yang,

Do.

Leung Leon Ting,....

Denison & Ram,

Do.

Architects for new storey on No. 10.

Additional storey was added to No. 10 in beginning of 1901. It fell on to No. 12 and caused it to collapse.

Unknown.

Do.

Unknown.

Old property.

Not known,

Exec. of Ho Shu Tong,

London Mission,

Wong Ng Shi,

E. R. Belilios,

Not known.

Do.

E. F. X. dos

Remedios.

Wm. Danby.

Not known. Not known. In course of demolition.

Do.

Chau Quang

Loong.

5 different

Contractors.

Do.

Old property.

Do.

In course of erection.

Do.

LIST OF COLLAPSED HOUSES,—Continued.

Persons

House

No.

Name of Street.

Nature of Collapse.

Date.

Owners.

Killed. Injur- | Rescu-

ed.

WESTERN DIST.,― Contd.

First Street,

Cook-houses collapsed,.

10.8.02.

Do.

KOWLOON CITY.

Houses,

11 of them partly collapsed,

2.8.02.

STANLEY.

19 & Tytam Village,

106 | Stanley Village,

ོ ཾ ྲ

DO.,

Do.,

18.7.02.

...

28.7.02.

2.8.02.

Architects.

Contractors.

Cheung Lung Fong Tong,

Not known.

355

Do.,

100

Do.,

133

Do..

......

137

Do.,

156

159

Do.,

Houses,

Partly collapsed,

SHA TIN.

Tin Sam Village,

Do..

Do.,

.....

Date of

Erection.

Remarks.

Not kuown. Not known.

Application for Magistrate's order to pull down party wall be- tween Nos. 64 and 66 applied for on 9th July, 1902. Occu- pants turned out and houses closed.

Outlying District.

[ 5 ]

Outlying District, New Terri-

tory.

7.99

LIST OF COLLAPSED HOUSES,-Continued.

Persons

House

Name of Street.

No.

Nature of Collapse.

Date.

Owners.

Killed.

Injur- Rescu-

ed.

SHA TIN,-Contd.

97 Tin Sam Village,

35 Kak Piu,

HUNGHOM.

1, 3, 5, Lo Lung Hang,......... 7 & 9

Back walls,

SAI KUNG.

House in Im Tin Tsoy Lo Partly collapsed, Island,

AU TAU.

20 Out-houses,

Partly collapsed,

TAIPO.

Houses,

29 Houses,

SHAN TIN.

MONG KOK.

131 Station Street,

133

Do,

SHAMSHUIPO.

Harbour Office,

་་

2.8.02.

Architects.

Contractors.

Date of

Erection.

Pang Wing Ko,..

W Kat Sou. ong

22.10.1901.

...

Verandah collapsed,

12.8.02.

Do.,

Part of roof and Verandah 3.8.02. collapsed,

Remarks.

800

The owner supplied all materials and obtained labour from Con- tractor Chan Fook only.

Outlying District.

Outlying District, New Terri- tory.

Do.

Li U,

Unknown.

Ko Sing,

Do.

. Do.

Do.

[ 6 ]

Old Customs Station now used as a Harbour Office.

HONGKONG.

653

No. 29

REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF SCHOOLS, FOR THE YEAR 1901.

Laid before the Legislative Council by Command of His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government.

EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.

1902

HONGKONG, 6th April, 1902.

SIR-I have the honour to forward to you my Report upon the Education Department during the year 1901.

STAFF.

I was appointed Inspector of Schools from 26th April, 1901, and took over control of the Depart- ment from Mr. BREWIN on 1st May.

Messrs. CURWEN and BULLIN were appointed on 30th August, 1900, and on 24th December, 1900, respectively, to the Belilios Reformatory, their appointments dating from 4th January and 2nd March, 1901.

Mr. and Mrs. JAMES were engaged as Headmaster and Headmistress of the Kowloon British School within the year under review, but had not arrived in the Colony before its termination.

Miss BATEMAN was appointed as Second Assistant Mistress in the Belilios Girls' School from 1st September, 1901.

FINANCE.

The sole source of Revenue of the Department consists in the fees charged at the Belilios Girls' School. Those fees were raised in the month of September from 50 cents a month to $1.50 a month, with certain reductions where two or more children of the same family are at school together.

The total Expenditure for the Department was $48,195 as against $40,532 in 1900. The increase is mainly due to the cost of the Belilios Reformatory, on experiment, which has failed and has been abandoned; and to an increase in the staff and salaries of the Belilios Public School.

GENERAL.

Since arriving in the Colony I have written a report on the System of Education in the Colony for the Board of Education at Home, and I have acted as Honorary Secretary to the Education Coni- mittee, of which body I was also a member. My views have thus been put before the Government at considerable length and there is little to add.

GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS.

English School.-The Belilios Public School for girls is the only Government English School. The staff was strengthened, as already stated, during the year, and is now fully equal to the work before it. The very satisfactory education given reflects credit on all concerned. I have however thought it desirable to request that certain changes should take place in the course studied by the highest class, in the hope of making it more useful in itself and less intended for purposes of examin- ation: the result of the change will appear in the next year's Report.

ANGLO-CHINESE DISTRICT SCHOOLS.

Three of these Schools-at Saiyingpun, Wantsai and Yaumati-are in as nearly a satisfactory state as can be expected so long as English subjects are taught exclusively by Chinese. The Report of the Education Committee recommends a complete reorganization of these Schools. The fourth School at Wongnaichung is less satisfactory.

VERNACULAR DISTRICT SCHOOLS.

These are seven in number of various degrees of efficiency. I was compelled to recommend that the School at Aplichau should be closed, and that the services of the Master at Wantsai should be lispensed with. Shek-o, Tanglungchau and Pokfulam are small Schools which do not seem to be par- ticularly needed. There is no doubt that this class of Schools is in want of radical amendment.

GRANT-IN-AID SCHOOLS.

These Schools, and education in general, are so thoroughly discussed in the Report of the Committee on Education that it is useless to deal with the matter further. I propose to give in my next annual Report a full description of the more important grant-earning Schools under the different Missionary Bodies.

I enclose usual Tables (I to VIII).

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your most obedient Servant,

Honourable J. H. STEWART LOCKHART, C.M.G.,

Colonial Secretary.

50-21-6-02.

EDWARD A. IRVING,

Inspector of Schools.

654

TABLE 1.-Summary of Statistics relating to all Schools under the Inspectorate of Schools in the Year 1901.

NUMBER OF SCHOLARS

Number of Schools.

ATTENDING SCHOOLS.

Expenses.

Amount Average

of Grant.

Maximum Minimum Daily Monthly Monthly Attendance. Enrolment. Enrolment.

Boys. Girls. Total.

Government Schools,

English,

516

276

792

9,791.00

Chinese,

251

308

559

2,093.43

397.6

586

314

265.6

141

234

Total,......

767

584

1,351

11,884.43

663.2

1,027

548

Grant-in-Aid Schools,

European,

نت

598

Anglo-Chinese,.

771

656 1,254

798

44,859.72 6,983.39

836.4

1,087

810

Chinese,......

1,500

1,684 3,184

8,405.70 2,888.39 434.8

18,761.75 10,002,23

1,926.6

635

355

2,895

1,700

Total,

2,869

2,377

5,246

72,027.17 19,874.01 3,197.8

4,617

2,865

Grand Total,... 91

3,636

2,961

6,597

83,911.60 19,874.01 3,861.0

5,644

3,413

TABLE II.—Statistics regarding Attendance at Government Schools during the Year 1901,

and the Cost of each School.

NUMBER OF SCHOLARS ATTENDING SCHOOLS.

Maxi-

Name of School.

Expenses.

Amount of Grant.

Boys. Girls. Total.

Number Average

of Daily School Attend- Days. ance.

Minimum

mum

Monthly Enrol-

Monthly

Enrol-

ment.

Aplichau School (Chinese), ....

Belilios Public School (English),

192.00

276

276 3,607.23

308

308 1,068.50

2,985.11

129.00

174 1,124.26

220.50

129.43

126.00

187

957.78

228.00

397.66

718.96

(Chinese),

Belilios Reformatory,

Pokfulam (Chinese),

Saiyingpun (English),

(Chinese),

174

Shek-o (Chinese),

Tanglungchau (Chinese),.

Wantsai (English),

(Chinese).

Wongnaichung (English),...........

Yaumati (English),

187

· 40

Total,......

767

584

1,351 11,884.43

241

19.52

250 110.30

192

239

111.78

240

241

14.10

240 97.15

122

239

50.62

245

19.24

236

21.15

240

: 106.94

148

235

29.23

•21

240

37.69

241

45.46

222

663.18 1,027

521

655

TABLE III-STATISTICS regarding Attendance at GRANT-IN-AID SCHOOLS during 1901, and the Cost of cach School.

Number of Scholars attending Schools.

Name of Schools.

Ex-

penses.

Boys. Girls. Total.

Amount of Grant.

Number Average

of Daily School Attend- Monthly Monthly Days. ance.

Maxi- Mini-

mum

Enrol- Enrol-

ment. ment.

American Board Mission, Bridges Street, (Boys),

125

$ 532.52

$ 281.87

227

88.74

114

Tsat-tszmui, (Boys),

263.50

220.89

227

45.29

་་

Pottinger Street, (Girls),

Basel Mission, Shamshuipo, (Boys),

Shaukiwan, (Boys), Tokwawan, ("oys),

High Street, (Girls),

Berlin Foundling House School, (Girls),

C.M.S.. Aberdeen School, (Boys),

Quarry Bay, (Boys),

St. Stephen's Chinese School, (Boys). Aplichau, (irls),

Hunghom, (Girls),

Kau-ü-fong, (Girls),

Lyndhurst Terrace, (Girls),

Saiyingpun, Praya, (Girls),

Shaukiwan, (Girls),

Stanley, (Mixed),

485.89

262.69

210

53.38

$60.69

128.94

206

26.88

534.60

313.71

228

61.43

802.82

381.53

241

43.20

879.86

199.73

265

27.65

MENSCHR

123.22

35.61

231

11.72

169.73

189 12.77

589.83

264.27 245 57.54

155.04

47.78

263 12.07

Bonham Road, Chinese, (Girls),

503.99

246.61

212

29.23

231.14

154.27

231

26.55

234.99

96.89

223

21.78

430.40

230.98 257

37.97

341.67

125.81

213

22.12

34 31

293.00

116.50

229 17.00

247.25

113.47

246

20.95

212.66

164.77

261

41.04

St. Stephen's Memorial, (Girls),

566.30

132.16

236

28.82

Third Street, (Girls;,

250.67

103.63

246

26.26

Tokwawan, (Girls),.

151.35

36.32

203

10.64

Victoria Home and Orphanage, (Girls),

352.33

289.96

220

37.95

L.M.S., Hospital Chapel, (Boys),

119

-400.00

321.72

232

61.95

107

Hunghòm, (Boys),

196.00

94.12

241

18.24

Saiyingpun, I. Division, (Boys),

144.83

106.06

200

32.62

II.

(Boys),

273.03

115.12

234

28.75

Saiyingpun, Second Street, (Boys)........

101

329.13

277.39

217

57.28

Shaukiwan, (Boys),

249.66

220.34

217 38.69

Shektong-tsui, (Boys).

426.26

169.09

232 37:69

་;

Tanglungchau No. 1, (Boys),

412.36

273.00 241

55.00

No. 2, (Boys),

156.00

63.94

225

17.39

Wantsai Chapel, (Boys),

345.95

183.47

229

36.44

Yaumati, (Boys),

311.68

83.70 243

25:90

Aberdeen Street, (Girls),

345.18

206.81

225

32.13

Sayingpun, Second Street, (Girls),

204.00

154.84 204

39.69

Shektong-tsui, (Girls),

151.00

37.46

252

8.93

Square Street, (Girls),

401.00

260.25

239

46.51

Tanglungchau, (Girls),

90.53

235

26.57

Training Home for Girls, (Girls),

-614:09

350.97

242 37:97

Ui-hing Lane, I. Division, (Girls),

II.

Wantsai Chapel, (Girls),

R.C.M., Aberdeen School, (Girls),..

Bridges Street, Chinese, (Girls),..

Hunghom, (Girls)......

"7 Sacred Heart, Chinese, (Girls),

Shaukiwan, (Girls),

Yaumati, (Girls),

Rhenish Mission, West Point, (Boys),

Wesleyan Mission, Lower Lascar Row, (Boys),

349.94

262.55

227 40.11

(Girls),

232.00

78.69

250 15.88

414.89

187.75

252

31.50

192.50

125 84

265

30.19

173.65

157.99

259

30.98

Holy Infancy School, (Mixed),

303.75

247.29

257 52.59

271.50

131.92

271 36.35

Italian Convent, Chinese, (Girls),

530.00

448.34

281 70.68

126.85

83.85

253 20.20

203.50

138.30

267 19.61

245.45

156.00

270 34.01

88.76

238 20:02

294.50

178.56

200 37:63

Wellington Street, (Boys), Spring Gardens, (Boys), ... Graham Street, (Girls),....

343.00

192:03

219 47.57

315.00

213.18

253 43.37

367.00

252.49

254 46.49

Wellington Street, (Girls),

364.00

101.49

187 19.98

2-A23428BAANSAMA28¤ˆ#76⠀⠀BAKSHETR3**88*897

1,500 1,6843,184 18,761.75 | 10,002.23

1,926.6

2,895

1,700

A.B. Mission, English, (Boys),

2,084.56

200.15

167 53.15

C.M.S., Des Voeux Road. English, (Boys),

St. Stephen's, English, (Boys).

452.34

148.76

228

24.76

*22

216

1.997.85

1,101.84

241

142.81

201

123

No. 2, English, (Boys),

571.00

255.04

213

41.04

Bonham Road, English, (Girls),

.515.00

226.09

214 22.59

L.M.S., Taipingshan, English, (Boys),

742.95

224.39

200 34.39

R.C.M., Cathedral School, (Boys),................

252

Wesleyan Mission, Lyndhurst Terrace, (Boys),

1,640.00 402:00

620.45

221 92.45

147

111.67

244 23.67

771

798 8,405.70

2,888.39

434.89

635

355

Diocesan School, (Boys),.

293

293 20,923.73

1,430.97

249 145:97

202

145

(Girls),.

9.814.79

R.C.M., St. Joseph's College, (Boys),

279

5,365.25

Bridges Street, English Division, (Girls),

French Convent, (Girls),

Portuguese Division, (Girls),

162.00 181.16

230.26 2,062.32 1983.90

222 34.26

219

237.32

279

237

248

28.40

36.49

248

8.99

2,093.55

197.38

230 38.38

Italian Convent, English Division, (Girls),

303

3,415.83

1,607.28

219 192.78

253

207

l'ortuguese Division, (Girls),

Sacred Heart School, English Division, (Girls),

St. Francis, English Division, (Girls),

Portuguese Division, (Girls),

Victoria Portuguese School, English Div., (Mixed),

601.95

491.00

216

45.50

325.50

149.11

227

24.11

210.00

153.57

237

25.57

146.01

145.06

237 20.56

157.47

212 18.47

Portuguese Div., (Mixed),

1,616.95

ì 128.58

217 16.08

598

656

1,254 44.859.72 6,983.39

836.39

1.087

810

Grand Total,

2,869 (2,377 |5,246 $72,027.17 $19,874.01 |

3,197.8

4.617

2,865

656

TABLE IV.-Average Expense of each Scholar at Government Schools under the Inspectorate of Schools and at the Grant-in-Aid Schools, during the Year 1901.*

I-DIRECT EXPENDITURE ON GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS.

(Cost of working the Schools irrespective of cost of erection or repairs of Buildings.)

1.-BELILIOS PUBLIC SCHOOLS,-

Expenditure,

Deduct School Fees,

2.-OTHER DEPARTMENTAL SCHOOLS,-

Cost to Government, in 1901,

.$4,739.73 1,132.50

$ 3,607.23

$8.277.20

II.-EXPENDITURE ON THE GRANT-IN-AID SCHOOLS.

Total Cost to Government, in 1901,................

III-AVERAGE COST OF EACH SCHOLAR.

(Calculated by Enrolment.)

Average Cost, to Government, of each Scholar,-

1. At Belilios Public School,

3. At Grant-in-Aid Schools,

2. At Other Departmental Schools,

IV. AVERAGE OF EACH SCHOLAR.

(Calculated by the Average Daily Attendance.)

Average Cost, to Government, of each Scholar,―

$19,874.01

13.66

7.69

3.78

1. At Belilios Public School,

2. At Other Departmental Schools,

3. At Grant-in-Aid Schools,

32.73

14.97

6.21

The above expenditure does not include the cost of Direction, Inspection. or Repairs to Buildings, nor, in the case of Grant-in-Aid Schools, Building Grants.

TABLE V.-Summary shewing the Number of Schools under the Inspectorate, and the Number of Scholars attending them during the last Eleven Years and in the Years 1871 and 1881.

YEARS.

1871........

1881

1891..

1892..

1893.

1894..

1895.

1896..

1897.

1898.

1899.

1900.

1901

Government

avvaaaaaaaque | English.

Chinese.

12 13

TERARN*******

102

106

101

100

SCHOOLS.

Grant-in-Aid.

t-in-Ai

Government.

Total.

English &

Portuguese.

CALARISSE Chinese.

Total.

Grand Total.

Total.

SCHOLARS.

Graut-in-Aid.

Percentage

of Expen-

Total.

Grand Total.

Boys. Girls.

diture on Education

to Revenue.

116

129

678

124 731

613

118

710

572

121 696

412

119 755 380

115 798

115 894

367 589 956 251 1,735 1,986 622 281 623 809 1.432 1,135 184 8-2 1.560 1,259 186 186 201 1.10% 1,527 209 1,135 1,553 241 467 1,265 1,532 193 554 1,445 1,869 190 108 886 558 1,444 2.353 153 109 899 527 1.426 2,248 161 91 792 559 1,351 1,912 150

336 336 1.292 1,201 91 1,334 2,237 | 4,223| 3.364

1.74

859

204

1,344 | 1,477

1,282 1,529

3,803| 5,132 | 6,504| 3,778 || 2,791 4.210 5,655 7,215|| 4.228| 2,987 4,587 6,250| 7,599|4,332 | 3.262 4,231 5,964 | 7,246| 4,131 | 3.115. 3,948 | 5,684 | 6,792 | 3.819 | 2,973 3,381 | 5.178| 6,313 | 3.613| 2,700 3,797 5,522 | 6,787 | 3,752| 3,035 3,823 5,882| 7,327 | 4.219| 3,108 3,810 |, 6,3:6 | 7,760 | 4,502 | 3,258 3,646 | 6.055 | 7,481 | 4,389 | 3,092 3.184 | 5,246 | 6,597| 3.636| 2,961

3.26

3.29

3.22

2.07

2.37

2.52

2.18

1.66

1.24 1.90

1.73

TABLE VII.-Percentage of Passes in cach Standard in each Class of School, at the Annual Examination of the Grant-in-Aid Schools in 1901.

ORDINARY SUBJECTS.

SPECIAL SUBJECTS.

NEEDLEWORK.

Standard.

Very

II. III. IV. V. VI. VII. Total. I. II. III. IV. V. VI. VII. Total. Failed. Fair. Good. Good

Chinese School. Classes I & II,

83 $2 74 87 76 80 77 80

76 57 62 79

Anglo-Chinese School. Class III,

90 85 87 79 92100

European School. Class III,.

83 82 82 75 83 79 60 80

76 66 66 68

9.0

32.0 39.1 19.3

26.0

65.2

56 58 94

14.4 42.5

43.1

NAME OF SCHOOLS.

TABLE VI.-RESULTS of the EXAMINATION of the GRANT-IN-AID SCHOOLS in 1901, under the provision:

Class of School.

No. of Scholars Presented.

No. of Scholars Examined.

Stand. I.

Stand. II.

Stand. III.

Stand. IV.

Stand. V.

Stand. VI.

Stand. VII.

Stand. I.

Stand. II.

Stand. III.

Stand. TV.

Stand. V.

Stand. VI.

Stand. VII.

Stand. I.

Stand. II.

Stand. III.

Stand. IV.

| Stand. V.

Stand. VI.

Stand. VII.

Stand. 1.

Stand. II.

Ordinary Subjects.

Special Subjects.

Ordinary Subjects.

NUMBER OF SCHOLARS WHO PASSED.

NUMBER OF SCHOLARS WHO

4.-

5.- "}

6.- •

Beriin Foundling House School, (Girls), 8.—C.M. S., Aberdeen School, (Boys),..

9.-

10.- >>

11.-

Quarry Bay, (Boys),.

1.- American Board Mission, Bridges Street, (Boys),

2.-

3. Basel Mission, Shamshuipo, (Boys),

Tsat-tszmui, (Boys),

Shaukiwan, (Boys),. Tokwawan, (Boys),. .

High Street, (Girls),

St. Stephen's, Chinese, (Boys),

Aplichau, (Girls),.

12.-

13.-

}

Bonham Road, Chinese, (Girls),

Hunghom, (Girls),

14.-

Kan-i-fong, (Girls),

15.-

Lyndhurst Terrace. (Girls),.

16.-

Pottinger Street, (Girls),

17.-

Saiyingpun Praya, (Girls),.

18.-

Shaukiwán, (Girls),

19.----

Stanley, (Mixed),

20.-

21.--

Third Street, (Girls),

22.-

23.-

་་

St. Stephen's Memorial, (Girls),

Tokwawan, (Girls),..

Victoria Home and Orphange, (Girls),

24.—L. M. S., Hospital Chapel, (Boys),

Hungliom, (Boys),

25.-

-1

26.-

Sairingpun I. Division, (Boys),

27.-

JI.

(Boys),

28,-

Saiyingpun, Second Street, (Boys),

29.-

Shaukiwan, (Boys),

20. -

Shektongtsui, (Boys),

-19

$1.--

Tanglungehau, No. 1 (Boys),

زاد

No, 2 (Boys),

33,-

Wantsai Chapel, (Boys),

Yaumati, (Boys),

Aberdeen Street, (Girls),

39 15

BG.

Siyingpun, Second Street, (Girls).

#7: 18

87.--

Shiektongtsui, (Girls),..

38.-

Square Street, (Girls),

19 21

39.---

Tanglungchau, (Girls),

40.---

41.---

Training Home for Girls, (Girls), U-hing Lane, I. Division, (Girls),

11.

(Girls),

FOTORER :NTRARGARAERE'ERagozegaremse

56 19 16

26 5

99%

-18

42.-

Wantak Chapel, (tris),

44. – R. C. M., Aberdeen School. (Girls).. Bridges Street, Chinese, (Girls), Holy Infancy School, (Mixed),

45.--

46.

47.

48.

49.--

50.

AL-

Hunghồm, (Girls),

Italian Convent, Chinese (Girls), Sacred Heart, Chinese, (Girls), Shaukiwan, (Girls),

" Yaumati, (Girls),

52. Rhenish Mission, West Point, (Boys),

53.-Wesleyan Mission, Lower Lascar Row (Boys).

34.----

55,--

56.-

Wellington Street, (Boys).

Spring Gardens, (Boys),

Grahain Street, (Girls),

55 2:

کمه

CAO

مین

NAME OF SCHOOLS.

NUMBER OF SCHOLARS WHO Passed.

Class of School.

No. of Scholars Presented.

No. of Scholars Examined.

Stand. I.

Stand. II.

Stand, III.

Stand. IV.

Stand. V.

Stand. VI.

Stand. VII.

Stand, I.

Stand. II.

Stand, III.

Stand. IV.

Stand. V.

Stand. VI.

Stand. VII.

Stand. I.

Ordinary Subjects.

Special Subjects.

TABLE VI.-RESULTS of the EXAMINATION of the GRANT-IN-AID SCHOOLS in 1901, under the provisions of the Scheme of 19th August, 1893.

ican Board Mission, Bridges Street, (Boys),

งา

Tsat-tszmui, (Buys),

Mission, Shamshuipo, (Boys),

Shaukiwan, (Boys),. Tokwawan, (Boys),..

High Street, (Girls),

n Foundling House School, (Girls),

S., Aberdeen School, (Boys),.

Quarry Bay, (Boys),....

St. Stephen's, Chinese, (Boys),

Aplichau, (Girls),.

Bonham Road, Chinese, (Girls),

Hunghòm, (Girls),

Kau-ül-fong, (Girls),

Lyndhurst Terrace. (Girls),.

Pottinger Street, (Girls),

Saiyingpun Praya, (Girls),.

Shaukiwán, (Girls),

Stanley, (Mixed),..

St. Stephen's Memorial, (Girls),

Third Street, (Girls),

NHANUNANUNAO: HUG78484

83 25 23 9

15 9

56 19 16 1i

26 5 4

୫

21 30

69426

04217

•

માર

25 1

30 11

13 10

2J 4

19 9

22 10

43 10

25 18

Tokwawan, (Girls),..

Victoria Home and Orphange, (Girls),

S., Hospital Chapel, (Boys),

Hunghom, (Boys),

Sairingpun 1. Division, (Boys),

II.

(Boys),

30 11 $

Salyingpun, Second Street, (Boys),

€4

Shaukiwan, (Boys),

45 10 7

Shektongtsui, (Boys),

.19

Tanglungchau, No. 1 (Boys),

No. 2 (Boys),

Wantsai Chapel, (Boys),

Yaumati, (Boys),

Aberdeen Street, (Girls),

39 16

Siyingpun, Second Street, (Girls),

Shektongtsui, (Girls),.

Square Street, (Girls),

49 21

Tanglungchau, (Girls),

Training Home for Girls, (Girls),

Ching Lane, I. Division, (Girls),

43 15

II.

(Girls),

Wantoul Chapol, (Girls),

31 11 11

4 5

M., Aberdeen School. (Girls)..

30 18 5

Bridges Street, Chinese, (Girls),

6 6

Holy Infancy School, (Mixed), .

18 11 4 3

Hunghờm, (Girls),

12 4

Italian Convent, Chinese (Girls),

8 10 10

Sacred Heart, Chinese, (Girls),

2 5 1

Shaukiwan, (Girls),

25 11 8

Yaumati, (Girls),

36 20 11

'sh Mission, West Point, (Boys),

24 7

yan Mission, Lower Lascar Row (Boys), Wellington Street, (Boys),

13 7 10

46 19 13

Spring Gardens, (Boys),

45 7 13

Graham Street, (Girls), .

55 22

Wellington Stseet, (Girls)..

21 !

NUMBER OF SCHOLARS Who Failed.

Stand. II.

Stand. III.

Stand, IV.

Stand, V.

Stand. VI.

Stand. VII.

Stand, I.

Stand. II.

Stand. III.

Stand. IV.

Stand. V.

Stand. VI.

Stand VII

Pussed.

Failed.

Passed.

Falled.

Failed.

Fair.

Good.

| Very Good.

Ordinary Subjects.

Special Subjects.

Subjects, Subjects.

Needle Work.

Ordinary Special

Average Daily Attendance

during the year.

མ་བས་་་་

TOTALS.

Examination Grant.

Capitation Grant.

Total Grant earned in 1901.

22 16 60

88.74

237.50

44.37

281.87

40 13

49 7

45.29

198.25

22.61

220.69

37 8

53.38

236.00

26.69

262.69

22 1

25.58

115.50

13 44

129.94

15 11

61.43 283.00

30.71

313.71

43,20

350,00

31.53

3-1.53

27.65 179.00

20.73

199.73

11.72

29.75

5.86

35.61

57.54

*235.50

28.77

26.1.27

12.07

41.75

6.03

47.78

29 23

232.00

11.61

246.61

26.55

141.00

18.27

154.27

21.78

$6.00

10.89

96.89

37.97

212.00

18.98

230.98

22.12

114.75

11.06

125,81

17.00 108.00,

8.50

116.50

1 2.1

28 15

20.95

44.04

103.00 10.47

142.77

113.47

22.02

184.77

28.82 117.75

14.41

132.16

26.26

90.501

13.13

103.63

10.64

31.00

5.32

36.82

37.95 261.50

28 16

2-9.96

64.95

289.25

32.47

#21.72

18.24

85.00

9.12

94.12

14 16

32.62

89.75

16.31

106.96

25 5 16 8

28.75

100.75

14.37

115.12

12 29

אן

57.28 248.75 28.64

277,89

ī 16

38.9

፡፡

8 24 11

37.09

201.00 19.34 1:0.25 18.81 169.00

220.31

11 35 3

55.00

215.50j 27.50

273.00

G B 5

17.39

55.251

8.69

68.94

#6.44

165.25 18.22

183.47

12 A

25.90

70.75

12.95

83.70

4 21 10

7 { 12

82.13

190.75

16.06

206,81

39.69

135,00 19.4

154.81

8.93

33.001

1.16

37.16

46.51.

237,00

23.25

260.25

25,57

77.25

13.28

90,5%

37.97

#22,50] 28.47

350.07

40.11

242.501 20.05

262,55

15.-8

70,751 7.91

78,60

31.50

172.00

15.70 i 187.75

30.19

110,25] 15.59:

125.81

22 10

3 | 13

30.98 142.50]

15.49

157.99

40 12

# 12

52.59

36.85

220,00]

113-761

25.20

247.29

18 17 1

131.92

73 { 34 27

70.68

413.00]

35.34

418.34

2.20

73.75

10.10

83.85

19.61

128.50

9 80

138.30

34.01

139.00

17.00

156.00

15 B

20,02

78.75

10.01

88,76

37 68

1:9.75 18.81

178.56

47.57

168.25 23.7S 192.03

1.1 16

13.37

191.50) 21.68

213.18

46.49

229,27

$2.21

252.19

19.98

91.50!

9.09 |

101.49

50.--

1.-

Shaukiwan, (Girls), Yaumati, (Girls),

୪

52. Rhenish Mission, West Point, (Boys),

53.-Wesleyan Mission, Lower Lascar Row (Boys), ·

42 13

7 10

54.-

55.-

56.

57-

Wellington Street, (Boys),

19 13

Spring Gardens, (Boys),

Graham Street, (Girls),

Wellington Stseet, (Girls),.

21 1

Total,

2,121 | 1,994 26 494 328 127

:::

12:2

7 485 265 102 17

2 125 108 115

་་

58.~ A. B. Mission, English, (Boys),

59.—C. M. S., Des Voeux Road, English, (Boys),

33 20

GO.--

St. Stephen's,

(Boys),.

138

127

66 11

(1.---

No. 2.

•

(Boys),

33 27

62.--

Bonham Road,

(Girls),

63.— L, M, S., Taipingshan, English, (Boys),

26 15

67,-

(Girls),.

69.--

70.-

71.--

72.-

73.--

74.-

81.-R. C. M., Cathedral School, (Boys), 65.--Wesleyan Mission, Lyndhurst Terrace, (Boys),

66.- Diocesan School, (Boys),

68.-R. C. M., St. Joseph's College, (Boys),

Bridges Street, English Division, (Girls),

19 12

Total,

102

348 175

:::::

III

130 112

15 | 10

28 4

1 1

III

197

189

:::

18 29

100

III

1-1

ני

Portuguese Division, (Girls),.. French Convent, (Girls),.

III

(

III

30 1

་་

Italian Convent, English Division, (Girls),.

156

160 22 3D 26

75.-

76.-

77.-

78.--

>>>

Sacred Heart English, (Girls),.

St. Francis, English Division, (Girls),

Victoria Port. School, Eng. Division, (Mixed),

Portuguese Division, (Girls),

III

40 7 7

1I1

17 2

III

15 4

Portuguese Division. (Girls),

III 14

14 8

III

Port. Division, (Mixed),

III

H:::

::::

Total,

698

562 110 118 124 78 GO 33

265

2.1

12 10

Grand Total,.

3,2212,904 911 610 508 235 123

121

51 165 139 150

ned, 15 Ollies (511,8),

Shaukiwan, (Girls),

Yaumati, (Girls),

21 1

h Mission, West Point, (Boys),

€

୫

1,01

34.01

20.02

128.5

139.09

17.00

156.00

78.75

10.01

88.76

"an Mission, Lower Lascar Row (Boys),

]

Wellington Street, (Boys),

Spring Gardens, (Boys),

Graham Street, (Girls),

37 63

1:0.75

18.81

178.56

47.57

168.251

23.78

192.03

1.1

13.57

191.5

21.68

213.18

46.49

220,2 1

$2.21

252.19

Wellington Stsect, (Girls),.

21 6 3

13 2

19.98

9.99

91.50

101.49

Total,

2,121

1,994 | 526 494 328 |127

7 4-5 265 102

2 125 108 115

2117 200

1,635 328919 127

71 252 300 (152 1,926,578,988,50|1.013.73 1,002.23

fission, English, (Boys),

III

33 20)

., Des Voeux Road, English, (Boys), St. Stephen's,

(Boys),.

138 127

66 11

No. 2.

י,

(Boys),

33 27 4

Bonliam Road,

(Girls),

5 4

, Taipingshan, English, (Boys),

26 15

1., Cathedral School, (Boys),

€1.4 23 6

an Mission, Lyndhurst Terrace, (Boys),

111

19 12

Total,

402

348 175

an School, (Boys),

(Girls),.

130

112

28 4

יי.

Italian Convent, English Division, (Girls),.

Sacred Heart English, (Girls),...

I., St. Joseph's College, (Boys),

Bridges Street, English Division, (Girls), Portuguese Division, (Girls),.. French Convent, (Girls),..

Portuguese Division, (Girls),

III

197

189

III

26: 26 11

1ོདྡཱ སྶ :2

1 1

-* :

:::

:::::::

130 00

53.15

24.76

142.81

53.15

147, 0) 10.4.15

24.76

124. 0 145.76 959.00! 142.8+ 1.101.84

41.01

148.00 41.94

255.04

22.59

203.50) 22.59

226.09

$4.39

190.0

34.39

224.39

18 2

92,15

$28.00

9.43

6:0.45

28.67

88.0 23.67

111 67

:::

30 18

5 8

80741

35 5

434.89

2,153.50) 434.89

2,588.39

1100

III

ཀྵ ཿརུ — ཀྵ 1

15 13

15 33

145

226

44 108

2::

145.97

• Ka

34.25

1,285, 0

196.0

145.97

34.26

1,430.97

230.24

237.32

1,824,00| 237 32

2,062,32

28.40

165.50

28.40

193.93

i 4

8.99

III

15 15

156 140 22 30

120

21 60

III 41

40 7 7

4.1

2 11

27.10 38.3- 15,00 38.8 102.78

4,50

8.99

36.49

197 88

1,114.50|

192.78

1,607,23

4.5

45. 0

491.00

2:11

125,00

21.11

149.11

St. Francis, English Division, (Girls),

15 4

133

25.-7

1:80

25.77

153,7

Portuguese Division. (Girls),

21.16

134. 0

20 56

147.06

Victoria Port. School, Eng. Division, (Mixed)..

Port. Division, (Mixed),..

14 3 8 3

:::

18.47

139.16

18 47

157,17

1:4

16.08

112,5

16.68

128.58

Total,

698

Grand Total,.

562 110 118 124 GO

73 3,221 2,904 9:1 610 508 235 123 55

49 CO

49 22 26 27

121 83 48

51 165 |139 150

17 200 61 11

89 115 117

3 52 130 202 105

71499 1,158537

71 293 430 281 3,197,85 17,588,00| 2,286.01|19,874.01

836.39 6,146.00 836.39 6,983.39

657

TABLE VIII.--Percentage of Passes in the various subjects in which the Grant-in-Aid Schools

were examined in 1901.

659

Name of Schools.

Total.

Pottinger Street, (Girls),

St. Stephen's Memorial, (Girls),

II.

Wantsai Chapel, (Boys),

Yaumati, (Boys),...

Aberdeen Street, (Girls),

Shektongtsui, (Girls)...

Square Street, (Girls),

Tanglungchau, (Girls),

Basel Mission, Shamshuipo, (Boys),

Tokwawan. (Boys),

High Street, (Girls)..

Berlin Foundling House, (Girls).

C.M.S., Aberdeen, (Boys),

Quarry Bay, (Boys),

St. Stephen's, Chinese, (Boys), Aplichau, (Girls),

Bonham Road, Chinese, (Girls),

Hunghom, (Girls),

Kau-ü-fong, (Girls),

Lyndhurst Terrace, (Girls),

Saivingpun Praya, (Girls),

Shaukiwan. (Girls)..

Stanley, (Mixed),

Third Street, (Girls).

Tokwawan, (Girls),...

Victoria Home & Orphanage. (Girls),

L.M.S., Hospital Chapel, (Boys).

Hunghom. (Boys),

Saiyingpun 1. Division. (Boys),

(Boys).

Saiyingpun, Second Street. (Boys), Shaukiwan, (Boys),.......................

Shektongtsui. (Boys)...

Tanglungchan No. 1, (Boys),

No. 2, (Boys),

American Board Mission, Bridges Street, (Boys),.

Tsat-tsz-mui, (Boys),

72.50 96.25 78.75 24.24 75.47 92.45 $1.13 64.58 87.50 94.64 96.42 82.22

100.00

Shaukiwán, (Boys);

76.92 88.46 92.30 84.61 86.84 92.10 95.23 100.00

94.87 57.69

100.00

85.71

92.85

81.25

100.00 76.46 | Failed 100.00 100.00 | Failed 100.00 88.88 | Failed 96.15 73.33 | 100.00 93.42 [100.00 | 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00

100.00

73.07 100.00 61.53

$7.69

$7.50 100.00 |. 100.00

12.50

100.00 66.66

97.91 100.00 97.91

90.00

57.14 100.00

57.14

96.00 100.00 100.00

$8.00

Failed. 82.35

90.00

100.00 $6.66 $6.36 | 100.00 86.36 81.25 82.50 97.50 87.50

67.23 100.00 100.00 100.00 82.35 94.78 100.00 100.00 75.00

66.66

Failed.

50.00

100.00 100.00

92.85 100.00

100.00 95.45 83.33

100.00 81.81

100.00 75.00

100.00 95.01 92.30 100.00

100.00 100.00

100.00 88.8

95.45 100.00 100.00 65.11 90.69 100.00 100.00 | 100.00

90.90

Failed.

100.00 80.00

76.74

26.92

25.00

98.02 50.00

66 66

100.00 100.00

95.23 100.00 95.23

93.33

100.00

100.00 100.00

100.00 100.00 100.00

100.00 100.00

93.93 100.00 93.93 87.67 93.89 90.11

96.96

100.00

100.00 73.18 100.00

89.28

100.00

100.00 100.00 100.00

77.77

93.15 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 | 100.00

70.00 93.33 80.60 83.33 100.00 83.33 66.66

46.66 33.33

93.33 57.14 66.66 100.00 100.00

82.81 100.00

89.06

61.70

88.88

84.44 97.77

95.55

35.55

100.00

80.48 | 100.00

82.92

68.57

100.00 87.50 | Failed 97.77 88.00 75.00 100.00 78.57 16.66

78.57 100.00

98.21 92.10

85.71

100.00 64.28

71.44

66.66 88.88 94.44 72.22 79.07 97.67 88.37 76.66 53.84 69.23 92.30 21.73 89.74 100.001 81.0 97.29 80.00 100.00

100.00 25.00

85.71

90.69 100.00 Failed

100.00

96.15 66.66

50.00

97.43 67.74 72.97. 57.14 $0.00

100.00

50.00

91.89 85.71

Failed.

95.91 100.00 97.95 94.11 63.63 72.72 63.63 72.72 100.00 100.00 | 100.00

100.00 |

100.00

(Girls),

100.00

100.00 77.77 | 100.00

90.00 Failed!

100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00

85.71 100.00 (100.00 100.00

100.00 93.75 100,00

100.00 100.00 100.00

100.00

Saiyingpun, Second Street. (Girls),

Training Home for Girls, (Girls),

Ui-hing Lane, I. Division, (Girls),.

II.

Wantsai Chapel, (Girls), .

R.C.M., Aberdeen School. (Girls),

Bridges Street, Chinese, (Girls).

Holy Infancy School, (Mixed),

Hunghom, (Girls),

Italian Convent, Chinese, (Girls),

Sacred Heart, Chinese, (Girls),

Shaukiwan, (Girls),

Yaumati, (Girls),

Rhenish Mission, West Point, (Boys),

Wesleyan Mission, Lower Lascar Row, (Boys),.

Wellington Street, (Boys), Graham Street, (Girls),..... Wellington Street, (Girls),

A. B. Mission, English School, (Boys),

C.M.S., Des Voeux Road, English, (Boys),

St. Stephen's, English, (Boys),

No. 2, English, (Boys),

Bonham Road, English, (Girls),

L.M.S., Taipingshan, English, (Boys),

R.C.M., Cathedral School, (Boys)......................

Wesleyan Mission, Lyndhurst Terrace, (Boys), Diocesan School, (Boys),..

(Girls),

R.C.M., St. Joseph's College, (Boys),

Bridges Street, English Division, (Girls),

Portuguese Division, (Girls). French Convent, (Girls),

Italian Convent, English Division, (Girls),

وو

Portuguese Division, (Girls),

Sacred Heart English, (Girls),..

St. Francis, English Division, (Girls),

Portuguese Division, (Girls),

Victoria Portuguese Sch., Eng. Div., (Mixed),

Port. Div., (Mixed),.

89.58 97.91 93.75 $3.33 93.75 100.00 | 87.50 100.00 100.00 100.00, 100.00 90.90 90.00 100.00 93.33 $2.35 68.75 96.87 68.75 76.92 98.07 80.76 72.72 90.90 87.87 90.47

64.28 60.00 97.14 100.00

85.48 98.38 75.80 55.73 55.00 80.00 70.00 7647

100.00 | 100.00 100.00 100.00

100.00 88.88

100.00 80.00

100.00 73.33

100.00 77.77

100.00 62.50

75.86

100.00 78.57 100.00

50.00

90.00 37.50

100.00

100.00 100.00

91.66

97.22 100.00)

75.00

· Failed.

100.00 50.00

66.66 87.50

79 16

65.21

95.83 81.81

78.57 95.23

90.47

52.77

100.00

97.61 84.61 66.66

86.66 100.00

88.88

63.04

100.00 90.90

70.90 96.36

83.63

80.64

100.00

98.18 69.56

76.19 100.00

$0.95

100.00 77.77

69.69 100.00

66.66

69.56 90.00

40.00

92.91 100.00 79.31 96.96 100.00 100.00 60.86 | 86.66 87.50 $0.00 90.90

100.00

90.90

87.50 100.00

88.23

...

52.63 100.00 100.00

81.81

87.50

$7.50

64.81

34,84 99.99 84.84 65.21 65.21 78.26 93.72 81.10 95.27 100.00 100.00 100.00 78.26 100.00 65.21 96.15 96.15 92.30 85.93 93.75 $1.11 73.68 89.47 89.47 89.28 97.32 92.40 53.57 100.00 75.00 76.13 92.06 83.21 80.76 96.15 80.76 57.14: 57.14 57.14 50.00 93.33 70.00 80.00 $6.00 78.52 100.00 100.00 87.50 $2.35 100.00 76.47 86.66 93.33 80.00 100.00 100.00| 100.00 85.00 90.00 75.00 100.00 92.85 100.00

94.06 | 88.88 66.66

75.00

87.20 100.00 91.73

77.77

$7.50 79.72). 94.31 100.00 100.00 14.28 | 50.00 70.83 100.00 83.33 71.95 85.93 61.53 75.00 71.42 23.33 | 66.66 64.66 83.72 100.00 100.00 | 100.00 76.47 100.00 60.00 80.00 100.00 55.55 100.00 100.00 100.00 70.00 93.33 71.42 57.14 [190.00

81.81

371

No. 1902

HONGKONG.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION.

Laid before the Legislative Council by Command of His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government.

PART I.

A DESCRIPTION OF THE EXISTING SYSTEM.

1. Before proceeding with their duty of pointing out the defects which exist in the Educational System of the Colony, and of making suggestions for their amend- ment, the Committee think it convenient to recall the leading features of the different schools with which they are concerned.

QUEEN'S COLLEGE.

2. Of these schools, Queen's College stands first in numbers and reputation, and will be first considered. Formerly known as the Government Central School, Queen's College was founded to give an education to Chinese boys. The course which that education was intended to pursue is indicated in the report for 1864 of the then Inspector of Schools, Mr. STEWART. He writes:-

"With the present year the scheme sanctioned by the Board caine into operation. The School was henceforth to be one where "those only were to be admitted who intended to study English; and, "to prevent that neglect of their own language which is so frequently "found in the case of those who enter on that study, a system of ex- "aminations was introduced, by which boys were to be admitted to "the Chinese classes for one year, on showing that they possess a "competent knowledge of certain elementary books, that is, Chinese "Classics, and on the following year were to be admitted to the "English classes by passing successfully on the work of the previous "year."

The scheme here indicated of an entrance examination in Chinese was allowed to fall into dissuetude. It may be said at once that one of the recommendations of the Committee will deal with its re-establishment.

3. Some eighteen years later, the Education Department was relieved of the control of Queen's College, and in 1882 Dr. WRIGHT, the present Headmaster, was appointed. His experience of the School extends over twenty years, and the following extract from his latest report describes the changes that have taken place during his term of office :--

"1. On the 22nd January, 1882, I first arrived in the Colony "to assume the duties of Head Master. I propose, therefore, briefly "to compare the conditions existing twenty years ago and now.

"2.

Statistics.

1901.

1881.

"Total No. on the Roll,

1,483

562

Average Daily Attendance,...

894

386

"Monthly Maximum,

1,154

451

Daily Maximum,..

1,129

"School Fees,

$28,424

$4,051

$10,550.15

"Expense to the Government, $15,475.04

"Average Expense of each Scholar, $17.31

$27.35

"Thus at the present time we have twice and a half as many boys

as twenty years ago; Fees seven times the amount; Total Net “Annual Expense to Government one and a half times, while the "cost of each individual scholar is nearly two-thirds of the figures "in 1882.

372

您

"3. I arrived at a time when the work at the Central School had

"been publicly called in question, and my opinion, as a stranger, was "desired. At the Prize Distribution, after conducting the examina- 'tion, I was able truthfully to say to Sir JOHN POPE HENNESSY "that I was surprised at the success of Chinese boys in coping with "the difficulties of the English language; and I may add that this "impression has not faded, but on the contrary has been confirmed "with increased experience. That a Chinese boy should in five "years advance from the study of the Alphabet to an intelligent "acquaintance with a play of Shakespeare and a period of English History is to me little short of the miraculous; when due allowance "is made for the novelty of the simplest ideas, which are conveyed in "idioms, without parallel in his own language.

"4. The chief points of contrast between the Examination held by "ne in 1882, (which naturally is indelibly printed on my brain) and "the Examination just concluded, are as follows. The papers now "are nearly all clean and remarkably well written; whereas twenty "years ago these were the exception, the majority of papers being "dirty and almost illegible. The standard now applied is infinitely "severer; in 1882, the action of the gauge was very delicate and "sympathetic; e. g., if from a hopeless translation, you could deci- "pher that the boy had a fairly correct idea of the original, he was "allowed to pass; in Composition, three sentences grammatically "correct constituted the test of a pass, irrespective of subject matter; "in Arithmetic, there was an allowance for method, which was sup- "posed to condone for a wrong digit in even a total or product ; "beyond all this, a personal element was introduced into the equa- "tion in the case of delicate or weak minded boys, or of boys whose "attendances had been affected by sickness or other cause. I "objected to anything but a rigid uniform standard being applied to "all alike; and maintained that, in mathematical subjects, except for "some slight clerical error, no leniency could be shown. The "severer standard was gradually adopted, to avoid pressing too "heavily at first.

"5. A further proof of the increase of standard is to be found in "the larger proportion of boys examined in certain subjects. Every "boy is now examined in Reading, as against three-quarters of the "school. All the Chinese are examined in Translations, whereas in "1882 twenty per cent. did not offer these subjects. More than "half the boys are now examined in English Composition, as against "less than one quarter in 1882; in Grammar 85% as compared with "46%, and in Geography 69° with 39%. The full significance of "the difference will be more apparent when it is understood that "781 boys were in 1902 examined in English Grammar as against "170, in 1882. On the other hand, twenty years ago, Copy Writing "was accepted for more than three-quarters of the whole school as a "subject which might assist in averting failure; this concession is "now made to only one-seventh. Several subjects now forming part "of the curriculum were not taught in 1881-Shakespeare, Algebra, Euclid, Mensuration, Book-keeping, Natural Science and Physio- "logy. One outcome of this general raising of the standard of "education in Queen's College has been that for the last twelve "years, through entering for the Oxford Local Examinations, our "boys have, with varying success, been able to submit to a test of "their English attainments by English Examiners in England.

(

"6. I feel confident that this brief historical review will not be "misconstrued into an expression of satisfaction with either the progress made or the standard attained in so long a period as twenty years. My desire is merely to place on record a statement "of the fact that, some advance, however inadequate, has been made "in that time."

4. The 910 boys present at the last examination were divided between a Prepara- tory, a Lower, and an Upper School, the numbers in each being 269, 362, and 279 respectively. About a tenth of these boys are non-Chinese of various races and nationalities, some of whom take their places with the Chinese boys in the Pre- paratory and Lower Schools, while 50 are segregated in separate classes of the Upper School. The education given to these non-Chinese boys appears to be good on the whole.

5. Referring to the Chinese students, attention is drawn to the following opinions expressed by the Head Master in his latest report to the Governing Body

"Reading is not of a high standard though a great majority of boys pass."

Conversation is not a successful subject."

Again, referring to the General Intelligence Paper, he writes:-

"The four Chinese sentences were carefully selected by me so as to be well "known to any educated Chinaman. Yung Kai Pong was the only "scholar out of 21 boys who was really acquainted with the con- .

"text."

The value of the instruction given in English subjects and the Chinese Writ- ten Language is estimated in section 37.

6. A striking feature in the education at Queen's College is the number and diversity of the subjects taught. They include Algebra, Euclid, Shakespeare, Book- keeping, Mensuration, Physiology and Science.

7. As might have been expected in a Chinese day-school of its size, Queen's College does not appear to engender any spirit of esprit de corps among its boys, a state of things more easily deplored than remedied. A school newspaper has been founded, which is no doubt a step in the right direction.

DISTRICT SCHOOLS.

8. There are at present in the Colony twelve District Schools, that is, Schools maintained by the Government and under the direct control of the Inspector of Schools. It must be obvious to any one acquainted with the Colony that these schools were not established where they are in the fulfilment of any ordered scheme. The whole of the centre of the City of Victoria has no school for boys; Kowloon has no Vernacular School: insignificant hamlets-Sheko and Pokfulum-are favoured. The explanation is, that the existing schools are a survival from a time when the education of the Colony had not yet been largely entrusted to Grant Schools.

The policy of Dr. EITEL, who was Inspector of Schools between the years 1879 and 1897, was, generally speaking, to reduce the number of District Schools and to increase the number of those under the Missionary Bodies. The effects of this policy are shewn below, thus:-

Year.

1871,..

1881,

1891,...

1901,

No. of District Schools.

26......

..35...

...35....

No. of Grant Schools.

..11*

..37

...81

12.

..78

*This is the total number of Christian Schools in the Colony; the Grant-in-Aid Code in its present form did not come into force until 1878.

373

374

Note.--

9. The District Schools are:- 1.-Schools teaching the English Language and Western Knowledge to Chinese

Boys, hereinafter called ANGLO-CHINESE DISTRICT SCHOOLS.

The words "Western Knowledge" are used for want of a better term to express a knowledge of history and geography, the natural sciences, and modern civilization.

These are four in number-one at Saiyingpun in the West of the City of Victoria, two in the East at Wanchai and Wong-nei-chung, and one on the Kow- loon side at Yaumati. The masters are Chinese. The instruction, which is free, does not go beyond the four lowest Standards, and approximates to that given in the Preparatory and Lower Divisions of Queen's College. The boys usually acquire a fair knowledge of Arithmetic, and have read through (and sometimes know by heart) the School Readers; they seldom can speak or understand English Col- loquial. With the exception of Wong-nei-chung, these Schools are always full, especially in the lower Standards. The majority of the scholars are sons of small shop-keepers, but about one-third belong to the labouring classes. Most of them before joining have attended some Private Vernacular School, but have obtained nothing more than a very superficial knowledge of their Written Language: very few have studied in the Vernacular District Schools next described or in the Vernacular Grant Schools.

II-Schools teaching the Chinese Written Language and Western Knowledge in the Chinese Vernacular to Chinese Children, hereinafter called VERNACULAR DISTRICT SCHOOLS.

Of these, six are for boys, namely, two attached to the Anglo-Chinese District Schools above described at Saiyingpun and Wanchai, and one in each of the outly- ing villages of Sheko, Pokfulum, Aplichau, and Tanglungchau.

The instruction given in these schools is free, and is very similar to that given in Private Vernacular Schools. Beginning with the Trimetrical and Thousand Character and certain other Classics, which are learned by heart, the scholars are taught first to read and then to write the characters. Subsequently they learn their meanings, first as isolated characters and afterwards in their context. Unfor- tunately they nearly all leave school before getting as far as this, that is to say, unable to read. A little Arithmetic is taught. Geography is taught in the higher classes, but not hitherto in such a way as to be of much practical use.

The boys who attend this class of schools are usually sons of labourers and mechanics, and have to begin to earn a living at about ten or eleven years of age.

The shortcomings of these schools are in the main those of the Vernacular Grant Schools described below.

There is also one Vernacular District School for Chinese girls--the Chinese Division of the Belilios Girl School. It is conducted on precisely the same lines

as the boy schools, except that the knowledge of Chinese acquired is greater: this is partly due to an able teacher, and partly because the girls spend a longer term of years at school than the boys. Chinese desirous of giving an extended education to their children would be content with the Vernacular for their daughters, but would teach their sons English as well, curtailing their education in the Ver- nacular in order to do so.

III.—A School giving an English Education to European, Chinese and Eurasian

Girls and Infants-the BELILIOS PUBLIC SCHOOL.

In this school about a hundred girls obtain under English mistresses a very sound though not ambitious English education. In the Preparatory School young children of both sexes and many nationalities are taught according to the latest method. A fee of $1.50 a month, reduced under special circumstances, is charged in the Preparatory and Upper Schools alike. Special attention is paid to English Composition, English Literature, and the Geography and the History of the British Empire.

GRANT SCHOOLS.

10. These schools, like the District Schools, have not been designed to fill a part of any definite system of education, but are the results of various and disconnected efforts extending over nearly sixty years. For convenience of description they may be divided into three classes, though such a classification must not be consi- dered accurate in detail. It is at any rate more accurate than that which is given in the Grant-in-Aid Code, and which is therefore ignored throughout this Report.

11. These classes are:-

I.-Schools giving an Education in English or Portuguese to Scholars of all

Nationalities, hereinafter called ENGLISH GRANT SCHOOLS.

These include most of the old establishments of the Colony. The Diocesan School and Orphanage is a boarding and day school for boys (Europeans, Chinese and Eurasians, the Chinese being in the majority) to whom a primary education in English is given. The Diocesan School for Girls, originally founded for Europeans and Eurasians, is a school of the same class, only Chinese are not admitted. St. Joseph's College is a large Roman Catholic School for boarders and day boys. The boys are mainly Portuguese, Filipinos and Chinese, and the education is very similar to that given in the Diocesan School. Besides the Diocesan, the chief Girl Schools are the Italian Convent, where a similar education is given, principally to Portuguese, Eurasians, and Chinese orphans, many of whom are boarders, and the French Convent, managed on very similar lines. There are also four schools in which an elementary education is given in the Portuguese language.

Lastly, the Church Missionary Society has a small school giving an English education to Chinese girls.

Various as they are, these schools all unite in one common principle-they are Christian schools. Non-Christian Chinese may and do attend them, but with- out affecting the distinctive religious tone. They are genuine Grant-in-Aid Schools in the sense that the Grant is not the sole source of revenue. Fees are charged or remitted at the discretion of the Managers, guided by their judgment as to whe- ther individual cases are worthy objects of charity.

11.-Schools teaching the English Language and Western Knowledge to Chinese Boys, hereinafter called ANGLO-CHINESE GRANT SCHOOLS.

The most important of these is the Roman Catholic Cathedral School, taught by Lay Brothers with the assistance of Chinese masters.

The students are young men who have completed their Chinese education to their own satisfaction, and desire to learn English for business purposes. The school gives instruction up to the Fifth Standard.

None of the other schools go above the Fourth Standard, nor do they call for description in detail. In this connection it is noticeable that under the existing Grant-in-Aid Code no distinction is drawn between English infants learning to. 'read, and Chinese students beginning the study of English after their Vernacular education is complete. Hence it is a common thing for a young Chinaman of eighteen or twenty, his natural gift for memorising accentuated by a prolonged education in his own language, to present as his year's work 30 pages of a reading book in monosyllables concerning Ann and her Goat.

Fees of about one dollar a month are paid in these schools. Except in the Roman Catholic Cathedral School, the instruction is left entirely to the Chinese teachers. No written Chinese is taught.

375

376

III.-Schools teaching the Chinese Written Language and Western Knowledge in the Vernacular to Chinese Scholars, hereinafter called VERNACULAR GRANT SCHOOLS.

These schools are without exception under the management of various Mis- sionary Bodies, none of the Private Vernacular Schools of the Colony caring to accept the Grant. As in the case of the Anglo-Chinese Grant Schools, the Verna- cular Grant Schools are left, with few exceptions, so far as secular instruction is concerned, to the charge of the Chinese teachers, who do not appear as a class to be sufficiently impressed with the necessity of maintaining their schools in disci- pline, cleanliness and order; while the children, provided as they are with a free education at the hands of the Government, remain to all appearances destitute of any conception of the obligations they are under. Any hopes the Government may have entertained of winning the goodwill of the rising generation through the establishment of these schools appear altogether unrealised.

The Girl Schools stand on a somewhat different footing. The teachers have been trained in Mission boarding schools and Convents; and the influence of their training is manifest in discipline order and cleanliness, while the supervision of the Managers is more regular and effective.

The Chinese Written Language is taught in the same unsatisfactory way as in the Vernacular District Schools described above. Arithmetic is an optional subject, and the four simple rules are taught with fair success. Geography is taught (very badly) in the Fourth Standard, where many of the Scholars were at the last examination ignorant that Hongkong was a British Colony: a number hazarded the opinion that it belonged to Russia. Most of them, as well as some of the teachers, seemed unaware that the Chinese expression meaning "red-headed man" as applied to Englishmen is resented by them. But this is not all the children from whom alone such knowledge was expected are a very small minority, as the following figures show. Out of 795 boys who obtained passes in the last examination, only 54 or 7 per cent. were in the higher Standards (Fourth or above). The proportion of girls was better, 146 out of 818, or 17 per cent. The percentage of boys and girls taken together was 12 per cent., and was the same for 1900 and for 1899.

No fees are charged in the Vernacular Grant Schools.

There have always been a large number of Private Vernacular Schools main- tained by the Chinese themselves and quite independent of Government aid. The Vernacular Grant Schools have never been able to do more than hold their own against them, as the following table shews:-

SCHOLARS.

PERCENTAGE IN

Year.

Vernacular Vernacular

Grant Private Schools. Schools.

In Grant

Schools,

(Average

In Private Schools.

Total Scholars.

Grant Private Schools. Schools.

Attendance).

1897,

2,618

2,124

4,742

5501

1898,

1899,

1900,

12 5 3

100

2,300

2,257

4,557

50%

45%

50%

2,270

2,058

4,328

53%

47 01

2,194

2,179

4,373

500!

10.

50%

1901,

1,926

2,457

4,383

44°

56%

Thus, if the sudden fluctuations are disregarded which are inherent in private schools as compared with those that receive State aid, the proportion of the total

number of scholars in the Private Schools has increased in 4

years

from 45 per cent. to 56

per

cent. of the whole. The decrease in the number of Grant Schools is also very marked, while the average number of children in each has increased from 27.5 in 1897 to 33.8 in 1901. The visible explanation of these facts is the rise in prices and rents during the last few years, leading to the disappearance of the less profitable schools and to overcrowding in the rest. As a large number of the Grant Schools are Adventure Schools, the master and not the Mission standing to gain or lose by the Grant, and as the Grant does not increase while prices and rent do, it is plain that the masters of these schools suffer more from such causes than do those of the Private Schools, where if expenses increase fees are increased proportionately. This remedy has not commended itself to the Managers of the Grant Schools where no fees are charged.

SUMMARY.

12. It is not easy to obtain a correct statement of the number of children receiving education in the Colony. The total enrolment certainly exaggerates the number. The average attendance underestimates it, but is on the whole the safer guide. The latest figures are as follows:-

NUMBER OF SCHOLARS IN THE SCHOOLS OF THE COLONY.

(RECKONED BY THE AVERAGE ATTENDANCE.)

English Anglo-Chinese Vernacular Schools. Schools. Schools.

Total.

Government Schools

Queen's College,.

894

Belilios Girl School,

110

4 Anglo-Chinese District Schools,

287

7 Vernacular District Schools,

266

Total Government Schools,

110

1,181

266

1,557

Grant Schools :—

13 English Grant Schools,.........

836

8 Anglo-Chinese Grant Schools, 57 Vernacular Grant Schools,

435

1,926

Total Grant Schools,

836

435

1,926

3,197

Private Schools :—

English Private Schools,

12 Anglo-Chinese Private Schools,

526

95 Vernacular Private Schools, ...

2,457

Total Private Schools,

526

2,457

2,983

GRAND TOTAL,

946

2,142

4.649

7,737

PART II.

THE CLASSES OF CHILDREN REQUIRING EDUCATION.

13. In the Second Part of the Report the different classes and races of children in the Colony are reviewed, and an endeavour is made to decide how far the Government is responsible for providing them with education. Consideration is next given to the questions, how far and in what respects the education already provided for each class falls short of the provision to which it is morally entitled, or which it is expedient that it should receive.

These opinions have for convenience sake been cast into the form of Resolu- tions, which are accompanied, where necessary by explanatory notes.

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378

串

14. The Government of Hongkong may reasonably be expected to provide or assist in providing an education for four classes of children:-

First. Children of British parentage resident in the Colony. Second. Children of Chinese parentage resident in the Colony. Third. Children of Portuguese extraction resident in the Colony. Fourth.-Children of mixed European and Chinese parentage (Eura-

sians) resident in the Colony.

The case of Parsees and other Indian British subjects, of whom there are a considerable number in the Colony, has been disregarded. Probably some settle- ment of their case will have to be made before long, such as the establishment of a small school for their use. No definite recommendations are made on this point, which does not appear to be of instant importance.

Among the classes and races who can hardly expect the Hongkong Govern- ment to defray the cost of their English studies are French and American subjects from Annam and the Philippines.

The Portuguese from Macao may seem to present a parallel case, but a distinction can be drawn. It is the duty of the Government not to abandon a large section of its subjects, while on the other hand it is quite impossible to distinguish between the Portuguese who are domiciled in Hongkong and Macao.

15. Further, in Imperial interests it is desirable to offer instruction in the English Language and Western Knowledge to all young Chinese who are willing to study them, even though they are not residents of the Colony: provided that the instruction can be furnished at a reasonable cost.

The majority of the 900 boys at Queen's College belong to this class. After having studied Chinese in their own schools on the mainland, they are attracted to the Colony by the facilities it gives for the study of English. No distinction is made between them and the sons of Chinese residents of Hongkong, and it is recom- mended that this policy remain unaltered. The additional expense to the Colony is trifling, and the gain to British interests in China by the spread of English and of friendly sentiments towards our Empire should well repay the cost.

CHILDREN OF BRITISH PARENTAGE.

16. It is essential that the children of British parentage be educated by themselves, and not side by side with children of other nationalities or races.

This opinion is mainly based on two reasons: first, because the education of the British children is retarded by the inevitably slower progress of their class- mates, to whom English is a foreign language; secondly, because they have to consort during their most impressionable years with the offspring of alien beliefs and other ethical standards.

17. There is no public school in the Colony reserved for the children of Eritish parentage alone. It is recommended that steps be taken to remedy this state of affairs.

The principle here involved has already been approved. (See Appendix A.)

CHILDREN OF CHINESE PARENTAGE.

18. The Chinese who attend schools under Government control fall into two classes, namely, those who attend the Anglo-Chinese Schools, and those who attend the Vernacular Schools.

It has already been pointed out (section 9) that the same children seldom attend first one class of these schools and then the other. The gratuitous education given in the Vernacular Schools makes them attractive chiefly to the

poorer classes who are unlikely to prolong their children's education; while the students who attend the Anglo-Chinese Schools, where fees are charged, have usually first acquired their Chinese education on the mainland, or in Private Schools in the Colony.

It should be the policy of the Government to influence the education of Chinese children from their early years, but little can be done whilst the Verna- cular Schools remain what they are.

ANGLO-CHINESE SCHOOLS.

19. In the Anglo-Chinese Schools instruction in the English Language is of course essential: it is to give this instruction that the schools were founded, and to obtain it that they are attended.

It is essential that Western Knowledge should be a compulsory subject in every Standard. ·

It is essential that the students should possess on entering a sufficient knowledge of the Chinese Written Language, which knowledge should be maintained and improved during the school course.

The Committee are fully alive to the extreme importance of spreading the English Language among the Chinese: but they maintain that the spread of Western Knowledge is no less essential. Their opinion that a knowledge of Eng- lish has not always proved sufficient in itself to ensure a feeling of goodwill towards the Empire, is supported by the authority of Lord CROMER, who writes in his Report upon Egypt for 1900, page 51 :-"The Egyptians, as a rule, think that they will have a better chance of obtaining Government employment if they know English than if they are ignorant of that language. Within certain limits, they are probably right. The English on the other hand, provided they are really acquainted with Egyptian circumstances and requirements, regard the matter wholly from an educational point of view. study of foreign languages, whether English or necessary and useful to the Egyptians themselves. superficial, and, in my opinion, generally erroneous view, that the study of French or English necessarily connotes the creation of French or English political proclivities." It is highly desirable that a fair exposition of our policy in the East, and of China's relations with the other Powers, should be presented to every Chinese scholar: but these ideas can be conveyed in the Chinese language no less well than in English.

***

They wish to confine the French, to what is really They are not led away by the

The argument that Chinese should learn English to the exclusion of their own Written Language is often heard, but it will not bear serious consideration. No Chinese, however learned in English and Western Knowledge, can hope to be of influence with his countrymen, nor can he indeed communicate with them, if ignorant of the written character which binds the Chinese Empire together.

Too much besides has been made of the time which must be spent on the study of the Chinese Written Language: for a Chinese to learn to write clearly and intelligibly, and to read plain prose is no such immense undertaking. And it is quite possible that existing difficulties will some day be lessened after the methods which have approved themselves to the natural mentors of China-the Japanese.

20. The Anglo-Chinese Schools as at present constituted are defective in all three essentials.

As regards English, in colloquial, composition, and intelligent reading alike, the results attained are not commensurate with the time devoted to the study.

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380

Western Knowledge is taught unsystematically and disjointedly, and moreover is not taught at all in the lower Standards.

The knowledge of the Chinese Written Language, insufficient as it is, which the students possess on entering the Anglo-Chinese Schools, is not made. use of as it should be to aid them in acquiring English and Western Knowledge, nor is any attempt made to train them to utilise it as a medium of expression.

21. The following remedies are suggested :--

(a.) English should be taught with a view to its practical use: less attention should be paid to grammatical forms, and more to com- position.

(b.) Western Knowledge should be taught systematically in all Stand- ards, and it should be taught in Chinese until the students have acquired so good an understanding of English as to enable them easily to receive instruction in English.

Under the present Code the scholars in Anglo-Chinese Grant Schools are sup- posed to receive instruction in all subjects through the medium of English, from the lowest Standards upwards. How it could ever have been thought possible to explain arithmetic or geography. in English to boys who know no English, is not clear. As a matter of fact the masters have ignored this condition systematically, throwing themselves on the reasonableness of the Inspector of Schools. In Queen's College and the Anglo-Chinese District Schools, Chinese has always been the actual medium of instruction.

It is certain that the boys' knowledge of English will not suffer by the abolition of this Formula.

(c.) Before entering these schools, students should be required to shew that they possess a useful knowledge of the Chinese Written Lan- guage.

The practical steps that should be taken to secure this are explained in sections 38A, 43, and 51.

(d.) Constant translation from English into Chinese and from Chinese into English, both oral and in writing, should be insisted upon. (e.) English masters should know Chinese, both for the purpose of teaching and also to enable them to supervise the work of the Chi- nese masters.

This knowledge need not always be very profound. If the English master were in a position to see that the Chinese master was properly carrying out his duties, an important point would be gained.

22. It is further recommended that inducements should be held out to students to prolong their studies in the Anglo-Chinese Schools, and the following expedients are suggested :--

(a.) That foundation scholarships be offered giving free education in

these schools.

(b.) That certificates should be given by the Government to students

passing a Government examination.

The principle involved in (a.) is that of the Despatch of 1854 which laid down the lines on which education in India was to proceed. It directs that "the best "pupils of the inferior schools should be provided for by means of scholarships in "schools of a higher order, so that superior talent in every class may receive that

encouragement and development which it deserves."

Foundation scholarships have hitherto been granted from the Anglo-Chinese District Schools into Queen's College. The principle might be extended by offering scholarships from the Vernacular Schools into any Anglo-Chinese District or Grant School at the option of the holder. Opportunities of getting to the front should be

given to the clever and ambitious children of poor parents. With the shifting and very ignorant population of Hongkong, the most that can be done is to pick out and encourage all promising material, and so contrive things that the ablest men of the next generation shall be on our side.

The Government examination suggested in (b.) should be designed to take the place of the Oxford Local Examination, to which schoolmasters and the public generally appear to attach somewhat too much importance. What is required in Hongkong is an examination that will test the ordinary work of a school, and not one the preparation for which entails special tuition; one suited to local educational conditions and not designed to prove the attainments of English boys educated in England.

381

VERNACULAR SCHOOLS.

23. In the Vernacular Schools instruction in the Chinese Written Language is essential.

It is essential that Western Knowledge should be a compulsory subject in every Standard.

The argument which was used to defend instruction in the Chinese Written Language in the Anglo-Chinese Schools, justifies also the existence of Vernacular Schools.

In Vernacular Schools it will not be possible for the bulk of the scholars to acquire any practical acquaintance with Western Knowledge and with the Chinese Written Language, and also with English (written or spoken) as well. Very important as the study of English is, Western Knowledge is still more so; and where the two studies cannot be conducted at the same time, Western Knowledge must take precedence.

24. The Vernacular Schools as at present constituted are defective in both essentials. Western Knowledge is arranged to begin in the fourth year of study, but nine-tenths of the scholars leave school after three years or less; consequent- ly to them it is never taught at all. As for the instruction in the Chinese Written Language, it is given too much with the object of memorising the Classics, and too little with the idea of teaching the children to read and write. Explanation of what they read is not given till the fourth year, so that again nine-tenths of the children derive no practical benefit from their study.

25. The following remedies are suggested:---

(a.) That Western Knowledge be carefully taught from the lowest class

upwards.

(b.) That the Chinese Written Language be taught on more practical

lines.

As regards (b.) two main points have to be borne in mind: the average period of study in the Vernacular Schools is three years or less, while the principal object to be attained is not the study of the ancient classical literature but to learn. to read and write simple prose. It is necessary that the meaning of the characters should be taught from the outset, and that the commoner characters should be selected and taught first. If this were done, a child whose education was cut short after two or three years would have learnt little, but that little would be of use, not resembling as at present a cypher without a key.

There is no reason why this practical instruction should not be based on the Confucian and Mencian Classics, while to banish these would be an unnecessary challenge to the fundamental principles of Chinese social life.

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12 -

26. It is further recommended that inducements be held out to children to prolong their studies in the Vernacular Schools, and the following expedients are suggested :---

(a.) To permit the teaching of English as a special subject in the higher

Standards.

(b.) To offer scholarships from the higher Standards of the Vernacular

Schools into the Anglo-Chinese Schools.

The principle that underlies these recommendations is to use the eagerness of the Chinese to learn English, as an inducement to them to submit themselves longer to educational influences. The instruction in English given to the highest Standards of the Vernacular Schools will, it is hoped, benefit children who cannot afford to continue their education in the Anglo-Chinese Schools.

CHILDREN OF PORTUGUESE EXTRACTION.

27. There are two classes of schools in the Colony, both under Roman Catholic management, which provide an education mainly intended for the Portuguese, namely, (a.) those in which English, and (b.) those in which Portuguese is the medium of instruction.

The first class includes St. Joseph's, where Portuguese scholars predominate, though there is a tendency to admit too many Chinese: the latter not only fail to get the education best suited to their needs (as described above) but also keep back their European class-mates, by reason of the greater difficulties which a Euro- pean language and European ideas present to them. Neither should Annamese and Filipinos be allowed to predominate in a school primarily intended for the children of Hongkong.

PORTUGUESE VERNACULAR SCHOOLS.

28. It is unnecessary for the Government to foster the study of the Portu- guese language, and it is recommended that the support given to these schools be withdrawn.

There are four of these schools. At the last examination 75 children (mostly girls) were presented, nearly all of whom were in the lower Standards. Many scholars make use of these schools merely as preparatory schools, completing their education in the English Schools, where they are hampered by their ignorance of English and forget, for want of practice, the Portuguese they have acquired.

CHILDREN OF MIXED PARENTAGE (EURASIANS).

29. The existing English and Anglo-Chinese Schools are sufficient to meet the needs of Eurasians; who can as heretofore choose which class of school they prefer to attend.

Queen's College is open to all Eurasian boys, and will continue open to those who elect to be educated as Chinese. The Diocesan School and Orphanage is largely attended by Eurasians: so. also is St. Joseph's.. The Belilios Public School and the Diocesan School for Girls were founded for the special benefit of Eurasian girls.

FEMALE EDUCATION.

30. The education of girls in the Colony should follow the lines indicated for boys as a general rule.

GIRLS OF BRITISH PARENTAGE.

31. The education of girls of British parentage is as defective as their brothers' and for the same reasons.

GIRLS OF CHINESE PARENTAGE.

ANGLO-CHINESE GIRL SCHOOLS.

32. There is no present need for the creation of Anglo-Chinese Schools for girls. The High School for Girls will satisfy any existing demand for a more advanced education in English. (Sections 63-65 and Appendix A.)

It must not be forgotten that the large attendance at Queen's College and the other Anglo-Chinese Boy Schools is due to a desire to acquire English for business purposes. This stimulus is absent in the case of girls.

VERNACULAR GIRL SCHOOLS.

33. They should be conducted on the same general lines as the Vernacular Schools for boys. At the same time it is a matter of some delicacy to impose stringent conditions upon the education of girls whose parents regard that education as somewhat of an extravagance, and who might be easily inclined to withdraw their daughters from school. The following passage from a recent Report by the Inspector of Schools commends itself to the judgment of the Committee:-

"To find themselves amenable to education must be an invalu- "able lesson to the Chinese girls and a wholesome one to their "parents and brothers, so that whether that which they learn is worth "learning or not, it is a distinct advantage that they and their "men-folk are alike convinced of their capacity for intellectual "exercise. The self-approbation of your male Chinese requires no "such stimulus."

The time is ripe to put increased pressure on the schoolboys; but in the case of the schoolgirls it can hardly be said to be so. It is therefore necessary for the time being to make distinctions in the treatment of the two classes of children.

PORTUGUESE AND EURASIAN GIRLS.

34: These classes are provided for by the Roman Catholic Convents on the one hand, and the Diocesan School for Girls and the Belilios Public School on the other. The last-named is attended by a considerable number of Chinese, but the restriction upon the admission of Chinese, which is recommended in English Boy Schools, is at present unncessary.

PART III.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF EXISTING SCHOOLS.

35. In the First Part of the Report a description has been given of the various systems of schools under Government control, and incidentally some of their weak points have been exposed. In the Second Part the different classes of children in the Colony have been enumerated; enquiry has been made how far their wants are at present supplied; and the general lines have been indicated on which further improvements should be effected.

In the Third Part the existing schools are considered in detail in the light of the principles determined in Part II; and where they are found wanting, definite

suggestions are made to remedy their shortcomings.

QUEEN'S COLLEGE.

36. It is recommended that Queen's College revert to the purpose for which it was originally intended, and supply an education to Chinese only.

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334

The only scholars on whom the exclusion of non-Chinese might inflict a hardship are the Indians. Until therefore provision for them has been made as contemplated in section 14, this recommendation can hardly be carried out : meantime the school, numbering nearly 1,000 boys and combining the functions of an English and of an Anglo-Chinese School, is attempting more than it can perform.

The abolition of the non-Chinese Classes can be effected at once, and will not inflict any serious hardship on the scholars, a large proportion of whom know Chinese. Until they reached the Upper School these boys received their education side by side with Chinese boys, and it is fairer that they should continue to do so while they remain in the school, than that they should monopolize the services of two English masters as they do at present.

The following criticisms and recommendations apply to the Chinese classes only.

37. As in the other Anglo-Chinese Schools, the knowledge of English acquired at Queen's College does not appear satisfactory, considering the time spent upon it; Western Knowledge seems taught without sufficient regard to the local point of view; and the knowledge of the Chinese Written Language possessed by the scholars is very imperfect.

To verify these conclusions the Committee made use of the following tests. An examination was held of the twenty top boys, who were required, (a.) to translate about 150 words of simple English narrative into Chinese, (b.) to write an essay in English of about 250 words, (c.) to translate about 250 words of sim- ple Chinese narrative into English. No great accuracy in translation was expect- ed; and in the essay the matter was regarded as of no importance, so long as it was germane to the subject. Out of the twenty boys only two could be classed as good, while two others did fairly. The rest were bad, and the work done by many of them was quite worthless.

It is not probable that even these results could be equalled by Chinese schoolboys elsewhere in the Colony. The Committee feel it is their duty to put these significant facts plainly before the Government.

As regards Western Knowledge too much time is spent over the acquisition. of dry facts relating to early and medieval English History, and to the geography of countries which are only remotely connected with the Far East. Nor is it made sufficiently clear that the past and present condition of other countries have had and still exercise an important influence on the Chinese life of to-day.

38. As regards the teaching of the Chinese Written Language the follow- ing more detailed recommendations are submitted:-

(A.) That an entrance examination be held each term, the test for admission being ability to write an ordinary narrative intel- ligently, and to read and understand the news column of a Chinese newspaper.

The time spent by the average Chinese boy prior to his admission into Queen's College should, if directed to more practical purpose, enable him easily to pass the test examination. The desire to enter Queen's College is so strong and the demand for admission so great, that the proposed examination may reasonably be expected to influence the course of study in the Private Schools of the Colony and on the Mainland.

(B.) That translation from English into Chinese and vice versa be

seriously studied under competent teachers in all the classes.

In order that this may be done to any good purpose it will be necessary to engage Chinese Composition Masters, the present Chinese masters being as a class incompetent to teach their written language. This division of duties is

a temporary necessity. Good Chinese scholars who know no English are plenti- ful. Chinese who combine a competent knowledge of English and their own language are hardly to be found.

39. As regards the organisation of the school the following recommendations are submitted:-

(A.) The duties of the Staff should be so re-arranged, that every Division of every Class may receive instruction in English from an English master for not less than one and a half hours a day.

The assumption that Chinese masters of the quality at present obtainable are competent to teach the beginnings of English is unwarranted, and results in stock mispronunciations and mistakes of idiom being handed down from generation to generation. The Preparatory and Lower Schools are at present taught English almost entirely by Chinese masters, some of whom are pupil teachers from the up- per Classes.

(B.) The English masters should each be in charge of a Class: the Divisions of Classes should be each under a Chinese master subordinate to the English Class Master.

No Class Master should be in charge of more than three Divisions, and no Division should contain more than fifty scholars reckoning by the

average attendance.

Thus every unit of fifty scholars would receive not less than one and a half hours' instruction daily from an Englishman, and would for the rest of the school time be under a Chinese Division Master subordinate to the English Class Master.

(C.) The salaries of the Chinese Staff are inadequate and should be increased.

The present scale of pay gives $1,138 a year to the First Assistant Master ; $898 to the Second Assistant Master; and so in a descending scale to the Tenth, who receives $328. These rates are not sufficient to attract suitable men even with the present modest requirements, much less masters capable of teaching translation from and into Chinese.

If at any future time it shall become possible to find Chinese masters compe- tent to teach the Chinese Written Language and English Subjects without the assistance and supervision of an English Class Master, large reductions in the cost of the Staff will become possible. Such masters would be well worth the salaries now given to First Class Translators in the Colony, viz., $1,500 to $2,400 a year. Meanwhile the rate of pay of the Division Masters should be increased to the standard which experience has shewn to be necessary in other Government Departments.

(D.) Pupil Teachers should be organized under a practical system. They

should receive instruction from a qualified Normal Master.

The present "pupil teachers" are pupil teachers in name only. They should be bound for a term of years, and receive instruction daily, out of school hours, both in general subjects and in the science of teaching.

(E.) Subjects like Algebra, Euclid, the more advanced parts of Arithmetic, Mensuration, and Book-keeping, which are taught more as a mental exercise than for practical purposes, should not be taught to boys who have not attained to a thorough knowledge of English. Western Know- ledge on the other hand should be taught from the lowest Class upwards.

Theoretically no doubt, and if properly taught, these subjects are an excellent mental training: but as a matter of fact Chinese boys, with their strong bias towards memorising, learn these subjects by rote or by formula more often than otherwise.

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336

When English is once thoroughly mastered, there is access to the whole of the culture of Europe, and no need for mental gymnastics.

(F.) Promotion from Class to Class should be slower, more regular, and depen- dent on no considerations other than the ability of the students promoted.

In Queen's College the numbers in attendance fluctuate largely; and there is an unfortunate tendency to fill up the gaps thus caused in the higher Classes by making promotions solely or chiefly to this end.

If through natural causes the numbers in the higher classes become reduced, it is better that they should remain so, and that the revenue of the school should fall, than that boys should be pressed forward before the natural time of their promotion.

DISTRICT SCHOOLS.

40. The Anglo-Chinese District Schools which should be conducted generally on the lines prescribed in Part II, may be expected to relieve the overcrowding at Queen's College, as well as to provide a somewhat less advanced education at a lower cost.

41. The Vernacular District Schools have for long been treated as if there were no natural connection between them and the Anglo-Chinese Schools, even when the two were held under the same roof. In view of this, the following recommendation is made:-

Vernacular District Schools should be established in connection with Anglo-Chinese District Schools, and linked to them; and opportunities should be given by scholarships or otherwise, enabling the more intelligent of the boys after passing through the Vernacular Schools to continue their education in the Anglo-Chinese Schools attached.

One advantage to be gained by linking these classes of schools is, that so it will be possible to employ Chinese Composition Masters to teach the Chinese Language in both their presumable lack of Western Knowledge will matter little, as instruction in that branch can be given in both schools by the English-teaching Chinese masters. Another advantage of the "linked system" is that continuity of education is as-

sured.

42. The salaries of the English-teaching Chinese masters are inadequate. They should be made equal to those proposed for the Chinese masters at Queen's College.

43. Boys desirous of entering the Anglo-Chinese Schools from Private Schools must pass the Examination laid down in section 38 A.

Boys who have previously passed the Fifth Standard at a Vernacular District or Grant School might be excused this entrance examination.

44. English masters should be engaged to give instruction in English and Western Knowledge in the Anglo-Chinese Schools; it should also be their duty to supervise the work of the Chinese masters.

Great importance is attached to this recommendation. It is at present impos- sible to find the required number of Chinese masters capable of teaching Western Knowledge or English, or even translation to and from Chinese, in a satisfactory manner without constant supervision.

The proportion between the numbers of masters (both English and Chinese) and scholars should be those recommended for the Anglo-Chinese Grant Schools below.

GRANT SCHOOLS.

45. Assistance under the Code is at present refused to Private Schools, i.e., schools where admission is restricted, and to schools which are carried on with a view to private emolument Adventure Schools.

The propriety of aiding schools where the admission is restricted was recognized by the Government, when it consented to establish the British School and to assist the Chinese High School (See Appendix A).

The ruling against Adventure Schools, such as many of the Vernacular Schools are, has in practice never been enforced, and there appears to be no reason why it should be, so long as they are efficient and meet a real want.

It is therefore recommended that Private Schools and Adventure Schools shall not as such be excluded from the benefits of the Code.

46. Grants should be made to three classes of schools :-

1. English Schools, giving an education to Europeans and other non-

Chinese ;

2. Anglo-Chinese Schools;

3. Vernacular Schools.

Under the present Code the first two classes are amalgamated, with unfortunate results. The principle that European children should not be hampered by Chinese class-mates was laid down in Part II, when the needs of British and Portuguese children were considered. The existing Grant Schools where English is taught will have to elect whether they will become English Grant Schools or Anglo- Chinese Grant Schools. As a matter of fact, all the existing schools fall naturally into one or other category, except the Diocesan Boy School, where in 1900 there were 80 Europeans and Eurasians and 106 Chinese. Two courses remain open to this school, to refuse admittance to one or other class of boys, or to form an English side and an Anglo-Chinese side, each properly equipped.

A somewhat meaningless division is made of the Vernacular Schools into schools in which a "Chinese education" or a "European education " is given in the Chinese language. This classification is ignored throughout the Report.

ENGLISH GRANT SCHOOLS.

47. The following suggestions are made for their improvement:-

(1.) The proportion of teachers to scholars should not be less than

one to forty, reckoning by the average attendance.

(2. The proportion of Chinese scholars to non-Chinese should not exceed ten per cent. reckoning by the average attendance. (3.) The great importance of physical training should be recognized.

48. The maximum Grant obtainable should be $18 for each scholar, reckon- ing by the average attendance.

The Grant earned last year in this class of schools amounted on an average to $8.22, reckoning by the average attendance. The present Grant was fixed at a time when the gold value of the dollar was far higher than it is at present, and its purchasing power far greater; and the Committee feel that it is hopeless to expect Managers to incur further expenditure, by engaging more teachers and generally by improving the efficiency of their schools, on the present inadequate remuneration.

It is intended that the Grant of $18 shall include all separate Grants, and that it shall be possible only for schools of the highest efficiency to earn it.

ANGLO-CHINESE GRANT SCHOOLS.

49. The services of an English master should be secured for every Anglo- Chinese School in the following manner:-

No school should be considered efficient unless instruction is given and supervision exercised by a qualified English master for one and a half hours daily for every fifty boys in average attendance. The English master should speak and read Chinese.

387

388

The results obtained by these schools as a class have been hitherto so unsatis- factory because of the want of English masters. The English Language and Western Knowledge cannot be taught satisfactorily here any more than in Queen's College or the District Schools by Chinese alone.

Under the system proposed a school of 150 boys or two schools of 70 or 80 boys each would fully occupy the time of one English master. He should himself teach English, and should superintend and direct the instruction given by the Chinese

masters.

Under present conditions, it is not practicable to insist upon the English masters knowing Chinese. But the Committee recommend that no school where the requisite number of masters are without this knowledge should be considered as qualified to earn the maximum Grant.

It has been represented to the Committee that if this policy is carried out, it will lead to the withdrawal of some of the existing Anglo-Chinese Grant Schools from their connection with the Government. Though it is highly desirable that all these schools should conform to the suggestions above indicated and increase their efficiency, still it is better that they should withdraw, than that they should continue inefficient and at the same time be in receipt of a Grant. So far as these schools are Prepara- tory Schools, attended by boys who are anxious to obtain a good knowledge of Eng- lish, the Committee are emphatically of the opinion that supervision by English masters is necessary.

But, as a matter of fact, these schools principally serve the purposes of boys who wish to learn just enough English to fit them to be servants or shopmen; and in so far as they are doing useful work which cannot conveniently be carried on by other existing institutions in the Colony, they deserve Government assistance. This assistance they should continue to receive in the mean time, but not on such a scale as will enable them to enter into unfair competition with efficient private schools, or to induce boys by the offer of tuition at nominal fees to waste their time by learning a smattering of English, which will be of no use to them in after life.

To meet this state of affairs the following recommendations are made :-

(i.) A limited number of Elementary Anglo-Chinese Schools under Chinese

teachers should be assisted by the Government.

(ii) A Grant of $6 for every scholar in average attendance should be

given them.

(iii) No Grant shonld be given for tuition above the Third Standard. (iv.) There is no need at present of any increase in the amount of money set apart for this class of school; aud as soon as the number of English Classes in the Vernacular Schools (see section 26) is sufficient, and the success of that experiment assured, it is recommended that the Government should then consider the advisability of withdrawing the Grant altogether from these Elementary Anglo-Chinese Schools.

50. Besides the English master, Chinese masters should be engaged in not less a proportion than one to every fifty boys in average attendance:

51. Boys desirous of entering these schools from Private Schools must pass the examination laid down in Section 38A.

Boys who have previously passed the Fifth Standard at a Vernacular District or Grant School might be excused this entrance examination.

389

52. The maximum Grant obtainable should be $18 for every scholar, reckoning by the average attendance.

The Grant earned last year in these schools amounted on an average to $6.48, reckoning by the average attendance.

Of the existing schools none have higher Standards than the Fourth, with the exception of the Roman Catholic Cathedral School which takes scholars up to the Fifth. In fixing the Grant it is assumed that it will be paid in full only to schools where a fair proportion of boys are in the highest Standards. The increased expen- diture caused by the engagement of English masters and of better qualified Chinese masters fully justifies the proposed increase in the Grant.

VERNACULAR GRANT SCHOOLS.

53. The Vernacular Grant Schools for Boys are not at all in a satisfactory condition; nor is any very material improvement likely to take place, until more thorough supervision can be given then by the Managers. It is not, however, proposed to disestablish them: they should be retained as a framework on which to build an improved system. All that cau profitably be attempted for the present is to weed out some of the less competent masters.

54. The maximum Grant obtainable should be $7 for each scholar, reckoning by the average attendance.

This is the same Grant as can be earned under the present Code by a school in which a fair proportion of the children are in the upper Standards. No increase is needed, since the additional revenue gained by charging appropriate fees will, it is hoped, be sufficient to attract a superior class of master. (See Part V, Fees.)

GRANTS IN AID OF RENT.

55. A Grant equal to two-thirds of the rent paid should be made to schools occupying leased premises.

The present Grant in aid of rent is 30% of the rent of the school quarters. It was authorised only two years ago and has been of service, but has proved inadequate to redress the disadvantage incident to schools in densely populated districts.

BUILDING GRANTS.

56. The instability of Grant Schools, especially the Vernacular Schools, arises from their being too often housed in premises leased from month to month. No increase in the Grant in aid of rent will remedy this state of affairs. But Managers have no encouragement to erect permanent school-buildings unless they can feel assured of liberal assistance from the Government. The provisions of the Code (Appendix B. Section 27) governing Building Grants appear to be satisfac- tory, but the sum now voted for this purpose ($3,000 for three years) is insufficient.

THE CODE.

57. It is not the purpose of the Committee to draw up a new Code, but only to indicate what its general character should be.

The existing Code which will be found in Appendix B is based on the first local Code of 1872, and is now out of date. Its principal shortcomings are enu- merated below, the references being to the sections of the Code.

Section 1a and b-As stated above, these restrictions, that schools shall be public and not carried on with a view to private emolument, are unnecessary.

390

Section 2c.-In view of the greater efficiency now required from masters, more especially from those of Anglo-Chinese and Vernacular Schools, great care should be taken by the Education Department that none but fully qualified men obtain appointments.

Section 3.—It will be more convenient to adopt an opposite principle, and instead of making a reduction from the maximum Grant the exception, to limit the maxi- mum Grant to cases of exceptional efficiency.

Section 8.-The payment of a portion of a Grant directly to the teacher should be discontinued.

Sections 10 & 11.--The system of payment by the result of an individual examin- ation of each scholar should be discontinued. It is recommended that the system in

vogue at Home be introduced, and that the Grant shall not directly depend on the success or failure of any individual scholar.

One effect of the present system is to strengthen the hands of the parents and weaken those of the teachers. This is especially true of the Chinese Adventure Schools. The teacher is in the unpleasant position of having his year's remuneration dependent on the good-will of the scholars, whether they choose or do not choose to present themselves on the day of examination.

Another effect of the system is that the best Grant is earned by the Master who having brought his best pupils up to the passing point leaves them there, and devotes himself exclusively to the stupid and backward. He has no inducement to teach more than the minimum imposed by the Code.

ances.

Section 13.-Schools eligible to earn Grants should be-

1. English Schools.

2. Anglo-Chinese Schools.

3. Vernacular Schools..

Section 14.-The basis of examination should be as now a hundred attend- But it should be made impossible for a school to obtain a full year's Grant for a scholar who has entered within four or five months of the end of the year, as happens frequently under the present system.

Section 16. The course of instruction for Vernacular Schools requires com- plete revision. The following points are important:-

(a.) Mental Arithmetic and the Multiplication Table should be taught. (b.) The explanation of Chinese characters should keep pace with the

reading of them.

(c.) The History first taught should be that of China, viewed in its relation to other countries. The Geography should be political and commercial rather than physical.

(d.) The only special subjects taught should be (1.) English in the Sixth and Seventh Standards, and (2.) Needlework in the Girl Schools as at present.

Section 18.-In the Anglo-Chinese Schools, it will probably be found possible to teach Algebra (or Euclid) and Physical Geography (or Elementary Natural Philosophy), but in the two highest Standards only. They should form part of the ordinary course.

It is impossible to formulate one course of study for English Schools and Anglo-Chinese Schools alike. In the case of the English Schools advantage should. be taken of the latest experience gained at Home.

21-

PART IV.

ADDITIONS NEEDED TO COMPLETE THE EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM.

58. In the preceding Parts of the Report the existing educational institutions have been described (Part I); the needs of the children of the Colony have been enumerated (Part II); and improveinents have been suggested, with the purpose of adapting these educational institutions to these needs (Part III).

The present system of education however is in want, not of amendment merely, but of enlargement as well. In the Colony, the British population has hitherto had no distinct part in the system of education, such as its numerical and intrinsic importance entitles it to. There is a very decided demand among the Chinese for a better education than can be obtained at present. A third direction

in which the educational system requires extension is among the inhabitants of the New Territory.

BRITISH SCHOOLS.

59. A recognition has already been made of the desirability of taking steps to prevent the children of British parents born in the Colony from growing up un- educated, or at best educated in undesirable surroundings. Correspondence on the subject is given in Appendix A. ·

It is not desirable to lay down hard and fast rules for the conduct of the British Schools until experience has been gained in working them. But the following suggestions are made.

60. One school should be established in Victoria and one at Kowloon.

In the City of Victoria, the central position of the Belilios Reformatory with regard to the Naval Yard, the East Point Sugar Refineries and Quarry Bay indi- cates the building as very suitable for the British School, if it can be adapted to this purpose. It is true that children from West Point will have a long distance to go, but this is inevitable for some scholars wherever the school is placed. The proposed electric tramway will minimise this inconvenience, which arises from the straggling nature of the City.

It has already been decided by the Government to limit the attendance at the Kowloon British School to children of British parentage. In this way the Kow- loon population is well provided for.

61. A boarding house should if possible be established in connection with the Victoria British School.

This provision will enable a number of parents to make use of the school who otherwise would have to seek another home for their children. It is likely that it will encourage the Residents of Canton and other Treaty Ports to send their children to Hongkong for their education.

62. All boys of sufficient age should be required to join a Cadet Corps, if the Military Authorities can arrange to form one.

A HIGH SCHOOL FOR CHINESE.

63. General sanction has been obtained for the formation of such a school in the correspondence given in Appendix A. But hitherto no decision has been arrived at among the leading Chinese as to the precise form which it should take.

The following points appear essential, if the school is to be of such a nature as to merit a place among the schools controlled by Government.

64. The school should be open to all Chinese of respectable antecedents and connections. 65. The fees should be fixed on a high scale.

391

392

This provision is essential in order that the cost of the Staff and other charges should, in so far as it exceeds that of the other Anglo-Chinese Schools, fall on the scholars and not on the ratepayers.

ORY.

THE NEW TERRITORY.

66. In considering what education should be provided for the New Territory, due regard must be paid to its financial position, which is that of a debtor to the Colony, with no immediate prospect of freedom from the obligation. The lack of good communications in this barren and mountainous country must also be taken into consideration, as well as the poverty of its inhabitants.

Despite all drawbacks, over 4,000 out of a total of 17,500 male children under 16 years of age are in attendance at Private Schools, of which there are over two hundred, and pay fees averaging 20 cents to 30 cents a month. This spontaneous desire for education deserves all possible encouragement.

67. A scheme has elsewhere been formulated for assisting the present schools with a Grant: but it appears probable that this expedient would result, not in raising the pay of the teachers and in due course their qualifications as well, but in a reduction of the school-fees; and would thus tend to discourage a praiseworthy self-reliance, without benefiting education. Further, it is certain that any direct attempt to induce the present teachers to adopt new methods would be futile, and might give rise to unfortunate misunderstandings. On the other hand any hasty attempt to supplant private schools by Government schools would be sure to rouse the hostility of the teachers, who would be thrown out of employment, and would no doubt use all their influence to thwart the change; and for this reason and owing to the need for economy, a quiet and unobtrusive beginning is required.

68. To improve Vernacular Education the Government must rely chiefly indirect means, making use of the undoubted desire that exists to learn English. A few Anglo-Chinese Schools should be opened in the most populous centres; and Vernacular Schools, in which a good education should be given by competent and progressive teachers, should be linked to them. Fees should be charged at least equal to those that are usual in the neighbourhood. Admission to the Anglo- Chinese Schools should be granted only to boys who have passed an examination in Chinese. At first the examination should only test the proficiency of the boys' studies according to the old-fashioned methods of teaching Chinese, but gradually its scope can be enlarged until it becomes a real test of the candidate's ability to read and write his language. Anxiety on the part of their pupils to obtain admission to the Anglo-Chinese Schools will necessarily compel teachers of Private Vernacular Schools to modify their system of instruction so as to accord with the requirements of the entrance examinations. The Government Vernacular Schools will no doubt be well attended for the same reason, and they will act as model schools for the neighbourhood. If the experiment is successful, Government Vernacular Schools may be opened in the principal market-towns; but at its fullest development it is not probable that more than three Anglo-Chinese Schools and twelve Vernacular Schools will be required.

To commence with, it will suffice to open Anglo-Chinese Schools at Jen Long and Sheung Shui, and to attach Vernacular Schools to them.

No unnecessary expense should incurred on them until their success is assure1; in the first instance school-houses should be rented not built, and the staff should be limited to one master to each school.

FEMALE EDUCATION.

69. The time has not come for assisting female education in the New Territory.

PART V.

FINANCE.

70. In considering the cost to Government of the various changes which have been recommended in the course of this Report, it will be necessary to calculate such expenditure only as must immediately follow the adoption of the new policy. Whether, and if so when, that policy should receive its fullest development, are questions which the future must decide.

QUEEN'S COLLEGE.

71. The following table has been used as a basis from w hich the cost of carrying out the recommendations contained in sections 36-39 has been estimated. Reckon- ing the average attendance at 950 scholars, the Staff needed is :-

For 450 scholars in the Preparatory School 3 English and 9 Chinese masters

400

100

Lower Upper

"".

950

72. In addition, allowance must be made for one English Master being constantly on leave, and for the supervisory duties vested in the Headmaster. Two additional English masters will be needed for these reasons, making a total of eleven-the number for which provision is made in the Estimates for the current year.

73. As against 19 Chinese masters required, provision is made in the 1902 Esti- mates for 11, together with 5 pupil teachers. Thus an increase of 3 in the Chinese Teaching Staff must be made.

74. The present Staff of Chinese masters is underpaid (see section 39 C), and it is found impossible to retain the services of teachers of even the present quality at the present rate of pay. The following scale is suggested :-

masters from $840-$1200 per annuin.

$480-$ 720

5 pupil-teachers at $240

On an average their salaries will be found to amount to $12,540 a year.

75. In addition, until such time as thoroughly competent Chinese masters can be found, and the organization of the Staff simplified accordingly, Composition Mas- ters must be engaged (see section 38 B). One should be put at the disposal of each of the 9 Class Masters. Their pay should average $420 per annum, making an additional charge of $3,780.

76. The Normal Master referred to in section 39 D should be paid $600 per

annum.

77. Thus the total increase in the cost of Queen's College will be:-

To 19 Division Masters and Pupil-Teachers, $12,540

To 9 Composition Masters,

To allowance to Normal Master.

3,780

600

$16,920

Less salaries of present Chinese Staff,

7,713

Net increased cost,

$ 9,207

This increased cost amounts to about seventy-five cents a month for each scholar.

393

394

►

DISTRICT SCHOOLS.

78. It will be sufficient if two English Masters are engaged for the Anglo- Chinese District Schools (see section 44). Their pay should be that given to the Junior Assistant Masters at Queen's College, namely $1,800 rising to $2,400. This with compensation will entail an average annual expenditure of $6,300.

79. The salaries of the 6 Chinese Masters in the Anglo-Chinese Schools should be raised to the level of the Chinese Masters at Queen's College, with an average of $810 per annum, or a total of $4,860. Their present salaries and bonuses amount to about $2,600, making a net increase on this account of $2,260.

the

80. In accordance with the recommendations embodied below under the heading Fees, a small fee should be charged in the Anglo-Chinese Schools. At very low figure of 50 cents a month, $1,800 per annum may safely be counted upon. The actual increase to the cost of the District Schools will thus be :—

To salaries of English masters,

To increased salaries of Chinese masters, .

By fees,.

Net increased cost,

$6,300

2,260

$8,560

1,800

$6,760

GRANT SCHOOLS.

81. In 1901, an average attendance of 836.39 scholars in English Schools earned $6,983 being an average Grant of $8.22 for each scholar.

The Grant earned by

435 scholars in average attendance at the Anglo-Chinese Schools was $2,822 or an average of $6.48. The maximum Grant recommended for each class of school has been fixed at $18; but as this will only be given where all the circumstances of a school combine to raise it to a very high order of merit, it will be safe to estimate the average Grant earned at $15.

The number of scholars earning the Grant may be regarded as unchanged in the English Schools, namely, as 836. But owing to the inefficient nature of a number of the Anglo-Chinese Schools, it may be considered certain that some of them will fail to reach the standard required by an amended Code; and it is unlikely that the number of scholars will rise above 250 for some years.

82. The net increased cost in the Anglo-Chinese Grant Schools is thus obtained :-

To 836 scholars in English Schools @ $15,

Less present Grant to English Schools,

.$12,540 6,983

-$ 5,557

To 250 Scholars in Anglo-Chinese Schools @ $15...$ 3,750 Less present Grant to Anglo-Chinese Schools,

Net increased cost,

2,822

-$ 928

$ 6,485

83. The sole increase under Vernacular Schools is that recommended in section 55. The effect of this will be to double the sum now paid as Grants to schools occupying leased premises, increasing it by $2,000.

...

BRITISH SCHOOLS.

84. Of the further provision for education asked for in Part IV, the two British Schools will each entail the following approximate charges:-

To Headmaster @ $3,500; to Headmistress

@ $1,200; to Mistress for the Infant School

@ $600; to Sundry Expenses and Servants @ $700,.......

Less fees of 90 children @ $35 per annum,..

To net cost of one British School,

To net cost of two British Schools,

$ 6,000

3,150

$ 2,850

5,700

Until some experience has been gained, it will be impossible to make any more accurate estimate than the above. The rate at which fees should be charged is very doubtful.

THE CHINESE HIGH SCHOOL.

85. Whether the High School is placed under Government, or whether it is managed as a Grant School, the expense of its up-keep will be about the same. average Grant of $17 (for a high standard of efficiency may be anticipated) to 100 scholars male and female gives a total of $1,700, and it is not probable that a larger sum will be needed in the near future.

THE NEW TERRITORY.

86. The immediate expenditure upon the New Territory will include salaries of two English-teaching and two Chinese-teaching Masters in the linked Anglo-Chi- nese and Vernacular Schools at Uen Long and Sheung Shui, The masters will need to be well paid in order to compensate them for what they will consider banishment from Hongkong. And as it is not proposed to place them under the immediate supervision of an Englishman, the two English-teaching Masters will need a considerable knowledge of English. Their salaries should be at the rate of $1,200 per annum. The Chinese-teaching Masters should be paid at the rate of $480 per annum. Rent of the school houses and other charges will cost at least $150 for each linked school. School fees should be charged in the Anglo-Chinese Schools from the outset, and should bring in not less than $600 per annum.

87. Thus the total cost should be estimated as follows:-

To two English-teaching Masters at $1,200,

Chinese-teaching

480,

rent and other charges,...

By fees,

$2,400

960

300

$3,660

$ 600

$3,060

Net cost,

TOTAL INCREASED EXPENDITURE.

88. It is certain that the inauguration of a number of new schools and the extension of others will necessitate some increase in the cost of working the Depart- No estimate of this increase, which will not be large, is attempted.

ment.

89. The total increases recommended are thus

Queen's College,.

$9,207

District Schools,.

6,760

Grant Schools (English and Anglo-Chinese),

6,485

(Vernacular),.

2,000

British Schools,

5,700

Chinese High School,

1,700

New Territory,

.....

3,060

$34,912

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396

RATIO OF EXPENDITURE TO REVENUE.

90. The following table gives the net expenditure on education, and the pro- portion it bears to the Revenue of the Colony (excluding Sales of Land) in the

past ten years :-

Net Expenditure on Education.

Year.

Percentage of Total Revenue.

1892,...

$74,486

3.29

1893,

65,531

3.22

1894,

67,372

2.07

1895,..

47,021

2.37

1896.

66,079

2.52

1897,

58,906

2.18

1898,

50,138

1.66

1899

47,135

1.24

1900,

50,035

1.90

1901

60,663

1.73 (Estimated.)

The percentage of the total Revenue spent on education has always been small and is still decreasing.

91. Adding $34,912, the estimated cost of the proposed increases, to the expen- diture on education for the past year, a total of $95,575 is obtained, a sum less than 2 per cent. on the estimated revenue of 1902 ($4,105,965).

SCHOOL FEES.

92. Where reimbursements by school fees have been counted on in the foregoing calculations, the estimates have been very cautiously made. On this subject the Committee are in agreement with the Indian Education Commission of 1882, section 354 of whose report runs as follows:

"Policy of the Department in regard to Fees.--The advisability of "raising the rates of fees to the highest point consistent with the con- "tinued spread of education has been repeatedly acknowledged. It is, "if not only, yet chiefly, by this means that Government institutions "of the higher class will be enabled to approach the self-supporting stage, a result to which many educational Despatches look for- "ward; and also that privately-managed institutions will attain "to greater efficiency and success.

The policy which we recommend has its natural and necessary limits in the fact "that any increase in fees beyond the capacity of the people to pay them will result in a loss of pupils and thus defeat the object "it is intended to secure.

We recommend that it be an “instruction to the Departments of the various Provinces to aim at raising fees gradually, cautiously, and with due regard to necessary "exemptions up to the highest amount that will not check the spread of education, especially in colleges, secondary schools, and primary “schools in towns where the value of education is understood.”

Again, in section 194, Recommendations as to Fees, the Commis- sioners write:-"We think it generally desirable that even in primary "schools fees should be raised as far as is consistent with the spread "of education.

* * The whole educational fund is inade-

quate to the supply of schools for every group of villages, and "those who enjoy the advantage of a school should contribute towards "its cost so as to promote the establishment of similar institutions "elsewhere. But we do not overlook the wants of the struggling

poor, or of exceptionally backward races and tracts."

The proper policy of the Government towards its poorest subjects is set forth in section 204 of the same report :-

"Poor Classes.-

* A poor law is unknown in India, "The rules of caste enjoin the performance of those charitable duties, "by the performance of which the relief of the destitute is dis-

“tributed over the area of the family and even of the whole caste. "In every caste, not excluding Brahmans, cases of great poverty "exist. But as the caste descends in the social scale, the ins- tances of poverty increase, and the well-to-do are less able to render aid to the poorer members of their class. The best remedy is perhaps to relax the rule which requires that edu- cation, even in schools which are not entirely supported but. only aided by the State, should not be purely gratuitous. We therefore recommend that in all board-schools, a certain propor- "tion of pupils be admissible as free students on the ground of poverty; "and in the case of special schools established for the benefit of the poorer classes, a general or larger exemption from payment of fees be "allowed under proper authority for special reasons. There may be "schools which specially undertake the education of the poor, and which, under the operation of the above rule, will be unable to charge fees, and must thus depend upon charitable assistance and grants from the State. The grants which they may earn under "the result system will be very small, and their case seems to deserve special encouragement. We therefore recommend that assistance be given to schools and orphanages in which poor children are taught "reading, writing, and counting, with or without manual work.”

፡፡

PART VI.

MISCELLANEOUS RECOMMENDATIONS.

HIGHER EDUCATION.

93. There should be no attempt to provide any sort of University Education, until a far firmer grounding for it can be found than now exists in the schools of Hongkong.

Generally speaking, the Committee view with disfavour the idea of selecting one or two promising students, and giving them a free Professional or University Education in England, as has been done in past years.

NORMAL SCHOOLS.

94. There is a very general idea that the main desideratum of Education in Hongkong is a Normal School. While it is fully recognized that the qualifications of the present teachers leave much to be desired, financial difficulties in the way of such a school appear very great, and no practical scheme has yet been suggested. As far as the Chinese teachers of English are concerned, the system recommended in sections 39, 44, and 49, ensures that they shall teach under the control of an English master; and it is hard to see what more they could gain from a Normal School. At the same time it is recognized that Chinese masters should be encouraged to keep up and extend their knowledge of English, as otherwise the teaching in the Junior Classes especially will be apt to deteriorate.

This tendency should be met by making promotion in the Teaching Staff of the Government Schools, and the maximum Grant in Grant Schools, depend upon the masters passing regular qualifying examinations.

95. It is still less easy to see how the Normal School proposed would effect any radical improvement in the masters of the Vernacular Schools. If Chinese who have spent a number of years in Anglo-Chinese Schools are still not competent to teach English or Western Knowledge without European supervision, the present teachers of Chinese in Vernacular Schools would be even less qualified to teach Western Knowledge or their Written Language in a practical way, notwith- standing that they had spent one or two years in a Normal School. But it is certain that after such a course of study they would demand an increase in their

397

398

emoluments. This increase would eventually fall on the Government, as well as the cost of the Normal School: but the Committee do not recommend any more money to be spent on Vernacular Schools unless real efficiency can be assured.

ORGANIZATION.

96. Under the existing arrangement the Education Department is organized under two distinct heads. Queen's College, by far the most important school in the Colony, is under its Head master: the Inspector of Schools is responsible for the other scholastic establishments.

This arrangement, obviously an unsatisfactory one, should be abandoned when occasion offers.

CONCLUSION.

97. It is desirable to state briefly the principles which were accepted by the Committee as those which should govern the distribution of the expenditure upon education. The Portuguese community present no difficulty: their education is already provided for by the Roman Catholic Corporations, and all that remains to be done is to increase the Government share of the cost. The education of the children of British parents has been provided for on grounds which are justified by the interests of the Empire and of the Colony alike. The only difficult problem is met when the education of the Chinese in the Colony is con- sidered. To what extent is that education a duty incumbent upon the Govern- ment? Beyond that point, how far is it expedient in the interests of the Colony or the Empire? Should the funds available be so handled as to give the greatest number a limited course of instruction; or would they be expended to greater advantage in thoroughly educating a smaller number?

The Hongkong Government has never pretended to supply education to all the children within its jurisdiction, never having asked the ratepayers for the very large sum which would be needed, were it so largely to increase its responsibilities. It is equally unnecessary and undesirable that such an extended provision should be made. A very large number of the Chinese resident in Hongkong prefer to send their children to be educated in their own country: they do not pretend to be citizens, or anything more than strangers in the land; yet it would be im possible to discriminate so as to avoid taxing them for an education which they would never take advantage of. Moreover it would be necessary under the conditions con- templated to put narrow limits upon the courses of study. To suggest, for instance, that taxation should be extended in order to pay for a ten years' course for every child in the Colony is a reductio ad absurdum.

Thus, the argument that provision should be made for the entire population leads naturally to the conclusions, firstly, that taxation should be largely increased in order to provide a smattering for the children of persons who neither ask for it nor desire it; and, secondly, that no attempt should be made to provide a thorough educa- tion. The Committee hold that what education is given should be thorough, and that better results will be obtained by assisting to enlighten the ignorance of the upper classes of Chinese than by attempting to force new ideas on the mass of the people. Civilised ideas among the leaders of thought are the best and perhaps only means at present available of permeating the general ignorance: for this reason much more attention has been paid to the Anglo-Chinese Schools than to the Vernacular. At the same time the principle has been adopted that the cost of a good education should be borne by the recipients so far as they can possibly afford it. The tax- payer who reaps the benefit of every advance in the intelligence of the Com- munity may fairly be called upon to supply the balance.

A. W. BREWIN.

HO KAI, M.B., C.M. EDWARD A. IRVING.

No. 343.

Appendix A.

CORRESPONDENCE RELATING TO THE PROPOSED

ESTABLISHMENT OF (1) A BRITISH SCHOOL ;

(2) A CHINESE HIGH SCHOOL.

GOVERNOR TO SECRETARY OF STATE.

GOVERNMENT HOUSE,

HONGKONG, 3rd September, 1901.

SIR,

I have the honour to forward a copy of a petition received by me and signed by over one hundred of the principal British inhabitants of the Colony.

2. The petition prays that a school may be established for Europeans only. The statements made in the petition are in accordance with the facts, and hav- ing very carefully considered the question myself, and submitted the petition for examination and report by the late and present Inspectors of Schools, I find my- self forced to the conclusion that, however opposed the proposal may be to the accepted theory of State aided education, the establishment of a school for Euro- pean children is in this Colony highly expedient..

3. Putting aside the deteriorating moral effects of the mixture of the two races in school-a deterioration I venture to say not confined to European boys— it is evident that European scholars who are obliged to regulate their progress by that of their Chinese classmates, who are painfully endeavouring to assimilate West- ern education taught to them in a foreign language, are placed at a serious disad- vantage. Under such a system I can understand the failure of the scheme of Government Scholarships adopted during the administration of Sir GEORGE BOWEN, and abandoned in 1893.

4. It is important for the Colony that English boys should learn Chinese, and that Chinese should learn English, but the result of the present system of mixed teaching is that English boys leave the Government School half instructed and Chinese boys leave knowing neither their own language nor English. The report of the last examination held at the Queen's College, which I attach,* shows this clearly.

5. I have spoken on this subject many times with the Bishop of Victoria, who has had a long experience of educational matters in China, and I agree with him that English should be taught to the Chinese students as a special subject; that they should have some knowledge of the characters of their own language before they enter upon the study of English and that their instruction in the ordinary Western school curriculum should be imparted in the Chinese language. There are, I understand, an ample supply of suitable books for the purpose translated into the Chinese language.

* Not printed.

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6. In the same way Chinese-at least colloquial Chinese-could be taught as a subject to English boys, for whom it would be necessary if the sphere of their future labours were to be in the Far East.

7. It must be remembered that the children for whose education the estab- lishment of a European School is desired are the children of respectable parents who cannot afford to send them home and who, in many cases, are driven by the present system to the abandonment of their education as, in their opinion, the least of two evils.

8. I enclose a copy of the observations of the Inspector of Schools upon the petition. Mr. IRVING roughly calculates the cost of a school such as that pray- ed for at $4,000 a year over and above the fees. This amount is not large. It might be reduced by increasing the fees, but having regard to the exception :l cost of living for Europeans of the class for whom the school is desired, I question if higher fees could be paid without serious inconvenience.

9. A petition on the subject of separate education has also been received from a number of Chinese gentlemen who pray for the establishment of a school where higher fees than those paid at the Queen's College may be charged. They are anxious to avoid the association of their children with the poorer classes at Queen's College and are willing to pay fees sufficient to support the school without cost to the Colony, but they require the assistance of Government so as to secure a proper succession of Masters. I shall address you on this subject in a separate despatch. 10. The present petition I venture to strongly recommend for your favourable consideration."

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your most obedient, humble Servant,

The Right Honourable

HENRY A. BLAKE,

Governor.

J. CHAMBERLAIN, M.P.,

His Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for the Colonies,

&c.,

&c.

Enclosure No. 1.

A PETITION: FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A BRITISH SCHOOL.

To His Excellency

SIR,

Sir HENRY BLAKE, G.C.M.G.,

Governor, etc., etc.

We, the undersigned residents in Hongkong, beg to call your Excellency's attention to the following facts with regard to Education in Hongkong, in the hope that means may be found for the provision of Education for the European children in the Colony, better than exist at present.

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shown by the recent Census, is 175 males and 202 females. Of these a very large proportion are the children of parents of small means, including many en- ployés of the Government, who cannot afford either a private education, or to send their children to Europe for schooling. To these a school in the Colony, where a suitable education can be obtained is an absolute necessity. ·

2. At present no suitable education for European children, other than Por- tuguese, is provided in the Colony. This statement may seem at first somewhat surprising in view of the number of schools maintained or assisted by the Government in which "a European education" is said to be "given in a Euro- pean language." We venture, however, to think that the following considerations will show that our statement is not inaceurate :-

(a.) The schools in the Colony assisted by Government are 96 in number. Of these, 70 schools are in Class I, "in which a Chinese education is given"; 3 schools are in Class II, in which "a European education is given in the Chinese language." The schools in these two classes are obviously not available for European children. The schools in Class III," in which a European education is given in any European language," are 23 in number. But in the great majority of these schools the masters are Chinese only; and these Chinese masters are not only incompetent to give a European education to European children, but also habitually use their own language as the medium of instruction in explaining the English books, which they teach, to their pupils. Such schools are, therefore, also not available for Europeans. There are only two Grant-in-aid Schools in Class III which have English teachers, and are open to Europeans. In addition to the schools in these three Classes, there are the Queen's College and the Belilios Public School maintained by the Government, in which there are English teachers; and also eleven schools maintained by the Government, in which there are only Chinese teachers. Thus of a total of 109 schools there are only 4 available for English children.

(b.) We consider that even in those four schools in which there are English teachers, European boys cannot secure a proper education. Educa- tion should include both the acquirement of knowledge, and also the formation of character. In both these respects we consider that the education of the European children suffers very much from the fact that Europeans and Asiatics are mixed, and the European child has to be educated side by side in the same class with large num- bers of Asiatics.

As regards the acquirement of knowledge, this mixture of races operates very injuriously upon the European. The Chinese come to these schools to learn English, not to acquire general knowledge. In his report for 1866, Mr. STEWART, who was the Headmaster at the Central School and Inspector of the Government Schools, wrote: "Nothing seems to find favour with the Chinese which does not bear a market value. Hence the comparative success of the Central School, English being convertible into dollars."(') The following year "the Principal of of St. Saviour's College dwelled especially on proving the difficulties one meets here in educating Chinese. They don't study for the sake of acquiring know- ledge, but for the sake of dollars and to enable them to earn money, and the Very Rev. Father anticipated that with very few exceptions we would never succeed in having Chinese conversant with our Sciences, but we must content ourselves with forming clerks and compradores."(2) In his Report for 1899, the

(1) See "Dates and Events connected with the History of Education in Hongkong,” p. 13. (2) Ibid, p. 21.

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late Inspector of Schools explains the more regular attendance at the schools in which English is taught, as compared with the Chinese schools, by the fact that "the education given is a special one having a distinct money value."

We do not wish to call in question the wisdom of the Chinese in this matter; but we would point out that in a school in which the majority of boys are Chinese, who come to learn English and not for the sake of acquiring knowledge, the European boy, who comes to acquire knowledge and not to learn English, must be at a very serious disadvantage. That the Chinese boys often do better than European boys in the examinations at such schools does not militate, as it might at first sight seem to do, against this statement; for the Chinese boys have undoubted ability, and, moreover, they far outnumber the English boys, and are of much more advanced age than their European class-mates. The methods of education, moreover, have to be adapted to the instruction of the Chinese, and many an English boy is of necessity kept back whilst instruction is laboriously imparted to those who have a very inferior knowledge of the medium of instruc- tion. The above remarks apply also to the so-called "Foreign Classes" in the Queen's College, where Europeans and non-Chinese Asiatics are mixed. (1)

As regards the formation of character, it is not easy to write without the risk of giving offence to our Chinese neighbours. It is not our wish to do this, for we gladly recognise the worth, and high character, of many of our Chinese fellow-residents in the Colony. But the Chinese boys in the schools are numbered by thousands, large numbers of whom, be it noticed, come from the mainland, and are in no way connected with the Colony; and the ordinary standards of truth, honour, and morality amongst the masses of the Chinese people undeniably differ very widely from our European standards. Chinese children are fully conversant with many matters which are purposely kept from the knowledge of European children. Constant contact with Chinese, both in class-room and play-ground(2) must affect the formation of the character of the European boy; more especially as the average age of the European boy is much below that of the Chinese, and the younger are always apt to follow the older. It is a note- worthy fact that some of our most respected Chinese fellow-residents have recently started a school for their own children, because they do not think it desirable that they should be thrown into constant contact with the boys in the Queen's College. What is not desirable for Chinese boys in this respect is not desirable for Europeans; but the Europeans who have to send their children to the existing mixed schools, have not the wealth to enable them to imitate the Chinese in this matter of starting a school for themselves.

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3. "Perhaps," said Mr. STEWART in his Report for 1870, "the greatest educational want in Hongkong is that of a school or schools for European and American children of both sexes.

(1) A young English boy who goes to the Queen's College and is placed in a low class is compelled to sit idle under a Chinese assistant, who teaches his Chinese pupils, in the Chinese language. Could any plan be devised more calculated to render a boy listless and inattentive throughout the rest of his school course?

(2) A senior master in the Queen's College stated that he sent his son to be taught there, but always took good care to keep his son in his own room away from the Chinese boys during the mid-day recess. It is a noteworthy fact that the European masters in these mixed schools have, without exception, sent their own children elsewhere for education.

(3) "Dates and Events," p. 18.

་

school-rooms provided free of rent in St. Paul's College; but it failed. The chief reasons of its failure were as follows:-First, The Government Grant-in- aid being calculated for schools with large numbers of Chinese pupils and with Chinese teachers, was wholly inadequate to help a school with a smaller number of pupils and with European teachers: Secondly, The fees that could be charged were necessarily low. For these two reasons it was necessary to raise a large annual subscription in the Colony for the support of the school. Then, in the third place, it was a matter of very great difficulty for the managers, who of course had not the control of a large staff of teachers, as the Government has, to retain a teacher permanently at the school; the attractions of Government posts, and other causes, leading to frequent vacancies in the post of teacher. The same cases would operate now on any private endeavour. They simply confirm the fact, now well recognised at home, that for the effective carrying on of education the State must undertake the work. The Public School in Shanghai, with 230 pupils, of whom 80 per cent. are European, the rest being Eurasian and quarter- Eurasian, could not be carried on without an Annual Grant from the Municipal Government of Tls. 4,000 with certain special grants in addition. In Hongkong, as in Shanghai, low fees could be charged; but experience has proved that Mr. STEWART'S anticipation that such a school might be nearly supported by the fees was too sanguine; and in these days it is useless to argue that necessary education should be. provided by charitable contributions and not by the rates.

4. It has been urged against the proposal to found a school for Europeans only, at the cost of the rate-payers, that it would be "Class Legislation." As a matter of fact the present system is one "Class Legislation" in favour of the Chinese as against the Europeans. All the schools in Class I and Class II and almost all the schools in Class III are available for the Chinese only. The Government has just voted $9,000 to build a school in Yaumati, and that in spite of the fact that others wished to establish such a school, asking for nothing more than a Government Grant-in-aid. It is idle to say that that school and scores of other schools maintained or supported by Government are available for Chinese and Europeans alike. Even the schools in which English is taught, where they have Chinese teachers, and instruction carried on in the Chinese language, are no more available for Europeans for the purpose of education, than the sea is available for them as a place of residence. It is true that a large proportion of the rates is paid by the Chinese. It is equally true that no inconsiderable proportion is paid by Europeans. The Chinese are bountifully provided by the Government with an education such as they desire. The Europeans are not. We do not grudge the Chinese the advantages given to them: we only ask for similar advantages for Europeans. This Colony is a composite one. Both Europeans and Chinese are absolutely essential for its very existence. By all means let the Chinese have the advantage of a good education; but we cannot believe that it is wisdom or justice on the part of the Government to make it impossible for Europeans of small means to remain in the Colony unless they are prepared to forego a proper education for their children.

5. It does not fall within our province to enter into details as regards the character and management of such a school as is suggested; but there are certain points of importance, arising from the peculiar circumstances of Hong- kong to which we think it well to call your Excellency's attention."

(a.) In view of the fact that there are many Europeans in Hongkong who require something more than a Primary Education for their children, we think that a school for Europeans ought to combine both Primary and Secondary Education. The scale of fees might easily be adjusted in such a way, that those who desired a higher

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education should pay higher fees. It must be remembered that the Queen's College provides the Chinese with more than a Primary Education.

(b) We consider that it should be possible for the children to obtain Christian teaching in the school. At present the only religion taught in the Government Schools is Confucianism! Europeans may justly claim that their children should have the opportunity of Christian teaching. Some arrangement such as exists in Board Schools in England, by which teaching in the Christian Scrip- tures should be given by the Ministers of various Denominations to the children of such parents as might wish for it, would in our opinion be essential.

(c.) In view of the manner in which the European population is scatter- ed, and the difficulty of locomotion, especially in the suminer, we consider that it would be necessary to make some arrangement for the boarding of some of the children. This is very largely done in Government Schools in India.

6. In conclusion, and on account of the foregoing considerations, we venture to appeal to your Excellency for the establishment of a school for Europeans only, where people of small means may be able to obtain a suitable education for their children. Whatever may be advanced in argument as a matter of theory, we do not believe that any European in the Colony, from your Excellency downwards, can really consider that the system of mixing a small number of European children with vast numbers of Asiatics in the same schools is really beneficial.

beneficial. As a matter of practical politics such a school as we have advocated is most urgently needed. We most earnestly hope, therefore, that your Excellency will be able to give a favourable response to our appeal.

J. C. VICTORIA. W. J. GASCOIGNE,

We have the honour to remain,

Sir,

Your Excellency's most obedient Servants,

Major-General,

Commanding in China & Ilongkong.

F. POWELL,

Commodore.

T. JACKSON.

J. J. KESWICK.

JOHN THURBURN.

H. A. RITCHIE.

F. H. MAY.

T. SERCOMBE SMITH.

C. P. CHATEK.

BASIL TAYLOR.

W. POATE.

H. E. TOMKINS.

ROBERT SHEWAN.

ARTHUR W. COLLARD, Colonel.

G. A. HUGHES, Lieut.-Colonel. THE O'GORMAN, Colonel.

JOHN A. MACKAY. HENRY W. SLADE.

R. L. RICHARDSON.

A. G. WOOD.

D. E. BROWN.

G. H. MEDHurst.

G. W. F. PLAYFAIR.

J. M. BEATTIE.

HONGKONG DAILY PRESS,

ALFRED CUNNingham,

D. MCNEILL.

H. SCHOENFelder.

D. CURRIE.

J. J. BELL IRVING.

A. C. MORE.

J. DICKIE.

J. RODGER.

J. CROMBIE.

THOS. BLAIR. THOS. H. REID.

A. W. LAVERTON.

T. PETRIE.

J. M. KINLAY.

Manager.

•

J. S. HAGEN.

J. McIVER.

WILLIAM DAVIES.

W. H. CLEASBY.

W. D. SUTTON.

ETH. F. SKERTCHLY. A. E. SIMPSON.

J. C. KERSHAW. J. ASSUMPÇÃO. H. A: BURKE.

PHILIP W. Sergeant. HERBERT PRICE.

J. W. POLLOCK.

W. BREWER & Co.

A. N. HUKE.

G. RICHARDSON. DUNCAN CLARK.

W. STUART HARRISON.

R. COOKE.

J. R. CRAIK.

G. SMITH.

W. WILSON.

W. F. FORD. W. NICHOLLS. N. C. JACK. THOMAS NEAVE. JAMES H. Cox. J. M. HENDErson. JAMES D. LOGAN. G. WHITE.

E. C. WILKS.

A. G. EWING. EDWARD OSBORNE. GEO. L. TOMLIN. WILLIAM HARTIGAN.

G. MONTAGU HARSTON.

F. O. STEDMAN.

H. P. WHITE.

W. PARFITT.

HENRY HUMPHREYS.

A. H. MANCELL.

V. A. CESAR HAWKINS, J. C. PETER.

H. W. ROBERTSON.

E. J. LIBEAUD. JAMES THOMPSON. J. M. R. TAYLOR. S. R. GRIEVE. S. J. GODWIN.

U. J. MAYSON.

}

T. E. RAYNER.

G. WALLACE COSTER.

E. H. GOOD,

Chaplain, H. M. Naval Yard.

W. BANISTER,

Secretary, Church Missionary Society.

F. T. JOHNSON,

Chaplain, St. John's Cathedral.

J. H. FRANCE,

Seamen's Chaplain, Missions to Seamen.

M. STEWART.

A. MACKIE.

H. G. BAKER. WM. L. FORD. J. D. HANSON.

D. MCDONALD. WM. ROBERTSON. D. D. CUTHBERT.

P. MCNAB. E. H. SHARp. VICTOR H. DEACON. ED. ROBINSON. JNO. J. FRANCIS. CLEMENT PALMER. F. B. L. BoWLEY. J. SCOTT HARSTON. H. F. R. BRAYNE. F. MAITLAND.

A. TURNER.

Enclosure No. 2.

A PETITION FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A HIGH SCHOOL FOR CHINESE.

SIR,

HONGKONG, 2nd March, 1901.

On behalf of an important and influential section of the Chinese Community we desire respectfully to draw the attention of His Excellency the Governor to the urgent need for a suitable English School for the education of the children-both boys and girls-of the upper classes of the Chinese resident,in this Colony.

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2. The efforts of the Government have hitherto been directed almost exclu- sively to the spread of an elementary education among what may be called the lower and lower middle classes both Chinese and non-Chinese. But the higher and more thorough training of the children of the more well-to-do classes has never been provided for.

3. The Queen's College and the Belilios Public School are excellent Govern- ment institutions in their way, but the exceedingly large number of pupils attend- ing these schools and the paucity of English teachers, and the indiscriminate and intimate intermingling of children from families of the most various social and moral standing, render then absolutely undesirable as well as unsuitable for the sons and daughters of respectable Chinese families.

4. As Government Board Schools, the above institutions answer their purposes admirably, but, we submit that, in view of the large increase to the Chinese popu- lation of a higher social status and permanently residing in this Colony, it is time that some provision should be made for a secondary education for their children.

5. At present, Chinese, who wish to give their sons a good English education, have either to send them to England or the United States for a long period or to engage at great expense a private tutor, who after all may not be a trained teacher. In the first case the children are parted from their parents at a most impression - able age and incur a very great risk of finding themselves unable on their return to resume their proper position in the family'.

6. The want is now increasingly felt of a school at which such a thorough knowledge of English could be obtained as would enable boys to leave school at a suitable age, and on proceeding to England to at once enter on the special course of study prescribed for the profession which might have been selected for them by their parents.

7. The best interests of the family demand also that the liberal education of Chinese boys should be accompanied by a commensurate advance in the education of Chinese girls, and it is for this reason that the scheme which we now beg to submit to His Excellency's most favourable consideration makes equal provision for girls.

8. The expense entailed upon the Government by the adoption of the scheme may at first sight appear great, but we do not consider that it will be in any way out of proportion to the results which are to be looked for. It is at present a con- stant complaint that, having received an education in the Government Schools, the Chinese have failed to assimilate to any extent English sympathies and ideas, and are ever backward in responding to the call of public duties. But we are confident that thorough education on the lines which we now suggest will soon remove all cause for such complaint. Such an education will not only endow our young men and women with more open minds and greater public spirit, but will result in the more cordial co-operation of the British and Chinese nations and closer intercourse between them.

9. It is well said that "large outlay on education is, if wisely directed, far "from being necessarily open to the charge of extravagance. On the contrary, "an excellent system of public education is one of the best forms of national in- “vestment. In commercial and industrial efficiency, in a higher level of civic du ty, "and above all, in the wider diffusion of moral culture and religious feeling, the "nation is amply repaid for what it spends."

10. We beg to subjoin a scheme* which roughly represents our proposals. Should His Excellency deem them worthy of consideration, we shall be happy to

* Not printed.

discuss them more fully in a personal interview at any time that His Excellency may desire.

The Honourable

We have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your most obedient Servants,

J. H. STEWART LOCKHART, C.M.G.,

Η ΚΑΙ.

WEI AYUK.

FUNG WA CHUN.

CHAN TUNG SHANG.

UEN LAI CHÜN.

Lò KUN TENG.

S. W. Tso. WEI ON.

Colonial Secretary.

Enclosure No. 3.

NOTES ON ENCLOSURE No. 1 BY THE INSPECTOR OF SCHOOLS.

With reference to the question whether such a school should be established by the Government of Hongkong, the following three points must be settled :-

A. Is there any inherent objection to such a school on the ground that, while supported by general taxation, it would be for the benefit

of one class only?

B. If justifiable in principle, is it necessary ?

C. If necessary, what kind of school should it be?

4. As I understand the matter, public funds may be devoted to any object that will add to the strength or wealth of the Colony: such objects are, the erect. tion of batteries and forts, public works, and the equipment of the rising genera- tion with knowledge and character enabling them to subserve the general welfare. Now, as to this last object, there is one section of the community perhaps of more vital importance than any other, and that is the members of the mechanical and engineering trades, the skilled British labour in the dockyards and manufac- tories, the engineers on local steamers and steam-tramways. They are the back- bone of the Colony in time of peace, and their professional knowledge would be a potent factor in its defence in war time. Many of them are already members of the Engineer and other Companies of the Volunteer Force.

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I base my justification of such a school as is proposed principally on the good it would do the Colony, by strengthening this vitally important class. To justify its creation, such a school must shew itself an addition to the local and imperial armoury it is no question of granting a compassionate allowance to one section of the community, however deserving.

B.-There are in the Colony; according to the recent Census, 175 boys and 202 girls between the ages of 5 and 16. Few of these are children of the comparatively wealthy classes who can afford to live at the Peak. Most of them have parents of the professions above enumerated. To such parents there are three courses open.

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Either they can send their children home to be educated; or they can avail them- selves of the existing schools; or they can let their children grow up with- out instruction. As regards the first alternative, it is simply out of the question on the score of expense in most cases, the expense not only of sending them home but of the maintenance of two establishments out of one income. But in the few cases where they can be so sent home, they are probably lost to the Colony it is at least as likely as not they will never return. The second alter- native before them is to send their children to Queen's College or some other of the local schools. Apart from the educational question, and speaking of the climate, there seems no particular reason why children should not grow up in Hongkong. And it is hard to exaggerate the value to the Colony and the Empire's Far- Eastern interests which there would be in a thoroughly acclimatised, technically trained, well educated nucleus of mechanicians and engineers, who having lost nothing of the natural characteristics added thereto a knowledge of the Chinese language (such as they could hardly fail to pick up) and a full understanding of Chinese methods of business. At present this dream is unrealisable in part. One of two characteristics must be absent: the education must go or the character must suffer, though probably the requisite education is not attainable by any exist- ing means.

The character must suffer. I have the greatest respect for the many good qualities of the Chinese, and feel that I can say without offence, that I should strongly object to send children of my own to attend a mixed school.

The Right Reverend the Lord Bishop of Victoria, who was for 20 years (I believe) Head of a Chinese Missionary College in Ning Po, and should know, if anyone does, is a' signatory of the Petition, pará. 2 of which expresses my meaning very clearly.

So universally is this opinion held that the second alternative is in practice bardly an alternative at all. The children are brought up, or allowed to grow up, ignorant. Their sons will be more ignorant still. When we might have had a strong full-blooded British community born to the soil, to carry on our commerce against American, German, and French competition in the Far East, we are lay- ing up for ourselves an unlearned, unskilful, unpatriotic generation of "mean whites" to be the standing disgrace of the Colony.

C.-Assuming the school to be un objectionable and necessary, it remains to consider what its nature should be. The Petition asks for both Primary and Secondary Education. The necessity for the latter must be conceded if my view of the matter is a correct one, and it should be carefully arranged to suit the prac- tical requirements of the Colony.

What the cost to the Colony would be can hardly be estimated at present.

;

There would be considerable difficulty in finding a site.

Unless it develops

into a success, perhaps the Belilios Reformatory might be adapted to this use.

EDWARD A. IRVING, Inspector of Schools.

P.S.-I should add that I am in agreement with those points raised in the Petition to which I have not alluded except the matter of religious instruction. I hold that if this is given at all it should be before or after school hours.

No. 380.

SIR,

GOVERNOR TO SECRETARY OF STATE.

GOVERNMENT HOUSE, HONGKONG, 24th September, 1991.-

I have the honour to forward a letter received from eight of the leading Chi- nese gentlemen of the Colony, praying that facilities might be afforded them for securing for the children of the better class Chinese a good English education, their reasons for desiring a special school being given. I deferred dealing with this until the general question was being considered, but remembering that the better classes of Chinese are quite as anxious as any European to preserve their children from contact with children of a lower class, intimate communication with whom would be prejudicial to their moral character, I sympathise with the desire of the writers, and hope to receive authority to meet their views as well as those of the European Petitioners for a separate school.

2. The question might present itself that the wealthy Chinese could them- selves engage the teachers; but I do not think that they could secure the same class of teachers and the same continuity that would result from the employment of teachers by the Government.

3. I entirely agree with the remarks of the Inspector of Schools, and, if we can secure the attendance of the children of the Chinese upper classes, many of whom will if the schools succeed come down from China, and some of whom will probably form part of the official class of the future, the consequences may be far- reaching and the benefit to this country may amply repay the small outlay that the scheme demands. If the school turns out a success the fees can be raised so as to cover all the expense, for the class for which the schools are intended is wealthy and can well afford to pay, I shall be glad to be authorized to enter upon this interesting experiment.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your most obedient, humble Servant,

The Right Honourable,

JOSEPH CHAMBERLAIN, M.P.,

$c..

&c.,

&c.

HENRY A. BLAKE, Governor.

HONGKONG.

No. 408.

SIR

SECRETARY OF STATE TO GOVERNOR.

DOWNING STREET,

6th December, 1901.

your despatch No. 380 of the 24th September, enclosing a letter from certain. Chinese residents asking that a suitable English School may be established, with the assistance of Government, for the education of the boys and girls of the Chinese upper classes.

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2. In view of your strong recommendation, and the arguments with which it is supported, I am prepared generally to approve of the adoption of both these proposals.

3. Before, however, any definite steps are taken towards the establishment of either school, I shall be glad to be furnished with further and fuller details of the initial and the annual cost of each school, so far as they can be forescen at present. 4. I think that it will be necessary for the Colonial Government to limit the amount of its building grant in the case of the proposed Chinese Higher School. I am very

doubtful whether Government could afford to contribute a sum equal· to or not much below $100,000, if so much were raised by private contributions.

5. You will doubtless also consider and report in due course how the estab- lishment of these two new schools will affect the Queen's College, and whether it will be possible to effect any reduction of the expenditure on the latter school.

6. I observe from the account of the system of education in Hongkong, which has been drawn up by Mr. IRVING for the Board of Education, that there is a school for sons of the troops in the Colony. If this is in any way controlled or supported by the military authorities, I presume that it will cease to exist on the opening of a Government School for European Children. I also assume that the British and American pupils at the Befilios Public School are likely to be trans- ferred to the new school.

7. It is of course understood that the new schools will be placed under the supervision of the Inspector of Schools.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your most obedient, humble Servant,

Governor

Sir HENRY A. BLAKE, G.C.M.G.,

&c.,

&c.

J. CHAMBERLAIN.

Appendix B.

GOVERNMENT NOTIFICATION, No. 310.

NEW CODE OF REGULATIONS FOR EDUCATIONAL GRANTS-IN-AID.

1893.

Notice is hereby given to Managers of Schools that the New Code of Regula- tions for Educational Grants-in-Aid, as published below, has been approved by the Right Honourable the Secretary of State for the Colonies on the 27th of June last, to come into force six months after date of this Notification.

By Command,

G. T. M. O'BRIEN, Colonial Secretary.

Colonial Secretary's Office, Hongkong, 12th August, 1893.

LATION

NEW CODE OF REGULATIONS FOR EDUCATIONAL GRANTS-IN-AID.

1893.

411

For the better promotion of Education in the Colony, the Government of Hongkong is prepared to assist schools on the system of grants-in-aid, subject to the following conditions:-

that-

1. Before any grant can be made to a school, the Government must be satisfied

(a) The school is conducted as a public school.

(b) The school is not carried on with a view to private emolument but is under the direction of a manager personally deriving from it no pecu- niary advantage whatever.

(c) The school premises are healthy, well lighted, drained and ventilated, properly furnished, and contain sufficient internal space for the average attendance.

(d) The master is competent.

(e) The time devoted to instruction in the subjects of the standards is at

least four (not necessarily consecutive) hours daily.

(f) The admission and daily attendance of the scholars are carefully regis- tered by or under the supervision of the principal teacher and periodically verified by the manager; also proper discipline is maintained.

(g) The organisation is good, and the work conducted in accordance with a

proper time-table.

2. The Government will not interfere in any way with-

(a) The religious instruction of a school.

(b) The hours for such instruction.

id) The school books, provided they are sufficient, as regards the instruction which they contain, for the purposes of the standards hereafter to be referred to.

(e) The style of handwriting, but a bold round hand is recommended for

European writing.

(f) The stipulations of this code, without six months' previous notice in the

Gazette.

3. Grants will be subject to a cumulative reduction of five per cent. on the whole sum gained by a school, in each case where the Inspector reports defects in

(a) The teaching.

(b) The accommodation.

(d) The organisation.

(e) The discipline.

(†) The books and apparatus.

Due regard in all these cases will be had to circumstances.

4. A school receiving a grant must be--

(a) Located where there is a sufficient population requiring a school, and not be removed elsewhere without previous approval of the Govern-

ment.

(b) Open at all times to Government inspection.

teacher who will periodically verify the school roll, conduct all corres- pondence with the Government, sign the receipt for the grant, and furnish all returns which the Government may require.

412

5. In the case of Chinese schools not under European supervision, the Inspect- or will be manager when necessary.

6. The Government will not bind itself to give grants to all schools claiming them under the foregoing conditions, but will be guided by the circumstances of each case, and by the amount of money at its disposal for educational purposes. In all cases where a grant is refused, the reasons for the refusal will be given.

7. The Government will reserve to itself the power to withdraw or reduce grants. In all cases, the reasons for the withdrawal or reduction will be given. All grants are subject to a reduction pro ratâ whenever the total sum otherwise payable exceeds the amount voted for the purpose.

8. One-fourth of the total grant made to a school will be handed to the paid teacher as a personal bonus. Paid assistant-teachers share in this payment in proportion to amount of salary received during the year. In the event of a change of paid teachers or assistant-teachers, each will receive his proportion of the sum thus due. If a paid teacher or assistant-teacher is dismissed, his share of the grant will go to the school.

9. A detailed account, with proper vouchers, of the total income and expen- diture of each school, must be furnished by the manager annually, in the form provided for that purpose.

10. Grants will be made for definite results in the subjects mentioned in the standards hereinafter referred to and no others.

11. These results will be ascertained at the annual examination of the school by the Inspector or by such assistant examiners as the Government may appoint.

12. Assistant examiners will be paid for their asssistance.

13. Schools eligible for grants-in-aid will be—

Class I.--Schools in which a Chinese education is given.

Class II.-Schools in which a European education is given in the Chinese

language.

Class III. Schools in which a European education is given in any European

language.

14. The basis of examination will be one hundred daily attendances of no less than four hours each at instruction in the subjects of the several standards, provided that the school shall have met not less than two hundred times in the course of the year.

15. Scholars who have satisfied the foregoing condition will be examined in accordance with the following standards and they may not be withheld from examination without a reasonable excuse. The results of the examination of each scholar will be communicated to the managers.

16. For Schools in Class I. (Schools in which a Chinese education is given.)

STANDARD I.

1. Reading. Two pages of the First Reader used in the school.

2. Repetition. Two pages of the same book.

3. Writing. From dictation, ten common characters in the First Dic-

tation Book used in the school.

4. Optional Subject (Arithmetic).—Notation up to 10,000.

Value of a pass in the ordinary subjects of this standard: three

dollars in Arithmetic: half a dollar.

STANDARD II.

1 Reading-A passage not exceeding fifty characters in the Second Rea-

der used in the school.

2. Repetition. A short paragraph of the First and Second Readers used

in the school.

3. Writing. From dictation, twenty consecutive characters in the Second

Dictation Book used in the school.

4. Optional Subject (Arithmetic).-Notation up to a million and simple

addition and subtraction.

Value of a pass in the ordinary subjects of this standard; four

dollars; in Arithmetic: seventy-five cents.

STANDARD III.

1. Reading. A passage not exceeding sixty characters in the Third

Reader used in the school.

2. Repetition. A short paragraph of the First, Second and Third Readers

used in the school.

3. Explanation.-The characters in the passage read.

4. Writing from dictation, forty consecutive characters in the Third Dic-

tation Book used in the school.

5. Optional Subject (Arithmetic).-Multiplication, in addition to the

arithmetic of the previous standard.

Value of a pass in the ordinary subjects of this standard: six

dollars; in Arithmetic: one dollar.

STANDARD IV.

1. Reading.-A passage not exceeding seventy characters in the Fourth

Reader used in the school.

2. Explanation.-Simple phrases in the passage read.

3. Writing. From memory, a passage not exceeding fifty characters in

the book used in the school for that purpose.

4. Composition. -Three antithetical couplets of not more than three

characters each (E).

5. Geography. The two hemispheres (general outlines).

6. Optional Subject (Arithmetic).-The simple rules.

Value of a pass in at least four of the ordinary subjects of this standard: seven dollars; in Arithmetic: one dollar and a half.

STANDARD V.

1. Repetition. A passage not exceeding eighty characters in the Fifth

Reader used in the school.

2. Explanation.-In writing, a passage not exceeding twenty characters

in the same book.

3. Writing. From mem ory, a passage not exceeding sixty characters in

the book used in the school for that purpose.

4. Composition.-Three antithetical couplets of not more than five char-

acter's each (五言對)

5. Geography. The Chinese Empire, in addition to the geography of the

previous standard.

6. Optional Subject (Arithmetic.)-Compound rules (Chinese money), in

addition to the arithmetic of the previous standards.

Value of a pass in at least four of the ordinary subjects of this

standard: eight dollars; in Arithmetic: two dollars.

STANDARD VI.

1. Repetition.-A passage not exceeding one hundred characters in the

Sixth Reader used in the school.

413

414

2. Explanation.-In writing, a passage not exceeding thirty characters in

the same book.

3. Writing. From memory, a passage not exceeding fifty characters in

the book used in the school for that

purpose.

4. Composition.-A simple letter ().

5. Geography. The Canton Province, in addition to the geography of

the previous standards.

6. Optional Subject (Arithmetic).-Reduction (Chinese Tables,) in addi-

tion to the arithmetic of the previous standards.

Value of a pass in at least four of the ordinary subjects of this standard: nine dollars; in Arithmetic: two dollars and a half.

STANDARD VII.

1.-Repetition. A passage not exceeding one hundred characters in the

Seventh Reader used in the school.

2. Explanation. In writing, a passage not exceeding fifty characters in

the same book.

3. Writing.-In colloquial or book style, a simple story read out twice by

the examiner.

4. Composition. In polite epistolary style, a letter (L).

5. Geography.-Drawing a map of any of the continents (the map to include the principal towns, rivers and mountains of the continent prescribed).

6. History. In colloquial or book style, answers to questions from the

History Book used in the school.

7. Optional Subject (Arithmetic).-Vulgar fractions, in addition to the

arithmetic of the previous standards.

Value of a pass in at least five of the ordinary subjects of this

standard: ten dollars; in Arithmetic: three dollars.

NOTE. In girls schools, repetition may be substituted for com- position in standard IV, and reading for composition in standard V.

17. For Schools in Class II. (Schools in which a European education is given in the Chinese language).

STANDARD I.

1. Reading and repeating.-Two pages of the First Reader used in the

school.

2. Writing. From dictation, ten common characters from the same book. 3. Arithmetic. Notation and numeration up to 10,000.

Value of a pass in this standard: four dollars.

STANDADRD II.

1. Reading and repeating.-A passage not exceeding fifty characters in

the First and Second Readers used in the school.

2. Writing. From dictation, twenty consecutive characters from the Second

Dictation Book used in the school.

3. Arithmetic. Notation and numeration up to one million, and simple

addition and subtraction.

Copy writing (Romanized only) will be taken in this standard, but it will not be counted if the scholar has not passed in two of the other subjects.

Value of a pass in this standard: six dollars.

“འཕ བ

STANDARD III.

1. Reading.-A passage not exceeding sixty characters in the Third Reader

used in the school, with explanation in colloquial Chinese.

2. Writing. From dictation, forty consecutive characters in the Third

Dictation Book used in the school.

3. Arithmetic.--The simple rules.

Copy writing (Romanized only) will be taken in this standard, but it will not be counted if the scholar has not passed in two of the other subjects.

Value of a pass in this standard: eight dollars.

STANDARD IV.

1. Reading. A passage not exceeding seventy characters in the Fourth Reader used in the school, with explanation in colloquial Chinese.

2. Writing. From dictation, fifty consecutive characters in the Fourth

Dictation Book used in the school.

3. Arithmetic.--Compound rules (Chinese money), in addition to the

arithmetic of the previous standards.

4. Geography. The two hemispheres (general outlines).

Copy writing (Romanized only) will be taken in this standard, but it will not be counted if the scholar has not passed in three of the other subjects.

Value of a pass in this standard: nine dollars.

→

STANDARD V.

1. Reading. A passage not exceeding eighty characters in the Fifth Reader used in the school, with explanation in colloquial Chinese.

2. Writing. From memory, a passage not exceeding fifty characters in

the book used in the school for that purpose.

3. Arithmetic.-Reduction (Chinese Tables) and simple proportion, in ad-

dition to the arithmetic of the previous standards.

4. Geography. The Chinese Empire, in addition to the geography of

the previous standard.

5. History. The History used in the school for this standard.

6. Optional Subject. - Physical Geography (atmosphere, rivers and winds). Copy writing (Romanized only) will be taken in this standard, but it will not be counted if the scholar has not passed in four of the other subjects.

Value of a pass in the ordinary subjects of this standard: ten dollars ;

in Physical Geography: one dollar.

STANDURD VI.

1. Reading.A passage not exceeding one hundred characters in the Sixth Reader used in the school, with explanation in colloquial Chinese. 2. Writing. From memory, writing (in Romanized character or collo- quial Chinese) the substance of a short story read out twice by the examiner.

3. Arithmetic.-Compound proportion and vulgar fractions, in addition

to the arithmetic of the previous standards.

4. Geography.-The Canton Province, in addition to the geography of the

previous standards.

5. History.-The History used in the school for this standard.

415

416

6. Optional Subject.-Physical Geography the oceans, currents and tides, in addition to the physical geography subjects of the previous standard). Value of a pass in at least four of the ordinary subjects of this standard :

eleven dollars; in Physical Geography: one dollar and a half.

STANDARD VII.

1. Reading. A passage not exceeding one hundred characters in the

Seventh Reader used in the school

2. Explanation.--In writing (Chinese characters) a paraphrase of a pas-

sage, not exceeding thirty characters, in the same book.

3. Composition. A simple letter () in Chinese characters (collo-

quial or book style).

4. Arithmetic-Reduction (of English money) and decimal fractions, in

addition to the arithmetic of the previous standards.

5. Geography.-Drawing from memory a map of any of the continents (the map to include the principal rivers, mountains and cities in the continent prescribed).

6. History.-The History used in the school for this standard.

7. Optional Subject.—Physical Geography (the earth, the moon, and the

planetary system).

Value of a pass in at least five of the ordinary subjects of this standard: twelve dollars; in Physical Geography: two dollars.

NOTE.-All the books used, and work submitted for examination purposes should be in the Chinese character, but in the cases of Copy writing, Arithmetic, Geography, History and Physical Geography, the Roma- nized system may be used.

18. For Schools in Class III. (Schools in which a European education is given in any European language.)

STANDARD I.

1. Reading.-Accurate pronunciation of each word in a passage not exceed-

ing five lines in the First Book used in the school.

2. Writing. A short sentence from the same book, slowly read once and

then dictated in single words.

3. Arithmetic. Notation and numeration up to 1,000. Simple addition

and subtraction of numbers of not more than three figures.

Copy writing will be taken in this standard, but it will not be if counted the scholar has not passed in two of the other subjects.

Value of a pass in this standard: six dollars.

STANDARD II.

1. Reading. Slow and distinct reading of a passage not exceeding ten

lines in the Second Book used in the school.

2. Writing.-A sentence from the same book slowly read once, and then

dictated in single words..

3. Arithmetic. Notation and numeration up to a million, and simple mul- tiplication and division, in addition to the arithmetic of the previous standard.

4. Geography.-Definitions.

Copy writing will be taken in this standard, but it will not be counted if the scholar has not passed in three of the other subjects.

Value of a pass in this standard: eight dollars.

· 47

STANDARD III.

1. Reading.--Clear and intelligible reading of a passage not exceeding

ten lines in the Third Book used in the school.

2. Writing.-Six lines of ordinary prose from the same book, slowly dic-

tated once by a few words at a time.

3. Arithmetic. Compound rules (English and Chinese money), in addi-

tion to the arithmetic of the previous standards.

4. Grammar.--Ability to distinguish the parts of speech in a short sentence

in the Reading Book.

5. Geography.-Orally: the two hemispheres (general outlines), in addition

to the geography of the previous standard.

Copy writing will be taken in this standard, but it will not be counted if the scholar has not passed in four of the other subjects.

Value of a pass in this standard: ten dollars.

STANDARD IV.

1. Reading.-Intelligent reading of a prose passage not exceeding fifteen

lines in the Fourth Book used in the school.

2. Writing.-Eight lines of ordinary prose from the same book slowly

dictated once by a few words at a time.

3. Arithmetic.-Vulgar fractions and reduction of the most ordinary weights and measures, in addition to the arithmetic of the previous standards.

4. Grammar.-Parsing (fully) a simple sentence from the Reading Book. 5. Geography.-Europe, in addition to the geography of the previous

standards.

Copy writing will be taken in this standard, but it will not be counted if the scholar has not passed in four of the other subjects.

Value of a pass in this standard: twelve dollars.

STANDARD V.

1. Reading-Fluent and intelligent reading of a short ordinary para-

graph chosen by the examiner from some com:non book.

2. Writing. From memory, the substance of a short story read out twice by the examiner. Writing, spelling and grammar will be

taken into account.

3. Arithmetic. Decimal fractions, simple proportion, simple interest

and practice in addition to the arithmetic of the previous standards. 4. Grammar.-Analysis and parsing of a simple sentence.

5. Geography.-Asia and Africa in addition to the geography of the

previous standards.

Copy writing will be taken in this standard, but it will not be counted if the scholar has not passed in four of the other subjects.

Value of a pass in this standard: fourteen dollars.

STANDARD VI.

1. Reading. To read with fluency and expression an ordinary piece of

prose or poetry chosen by the examiner.

2. Writing. A short theme or letter or easy paraphrase. Writing,

spelling and grammar will be taken into account.

3. Arithmetic. Compound proportion, compound interest, profit and loss and square root, in addition to the arithmetic of the previous standards.

417

418

4. Grammar,-Analysis and parsing of a complex sentence (prose or

poetry) chosen by the examiner.

5. Geography.-America and Oceania, and to draw from memory a map of any of these continents, the map to include the principal rivers, mountains and cities in the continent prescribed.

6. History. A period of the History used in the school.

Value of a pass in at least five of the subjects of this standard : sixteen dollars.

--་

STANDARD VII.

1. Reading.-To read with intelligence (to be tested by questions), fluency and expression, a passage from a historical drama of Shakes- peare, chosen by the Manager.

2. Composition.-A theme. Idiom, grammar, spelling and handwriting

to be taken into account.

3. Arithmetic.-Cube root, averages, percentages, discount and stocks,

in addition to the arithmetic of the previous standards.

4. Grammar. Common prefixes, terminations and derivatives from

foreign languages.

5. Geography.-Commercial Geography of the British Colonies and Dependencies, and to draw from memory a map of any of the conti- nents of the eastern hemisphere..

6. Elementary Science.-Animal and plant life and distribution of plants,

animals and races of mankind.

7. History.-A period of the History used in the school, in addition to

the History of the previous standard.

Value of a pass in at least six of the subjects of this standard

eighteen dollars.

NOTE. The Arithmetic of girls schools need not include decimal frac-

tions, square or cube root, dicount or stocks.

19. In all cases where copy writing is taken, it may be tested by work to be done in the presence of the examiner, but anyhow, not less than twenty-six hours' work must be submitted for inspection.

20. Scholars who are presented under standards IV, V, VI or VII in schools of Class III may also be examined in the following special subjects, namely;-Latin, Greek, German, French, Algebra, Euclid, Mensuration, Trigonometry, Physical Geography, the Natural Sciences, Book-keeping, Drawing and Stenography, pro- vided the subjects are taught in such a way as to graduate the instruction to the different standards. But no scholar may be presented for examination in more than two special subjects in standard IV, three subjects in standards V or VI and four subjects in standard VII, and, as a rule, no scholar, after being examined in one special subject, may change it for another before passing in three stages of it.

Value of a pass, in each of such cases: one dollar in standard IV, two dollars in standard V, three dollars in standard VI, and four dollars in standard VII, in addition to the proper value of the respective standard.

21. Managers of schools, wishing to have scholars examined in any of the special subjects, will receive a graduated scheme for the subjects of their choice on application to the Inspector.

22. No grant will be made for any subject not specified in this code.

23. A capitation grant will be given for every scholar in average attendance, at the rate of one dollar a head in schools in Class III, seventy-five cents a head in schools in Class II and half a dollar a head in schools in Class I.

24. No scholar will be examined in a lower standard than that under which he has been previously presented, nor in the same standard unless he has failed to pass in two or more subjects.

25. Scholars learning a language which is not their mother tongue will have their intelligence tested by requiring them to explain in their own language the meaning of the passages read.

26. In girls schools one of the four hours for instruction in the subjects of the several standards may be assigned to Needlework which will have the following values:-fair, half a dollar; good, one dollar; very good, one dollar and a half.

27. Building Grants.

1. Aid is not granted to build new public schools unless the Government

is satisfied-

(a) That there is a sufficient population requiring a school in the vicinity. (b) That the school is likely to be inaintained in efficiency.

2. The grants made by the Government for building, enlarging, impro- ving, or fitting up public schools, are not to exceed one half of the actual cost.

3. The site, plans, estimates, specifications, title, and trust deed, must be

previously approved by His Excellency the Governor.

4. The extension of the area of existing school-rooms to receive more scholars, and the addition of teachers' dwellings to existing school- rooms, are treated pro tanto as new cases under clause 2.

5. The trustees (or other legal representatives) of the school must state by

a declaration of trust to be registered in the Land Office:--

(a) That the premises are to be used for educational purposes

and for no other purpose whatever.

(b) That the school is to be managed in accordance with the

principles of the grant-in-aid code.

(c) That the school and premises are to be open, at all reasona- ble times, to educational and sanitary inspection by the Government.

(d) That, if they should hereafter desire to release themselves from the foregoing obligations, they will, in such case, repay into the Colonial Treasury the whole amount of the build- ing grant.

6. The grant is paid on presentation of a certificate (with balance sheet annexed), by the Building and Managing Committees of the school, setting forth that the building and conveyance are completed and that the money in hand, will, when added to the grant, meet all claims and finally close the account.

28. All correspondence with the Government on subjects connected with this code must be sent through the Inspector of Schools for the time being.

Hongkong, 19th August, 1893.

E. J. EITEL, Ph. D.,

Inspector of Schools.

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420

Application Schedule.

(To be filled up when application is made for a Grant-in-aid.)

1. What is the name of the School?

2. Is it a Public School? (a)

3. Is it a Bovs', or a Girls', or a Mixed School?

4. Where is it situated?

5. What are its Dimensions? (b)

6. What is the Average Attendance? (c)...

7. Is the School-work conducted by a Time Table? (√)

S. Is there a regularly kept School Roll? (e) ..

9. What Books are to be used under the several Standards? (ƒ;|

10. What are the School-hours?

11. What hours (four at least) are to be assigned to instruc-

tion in the subjects of the Standards?

12. What Holidays are given, and when?...............

13. What is the Manager's name and has he no pecuniary

interest in the school?

14. What is the paid Master's name?

15. How many years' experience as a teacher has he had? 16. What Assistants has he, and what are their names?

17. What is the salary of the paid Master, and that of each

of his Assistants?

18. What annual sum is derived from School-fees?...

19. What annual sum is derived from Donations and Sub-

scriptions?

··

20. Has the School any other, and what, means of support? 21. What are the various headings and amounts of Expendi-

ture?

22. Is there any, and what, Debt connected with the School?

Signature of Applicant.

Date of Application

(a) A Public School shall mean a school where education is given in the subjects of the standards, and where

no child is refused admittance on other than reasonable grounds.

Give the length, breadth and height of the room or rooms, with the extent of wall-space available for maps. The average attendance is the total number of attendances, marked in the roll within a certain period,

divided by the number of days the school has been taught during the same period.

(b)

(c)

(d)

Enclose a copy.

(e)

Enclose a specimen page.

Number.

(f) Forward a copy of each.

Examination Schedule.

(To be filled up and forwarded to the Inspector seven clear days before the day fixed for the

examination.)

Name of Scholar.

Age (on Inst Birthday.)

Dale of Admission to this School.

Year. Month.

Number of

In what class

Attendances of four hours

each at Instruction in the Year.

in School. (The First Class

means the

highest.) Commence-with

the lowest Class.

Under what Standard Last examined.

Under what Standard Now to be

examined.

Remarks.

Signature of Manager.

Date

HONGKONG.

REPORT ON THE QUEEN'S COLLEGE, FOR THE YEAR 1901.

8 No. 1902

Laid before the Legislative Council by Command of His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government.

No. 10.

QUEEN'S COLLEGE, HONGKONG, 25th January, 1902.

SIR, I have the honour to present the Annual Report on Queen's College for the year 1901.

1. On the 22nd January, 1882, I first arrived in the Colony to assume the duties of Head Master. propose, therefore, briefly to compare the conditions existing twenty years ago and now:

Statistics.

1901.

1881.

Total No. on the Roll,

1,483

562

Average Daily Attendance,

894

386

Monthly Maximum,

1,154

451

Daily Maximum,

1,129

School Fees....

$28,424.00

Expense to the Government,

$15,475.04

Average Expense of each Scholar,

$17.31

$4,051.00 $10,550.15 $27.35

Thus at the present time we have twice and a half as many boys as twenty years ago; fees seven times the amount; total net annual expense to Government one and a half times, while the cost of cach individual scholar is nearly two-thirds of the figures in 1882.

3. I arrived at a time when the work at the Central School had been publicly called in question, and my opinion, as a stranger, was desired. At the Prize Distribution, after conducting the examina- tion, I was able truthfully to say to Sir JOHN POPE HENNESSY that I was surprised at the success of Chinese boys in coping with the difficulties of the English language; and I may add that this im- pression has not faded, but, on the contrary, has been confirmed with increased experience. That a Chinese boy should in five years advance from the study of the Alphabet to an intelligent acquaintance with a play of Shakespeare and a period of English History is to me little short of the miraculous; when due allowance is made for the novelty of the simplest ideas, which are conveyed in idioms, without parallel in his own language.

4. The chief points of contrast between the Examination held by me in 1882 (which naturally is indelibly printed on my brain) and the Examination just concluded, are as follows. The papers now are nearly all clean and remarkably well written; whereas twenty years ago these were the exception, the majority of papers being dirty and almost illegible. The standard now applied is infinitely severer; in 1882 the action of the gauge was very delicate and sympathetic; e.g., if from a hopeless translation, you could decipher that the boy had a fairly correct idea of the original, he was allowed to pass; in Composition, three sentences grammatically correct constituted the test of a pass, irrespective of subject matter; in Arithmetic, there was an allowance for method, which was supposed to condone for a wrong digit in even a total or product; beyond all this, a personal element was in- troduced into the equation in the case of delicate or weak-minded boys, or of boys whose attendances had been affected by sickness or other cause. I objected to anything but a rigid uniform standard being applied to all alike; and maintained that, in mathematical subjects except for some slight cleri- cal error, no leniency could be shown. The severer standard was gradually adopted, to avoid pressing too heavily at first.

5. A further proof of the increase of standard is to be found in the larger proportion of boys examined in certain subjects. Every boy is now examined in Reading, as against three-quarters of the school. All the Chinese are examined in Translations, whereas in 1882 twenty per cent. did not offer these subjects. More than half the boys are now examined in English Composition, as against less than one-quarter in 1882; in Grammar 85° as compared with 46%, and in Geography 69% with 39% The full significance of the difference will be more apparent when it is understood that 781 boys were in 1902 examined in English Grammar as against 170 in 1882, On the other hand, twenty years ago. Copy Writing was accepted for more than three-quarters of the whole school as a subject which might assist in averting failure; this concession is now made to only one-seventh, Several subjects now forming part of the curriculum were not taught in 1881-Shakespeare, Algebra, Euclid, Mensuration, Book-keeping, Natural Science, and Physiology. One outcome of this general

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raising of the standard of education in Queen's College has been that for the last twelve years, through entering for the Oxford Local Examinations, our boys have, with varying success, been able to submit to a test of their English attainments by English Examiners in England.

6. I feel confident that this brief historical review will not be misconstrued into an expression of satisfaction with either the progress made or the standard attained in so long a perio l as twenty years. My desire is merely to place on record a statement of the fact that some alvance, however inadequate, has been made in that time. No one can be more eager or ambitious than myself to see the standard of work at Queen's College raised immeasurably higher; but I may perhaps be permitted to say that nobody knows better the inherent difficulties in the way. The formation of an Advanced Class above and beyond the First Class has long been a cherished scheme of mine. Unfortunately, however, less than half a dozen boys remain in the College at the beginning of the new school year. who would be fit to proceed to higher work; and of these we should have no assurance whatever that any would remain so long as even six months, whereas two years would be the least possible time, in which any result could be hoped to be effected; and in saying this I refer to both non-Chinese and Chinese alike. Of circumstances not under our control, it is to be noted that so long as Plague recurs annually in the Colony education must suffer.

7. The present most crying educational neels of Queen's College would appear to be:—

(a.) the maintenance of the full strength of the English staff, vacancies being supplied as

expeditiously as possible;

(b.) more efficient training of Junior Chines. Assistants by the appointment of a Normal

Master, who, for a small extra salary (like that of the Head Master of the Police School), should devote, in addition to his ordinary class duties, six hours a week to the careful instruction of Pupil Teachers;

(e.) the restoration of Native Chinese School for the boys in the Lower and Preparatory

Schools;

(d) the erection, or enlargement, of schools at Wantsai and Suiyingpun under English Masters, to act as feeders to Queen's College, the curriculum of which place would have to be carefully followed, that boys might on admission be fit for the Upper School or for Class IV at the lowest.

8. I returned to the Colony after eighteen months' leave and resumed duties on 1st November, 1901. Mr. A. J. MAY (Second Master) had been Acting Head Master during my absence, evidently devoting himself most energetically to foster the welfare of the College. I may especially mention that it was due to his judicious arrangements, that increased accommodation was provided at the beginning of the year, and that considerable improvement was secured in the results at the Annual and Oxford Local Examinations.

9. I found on my return three English and two Chinese Masters, all energetic and capable men, re- moved from the staff: Mr. MACHELL by death, Mr. BARLOW by retirement on pension, Mr. WoonCOCK by transference to the Sanitary Board, Mr. PUN YUN FONG by resignation, and Mr. Ün K'am Wa on loan to the Supreme Court. If to these losses, we add the absence for four years as Acting Deputy Registrar, of Mr. JONES, the resignation of Mr. CHIU CH-TSUNG and Mr. LUK KING-FO, and the transfer to the Supreme Court of Mr. WoxG Kwok U, which took place a couple of years ago, we find that we have lost 4 Senior English and 5 Senior Chinese Masters.

10. A year was occupied in filling the vacancy caused by Mr. MACHELL'S retirement and subse- quent death, Mr. W. R. SEYMOUR of London University, who promises to be a useful addition to the staff, arriving in June last. There are still two vacancies caused in July and October, which we anxiously long to hear are suitably filled. It must be remembered that six English masters were considered the minimum number necessary for the 400 boys at the Central School; it is therefore evid- ent that for 1,000 boys per month (and often per day) ten English masters are far indeed from an ex- travagant demand.

11. With only half the English staff present, and with Junior Chinese Assistants rapidly promoted to fill the vacancies caused by five changes in the Senior Chinese staff, while all the Chinese Assistants were temporarily raised three plices to supply the vacancies on the English staff-it is manifest that Mr. MAY had serious difficulties to cope with in securing the efficient working of the College, and that great credit is due to him and the English and Chinese masters for the considerable success gained.

12. The Governing Body instructed me to examine the Upper School this year, in addition to the Lower and Preparatory Schools, which by standing order are annually examined by the Head Master. Unfortunately at the beginning of the Oral Examination, I was absent for several days through indisposition. As no time could be spared, I was obliged to authorize Mr. MAY to examine Classes V-VIII in Reading, Classes V and VI in Conversation, and Class VII orally in Grammar. With these exceptions, and the omission of the Translation Papers from English into Chinese, which were as usual entrusted for marking to the Second Master, I have personally conducted the entire Examination of the 910 boys present..

CLASS.

13. The following summary shows the result of the Examination in the various sections and the College generally :--

Upper

School

.269 boys examined

Lower

362

,、

Preparatory

279

College

.910

238 boys or 89% passel

..332 ...271

.841

The usual table of Percentage of Passes in each class and subject is here given

QUEEN'S COLLEGE.

HONGKONG.

ANNUAL EXAMINATION, 1901.

•

Total Number examined.

Total Number

passed.

Percentage of total Passes.

Chin, to Eng.

Eng. to Chin.

Reading.

Conversation.

Dictation.

Arithmetic.

Grammar.

Geography.

Composition.

History.

Algebra.

Euclid.

Shakespeare.

Book-keeping.

General Intelli-

gence.

Mensuration.

Physiology.

Science.

Map.

Upper School.

97 81

93 96

IA..... 8

B.,.. 13 11 85 100 54 100 62 31 IIA.,... 32 31 B., 20 17 IIIA..... 59 55 B.,... 54 42 C.,... 32

31 N 1.... 10

7 88 100 100 88 50 38 75 100 38 25

75 88 88 63 50

69 92

23 46

97 100 84

91 84 88 81

95 95

85 45 90 40

98 100 80 90

92 93

100

19 15 79

78 89 91 100 41 76 97 100 100 100 63 97 63 97 7 ΤΟ

100 80 70 70 60 2. 10 10 100

100 70 40 50 50 3.... 12 12 100

50 100 67

92 84 100 75 75 84 79 42 74 58 69

20 57

22 46

84 97

20 80

50 90

20 100 100

70 30

100 100

Lower School.

}

IVA..... 56 ! 51

B.,... 59 49 83 C.,... 32 28

95 100 39 33 68 52 53 71 95 98 32 82 87 100 100 47 91

56 50 83

44 50

VA.,... 31

87 100 97

74 64

32 19 87

B.,.

32 30 94 93 90 84

88 91

72 56 94

C.,... 31 VIA..... 51 B.,... 31 C... 36

30 97 100 97

100

87 100

64 100

51 100 98 98 94 92 98

29 85 97 100

36 100 100 100

100

258

97 77 91

24 68

94 97 69 100 100

:: 800

Preparatory School.

VIIA..... 51 50 98 100 94 84

B.,... 33 33 100 100 94

98 88 92 100 100 100

C.,... 27

27 100 100 83

100 93 81

D., 34

34 100 100 97 VIIIA.,...] 61 61 100 100 98

B.,... 42

41 98 90 94 71 C., 31

97 91

100 100

100

8 Writing.

93 88

25 | 81 82 52 84

55 61

There is a

14. On the whole, this is the best Examination within my memory for many years. manifest improvement in the non-Chinese sections. The excellence of the English Composition in the Chinese Classes IIA-IVC inclusive was, in my opinion, the chief feature of the Examination. English Grammar and History were subjects specially good in all classes.

In the Upper School, Arithmetic, Algebra and Euclid were good; Book-keeping in IIA very good; In IAB, N1.2 Geography was weak, and in IAB Dictation and Composition poor.

In the Lower School, with the exception of Arithmetic, which was very weak, all the subjects were much above the average.

The Preparatory School maintained its usual high level.

I shall provide the Governing Body with a separate Report with fuller particulars.

15. The results at the Oxford Local Examinations held at this centre were most encouraging, the number of certificates obtained last July by boys of this College being far in excess of previous successes for many years, there being 4 Senior, 3 Junior, and 9 Preliminary.

815

16. Two years ago, the Honourable the Colonial Secretary, in his address at the Prize Distribu- tion in this ball, expressed a hope that a Gymnasium might be provided for the use of our boys. The matter has been under the consideration of the Government and plans were submitted some months ago by the Honourable the Director of Public Works. The issue is awaited with interest.

17. The playground accommodation originally intended for 700 boys is naturally barely suffi- cient for 1,000. It has been suggested that a triangular piece of waste ground to the south-west of the College might be given for this purpose by the Governinent. The cost of levelling and enclosing would not appear to be a very serious consideration. It might, however, be more advantageous to erect the Gymnasium on this site, instead of encroaching on the lower playground.

18. The usual Tables of Expenditure and Attendances are appended.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your most obedient Servant,

GEO. H. BATESON WRIGHT, D.D. Oxon.,

Honourable J. H. STEWART LOCKHART, C.M.G.,

Colonial Secretary.

January,

February,

March,..

April,

May,

June,

July,

August,

September,

October,

November,

December,

1901.

QUEEN'S COLLEGE.

Head Master.

Number

Month.

of Scholars.

of Attendance.

Number of

School Days.

Average Daily Attendance.

Remarks.

989

23,646

946

6,428

918

1,147

18,613

1,095

1,154

18,089

1,064

1,108

23,513

980

801

13,941

581

828

16,013

696

791

5,284

755

1,048

15,852

991

1,041

25,797

955

1,011

22,105

881

970

20,772

903

Total,.

210,053

235

Total Number of ATTENDANCES during 1901,

.210,053

Number of SCHOOL DAYS during 1901,

235

Average DAILY ATTENDANCE during 1901,

894

1,483

Total Number of SCHOLARS at this School during 1901,

AVERAGE EXPENSE OF EACH SCHOLAR AT QUEEN'S COLLEGE DURING 1901.

Expenditure,--

Cash Book,

Do.. Exchange Compensation,.

Crown Agents,

Do.,

Deduct,-

School Fees, Refunds,

Adjustment of Exchange,

Total Expense of College,

Average Expense of each Scholar,--

Per Number on Roll, .... Per Average Daily Attendance,

$32,153.74

5,209.75

3,339.83

3,441.37

$44,144.69

$28,424.00

245.65

$28,669.65

$15,475.04

$10.43 17.31

GEO. II. BATESon Wright, d.d. Oxon«,

Head Master.

50-7.10.02.

HONGKONG.

MEMORANDUM ON THE DRAFT ESTIMATES FOR 1903.

Laid before the Legislative Council by Command of His Excellency the Governor.

835

No. 1902

GOVERNOR AND LEGISLATURE.

The only item calling for remark is the special vote for new furniture for Mountain Lodge, the Governor's new Peak residence. The vote will, of course, be

non-recurrent.

COLONIAL SECRETARY'S OFFICE.

Assistant Porter.-The small additional expense entailed by this extra appoint- ment is recommended.

Mail Messenger.-Correspondence between Government Offices and Tái P'ó was formerly carried by coolies who carried provisions. This system proved un- satisfactory and the appointment of a Mail Messenger is recommended.

Three Messengers-Increase of Salary.-Rendered necessary by the fact that the service of Messengers could not be retained for less.

Water Coolie. -Increase due to the same cause.

TREASURY.

1 8 6

(1.) Eighth Clerk.-Departmental promotions consequent on the promotion of the 5th Clerk to the C. S. O. (sanctioned in C. O. D. ) necessitated the engage- ment of a new Clerk as 8th Clerk. The Treasurer recommended that the initial salary of this Clerk should be $480.

(2.) Two Temporary Clerks. These Clerks have been employed since 1901 in connection with the collection of revenue from the New Territory. They were previously paid out of the vote "Miscellaneous Services: Expenses of the New Territory."

(3.) Printing Coolie.-The increase of $1 monthly is justified by the increase of work and the state of the labour market. The increase was made in March, 1902, and has during this year been paid out of the unexpended balance on Trea- sury votes.

POST OFFICE.

344 1902

(1.) Swatow: Assistant.-Recommended in 0. A. G.'s despatch No. 4 for salary of $360 per annum: but it is now found that $240 rising by increments to $360 will be sufficient. The officer will earn his first increment next year.

246

(2.) Hankow: 2 Postmen.-By a clerical slip the salary of $48 per annum was mentioned in the O. A. G.'s despatch No. (approved in C.O.D. 12), instead of $96, which is the salary attaching to the post.

REGISTRAR GENERAL'S DEPARTMENT.

only passed as 2nd class Trans-

(1.) Translator.--Mr. LI KIN CHING has lator, salary $960 to $1,200 by $60 biennially. It rests with him to qualify as 1st class Translator and so become entitled to the full salary of the post. This he will probably do in 1903.

;

836

(2.) Emigration Clerk.-A new post rendered necessary by the coming into force of the Chinese Emigration (Amendment) Ordinance, No. 37 of 1901. See Governor's despatch No.

02.

OBSERVATORY.

The vote for "Laboratory Expenses" has been reduced by $200, as the in- creased cost of printing the Meteorological Register necessitates the addition of that sum to the vote for "Printing of Observations."

BOTANICAL AND AFFORESTATION DEPARTMENT.

(1.) One Foreman, Mountain Lodge.-Required to supervise the carrying out the improvement referred to in note (4) infra.

(2.) Other Charges.-To Superintendent in lieu of Vegetables. The allowance was personal to Mr. FORD, and therefore lapses on his resignation.

(3.) Economic Garden, New Territory.-This garden does not exist, having proved a failure. The item is, therefore, deleted from the estimates of the depart- ment, and $1,800 of the vote transferred to--

(4.) Laying out Mountain Lodge Grounds to provide for deepening and altering the course of a stream through the ground, turfing, manure for shrubberies, dig- ging shrubberies, Japanese soil, and other improvements, which the Acting Superin- tendent of the Botanical and Afforestation Department reports to be necessary.

JUDICIAL AND LEGAL DEPARTMENTS.

(1.) Supreme Court. 5 Messengers.-The $12 deducted from the salaries of the Supreme Court Messengers has been added to the salary of the Messenger attached to the Land Registry Office.

(2.) Land Registry Office. (a.) Clerk and Translator.-On the resignation of Mr. CHENG MUNG TONG, this post was made that of a 2nd class Translator with a salary of $960 rising to $1,200, and Mr. IM YAT WING was appointed with an initial salary of $720 a year on the understanding that if he passes a successful examination under the Interpretation Scheme he will be permanently appointed and his salary raised to $960.

(b.) Temporary Messenger.—The Acting Land Officer reports that the exist- ence of only one Messenger had often caused inconvenience and delay. If necessary two Messengers will be appointed in 1904..

(3.) Attorney General. Books.—The Attorney General has reported that bis office is practically without any books of reference, and the gradual accumulation of a reference library is a necessity.

LAND COURT-NEW TERRITORY.

Additional Registrar.-It was found necessary to add this officer (a Passed Cadet Mr. WOLFE) in November, 1901, in consequence of the heavy work in the Land Court. The allowance is in addition to his Cadet's pay and has hitherto been defrayed out of lapsing salaries in the Department.

First Clerk, Tái P6 Branch.-This Clerk is employed in the Branch Registry at Tái P'ó. He was appointed in December, 1900, and has hitherto been paid partly out of the vote "Temporary Clerical Assistance" and partly from lapsing salaries.

Claims Room Clerk.—Rendered necessary, and recommended, for work entailed by opening of a Branch Office for registration of claims in a fresh district.

Two Clerks, Tái Pó Branch.-Required to cope with the results of the season's field-work.

6 Demarcators and 30 Coolies. This reduction is occasioned by the progress made in demarcation work.

Instead of 49 Demarcators and 140 Coolies.

EDUCATION.

jubinna

(..) Inspector of Schools. (a.) Second Assistant, Saiyingpun School,.............(b.) Second Assistant, Wantsai School.--In March, 1902, the demand for admission into the Salyingpun and Wantsai Schools was so great that a temporary Master was engaged for each school to cope with the increase of work. The expense was met by charging an extra fee of 50 cents a month on all new pupils. If necessary, permanent appointments will be made in 1904.

(c.) Chinese Teacher, Aplichan School. The landlord of the house rented by Government for a Vernacular District School at Aplichau declined, in February, 1902, to continue the lease and the school was accordingly closed. A new school embodying the ideas of the Educational Committee can, if necessary, be opened there later.

(d.) Kowloon British School. (1) Second Mistress.-The numbers and great differences in the ages of the children attending the school render the employment of a special Mistress for the infant classes necessary. Sir W. GASCOIGNE authorised the appointment of Miss CALCUTT, in March, 1902, on the understanding that it should be from month to month only and that the salary would be fixed at $50 a month with free quarters at the school but without exchange compensation. During 1902 the salary has been paid out of savings on the Belilios Reformatory establishment.

(2.) one Coolie at

(4.) Furniture

.$ 84) ...$ 96 $275 .$100

$200)

3.) one Messenger at

......

(5.) Books

(6.) Incidentals

Expenses necessitated by the opening of the Kowloon British School. The ex- penditure during 1902 has been cover- ed by vote of $550 approved by Leg- islative Council on the 4th June, 1902. three vacancies in the staff of Assistant Appointments when made will be on a

(2.) Queen's College.-There are Masters which have not yet been filled. sterling salary; but pending instructions the dollar salary has been retained.

Inspector of Schools. (1) Other Charges. Rent of Government School and Offices.-Owing to the increased accommodation required by the Sanitary Depart- ment, it was necessary to shift the office of the Inspector of Schools to Glenealy where quarters were rented.

1902.

(2.) Chinese High School, etc.-Generally approved in C.O.D.

408 The Director of Public Works and the Acting Inspector of Schools are conferring with Dr. Ho KAI and the other signatories of the petition of the 2nd March, 1901, (forwarded in Governor's despatch) as to the acquisition of a suitable site. The sum of $20,000 is inserted in next year's Estimates provisonally pending the result of detailed inquiry into the cost which the Government is likely to incur in connection with an improved system of Education.

MEDICAL DEPARTMENT.

Temporary Clerk.-The Principal Civil Medical Officer has represented that extra clerical assistance will be required in the Office of the Accountant and Store- keeper owing to the opening of the Victoria Hospital for Women and Children. The appointment of a Temporary Clerk is recommended.

European Matron. -The Committee which enquired into the salaries of sub- ordinate Government employees in 1900 recommended the Matron for this in-

crease.

6 Nurses and 2 Amahs.-One Amah is added because it will still be necessary to have a women's ward in the Government Civil Hospital, as some cases cannot be sent to the Victoria Hospitals. At present there is only one Amah on day duty the 2nd Amah is required for night duty.

837

838

Laboratory Attendant; Tailor.-Increase of salary in these cases is recom- mended because the Principal Civil Medical Officer reports that these men are very good servants, thoroughly conversant with their work, and unless they receive this small increase the Government will lose their services.

Amah, Maternity Hospital.—An additional Amah required for night work.

Rent of Temporary Quarters.-The Government Nursing Institute having been abolished owing to the decision of the Government to dispense with the services of the Private Nursing Sisters, the expenses in connection with "Stowford," formerly the institute and now occupied by the Nursing Sisters and Probationers, have been transferred to the Civil Hospital vote.

Victoria Hospital for Women and Children.-Provision of expenditure sanc- tioned generally in C. O. D. 262

1902*

BACTERIOLOGICAL DEPARTMENT.

This is a new Department, presided over by a medical officer specially trained in bacteriology. Dr. HUNTER'S work is that of a specialist, and it would be inconve- nient both for himself and the Medical Department if he were not placed in direct relation with the Government. As authority has not yet been obtained for the creation of a staff, provision has been made in the Estimates for certain temporary appointments which, if necessary, can be made permanent in 190. They include a Laboratory Assistant, two Bacteriological Assistants, a Laboratory Attendant, and an office coolie. Dr. HUNTER reports that the most useful Laboratory Assistant for his purpose would be a qualified student of the Hongkong College of Medicine, to be paid at the rate of $100 rising to $150 a month. His duties will consist in the preparation of Danyz's virus and other sera, and he will be expected to assist generally in the conduct of the Laboratory. The Laboratory Attendant will be a Chinese boy at $15 a month, and he will be required to keep the apparatus clean and in order. The office coolie, at $7 a month, will keep the office clean and distribute messages.

The two Bacteriological Assistants will, like the Laboratory Assistant, be licentiates of the Chinese College of Medicine and will draw the same pay. It is hoped that next year it will not be necessary to secure the services of Japanese doctors for bacteriological work, as was done this year, if these two appointments are sanctioned. Dr. HUNTER states that unless these appointments are made it will be impossible to carry out some of the important measures proposed by Professor SIMPSON with regard to plague. Meanwhile, the engagement of two fully qualified Chinese licentiates, to whom, if the Secretary of State approves, these appointments will be offered, has been provisionally authorised, and they will join the temporary staff (paid this year as plague expenditure by the Sanitary Board) as soon as the engagement with the Japanese doctors is terminated.

A considerable portion of the estimated expenditure of this new Department is due to transfers from other Departments, and is therefore counterbalanced by corresponding reductions in other departmental estimates. The maintenance of the Public Mortuary and the Vaccine Institute has hitherto been paid for by the Medical Department, and the coolie and messenger provided for under the former of these two heads were formerly paid out of the plague vote. Much of the work done at the Mortuary is necessarily of a bacteriological nature, especially since ar- rangements have been made for examining rats, a work which will probably have to be carried on for some years to come. It is also understood, as regards the Vaccine Institute, that the Government Bacteriologist should undertake the production of vaccine lymph. The Institute is therefore appropriately placed under his charge.

In connection with the "Other Charges," Dr. HUNTER estimates that a sum of not less than $3,000 will be required to carry out Professor SIMPSON's scheme of the wholesale distribution of Danyz's virus for the destruction of rats; that $500 will be required for the preparation of protective plague vaccine (Haffkinisa-

tion), and a like sum for curative plague sera; the purchase of animals, including horses, he estimates at $1,000; a sum of $500 will be necessary to purchase certain additional apparatus for the preparation of virus, vaccines and sera, owing to the fact that Dr. HUNTER was not informed, until two or three days before leaving England, that he would be expected to make these preparations on a large scale, and he had at that time ordered all the apparatus which he had considered sufficient. These various sums, therefore, have been inserted in the draft Estimates.

(1.) Office Furniture, etc. 2.) Cost of Witnesses, etc.

MAGISTRACY,

Previous votes insufficient. -

The increase of $300 under these heads combined is balanced by expunging the vote for Post Mortem Examinations, etc., which has not been drawn upon at all for several years past.

SANITARY DEPARTMENT.

(1.) Sanitary Commissioner. (a.) Allowance for House-rent. (b.) Conveyance Allowance. These items have been inserted provisionally. Should a Sanitary Commissioner be appointed he would, unless granted these allowances, be much worse off than the Principal Civil Medical Officer, who has free quarters.

(2.) Five Senior Inspectors of Nuisances.-The increment drawn by these officers as shown in the 1902 Estimates is triennial: but in their agreements an annual increment was granted by the Secretary of State.

(3.) 1st class Inspectors: 3rd class Inspectors: Foreman of Street Cleansers: Interpreter, Veterinary Staff: Watchman, Slaughter House, Kowloon.-The increment of $60 a year in the case of all these officers was sanctioned as from the 1st January, 1901, after the Estimates for 1902 had been drafted. Hence the 1902 Estimates do not show the first increment as they should do, and the 1903 Estimates show two increments.

(4.) Foreman, Disinfecting Staff.-The increase of salary was granted for the reason that the Foreman could not be retained at $30 a month.

MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES.

(1.) Loss in Exchange on Family Remittances.-Mr. DYER BALL is the only beneficiary and he is on leave in England.

(2.) Bungalows Committee, for Caretakers.- A mistake in this year's Estimates: the Caretaker's wage is $8 a month.

(3.) Interest.-Increase is chiefly due to the augmentation of the Widows and Orphans' Pension Fund (section 5 of Ordinance 15 of 1900).

(4.) College of Medicine for Chinese. Of the sum of $5,000 voted for the current year, half is for the Government Dispensary at Wantsai. A sum of $2,500 has therefore been transferred to the Estimates of the Medical Department. (5.) Expenses of the New Territory.-Transferred to other votes, thus:-

Land Court, New Territory.

4 Rent Roll Clerks at $300 each

.$1,200

Police Department.

2 Telephone Clerks at Ts'imshátsui Police Station at

$40 each =

816

Treasury.

2 Temporary Clerks at $312 each

Assessor's Office.

Numbering Houses (Other Charges)

624

2,000

$4,640

839

840

The balance of $5,360 is not required, and there is therefore a reduction in this vote.

(6.) Plague Expenses.--Inserted in Sanitary Board Estimates.

(7.) Grant-in-Aid of Band of Regiment.—The Hongkong Regiment has been disbanded.

(8.) Exchange Compensation.-Appears under the various votes for personal emoluments.

(9.) Maintenance of Quarters at the Peak Hospital for Nurses belonging to the Nursing Association. This vote was approved by the Secretary of State in C.O.D. roz provided that financial considerations allowed of its inclusion.

MILITARY EXPENDITURE.

(1.) Contribution to Imperial Government.-The increase is due to estimated increase in the Colonial Revenue.

(2.) Orderly Room Clerk.-Printed in italics for the reason that the experi- ment of appointing a Chinaman to the post temporarily and on probation is being tried.

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.

Telegraphs Workmen.-The increases to these 4 Workmen were sanctioned in October of 1901 owing to the fact that the men resigned and it would have been impossible to replace them on less salaries. The increases have hitherto been paid out of the vote "Maintenance of Telegraphs."

PUBLIC WORKS RECURRENT.

(1.) Maintenance of Buildings. It has been found necessary to largely sup- plement the amounts appearing in the Estimates for 1901 and 1902, and the cost of work appears to be steadily increasing. Hence the reason for the large increase shown.

(2.) Maintenance of Buildings in New Territory.-The same remarks apply to this. Some of the old buildings taken over from the Chinese Customs have been found very expensive to keep in order, and the number of new buildings is in- creasing.

(4.) Maintenance of Telegraph in New Territory. The increase is to cover the cost of additional lines to new Police Stations.

(5.) Maintenance of Public Cemetery.—Increased in order to provide for the maintenance and care of tombs.

(7.) Maintenance of Lighthouses.-Waglan Lighthouse has been added to the buildings coming under this heading, having been taken over from the Chinese Customs Authorities.

(8.) Dredging Foreshores.-This work was formerly carried on in conjunc- tion with the Praya Reclamation Works, the material dredged, whenever suitable, being deposited in the reclamation and credit obtained for it. The material has now all to be removed and deposited at sea. Dredging was also performed foa private individuals and the amount received was credited to the vote.

The receipts from this source are now otherwise credited by the Treasury.

9.) Miscellaneous Works.--Increase made to cover additional cost of work and the additional items which arise on account of extensions in the Colony.

(10.) Maintenance of Ronds and Bridges in City.—A few years ago, the annual expenditure under this heading was about $24,000. The terms of the contract for this work are now 50% more than they were then, in addition to which the new roads on the Praya Reclamation have added largely to the amount of work to be done, and there have been extensions and increases in other directions. The amount of traffic has also increased largely.

(11.) Maintenance of Roads outside City. The increase is accounted for in a similar way to the above, but the additions to the roads have not been as great nor are they subject to the increase of traffic to the same extent.

12.) Maintenance of Roads in Kowloon.--Hitherto the roads in Kowloon have only been surfaced with comparatively soft material, and lond complaints have been common regarding their condition during the wet season. It is proposed to begin macadamizing the principal roads and to obtain a steam-roller to consolidate them.

(14.) Maintenance of Sewers, Ñullahs, etc.--The increase shown is to cover increased cost of labour and extensions which have been made in the system.

(16.) Gas Lighting City of Victoria.-The increase is largely due to the increased terms of the new contract, which has just been entered into. Addi- tional lamps have also been erected for the lighting of private streets and lanes, under Ordinance No. 13 of 1901.

(18.) Gas Lighting Kowloon-The same remarks apply to this item.

(21.) Forming and Kerbing Streets.-A large amount of this work is being entailed by the erection of buildings under the numerous land sales of the past two or three years.

(23.) Drainage Works, Miscellaneous.-There is also a great amount of work of this nature to be done owing to the same cause. The large amount of reclama- tion work carried out under recent land sales also entails the revision of drainage of property in the rear of such reclamations and the extension of sewers, &c. across them.

(29.) Waterworks, Miscellaneous.-The increase is intended to go towards the reconstruction of the Albany Filter Beds, &c., which is a very necessary work.

(29.) Water Account (Meters, &c.).—The large increase here is to make provi- sion for the introduction of meters on all services as required by the new Water Works Ordinance (No. 29 of 1902).

PUBLIC WORKS, EXTRAORDINARY.

(3.) Harbour Master's Office.—The estimated cost of this work has been in- creased to $150,000. When it is pointed out that the foundations alone, up to about ground level, are costing about $40,000, it will be gathered that the sum of $75,000 for the entire structure was totally inadequate. The building will contain three stories and will occupy a conspicuous position on the Harbour front.

(4.) Survey of New Territory.-The estimated cost of this has been reduced to $180,000, in accordance with Mr. NEWLAND'S revised estimate. The amount was formerly $212,000.

(5.) Additional Reservoir, Tytam Drainage Areas. As it has been determined, upon Mr. CHADWICK's advice, to proceed with only one of the reservoirs recom- mended by Mr. COOPER, the estimated cost has been reduced to $120,000.

(6.) Kowloon Water-works Gravitation Scheme. The estimated cost of the revised scheme, which has been undertaken, namely, $835,000, has been inserted.

(13.) Tái Pó Road.-The estimated cost has been increased from $215,000 to $230,000, in order to cover the cost of some additional work found necessary in the course of its construction.

(14.) City and Hill District Water-works.-The estimated cost has been in- creased from $306,000 to $314,000. In the report prepared by Mr. CROOK on the ligh Level and Peak Supply, dated 29th August, 1899, the total estimated cost is given as $347,000. The programme of works specified in that report has under- gone modification since Mr. CHADWICK'S recommendations were received.

841

842

(15.) Widening Conduit Road.--In this case, the cost has been increased from $8,000 to $12,000, in consequence of some heavy landslips which occurred during the progress of the work. These were caused by severe rainstorms.

(25.) King's Park.-The estimated cost is only an approximate estimate given by the Superintendent, Botanical and Afforestation Department.

(26.) Cattle Depôt Extension.—'l his is a reproductive work, as fees are received for the housing of the cattle. Manila is now drawing its supplies of cattle largely through Hongkong, and the depôts are often overcrowded, necessitating the keeping of the animal in the open yards, where they are unprotected from the elements.

28.) and (29.) Both these items appeared in this year's Estimates, but it has been found impracticable to make a commencement with either of them.

(30.) Road from Hunghom to Yaumati. This is to provide suitable cross- communication between these two populous portions of Kowloon. At present, either a considerable détour must be made or it is necessary to walk over a rough pathway, which is almost impassable in the wet season.

(32.) Resumptions of Insanitary Property.-Provision is made for making commencement with the resumption of some of the insanitary property in the Colony.

;

}

503

No. 19

1902

HONGKONG.

FINANCIAL RETURNS FOR THE YEAR 1901.

Laid before the Legislative Council by Command of His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government.

TREASURY, 9th April, 1902.

No. 25.

SIR,

I have the honour to transmit the following returns :--

1. Revenue and Expenditure for the year 1901.

2. Comparative Statement of Revenue and Expenditure for 1900 and 1901.

3. Return of Deposits not available.

4. Return of Advances Outstanding.

5. Statement of Expenditure from the Praya Reclamation Fund.

6. Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

The Honourable

THE COLONIAL SECRETARY.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your obedient Servant,

A. M. THOMSON,

Colonial Treasurer.

Table A.

COLONY OF HONGKONG.

RETURN OF REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE DURING THE YEAR ENDED

EXPENDITU

Charge on Account of Public Debt. Pensions,

Governor and Legislature.

Colonial Secretary's Department, Audit Department,..

Treasury

Stamp Office,

Public Works Department,.

Post Office,

Registrar General's Department,

Harbour Master's Department,

Lighthouses,

Observatory,

Botanical and Afforestation Depart

Legal Departments,

Land Court,

5,508.82 Ecclesiastical,

Education,

Medical Departments. Magistracy,

Police,

Sanitary Department,

Charitable Allowances, ..........................................、

Transport,

Miscellaneous Services,

Military Expenditure, Public Works, Recurrent,

REVENUE.

Amount Total Estimated. Revenue.

More than Less than Estimated. Estimated.

Arms Licences,

LIGHT DUES,

LICENCES AND INTERNAL REVENUE NOT OTHERWISE SPE-

CIFIED:

Assessed Taxes,

Auctioneers' Licences,

Billiard Tables and Bowling Alleys Licences,

Boarding-house Licences,

Boat Licences,

Cargo Boat Licences.

Carriage, Chair, &c. Licences,

Chinese Passenger ships Licences,

Chinese Undertakers' Licences,

55,000

$ 58,375.98

$ e. $ c. 3,375.98

16,900

12,070.00

4,830.00

660,000

708,359.40

48,359.40

1,800

1.200.00

600.00

1,000

1,200.00

200.00

2,300

1,956.25

11,000

7,689.50

343.75 3,310.50

12,000

16,142.40

4,142.40

53,000

70,964.00

17,964.00

350

350.00

140

190.00

50.00

Dog Licences,

2,700

3,673.50

978.50

Emigration Brokers' Licences,.

Fines,

800

55,000

1,000.00

200.00

66,733.88

11,733.88

Forfeitures,

10,000

4,491.18

Hawkers' Licences,

9,500

10,989.50

1,489.50

Junk Licences.

42,000

46,647.55

1,617.55

Kerosene Oil Licences,

640

755.00

115.00

Marine Store Dealers' Licences, ....................

6,345

6,525.00

180.00

Marriage Licences,.

850

628.00

222.00

Money Changers' Licences,

650

575.00

75.00

Opium Monopoly,

372,000

687,000.00 | 315,000.00

Opium Divan,

1,800

Phosphorus and Dynamite,

Pawnbrokers' Licences,..

46,800

Rocket Licence.

Shooting Licences,

550

1,890.00 8.00 47,150.00 4.00 800.00

-90.00

8.00

350.00

4.00 250.00

Sulphuric and Nitric Acid,

18.00

Spirit. licences,

128,830

125,909.43

2.920.57

Stamps,....

430,000

442,621.35

12,621.35

Steam-Launch Licences,

1,300

· 1,763.75

463.75

Special Fruit Licences,

500

341.00

FEES OF COURT OR OFFICE, PAYMENTS FOR SPECIFIC PUR-

POSES, AND REIMBURSEMENTS IN AID :-

Bills of Health,

2,700

3,516.00

-$16.00

Births and Deaths, Registration of.

400

394.75

5.25

Cargo Boat Certificates,

2,200

2,466.00

266.00

C'emetery Burials,

1,215

1,398.22

183.22

Cemetery Fees from Public Cemeteries for Chinese,

1,300

1,590.90

290.90

Chinese Gazette, Sale of

53.00

13.00

Companies, Registration of

5,500

6,494,50

994.50

Convict Labour and other items,

3,600

4,668.83

1,068.83

Certificate to Chinese entering America,

12,000

1,750.00

10,250.00

Deeds, Registration of

15,000

12,000.50

2,999.50

Engagement and Discharge of Seamen,

22,000

23,863.40

1,863.40

Engament of Masters etc. of Steam-launch,

246.00

Examination of Masters, &c.,

2,400

3.047.50

647.50

Fees of Court,

14,000

15,268.10

1,268.10

Fees on Grant of Leases,

1,100

1,895.00

795.00

Fees for testing Petroleum,

350

677.50

327.50

Gaol Expenses, -Recovery from Diplomatic, Naval and Mi-

litary Departments, Seamen and Debtors,...

2,200

3,938.05

1,738.05

Gunpowder, Storage of......

18,000

26.873.67

8,873.67

Householders, Registration of

2,400

2,198.75

201.25

Imperial Post Office, Contribution from

7,100

7,316.44

216.44

Lock Hospital, Grant-in-Aid from Admiralty,

1,000

1,033.24

33.24

Medical Certificate,

Medical Examination of Emigrants,

23,000

650.00 21,669.00

650.00

1,331.00

Medical Registration Fees,

Medical Treatment of Patients in the Civil Hospital,

30,000

25.00 31,180.83

15.00

1,180.83

Maintenance of Gap Rock Lighthouse, Coutribution from

Chinese Imperial Government towards the

750

750.00

Official Administrator and Trustee,..

4,000

2,986.88

Official Signatures,

600

472.56

1,013.12 127.44

Printed Forms, Sale of

200

327.50

127.50

Private Moorings and Buoys, Rent for

3,000

3,150.00

150.00

Queen's College, Fees from Scholars,

29,000

28,424.00

576.00

Registry Fees,

400

761.00

361.00

Refund of Police Pay,

1,950

2,211.85

261.85

Refund Cost of Police and other Stores,.

800

391.53

408.17

Sick Stoppages from Police Force,

1,560

2,370.60

810.60

Steam-launches, Surveyor's Certificate,

2,300

3,075.00

775.00

Survey of Steam-ships,

13,000

12,916.01

83.96

School for Girls, Fees from Scholars,

Sunday Cargo-Working Pernits,

Trade Marks, Registration of

950 30.000 3,500

1,132.50

182.50

44,800.00

14,800.00

Waste Food,

6,449.73 18.85

2,949.73

18.85

....

Postage,...

POST OFFICE :—

Best of GOVERNMENT PROPERTY. LAND ANd Houses

330,000

355,912.74

25,912.74

Table A.

་

4,830.00

708,859.40 - 48,359.40

1.200.00

600.00

Treasury.

1.200.00

200.00

Charge on Account of Public Debt, Pensions,

Governor and Legislature.

Colonial Secretary's Department.

Audit Department...

Stamp Office,

COLONY OF HONGKONG.

AND EXPENDITURE DURING THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER, 1901.

Estimated. Estimated.

Total Revenue.

More than Less than

$ C. 58,375.98

$ C. 3,375.98

$ C.

12.070.00

EXPENDITURK.

Amount

Total More than Less than Estimated. Expenditure. Estimated. Estimated.

$ 153,820.00

$ 162,363.81

$ C. 8,543.84

$ C.

164,000.00

178,073.55

14,073,55

61,641.00

62.527.99

886.99

41,629.00

46,983.40

5,354.40

10,000.00

12,706.33 2,706.33

30,157.00 38,096.98 7,939.98

1,956.25

343.75

Public Works Department,.

123,306.00 113,793.18

9,512.82

7,689.50

3.310.50

Post Office,

269,480.00

273,685.51

4,205.51

16,142.40 4.142.40

Registrar General's Department,

21,055.00

16.429.62

4,625.38

70,964,00

17,964.00

Harbour Master's Department,

94,688.00

109,406.63

14,723.63

350.00

Lighthouses,

24,976.00

18,655.11

6,320.89

190.00

50.00

Observatory,

15,488.00

15,480.87

7.13

8.673.50

973.50

Botanical and Afforestation Department,

27,367,24

25,560.70

1,806.54

1,000.00

200.00

Legal Departments,

79,716,00 91,277.66

11,561.66

66,733.88

11,733.88

Land Court,

32,884.00

30.964.31

1,919.69

4,491.18

5,508.82

Ecclesiastical,

2,200.00

1,825.00

375.00

10,989.50

1,489.50

16,647.55

1.647.55

755.00

115.00

6,525.00

180.00

Education,

Magistracy,

Police,

90.965.00

86,946.30

4,018.70

Medical Departments,

130,134.00

140,431.71

10,297.71

19,540.05

23,794.23

4,254.18

493,413.00

470,484.12

22,923.88

628.00

222.00

Sanitary Department,

152,993.00

144,962.20

8,030.80

575.00

75.00

Charitable Allowances.

5.260.00

4.994.07

265.93

6$7,000.00 315,000.00

Transport.

3,000.00

14.776.93 11,776.93

Miscellaneous Services..

216.594.00

469.629.33 | 253,035.33

Military Expenditure,

721,891.00

851,100.24 | 129,209.24

Public Works, Recurrent.

281,740.00

318,299.63| 36,559.63

1.890.00

8.00

47,150.00

350.00

4.00

800.00

4.00 250.00

18.00

125,909.43

2.920.57

442,621.35

12,621.35

1,763.75 841.00

463.75

341.00

3,516.00

816.00

394.75

5.25

2,466.00

266.00

1.398.22

183.22

1,590.90

290.90

53.00

13.00

6,494,50

994.50

4.668.83

1.068.83

1,750.00

12,000.50

10,250.00 2.999.50

23.863.40

1,863.40

246.00 3.047.50

246.00

647.50

15,268,10 1,895.00 677.50

1,268.10

795.00

827.50

3,938.05

1,738.05

26.878.67 8,873.67

2,198.75

201.25

7.316.44

216.44

1.038.24

33.24

650.00

21.669,080

33106

25.00 31.180.83

750.06

15.00 1.180.83

2.986.88

472.56

1.013.12 127.44

827.50

127.50

8.150.00

150,00

28,424.00

576.00

761.00

361.00

2.211.85

261.85

89153

108.47

2.370.60

810.60

3.075.00

775,00

12,916.04

1.132.50

182.50

44.800.00

14.800,00

6.149.73

2,919.73

18.85

355.912.74

25.912.71

Phosphorus and Dynamite. Pawnbrokers' Licences.......... Rocket Licence.

Shooting Licences,

0.00

46,800

47,150.00

350,00

Muntary ra} in tune. Public Works, Recurrent,

4.00

550

800.00

4.00 250.00

Sulphuric and Nitric Acid.

Spirit licences,

128,830

18.00 125,909.43

18.00

2.920.57

Stamps,..

430.000

442,621,35 12.621.35

Steam-Launch Licences,

1,300

1,763.75

463.75

Special Fruit Licences,

500

$41.00

341.00

FEES OF COURT OR OFFICE, PAYMENTS FOR SPECIFIC PUR-

POSES, AND REIMBURSEMENTS IN AID :-

Bills of Health,

2.700

3,516,00

$16.00

Births and Deas, Registration of..

400

394.75

5.25

Cargo Boat Certificates,

2,200

2,466.00

266.00

Cemetery Burials,

1,215

1.398.22

183.22

Cemetery Fees from Public Cemeteries for Chinese,

1,300

1,590.90

290.90

Chinese Gazette, Sale of

53.00

13.00

Companies, Registration of

5,500

6,494,50

994.50

Convict Labour and other items,

3,600

4.668.83 1,068.83

Certificate to Chinese entering America,

12,000

1,750.00

10,250.00

Deeds, Registration of

15,000

12,000.50

2,999.50

Engagement and Discharge of Seamen,

22,000

23,863.40

1,863.40

Engament of Masters etc. of Steam-launch,

...

246.00

Examination of Masters, &c.,

2,400

3.047.50

647,50

Fees of Court,

14,000

15,268.10

1,268.10

Fees on Grant of Leases.

1,100

1,895.00

795.00

Fees for testing Petroleum,

350

677,50

327.50

Gaol Expenses,-Recovery from Diplomatic, Naval and Mi-

litary Departments, Scamen and Debtors,..

2,200

3,938.05

1,738.05

Gunpowder, Storage of........

18,000

26.873.67

8,873.67

Householders, Registration of

2,400

2,198.75

201.25

Medical Examination of Emigrants,

Medical Registration Fees,

Imperial Post Office, Contribution from

Lock Hospital, Grant-in-Aid from Admiralty,

Medical Certificate,

Medical Treatment of Patients in the Civil Hospital,

Maintenance of Gap Rock Lighthouse,—Contribution from

7,100

7.316.44

216.44

1,000

1.088.24

33.24

650.00

23,000

21,669.09

1,331.00

30,000

25.00 31,180.83

15.00

1,180.83

Chinese Imperial Government towards the

750

750.00

Official Administrator and Trustee,.

1,000

2,986.88

Official Signatures,

600

472,56

1,013.12 127.44

Printed Forms, Sale of

200

327.50

127.50

Private Moorings and Buoys, Rent for

3,000

3,150.00

150.00

Queen's College, Fecs from Scholars,

29,000

28,424.00

576.00

Registry Fees;

400

761.00

361.00

-Refund of Police Pay,

1,950

2,211.85

261.85

Round Cost of Police and other Stores,.

800

391.53

108.17

Sick Stoppages from Police Force,

1,560

2,370.60

810.60

Steam-launches, Surveyor's Certificate,

2,300

3,075.00

775.00

Survey of Steam-ships,

13,000

12,916.04

83.96

School for Girls, Fees from Scholars,

950

1,132.50

182.50

Sunday Cargo-Working Permits,

Trade Marks, Registration of

30,000 3,500

11,800.00

14.800.00

6.449.73

2,949.73

Waste Food,

18.85

POST OFFICE:-

Postage,...

RENT OF GOVERNMENT PROPERTY, LAND AND HOUSES:-

330,000

355,912.74

25,912.74

Buildings,

Laundries,

Leased Lands,.

Lands not Leased.

Land Revenue, New Territory,

Markets,

Piers,..

Rent of Salt Pans,

Stone Quarries,

Slaughter House,

Sheep, Pig and Cattle Depôts,

Interest,

MISCELLANEOUS RECEIPTS:-

Condemned Stores, &c.,

Night Soil Contracts,..

Other Miscellaneous Receipts,

Profit on Subsidiary Coins,

WATER ACCOUNT,

TOTAL, exclusive of Land Sales,

LAND SALES,

750

783.00

33.00

1,200

1,200.00

310,000

289.885.56

20,114.44

5,000

9,365.87 4,365.87

140,000

28,783.55

111,216.45

82,000

84,717.96 2,717.96

27,000

27,774.06

774.06

1,235.00

1.235.00

25,000

43,865.00

18,865.00

50,000

54,060.00

4,060.00

12,000

13,799.58

1.799.58

5,000

1.14

4,998.86

1,500

464.93

1,035.07

Interest for use of Furniture at Government House,

235

112.30

129.70

30,384

41,478.00

11,094.00

10,000

54,529.23

44,529.23

140,000

183,515.90

43,515.90

156,000 169,119,45

13,119.45

3,509,349 3,973,578.16 | 636,523,31|172,294.15

400,000 240,315.06

159,684.94

Public Works, Extraordinary, .

TOTAL,

$ 8,909,349 | 4,213,893.22 | 636,523,31 | 331,979.09

Treasury, Hongkong, 8th April, 1902.

TOT.

0,516.00 394.75 2,466.00

$10,00

...

266.00

5.25

1,398.22

183.22

1,590.90

290.90

53.00

13.00

6,494,50

994.50

4,668.83

1,008.83

1,750.00

12,000.50

10,250.00 2,999.50

23,863.40 1,863.40

246.00

3.047.50

647.50

15,268.10

1,268.10

1,895.00

795.00

677.50

327.50

3,938.05

1,738.05

26.873.67 8,873.67

2,198.75

201.25

7,316.44

216.44

1,033.24

33.24

650.00

21,669.00

1,331.00

25.00

31,180.83

15.00 1,180.83

750.00

2,986.88

1,013.12

472.56

127.44

327.50

127.50

3,150.00

150.00

28,424.00

576,00

761.00

361.00

2,211.85

261.85

391.53

408.17

2,370.60

810.60

3,075.00

775.00

12,916.04

83.96

1,132.50

182.50

44,800.00

14.800.00

6,449.73

2,949.73

18.85

355,912.74

25,912.74

783.00

33.00

1,200.00

289,885.56

20,114.44

9,365.87 4,365.87

28,783.55

111,216.45

84,717.96.

2,717.96

27,774.06

774.06

1,235.00

1.235.00

43,865.00 18,865.00

54,060.00

4,060.00

13,799.58

1,799.58

1.14

4,998.86

461.93

1,035.07

112.30

122.70

41,478.00

11,094.00

54,529.23 44,529.23

183,515.90 43,515.90

'69,119.45

13,119.45

73,578.16636,523.31 | 172,294.15

40,315.06

159,684.94 Public Works, Extraordinary,

213,893.22 | 636,523.31 | 331,979.09

TOTAL,......

$ 3,267,932.29 | 3,723,249.44515,128.91

726,338.00

388,473.05

59,811,76

337,864.95

$ | 3,994,270.29 | 4,111,722,49|515,128.91 397,676.71

A. M. THOMSON,

Colonial Treasurer.

505

Table B.

COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF THE REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE OF THE CO

REVENUE.

1900.

INCREASE.

DECREASE.

EXPENDIT

8,416.50

28,710.12

Charge on Account of Public 1 Pensions,.

Governor and Legislature,

Colonial Secretary's Departme

Audit Department,

Treasury,

Stamp Office,

Public Works Department, Post Office,.......

Registrar General's Departme Harbour Master's Department Lighthouses.....

Observatory,

Botanical and Afforestation D Legal Departments,

Land Court,

Ecclesiastical Department,

Education,

Medical Departments,

Magistracy,

Police,

Gaols,....

Fire Brigade..

Sanitary Department, Charitable Allowances, Transport....

Miscellaneous Services, Military Expenditure,. Public Works, Recurrent, Public Works, Extraordinary

1901.

LIGHT DUES,

55,379.38

$ 58,375.98

$ 2,996.60

LICENCES AND INTERNAL REVENUE NOT OTHERWISE

SPECIFIED :—

Arms Licences,

20,486.50

12,070.00

Assessed Taxes,

595,136.93.

708,359.40

113,222.47

Auctioneers' Licences,

1,800.00

1,200.00

600.00

Billiard Tables and Bowling Alleys Licences,

1,100.00

1,200.00

Boarding House Licences,

1,787.51

1,956 25

100.00 168,74

Boat Licences,.

10.172.55

7,683.50

2,483.05

Cargo Boat Licences,..

11,667.30

16,142.40

4,475.10

Carriage, Chair, &c. Licences,

55,294.10

70,964.00

15,669.90

Chinese Passenger Ships Licences,.

345.00

350.00

5.00

Chinese Undertakers' Licences,

150.00

190.00

40.00

Dog Licences,

2,898.50

8,673 50

780.00

Emigration Brokers' Licences..

800.00

1.000.00

200.00

Fines,

67,467.47

66,733.88

Forfeitures,

12,912.15

4,491.18

733.59 8,420.97

Hawkers Licences,.

10,129.50

10,989.50

860.00

Junk Licences,

44,459.80

46,647.55

2,187.75

Kerosene Oil Licences,

656.00

755.00

99.00

Marine Store Dealers' Licences,

6,255,00

6,525.00

270.00

Marriage Licences,

1,050.00

628.00

422.00

Money Changers' Licences,

560.00

575.00

15.00

Opium Monopoly.

372,000.00

687,000.00

315,000.00

Opium Divan Licences,

1,775.00

1,890.00

115.00

Phosphorus and Dynamite,

8.00

Pawnbrokers' Licences,

Rocket Licence,

47,150.00

17,150.00

4.00

shooting Licences,

Special Fruit Licences,

720.00 452.00

800.00

841.00

$0.00 389.00

Spirit Licences,

107,254.50

Sulphuric & Nitric Acid,

Stamps,

471,331.47

Steam-launch Licences,

1,466.50

125,909.43 18.00 442,621.35 1,763.75

18,651.93 18.00

297.25

FEES OF COURT OR OFFICE, PAYMENTS FOR SPECIFIC

PURPOSES, AND REIMBURSEMENTS IN AID :-

Bills of Health..........

2,769.00

3,516.00

747.00

Births and Deaths, Registration of..

319.90

394.75

74.85

Cargo Boat Certificates,

2,193.00

2,466.00

273.00

Cemetery Burials,....

1,328.28

1.398.22

69.94

Cemetery Fees from Public Cemeteries for Chinese,

1,587.75

1,590.90

3.15

Chinese Gazette, Sale ot...

52.00

53.00

1.00

Companies, Registration of

4,581.00

6.494.50

1,913.50

Convict Labour and other items,

2,971.28

4,668.83

1,697.55

Certificate to Chinese entering America,

11,100.00

1,750,00

9,350.00

Deeds, Registration of

14,554.25

12,000.50

2,553.75

Engagement and Discharge of Seainen,..

22,297,00

23,863.40

1,566.40

Engagement of Masters &c., of Steam Launch,

246.00

Examination of Masters, &c.,.

2,980.00

3,047.50

67.50

Fees of Court,

14,059.04

15,268.10

1,209.06

Fees on Grant of Leases,.

1,305.00

1,895.00

590.00

Fees for testing Petroleum,.

390.00

677.50

287,50

Gaol Expenses,-Recovery from Diplomatic, Naval and

Military Departments, Seamen and Debtors,

2,129.95

3,938.05

1,808.10

Gunpowder, Storage of

27,944.35

26,873.67

Householders, Registration of

2.262.25

2,198.75

1,070.68 63.50

Imperial Post Office, Contribution from

5,387.39

7,316.41

1,929.05

Lock Hospital, Grant-in-Aid from Admiralty,

1,000.06

1,033.24

Medical Certificate,

Medical Examination of Emigrants,

Medical Registration Fees,

180.00 25,460.50 80.00

$50.00 21,669.00

33.18 470.00

Medical Treatment of Patients in the Civil Hospital,

31,837.96

25.00 31,180.83

3,791.50 55,00 657.13

Maintenance of Gap Rock

ightâouse.—Contribution

from Chinese Imprl Government towards the ..

750.00

Official Administrator and Trusive,.

4,388.17

2,986.88

1,401.29

Official Signatures,.

Printed Forms, Sale of

424.00 223-0

472.56

48.56

327.50

99.50

Private Moorings and uoys, Rent for

3. 30.00

3,150.00

120.00

Queen's College, Fees from enolars,

29, 37.00

28,424.00

613.00

Registry Fees,

Refund of Police Pay,

521.00 2,032.99

761.00

240.00

2,211.85

178.86

Refund Cost of l'olice and other tor s,

812.58

391.53

Sick Stoppages from Folice For-e,

2,541.34

2,370.60

+21.05 170.74

Steam-launches, Surveyor's Certite.

2,675.00

3,075.00

400 00

Survey of Steam-ships,

12,361.59

12,916.04

554.45

School for Girls, Fees from Scholtes,

922.00

Sunday Cargo-Working Perinits,

43,550.00

1,132.50 44,800.00!

210.50

1,250.00

Trade Marks, Registration of

3.342.48

Waste Food,.....

POST OFFICE :-Postage,

325,603.33

6.449.73 18.85 355,912.74

5,107.25

18.85 30,309.41

Buildings,

Laundries,

Leased Lands,

RENT OF GOVERNMENT PROPERTY, LAND AND HOUSES:

747.00 1,210.00 280,402.69

783.00 1,200.00

6.976 05

289,835.56

9365 87

36.00

9.482.87

19.00

3.089 82

Table B.

THE REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE OF THE COLONY OF HONGKONG IN 1900 & 1901.

1901.

INCREASE.

08,375.98

2,996.60

DECREASE.

EXPENDITURE.

1900.

1901.

INCREASE.

DECREASE.

12,070.00

8,416.50

708,359.40

113,222.47

1,200.00

600.00

1,200.00

100.00

Charge on Account of Public Debt,. Pensions,.

Governor and Legislature,

Colonial Secretary's Department,

Audit Department,

Treasury,

153,363.07

$ C. 162,363.84

$ “.

9,000.77

166,730.19

178,073.55

11,343.36

47.109.83

62,527.99

15,418.16

47,261.02

46,983.40

277.62

11,762.53

12,706.33

943.80

Stamp Office,

30,839.94

38,096.98

7,257.01

1,956 25

168,74

7,689.50

Public Works Department,

97,413.06

113,793.18

16,380.12

2,483.05

Post Office,.

16,142.40

235,263.08

273,685.51

38.422.43

4,475.10

70,964.00

15,669.90

Registrar General's Department,.

13,058.53

16.429.62

3,371.09

350.00

5.00

Harbour Master's Department,

82.929.00

109,406.63

26.477.63

•

190.00

Lighthouses,.

13,472.59

18,655.11

5,182.52

40.00

Observatory,

16,963.79

15,480.87

1.482.92

3,673 50

780.00

1.000.00

200.00

Botanical and Afforestation Department,

21,519.95

25,560.70

4,040.75

66,733.88

Legal Departments,

81,475.24

91,277.66

9,802.42

4,491.18

733.59 8,420.97

Land Court,

30,964.31

10,989.50

860.00

Ecclesiastical Department,

1,805.00

1,825.00

20.00

Education,

79,993.76

86,946.30

6,952.54

46,647.55

2,187.75

755.00

99.00

Medical Departments,

125.256.34

140,431.71

15,175,37

6.525.00

270.00

628.00

422.00

575.00

15.00

687,000.00

315,000.00

1,890.00

115.00

Magistracy,

Police,

Gaols,...

Fire Brigade,..

Sanitary Department,

Charitable Allowances,

20,914.59

23.794.23

2,879.64

393,485.12

380,789.56

12,695.56

63,329.02

71,101.65

7,772.63

18,240.83

18.592.91

352.08

130,816.01

144,962.20

14,146.19

4,140.00

4,994.07

$54.07

8.00

47,150.00

Transport...

5,080.51

14.776.93

9.696.42

4.00

Miscellaneous Services,

426,591.28

4.00

800.00

Military Expenditure,

655,686.11

841.00

80.00 389.00

Public Works, Recurrent,

210,740.85

469,629.33 43,038.05

318,299.63 107.558.78

851,100.24-195,414.43-

125,909.43

Public Works, Extraordinary,

473,203.89

388,473.05

84,732.84

18,654.93

18.00

442,621.35

28,710.12

1,763.76

297.25

3,516.00

717.00

394.75

74.85

2,466.00

273.00

1.398.22

69.94

1,590.90

3.15

53.00

1.00

6.494.50

1,913.50

4,668.83

1,697.55

1,750.00

12,900.50

9,350.00 2,553.75

23,863.40

1,566.40

246.00

3,047.50

67.50

15,268.10

1,209.06

1,895.00

590.00

677.50

287.50

3,938.05

1,808.10

26,873.67

2,198.75

1,070.68 63.50

7,316.44

1,929.05

1,033.24

650.00

33.18 170.00

21,669.00 25.00

31,180.83

3,791.50

55.00

657.13

750.00

2,986.88

1.401.29

472.56

48.56

327.50

99.50

3,150.00

120.00

28,424.00

613.00

761.00

240.00

2,211.85

178.86

391.53

2,370.60

421.05 170.74

3,075.00

400 00

12,916.04

554.45

1,132.50

210.50

44,800.00

1.250.00

6.449.73

8,107.25

{

18.85

18.87

355,912.74

783.00

1,200.00 289,835.56

9,365.87 28,783.55

30,309.41

...

36.00

9.482.87

3,089.82

28.498.75

10.00

506

28,710.12

Public Works, Recurrent, Public Works, Extraordinary

J.UU

Special Fruit Licences,

452.00

Spirit Licences,

107,254.50

Sulphuric & Nitric Acid,

Stamps,

471,831.47

Steam-launch Licences,

1,466.50

JU.VU 841.00 125,909.43 18.00 442,621.35 1,763.75

J.00 389.00 18,654.93 18.00

907, 65

FEES OF Court or Office, PAYMENTS FOR SPECIFIC

PURPOSES, AND REIMBURSEMENTS IN AID :-

Bills of Health..

2,769.00

3,516.00

747.00

Births and Deaths, Registration of.

319.90

394.75

74.85

Cargo Boat Certificates,

2,193.00

2,466.00

273.00

Cemetery Burials,..

1,328.28

1.398.22

69.94

Cemetery Fees from Public Cemeteries for Chinese,

1,587.75

1,590.90

3.15

Chinese Gazette, Sale of........

52.00

53.00

1.00

Companies, Registration of

4,581.00

6.494.50

1,913.50

Convict Labour and other items,

2,971.28

4,668.83

1,697.55

Certificate to Chinese enteri ag America,

11,100.00

1,750,00

9,350.00

Deeds, Registration of

14,554.25

12,000.50

2,553.75

Engagement and Discharge of Seainen,

22,297.00

23,863.40

1,566.40

Engagement of Masters &c., of Steam Launch,

246.00

Examination of Masters, &c.,

2,980.00

3,047.50

67.50

Fees of Court,

14,039.04

15,268.10

1,209.06

Fees on Grant of Leases,.

1,305.00

1,895.00

590.00

Fees for testing Petroleum,.

390.00

677.50

287,50

Gaol Expenses, Recovery from Diplomatic, Naval and

Military Departments, Seamen and Debtors,

2,129.95

3,938.05

1,808.10

Gunpowder, Storage of

27,944.35

26,873.67

Householders, Registration of

2.202.25

2,198.75

1,070.68 63.50

Imperial Post Office, Contribution from

Medical Certificate,

5,387.39

7,316.44

1,929.05

Lock Hospital, Grant-in-Aid from Admiralty,

1,000.06

1,033.24

33.18

180.00

650.00

470.00

Medical Examination of Emigrants,

25,460.50

21,669.00

Medical Registration Fees,

80.00

25.00

3,791.50 55.00

Medical Treatment of Patients in the Civil Hospital,

31,837.96

31,180.83

657.13

Maintenance of Gap Rockighthouse.—Contribution

from Chinese Imperial Government towards the ..

750.00

Official Administrator and Trustee,.

4,388.17

2,986.88

1,101.29

Official Signatures,.

424.00

472.56

48.56

Printed Forms, Sale of

223-0

327.50

99.50

Private Moorings and Buoys, Rent for

3. 30.00

3,150.00

120.00

Queen's College, Fees from Scuolars,

29, 37.00

28,424.00

613.00

Registry Fees,

521.00

761.00

240.00

Refund of Police Pay,

2,032.99

2,211.85

178.86

Refund Cost of l'olice and other tors,

812.58

391.53

421.05

Sick Stoppages from Police Forve,

2,541.34

2,370.60

170.74

Steam-launches, Surveyor's Certificate.

2,675.00

3,075.00

400,00

Survey of Steam-ships,

12,361.59

12,916.04

554.45

School for Girls, Fees from Scholars,

922.00

1,132.50

210.50

Sunday Cargo-Working Perinits,

43,550.00

44,800.00

1,250.00

Trade Marks, Registration of

3,342.48

6,149.73

8,107.25

Waste Food,

18.85

POST OFFICE:-Postage,

325,603.33

355,912.74

30,309.11

RENT OF GOVERNMENT PROPERTY, LAND AND HOUSES :-

Buildings,

747.00

783.00

36.00

Laundries,

1,210.00

1,200.00

10.00

Leased Lands,

280,402.69

289,835.56

9.482.87

Lands not Leased,

6,276.05

9,365.87

3,089.82

Land Revenue, New Territory,

289.80

28,783.55

28,493.75

Markets,

83,356.35

84,717.96

1,361.61

Piers,

.......

25,571.77

27,774.06

2,202.29

Rent of Salt-pans,

...

1,235.00

Stone Quarries,

24,130.00

43,865.00

19,735.00

Slaughter House,.

48,960.00

54,060.00

5,100.00

Sheep, Pig and Cattle Depôts,

11,833.61

13,799.58

1,965.97

Interest,

1.14

MISCELLANEOUS RECEIPTS :—

Condemned Stores, &c.,

Interest for use of Furniture at Government House,.

497.01 470.60

Night Soil Contracts,

30,384.00

464.93 112,30 41,478.00

32.08

358.30

!1,091.00

Other Miscellaneous Receipts, .

16,025.73

Profit on Subsidiary Coins,.

191,533.40

51,529,23 38,503.50 183.515.90

8,017.50

Water Account,

151,034.87

169,119.45 18,084.58

TOTAL exclusive of Land Sales,.

| 3,386,364.48 | 3,973,578.16 665,565.43 78,351.75

LAND SALES,

TOTAL,....

816,222.92

240,315.06

575,907.86

១១

4,202,587.40 4.213.893.22

565.43

654,259.61

Deduct Decrease,

Nett Increase,

Treasury, Hongkong, 8th April, 1902.

654,259.61

11,305.82

1,590.90

3.15

53.00

1.00

6.494.50

1,913.50

4,668.83

1,697.55

1,750,00

9,350.00

12,000.50

2,553.75

23,863.40

1,566.40

246.00

3,047.50

67.50

15,268.10

1,209.06

1,895.00

590.00

677.50

287,50

3,938.05

1,808.10

26,873.67

2,198.75

1,070.68 63.50

7,316.44

1,929.05

1,033.24

650.00

33.18 470.00

21,669.00 25.00

31,180.83

3,791.50

55.00

657.13

750.00

2,986.88

1,401.29

472.56

48.56

327.50

3,150.00 28,424.00 761.00 2,211.85 391.53

99.50 120.00

...

240.00 178.86

...

613.00.

2,370.60

421.05 170.74

3,075.00

400 00

12,916.04

554.45

1,132.50

210.50

44,800.00

1,250.00

6.149.73

5,107.25

18.85

355,912.74

30,309.11

783.00

36.00

1,200.00

10.00

289,835.56

9,482.87

9,365.87

3,089.82

28,783.55

28,493.75

84,717.96

1,361.61

27,774.06

2,202.29

1,235.00

43,865.00

19,735.00

54,060.00

5,100.00

13,799.58

1,965.97

1.14

461.93 112.30

1.14

32.08

...

358.30

41,478.00

11,091.00

51,529.23 38,503.50

183,515.90

8,017.50

169,119.45 13,084.58

,973,578.16 665,565.43 78,351.75

240,315.06

575,907.86

213,898.22

1.505.43 654,259.61

TOTAL..

654,259.61

11,305.82

.$3,628,447.13 |4,111,722.49

582,464 30

Deduct Decrcase, .

Nett Increase,

99,188.94

483,275.36

99,188.94

A. M. THOMSON,

Colonial Treasurer.

507

Statement of Deposits not Available received and paid in the Colony of Hongkong during the year 1901.

By whom deposited.

Outstanding

1st January, 1901.

Deposits received during the year.

Total.

Deposits repaid during the

31st Dec.,

year.

1901.

{

Intestate Estate,...

1,205.24

Sikh Police Fund,

Police Fine Fund,

5,421.00 216.90

126.27 2,080.00

1,331.51

7,501.00

1,907.00

931.29

1,148.19

Chinese Recreation Ground,

3,319.29

1,090.52

4,409.81

755.15 1,416.17

5,594.00 393.04

Estate of deceased Policemen,

170.89

Tender Deposit,

31,165.00

26.53 16,210.00

197.42 47,375.00

41,675.00

2,993.64 197.42 5,700.00

Post Office Fine Fund,

Suitors' Fund,

128.72 107,426.10

71.38 189,803.86

200.10 297.229.96

200.10

188,290.27

Widows and Orphans' Fund,

88,793.24

23,135.14

111,929.41

2,662.52

108,939.69 109,266.89

Custom Duties on Parcels,

252.69

1,284.47

1,537.16

980.91

556.25

Praya Reclamation Fund,

214,175.12

99,890.46

314,065.58

110,565.34

203,500.24

Sale of Land,

200.00

2,500.00

Licence Fee Deposits,.

125.00

1,187.50

2,700.00 1,312.50

2,300.00 1,312.50

100.00

...

Deposit for Expenses of erecting 3 Lamp-posts

290.00

on Inland Lot 199,

Medical Department Fine Fund,

Miscellaneous,

Board of Trade,

Gaol Library,

47.91

15,868.96

213.00

290.00

47.91 16,081.96

290.00

47.91

716.98 103.90

2,669.14

3,386.12 103.90

198.65 2,204.05

15,883.31 1,182.07

103.90

Treasury, Hongkong, 31st March, 1902.

469,579.03

341,267.47 810,847.53

354,267.56

456,579.97

A. M. THOMSON,

Treasurer.

508

To whom advanced.

1st January, 1901.

Statement of Adrances made and repaid in Hongkong during the year ended 31st December, 1901.

Outstanding

Advances

repaid during

the year ended 31st Dec., 1901.

Balance on Outstanding

31st Dec., 1901.

Advances made during the year ended 31st Dec., 1901.

Total.

ར

286,391.34

Money Order,

Government of Singapore,

36,854.76

* 6,447.51

329,693.61

308,211.32

21,482.29

495.00

2,579.50

3,074.50

2,508.00

566.50

Supreme Court,

Captain Superintendent of Police,

Praya Reclamation,

Crown Solicitor,

Sanitary Department,

100.00

25.00

1,140.00

1,165.00

10,233,03

1,997.95

12,230.98

1,140.00 10,233.03

25.00

1,997.95

.....

...

200.00 92,500.00

200.00

92,500.00

200.00 92,500.00

Postmaster General,

348.62

Treasury,

Public Works Department,.

556.30 500.00 1,500.00

904.92 500.00

901.92 500.00

Private Street Improvement;

2,595.67

41,042.11

1,500.00 44,237.78

1,500.00

39,224.88

5,012.90

E. Griffith,

48.10

G. P. Tate,

200.00

H. B. Lethbridge, Widow and Orphans' Fund,

16.12

159.96

176.08

161.58

14.50

W. Curwen,

96.24

Sugar-cane

Mill,

285.01

E. Kelly,

20.00

G. T. Taylor,

192.48

12.19

204.67

F. Hast,

192.48

12.19

204.67

E. A. Johnson,.

192.48

12.19

204.67

J. Gidley, Widows and Orphans' Fund,

16.60

191.05

Mrs. J. Acker,................

J. R. Crock, Widows and Orphans' Fund,

India Office, Advance of pay to Lala Singh,.

J. H. Barrington,....

W. R. Seymour,

W. McGregor,

P. P. J. Wodehouse,

C. F. O'Brien,

Captain Hasting's Contribution to Jamaica Wi-

dows and Orphans' Fund,

Amount paid in to compensate Mr. Tutcher's Į

House Allowance,

Mrs. Ada Robertson, Widows and Orphans' Fund,

193.63

2.58

143.07

145.07

99.22

153.50

153.60

105.00

48.60

51.20

1,420.00 102.40

1,420.00

42.00

102.40

50.00

1,378.00 52.40

21.63

27.91 Cr. Bal. 6.28

58.50

155.26

45.00

110.26

68.88

27.30

41.58

Inspector Carter,

A. Holdaway,

A. Chapman,

E. A. Carvalho,

155.26

15.00

140.26

51.20

1,081.69

J. Drayson,

540.85 454.31

510.85

540.85.

454.31

Treasury, Hongkong, 31st March, 1902.

51,694.99

440,620.54

492,315.53 458,773.44

33,548.37

Less credit balance,................

6.28

33,542.09

* Profit in Exchange,

.$6,447.517

=$6,450.09

2.381

A. M. THOMSON, Treasurer.

PRAYA RECLAMATION FUND.

STATEMENT OF EXPENDITURE TO 31ST DECEMBER, 1901.

Balance

Cost. to be spent.

Balance

spent

in Excess

of the

Estimated

Cost.

1890.

1891.

1892.

1893.

1894.

1895.

1896.

1897.

1898.

1899.

1900.

1901.

Total

Expenditure.

Estimated

Private Marine Lot Holders.

班

诟

Section No. 1,*

7,128:44 42,019.54 | 43,791.64 24,984.84 Do. No. 2,...| 55,887.63 34,580.26 49,612.81 35,455.12 Do. No. 3,...| 6,051.44

65,661.55 112,573.89

33,075.47

46,758.18

36,245.99

31,593.99

Do. No. 4,...] Do. No. 5,...| Do. No. 6,... Do. No. 7,... 21,788.35| 31,817.59

3,113.67

6,552.99 7,019.62

5,004.19

9,187.60 14,215.46

1,822.21 3,428.36 14,169.36

7,063.88

55,691.67

8,670.52

7,876.47 14,630.92 27,669.30 5,666.04 53,029.15 57,374.26

77,925.38 9,600.81 51,701.26 44,549.27

63,318.02 14,086.90 24,596.23 29,091.12 32,355.42 6,202.29 5,754.83 11,705.77 10,993.57 6,548.41 36,697.68 48,599.71 43,961.02 25,030.76 14,247.88 39,144.85 11,964.17 31,946.66 28,704.10 63,670.23 | 62,780.32 49,058.88 58,331.35 29,767.101 50,382.14 52,327.67 52,553.60 27,309.82|27,919.28|† 12,423.70

29,025.13 29,025.13 16,322.59 873,478.05 423,260.67 49,782.62 2,343.63 2,205.13 257,445.44 251,176.20 4,206.01 3,892.45 425,591.85 459,378.56 33,786.71 7,998.26 6,377.75 207,399.83 227,392.11 19,992.28 15,581.31 12,793.76 316,891.84 329,686.00 12,794.66 67,275.01 35,341.07 453,892.73 523,788.60 69,895.87 | 7,630.77 3,516.38 300,466.31 316,268.44 15,802.13

6,269.24

106,850.19 204,450.45 332,808.10 114,032.85 240,561.81 272,503.71 228,333.44 233,308.93 198,358,66 | 205,164.46 134,060.12 80,449.13 2,335,165.55 2,530,950.58 202,054.27 6,269.24

6,269.24

Government.

195,785.03

Section No. 4,... Do.. No. 5,... Do. No. 6,... Do. No. 7,...

443.53

1,418.47

755.45

32,304.19

814.38 1,260.26 303.87 2,520.24 4,213.30 1,003.11 1,400.02 2,119.82 544.73 48,472.28|111,086.04| 12,473.23

233.81 9,727.49 5,464.26 3,290.36 5,661.37 4,678.83 1406.59 1,107.42 34,392.17 38,734.40 4,342.23 774.89 1,697.95 16,858.62 18,515.52 11,741.06 3,430.13 2,811.06 63,610.90 67,194.90 3,584.00 637.44 1,036.00 1,541.61 3,337.25 1,094.88 5,888.25 8,925.85 4,585.20 31,866.50 46,818.00 14,951.50 10,156.55 5,709.57 12,954.74 3,393.29 3,005.03 2,178.44 2,827.40 2,818.70 247,379.46 259,218.77

11,839.31

11,802.19 18,171.01 36,819.23 28,536.42

Total,...$ 34,921.64 53,206.92|118,679.42 14,324.94

9,761.28 | 24,486.58 16,589.97 11,322.38 377,249.03

Grand Total,.$ 141,771.83 257,657.37 451,487.52 | 128,357.79 252,364.00 290,674.72|265,152.67|261,845.35 | 208,119.94229,651.04 150,650.09

1.83

* This includes Marine Lots Nos. 188, 189 and 190 which belong to the Government.

$21,212.23

36,958.53

+ Expenditure, Less Transfers,

Cr. Balance,..

.$15,716,30

411,966.07 34,717.04

91,771.51 2,712,414.58 2,942,916.65 230,502.07

Expenditure, Less Transfers,

.$ 8,486.01

9,858.96

Cr. Balance,.

$ 1,372.95

Hongkong, 31st March, 1902.

A. M. THOMSON, Treasurer.

509

510

FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR 1901.

By Sinking Fund.

£20,363.12.8

Dr.

To Inscribed Stock Loan at 34% interest,

LOAN ACCOUNT.

to be paid off on the 15th April, 1943,... £341,799.15.1

ASSETS AND LIABILITIES,

ON THE 31ST DECEMBER, 1901.

ASSETS.

LIABILITIES.

Balance in Bank,

Subsidiary Coins,

106,896.94 | Crown Agents' Drafts in transit,

264,000.00

1,450,000.00 Military Contribution,

92,845.83

Coins in transit,

Advances,

422,000.00 Deposits not available,.

33,542.09 | Refund of Taxes,

456,579.97

4,000.00

Suspense House Service,

165.53

Officers' Remittances,

150.00

Profit, Money Order Office,...

8,000.00 Money Order Remittances,

26,294.65.

Water Account,......

2,977.04

Transit Charges, General Post Office.......

7,600.00

Civil Pensions,

18,600.00

Police Do.,

24,000.00.

Private Drainage Works,

292.36

Public Works,.......

83,954.82

Miscellaneous,..............

8,740.43

TOTAL ASSETS,...$ 2,023,581.60

TOTAL LIABILITIES,............

987,058.06

BALANCE, *

$1,036,523.54

$ 2,023,581.60

Not including Arrears of Revenue amounting to $61,132.00.

Treasury, Hongkong, 4th April, 1902.

A. M. THOMSON,

ново

Treasurer.

HONGKONG.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH ESTIMATES 1903.

Laid before the Legislative Council by Command of His Excellency the Governor.

ASSETS.

Balance in Bank,

Subsidiary Coins,

ASSETS AND LIABILITIES,

ON THE 31ST DECEMBER, 1901.

Coins in transit,

Advances,

Suspense House Service,....

Profit, Money Order Office,..

Water Account,......

833

No. 1902

LIABILITIES.

106,896.91 Crown Agents' Draft in transit,

264,000.00

1,450,000.00 Military Contribution,

92,845.83

422,000.00 Deposits not available,..

456,579.97

33,542.09 Refund of Taxes,

4,000.00

165.53

Officers' Remittances,

150.00

8,000.00 Money Order Remittances,

26,294.65

2,977.04 Transit Charges, General Post Office,.

7,600.00

Civil Pensions,

18,600.00

Police Do.,

24,000.00

Private Drainage Works,

292.36

Public Works,.......

$3,954.82

Miscellaneous,.

8,740.43

TOTAL ASSETS,...$ 2,023,581.60

TOTAL LIABILITIES,......$

987,058.06

BALANCE, *...$1,036,523.54

$2,023,581.60

*Not including Arrears of Revenue amounting to $61,132,00.

Treasury, Hongkong, 4th April, 1902.

50-22.9.02.

A. M. THOMSON,

Treasurer.

834

ESTIMATED BALANCE OF THE ASSETS OF THE COLONY ON THE 31ST DECEMBER, 1902.

Estimated Revenue on account of 1902,

$4,322,731.00

on Land Sales 1902,.

316,800.00

وو

Total Estimated Revenue,.......

$4,639,531.00

Estimated Expenditure Ordinary, ......................

$4,446,846.00

Extraordinary,....

1,141,021.00

$5,587,867.00

Estimated Expenditure in Excess over Revenue, $ 948,336.00

Balance on 1st January, 1902,

Less Expenditure in Excess of 1902 Revenue,

$1,097,655.54 *

948,336.00

Estimated Balance of 1902 Assets, $ 149,319.54

* Arrears of Revenue,

Credit Balance of 1901 Assets,

61,132.00 1,036,523.54

$ 1,097,655.51

Dr.

ESTIMATED LOAN ACCOUNT, 1902.

To Inscribed Stock Loan at 34% interest,

to be paid off on the 15th April, 1943, £341,799.15.1

By Sinking Fund,

Dr.

LOAN ACCOUNT, 1901.

To Inscribed Stock Loan at 31% interest, to

be paid off on the 15th April, 1943, 341,799.15.1

By Sinking Fund,

Treasury, Hongkong, 11th September, 1902.

Cr.

£31,528.11.9

Cr.

£20,363.12.8

A. M. THOMSON,

Treasurer.

669

31 No.

1902

HONGKONG.

REPORT ON THE GOVERNMENT FIRE BRIGADE, FOR THE YEAR 1901.

Laid before the Legislative Council by Command of His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government.

FIRE BRIGADE DEPARTMENT, HONGKONG, 22nd March, 1902.

SIR, I have the honour to submit the following report on the Government Fire Brigade for the year 1901.

2. There were fifty-eight Fires and eighty-four Incipient Fires during the year. ing each are attached. The Brigade turned out fifty-seven times during the year.

Details regard-

The estimated damages caused by the Fires was $630,381 and by the Incipient Fires $212.50. 3. A list is attached showing the number of Fires that have occurred during each of the last ten years with the estimated value of property destroyed in each case.

4. The water in the mains was turned off from 11th November last, since which date the steam engines and sea water were used, and the work of extinguishing Fires was rendered less prompt and considerably more arduous.

5. One large Fire occurred in a wharehouse after that date, fortunately quite close to the sea-wall. 6. One Fire occurred in the Harbour during the year.

7. A new telescopic fire-escape, capable of reaching a height of 60 feet, was received from Eng- land on the 5th November. The men were drilled in handling it, but it was never called into actual

use at a Fire.

8. I attach a list of places where Fire Despatch Boxes are kept, and copy of report by the Engineer on the state of the Fire Engines, which are all in good order. (Since the report was written No. 3 Engine has been repaired.)

9. The conduct of the Brigade has been good.

10. I acted as Superintendent of the Brigade, and Mr. MACKIE as Assistant Superintendent from the 5th September, when Mr. MAY left the Colony on leave of absence.

11. An additional Assistant Superintendent was added to the Brigade from the 15th July, the post being filled by Inspector KEMP.

I have the honcur to be,

Sir,

Your obedient Servant,

F. J. BADELEY,

The Honourable

Acting Superintendent of Fire Brigade.

THE COLONIAL SECRETARY,

&c.,

S'c.,

&c.

List of Places where Fire Brigade Despatch Boxes are kept.

1 Box. No. 1 Police Station.

3 Boxes. Engine House at No. 2 Police Station.

Naval Dock Yard.

1 Box.

Clock Tower.

Government Offices.

Government House.

No. 7, Queen's Garden, Engineers' Mess. Central Police Station.

Wellington Street at Lyndhurst Terrace. Government Civil Hospital.

Staunton Street at Sing Wong Street. Water Lane at Queen's Road Central.

2 Boxes. No. 7 Police Station.

Bonham Strand West, at West End. Gas House, West Point.

Fat Hing Street, at Queen's Road West. Ko Shing Theatre.

1 Box.

2 Boxes.

1 Box.

2 Boxes.

No. 5 Police Station.

1 Box.

Government Lunatic Asylum. Nam Pak Hong Fire Station. Man Mo Temple.

Kennedy Town Hospital. Collinson Street.

No. 463, Queen's Road West.

List of Telephones to which the Police can have access to communicate with Central Station

in the event of a Fire breaking out.

Hongkong and China Gas Company, East and

West Point, from 7 A.M. to 9 P.M.

Tung Wá Hospital, Po Yan Street.

Man On Insurance Office, Queen's Road West.

Hongkong Hotel, Praya Central. Royal Naval Yard, Queen's Road East. Mr. J. KENNEDY's Causeway Bay. Electric Light Company, Queen's Road East.

670

HONGKONG, 19th February, 1902. SIR, I have the honour to forward the Annual Report on the state of the Government Fire Engines, for the year ending 31st December, 1901.

STEAMER No. 1.

(Floating Fire Engine by Shand & Mason.)

This Engine has been 4 years in service, was docked and over-hauled in June, 1901, and the Hull, Engines, Boiler and Pumps are now in good order and condition.

STEAMER No. 2.

(Land Engine by Shand & Mason.)

This Engine has been 23 years in service (Boiler 4 years) it has been regularly tested at Drill for Drivers and is now in good order and condition.

STEAMER No. 3.

(Land Engine by Shand & Mason.)

This Engine has been 22 years in service and has been regularly tested at Drill for Drivers. At the last two Drills great difficulty was experienced in getting the Pump to catch the water, and on examination I found the Valve Seats badly corroded thus preventing a Vacuum being formed in the

Chamber.

STEAMER No. 4.

(Land Engine by Shand & Mason.)

This Engine has been 20 years in service and has been regularly tested at Drill and is now in good order and condition.

STEAMER No. 5.

(Land Engine by Shand & Mason.)

This Engine has been 15 years in service, it was over-hauled in 1900, and has been regularly tested at Drill and is now in good order and condition.

All the Manual Engines and gear, Hose, Reels, Ladders and Supply Carts have been kept in good repair and are now in good order and condition.

Owing to the extra work the Engines have recently done at fires and considering the long time that has elapsed since they were over-hauled, I consider that it will be necessary during the present year to examine and over-haul each of the Engines; but with the exception of No. 3 Engine, this can be left till the water from the mains can be used for fires.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your obedient Servant,

D. MACDONALD, Engineer, Fire Brigade.

F. J. BADELEY, Esquire,

Acting Captain Superintendent of Police.

No.

DATE.

1234

January February

.3 April

30 30 10 1-

FIRES, 1891.

SITUATION OF FIRE.

Nos. 170 and 172, Third Street,

No. 353, Queen's Road West,

No. 41, Hillier Street,

The Hongkong and China Bakery, Morrison Hill Road,

10 CO 1 ∞0

May

July

East Point,

No. 331, Queen's Road Central,

6 No. 280, Queen's Road Central,

11 December 19

No. 72, Station Street, Yaumati, No. 57A, Wanchai Road,

TOTAL,..

NO. OF BUILDINGS

DESTROYED.

Wholly. Partly.

ESTIMATED

A MOUNT

OF PROPERTY

DESTROYED.

3,000

700

1,500

1,000

11,500

12,000

1,800

600

32,100

No.

DATE.

FIRES, 1892.

SITUATION OF FIRE.

671

No. oF BUILDINGS

DESTROYED.

ESTIMATED AMOUNT OF PROPERTY.

DESTROYED.

Wholly. Partly.

123 + 10 20 1-∞ ✪

January

10 No. 9, Queen's Road Central, 13 Bonham Strand,

40,000

8,000

16 | No. 528, Queen's Road West,

6,000

21 No. 81, High Street,

100

April

}

No. 26, Sai Wo Lane,

1,000

No. 17, Queen's Road West,

400

No. 104, Queen's Road West,

1,500

May

No. 17, Tank Lane,

250

June

No. 29, Centre Street,

100

July

No. 91, Wing Lok Street,

5,000

August

No. 49, Queen's Road West,

300

No. 48, Queen's Road West,

3,000

September 15

No. 80, Queen's Road West,

4,000

December

No. 333, Queen's Road Central,

5,000

No. 14, Jubilee Street,

300

No. 16, East Street,

600

TOTAL,.....

75,550

No.

DATE.

FIRES, 1893.

No. OF BUILDINGS

DESTROYED.

SITUATION OF FIRE.

Wholly. Partly.

ESTIMATED AMOUNT

OF PROPERTY

DESTROYED.

1 2 3 4 LO CON∞

January

7 No. 73, Hollywood Road,

11 | No. 79, Nullah Lane,

800

300

18 No. 2, Square Street,

February 11

No. 68, Jervois Street,

10,000

March

No. 101, Wing Lok Street,

6,000

No. 22, Holland Street,

40,000

No. 301, Queen's Road West,

8,000

April

No. 87, Jervois Street,

2,000

25 No. 15, West Street,

800

27 | No. 1, In On Lane,

19,000

May

June

13 No. 344, Queen's Road Central, 16 No. 406, Queen's Road West,

2,000

July

16 No. 28, Tsz Mi Lane,.....

3 No. 191, Hollywood Road,

700

1,500

14 No. 19, Gough Street,

150

19 No. 280, Queen's Road West,

1,000

No. 12, Tung Loi Lane,...

20,000

August

No. 337, Queen's Road West,

300

No. 32, Queen's Road West,

2,800

No. 155, Second Street,

20,000

September 5

October November

30 No. 127, Bonham Strand,

12 No. 14, Li Shing Street, 11 No. 115, Praya West,..

No. 7, Ezra Lane,

400

No. 248, Hollywood Road,

4,000

5,000

5,500

11 No. 58, Square Street,

GO OV

20,000

3,000

16 No. 5, Pan Kwai Lane,

1,000

21 No. 9, Tannery Lane,....

23 | No. 314A, Queen's Road Central,

8,000

26 No. 22, Tsz Mi Lane,..........

5,500

December

4 No. 31, Wing Fung Street,

5 No. 131, Bonham Strand,

2,000

9 No. 11, Bonham Strand,

10 | No. 240, Queen's Road West, 13 No. 99, Praya West,

3,000

9,000

400

25 | No. 100, Queen's Road West,

2,000

TOTAL......

208.210

672

No.

DATE.

TIME.

FIRES, 1894.

No. OF BUILDINGS

DESTROYED.

SITUATION OF FIRE.

ESTIMATED DAMAGE.

Wholly. Partly.

1 2 3

January

12.30 p.m.

No. 56, First Street,

8.45 p.m.

No. 13, U Lok Lane,

1 25 a.m.

February

7.55 a.m.

1.40 p.m. 4.50 p.m.

March

7 p.m. 7.30 a.m. 9.25 a.m.

April

9.20 p.m.

10.30 a.m.

May

3 a.m.

June

3 a.m.

3.10 a.m.

July

10.25 p.m.

August

10.30 a.m.

9 a.m.

2 a.m.

7 p.m.

No. 273, Queen's Road West, No. 26, Market Street, No. 57, Queen's Road West, No. 28, Upper Station Street, No. 86, Queen's Road West, No. 17, Salt Fish Street, No. 17, Upper Lascar Row, No. 136, Bonham Strand,. No. 211, Hollywood Road, No. 63, Wanchai Road,............ No. 122, Queen's Road Central, No. 116, Queen's Road Central, No. 137, Queen's Road West, No. 15, Jervois Street,

No. 228, Queen's Road Central, No. 123, Queen's Road Central, No. 59, Square Street,

3.45 a.m.

No. 68, Jervois Street,

October

2 a.m.

11.30 p.m.

6.20 p.m.

No. 9, Sai On Lane, No. 21, West Street, No. 2, Ship Street,.

12.10 a.m.

No. 127, Queen's Road West,

10 p.m.

November 30

7.40 p.m.

December 1

10 p.m.

5.30 p.m.

11.20 p.m.

No. 115, Queen's Road Central, No. 32, Bonham Strand,

No. 207, Queen's Road Central, No. 183, Hollywood Road, No. 22, Queen's Road West,.

TOTAL,....

FIRES, 1895.

800

400

1,200

2,500

4,000

300

1,500

5,000

150,000

2,000

1,500

55,000

18,000

4,500

2,500

20,000

3,000

500

18,000

200

800

200

15,000

4,600

2,000

8,000

2,000

100

323,650

No. OF BUILDINGS

DESTROYED.

No.

DATE.

TIME.

SITUATION OF FIRE.

ESTIMATED DAMAGE.

Wholly. Partly.

January

6.45 p.m.

9. p.m.

7.45 p.m.

9.30 p.m.

5.45 p.m.

House No. 230, Queen's Road Central, House No. 4, Wellington Street, .... House No. 189, Queen's Road Central,

House No. 15, Mercer Street,

$ 6,000

1,000

2,000

9,000

House No. 337, Queen's Road West,

1,000

February

9.15 p.m.

House No. 73, Bonham Strand,

6,000

1 a.m.

House No. 149, Queen's Road Central,

1.20 p.m.

House No. 3, Wai Tak Lane,

200

March

6.40 p.m.

House No. 228, Queen's Road West,

12,000

7 p.m.

House No. 7, Li Shing Street,.......

3,000

.8 p.m.

House No. 96, Bonham Strand,

Unknown.

8.30 p.m.

House No. 212, Queen's Road West,

3,000

2.50 a.m.

395

April

3.25 a.m.

House No. 352, Queen's Road Central, House No. 1, Queen's Street,

5,000

12 Noon.

House No. 144, Queen's Road West,

3,000

7 p.m.

House No. 34, Bouham Strand,

1,000

10.15 p.m.

House No. 19, Jervois Street,

12,000

June

3.05 a.m.

House No. 76, Jervois Street,

Not known.

19 July

4.50 a.m.

House No. 34, Wing Lok Street,.

5,000

12.30 a.m.

House No. 3, Station Street,

August

1 a.m.

House No. 70, Jervois Street,

800 22,000

September

3.45 a.m.

House No. 4, Praya Central, premises of

Messrs. Wieler & Co.,......

100

8.30 a.m.

House No. 12, Nullah Terrace, Quarry Bay,

700

October

12.50 a.m.

House No. 169, Hollywood Road,

3,000

8.20 a.m.

Matshed at Quarry Bay,

500

195

*** HO

11.15 p.m.

House No. 149, Queen's Road Central,

100

12.45 a.m.

American ship Wandering Jew, Victoria

Harbour,

150,000

28 November 21

December 13

7.35 p.m. 11.15 4.30 p.m.

House No. 111, Praya West,

p.m.

A matshed at Kun Chung,

6,000 200

A squatter's hut on the Hillside at the

back of Shaukiwan Station,

1 a.m.

House No. 110, Praya West,

8,000

1a.m.

House No. 247, Queen's Road Central,

15,000

1.35 a.m.

6 p.m.

1.10 a..

House No. 285, Queen's Road Central, House No. 347 & 349, Queen's Road West, House No. 40, Queen's Road West,.........

4,000

5,325

5,000

TOTAL,........

297,980

FIRES, 1896.

No. of BUILDINGS

673

DESTROYED.

No.

DATE.

TIME.

SITUATION OF FIRE.

ESTIMATED DAMAGE.

Wholly. Partly.

- 230 H 10 TO 1-30 a

January

7.45 p.m.

8.20 p.m.

10.30 p.m.

February

12.30 am. 1 a.m. 2.45 a.m. 11.05 p.m. 4.25 a.m.

March

4 a.m.

April

5.10 a.m.

House No. 30, Wing Lok Street, House No. 63, Queen's Road Central,.. Honse No. 205, Queen's Road West, House No. 302, Queen's Road West, House No. 56, Jervois Street, House No. 57, Queen's Road West, House No. 133, Praya West,

House No. 309, Queen's Road Central, House No. 367, Queen's Road Central, House No. 3, Wing Lok Street,

9,000

1,000

2,600

6,000

16,000

6,000

5,000

8,000

4.45 a.m.

4.20 a.m.

4.15 a.m.

House No. 288, Queen's Road West, House No. 21, Salt Fish Street, House No. 13, Wing Wo Street,

4,000

8,700

2,000

1.15 a.m.

House No. 48, Praya West,

3,000

3.15 a.m.

House No. 13, Cochrane Street,

600

8.45. a.m.

House No. 31, Belcher's St.,Kennedy Town,

3,500

да

10.15 a.m.

House No. 238, Hollywood Road,

2,000

ក

9.50 p.m.

House No. 115, Praya West,

2,300

May

1.10 a.m.

House No. 12, Sutherland Street,

10.15 p.m.

House No. 73, Jervois Street,

6,000

21 June

9.20 p.m.

House No. 3, Tsz Mi Lane,

1,290

7.30 a.m.

Licensed Cargo Boat No. 69,

4,500

3.30 p.m.

August

3.10 p.m.

On Board the British barque Glen Caladh, House No. 10, Ship Street,

Unknown.

600

October 28

2.10 p.m.

House No. 137, Wing Lok Street,

7,000

November

December 8

12.40 a.m. 3.20 a.m.

House No. 109, Queen's Road West,

8.30 p.m. 1 a.m.

House No. 138, Queen's Road West, House No. 18, New Street,

200

]

1,000

House No. 10, Queen's Road West,.... House No. 63, Bonham Strand,

200

Trifling.

TOTAL,..........

105,595

No.

DATE.

TIME.

FIRES, 1897.

SITUATION OF FIRE.

No. OF BUILDINGS

DESTROYED.

ESTIMATED DAMAGE.

January 12 18

February 3

10.30 p.m. 10.15 p.in. 4.20 a.m.

On board the S.S. Fausang, House No. 138, Jervois Street, House No. 213, Praya West,

Wholly. Partly.

500 25,000

17,000

1.20 p.m.

House No. 24, Cross Street,..

300

9.15 a.m.

Government Offices, Lower Albert Road,.......

200

1.35 a.m.

House No. 124, Jervois Street,

20,000

April

1.20 a.m.

House No. 14, Cross Street,

4,000

12.30 a.m.

2.24 a m.

5.25 am.

10.15 p.m.

On S.S. Belgic,

1.55 a.m.

May

7.40 p.m.

Honse No. 128, Queen's Road Central,. House No. 351. Queen's Road Central,

House No. 90, Jervois Street,

House No. 95, Wing Lok Street,

House No. 8, Cross Street,

200

24,000

3,000

5,000

700

20:

1.45 .m.

House No. 71, Jervois Street,

13,050

June

2.30 a.m.

House No. 114, Jervois Street,

34,000

July

10 pm.

Hongkong Hotel, Queen's Road Central,

300

11.55 p.m.

House No. 248, Queen's Road West,

300

18 August

4.15 p.m.

2.05 a.m.

House No. 15, Praya, Fuk Tsun Heung,... House No. 213, Queen's Road West,

7,000

September

1.15 p.m.

House No. 16, Tung Loi Street,

O CO

600 6,900

7.15 a.m.

House No. 49, Quarry Bay,

600

12.20 p.m.

7 p.m. 7.10 a.m.

26 December 22

1.15 p.m..

November 24

11.35 p.m.

House No. 64, Third Street,. House No. 53, Stanley Village, House No. 122, Second Street,. H. M. Naval Yard,

House No. 5, "Wild Dell,"

300

1,200

3,000

5,000

2,000

TOTAL,....

177,150

674

FIRES, 1898.

No.

DATE.

TIME.

January

2285

4.40 p.m.

February

3.10 a.m.

9 p.m.

3.35 p.m.

March

12.40 a.m.

April

3 a.m.

May

11.10 p.m.

June

7.05 p.m.

August

3 p.m.

September 10

2 p.m.

October 10

5.30 p.m.

House No. 2, West Street,

3.55 p.m.

SITUATION OF FIRE.

House No. 21, Lyndhurst Terrace, Government Asylan, Eastern Street, House No. 46, Praya Central, House No. 125, Wanchai Road, Matshed at British Kowloon, House No. 2, Graham Street,

House No. 288, Queen's Road West, House No. 295, Queen's Road West, House No. 67, Praya Central,

House No. 22, Belchers Street,.

Matshed at the Peak,

NO. OF BUILDINGS

DESTROYED.

Wholly. Partly.

ESTIMATED DAMAGE.

500.00

150.00

200.00

4.000.00

Unknown.

1,000.00

600.00

700.00

100.00

7,000.00

200.00 11,628.74

November 18

7.30 a.m.

House No. 76, Praya East,

200.00

December 9

5.50 p.m.

House No. 56, Jardine's Bazaar,

2,500.00

6.15 p.m.

House No. 136, Queen's Road East,

800.00

10 a.m.

Hut at Shaukiwan,

5,423.00

TOTAL,.

35,001.74

No.

DATE.

TIME.

FIRES, 1899.

SITUATION OF FIRE.

NO. OF BUILDINGS

DESTROYED.

ESTIMATED

DAMAGE.

Wholly. Partly.

$ 1,000

1 01 00 E

January 7

3.40 p.m.

House No. 33, Wing Wo Lane,

10.30 p.m.

House No. 35, Wongneichung,. House No. 234, Holly wood Road,

100. 1,500

2 p.m.

February

9.45 p.m.

March

2.30 a.m.

House No. 3, Wai Suu Lane,

7.30 p.m.

12.30 p.m.

April

1.25 a.m.

May

7.15 a.m.

June

232

11.05 p.m.

8.25 p.m. 11.50 a.m.

4.30 a.m.

July August

7.35 p.m. Midnight.

3 a.m.

10.

1 a.m.

12.15 a.m.

September 10 October

6.15 a.m.

6.15 p.m.

ל,

9.50 p.m.

9.20 p.m.

House No. 28, Praya West,

25 November

8.30 p.m.

6 a.m.

December

6.35 p.m.

8 p.m.

House No. 28, Nullah Terrace, Quarry

Bay,

House No. 143, Wanchai Road,

House No. 226, Queen's Road Central, Hunghom West,....

House No. 61, Queen's Road West,.

On board German Steamer Sabine Rick-

mers, Tai-Kok Tsui Wharf,

House No. 118, Hollywood Road, House No. 100, Wellington Street, On board the British Steamer Amara,

Wanchai Anchorage,

Nos. 24 and 25, Praya, Kennedy Town,... House No. 205, Queen's Road Central, Praya, Kennedy Town, near Chater Street, House No. 65, Queen's Road West,. No. 2 Store, Kowloon Dock,

House No. 83, Station Street, Yaumati, House No. 373, Queen's Road Central, McDonald Road,

House No. 235, Queen's Road Central,

House No. 1, Duddell Street,

On board S. S. Poseidon in Victoria

Harbour,

Lam Lo Mi Village, Kowloon City,...

1,500

20 10 -- 1

50 3,000

30,000

[!at-

shel

160

200

40 3,000

300

27,500

150,000

2.500

1 mai- shed

200

2,880

1,500

600

19,000

1 mai-

shed

Unknown.

House No. 256, Des Vœux Road,.

2,500

6,500

12,000

150

40,000

154

13 huts

~22

6.30 a.m.

6.20 a.m.

Nga Chin Loong Village, Kowloon City, House No. 76, Jervois Street,

180

23,000

8.50 p.m.

8.30 p.m.

Godowns next to Hing Lung Lane,

House No. 1, Ship Street,..

500,000

300

TOTAL,....

829.814

FIRES, 1900.

675

No. OF BUILDINGS

DESTROYED.

ESTIMATED

No.

DATE.

TIME.

SITUATION OF FIRE.

DAMAGE.

Wholly. Partly.

- 21 20 10 10 10 00 0

January

12 Noon.

House No. 29, Praya, Kennedy Town,

265.00

7.15 a.m.

House No. 25, West Street,

300.00

8.15 p.m.

House No. 22, Western Street,.

100.00

5.30 a.m.

5.45 p.m.

2.15 p.m.

2.30 p.m.

February

ོ སྶ དྨེ ུ?|

7.00 p.m.

3.15 a.m.

2.10 a.m.

11.19 a.m.

8.10 a.m.

7.10 p.m.

10.30 p.m.

2.25 p.in.

5.15 p.m.

2.00 a.m.

March

11.40 p.m.

3.00 p.m.

7.50 p.m.

12.15 a.m.

1.00 a.m.

5.00 p.m.

Fishing Boats at Kau Pai Kang Village, 6 boats Matshed at East Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Matshed of Dairy Farm at Pokfulam, House No. 22, Ma Tao Kok,

Shed at Sha Po Village, Kowloon City......... Caretaker's Matshed at Coffee Plantation

Cemetery,...

House No. 335, Queen's Road Central, House No. 18, Cochrane Street,

House No. 10, High Street,

House No. 11, Shing Hing Lane, West

Point,

House at Ma On Kong Village, Pat Heung, Matshed opposite Harbour Office, Carpenters' Matshed at Hung Hom Cement

Works,

House No. 25, Queen's Road West,.

House No. 11, Hollywood Road, House No. 77, Wellington Street, House No. 128, Winglok Street,

House No. 324, Queen's Road Central, House No. 287, Queen's Road West,

House No. 7, Wild Dell Buildings,

着

sheds

1 mat-

40.00

1 mat-

3,000.00

shed

mar-

3.000.00

shed

40.00

***

inat-

30.00

Unknown

shed

7,500.00

2,000.00

200.00

1ma-

shel

5 mat-

sheds

800.00

1,000.00

1,500.00

3,300.00 15.00 100.00

1,100.00 1.700.00

50.00

April

9.13 p.m.

Bluff, ," Plantation Road, Peak,

2.30 p.m.

House No. 230, To Kwa Wan,.

3.00 p.m.

An unoccupied House in Ha Mi Lane,

7.30 p.m.

May

9.00 p.in.

7.30 a.m.

31 June

12.40 a.m.

July

8.50 p.m.

7.30 p.m.

2.35 a.m.

3.45 a.m.

August September 13

6.00 p.m.

Cargo Boat No. 374,

10.00 p.m.

Cargo Boat No. 61,

11.45 a.m.

9.45 p.m.

Matshed at Sai Kung,

לי

10.15 p.m.

7.30.a.m.

Hung Hom Docks,...

Ping Shan,

A Stack of breaming grass on the Aber-

deen Road, ....

A Stack of grass at Hung Hom West, House No. 36, Upper Lascar Row, House No. 237, Queen's Road West, House No. 240, Des Voeux Road West, House No. 1A, Connanght Road, House No. 11, Tai Wong Lane,

House No. 274, Queen's Road Central,

Squatter's Matshed at Tai Hang Village,

near Yau Ma Ti...

Matshed at Yau Ma Ti Village,

Boat-building Matshed, Mong Kok Tsui, 32 mat Matshed at Robinson Road, Tsim Sha

Tsui,.

mat- shed

30.00 15.00 Unknown

300.00 Unknown

80.00

220.00 30.00

400.00

· 200.00

150.00

43.00

8,000.00

cargo

boat

1,679.73

} cargo

holt

3.950.00

17 mat-

sheds mat-

937.00

sheds

200.00

mat-

shed

100.00

30,000.00

60.00 ·

October

2.00 a.m.

House No. 58, Jervois Street,

November 13

3.50 a.m.

House No. 122, Jervois Street,.

sheds

3 mat-

sheds

8,700.00

19,000.00

1.000.00

8.40 p.m.

8.30 a.m.

December

2.44 a.m.

48.

6.50 p.m.

Matshed at Valley Road,

9.20 p.m.

1.50 a.m.

House No. 93, Market Street, Hung Hom, House No. 275, Queen's Road Central,

House No. 9, Beaconsfield Arcade,

Matsed at Yau Ma Ti,

House No. 26, Sai Woo Laue, ........

1,500.00

800.00 2,500.00

mat-

shed

mat-

sheds

House No. 235, Queen's Road West,

TOTAL,..

4,000.00

100.00 265.00 20,000.00

130,599.73

676

No. DATE.

TIME.

SITUATION OF FIRE.

Jan.

7.00 p.m.

Tai Koo Sugar Works,

9.30 p.m.

Tai O Harbour,

وو

9į

6 Feb.

to co

123

12 12.50 a.m.

2.30 a.m.

6.15

a.m.

Honse No. 201, Queen's Road Central,..

7.00 a.m.

9.30 a.mi.

12.48 a.m.

11.45 p.m.

5.30 a.m.

10.30 p.m.

A house at Shun Wan Village,

Matshed (Boat-building Yard) at Tam Shui Hang 5 Village in Sheung Sha Wan,

House No. 289, Queen's Road West,

House No. 25, New Street,.

No. 1, Lam Loi Street, Kowloon City,

No. 203, Queen's Road West,

House No. 119, Third Street,.

12,50 a.m.

1.50 a.m.

8.40 .m.

p.1

House No. 39, Wing Lok Street, House No. 29, Jervois Street,

No. 13, Beaconsfield Arcale,

Matshed, at Hung Hom West,

12 stone

and

wooden

houses.

BUILDINGS

DESTROYED.

FIRES DURING THE YEAR 1901.

No. of

ESTIMATED

DAMAGE.

Wholly. Partly.

$ 18,000

Unknown.

70 wooden

huts,

7,000

Do.

20,000

18,000

280

1,200

mat-

sheds,

Unknown.

50,000

I launch,

and

CAUSE.

REMARKS.

No insurance effected. Do.

• small

twin

screw

steamers,

17,600

Exploding of a kerosine lamp. Falling of a kerosine lamp... Unknown.

Do.

Supposed to have been caused by burn- ing joss paper or crackers.

Some straw accidentally caught fire. Sparks from the cook-house setting fire to the matting.

Covered by insurance. Do.

Not covered by insurance. No insurance effected.

The mistress of the house, a servant girl and a boy were burnt to death. No insurance effected.

Damage not covered by insurance,

Supposed to have been caused by a Covered by insurance. charcoal stove igniting the show

case.

}

100

13 | 12.45 p.m.

House No. 7, Kwai Wa Lane,

: :

1,000

Joss sticks setting fire to a partition. Unknown.

Do.

340

Supposed to have been caused by over-

No insurance effected.

Do.

1,600

heating of sandalwood powder.

Supposed to have been caused by firing | Covered by insurance.

crackers.

10.50 a.m.

Matshed adjoining with a coolie quarters at the

Peak Terminus,

House No. 468, Queen's Road West,

Unknown.

200

Caused by firing crackers.

No insurance effected.

Do.

5.17 a.m.

House No. 3, East Street,

700

19 March

6.14 a.m.

House No. 164, Wing Lok Street,

11,000

16 12.30 p.m.

26 | 10.43 p.m. 9.30 a.m.

A Kerosine Oil Tank in the Engine-room of S.S. "Colonies" in Victoria Harbour,

103,000

House No. 12, Kwai Wa Lane, House No. 185, Queen's Road Central,

4,200

10,000

ing.

23 April

9.10 p.m.

House No. 120, Second Street,

10,000

Unknown

Carelessness by dropping a burning Covered by insurance.

match on some paper.

Supposed to have been caused by kero- sine lamp igniting a partition.

Unknown

Unknown.

Supposed to have been caused by smok-

Do.

Considerable damage was done to the Engine-room and machinery.

Covered by insurance.

Do.

$6,000 covered by Tung On Insurance Company.

Carried forward,..

274,370

FIRES DURING THE YEAR 1901,——Continued.

No. of

10.00 a.m.

BUILDINGS

No.

DATE.

TIME.

SITUATION OF FIRE.

DESTROYED.

ESTIMATED

DAMAGE.

Wholly. Partly.

Brought forward............

$274,370

19 10 10 10

24 April 15

3.00 p.m.

Matshed on the Road between Lok Lo Ha and Ma

250

Ngui Shui.

25 May

11.53 p.m.

House No. 19, East Street,..

400

4.00 a.m.

9.50 p.m.

Matshed near Tin Hau Temple, Tai Hang Village,..

4 mat-

Unknown.

sheds.

No. 9, Beaconsfield Arcade,

29,000

Do.

28 June

9.50 p.m.

No. 292, Queen's Road Central,.

21,000

Do.

12.40 p.m.

No. 31, Peel Street,.

Do.

2.40,a.m.

9.00 p.m.

No. 7, Queen Victoria Street,......

Shaft Funnel of S.S. "Arethusa" in Hung Hom Dock,

In a House at To Shek Village,..

15,000

Do.

CAUSE.

REMARKS.

33 July

8.30 p.m.

34 Aug.

1.50 a.m.

A Matshed at Valley Road, Wong Nei Chung, House No. 136, Queen's Road Central,

1 mat-

shed.

35,844

35 Sept.

9.55 a.m.

A Government Matshed, Praya East, used as Public

1 mat-

shed.

Bath-house.

10.40 p.m.

House No. 4, Upper Lascar Row,

500

lamp.

7223

7.00 p.m.

A small Matshed in Barker Road,

mat-

Unknown.

shed.

6.20 p.m.

7.00 p.m.

A Matshed in Peak Road near Tram Terminus, House No. 369, Queen's Road Central,

2 mat-

Unknown.

Do.

sheds.

150

་་

25 11.00 p.m.

An old and disused house at Kun Chung, Tsim Sha Tsui,

Supposed to have been caused by a

Oct. 5

1.40 p.m.

A small Matshed on the Reclamation Ground near Canton Wharf,

Unknown.

7.50 p.m.

House No. 116, Queen's Road Central,

2,700

Upsetting of a kerosine lamp.

7.15 p.m.

House No. 16, Praya, Shau Ki Wan West,

8,000

Do.

· 44

2.20 a.m.

House No. 249, Queen's Road Central,

9,500

Unknown

7.35 p.m.

House No. 25, Caine Road,......

200

6.00 a.m.

A Grass-stack at Hung Hom West,

Νον.

7.15 a.m.

In an unnumbered Hut at Cheung Chow,

10huts.

382

Do.

5.30 a.m.

No. 540, Des Voeux Road West,.

203,000

Do.

Caused by throwing a lighted match on floor.

Over-heating of tobacco drying racks...

Supposed to have been caused by sparks from cook-house.

Caused by a lamp hanging near the shed. Unknown

Supposed to be from sparks from a

boiler.

No insurance effected.

Covered by insurance.

No insurance effected.

Insured in the Union Insurance Com- pany for $25,000.

Covered by insurance. No insurance effected.

Covered by insurance.

were burnt to death.

Six persons

Two men were burnt to death and five

men were severely burnt and died subsequently.

No insurance effected.

Do.

Covered by insurance.

No insurance effected.

Accidentally upsetting of a kerosine Covered by insurance.

Do.

kerosine lamp.

No insurance effected. Do.

Covered by insurance. No insurance effected.

Do.

Covered by insurance. No insurance effected. Covered by insurance.

Lath partition accidentally caught fire. No insurance effected.

Unknown.

Do.

Covered by insurance for $155,000.

Dec.

5.35 p.m.

House No. 189, Queen's Road West,.

22,000

Supposed to have been caused by over-

| Covered by insurance.

2.30 a.m.

House No. 22, Chinese Street,

100

heating of a medicine drying stove. Unknown.

No insurance effected.

Curried forward,........

617,796

677

No.

DATE.

TIME.

SITUATION OF FIRE.

FIRES DURING THE YEAR 1901,—Continued.

No. of

Brought forward,.

Dec. 10

3.00 a.m.

8.15 a.m.

33333

6.30 p.m.

House No. 279, Queen's Road Central,

A Rice Store, No. 78, Tung Tau Village, House No. 21, Lo Wai Village,

9.00 p.m.

Cheuk I-Fu, Sai Kung,

1985

3.30 a.m.

Matshed at Lung Chau Cheng Village,...

4.30 p.m.

3.00 p.m.

Ap Liu Village in Cheung Sha Wan, House No. 101, Wanchai Road,....

6.45 p.m.

House No. 67, Ngau Chi Wan,

TOTAL,.

BUILDINGS

DESTROYED,

Wholly. Partly.

ESTIMATED

DAMAGE.

CAUSE.

REMARKS.

$617,796

2,000

Unknown.

Covered by insurance.

By sparks from crackers..

No insurance effected.

Supposed to have been caused by burn- ing joss sticks.

Do.

2 mint-

sheds.

...

Unknown.

Do.

78 mat-

sheds.

8,000

Do.

2 houses.

800

Upsetting of a kerosine kettle..

1,650

Covered by insurance.

Accidentally set fire with a candle by No insurance effected.

an Excise Officer while executing

an opium warrant.

630,381

F. J. BADELEY, Acting Superintendent of Fire Brigade,

678

No.

DATE.

TIME.

SITUATION OF FIRE.

INCIPIENT FIRES DURING THE YEAR 1901.

DAMAGE.

CAUSE.

REMARKS.

Jan.

1278

1.45 a.m.

3.45 a m.

1.25 a.m.

6.00 p.m.

House No. 292, Queen's Road West, House No. 76, Hollywood Road, House No. 60, Hollywood Road, A house in San Tin Village,

Attempted arson.

Trifling.

$15

10 6

2.30 a.m.

6.24 p.m.

House No. 42, Upper Lascar Row, Queen's Road West,.

7890

22 12.30 a.m.

House No. 72, Bonham Strand,

...

و,

8.15 p.m.

House No. 3, Aberbeen Street,

29 12.20 p.m.

House No. 1, Shelly Street,.

10 Feb.

5.00 p.m.

Hillside between Deep Water Bay and Repulse Bay,.

10 10

-2

6.00 p.m.

House No. 24, Stanley Village,

12.00 Noon.

Hillside above the Aberdeen Reservoir,..

3.00 p.m

Hillside above Bowen Road,

2.30 p.m.

5.30 p.m.

Hillside at Shek O,

Sai Kung Village,........

10.30 p.m.

House No. 240, Hollywood Road,

10.00 p.m.

House No. 308, Queen's Road Central,

4.00 p.m.

House No. 41, West Street,

7.00 p.m.

1.45 a.m.

House No. 37, Shaukiwan,

On the Hill near No. 3 Bridge, Pokfulam Road,

House No. 8, West Street,

7.00 p.m.

Hillside near Cape Collison,

Grass on fire.

...

$10

Grass on fire.

Accident.

Grass on fire.

Do.

$30

Accident. Some dried grass set on fire.

Unknown.

Trifling.

Some matting caught fire.

Do.

Some mats caught fire.

Chimney on fire.

5.30 p.m.

Hillside above Pokfulam Road,

Do.

24 Mar.

7.00 a.m.

House No. 295, Des Vœux Road,

Accident.

Hillside at Aplichau,

Hillside at Mount Kellet,.

Some clothing caught fire.

Grass on fire.

...

Do.

•

4.00 p.m.

Praya Central,

...

2.00 p.m.

Hillside of Pokfulam Road,...

2.10 a.m.

House No. 17, Tai Wong Lane,

6.30 p.m.

6.30 a.m.

4.57 a.m.

2.30 p.m.

7.30 p.m.

2.00 a.m.

Cargo-boat No. 241, Victoria Harbour,

An Out-house at Pak Kong Village,.

In a shop at Sai Kong Village, House No. 61, Aberdeen Street,. North end of Wong Ma Kok Hill,

Hillside above Shek 0,

Unknown.

Grass on fire.

Accident.

***

Some baskets caught fire.

Noou.

Hillside at Aplichau,

$15

$30

Do.

Unknown.

...

Grass on fire.

Do.

Carried forward,...........

$105

Over-beating of a stove set fire to a beam. Attempted arson.

Falling of lighted joss candle on some dry grass.

Chimney on fire.

A jar of chinese spirit accidentally caught fire from a lighted lamp while being conveyed in a trunk.

Chimney on fire. ......

Extinguished by inmates. Extinguished by inmates and Police. Extinguished by a servant boy.

Extinguished by Police. Extinguished by inmates.

Extinguished by Police. Extinguished by Brigade.

Mosquito curtain accidentally caught fire. Extinguished by Police and inmates,

Do.

Extinguished by the Brigade.

Extinguished by Police and coolies from Aberdeen. Between 200 and 300 fir trees were scorched.

Extinguished by villagers.

Extinguished by Police and coolies. About 150 fir tress were scorched.

Extinguished by Police and coolies.

Do.

Put out by Police assisted by villagers.

Extinguished by Police and inmates.

Extinguished by Police assisted by a blue-jacket.

Extinguished by inmates.

Extinguished by Police and inmates.

Extinguished by Police and coolies.

Extinguished by inmates.

Extinguished by Police and coolies.

Extinguished by Firemen and hired coolies.

Extinguished by inmates and Police.

Put out by Police and hired coolies.

Extinguished by Police.

Extinguished by a Despatch-box from the Man On

Insurance Company.

Extinguished by Police.

Extinguished by inmates.

Put out by Police and boatmen.

Put out by Police and villagers.

Do.

Extinguished by Firemen.

Put out by Police and hired coolies.

Do.

Extinguished by Police and hired coolies. About 200 young fir trees were scorched.

679

No.

DATE.

TIME.

INCIPIENT FIRES DURING THE YEAR 1901,-Continued.

SITUATION OF FIRE.

DAMAGE.

CAUSE.

REMARKS.

680

Do.

Grass on fire.

Do.

Unknown.

Chimney on fire.

Upsetting of a kerosine lamp.

Do.

Upsetting of a kerosine lamp.

37 | Mar.

1.30

p.m.

38 Apr.

4 12.40 p.m.

Brought forward,... Hillside above Kennedy Town Hospital, Hillside, Pokfulam Dairy Farm,........

$105

་་་

Grass on fire.

Do.

3899

10.00 a.m.

Hillside, Deep Water Bay,

10 10

Hillside, Shun Wan,

Hillside, Wong Chuk Hang,

343

5.00 p.m.

11.30 p.m.

Hillside, Little Hongkong,

Some bamboo carrying-poles on Praya Central,

44 May

8.07 a.m.

House No. 10, West Street,.

5.40 p.m.

House No. 97, Wanchai Road,

7.00

p.m.

House No. 2, Station Street, Yaumati,.

Unknown.

Do.

ง ง

10.15 p.m.

House No. 38, Queen's Road West,

10.30

p.m.

House No. 19, Gongh Street,

3.00 a.m.

House No. 473, Queen's Road West,

$15

Falling of a kerosine lamp.

12.30 p.m.

Shed at Fenwick & Co.'s Iron Works,.

$25

Accident......

6.30 p.ni.

House No. 8, Tai Wo Street,

Chimney on fire.

June

6.45 p.m.

House No. 19, Belcher Street,

53 July

2.45 p.m. 2.45 a.m. 20 12.15 p.m. 1,00 a.m.

House No. 15, Triangle Street,

Trifling. Chimney on fire.

House No. 207, Queen's Road East,

$20

Unknown.

House No. 80, Kramer Street, Taikoktsui,

Attempted arson.

57 | Aug.

11.00 p.m.

Sept.

10.00 a.m.

House No. 48, Queen's Road Central, House Nos. 30, 32 & 34, Cochrane Street, Honse No. 44, Wellington Street,

$20

10.35 p.m.

House No. 40, Jardine Bazaar,

9.00 p.m.

Partly built houses in Des Voeux Road West,

2.15 a.m.

House No. 68A, Third Street,.

62 Oct.

17.30 p.m.

House No. 12, Sau Walı Fong,

11.35 a.m.

Hillside at Pokfulam,

1.00 p.m.

Hillside near Tai Tam Tuk,

...

11.45 p.m.

House No. 251, Queen's Road West,

8.30 p.m.

11.05 p.m.

Matshed on Praya Reclamation opposite Gilman St.,.{ House No. 223, Queen's Road West,

68 Nov.

4.30 p.m.

On a piece of land at the corner of Western Street and Third Street,

7.00 p.m.

7.00

p.m.

Grass on fire.

Chimney on fire.

$206.50

Over-heating of a stove flue. Unknown.

Children playing with fire.

Falling of some lighted joss sticks into

some oil.

Unknown.

50 cents. Mosquito curtain accidently caught fire. Sparks from chimney set fire to curtains. Grass on fire.

Do.

Upsetting of a lamp. Unknown.

Accident.

A stack of Coal on the Reclamation Ground, Yaumati, Unknown. Spontaneous combustion. Des Voeux Road, P. & O. Office,

Carried forward,.....

Extinguished by Police,

Extinguished by Police and coolies from the Dairy Farm. About 700 young fir trees were scorched and one old matsbed burnt.

Extinguished by Police and coolies. Several thousands fir trees damaged.

Put out by Police and coolies. 1,500 fir trees damaged. Extinguished by Police and coolies. 3,000 fir trees damaged.

Extinguished by Police and coolies. 100 fir trees damaged.

Extinguished by Police.

Extinguished by Brigade.

Extinguished by Police.

Extinguished by Police and inmates.

Extinguished by inmates and Police.

Extinguished by Police and inmates. Extinguished by inmates.

Put out by Police and watchmen.

Extinguished by Firemen from No. 2 Station. Extinguished by inmates.

Extinguished by Police and inmates.

Extinguished by an inmate.

Extinguished by Brigade.

Extinguished by inmates and Police.

Extinguished by Police. Extinguished by Firemen. Extinguished by the inmates. Extinguished by ocenpants. Extinguished by Police.

Extinguished by Police and hired coolies.

Extinguished by District Watchmen and occupants. Extinguished by coolies.

Extinguished by inmates.

Extinguished by Firemen,

Do.

}

INCIPIENT FIRES DURING THE YEAR 1901,- Continued.

CAUSE.

REMARKS.

Accident while jossing.

Extinguished by Police and inmates.

No.

DATE.

TIME.

SITUATION OF FIRE.

DAMAGE.

Brought forward,.

$ 206.50

71 Nov.,

Nov., 10

8 10 p.m.

3.50 p.m.

House No. 1, Wing Shing Street,

House No. 23, East Street,

Unknown.

11.05 p.m.

House No. 55, Wellington Street,

None,

Do.

10.00 a.m.

Hillside at Little Hongkong,

Grass on fire.

6.30 a.m.

10 000

9.00 p.m.

House No. 39, Stanley Street,.. House No. 216, Hollywood Road,

Hillside at Tai Tam Tuk,

Chimney on fire.

Accident.

Grass on fire.

Extinguished by inmates.

Extinguished by Police and hired coolies. Over 4,000 fir trees were damaged.

Extinguished by inmates.

Do.

Extinguished by Police and workmen.

6.00 p.m.

30 10.45 p.m.

House No. 53, Praya, Yaumati,

Dec.

Hillside above Shek O,

Over-heating of chimney.

Grass on fire.

Extinguished by Police and inmates.

Extinguished by Police and coolies,

2.00 a.m.

House No. 277, Des Voeux Road,

Trifling.

9 11.00 a.m.

On the hill between Chaiwan and Shek O,

Falling of a kerosine lamp,

Grass on fire.

Extinguished by Police and inmates.

Extinguished by Police and coolies.

5.10 p.m.

House No. 22, Pottinger Street,

Chimney on fire.

8888

7.45 p.m.

House No. 12, Hollywood Road,

Do.

Hillside above Aberdeen Road,

Grass on fire.

Extinguished by Police.

Extinguished by inmates.

Extinguished by Police and hired coolies. About 300 pine trees were destroyed.

$212.50

F. J. BADELEY,

Acting Superintendent of Fire Brigade,

681

No. 1902

HONGKONG.

REPORT ON THE VICTORIA GAOL, FOR THE YEAR 1901.

Laid before the Legislative Council by Command of His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government.

PRISON DEPARTMENT, HONGKONG, 24th January, 1902.

SIR,--I have the honour to submit, for the information of His Excellency the Officer Adminis- tering the Government, the following report on the Victoria Gaol, for the year 1901.

2. The number of prisoners admitted to the Gaol under sentence from the Ordinary Courts was 4,858, besides 182 soldiers and sailors sentenced by Courts Martial. There were 29 persons admitted for debt, and 8 in default of finding security, making a total of 5,077. Of these, 679 were old offenders.

3. The corresponding numbers for the preceding year were respectively as follows :-

Convicted by the Ordinary Courts,

Courts Martial,

Debtors,

In default of finding security,

Total, including 702 old offenders,.......

..5,263

127

5,432

the

The daily average number of prisoners confined in the Gaol was 499, as compared with 486 for year 1900.

4. There were 334 prisoners convicted from the New Territory during the year, of whom, 25 were sentenced to 2 years and upwards.

There were 180 convicts in the Gaol on the 31st December, 1901, against 141 on the 31st De- cember, 1900, 96 on the 31st December, 1899, and 55 on the 31st December, 1898, showing an increase of 125% during the past 3 years.

The military and naval prisoners sentence by Courts-Martial and admitted to the Gaol during the year show an increase of 55% over that of the preceding year, and 93, in excess of those admitted in 1899. This increase is doubtless owing to the large number of soldiers and sailors serv- ing in North China during the military operations last year.

5. The number of prisoners admitted to the Gacl for offences not of a criminal nature was 2,345, made up as follows:--

Convicted under the Opium Ordinance,

576

Market Arms

123

Vehicles

;;

})

Gambling

423

Sanitary Bye-Laws,.

153

Harbour Regulations,

137

Women and Girls Protection Ordinance,

for Drunkenness,

107

Trespassing,

Disorderly conduct,

138

་་

Vagrancy,

under Post Office Ordinance,

for Contempt of Court,..

as Rogue and Vagabond,.

190

for Mendicancy,

Assault, Obstruction,.

Cutting trees, Fighting,

153

.....

Total.......

.2,345

6. The following table shows the number of prisoners committed to the Gaol without the option of a fine, and in default of payment of fine-

Year.

Total.

Imprisonment without the option of a Fine.

Imprisonment in default of payment of fine.

Total.

Served the Imprisonment.

Paid full fine.

Paid part fine.

1901

4,369

2,051

2,318

1,226

554

7. There were 13 deaths (4 by suicide) and 3 executions during the year, and 15 prisoners were released on medical grounds.

8. The sanitary condition of the Gaol was good.

9. There were 2,411 punishments for breaches of prison discipline during the year, being an average of 4.83 per prisoner as compared with 2,344, with an average per prisoner of 4.82, for the preceding year. There were 14 cases in which corporal punishment was awarded during the year, 11 of which were (with the birch) sentenced by the Assistant Superintendent alone, and 3 with the cat'o-nine-tails, sentenced by the same Officer in conjunction with a Justice of the Peace.

10. The industrial employment of prisoners remains the same as last year.

There were 2,513,887 forms printed and issued during the year, and 6.197 books were bound during the same period. The value of the work done in the Printing Department amounted to $22,224.59. Deducting the cost of the paper, etc., used during the year from the net earnings, the net profit amounted to $18,849.15. The total profit on all industrial labour amounted to $24,783.47, as compared with $17,458.34 for the preceding year.

11. All minor repairs to the Gaol have been carried out by prison labour. The new wing men- tioned in the report for 1900 was completed and occupied by long-sentenced prisoners early in the year. The Warders' old quarters, which were altered and fitted up as a hospital during 1899, is not yet available for the sick prisoners, as the new quarters for the staff, which should have been com- pleted in 1900, are still in the hands of the contractor.

12. Owing to the excessive number of prisoners confined in the Gaol during the year, it was frequently necessary to locate 3 prisoners together in small cells constructed for the accommodation of one only; the capacity of each cell being 760 cubic feet. The overcrowded state of the Gaol is somewhat serious, particularly in the hot weather when sickness is prevalent. The building of a larger prison is receiving the attention of the Government.

13. The conduct of the staff has been good.

14. Mr. MAY proceeded to England on leave on the 5th September, 1901, from which date I assumed charge of the Gaol.

15. With the usual returns, I append, for the first time, a report showing expenditure for the staff, and maintenance of prisoners for the year 1901.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your most obedient Servant,

The Honourable

The COLONIAL SECRETARY.

VICTORIA GAOL.

F. J. BADELEY, Acting Superintendent.

Return showing the Expenditure and Income for the Year 1901.

Expenditure.

Amount.

Income.

Amount.

Pay and Allowances of Officers, including

uniforms, &c., .......

47,369.05

Earnings of prisoners,

24,783.47

Paid by Military for subsistence of Military

Rent of quarters for Warders,

1,500.00

prisoners,

2,238.80

Victualling of prisoners,

13,600.56

Paid by Naval for subsistence of Naval

1,418.75

Fuel, light, soap and dry earth,

6,796.77

prisoners,

Clothing of prisoners, bedding, furniture, &c.,

3,835.99

Debtors' subsistence,

149.50

Consulate subsistence,

131.00

Waste Food sold,

46.60

Starch,...

58.49

Forfeiture,...

227.09

Actual cost of prisoners' maintenance,

44,048.67

Total,........

73,102.37

Total,.....

73,102.37

Average Annual Cost per prisoner, $88.27.

(A.)

Return of Reports for the talking, idling, short oakum picking, &c., in the years 1897, 1898, 1899, 1900, and 1901.

MONTH.

1897. Daily average number in Prison,

1898. Daily average number in Prison,

462.

510.

1899. Daily average number in Prison, 434.

1900. Daily average number in Prison, 486.

1901. Daily average number in Prison,

499.

January,

February,

200

170

164

161

113

126

March,

April,

May, June,

July,

147

165

127

154

213

192

214

191

223

224

166

241

134

124

142

282

138

162

August,

159

331

100

163

166

September,

132

274

121

159

140

October,

160

227

127

201

162

November,...

151

131

158

135

156

December,

140

100

127

Total.....

1,903

2,470

1,284

1,413

1,819

(B.)

Return of Offences reported of Prisoners fighting with or assaulting each other, or officers, for the years 1897, 1898, 1899, 1900, and 1901.

MONTH.

1897.

Daily average

1898. Daily average number in Prison, uumber in Prison,

462.

510.

1899. Daily average number in Prisou, 434.

1900. Daily average number in Prison,

486.

1901. Daily average number in Prison, 499.

January, February,

March,

April,

May,

June,

July,

August,

September,

October,

November,

December,

30 10

1839 30 co 10 m — 1-10 an

४

163300725

Total,...

(C.)

Return of Offences of Prisoners having Tobacco, for the years 1897, 1898, 1899, 1900, and 1901.

MONTH.

1897. Daily average number in Prison, 462.

1898. Daily average number in Prison, 510.

1899. Daily average number in Prison, 434.

1900. Daily average number in Prison, 486.

1901. Daily average number in Prison,

499.

January,

February,

March,

April,

May, June,

July,

August,

September,

October,

November,...

December,

CO 122 -—~~ 30 – 30 **

Total,.....

30.

45.

Dr.

1901.

(D.)

Abstract of Industrial Labour, Victoria Gaol, for the year 1901.

OAKUM.

Cr.

To Stock on hand, 1st January,....

$ 236.25 1901.

By Oakum sold during the year,

$ 2,204.50

Cost of Paper Stuff purchased dur-

ing the year,

1,257.54

Stock on hand, 31st December,

299.75

Profit,..............

1,010.46

Total.............$

2,504.25

Total,........ $

2,504.25

COIR.

1901.

To Stock on hand, 1st January,..

Cost of Material purchased during

the year.......

$ 982.08

683.06

1901.

By Matting, &c., sold during the year,. $1,863.42

Articles made for Gaol use,

32.84

Profit.......

1,138.27

Stock on hand, 31st December,

907.15

Total,.....$

2,803.41

Total,............$

2,803.41

NET-MAKING.

1901.

To Stock on hand, 1st January,..

Cost of Material purchased during

the year,.....

18.92

1901.

By Nets and Nettings sold and re-

paired,

35.00

18.08

Stock on hand, 31st December,

6.58

Profit,......

4.58

Tota,....

41.38

Total.......

41.58

TAILORING.

1901.

To Stock on baud, 1st January,

$ 197.76

1901.

Cost of Material purchased during

the year,..

Profit,.....

974.50

429.10

By Articles sold and repaired,

Work done for Gaol,..............

Stock on hand, 31st December,

206.87

1,350.82

43.67

Total,...

1,601.36

Total,......

1,601.36

PRINTING AND BOOK-BINDING.

1901.

To Stock on hand, 1st January,........................

$ 20.86 1901.

By Printing done for outside,.

Cost of Material and Machinery

purchased during the year,

Profit,...

6,783.35

18,849.15

Printing, etc., done for Government,

Stock on hand, 31st December,

Total,............$ 25,653.36

226.80

21,997.79

3,428.77

Total,....... ..$

25,653.36

Dr.

1901.

WASHING.

To Stock on hand, 1st January,.

22.29 1901.

Cost of Material purchased during

the year,..

1,180.14

Profit,.

3,201.93

Total,.....$

4,404.36

1901.

}

To stock on hand, 1st January,

By Washing done for Prison, Govern- ment Civil Hospital and Police Officers at 1 cent per piece, Washing Prisoners' Clothing at 1

cent per piece,

Stock on hand, 31st December,

Cr.

$ 1,811.30

2,540.91 52.15

Total,...

4,404.36

RATTAN WORK.

4.65 1901.

30.17

17.16

By Articles sold during the year,

Articles made for Gaol use,

Stock on hand, 31st December, .

$ 38.34

13.19

0.45

Total,............$

51.98

Cost of Material purchased during

the year,..

Profit,...

Total,.....

51.98

TIN-SMITHING.

1901.

To Stock on hand, 1st January,.

Cost of Material purchased during

the year,....

0.86

1901.

By Work done for outside,

2.46

34.51

Work done for Gaol,...

109.10

Profit,........

79.02

Stock on hand, 31st December,

2.83

Total,.....$

114.39

Total,...$

114.39

1901.

To Stock on hand, 1st January,..

Cost of Material purchased during

the year,.....

Profit,.

1901.

CARPENTERING.

$ 236.46

1901.

By Articles sold and repaired during

the year,....

160.59

Work done for Gaol,

Stock on haud, 31st December,

3.00

Total,....

..$

400.05

To Stock on band, 1st January,.

Cost of Material purchased during

the year...

Profit,......

GRASS-MATTING.

102.83

268.07

29.15

Total,...$

400.05

15.41

1901.

By Matting sold during the year,

5.21

31.85

Matting and Mats made for Gaol

during the year,..

49.62

Stock on hand, 31st December,

13.04

20.61

Total,..

..$

67.87

To Stock on hand, Ist January,

Cost of Material purchased during

the year,.

Profit,.......

Total,......

SHOE-MAKING.

Total,....$

67.87

$ 95.52 1901.

By Outside work during the year,..

71.71

976.01

30.19

Gaol work during the year, Stock on hand, 31st December,

1,008.65 21.86

1,101.72

Total,..........$

1,101.72

1901. By Surplus,

$24,783.47

RECAPITULATION.

$1,010.46 1,138.27 4.58

1901.

Oakum,

Coir,

Net-making,......

Tailoring,

429.10

Washing,

3,201.93

Rattan,

17.16

Tin-smithing,

79.02

Carpentering,

3.00

Grass-inatting,

20.61

Shoe-making, Printing,

30.19

18,849.15

Toral,............$

24,783.47

Europeans,

Indians,

Total,.....$ 24,783.47

Table showing the Number of Casualties in the Gaol Staff during the year 1901.

Establish- Resigned

ment. voluntarily.

Pensioned. Died.

Services dispensed Dismissed.

with.

Total Number of Casualties.

Return showing the Employment of Prisoners and the Value of their Labour.

Description of Employment.

NON-PRODUCTIVE,-

Crank-labour, shot and stone,—debtors, remands, sick and

under punishment,

IN MANUFACTURES,-

Book-binding,.....

Printing,

Printing, Labourers, Knitting,

Oakum Picking,

Coir Matting,

Grass Matting,.

Shoe-making,

Tailoring,

Net-making, string-making and ship's fender-making,

IN BUILDING,-

Bricklaying,

Carpentering and Fitting,

Painting,

IN SERVICE OF THE PRISON,-

Laundry,

Cooking,

Cleaning,

Hospital Cleaners,

White-washing,

Daily Average Number of Prisoners.

Males. Females. Total.

Value

of Prison Labour.

Total.

201

...

01 10

745.60

1,825.20

374.40

28.60

469.04

514.80

17.16

308.88

900.90

42.90

5,227.48

£2.90 366.08

28.60

437.58

1,844.70

394.20

829.40

57.20

3125.50

482

499

$8,790.56

DATE.

Prison Offences for which Floggings

were inflicted.

Repeated refusals to

labour.

Wilfully making a dis- turbance while on punishment.

Personal violence to a

fellow Prisoner.

Personal violence to an Officer of the Pri-

son.

Total.

awarded by Prison Authori- Total number of Floggings

ties.

Total number of Floggings

awarded by Courts.

1901.

FLOGGING RETURN.

Table showing the Number of Strokes

awarded in each case.

Average Number of Prisoners

in Gaol.

By Assistant Superin-

tendent only.

By Assistant Supt. and

a Visiting Justice.

By Judge.

By Magistrate.

of Floggings ordered.

Table showing the Number

Total.

сс

Total.

Birch.

FF.

January,

555

February,

509

March,..

436

April,

493

May,!.

501

June,

481

July,

476

August,

477

September,

October,

November,

December,

...

Cat. Birch. Cat. Birch. Cat. Birch.

Cat.

...

:..

Totals, ........

65 114

50 114

.:.

No. 106.

HONGKONG.

REPORT OF THE HARBOUR MASTER FOR THE YEAR 1901.

Laid before the Legislative Council by Command of His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government.

473

No. 18

1902

HARBOUR DEPARTMENT, HONGKONG, 3rd March, 1902.

SIR, I have the honour to forward the Annual Report for this Department for the year ending 31st December, 1901.

I. Number, Tonnage, Crews, and Cargoes of Vessels entered.

II. Number, Tonnage, Crews, and Cargoes of Vessels cleared.

III. Number, Tonnage, Crews, and Cargoes of Vessels entered at each Port.

IV. Number, Tonnage, Crews, and Cargoes of Vessels cleared at each Port.

V. Number, Tonnage, and Crews of Vessels of each Nation entered. VI. Number, Tonnage, and Crews of Vessels of each Nation cleared. VII. Junks entered from China and Macao.

VIII. Junks cleared for China and Macao.

IX. Total number of Junks entered at each Port.

X. Total number of Junks cleared at each Port.

XI. Junks (Local Trade) entered.

XII. Junks (Local Trade) cleared.

XIII. Summary of Arrivals and Departures of all vessels.

XIV. Licensed Steam Launches entered.

XV. Licensed Steam Launches cleared.

XVI. Vessels registered.

XVII. Vessels struck off the Register.

XVIII. Chinese l'assenger ships cleared by the Emigration Officer (Summary).

XIX. Vessels bringing Chinese Passengers to Hongkong from places out of China (Summary).

XX. Marine Magistrate's Court.

XXI. Diagram of Tonnage of Vessels entered.

XXII. Statement of Revenue collected.

XXIII. Return of work perforined by the Government Marine Surveyor.

XXIV. Return from Import and Export (Opium) Office.

SHIPPING.

1. The total tonnage entering and clearing during the year 1901 amounted to 19,325,384'tons, being an increase, compared with 1900, of 880,248 tons, and the same in excess of any previous year. Of this increase, 165.128 tons are due to the fact that steam launches trading to ports outside the Colony have been included this year, whereas in former years they have been returned separately.

There were 45,349 arrivals of 9,681,203 tons, and 45,171 departures of 9,644,181 tons. Of British Ocean-going tonnage, 2.917,780 tons entered, and 2,897,200 tons cleared.

Of British River Steamers, 1.697,242 tons entered, and 1,701,417 tons cleared, making a grand total of British tonnage of 9,213,639 tons entering and clearing.

Of Foreign Ocean-going tonnage, 2,637,552 tons entered and 2,609,902 tons cleared.

Of Foreign River Steamers, 48,545 tons entered and 49,503 tons cleared, making a grand total of Foreign tonnage of 5,345,430 tons entering and clearing.

Of Steam launches trading to ports outside the Colony, 82,564 tons entered and S2,564 tons cleared.

Of Junks in Foreign Trade, 1,631,272 tons entered and 1,634,896 tons cleared.

Of Junks in Local Trade, 666,248 tons entered and 668,699 tons cleared.

Thus--

British Ocean-going tonnage represented

Foreign Ocean-going

River

Steam launches

Junks (Foreign Trade)

(Local Trade)

...30.1%

.17.2%

.27.5%

0.5%

0.9%

....16.9% 6.9%

9.9

;)

474

2. Five thousand three hundred and forty-nine (5,349) steamers, 60 sailing vessels, 1,542 steam launches and 17,736 junks in Foreign Trade entered during the year, giving a daily average of 67.6 as against 63.6 in 1900.

For European constructed vessels, the daily average entry would be 19.3 against 14.99 in 1900.

3. A comparison between the years 1900 and 1901 is shewn in the following Table :— Steam launches, however, are not included.

Comparative Shipping Return for the Years 1900 and 1901.

1900.

1901.

INCREASE.

DECREASE.

Ships. Tonnage. Ships. Tonnage. Ships. Tonnage. Ships. Tonnage.

British,. Foreign,

7,511 9,155,198 6,715| 9,213,639 3,429 4,866,969 | 4,092 5,345,502

58,441 796 663 | 478,533

Junks in Foreign

Trade,

35,425 3,221,856 35,394||||3.266,168

41,812 31

Total,

46.365 17,247,023 46,201 17,825,309 663 578,286

$27

Junks in Local!

Trade,

36,091

1,198,111 41,235 1,334,947 5,144 136,836

Grand Total,... 82.456 | 18,445,134 87,436|19,160,256 | 5,807 | 715,122

827

NET,.

4,980 715,122

* Including 13,724 Conservancy and Dust Boats of 460,196 tons.

† Including 15,386 Conservancy and Dust Boats of 495,332 tons.

4. For vessels under the British flag there appears from this table a startling decrease of 796 ships, but, taking from this the decrease of 781 river steamers, and 29 sailing vessels as described below, the result is a net increase of 14 ocean steamers. In tonnage, British shipping shows an increase of 58,441 tons; but if the decrease in river steamer and sailing ship tonnage of 113,193 tons and 69,876 tons respectively be taken into the calculation, this increase will amount to 241,599 tons in ocean-going

steam tonnage.

The decrease above referred to in river steamers may be explained as follows:-Four British river steamers (2 West River, 2 Canton) which ran in 1900, have not done so in 1901. During the former year they entered and cleared 949 times with a collective tonnage of 136,692 tons. Against this must be put 109 river steamers of 22,799 tons, which ran in 1901 and not in 1900. This leaves 59 river steamers of 709 tons to be accounted for, and this is explained by the fact that the larger river steamers have run fewer trips, and the smaller ones more trips.

It may here be mentioned that three coasting steamers were employed during part of the

year as transports: (transports are not included in this table). If we compare their figures for 1901 with those of 1900, it is found that, in consequence of their being so employed, they entered and cleared 73 times less in the latter year with a tonnage diminished by 71,173 tons. Certain other steamers not coasters, have also been taken off the run, as transports, and it is but a natural presumption that, had they not been so, their visits would have assisted to swell the figures of British shipping.

This will help to account for the small net annual increase in British ocean-going steamers. For vessels under Foreign flags, there is shewn an increase in both number and tonnage, viz., 663 ships of 478,533 tons. This is to be explained as follows:-

(I.) Foreign river steamers have increased by 405 ships of 81,476 tons, owing to three vessels having started running this year, viz., 1 French, 1 Portuguese, and 1 Chinese. (II.) Several small ocean-going vessels of German and French nationality (including some junks under French colours which were for a short time. treated as French ships) have come on the run during the year.

(III.). Ocean steamers on the Home run continue to increase in size.

One Corean steamer visited the port for trading purposes during the year, the first on rec

5. The actual number of ships of European construction (exclusive of river steamers and st launches) entering the port during 1901 was 682, being 337 British and 345 Foreign.

These 682 vessels entered 3,570 times, and gave a total tonnage of 5,555,332 tons.

475

Thus, compared with 1900, 27 less vessels entered 130 more times and gave a total tonnage increased by 288,310 tons.

STEAMERS.

Ships.

No. of Times entered.

Total Tonnage.

Flag.

1900. 1901. | 1900. 1901. 1900.

1901.

British,

332

3211,759 1,770 | 2,792,973 | 2,894,519

Austrian,

102,727

128,483

Belgian,

5,963

12,407

Chinese,

128,479

3,349

Corean,

796

Danish,

17,789

25,903

Duteb,

22,846

40,872

French,

232

206

229,954

209,094

German,

107

122

656

842

952,870

1,242,459

Italian,

19,782

17,988

Japanese,

314

336

649,288

692,981

Norwegian,

110

122,859

78,004

Portuguese,

Russian,

5,856 24,799

4,948

8,797

Spanish,

784

...

Swedish,

5,934

6,923

United States,

87,206

130,476

No Flag,

593

Total,

643

5,169,919 5.498,903

632 3,362 3,510 | 5,169,919

SAILING VESSELS.

Ships.

No. of Times entered.

Total Tonnage.

Flag.

1900. 1901. 1900. 1901.

1900.

1901.

British,

48,963

23,261

Danish,

895

French,

337

7,040

German,

6,303

143

Italian,.

720

794

Japanese,

515

Norwegian,

315

United States,

39,056

25,191

Total,

97,104

56,429

6. The 337 British ships carried 2,569 British Officers and 28 Foreign Officers, as follows:-

British,

Swedish,

Danish,

Norwegian, German,

United States,

Total,..

.2,569

.2,597

Thus, the proportion of Foreign Officers in British ships was 1.07% comprising 5 nationalities; an increase of 0.52°。, with a decrease of ships.

The 345 Foreign ships carried 2,336 Officers, of whom 218 were British, borne as follows:--

In Japanese ships,

Chinese

German

United States

Dutch

French

Russian

Portuguese

...120

Total,..

218

476

The proportion of British Officers in Foreign ships was, therefore, 9.33°/。 distributed among 6: nationalities. A decrease of 2.57 % on 1900, with an increase of ships.

Of the crews of British vessels-

18.0% were British.

1.0%

81.0%

Other Europeans. Asiatics.

Of the crews of Foreign vessels—

1.2% were British. 29.0% Other Europeans.

69.8%

Asiatics.

This shows a slight increase of Asiatics with a corresponding falling off in a proportion of European.

TRADE.

7. The information under this heading is still less accurate than it might be if greater assistance was given by those from whom the particulars are obtained, and who alone are in a position to afford it. The following returns must, therefore, be received with due allowance for this apparent indifference to accuracy..

The principal features to be remarked in the reported trade of the Port for the year 1901 are:-

(i.) A decrease in the Coal imports of 12.3 %. (ii.) A decrease in the Cotton imports of 27.8%. (iii.). A decrease in the Rice imports of 8%. (iv.) A decrease in the Timber imports of 18.7%. (v.) A decrease in the Hemp imports of 42.3 %.

vi.) An increase in the General imports of 9.8 %.

(vii.) Also small increases in case and bulk Kerosine and in Liquid Fuel.

The net decrease in import cargo is 123,335 tons or 3.4 %.

In exports there appears to be an increase of 150,823 tons or 7.7 %.

In transit cargo, a decrease of 9,163 tons or 10.4%.

8. The total reported import trade of the Port for 1901 amounts to 24,687 vessels of 9,014,955 tons, carrying 6,347,285 tons of cargo, of which 4,212.700 tons were discharged at Hongkong. This does not include number, tonnage, or cargo of Local Trade junks.

COUNTRY.

CARGO.

SHIPS.

Tons.

Discharged.

In Transit,

CLASS I.

Canada,

Continent of Europe,

128

60,669 324,490

.19,975 76,219

Great Britain,

152

•

457,028

201,020

256,578 443,491

Mauritius,

828

300

Natal,.......

2,155

United States,.

127

316,462

219,220

71,087

CLASS II.

430

1,161,632

516,734

771,156

Australia and New Zealand,

India and Straits Settlements,

81,767

29,976

33,492

164

353,630

260,282

218,264

Japan,

412

906,576

831,933

328,782

Java and Indian Archipelago,. North and South Pacific,...

169

254,006

316,016

34,873

3,527

482

CLASS III.

798

1,599,506

1,438,689

615,471

North Borneo,

41,854

49,682

Coast of China,.

1,289

1,613,719

279,661

8,766 678,354

Cochin-China,

143

188,789

227,299

27,941

Formosa,

107

87,022

18,137

Philippine Islands,

223

285,038

96,122

5,200

Hainau and Gulf of Tonkin,

348

349,952

321,549

27,697

Siam,

203

227,820

349,955

CLASS IV.

2,342

2,794,194

1,342,405

747,958

River Steamers,-Canton, Macao and West River,

1,839

1,745,787

183,159

CLASS V.

Steam-launches trading to ports outside the Colony,

CLASS VI..

Junks in Foreign Trade,

1,542

82,564

12,315

17,736

1,631,272

Total,..

24,687

9,014,955

719,398

4,212,700

2,134,585

477

Similarly the Export Trade for 1901 was represented by 24,598 vessels of 8,975,482 tons carry- ing 3,036,907 tons of cargo, and shipping 542,947 tons of bunker coal.

COUNTRY.

CARGO.

SHIPS.

Tons.

Shipped.

Bunker Coal

CLASS I.

Canada,

60,669

29,388

Continent of Europe,

146,264

29,750

Great Britain,

309,476

81,860

8,176 1,655

Mauritius,

1,600

500

900

United States,

110

268,870

183,614

3,830

254

786,879

325,112

14,561

CLASS II.

Australia and New Zealand,

India and Straits Settlements,.

Japan,

Java and Indian Archipelago,.

Russia in Asia,

82,740

29,958

6,495

236

518,549

301,960

70,114

391

869,482

201,728

43,368

72,944

28,060

11,295

11,762

13,800

1,455

North Pacific,

5,091

1,264

2,090

745

1,560,568

576,770

134,817

CLASS III.

North Borneo,

Coast of China,.

Cochin-China,

Formosa,

Philippine Islands,

Hainan and Gulf of Tonkin,

Siam,

Kiaochow,

- Weihaiwei,

35,256

13,391

7,359

1,630

2,197,125

620,109

199,643

159

252,362

55,276.

43,259

14,011

27,133

1,645

164

205,585

176,946

33,805

408

313,991

105,253

46,788

117

129,885

35,910

34,210

4,472

890

6,968

9,900

1,210

2,551

3,159,655

1,043,988

368,809

CLASS IV.

River Steamers,-Canton, Macao and West River,

1,848

1,750,920

138,183

24,760

CLASS V.

Steam-launches trading to ports outside the Colony,..

CLASS VI.

Junks in Foreign Trade,

1,542

82,564

19,925

17,658

1,634,896

932,929

Total,.

24,598

8,975,482

3,036,907

542,947

9. During the year 1901, 10,807 vessels of European construction of 14,559,069 tons (net Re- gister) reported having carried 8,242,572 tons of cargo, as follows : --

Import Cargo,.

Export

Transit

Bunker Coal shipped,

.3,480,987

2,084,053

.....

.2,134,585

542,947

8,242,572

-·

•

478

The total number of tons carried was, therefore, 56.6% of the total register tonnage (or 71.4 % exclusive of River steamers) and was apportioned as follows:--

Imports-

British ships....

Foreign do,

.1,865,586

.1,615,401

3,480,987

Exports-

British ships,

.1,230,842

Foreign do.,

853,211

2,084,053

Transit-

British ships,. Foreign do.,

....................1,162,192

972,393

2,134 585

Bunker Coal-

British ships,.

257,743

Foreign do.,

285,204

542,947

Grand Total,.....8,242,572

Trade of the Port of Hongkong for the Year 1901.

TONS.

No. of

Ships.

Discharged. Shipped.

In Transit.

Bunker Coal Shipped.

Total.

Registered Tonuage.

Passengers Carried.

167.324 Arr.

British Ocean-going,

3,569

1,706,003 1.121.587

1,162,192

285,091 1.224.873

5,814,980

104,300 Dep:

44,855 Km.

88.384 Art.

Foreign Ocean-going,

3,551

1,591,825

824,283

972,393

283.096

3.671,597 5,247,454

67,507 Dep.

24,919 Em.

British River Steamers,

3,146

159.583

109.255

Foreign River Steamers,...

541

23.576

28,928

22.652

2,108

291,490 3,398,659

54,612

98,048

616,867 589,455 Dep.

Arr.

17,426 Arr

17,678

Dep.

Total...

10,807

3,480.987 2.084,053 2,134,585

542,947

8.242,572 14.559.141

$90,001 Arr. 778,940 Dep.

69,774

Em.

Steam-launches trading to

ports outside the Colony.

8,084

12,315

19,925

32.240

165,128

43,287

Arr.

43.351 Dep.

Total..

13.891

3,493,302 2,103,978

2,134,585

542,947

8,274.812

933,288 14,724,269 822.291

Arr.

Dep.

69,774

Em.

Junks in Foreign Trade.......... 35,894

719,398

932,929

1,652,327

3.256.168

49,034

Arr.

49.575

Dep.

982,322

Arr.

Total,.....

49.285

4.212.700 3,030,907 2,134,585

542,947

9,927,139 17,990,437

871.866

top.

69,774

Em.

76,324 Arr.

Junks in Local Trade.......

41,235

202,489

82,727

Grand Total.......

90,520

4,415.189 3,069,631 2,134,585

542,947

235,216

1,334.947

89,309 Dep.

1.058.646 10,162,355 19,325,384 961.175 69,774

Arr.

Dep.

Em.

Total,

2,089,595

1900.

IMPORTS.

EUROPEAN CONSTRUCTED VESSELS.

1901.

Increase.

Decrease.

479

No.

Tonnage. No.

Tonnage.

No. Tounage.

No.

Tonnage.

Steamers,

3,362

5,169,918 3,510

5,498,903

· 148

328,985

River Steamers,.

2,033

Sailing Vessels,

97,104

1,754,960 1,839

1,745,787

194

9,173

56,429

40,675

Total,......

5,473

7,021,982 5,409 7,301,119

148

328,985

212

49,848

Nett.......

279,137

Imported tons,

3,604,322

3,480,987

Beans,

Bones,

Coal,

As follows:-

Articles.

1900.

1901.

Increase.

Decrease.

Cotton Yarn and Cotton,.

Flour,..

Hemp,

Kerosine, (bulk),

(case),

Liquid Fuel,

Lead,

Opium,

Pitch,....

Rattan,

Rice,

Sandalwood,

Sulphur,

Sugar,

Tea, Timber, General,..

560

1,290

730

1,045,812

917,144

128,668

19,993

14,423

5,570

154,111

145,287

8,824

54,105

31,195

22,910

64,732

70,728

5,996

69,979

77,977

7,998

2,759

3,973

1,214

2,850

260

2,090

3.194

2,872

322

10,204

3,488

6,716

673,029

618,780

54,249

3,811

5,272

1,461

22 238,863

241,291

2,428

6,393

1,4573

•

82,311 1,172,094

66,860

4,920 15,451

1,278,619

106,525

Total,..

3,604,322

3,480,987

126,385

249,720

Transit,

2,143,749

2,134,585

9,164

Grand Total,..

5,748,071

5,615,572

126,385

258,884

Nett,..

132,499

480

EXPORTS.

1900.

1901.

Increase.

Decrease.

No.

Tonnage.

No. Tonnage. No. Tonnage.

No. Tonnage.

Steamers,

3,363

5,154,215

River Steamers,

2,030

1,753,464

Sailing Vessels,.

92,506

3,487 5,443,771

1,848 1,750,920

63 63,331

124

289,556

182

2,544

29,175

Total,

5,467 7,000,185 5,398 7,258,022

124

289,556

193

31,719

Nett,..

257,837

2,084,053

Exported tons,

1,933,230

Strs.

Bunker Coal.

Strs.

Bunker Coal.

Strs.

Bunker Coal.

Strs.

Bunker Coal.

Steamers,

3,363

463,607

3,487 518,187

124

54,580

River Steamers,....

2,030

25,849

1,848

24,760

182

1,089

Total,......

5,393

489,456

5,335

542,947

124

54,580

182

1,089

Nett,..

53,491

1900,

1901.

Year.

RIVER TRADE.

Imports, Exports and Passengers.

Imports.

Exports.

Passengers.

197,606

183,159

124,343

138,183

1,253,378

1,241,426

IMPORTS.

Junks.

Foreign trade, 17,736 measuring 1,631,272 tons.

Local trade,

20,662

Total, ......38,398

Imported, 921,887 tons as under :-

Tea,

666,248

2,297,520

2.905 tons.

Fire Crackers,

Oil, Vegetable,

Rice,

Cattle, (1,478),...........

Swine, (25,524),

Earth and Stones,.

General,

...

2,309

895

667

263 "" 1,510 .159,262

.754,076

Total,.............

.921,887

少

EXPORTS.

Junks.

Foreign trade, 17,658 measuring 1,634,896 tons.

Local trade,

20,573

668,699

Total, ......38,231

2,303,595

Exported, 965,727 tons as under :-

Kerosine, (1,376,452 cases

Rice and Paddy,

Earth and Stones,.. General,

10.

49,159 tons.

345,670

.110,598

..460,300

Total,......

..965,727

PASSENGERS.

1900.

1901. Increase. Decrease.

British vessels, arrivals,

155,889 167,324

11,435

Do.,

departures,......

106,360 104,300

2,060

Do., Emigrants,.......

53,385 44,855

8,530

Total,.........! 315,634 316,479 11,435 10,590

481

Nett,

845

Foreign vessels, arrivals,........

Do.,

departures,.....

Do.,

Emigrants,...... 30,258

95,646

58,738 67,507

24,919

88,384

7,262

8,769

5,339

Total,

184,642 180,810 8,769 12,601

Nett,

3,832

River steamers, arrivals,

639,589 634,293

5,296

Do..

departures,...... 613,789 607,133

6,656

Total, 1,253,378 1,241,426

11,952

Nett...

11,952

Junks, foreign trade, arrivals,

56,072

49,034

7,038

Do.,

departures,. 57,023

49,575

7,448

Total,....

113,095

98,609

...

14,486

Nett,

14,486

482

PASSENGERS,—Continued.

1900.

1901.

Increase. Decrease.

Total arrivals,

947,196 939,035

8,161

Do. departures,

835,910 828,515

7,395

1,783,106 1,767,550

15,556

Do. Emigrants,

83,643 69,774

13,869

Total,...

1,866,749 1,837,324

29,425

Nett,..

29,425

Diff. of Arrivals and Départures,

111,286 110,520

Emigrants,

83,643 69,774

Remainder + or

+27,643+ 40,746

Junks, local trade, arrivals,......

Do.,

departures,....

80,958 76,324

83,372 89,309 5,937

4,634

Total,.....

164,330 165,633 5,937

4,634

Nett,.......

1,393

REVENUE.

11. The total Revenue collected by the Harbour Department during the year was $251,597.39, being an increase of $5,558.27 on the previous year.

1. Light Dues,

2. Licences and Internal Revenue,

3. Fees of Court and Office,

Total,.

STEAM LAUNCHES.

$ 58,375.98

50,026.30 143,195.11

.$251,597.39

12. On the 31st December, there were 255 steam launches employed in the Harbour; of these, 122 were licensed for the conveyance of passengers, 110 were privately owned, 17 were the property of the Colonial Government, and 6 belonged to the Imperial Government in charge of the Military Authorities.

Two Masters' Certificates were suspended for three months, three for two months, two for one month, and ten Masters were cautioned, one Master and one Engineer's Certificates were cancelled.

Four hundred and ninety-two (492) engagements, and four hundred and thirty-five (435) dis- charges of masters and engineers were made from 1st February to 31st December.

Twelve steam launches were permitted to carry arins, &c., for their protection against pirates; of these, three were previously permitted and nine during this year.

EMIGRATION.

13. Sixty-nine thousand seven hundred and seventy-four (69,774) Emigrants left Hongkong for various places during the year; of these, 44,855 were carried by British ships and 24,919 by Foreign ships; 129,030 were reported as having been brought to Hongkong from places to which they had emigrated, and of these, 95,454 were brought in British ships and 33,576 by Foreign ships.

Returns Nos. XVIII and XIX will give the details of this branch of the Department.

483

REGISTRY OF SHIPPING.

14. During the year, 14 ships were registered under the provisions of the Imperial Act, and 2 certificates were cancelled.

MARINE MAGISTRATE'S Court.

15. Thirty-seven cases were heard in the Marine Magistrate's Court, refusal of duty on board ship and throwing ballast, &c., into the harbour were the principal offences.

EXAMINATION OF MASTERS, MATES AND ENGINEERS.

(Under Section 15 of Ordinance No. 26 of 1891.)

16. The following table will show the number of candidates examined for Certificates of Compe- tency, distinguishing those who were successful and those who failed:-

Grade.

Passed.

Failed.

Master,

23 23

First Mate,..

Only Mate,

Second Mate,

Total,...

First Class Engineer,....

Second Class Engineer,.

පිය

Total,.....

MARINE COURTS.

(Under Section 13 of Ordinance No. 26 of 1891.)

17. The following Court has been held during the year :---

On the 24th December, enquiry respecting certain charges of misconduct brought by the Master against HARRY GORDON HAKBORD, Mate of the British Barque" Vale of Doon," Official No. 63,211, of Hongkong. The Mate's Certificate of Competency was suspended for six months.

SUNDAY CARGO-WORKING.

(Ordinance No. 6 of 1891.)

18. During the year, 439 permits were issued under the provisions of the Ordinance. Of these, 109 were not availed of owing to its being found unnecessary for the ship to work cargo on the Sunday, and the fee paid for the permit was refunded in each case, and 48 permits were issued, free of charge, to Mail Steamers.

The revenue collected under this heading was $44,800; this was $1,250 more than in 1900. The revenue collected each year since the Ordinance came into force is as follows:-

1892. 1893,

1894.

1895.

1896, 1897,

1898,

1899.

1900,

•

1901,.

$ 4,800

7,900

13,375

11,600

7,575

11,850

25,925

21,825

43,550

44,800

The large amount collected for these Sunday permits is worthy of remark and especially so in connection with the petition of a few years ago against the increase of Light Dues, in which the Secretary of State and others were asked to believe that, so precarious is the shipping trade of this important centre, that, a charge of 2 cents (Mexican) per registered ton would "tend to deter vessels from coming to the Port."

484

Now what do we see? That since 1897 (the year of the petition) the amount paid for Sunday permits has increased year by year until in 1901, in addition to the $58,375 paid by shipping for Light Dues at the rate of one cent per registered ton, we have a contribution of $44,800 from 282 ships aggregating 466,802 tons, or at the rate of 9 cents a registered ton, for the benefit of one day's work in the discharge or shipment of cargo. It is evident from this, I think, that there still remains some inducement for ships to come to Hongkong, and that the benefit to be derived thereby is not so small as to be influenced by the payment of dues even exceeding the paltry 2 cents above referred to.

It must be remembered that while dues are paid per ton of ship's register, freight is charged usually per ton of cubic measurement and that approximately a ship carries 1.875 of her registered tonnage: 2 cents therefore per ton of ship's registered tonnage represents only 13 cents per cargo ton, or, in other words, it only takes 14 cents of freight to pay 2 cents of Harbour dues.

A ship whose earnings on a round voyage are so small or so precarious that an expenditure of a sum representing less than one halfpenny a ton of her freight may make an appreciable difference in her balance sheet at the termination of her voyage, is not one likely to bestow much benefit on this or any other port, and I venture to think that the staying away of such evident pauperism would be a thing rather to be desired than otherwise.

SEAMEN.

19. Twenty thousand five hundred and eleven (20,511) Seamen were shipped and 23,189 dis- charged at the Mercantile Marine Office and on board ships during the year.

One hundred and ninety-two (192) "Distressed Seamen" were received during the year. Οι these, 69 were sent to the United Kingdom, 5 to Sydney, I to Vancouver, 2 to Bombay, 3 to Calcutta, 1 to Brisbane, 1 obtained employment on shore, 2 went as passengers to Shanghai, 1 to Singapore, 1 to Melbourne. 2 to Manila, 1 to the United Kingdom, 1 taken charge of by United States Consul, 4 disappeared, 1 dismissed, 7 died at the Government Civil Hospital, 1 remained at the Government Civil Hospital, 2 at the Sailors' Home, and 87 obtained employment.

Three thousand eight hundred and eighty-eight dollars and four cents ($3,888.04) were expended by the Harbour Master on behalf of the Board of Trade in the relief of these distressed Seamen, and $207 by the Colony.

the

MARINE SURVEYOR'S SUB-DEPARTMENT.

20. Return No. XXIII gives a report of the work performed by this Sub-Department during year

1901.

The tonnage of vessels surveyed during the year 1901 amounted to 376,539 tons, an increase of 49,253 tons over tonnage surveyed during 1900.

During the same period the number of licensed steam launches surveyed increased from 187 in

1900 to 217 in 1901.

The tonnage of licensed passenger launches surveyed during the year amounts to 12,668 tons. The revenue derived from the work of this Sub-Department for 1901 amounts to $15,991.04 against $15,036.59 in 1900.

In the Return the surveys and reports on Government Pumping Stations, Disinfectors, Steam Road Roller, Stone Crusher, Dredger and Pontoon Crane do not appear, Government Launches now number 16, they are surveyed twice a year and take up a considerable amount of time and attention of this Sub-Department.

LIGHT-HOUSES.

21. The amount of Light Dues collected is as follows:-

Class of Vessels.

Rate per ton.

No. of Ships.

Tonnage.

Total Fees collected.

Ocean Vessels,

Steam Launches,

River Steamers (night boats),... Launches plying exclusively to Macao and West River, by night,

River Steamers (day boats), Launches plying exclusively to

Macao and West River, by day,

Total,.....

1 cent

3,580 163 1,054

5,553,310 7,175 799,719

55,533.10

71.75 2,666.45

Fre

Free

582 785

31,348 946,068

104.68

Free

797

44,041

6,961 7,381,661 58,375.98

485

Telegraphic and telephonic communication has been kept up with the Gap Rock, Cape D'Agui- lar and Waglan Island during the year. From Gap Rock station 885 vessels have been reported as passing and in addition 133 messages were received and 3,433 sent, including the daily weather report for the Observatory.

From Cape D'Aguilar station, 1,668 vessels were reported, and in addition 1,792 messages were sent and 12 received.

Forty-eight hours and twenty minutes of fog were reported from Gap Rock during the year, and the fog signal gun was fired 309 times. On no occasion was the relief delayed by the rough sea.

On the 2nd of March the Waglan Island Light-house was taken over from the Chinese Govern- ment, and arrangements were completed for signalling vessels. From the 18th July, 710 vessels were reported as passing inwards and in addition 35 messages were received and 28 sent.

The fog signal gun was fired 127 times. Owing to the telephonic communication being interrupted, 30 vessels were not reported. On one occasion the relief could not be effected for three days owing to the rough sea.

Government Gunpowder Depôt.

22. During the year 1901, there has been stored in the Government Gunpowder Depôt, Stone Cutters' Island:

No. of Cases. Approximate

Weight.

lbs.

Gunpowder, privately owned,

Do., Government owned, Cartridges, privately owned,.

Do., Government owned,

Explosive Compounds, privately owned,

Do.,

Non-explosives, privately owned,...

9,160

191,615

495

46,260

· 3,038

466,223

19,135

382

18,464

Government owned,

460

83,250

10,847

Do.,

Government owned,.

2,590

Total,.....

13,696

838,384

During the same period there has been delivered out of the Depôt :-

No. of Cases. Approximate

Weight.

lbs.

For Sale in the Colony :-

Gunpowder, privately owned,

564

14,960

Cartridges,

do.,

299

77,195

Explosive Compounds, privately owned,.. Non-explosives, privately owned,.

225

11,417

10,035

For Export:-

Gunpowder, privately owned,

Cartridges,

do..

Explosive Compounds, privately owned,. Non-explosives, privately owned,...............

8,190

4,800

Total,.....

1,261

126,597

On the 31st December, 1901, there remained as follows:-

No. of Cases.

Approximate Weight.

lbs.

Gunpowder, privately owned,

Do., Government owned,

Cartridges, privately owned,..... Do., Government owned,

Explosive Compounds, privately owned,..

Do.,

8,596 240

176,655

4,620

2,713

380,838

2,565

2,247

Government owned,

436

80,660

Non-explosives, privately owned,......

812

Do.,

Government owned,

2,590

Total,.....

12,093

650,987

486

GENERAL.

23. The Harbour Office is now nearly completely shut in from a view of the Harbour; the pre- paration of the new site goes on slowly.

The problem of providing berthing acco:nmodation in the Harbour for the ever-increasing tonnage frequenting the Port is one that is getting more difficult each year, and though there may not be any very pressing necessity just at present, there can, I think, be no reasonable doubt that, with the constant advance in size, draught, and number, as well of Ships-of-War as of the Mercantile Marine, and of Foreign as well as British Shipping, the water space which, up to the present time has sufficed, will, before many years, be found quite inadequate.

The first note of warning has been sounded. Owing to the increase in size and number of His Majesty's Ships on the China Station, as well as of the Ships-of-War of Foreign nations, an to the reclamation to the shore of deep water by the extension of the Naval Yard, the Man-of-War anchorage, which formerly accommodated all Ships-of-War, British as well as Foreign, has recently been found at times insufficient for even our own ships, and the excess has had to be accommodated elsewhere, and thus while Foreign Ships-of-War are still, as formerly, berthed when practicable in the special anchor- age, this is frequently found impracticable, and their berths are assigned to them by the Harbour Master, a course also sometimes rendered necessary in the case of British Ships-of-War.

The necessity for providing special anchorages for the accommodation of Ships-of-War, coal ships and ships with gunpowder or dangerous goods, as well as for keeping three fairways clear for the passage of ships through the Harbour, curtails very much the available deep water space, and, in order to provide further berthing room without extending the anchorage to an inconvenient distance East and West, the question of deepening the comparatively shallow area lying between Yauinati and Stone Cutters' Island, and of removing the shoal patches off Quarry Bay and in some other parts of the Har- bour, will have to be seriously considered, and probably a system of more or less constant dredging provided for.

The water area within the Harbour Limits comprises approximately 7 square miles, of this about one-half is of a less depth than 44 fathoms at Low Water; Fairways and special anchorages take up another square miles, leaving only 24 square miles of deep water available for the very large and constantly increasing amount of shipping trading to the Port, and although a depth of 45 fathoms may seem an excessive requirement to-day, there is a universal tendency towards larger and deeper draughted ships, and it is probable that, at no very distant date, a considerable percentage of the ship- ping of the Port will not be able to do with a lesser depth. Nearly 2 square miles more of deep water could be added to our present space by increasing by one fathom the depth over the area be- tween Yaumati and Stone Cutters' Island.

In the meanwhile the subject of improving the navigation conditions has received consideration. The principal obstructions to navigation at the Eastern end of the Harbour are, the Penguin Shoal off Quarry Bay, and a shoal in mid-channel South of Cust Rock. As neither of these carry a less depth than 27 feet at Low Water Springs, they are not at present a danger to the ships of the Mer- cantile Marine, though it is quite possible they may become so before long owing to the tendency. towards larger and deeper draughted ships.

But it has been pointed out that they are even now an obstruction to some of His Majesty's Ships which make Hongkong their headquarters.

A proposal of the Vice-Admiral and Commander-in-Chief to remove them by dredging was considered, and an estimate of the cost obtained, but this proved to be so large that it had to be aban- doned and some alternative found.

A beacon has been built on a 12-foot patch inside and to the Northward of the Lyeemun Pass, from which from the 1st January this year a red light has been displayed at night, a similar light is also shewn on the North side of the l'ass itself.

It is now proposed that a light shall be placed on Blackhead's Hill and another (automatic) on Cust Rock.

This can be carried out at a comparatively small cost, as the already approved scheme of shifting Cape D'Aguilar light to Green Island and Green Island Light to Cape Collinson will make the Cape Collinson's apparatus available for Blackhead's Hill, and a considerable improvement can thus be effected which will carry us on until the time arrives when the larger scheme of general improvement already referred to above can be carried out.

24. While on the subject of Harbour improvement, I desire to place on record, and to invite possible criticism of, a proposal which has already been before the Government in a special form, and I therefore reproduce it in this my Annual Report.

487

It will be almost universally admitted, I think, that the population of the town of Victoria is gradually growing beyond the numbers that can be satisfactorily and healthily housed, and while schemes are more or less tentatively put forward, having as a partial object the relief of this over- crowding, the real question of how and where to find good and sufficient housing room for our ever- increasing numbers has not really been tackled.

In 1894 we were somewhat suddenly made to face the fact that, the conditions of life amongst the very large numbers of Chinese of the lower class dwelling in Hongkong was such as to demand ame- lioration, and, since that memorable year, special efforts have been made with this object, and with these efforts has resulted an almost universal demand for more room.

Since the Island of Hongkong has practically little more room for the purpose, it seems remarkable that, just at about the time when the demand was forced upon us, the supply should have appeared in the acquisition of what is known as the New Territory.

Our boundary on the mainland was thrown back and more than 200 square miles added to Hongkong.

In this large tract of almost unoccupied land, we have to hand, at once, the remedy for overcrowd- ing in our City, and if we really mean business when we speak about relieving the pressure in the dwellings in Victoria, we must give all half-measures the go-by in favour of the one full measure of providing housing room whereby the surplus population can be accommodated on the other side of the Harbour. By this means a double purpose will be served, the unhealthy conditions now existing in Victoria will be removed and, at the same time, the New Territory will be opened up and developed, to the advantage of the Public Revenue and of the Colony generally.

But in order to accomplish this, it is absolutely necessary that we should have easy communica- tion with the other side, and by "easy" I mean something very different from the present Ferry

service.

Communication between Hongkong and Kowloon should be by means of a Bridge across the

Harbour.

The advantages to be derived by such a means of communication are so obvious, that they need hardly be alluded to. The mere thought of the difference between walking over to Kowloon direct, or riding over in a chair or a ricksha, or, better still, in the electric tramcar, compared with the present more or less comfortless passage in moderate weather and no passage at all in bad weather, should be sufficient to commend the scheme beyond question.

Nor is the scheme, in my opinion, anything less than a practical one, for there can be no en- gineering difficulty, I should say, in building a bridge about one mile long over water averaging in depth about 37 feet and with a maximum of 52 feet at Low Water.

Nor will such a bridge be any practical obstruction, or even inconvenience, to shipping.

The line I would propose would be from Pottinger Street to Tsim Sha Tsui and so striking Robinson Road, Kowloon.

The style of the bridge is not of importance at the present moment, but I would suggest one break in it, to be closed by a "swing" or a "draw" bridge, not for general use, but chiefly for the conve- nience of more or less disabled ships wishing to go into dock from the further side of the bridge.

The Harbour would be practically divided into two parts, the Eastern and the Western, and at the first glance, it might seem that, a ship in the Western half bound North, or a ship in the Eastern half bound South, would be seriously inconvenienced, but this is not really so.

To a given point in her voyage, the ship going North would, at a speed of 10 knots, sacrifice 45 minutes if she started from the West of the bridge and went out throngh Sulphur Channel, while the ship bound South and being to the East of the bridge would sacrifice even less.. How often one sees in the present day, ships spending almost as many minutes in "pointing" after they have left their buoy if they happen to be adversely swung, while, on the other hand, ships under similar circumstances can be seen leaving just as they would do it the bridge existed, that is to say, going out by Lyeemun Pass if bound South and vice versa.

By placing the bridge where I propose, the well established costing steamers of the Douglas S. S. Co. would have their Wharf on the Eastern half of the Harbour. Their first port being only about 175 miles distant, 45 minutes might be of importance to them.

It would necessarily be a low-level bridge both for the convenience of the approaches and for better security from typhoons. A clearance not exceeding 40 feet at high water would, I consider, be ample.

488

That the cost of such a bridge would be considerable is undoubted, but any reasonable expend- iture would be justified in a cause such as I have alluded to. Besides which, the bridge can be made remunerative by the imposition of a toll.

Not less than 6,000,000 passengers annually pass between Hongkong and Kowloon (3,000,000- each way) this number would probably be increased by one-half if a bridge existed.

Nine million (9,000,000) passengers at an average toll of 1 cent would be a substantial return on the money laid out, and this the direct return only, the indirect return, in the form of rates, &c., would probably be even greater, while the advantage to be gained in being able to carry telegraph cables, &c., across the bridge instead of in their present rather precarious position and the possibility of using the bridge as an aqueduct for a supply of water to Hongkong from the Kowloon range cannot altogether be overlooked.

IMPORT AND EXPORT (OPIUM) OFFICE.

25. The Return shows that during the year the amount of Opium reported was as follows:-

1900. Chests.

1901: Increase. Decrease. Chests. Chests. Chests.

Imported,

43,256

42,314

942

Exported,

38,721

40,26912

1,548

Through Cargo reported

but not landed,

17,557

12,150

5,4073

Fourteen thousand three hundred and twenty-five (14,325) permits were issued from this Office during the year, being a decrease of 319 as compared with 1900.

A daily memo. of exports to Chinese ports was during the year supplied to the Commissioner of Imperial Maritime Customs, and a daily memo. of exports to Macao was supplied to the Superintend- ent of Raw Opium Department of Macao.

Surprise visits were paid to 76 godowns during the year.

I have the honour to be,

The Honourable J. H. STEWART LOCKHART, C.M.G.,

Colonial Secretary,

&c.,

ģc.,

→

&c.

Sir,

Your obedient Servant,

R. MURRAY RUMSEY,

Ret. Com., R. N.,

Harbour Master, &c.

I. NUMBER, TONNAGE, CREWS, and CARGOES of I

BRITISH.

WITH CARGOES.

IN BALLAST,

TOTAL.

COUNTRIES WHENCE ARRIVED.

Cargoes.

Vessels.

Tons. Crews.

Vessels..

Tons. Crews. Vessels.

Tons. Crews.

Dis-

Transit. charged

Australia and New Zealand,

British Columbia,................

British North Borneo,...........

48,183 1,899

21,413

718 60,669 3,877

23,830 23,208

27,549 6,195 19,975

D cha

48,183 1,899 2

21,413 718 60,669 3,877

1,832 2,115,366 84,076 295,549 382,363 56,943 2,205) 85,940)

10,977

2,016

148

2,987

1,178

Canuda,

Cape of Good Hope,

Coast of China,..

Cochin-China,

Continent of Europe,

Formosa,

Great Britain,

India and Singapore,

Japan,......

Java and other Islands in the Indian Archipelago,.

Macao.

Mauritius,

Natal,

North Pacific,

Philippine Islands,

Ports in Hainan and Gulf of Tonquin,

Sandwich Islands,

Siam,

United States of America,

South America.......

178

4,400 19,675 32

7,960 25,045 1,735 127 374,801 8,486 171,071 366,810) 102 223,897 10,082 172,818 123,041 186 402,962 10,167 394,700, 152,053 116 186,350 7.487 218,354 24,377

28,013 304 319,620 22,080

68,922 140 181,938 9.259)

55 63,433 2,908 93,650

197 219,198 10,601 2,0292,334,564 94,677|| 29

2,155 35

114!

2,600

44,504 1,676|

69,747 3,132 102,570

68 173,718 4,609 150,255

59,870

TOTAL,.

3,125 4,334,462 172,898|1,865,586|1,162,192|

1,859 $29

6,549

145

56,943 2,205| 178 10,977 27,061 1,878 127 374,801 8,480) 17 104 226,884 10,163||| 17: 187|| 404,140|10,187|| 39- 116 186,350 7,487 218 304 319,620 22,080

2,155 35

114

167 225,842 10.935

561

65,292 2,937|

8: 29:

69,747 2,132 102

70 180,267 4,754 150

235 280,560) 12,739) 3,360 4,615,022 185,637 1,865

II.-NUMBER, TONNAGE, Crews, and Cargoes

With CargoES.

BRITISH.

IN BALLAST.

TOTAL.

COUNTRIES TO WHICH

DEPARTED.

Shippet.

Shipped.

Vessels.

Tons. Crews.

Cargoes.

Bunker Vessels.

Coal.

Tons. Crews.

Bunker

Coal. Vessels.

Crews. Tons.

Bunker Vessels

Cargoes. Corl.

Australia & New Zealand,

45,308 2,598

24,570

1,695

British Columbia,

British North Borneo,

Canada,

15,937 60,669 3,853

769

3,574

3,680

8,081 118

169 7,636

1,200

540

29,388

938 23,573 21 60,669 3,853

53,389 2,716|

24,570 2,895

3,574 29,388

4,220

Cape of Good Hope,

Coast of China,

2,180 2,685,452 101,131 452.667 104,125

ان

Cochin-China,

7,810

3231

7,350

2,029

63,006 3,448 35,152 1,042

4,120 2,2312,748,452 101,579 452,607 108,245| 13,239 10,515 89 7,350 8,486

42,962 1,365

Continent of Europe,

Formosa...

10,181 2411

14,707

1,125

Great Britain,

58 211,796 5,865

70,340

1,155

India and Singapore,.

125 257,197 12,818) 220.589

39,098

151 25,921 683

5.223

Japan,

Java and other islands in the Indian

Archipelago,

16,469

Kiauchow,

Macao,

2 4,472 305 320,675 22,028 18,887

126 267,812 8,153 94,724 13,945

614

101

46 90.275 1.920|

2,455

10,181 58 211,796 5,805| 140 283,118 13,451|| 220,589 172 358,087| 10,073]

241

14,707

1,125

70,310

1,155

44.321

94.724

16.400 134

12,060

4,190

25,029

548

2,800

890 6.206

41,498 1,162 101 4,472 305 320,675 22,028

12,060)

6,990

Mauritius,

North Pacific,

215

Philippine Islands,

138 176,296 9,190

160 167,300

215

70 16,887

160

890 6,206 1,014

Ports in Hainan & G. of Tonquin,

36,517 2,020

8,952

30,822 4,367

7 14,222 308 24! 35,076 1,231

845 4,399

71,593 3,260

145190,518 9.498 167,3001

31,665

8,952)

8,766

314

Russia in Asia,

Sandwich Island,

Siam,

23,654 1,894

7,550

6,905

12,899

494

Sonth America,

United States of America, Wei-hai-wei,

46 112.620 3,616

6,968

243

88,054 2,510

9,900

21,272

335

3,175

550

1,210

...

36,553 1,888)

57 133,892 3,951| 2431 6,968

7,550

10,080

88.054 9,900,

3,060

1,210

TOTAL,..

3,1414,260,048 174,975|1,230,842||| 223,950

214 338,569 10,246 33.793 3,3855 4,598,617 185,221 1,230,842 257,743 15,148

1.-NUMBER, TONNAGE, CREWS, and CARGOES of Vessels ENTERED at Ports in the Colony of Hongkong from e‹

BRITISH.

IN BALLAST.

FOREIGN.

IN BALLAST.

WITH CARGOES.

TOTAL.

WITH CARGOES.

Cargoes.

Vessels.

Tons. Crews.

Vessels..

Tons. Crews. Vessels.

Tons. Crews.

Dis-

charged Transit.

Dis- charged. Transit.

Vessels.

Tons. Crews.

Dis- charged. Transit.

Vessels. Tons. Cre

48,183 1,899

23,830 25,208)

48,183 1,899) 23,830 25,208 17

33,584 1,454| 6,146 8,284

21,413 718 27,549 6,195 16 20,441 839 22,138 2,571 21] 60,669 3,877) 19,975

41 56,943 2,205| 85,940

2,016 143

2,987

1,178

201

24,377)

13 21,413 · 718 27,549 · 6,195 21 60,669 3,877|| 19,975)

1,852 2,115,366 84,076 295,549 382,363|

56,943 2,205 85,940|

41 10,977 178 4,400 19,675

25,045 1,735 7,960

127 374,801 8,480 171,071' 366,810| 102) 223,897) 10,082) 172,818 123,041) 186 402,962 10,167|| 394,700, 152,053Į 116 186,350 7.487 218,354 304 319,620 22,080| 28,043

197 219,198 10,601 2,029 2,334,564 94,677 295,549 382,363 13,964 1,735,848 208,723 841,197 295,991 4,886 580,671 61,3:

102 131,846] 6,992| 141,359| 27,941

123 313,258 7,697| 71,819 236,903

82,227 2,245, -29,949 76,681 60 126,746 3,882] 27,464 95,223 224 501,145 14,109 437.233 176,729 67,666 2,260| 97,662 10,496 81,454 16,676

828

10,977 173 4,400 19,675 35 27,061 1,878| 7,960 127 374,801 8.486 171,071 366,810 104 226,884 10,163 172,818) 123,041) 187 404,140 10,187| 394,700| 152,053| 116 186,350 7,487 218,354 304 319,620 22,080) 28,043

-56,679 3,062 10,177

255 3,282

}

24,377

53 922

29,744 3001

301

1,291'

21,185 3,66

2,155

2,155 35

114

2,246 102

482

1,167

140 181,938| 9,259

68,922 2,600 63,433 2,908 *93,650

44,504 1,676Į

167

1,859 29

225,842 10.935| 68,922 65,292 2,937 93,650

2,600

28 29,493 1,095 27,220 292 284,650 10,134 227,899

2,600

28 29,703 1,10.

27,697

69,747 3,132 102,570|

68 173,718 4,609 150,255 59,870

6,549 145

69,747 2,132 102,570

70 180,267 4,754 150,255

59,870

148 158,073 7,118 247,385

57 136,195 4,520, 68,985

11,217

3,1254,334,462 172,898|1,865,586|1,162,192

235 280,560 12,739 3,3604,615,022| 185,637|1,865,581|1,162,192 16,1043,762,379 291,131 2,847,114 972,393 5,223 637,554 66,518

II.—NUMBER, TONNAGE, CREWS, and CARGOES of Vessels CLEARED in the Colony of Hongkong for each Cou

CARGOES.

BRITISH.

IN BALLAST.

TOTAL.

WITH CARGOES.

FOREIGN.

IN BALLAST.

Shippet.

WS.

Cargors.

Bunker Coal.

Vessels.

Tons. Crews.

Bunker Coal.

Vessels. Tons. Crews.)

598 24,570 1,695

353 29,388

69 3,574

3,680,

8,081 118

7,636 169

1,200] 33

540

131

452.667 104,125

3231

7,350

2,029

Shipped.

Cargoes.

53,389 2,716) 24,570 2,895 11 26,295 1,205 5,388 3,600

23,573 938 3,574 4,220

11,683 533 9,817 3,139 21 60,669 3,853 29,388)

63,006) 3,448 4,120 2,231 2,748,452 101,579 452.607

8,486 35,152 1,042]

42,962 1,365 7,350

Shipped.

Bunker Vessels.

Conl.

Tons. Crews.

Cargoes.

Runker Vessels.

Coal.

Tons. Crews.

Bunker Coal.

Vessels.

3,056 49

41 14,707

1,125

,65

70,340

1,155

18 220.589

39,098 15 25,921 623

5.223

53 94,724 13,945 46 90.275 1.920| 14 12,060 4,190 18 25,029 518

2,455

2,800

890

28 18,887

6.206

305 320,675 22,028

10,181| 241 14,707

1,125 58 211,796 5,865 70,340 1,155 140 283,118 13,451|| 220,589 44.321 172 358,087 10,073] 94.721 29 41,498 1,162 12,000

2 4,472 101

70 16,887

16.400

6,990 890 6,206

21.489 36| 146,264| 5,258

8,176 2,649 142 124,26 520 97,680 2.957) 11,520

500 92| 226,323] 6,259] 81,371 25,793! 184 341,577 11,091| 107,004|

24,423 13 18,977 455 16,000 3,685

47.926 29,750

108,245 13,239 2,089,496 225,389 1,189,237 100,586 5,772 410,759 53,191 89619,0112,5

10,5 15 89 158,291|| 7,179|

41 51,106 1,499 11,255 130

1 1,181 21

9,108 189 85 169,818 5,652 12,449 384

2,545

219 5

620

.....

1,014

160

30 167,300

30,822

8,952 4,367 24

14.222 308 35,076 1,231,

845 4,399

215

160 145190,518 9,498 167,300) 31,663| 61 71,593|| 3,260| 8,952) 8,766)

88,420 17,752||||| 50,355||

1.600 114 2,646 181 1.101

400

117

7,697 1,327

1,131

500

900)

1,800

2,230 150

790

12,535 725

9,646

1,970)

2.532 101

314

196,728 11,275

96,301

33,002

45,670

1,255

10 11.507 405 13,800 1,420

255

170 19 5,020

35 11

847 24

7,550, 6,905

12,899 494 3,175

88.054 2,510 11 21,272 335

9,900 1,210

550

اد

32 36,553 1,888| 7,550 10,080

57 133,892 3,951 88.054 3,060 6,968 2431 9,900 1,210

'51,230,842 223 950)

53 13

214 338,569 10,246|| 33.793 3,355 4,598,617 185,221 1,230,842 257,743 15,1483,631,087 300,014 1,806,065 251,388 6,095 745,778 64,617 33,816 21,243 4,57

47 126,817 5,075 95.560

67 72,076 3,019 28.356 19,715 18 21,256 643

770

4,415

8,691 133

· each Country for the Year ending 31st December, 1901.

489

TOTAL.

WITH CARGOES.

TOTAL.

IN BALLAST.

TOTAL..

Cargoes.

rews. Vessels.

Tons. Crews.

Dis- charged Transit

Vessels.

Tons. Crews.

Vessels.

Dis-

Tons. Crews. Vessels.

Tons. Crews.

charged Transit.

Dis-

charged. | Transit.

33,584 1,454| 6,146 8,284

81,767 3,353 29,976 33,492

81,767 3,353

29,976 33,492

***

20,441 838 221,33 2,571

41,854 1,556 49.682 8,766 60,669 3,877 19,975

41,854 1,556

49,682 8,766

60,669 3,877 19,975

1,378 18,850 2,316,520, 271.101 811,197

227

721

60 126.746 3,882]

102 131,846 6,992 141,359 124 313,513 7,714 71,819

59,961 3,289|

10,177 82,227 2,425| 29.949 76,681 87,464 95,223 225 502,456 14,173 437.233 176,729

67,656|| 2,260| 97,662 3,665 1,223 102,639 20,341}

295,991 15,796 4,851,212 292,799 1,136,746 678,354 5,082

27,941

143 188,789 9,197 227,299| 27,941j 236,903)

127 324.235 7,875 76,219 256,578

799,869 71,979

100

81,724 4,797 18,137

255 17 5,298 370

152

457,028 10,911 201,020 443,491

162

350,643 13,964 260,282 218,264

410

904,107 24,276 831.933 328,782

10,496

169 254,006 9,747 316,016

34,873

29.744

1,226 401,074 38,756

57,787

301

828 44

3001

828 44

300

3,413 164

482

2,246

102!

482

.60

1,105]

501

59,196 2.200, 27,200

2,600

168 201,831 10.354

292

284,660 10,131 227,899

27,697

148 158,073 7,118 247,385

57 136,195 4,520 68,965

96,122 347 348,093 13,042 321,549] 208 227,820 10.250 349,955

5,200

27,697

2,155 35 1,281 71 74,207 2,781 1,859 29

2,155

20,879 4,651,084 365,778 1,136,746 678,354

143 188,789 9,197 227,299 279,41 128 324,490 7,892 76,219 250,578 107 87,022 5,167 18,137 152 457,028 10,911 201,020 443.491 2,987 81 164 353,630 14,045| 260,282 218,264 2,469]

412 906,576 24,360 831,933) 328,782 169 254,006 9.747 316,016 21,185 3,665 1,527 422,259 42,421] 828 44 35

34.873

57,787

300

3,527 173

482

223

285,038 13,135|

96,122

5,200

348

349,952 13,071 321,549,

27,697

11,217

125 809,913 9,129 219,220 71,087

6,549 145

203 227,820 10,250 349,955

127 316,462 9,274 219,220 71,087

,518 21,3274,399,935 357,649 2,347,114 972,393 19,229 8,096,841 463,929 4,212,700 2,134,585 5,458 918,114 79,257 24,687 9,014,955 543,286 4,212,700 2,154,585

Country for the Year ending 31st December, 1901.

TOTAL.

WITH CARGOES.

TOTAL.

IN BALLAST.

TOTAL.

Shipped

Shipped.

Bunker

Tons. Crews.

Cargoes.'

29,351 1,254 5,388 3,600 39

Bunker Vessels.

Coal.

Tons. Crews.

Cargoes.

Bunker Vessels. Tons.

Coal.

rews.

Coal. Vessels.

Tons. Crews.

Cargoes. Coal.

bunker

74,603 3,80% 29,958 5,295

9 11,683 533 9,817 8,139

0 209,400 8,678

6 146,264 5,258

47,926 32,744 29,750 8.176 3,830 163 12,426

520 97,680 2,957 11,520

500

20 27,620 1,302 13.391 6,819 21 60,669 3,853 29,388

12,500,255 276,580 1,189,237 109,552 15,4194,774,948 322,120 1,641,904 204,711 5,823

95 166,104 7,502 55,276 23,518 36 146,264 5,258 29,750 8,176 41 12,830 388 85 309,476 8,822

11,137 167

7,636 169

1,200 47

540 25 21

82,740 3,970 · 29,958

6,495

33,256 1,471 13.391 7,359 (0,669 3,853 29.388

3235,431 6,448 81,371 23,793 511,395 16,743 107,004 26,968

31,446 839 16,000

27,133 1,645 81,860 217 483,520 19,077 301,960] 260 609,389 19,244 201,728

4,305

96,117 19,079

50,355

4001

35,466 1,069 28,060 2 4,472 101 1,819 409,095 39,780

1,655 64,891 19 38,368 7,875

473,765 55,639| 86,258 2,541

1,181 21

35,029 822 131 260,093 7,572

13,086 21,2425,248,718 377,159 1,641,904 217,797

159 252,362 10,043 19,741

55,276 43,259

36 146,246 5,258, 41 14,011 85 309,476 8,822

29,750

8,176

404.

27.133

1,645

$1,800

1,655

5,223

236

5,000

391

518,549; 19,899 301,960 869.482 26,816 201,728

70,114

43,368

37,478 982

3,420

72 944 2,001; 28,060

11,295

1,600 114

4.876 337

15,067 826

500

900 1,104 2.090 9,646, 2,140 242,398 12,530)| 96.301 88,022 11,762 422 18,800 1,455

98,332 3,662 28,360 24,130

131,978 5,208 95,560 770

1,600 114 2,861 190,

70 69,242 500

890 6,600

117

7,697 1,827

4,472 101 1,436 416,792 41,107

890

69,242

6,606

900

1,264

1,300

2,230 156

790

1,600, 5.09 346

114

500

900

1,264

2,090

154 188,8 9,915 176,946] 351 223,24513,304 105,258|

10 11,507

90 95,730 4,413

93 238,937 7,691 6,968 243

405

32,790 10 37,369 13,800 1,420

35,910 26,620

183,614 3,280 17

9,9001 1,210

16,754 409 80,746 2,486|

255

34,155 1,137

29.933 468

1,015 9,418

171

164 205,585 10,324 176,946| 408 313,991 15,790 105,253 11 11,762 422 13,800

33,805

46,788

1,455

7,590

550

117 129,885 5,550 35,910 34,210

110 268.870 8,159 183.614 3.830 6,968 243 9,900 1,210

34,376,865 364,631 1,806,065 285,204 18,289 7,891,185 487,989 3,036,907 475,338 6,3091,084,347 73.863

67,609) 24,598 8,975,482 541,852 3,036,907) 542,947

NAMES

OF PORTS.

Aberdeen,

Cheung Chaú,.

III. TOTAL NUMBER, TONNAGE, CREWS, AND CARGOE

WITH CARGOES.

BRITISH.

IN BALLAST.

TOTAL.

WITH CARGOES.

Cargoes.

Vis.

Tons. Crews.

VIS.

Dis- charged.

Tons, Crews. Vls. Tons. Crews.

Vls.

Tons. Crews.

Transit.

Dis- charged.

Dis.

Transit.

charg

166

4,618 1,027| 2,

1,839 501

Deep Bay,

Hunghom,

Sham Shui-po,

Shaukiwán,..

Stanley,.

396

...

8,376 2,221 6,i

2,397 255,024 24,739|||206,:

329

5,023 1,673 2.

829 179

1281

Tai 0, Tai Po,

Victoria,

3,044 989 1,

493

3,125 4,334,462172,898|1,865,586| 1,162,192|

Total,...... 3,125 4,334,402172,898 1,865,586 1,162,192

235 280,560 12,739 3,360 4,615,022|185,637|1,865,581 1,162,192) 12,564| 3,483,133 259,723|2,1:5, 235 280,560 12.739 3,3(0) 4,615,022185,687|1,865,581 1,162,192) 16,104| 3,762,379|291,131|2,347,

IV.—TOTAL NUMBER, TONNAGE, CREWS, AND CARGOE

WITH CARGOES.

BRITISH.

IN BALLAST.

TOTAL.

WITH C

NAMES

OF PORTS.

Shipped.

VIs. Tons. Crews.

Vls.

Tons. Crews.

Cargoes.

Bunker Coal.

Vls. Tons. Crews.

Vls. Tons. Crer

Cargoes.

Bunker Coal.

Aberdeen,

Cheung Chaú,...

Deep Bay,

1,017

698 2

164

6,545 1,1

Hunghom,

Sham Shui-po,

Shaukiwán,..

Stanley,.

Tai 0,

Tai Po, Victoria,

3,141 4,260,048 174,975 1,230,842||223,950|

2,447 285,809 26,2

379

17,754, 3,0

398

1,199

309

214 338,569 10,246 33,793 3,355 4,598,617 185,221 1,230,842 257,743 11,985 3,317,258|268,;

Total,...... 3,141'4,260,048′174,975'1,230,842|| 223,950 214 338,56910,246|||| 33,793 3,3554,598,617′185,221|1,230,842] 257,743|15,148 3,631.0187|300,(

III-TOTAL NUMBER, TONNAGE, CREWS, AND CARGOES OF VESSELS ENTERED AT EACH PORT IN THE COLON

ISH.

FOREIGN.

WITH CARGOES.

IN BALLAST.

TOTAL.

LAST.

TOTAL.

Cargoes.

Crews. Vls. Tons.

¡Crews.

Vis.

Tons. Crews.

Vis.

Tons.

Crews. Vls.

Tons.

Crews.

Vis

Dis-

Transit.

charged.

Dis- charged.

Transit.

166

4,618 1,027

2,417

1,839

501

1,110

19 29

$92 146 185 303 135 113

5,210 1,173 2,142 636 1,110

Dis- charged.

2,417

Transit.

***

396

8,376 2,221

6,540

140

2,897 255,024 24,739 206,311|

329

5,023 1,673

2,744

240

670 536 4,954 1,818 206,079 20,402 4,215

12,630 2,004

13,330 2,891

6,540

461,103 45,141| 206,311

179 829

635

1061

321

569 30

17,653 3,677 2,744

935 211

635

1281 15

3,044 493

1,108

·267

431

140

146 15

493

3,475 1,129 79

989 79

1,108 267

15,0

19,

60 12,739 3,360 4,615,022185,6371,865,581 1,162,192) 12,564 3,483,133 259,7232,1:5,982 972,393 2,954 412,459 42,989 15,518 3,895,592 302,712 2,125,082 072,393 60|12.739| 3,360 4,615,022185,6571,865,581 1,162,192′ 16,104 3,762,379|291,131|2,347,114|| 972.393| 5,223| 637,554|66,51821,327 4,399,933|357,649|2,847,114 972,393

IV. TOTAL NUMBER, TONNAGE, CREWS, AND CARGOES OF VESSELS CLEARED AT EACH PORT IN THE COLON

FOREIGN.

ITISH.

JALLAST.

TOTAL.

WITH CARGOES.

IN BALLAST.

ΤΟΤΑΣ.

Shipped.

Crews.

Bunker Coal.

Vls.

Tons. Crews.

Vls.

Tons.

Crews.

Vis.

Tons.

Crews.

Cargoes.

Bunker Coal.

Bunker

Bunker Coal.

Vls. Tons.

Crews.

Cargoes. Coal,

Cargoes

3,017

277

645

698

239

347

94 42

1,148 448

592 224

143 87

725 2,165 1,290

405

64 34

164

6,545 1,166

4,751

408

2,447 285,809 26,228 235,753,

7,774 1,972 1,763 175,145,16,984

572

14,319 3.138

4,75

4,210 460,954 43,212|| 235,75

379

17,754 3,000 14,837

398

251

3,473 1,174

105

135

466

116

415 1,199

309 45

39 10,246 33,793 3,355 4,598,017|185,221|1,230,842 257,743 11,985 3,317,258268,539 1,549,031 251,388 3,435 554,890 42,908 3910,246 33,793′ 3,355.4,598,617'185,221(1,230,842) 257,743 15,148′3,631,087(300,014|1,806,065) 251,388 6,095 745,778|64,617)

33,816 15,4203,872,248 311,5471,549,03

33,816 21,2434,376,865|364,681|1,806.06.

407

881

2,295

G85

159

6301

29 143

21,227 4,174

14,83

804

221

13.

3,494 1,100

364

الات

ORT IN THE COLONY OF HONGKONG, IN THE YEAR 1901.

OTAL.

WITH CARGOES.

TOTAL.

IN BALLAST.

TOTAL.

Cargoes.

rews.

Vls.

Tons.

Crews.

Vls.

Dis- charged.

Transit.

Dis- charged.

Tons. Crews. Vis.

Tons.

Crews.

Transit.

Dis- charged.

Transit.

1,173

2,417

166

4,618 1,027

2,417

592

146

185

5,210

1,173

- 2,417

636

1,110

1,839

501

1,110

303!

135

113

2,142

636

1,110

2,891

6,540

396

8.376

2,221

6,540

140

4,954, 670

536

13,330

2,891

6,540

5,141

206,311|

2,397

255,024

24,739

206,311

1,818

206,079

20,402)

4,215

461,103

45,141

206,311

3,677

2,744

329

5,023

1,673

2,744

240

12,630

2,004

569

17,053

3,677

211

635

829

179

635

106

935

211

1,129

1,108 267

128

3,044

989

1,108

431

140

146

493

267

3,475 493

1,129

2,744 635 1,108

267

12,712 2,125,982 972,393

15.089

7,817,595 432,521

3,991,568

2,134,585

3,189

693,019 55,728

18,878

8,510,614

489,349

3,991,568 2,134,585

17,6492,347,114 972,393 19,229 8,096,841 463,929| 4,212,700| 2,134,585

PORT IN THE COLONY OF HONGKONG, IN THE YEAR 1901.

5,458

918,114 79,257|

24,687 9,014,955 543,286 4,212,700 2,134,585

TOTAL.

WITH CARGOES.

TOTAL.

IN BALLAST.

TOTAL.

Shipped.

Vls.

Tons. Crews.

Vls.

Tons. Crews.

Vls.

Tons. Crews.

Cargoes.

Bunker Coal.

Cargoes.

Bunker Coal.

VIS. Tons. Crews.

Bunker

Cargoes.

Coal.

143

645

347

1,017 277

698 2391

645

347

164

630

143

379

17,754 3,000| 14,837

398 1,199 309

105

135

415 45

407

159

2,165 725 871 1,290 463

572 14,319 3.138) 4,751 4,210 460,954 43,212 235,753

21,227 4,174 14,837

804 221

135 3,494 1,100 407

159

6,545 1,166 4,751 2,447 285,809 26,228 235,753

7,774 1,972 1,763 175,145| 16,984

364 51

6 15,4203,872,248311,5471,549,031 285,204 15,126 7,577,406 436,514 2,779,873 475,338 3,649 893,459 52,254|

21,2434,376,865|364,631|1,806,065) 285,204,18,289 7,891,135 467,9893,036,907 475,338 6,309 1,084,347 73,863

9 67,609 18,775,8,470,865 488,7682,779,873 542,947

67,609 24,598|8,975,482'541,852 3,036,907| 542,947

94 42

1,148 448

592 224

143 2,165 725 1,290 463

615

347

408

572

14,319 3,138 4,751

4,210 460,95443,212| 235,753|

251

3,473 1,174

630

406) 116

21,227 4,174 14,837

804 221

135

2,295 685

143

3,494 1,100,

407

364

159

V.-NUMBER, TONNAGE and CREWS of Vessels of each Nation ENTERED at Ports in the Colony of Hongkong in the Year 1901.

491

ENTERED.

NATIONALITY

WITH CARGOES.

IN BALLAST.

TOTAL.

VESSELS.

Vessels.

Tons.

Crews. Vessels. Tons. Crews. Vessels.

Tons. Crews.

American,

140,158

5,916

15,509

764

111

155,667 6,680

Austriau,

128,483

4,045

128,483

4,045

Belgian,

12,407

391

...

12,407

British,

3,125

4,334,462

172,898

235

280,560

12,739

3,360

4,615,022

391 185,637

Chinese,

138

18,932

1,656

138

18,932

1,656

Chinese Junks,

12,738

1,139,588

162,778

4,998

491,684

59,531

17,736

1,631,272 | 222,309

Corean,.

796

Danish,

25,903

483

25,903

488

Dutch,

40,617 1,211

255

40,872

1,228

French,

326

243,378

18,540

210

328

243,588

18,572

German,

725

1,143,992

35,361

119

98,650

4,325

844

1,242,642

39,686

Italian,

18,782

836

18,782

836

Japanese,

321

679,713

28,114

13,268

854

336

692,981

28,968

Norwegian,

62,730

1,781

15,274

455

78,004

2,236

Portuguese,

10,456

1,517

10,456

1,517

Russian,

8,797

309

8,797

309

Spanish,

784

31.

781

---

Swedish,.

No Flag,

6,923 80

301

6,923

301

Steam launches trading to ports outside the Colony,

1,486

80,644

27,850

1,920

509

1,542

82,564

28,359

TOTAL,......

19,229 8,096,841 464,029

5,458

918,114

79,257

24,687 9,014,955 543,286

VI.-NUMBER, TONNAGE and CREWS of Vessels of each Nation CLEARED at Ports in the Colony of

Hongkong in the Year 1901.

CLEARED.

NATIONALITY

WITH CARGOES.

IN BALLAST.

TOTAL.

VESSELS.

Vessels. Tous.

Crews. Vessels.

Tons. Crews. Vessels.

Tons.

Crews.

American,

Austrian,

Belgian,

130,986

5,687

16,725

811

104

147,711

6,498

88,170 4,464

2,683

34,462

1,260

122,632

3,943

146

7,943

242

12,407

388

British,

· 3,141 | 4,260,048 | 174,975

214

338,569

10,246

Chinese,

140

19,113 1,680

140

Chinese Junks,

11,904

1,272,046 | 172,074

5,754

362,850

49,573

17,658

3,355 | 4,598,617 | 185,221

19,113 1,680 1,634,896 221,647

Corean,.

796

Danish,

24,049

458

1,854

25,903

483

Dutch,

25,122

756

15,750

473

40,872

1,229

French,

320

226,695 18,465

11,732

105

328

238,427

18,570

German,

718

1,093,450

34,242

125

146,517

5,388

843

1,239,967

39,630

Italian,

18,782

823

720

19,502

837

Japanese,

278

577,265

24,679.

110,875

4,202

333

688,140

28,881

Norwegian,

48,654

1,576

25,167

575

73,821 2,151

Portuguese,

7,936 1,257

2,520

260

10,456 1,517

Russian,

3,466

213

5,331

8,797

309

Siamese,

407

Spanish,

784

Swedish,.

5,934

268

989

6,923

300

No Flag,

2,747

Steam launches trading to ports outside the Colony,

1,486

80,628 27,847

1,936

512

1,542

82,564

28,359

TOTAL,.........

18,289 7,891,135 467,989. 6,309 1,084,347

24,598 23,056 8,892,918 541,852

492

VII.—Total Number, Tonnage, Crews, Passengers and Cargo of Junks ENTERED at each Port in the Colony of Hongkong, (exclusive of Local Trade), during the Year ending 31st December, 1901.

CARGO.

BALLAST.

TOTAL.

Ves- sels.

Tons. Crews.

gers.

Passen- Cargo Ves-

Discharged.

Tons. sels.

Tous. Crews.

Passen- Ves- gers. sels.

Tons. Crews.

! Passen-

gers.

Cargo Discharged. Tons.

Aberdeen,

166

4,618 1,027)

2,117

592 146

185

5,210 1,173

2,417

Cheung Cháu,

1,839

501

110

1,110

3031 135

113

2,142 636

137

1,110

Deep Day,

...

Hunghon,......

396

8,376 2,221

Sham Shui-po, 2,397

255,024 24,739

6,540 206,311 1,818

140

4,954 670

538

13,330 2,891

6,540

206,079 20,402]

191

4,215

461,103 45,141

210

206,311

Shaukiwán,

329

5,023 1,673

2,744

240

12,630 2,004!

569

17,653 3,677

2,744

Stanley,

829

179

635

Tai 0,

128

3,044)

Tai Po,

Victoria,

15 9,198

493 860,342131,370 37,190

989 396

79.

1,108

106 431 140

935

211

635

267 498,266 2,729 | 266,589 36,002 10,911

146]

3,475 1,129|

493

419

1,108

267

Total,... 12,738 1,139,58 162,778 37,862

719,398 4,998 | 491,684 59,531| 11,172

11,927|1,126,931|167,372 48,101 | 498,266

17,736 1,631,272|222,309| 49,034 719,598

VIII. Total Number, Tonnage, Crews, Passengers and Cargo of Junks CLEARED at each Port in the Colony of Hongkong, (exclusive of Local Trade), during the Year ending 31st December, 1901.

CARGO.

BALLAST.

TOTAL.

Ves- sels.

Tons. Crews.

l'assen- Cargo Ves-

Shipped. gers.

Tons. sels.

Tous. Crews.

Passen- Ves- gers. sels.

Tons. Crews.

l'assen- Cargo

gers.

Shipped. Tons.

Aberdeen,

1,017 277

645

Cheung Cháu,

698 239

347

1,148 448 592 224

143

2,165 725 1,290 463

100

645 347

Deep Bay,

...

Hungbow,......

164

6,545 1,166

4,751

408

Sham Shui-po, 2,447

285,809 26,228

123

7,774 1,972 235,753 1,763 175,145 16,984|

572

100

Shaukiwán,

379

17,754 3,000|

14,837 251 3,478

1,174

8888

4,210

14,319 3,138 460,954| 43,212;

4,751

223 235,753

630

21,227 4,174

150

14,837

Stanley,..

39- 105

135

Tai 0,

1,199

415

117

407

Tai l'o,

309

159

406 2,295 55

116

804 221

135

685

238

143

3,494 1,100

355

407

364) 51

159

Victoria,

8,741

958,317|140,599| 46,952 | 675,895 | 3,094| 171,96227,964]

1,795 11,8351,130,279 168,563 48,747 675,895

Total,... 11,904 |1,272,046|172,074 47,302 | 932,929 | 5,754|| 362,850 | 49,573||

2,27317,6581,634,896 221,647 49,575 932,929

IX.—Total Number, Tonnage, Crews, Passengers and Cargo of Junks ENTERED at Ports in the Colony of Hongkong, from Ports on the Coast of China, and Macao, during the Year ending 31st December, 1901.

East Coast,.

CARGO.

BALLAST.

TOTAL.

Tons. Crews.

Crews. Passen-

geis

Cargo Ves- Discharged.

Tons. sels.

Tons. Crews.

234

164,364 313 8,252 1,891

Passen-

Ves- gers. sels.

117 2,863 192,088 22,501

Tons. Crews.

l'assen-

gers.

Cargo

Discharged. Tons.

351 164,364

Ves- sels.

2,550 183,836 20,610

878,516 129,899 37,254 518,353 3,969 | 449,403| 50,926 10,92713,293 1,327,919 180,825 48,181 518,353

368

482 15,262

20 21,419

San On Dis- trict, West

9,324

River, &c., West Coast,

Macao,

15,262 421

114 12,984 3,095

21,419 295 21,045 3,619

877; 42,429 7,528

703 68,836 11,455

456 29,445 4,433||

408 47,791 7,836

Total,... 12,738 1,139,588 162,778 37,862 719,398 4,998 491,684 59,531 11,17217,7861,631,272 222,309 49,034 719,398

X-Total Number, Tonnage, Crews, Passengers and Cargo of Junks CLEARED at Ports in the Colony of Hongkong, for Ports on the Coast of China, and Macao, during the Year ending 31st December, 1901.

CARGO.

BALLAST.

TOTAL.

East Coast,.. San On Dis-

trict, West

Ves- sels.

1,388

Tons. Crews.

67,856, 11,191

Passen- gers.

Cargo Shipped.

Ves- Tons. sels.

Tons. Crews.

l'assen- Ves- gers. sels.

Tons. Crews.

Passen-

gers.

Cargo

Shipped. Tons.

167

113 36,156 1,615 135,883 12,994

3,003 203,739 24,185

280

36,156

9,405 1,110,542 146,276 46,943 | 828,132 3,711 | 204,860, 32,709,

River, &c.,

West Coast,

611

Macao,

500

38,891 5,695|

54,757 8,912

42,337 111 7,557 1,281

Total,... 11,904 1,272,046 172,074 47,302 932,929 5,754 362,850 | 49,573|

182 26,00+ 317 14,550 2,589

234 928 53,441 8,284

611 62,314 10,193

42,337

2,273 |17,658|1,634,896 221,647|||| 49,575 932,929

1,906 13,116 1,315,402 178,985 48,849 828,432

416 26,004

XI.-Return of Junks (Local Trade) ENTERED at each Port in the Colony of Hongkong, during the Year ending 31st December, 1901.

493

CARGO.

BALLAST.

TOTAL.

Ves-

Tons. Crews.

sels.

Passen-

gers.

Cargo 'Discharged. Tons.

Ves- sels.

Tons. Crews.

gers.

Ves- Passen-

sels.

Tons. Crews.

Passen- Cargo

Discharged.

gers.

Tons.

Aberdeen,

116

6,179

1,117

4,581

1,034

210

138

7,213 1,327|

Cheung Cháu,

590

182

520

671

215

112

4,581 520

Deep Bay......

Hunghom,......

323

3,063

1,385

2,526

591

276

384

3,654 1,661

2,526

Sham Shui-po,

848

289

594

266

163

1,114

452

594

Shaukiwán,

110

3,239

815

1,816

1,046

798

207

7,285

1,613

1,816

Stanley,.

674

124

188

176

850

212

188

Tai 0,

430

168

323

116

546

243

323

Tai Po,

433

146

433

146

Victoria,

7,723 273,940 92,987 13,788

Total,... 8,410 289,296 97,131

13,886 | 202,489 12,252 376,852 | 81,065 62,438 20,662

644,482 172,409 76,164 191,795

666,248 178,196 76,324 | 202,489

191,795 12,019 370,542 79,422 62,376 19,742

XII.-Return of Junks (Local Trade) CLEARED at each Port in the Colony of Hongkong, during the Year ending 31st December, 1901.

CARGO.

BALLAST.

TOTAL.

Ves-

Tous. Crews. Passen-

sels.

gers.

Cargo Shipped. Tons.

Ves- sels.

Tons. Crews. Passen-

Ves-

gers.

sels.

Tons. Crews. Passen-

gers.

Cargo Shipped.

Tons.

Aberdeen,.

1,827

334

749

137

8,396 1,441

179

Cheung Cháu,

753

155

152

575

745 231

10,223 1,775 1,498 386

749

...

200

575

Deep Bay,.

Hunghom,......

406

309

319

290

2,260 |

1,104

348

2,666 | 14,13

319

Sham Shui-po,

475.

222

284

781

291

1,256

513

284

Shaukiwán,

1,693

366

910

2,020

749

146

3,713

1,115

910

Stanley,..

926

179

184

978

202

184

Tai 0,

234

150

347

142L

581

226

150

T'ai Po,

505

Victoria,

5,049 | 165,230 | 46,262|| 87,266

200 29,356 14,619 | 482,049 125,346

505

200

1,658 19,668 647,279 171,608) 88,924

29,356

Total,... 5,311 172,049 | 47,995 87,491

32,727 15,262 | 496,650 129,327

1,818 20,573 668,699177,322 89,309

32,727

XIII. SUMMARY.

FOREIGN TRADE.

NO. OF VESSELS.

TONS.

CREWS.

do.

British ships entered with Cargoes,

Do.

in Ballast,.....

3,125 235

4,334,462 280,560

172,898

12,739

Total,....

3,360

4,615,022

185,637

British ships cleared with Cargoes,

Do.

3,141

do.

in Ballast,.....

214

4,260,048 338,569

174,975

10,246

Total,...

3,355

4,598,617

185,221

Total British ships entered and cleared,.....

6,715

9,213,639

370,858

494

XIII. SUMMARY, Continued.

FOREIGN TRade.

No. of VESSELS.

TONS.

CREWS.

Foreign ships entered with Cargoes,

Do.

do.

in Ballast,

1,880 169

2,542,147 143,950

100,503

6,478

Total,....

2,049

2,686,097

106,981

Foreign ships cleared with Cargoes,

1,758

2,278,413

93,093

Do.

do. in Ballast,..

285

380,992

13,532

Total,....

2,043

2,659,405

106,625

Total Foreign ships entered and cleared,

4,092

5,345,502

213,606

Steam-launches entered with Cargoes,

Do.

do. in Ballast,

1,486

80,644

27,850

1,920

509

Total,.....

1,542

82,564

28,359

Steam-launches cleared with Cargoes,

1,486

80,628

27,847

Do.

do. in Ballast,

1,936

512

Total,...............

1,542

82,564

28,359

Total Steam-launches entered and cleared,

Junks entered with Cargoes,

3,084

165,128

56,718

12,738

1,139,588

162,778

Do. do. in Ballast,

4,998

491,684

59,531

Total,..

17,736

1,631,272

222,309

Junks cleared with Cargoes,

11,904

1,272,046

172,074

Do. do. in Ballast,

5,754

362,850

49,573

Total,.............

17,658

1,634,896

221,647

Total Junks entered and cleared,

35,394

3,266,168

443,956

Total of all Vessels entered,

Total of all Vessels cleared,

Total of all Vessels in Foreign Trade, entered and cleared,

LOCAL TRADE.

Do.

Total Juuks entered,................

cleared,

Total of all Vessels in Local Trade, entered and cleared,.....

Do.

Total of all Vessels in Foreign Trade, entered and cleared,

all do. Local Trade, entered and cleared,

Grand Total of all Vessels entered and cleared,

24,687 24,598

9,014,955

543,286

8,975,482

541,852

49,285 17,990,437

1,085,138

20,662 20,573

666,248

178,196

668,699

177,322

41,235

1,334,947

355,518

49,285

41,235

17,990,437 1,334,947

1,085,138

355,518

90,520 19,325,384

1,440,656

NOT TOWING.

XIV.—RETURN of LICENSED STEAM-LAUNCHES Entered in the COLONY of HONGKONG during the Year ending 31st December, 1901.

-རོ

TOTAL.

12,597

509,959

99,684 433,637

12,597

509,959 99,684 433,637

12,597

509,959 99,684 433,637

12,597

509,959| 99,684

433,637

PLACES.

. Cargo

Vessels. Tonnage.] Crews.

Passen-

gers.

Discharged Vessels. Tonnage Crews.

Passen-

gers.

Cargo

in tons.

Discharged Vessels. Tonnage. Crews. in tons.

Passen-

gers.

Cargo

Discharged in tous.

Within the Waters of the Colony,

42,556 |1,215,383| 384,791

Total,..

42,556 1,215,383 384,791

91,948 5,193,588 1,006,187 3,829,770

134,504 6,408,971 1,390,978,3,829,770

91,948 5,193,588 1,006,187 3,829,770

134,504 6,408,971 1,390,978 3,829,770

TOWING.

Kong Mun,

876

48,149

17,886 30,576|

6,216

876

48,149 17,886

30,576

6,216

Kam Chuk,

Wu Chow,

Macao,

Other Places,

1,752 456

140

•

470

106

1,754

26,360

4,381

457

8,520 11,009

679

3,506]

913

757

4,325

476

26,500

8,566

11,009

4,325

987

1,702

1,017

107

4,409

994

1,702

1,017

Total,

1,920

509

1,486

80,644 27,850 43,287

12,237 1,542

82,564 28,359

43,287

12 315

را

Grand Total,.

42,612 1,217,303 384,300

5,784,191 1,13

106,031 5,784,191 1,133,7214,306,694

12,237 |148,643 7,001,4941,519,021|4,306,694|

12,315

Within the Local Trade Limits,

Total,.

Outside the Local Trade Limits,-

Sam Shui,

4955

XV.—RETURN of LICENSED STEAM-LAUNCHES Cleared in the CoLONY of HONGKONG during the Year ending 31st December, 1901.

TOWING.

NOT TOWING.

TOTAL.

PLACES.

Vessels. Tonnage. Crews.

l'assen-

gers.

Cargo

Shipped

in tons.

Vessels. Tonnage. Crews.

Passen-

gers.

Cargo

Shipped

in tons.

Vessels. Tonnage. Crews.

l'assen-

gers.

Within the Waters of the Colony,

42,556 1,215,383 384,791

Total,

Within the Local Trade Limits,

Total,.

Outside the Local Trade Limits,-

Sam Shui,

Kong Mun,

Kam Chuk,

Wu Chow,

Macao,

Other Places,

Total,.

91,948 5,193,588|1,006,187,3,829,582||

42,556 1,215,383 384,791

91,948 5,193,588|1,006,1873,829,582

134,504 6,408,971 1,390,978,3,829,582||

134,501 6,408,971|1,390,978,3,829,582

12,597 509,959 99,68 433,721

12,597 509,959 99,684 433,721|

Cargo

Shipped

in tons.

12,597

509,959 99,684 433,721

12,597 509,959 99,684 433,721)

876

48,149 17,886

30,652

13,074

876 48,149

17,886 30,652|

13,074

1,752

456

114

1,754

4357

1,090

3,506

913

1,204

140

470

26,360

8,520

10,985

4,518

476

26,500

8,566

10,98,5

4,518

106

4,365

984

1,714

1,129

107

4,409]

994 1,714

1,129

1,936

512

Grand Total,....

42,612 1,217,319,385,303

496

114

1,486

80,628

27,847 43,351

19,811

1,542

82,564 28,359 43,351|

19,925

114 106,031 5,784,175, 1, 84,175,1,133,718|1,306,654|

19,811 148,643 7,001,4941,519,021 4,306,634 19,925

|1,519,021 4,306,65

XVI.-RETURN of VESSELS REGISTERED at the Port of Hongkong, during the Year 1901.

Remarks.

497

Official Regis- Horse

Name of Vessel.

Number.

tered Tonnage.

Rig.

Power.

Built of

Where built and when.

Atalanta, (str.),

109,857

37 37

Wood Hongkong, 1899.

Præsident,

102,240

767

Hoi Moon, (str.),

109,858

218

Barque Wood Stavanger, 1875.

Schooner Wood Hongkong, 1900.

Foreign name Præsident.

Sainam, (str.),

109,859

367 60

Hating, (str.),.....

109,860

697 450

Schooner

Steel Newcastle-on-Tyne,

1388.

Hattie E. Smith,

109,861

141

Louise J. Kenney,

109,862

215

Oro, (str.),

86,119

1,291 275

Wing Hang, (str.),...... 109,863

Zafiro, (str.),

Hongkong, (str.),

Bakan Maru, (str.),

Rubi, (str.),....

Hoi Ho, (str.),

278 42

114,737 1,611 340

109,864 380 37

109,865 286 40

114,776 1,612 340

109,866 364 40

Schooner Wood

Schooner Iron

Schooner Wood Hongkong, 1901.

Schooner

Steel Hongkong, 1900.

Schooner Wood Newbury Port, U.S.A.,

1869. Essex, Mass., U.S.A.,

1888. Newcastle, 1883.

Foreign name Hating since transferred to Vancou- ver, B.C.

Foreign nane Hattie E.

Smith.

Foreign name Louise J.

Kenney.

Foreign name Charles Ro-

gier.

Steel Port Glasgow, 1901.

Schooner

Wood Hongkong, 1901.

Steel Nagasaki, Japan, 1899. Forcign name Bakan Maru,

Steel Port Glasgow, 1901.

Wood Hongkong, 1901.

XVII. RETURN of REGISTRIES of VESSELS Cancelled at the Port of Hongkong, during the Year 1901.

Name of Vessel.

Official Number.

Regis- tered Tonnage.

Date of Horse

Registry. Power.

Rig.

Built of

Where built and when.

Reason of Cancellation.

Sai Kong, (str.),... 95,874'

259

Hating, (str.),..... 109,860 697

1897

1901 450 Schooner

45 None

[1888.

Wood Hongkong, 1897. Sold to Foreigners.

Steel Newcastle-on-Tyne, Transferred to Vancouver,

[B. C.

XVIII. SUMMARY of CHINESE EMIGRATION from HONGKONG to Ports other than in China, during the Year ending 31st December, 1901.

BRITISH VESSELS.

FOREIGN VESSELS.

GRAND TOTAL.

WHITHER BOUND.

Adults.

Children.

Adults. Children.

Adults.

Children.

Total.

M1.

M. F.

M. F. M. F.

Japan Ports,

To Honolulu, Sandwich Island,

Mauritius,

260

100

276 569 105 185

台灣

San Diego, U.S.A.,

760 11

San Francisco, U.S.A.,

2.485

Straits Settlements,..

30,441 5,480|

,, Tacoma, U.S.A.,

233

Vancouver, British Columbia,

3,554

Victoria, British Columbia,

675

2331 344 3,557]

675

235

32 5 2,544 3,211 :8 31 16 3,296 5,096 975 520 37,416,16,9111.983|| 405|| 188 19,487 +7,352 7,463 1,380

345 077

225

3,554

910

588 829 188

864

285

293

780 760

780

€3

21 5,840

708!

56.903

578

3,557

910

TOTAL PASSENGERS,

37,797 5,510 1,020 528 44,855 22,215 2,040 458 206 24,919 60,012 7,550 1,478

Total Passengers by British Vessels,

734 69,774

37.797 5,510 1,020 528 44,855

22,215 2,040, 458 206 24,919

Total Passengers by Foreign Vessels,

Excess of Passengers by British Vessels, .

15,582 3,470 562 322 19,936

498

XIX.-SUMMARY of CHINESE IMMIGRATION to HONGKONG from Ports other than China, during the Year ending 31st December, 1901.

BRITISH VESSELS.

FOREIGN VESSELS.

GRAND TOTAL,

WHERE

HERE FROM.

Adults.

Children.

Adults. Children.

Adults.

Children.

Total.

M. F.

M. | F

M. F

From Bangkok, Siam..

845

$45 2,020

2,020

2,865

Mauritius,

Callao, Peru,

Honolulu, Sandwich Islands,.

Java, &c.,

152

216

241 12

268

464

467

705

735

110

250

Melbourne,

341

427

428

New South Wales...

290

105

395

New Zealand, Ports,

Portland, Oregon,

71 19

•

Queensland Ports...........

462

167

629

San Francisco, U.S.A.,.

2,187

65 40

30 2,322 4,335 87 46 51 4,519

6,522 152

86 81

6,841

Seattle, U.S.A.,

250

South Australian Ports,

Straits Settlements,

Tacoma, U.S.A.,

Tasmania,

186

3,232

238

Vancouver, British Columbia,

Victoria, British Columbia,..

81,587 3,395 1,220 735 86,937 23,832 691 284 122 24.929 105,419 | 4,086 1,504 857 111,866

186 497

4 3,258

238

497

683

3,232

261

683

15 3,258 261

•

TOTAL PASSENGERS,

89,894 3,507 1,276 777 95,454 32,291| 779 332 174 33,576 122,185 4,286 1,608

951 129,030

Total Passengers by British Vessels,.

Total Passengers by Foreign Vessels,

Excess of Passengers by British Vessels,

89,891 3,507 1,276 777 95,454

32.291 779 332 174 33,576

57,603 2,728 944 | 603 61,878

XX.-RETURN of MARINE CASES tried at the MARINE MAGISTRATE'S COURT, during the Year 1901.

DEFENDANTS HOW DISPOSed of.

NATURE OF CHARGE.

No. of Cases.

Assault,

Condition of Licence, Breach of (Junk), Condition of Licence, Breach of (Steam-

CO Q

No. of Defendants.

Imprisoned with Hard

Labour.

Imprisoned

in default of

20 00

Launch),

Drunkenness,

Harbour Regulations, Breach of (Junk), 1 Harbour Regnlations, Breach of (Steam-

213

Launch),

Harbour Regulations, Breach of (Str.),....... Obstruction of Fairways,

00: 10

1182

...

01 00

:23

00 10

علم

∞o:

0010

Plying for Hire without a Licence (Boat), Plying without Certificates, Master and Engineer (Steam-Launch),...............

Neglecting, &c. to register Engagement and Discharge of Master and Engi- neer (Steam-Launch),...........

Refusal of Duty.

Rules of the Road, Failed to observe

(Steam-Launch),

Throwing Ballast, &c., into the Harbour,

Total,.....

: :

.:.

Amount of Fines.

* 10 12 13

$265

1873.

1874.

1875.

1876.

1877.

1878.

1879.

1880.

1881.

1882.

1883.

1884.

1885.

1886.

DIAGRAM of Tonnage entered at Hongkong, from 1867 to 1901, inclusive.

D LINE represents British Shipping Tonnage only.

UE LINE represents Foreign Shipping Tonnage only.

EEN LINE represents British and Foreign Shipping Tonnage.

LLOW LINE represents Junk Tonnage only, excluding Local Trade.

OLET LINE represents Steam-launch Tonnage only, excluding Local Trade. ICK BLACK LINE

represents

entire

Trade

British and Foreign Ships, Junks and Sleam-launches.

1887.

1888.

1889.

1890.

1891.

1892.

1893.

1894.

1895.

•

1896.

1897.

1898.

1899.

1900.

1901.

9,100,000

9,000,000

8,900,000

8,800,000

8,700,000

8,600,000

8,500,000

8,400,000

8,300,000

8,200,000..

8,100,000-

8,000,000..

7,900,000-

7,800,000

·7,700,000-1

7,600,000-

7,500,000..

7,400,000..

7,300,000.

7,200,000.

Toss.

1873.

187-4.

1875.

1876.

1877.

1878.

EEN LINE represents British and Foreign Shipping Tonnage.

1879.

ELLOW LINE represents Junk Tonnage only, excluding Local Trade.

1880.

1881.

1882.

1883.

1884.

1885.

1886.

"OLET LINE represents Steam-launch Tonnage only, excluding Local Trade.

UICK BLACK LINE represents entire

Trade

British and Foreign Ships, Junks and Sleam-launches.

1887.

1888.

1889.

1890.

1891.

1892.

1893.

1894.

1895.

1896.

1897.

1898.

1899.

1900.

1901.

9,100,000

9,000,000

8,900,000

8,800,000

8,700,000

$,600,000

8,500,000

8,400,000

8,300,000

8,200,000..

8,100,000

8,000,000

7,900,000.

7,800,000

7,700,000

7,600,000

7,500,000.

7,400,000.

7,300,000

7,200,000

7,100,000

7,000,000

6,900,000

6,800,000

6,700,000

6,600,000

6,500,000.

TONS.

6,400,000

6,300,000

6,200,000.

6,100,000

6,000,000

5,900,000.

5,800,000.

5,700,000

5,600,000

5,500,000

5,400,000

-5,300,000-

5,200,000

5,100,000

5,000,000

4,900,000

4,800,000

4,700,000

4,600,000

4,500,000

4,400,000

4,300,000

4,200,000

4,100,000

4,000,000

3,900,000,

3,800,000

3,700,000

3,600,000

3,500,000

3,400,000

3,300,000

3,200,000.

3,100,000.

·3,000,000

2,900,000

2,800,000

3,000,000

2,900,000

2,800,000

2,700,000.

2,600,000

2,500,000

2,400,000.

2,300,000

2,200,000

2,100,000...........

2,000,000

1,900,000

1,800,000

1,700,000

1,600,000

1,500,000

1,400,000

1,300,000

1,200,000

1,100,000

1,000,000

900,000

800,000

700,000

600,000

500,000.

400,000

300,000

200,000

100,000

90,000

80,000

499

TONS.

9,100,000

9,000,000

8,900.000

8,800,000

8,700,000

8,600,000

8.500,000

8,400,000

8,300,000

8.200,000

8,100,000

8,000,000

7.900,000

7 800,000

7,700,000.

--7,600,000.

7:500,000

7.400,000

7,300,000

1007.

1868.

1869.

18702

1871.

1872.

in‹

XXI-DIAGRAM of Tonnage entered at Hongkong, from 1867 to 1901, inc

RED LINE represents British Shipping Tonnage only.

BLUE LINE represents Foreign Shipping Tonnage only.

GREEN LINE represents British and Foreign Shipping Tonnage.

YELLOW LINE represents Junk Tonnage only, excluding Local Trade.

VIOLET LINE represents Steam-launch Tonnage only, excluding Local Trade.

THICK BLACK LINE represents entire Trade in British and Foreign Ships, Junk

1873.

1874.

1875.

1876.

1877.

1878.

1879.

1880.

1881.

1882.

1883.

1884.

1885. 1886.

1887.

1888.

1889.

1890.

1891.

1892.

1893.

1894.

1895.

7,100,000

7,000,000

6,900,000

6,800,000

6,700.000

6,600,000

6,500,000

6,400,000

6,300,000

6,200,000

6,100,000

6,000,000

5,900,000

5,800,000

5,700,000

5,600,000

5,500,000

5,400,000

5,300,000

5,200,000

5,100,000

5,000,000

4,900,000

4,800,000

4,700,000

4,600,000

4,500,000

4,400,000

4,300,000

4,200,000

4,100,000

4,000,000

3,900,000

3,800,000

3,700,000

3,600,000

3:500,000

م استان بان زود

3,600,000

3:500,000

3,400,000

3,300,000

3,200,000

3,100,000

3,000,000

2,900,000

2,800,000

2,700,000

2,600,000

2,500,000

2,400,000

2,300,000-

2,200,000

2,100,000

2,000,000

1,900,000

1,800,000

1,700,000

1,600,000

1,500,000

1,400,000

1,300,000

1,200,000

1,100,000

1,000,000

900,000

800,000

700,000

600,000

500,000

400,000

300,000

200,000

100,000

90,000

2,800,000

2,700,000

2,600,000

2,500,000

2,400,000

2,300,000-

2,200,000.

2,100,000"

2,000,000

1,900,000

1,800,000

1,700,000

1,600,000

1,500,000

1,400,000

1,300,000

1,200,000

1,100,000

1,000,000

900,000

800,000

700,000

600,000

500,000

400,000

300,000

200,000

100,000

90.000

80,000

Head of Receipt.

XXII-STATEMENT of the REVENUE collected in the Harbour Department, during the Year, 1901.

Amount.

Remarks.

1. Light Dnes, Ordinance 26 of 1891,

2. Licences and Internal Revenue not otherwise specified :-

Chinese Passenger Ship Liceuces, Ordinance 1 of 1889, Emigration Broker's Licences, Ordinance 1 of 1889,

Fines,

$ cts.

58,375,98

350,00

1,000.00

265.00

Junk Licences, &c., Ordinance 26 of 1891, from the New Territory, Junk Licences, &c., Ordinance 26 of. 1891,

8,944.80

Steam Launch Licences, &c., Ordinance 26 of 1891,

37,702,75 1,763.75

3. Fees of Court, of Office, Payments for specific purposes and Reimbursements-in-

aid :-

Cargo-boat Certificates, Ordinance 26 of 1891,......

2,466.00

Engagement and Discharge of Seamen, Ordinance 26 of 1891,

Engagement of Masters and Engineers of Steam Launhces, Ordinance 26

of 1891,

23,863.40

246.00

Examination of Masters and Engineers of Steam Launches, Ordinance 26

of 1891,

527.50

Examination of Masters, Mates and Engineers, Ordinance 26 of 1891,................ Gunpowder, Storage of, Ordinance 26 of 1891,

2,520.00

26,873.67

Medical Examination of Emigrants, Ordinance I of 1889, Printed Forms, Sale of, Harbour Regulations, Tide Tables, &c., Private Moorings and Buoys, Rent, Ordinance 26 of 1891,..... Registry Fees, (Merchant Shipping Act), Ordinance 26 of 1891, Steam Launches, Surveyor's Certificates, Ordinance 26 of 1891, Survey of Steam-ships &c., Ordinance 26 of 1891, Sunday Cargo Working Permits, Ordinance 6 of 1891,

Total,.....

XXIII.—RETURN of WORK performed by the GoVERNMENT MARINE SURVEYOR'S DEPARTMENT.

21,669.00

327.50

3,150.00

761.00

3,075.00

12,916.04

44,800.00

. 251,597.39

Years.

Passenger Certificate and

Inspection of Bottom.

Tonnage for Registration.

British Tonnage Certificate for Foreign Vessels.

Inspection of

Crew Space,

Lights and

Markings.

Minor Inspec-

tion.

Survey of Licen-

Steam-launches. sed Passenger

Survey of Boilers under Construction.

Inspection of Government

Launches.

1891,

108

1892,

122

1893,

136

1894,

124

1895.

102

CATAWA

1896,

142

1897,

158

1898,

164

1899,

144

1900,

151

1901,

157

171212 — 10 N O O

00 30 30 10 10 10 20 6 ∞ ∞

Examination

of Engineers.

Examination of

Chinese Engi-

neers for Steam-

*$30]unw[

Estimated Total

Number of Visits in

connection with fore-

going Inspection.

1615

1678

1659

116

1364

98.

1452

1409

109

1631

121

1729.

134

1602

187

124

1834

217

102

118

2031

XXIV.-IMPORTS AND EXPORTS OFFICE.

IMPORTS.

MALWA.

PATNA.

BENARES.

•PERSIAN.

chests.

TURKISH.

chests.

CHINESE.

TOTAL.

chests.

1900, 1901,

10,218

19,351

8,045

5,184

418

43,256

6,666

21,140

9,254

5,252

42,314

Increase,.... Decrease,

1,789

1,209

3,066

3,552

416

4,008

EXPORTS.

MALWA. chests.

PATNA.

BENARES.

chests.

PERSIAN.

chests.

TURKISH. chests.

CHINESE. chests.

TOTAL.

chests.

1900, 1901,

9,392

16,630

7,948

4,496

255

38,7214

7,427

19,733

8,804

4,116

189

40,269

Increase,......

3,103

856

3,959

Decrease,

1,965

380

2,411

Through Cargo reported in Manifests but not landed, {1909,

17,557 chests. 12,150

Decrease,...

5,407 chests.

501

502

Landing Permits,...

NUMBER OF PERMITS, &c., ISSUED.

1900.

1901.

Increase.

Decrease.

293

299

Removal Permits,

7,633

7.527

106

Exports Permits,..

6,718

6,499

219

Memo. of Exports to the Commissioner of Chinese

Customs,

553

602

Memo. of Exports to the Superintendent of Raw

Opium Department, Macao,

296

294

SUMMARY OF EXPORTS, 1901.

Malwa. Patna. Benares. Persian. Turkish. Chinese. chests. chests. chests. chests. chests. chests.

Total. chests.

Total

in piculs.

By Steamers to Amoy,

Bushire,

1,658

1,912 | 2.263.1

106

108.65

Busorah,

2.05

Bangkok,.

3.075

Cairo,

Chefoo,

58.6

Canton,

82012

5,016

947

6,785

7,978.15

Foochow,

1,137

656

262

374

2,429

2,621.95*

Formosa,

150

360

2,160.

2,671

2,827.

Haiphong,

9.6

Hankow,

78.8

Hoihow,

274

Kwong Chow Wan,

802

心思

317

380.4

812

972.925

London,

178

268

270.25

Macao,....

4,275

4,284

5,140.8

Merida,

New York,

3.075

9.1

Pakhoi,

109.2

Panama,

26.4

...

Philippine Islands,.......

1,078

1,099

2,174

2,608.425

Shanghai,

2,829

5,399

3,611

11,847

Swatow,

2,092

1,522

649

4,270

13,649.2

4,704.375

Sandakan,

32.825

Suez,

Straits Settlements,

160

1,236

1,445

8.2 1,516.8125

Wei-bai-wei,

By Junks to various adjacent Ports in China,

15 636

15.6

420

207

679.2

Total,...

7,427

19,733 8,804

4,1163

189

...

40,269 46,079.8125

The information in Column 8 above is on the following assumption

Patna and Benares, per chest,

Malwa, Turkish and Chinese, per chest,

Persian, per chest,......

.1.20 piculs.

.1.

...1.025 ""

627

No. 28

1902

HONGKONG.

REPORT ON THE QUESTION OF THE HOUSING OF THE

POPULATION OF HONGKONG.

Laid before the Legislative Council by Command of His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government.

HONGKONG, May 14th, 1902.

SIR,

We have the honour to submit for the information of His Excellency a conjoint Report on the question of the housing of the population of Hongkong, and in compliance with the request of His Excellency in Council to prepare a Bill which might reasonably be expected to obviate the necessity for further Sanitary legisla- tion, for the next few years at least, we append a draft Bill on the lines indicated.

1. The insanitary areas in Hongkong have been formed, first, by the crowding together of too many houses on too small a space; secondly, by sanitary defects in the design of dwelling houses; and thirdly, by overcrowding of the inha- bitants in these houses.

CROWDING TOGETHER OF TOO MANY HOUSES ON TOO SMALL A SPACE.

2. The crowding together of too many houses on too small a space has been effected by the construction of narrow streets and lanes and by the omission to provide adequate open space in the rear of houses in the shape of back-yards and of back-lanes. The houses have thus been brought into close proximity to one another instead of being well separated with ample space between them. The conditions vary in intensity according to the age of the built over areas. The worst condi- tions are to be found where back to back houses have been constructed or where the lane between the rear of houses is not more than 6 or 8 feet wide. In either case neither light nor ventilation is accessible from the back, while only a very inade- quate amount is obtainable from the narrow street or lanc in front owing to the height of the houses being out of all proportion to the width of the street or lane. Similar unhealthy conditions occur when the rear of the house abuts on the hill- side with the additional circumstance that the house is rendered damp during the rains from percolation of water from the hill.

The best conditions are to be seen in the newest localities, more especially in Kowloon where the houses are separated from one another by wider streets and where back-yards or back-lanes and in some cases back-yards and back-lanes are pro- vided, but even here, though a great improvement on the old areas has been effected and, in that respect, the conditions are more healthy, yet as will be shown later the separation is not to such an extent as to prevent the areas when completely built over becoming more or less insanitary and bearing a resemblance in a minor degree to the insanitary areas of the older period. Between the old and the new localities there is every variety of density, and as the density of the houses approxi- mates more to the one or to the other, so do the insanitary conditions vary. Houses like individuals require a certain amount of space to themselves to be healthy, and

To the Honourable

THE COLONIAL SECRETARY.

628

if that space is encroached upon in any way and the houses are brought in close proximity to one another without compensating arrangements for adequate ventila- tion and exposure of the rooms to sunlight, it is only a matter of time for the locality to become unhealthy.

3. The necessary amount of separation of houses where property is valuable and where a large population is to be housed is usually secured by regularly laid out streets which bear a proportion in their width to the height of the houses facing them and by a definite proportion of back-yard and back-lane in the rear which also` bear in their width a relationship to the height of the house as well as to its roofed

over area.

The importance of the width of the street is readily appreciated because it faci- litates traffic and for that reason there is of recent years no difficulty as a rule in obtaining ample separation of houses facing a street, but the importance of the space behind houses and the necessity for a similar amount of space as exists in the street before another house is permitted to be built in the rear, is not so man fest and consequently there is always a tendency on the part of property owners to curtail this space; the greater their success in curtailment the more unhealthy does the locality become. Wide streets in front of houses, without wide spaces behind to separate them from the houses in the rear, do not provide sufficient air space to secure a healthy locality.

Crowding together of Houses under old Regulations.

4. The crowding together of houses on too small a space is well exemplified in Plate I, which represents an area, bounded by Hollywood Road, Queen's Road Central, Wellington Street and Aberdeen Street. The area of the block is 171,224 square feet, equal to 3.93 acres. It contains 142 houses comprising 470 floors. The area of streets upon which buildings front within this block is 19,890 square feet equal to 0.45 acres. The area of the back-yards and other open spaces around the buildings is 5,516 square feet, equal to 0.13 acre. Thus no less than 85 per cent. of the total area is roofed over, and if the open space of the streets and lanes be excluded, that around buildings only amounts to 3.2 per cent. It is obvious that the crowding together of houses in this block, could hardly be greater, and resump- tion for the purpose of opening out wider streets and improving the sanitary condition of the houses is urgently needed.

Plate II gives a sectional view of another block, which is bounded by Holly- wood Road, Cochrane Street, Lyndhurst Terrace and Pottinger Street. From the streets, which are moderately wide, the block has an excellent external appearance and is likely to give an erroneous impression of the interior which on inspection is found to be packed with houses, separated by narrow lanes. This Plate further illustrates the arrangement of basements which is so common throughout the City.

་

Plate III is another illustration of buildings being erected too close to one another. On a piece of land of 86 feet in depth two rows of houses have been built separated by a lane of 8 feet. The front houses face Queen's Road, and are four storeys in height. The houses in the rear, are also four storeys high, the two lower of which abut on the side of the hill and are below the level of the street known as Circular Pathway, while the two higher face, and are entered from, Circular Pathway. It is evident that each house obstructs the light and ventilation of the other and that the two lower stories of the houses at the back of the Queen's Road houses are practically basements.

It is seen from the plan that the space behind the Queen's Road houses is only 8 feet in the form of a lane. This 8 feet space gives, when a line is drawn from the building line of the houses in the rear at the level of the lane, to the back eaves of the Queen's Road houses, an angle of 82°, or the height of the houses is nearly 7 times that of the open space in the rear instead of being either equal to, or 1 times, or certainly not more than twice.

encroach

The usual angles taken for the rear, measured in the same way from the building line to the eaves of the opposite building vary between 45° and 63°, a fair standard being 56°. From the lines drawn on the plan, representing these angles, it is apparent there is no space for another house between the hill side and the rear of the four-storied houses in Queen's Road and the close proximity of the two rows of houses to one another renders both insanitary.

5. The preceding Plates deal with closely packed areas which have existed for many years and which have grown up either under old regulations or when there were none. They are typical of the general condition of such areas in different parts of the town. The following three Plates deal, not with the past but with the present; they represent areas on which buildings are now being erected and which are springing up under existing regulations. They show that existing regulations do not prevent crowding together of houses.

Crowding together of Houses under existing Regulations.

6. Plate IV. Inland Lot 799 is bounded on the north by Third Street which is 30′ 6′′ wide, on the south by Pokfulum Road which is 32′ 0′′ wide, on the west by Water Street which is 28' 8" wide, and on the east by Pokfulum Road which is 31' 0" wide. The lot consists of two blocks, containing 37 houses of which 21 are old, and 16 are new. The houses are 40 feet in height. The blocks are divided by a 16′ 0′′ private lane which is the frontage of 10 houses in the south blocks and which also forms the open space required by section 56 of Ordinance 13 of 1901 for the rear of the houses in the north block.

By this section of the Ordinance ten square feet for each foot of width is required at the rear of the houses facing Third Street as they are over 40 feet deep and less than 50 feet. The inclusion of the lane which is really the frontage of the houses on the south side in the calculation of open space for the rear of the houses in Third Street is unsatisfactory enough, but there appears to be nothing in the Ordinance when the houses in Third Street are re-built to prevent the private lane in the rear being encroached on, and the houses being thus brought nearer to one another, or to prevent the owner, should he make Pokfulum Road the frontage and entrance into the houses to contract the private lane, which is no longer a lane on which houses front, to 8 or 11 feet wide which would act as the open space in rear of such buildings and would conform with the existing provisions of the law.

7. Plate V, which shows the section of one of the houses in the south block, makes appear that there is between the lower floor of the house and the hill-side a moderately sized open area, throughout its entire width, but a reference to the

* 56.-(a.) Every domestic building hereafter erected in this Colony, (except in cases provided for by section 54 of this Ordinance, or coming within the terms of Articles of Agreement under the Praya Reclamation Ordinance, 1889) shall be provided by the owner with an open space in the rear in accordance with the following scale:-

Houses not exceeding 40 feet in depth, for each foot of width Houses exceeding 40 feet but not exceeding 50 feet in depth, for each foot of width Houses exceeding 50 feet but not exceeding 60 feet in depth, for each foot of width Houses exceeding 60 feet in depth, for each foot of width

An open space not less than

8 square feet.

10 square feet.

12 square feet. .14 square feet. (b.) In no case may any obstructions whatever be placed or erected in these open spaces, with the exception of a bridge or covered way on each storey when such bridge is necessary as a means of access to any part of the domestic building: such bridge shall not exceed three feet six inches in width unless the building exceeds twenty-five feet in width, in which case the bridge may be of a width not exceeding five feet. The building must also be provided on every floor with a window of at least ten square feet superficial area opening into such open space and the area of such window shall not be included in calculating the window area required by section 69 of this Ordinance.

(c.) Provided always that when the owners of a block of buildings agree to make and do make a lane opening at both ends upon a public thoroughfare and free from obstruction throughout both vertically and horizontally, the fore- going requirements shall be modified as follows:-

Houses not exceeding 40 feet in depth: a lane not less than

Houses exceeding 40 feet but not exceeding 50 feet in depth: a lane not less than.. Houses exceeding 50 feet but not exceeding 60 feet in depth: a lane not less than.. Houses exceeding 60 feet in depth: a lane not less than

6 feet wide. 8 feet wide. ...11 feet wide. .13 feet wide.

(d.) The buildings must be provided on every floor with a window of at least ten square feet superficial area opening into such open space. The area of such window shall not be included in calculating the window area required by section 69 of this Ordinance.

(e.) In computing the depth of a domestic building for the purposes of this section the depth of the kitchen shall be included in the computation of such depth in every case except when such kitchen is separated from the principal room or rooms of such building by an open backyard of at least six feet in depth extending the entire width of the back of such building and unobstructed except by a bridge on each floor not exceeding the width specified in sub-sec- tion (b.)

629

630

ground plan shows that this is not the case.

The houses are built in echelon fashion and thus one corner of the building is practically against the toe of the hill-side the open space being triangular in shape.

The total area of Inland Lot 799 covers 29,414 square feet. The area built over is 23,620 square feet. The area of private lane is 4,480 square feet. The area of open yard is 1,314 square feet. The total area of open space is 5,794 square feet. which is 19 per cent. of the total area, accordingly in this building lot a little over 80 per cent. of the ground is covered with buildings and if the area of the private lane be excluded not more than 4 per cent. of the built over area is devoted to open yards.

8. Inland Lot 816, which is also shown on Plate IV, is bounded on the north by Second Street which is 36′ 0′′ wide, on the south by Third Street which is 30′ 6′′ wide, on the west by Water Street which is 54′ 0′′ wide, and on the east by vacant land the average width of which is 19′ 0′′ and which is in separate ownership and may be built on. It consists of five blocks containing 38 houses, 40 feet in height, of which 24 are new and 14 are old. The 14 old houses face Second Street and comprise one block, 16 of the new houses face Third Street and comprise the second block, while the 8 other new houses have been erected in the intervening space between the row of houses in Second and Third Streets, and comprise the third, fourth and fifth blocks, separated laterally from each of the other blocks by 2 lanes which are respectively 6 feet and 9 feet wide.

The

The first and second blocks possessed each a space at their rear. before the building of the other blocks of sufficient size to secure an adequate amount of light and ventilation, but the erection of the blocks between them, has altered the character of the lot area, formed two objectionable narrow lanes in addition to two wider private lanes and has materially obstructed the light and circulation of air in the blocks. The building lot as regards crowding of houses upon it is very little superior to or different from older lots. only difference is that inside the lot six of the houses have small backyards, in compliance with section 56 of Ordinance 13 of 1901. There are also two cross private lanes in order to comply with the regulations as to height of buildings in relation to width of streets, the height of these houses being governed by Ordinance 15 of 1894 as the plans were submitted in 1900, before Ordinance 30 of 1901, re- stricting the height of houses to 1 times the width of the street, was passed. The same arrangement in regard to the crowding together of the houses, however, could have been made even under the Ordinance of 1901. There is moreover nothing in the Ordinance governing the height of houses to prevent the width of the street being taken as a part of the open space required by section 56. In this connection one of the private lanes which is the frontage of two of the interior houses and the width of which governs the height of the houses is also calculated as the open space required by section 56 to be provided in the rear of the houses fronting Water Street.

The total area of the Inland Lot 816 is

The area built over is

The area of private lanes is

The area of streets is

The area of yards is..

The total area of open space is

........30,826 square feet

.25,656 3,480

1,200

490

5,170

accordingly 83 per cent. of the total area is built over; and if the private lanes and streets be deducted less than 2 per cent. is devoted to back-yard.

9. Plate VI is Inland Lot 797 which shows buildings that conform to the Ordinances in regard to back-yards and open spaces in the rear. It consists entirely of new houses of which there are 36, but it is only another example on a small scale

of the insanitary areas that can be constructed, even when all the houses are new, under the existing regulations, with narrow streets and lanes, and too many houses crowded together.

The lot is bounded on the north by Third Street 30' 6" wide, on the south by a retaining wall to about the level of the second floor and above that by Pokfulam Road 32′ 0′′ wide, on the west by buildings, and on the east by a private street 15' 0" wide.

The total area of the lot is

The area built over is about......

Area of private streets is ....

Area of passages which also includes space in the

rear of houses required by section 56 of Ordi-

nance 13 of 1901

The area of open yard

.36,000 square feet.

.25,849

6,600

2,531

1,020

631

Contravene

s.f

The total area of open space is equal to 10,151 or 28°/。 of the total area, and the yard space excluding lanes is less than 3°。-

SANITARY DEFECTS IN THE DESIGN OF CHINESE HOUSES.

10. The defects in design of houses which contribute to their unhealthiness, are caused by their great depth without lateral windows, the position of the kitchen in relation to the dwelling house, the position of the back-lane in relation to the kitchen and the dwelling house, the construction of rooms or basements against or too close to the side of the hill and the division of rooms into cubicles. All of them serve to Obstruct the light and free circulation of air so necessary for a healthy dwelling.

Besides the close, narrow and ill ventilated streets and lanes, formed by the process of erecting too many houses on too small a space, the structure of the houses and of their interior, is not in accordance with sanitary principles The newer houses are often worse in this respect than the older, for at one time the tendency was to build shallow houses from which sunlight and fresh air were excluded in consequence of other houses being built later in too close proximity to them. As time has gone on the houses have generally become deeper and deeper, until there are being erected on the Praya Reclamation back to back buildings of from 75 to 90 feet each in depth with an extra 10 feet of verandah in each encroaching on the public street.

11. Plates VII and VIII are sections of houses on the Praya Reclamation. In both the buildings are 75 and 90 feet respectively without counting verandahs or balconies. The dwelling rooms in Plate VII are 55 feet long and 12 feet 6 inches wide, in Plate VIII they are 90 feet long and 13 feet wide.

There are no lateral windows.

In Plate VII there are windows in front opening into the verandahs and windows behind opening into a small back-yard, 12 feet in width which is the amount of open

space required by the Praya Reclamation Ordinance. Behind the back-yard is the kitchen which, owing to there being a kitchen for each floor, forms a building as high as the house, immediately in the rear of the small back-yard, the means of com- munication between each storey of the house and the kitchen being by a bridge 3 feet 6 inches wide. The design, it will be seen, is admirably adapted to exclude sunlight and fresh air. There is first of all the long narrow tunnel-like rooms, without lateral windows, which prevent a sufficiency of light reaching, during any part of the day, the greater portion of the room. There is next the small back-yard obstructed by the bridges leading to the kitchens, there is then the high building containing the kitchens abutting immediately on the back-yard, and forming with it a deep well, which only brings light and air to the upper storeys, and finally there is the verandah

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in front. With a design such as this the rooms on the lower storeys are dark, and oppressively hot and close owing to obstruction of light and stagnation of the air,

12. On a further examination of Plate VII it will be seen that notwithstanding the provision of a back-yard to each house, the design practically leads to the formation of back to back buildings and when analysed resolves itself into 3 blocks of buildings, two of which are the dwelling houses and the third the kitchens forming the middle block, which is separated from the others by narrow spaces called back-yards. The benefits intended to be derived from the back-yard are counteracted by the high build- ing in the centre. With this obstruction removed a far greater amount of light and air would have been admitted into the different rooms, for the block of kitchens which form the obstruction occupy a space of 21 feet 6 inches in depth which, added to the two back-yards, would have made a combined open space in the rear of 42 feet in width which is a greater amount of space than is required by an angle of 56° and a good deal more space than that required by an angle of 63°. The houses on both sides are rendered insanitary by the three extra storeys of kitchen building.

If a kitchen or outhouses had been only required on the ground floor, which is usually the case with European houses in this Colony, and which at the most, are only 12 or 15 feet in height, the design of the kitchen building behind the back- yard and against that of the house in the rear would not have been objectionable except for the absence of a scavenging lane between then, because, out-buildings of the height mentioned would not have obstructed the light and air of the lower storeys of the dwelling houses when the main buildings above that height were separated from one another by a space of over 40 feet. The usual arrangement in Europe to facilitate scavenging, is to have behind the out-buildings an additional small back-lane and such a lane is especially necessary in tropical towns.

This back-lane has been in some instances adopted in Hongkong but, as the kitchens on each storey form a building sometimes of a height of nearly 60 feet, the back-lane does not serve to increase the area of open space available for light and ventilation between the backs of the houses, as is the case when it is between out-buildings of only 12 or 15 feet in height, but it only adds a fresh place for the deposit of filth. The back-lane, behind high kitchens even when the latter have windows facing the lane, which is often not the case, can at the best only affect the kitchens and not the dwelling rooms of the house while for scavenging pur- poses a lane of this kind is ineffectual because for it to be used as such everything would have to be thrown from the windows which is not a desirable practice to encourage. Seeing that in tenement houses, which practically means over 90 per cent. of Chinese houses, there must be a kitchen on each storey for the use of the occupants it is necessary to adopt some other position for the kitchen than that in the rear of the back-yard and this position must be such as not to obstruct the light of the dwelling room, while securing in the rear of the houses, by means of combined back-yards and a scavenging lane, a sufficient distance between opposite buildings to prevent the crowding together of buildings, and to secure an adequate amount of space for light and ventilation of the dwelling rooms

best not

But

Back-lanes situated behind kitchen buildings in the rear of back-yards do not light and ventilate the dwelling house. There are houses now being constructed' in the Colony which are not only provided with back-yards but also with 15 feet back-lanes, yet because of the position of the kitchen, the back-lane is rendered useless for the purpose of bringing light and a free circulation of air to the dwelling house, as the supply of light and air obtainable from the back-lane is obstructed by the high building containing the kitchens and never reaches the dwelling rooms of the house for which it was intended. The fact is both back-yard and back-lane are rendered ineffective because of defects in the arrangement and design of the house. This is exemplified in accompanying sketch A where the kitchen building is between the back-yard and back-lane.

•1520-

40.0%

15.0

YARD

633

-15.0-

KITCHEN

SCAVENGING LANE

KITCHEN

YARD

65.0

Scale 1 inch

16 feet.

It will be seen that a fair amount of ground is given over to provide open spaces. The width of the two back-yards and the back-lane making a width of 45 feet, all of which is practically wasted by being broken up into three separate open areas by two rows of high buildings used as kitchens instead of being combined and thus forming one open space of 45 feet between the dwelling houses. The amount of space actually given up is equal to of the roofed over area together with a scavenging lane of 6 feet in width.

13. Plate VIII illustrates the necessity for limiting the depth of a dwelling house which is not furnished with lateral windows; the dwelling rooms shown are 90 feet in depth by only 13 feet in width, the open space in the rear of this tunnel being practically valueless for the lighting and ventilation of the dwelling rooms. In the Bill provision has been made that no building shall exceed forty feet in depth without lateral windows.

14. Plate IX shows the requirements as to rear space of a Chinese house of an ordinary height of 50 feet with a back-lane of 6 feet in width, for scavenging

purposes.

15. Plate X, which represents a type of house recently built in one part of Hunghom, indicates the direction in which improvements have already been made on the lines indicated.

The kitchen is attached to and forms part of the house. It extends to about half the width of the rear wall of the house which permits a window to be placed in the other half, which looks out into the open yard in the rear. Behind the kitchen is a smaller building which is a latrine for the ground floor. The yard in the rear is enclosed by a wall of about 8 feet in height with a door into a scavenging lane of 15 feet in width. It is not necessary to have scavenging lanes of this width, 6 to 8 feet would meet the requirements of the case, and the remain- ing space could be enclosed by a low wall and would serve to increase the area of the yard behind the house.

Basements and Buildings abutting on Hill-side.

16. In Hongkong the tiers of streets which run from east to west and which have been cut out of the hill-side favour the building of houses which on one side. of the street have their rear brought close to the side of the hill and which on the opposite side have the lowermost storey below the level of the street thus forming a basement. If the plots of land abutting on the street are of considerable width two rows of houses are built with a narrow intervening lane between the rows. It is very seldom that an adequate amount of space is provided between the rear of the house and the hill-side, or a good sized area between the street and the base- As a rule the rear of the house is brought close to or forms part of the hill- side and the basement has for one of its sides the retaining wall of the street or is built up in close juxtaposition to it, with a small area of a few feet encroaching on the street pathway and covered by a grating which is intended to give light and ventilation to the basement. If a building is in rear of the basement, which is frequently the case, the entrance of light and air is still further excluded from the basernent.

inent.

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17. Plate XI gives a section of the buildings between High Street and Queen's Road West. It is on an area which is notorious for the number of cases of plague that occur in the houses every year. Before 1894 the basements were used for human habitation, but this has since been prohibited, and now they are used as stores and work-shops. They are, however, dark, ill ventilated, damp, insanitary and infested with rats. This year on plague breaking out in one of the houses an infected rat was found in the basement of the house in which the case occurred. As the block had a bad name for plague it was vacated and the inhabitants housed in a block of houses with no basements, with the result that there have been no further cases among the persons removed.

Houses containing basements of the kind described are always unhealthy, and more or less infested with rats, and are never dry during the rains.

Basements are also to be found in houses fronting streets which run down the hill-side. Whenever practicable these should be filled up.

In future houses, all basements should be abolished. There are many houses built without them so that there is nothing impracticable in demanding, in all new houses, the abolition of the basement.

If basements are to be allowed at all, which should be quite exceptional, they should be at least 8 feet away from the retaining wall of the street. The house being thus provided with an area in front of the basement can be entered by a properly constructed arched step-way. It is important that the basement thus formed shall have a wide back-lane or yard behind it.

Cubicles.

18. A Chinese tenement house is usually three or four storeys in height. Each storey consists of one long room with a kitchen attached. It is not a floor in the Euro- pean sense of the term, which often consists of half a dozen separate rooms. It is important to remember that a floor as referring to a Chinese tenement house, means a single room. It has been previously stated that this room is long and narrow extending from the front of the house to the back without lateral windows, and on account of its great depth is as a rule deficient in fresh air and exposure to sunlight. In order to make this room serviceable for more than one family, it is partitioned off into small cabins or cubicles. The partitions of the 4 or 6 cubicles into which the room is divided are by section 70 of Ordinance No. 13 of 1901,* not permitted to be higher than 6 feet.

と

*70. The following requirements shall be observed with regard to cubicles and partitions :—

(a.) In domestic buildings fronting streets of a width of less than fifteen feet, no cubicles or partitions

shall be erected, or if already existing shall be allowed to remain, except on the top floor. (b.) In domestic buildings fronting streets of a width of fifteen feet or over, no cubicles or partitions other than []"ping fung" (ie., shop divisions) shall be erected, or if already existing shall be allowed to remain, on the ground floor, and in the case of every such "ping fung" there must be a space between the top thereof and the ceiling or under side of the joists of the room of not less than four feet, which may be closed in only by wire netting, lattice work or carved woodwork, arranged in such a way as to leave at least two-thirds open and as far as practicable evenly distributed.

(c.) No cubicles or partitions shall be erected, or if already existing shall be allowed to remain, in any

kitchen.

(7.) Whore one cubicle only is hereafter erected or already exists in any room of a domestic building, no portion of the structure of such cubicle shall exceed eight feet in height; where two cubicles only are so erected or exist, no portion of the structure of either of such cubicles shall exceed seven feet in height; where more than two cubicles are so erected or exist, no portion of the structure of any such cubicles shall exceed six feet in height. In all cases, however, there must be a space between the top of every portion of the structure of such cubicles and the ceiling or under side of the joists of the room of not less than four feet, which may be closed only by wire netting, lattice work or carved woodwork, arranged in such a way as to leave at least two-thirds open, and as far as practicable evenly distributed.

() No cubicles whatever shall be erected in any room of a domestic building, or if already existing shall be allowed to remain, unless such room is provided with a window or windows opening directly into the external air and having a total area clear of the window frames of at least one- tenth of the floor area.

(f.) No portion of the structure of any cubicle except the necessary corner posts shall be nearer than two inches to the floor of such cubicle, and no structure shall be erected, of if already existing shall be allowed to remain, within any cubicle, which is of a greater height than the maximum height allowed by this section for any portion of the structure of such cubicle or which provides a cover or roof to the cubicle.

(g.) No partition shall be erected, or if already existing shall be allowed to remain, nearer than four feet to any window the arca of which is included in calculating the window area specified in sub- section (c.)

(4.) No cubicle used for sleeping purposes shall have a less floor area than sixty-four square feet, and a

less length or with than seven feet.

For the purposes of this section every sub-division of a domestic builling, unless such sub-division has a window or windows opening directly into the external air and having a total area clear of the window frames equal to one- tenth of the floor area of such sub-division, shall be deemed to be a cubicle.

When a long and already ill lighted room is subdivided by three or four or even as many as five or six cubicles, the effect is that in only the cubicle next to the window is there any light or fresh air. The others are quite dark and the air is stagnant in them. In addition to the families which occupy the cubicles there are, as a rule, some beds in the remaining portion of the room on which the tenant and family or friends sleep. The amount of overcrowding which this arrangement causes is sometimes to encourage over 20 people to sleep in one room. None of the cubicles, except the front and back, have any windows except in the case of corner houses. Nothing will remedy this state of things but the abolition for all future houses of cubicles unless they have a window to each and the limitation of cubicles in existing houses to top floors, where skylights and special arrangements for ventilation can be introduced and perhaps to corner houses which have lateral windows opening into side streets of not less than twenty feet in width.

19. Plate XII illustrates the arrangement of cubicles in houses in Aberdeen Street and Square Street.

Verandahs.

20. The large masonry verandahs three and four storeys high encroaching on the public streets to the extent of 10 feet on each side lessen the width of the streets and at the same time darken the rooms of the houses, especially of the two lower floors. In all new streets, verandahs encroaching on the public way should not be allowed. Many houses have not these masonry verandahs, but have small balconies of a lighter structure on their own land.

Plate XIII shows a row of houses in the same street with balconies on their own land and another row with masonry verandahs encroaching on the public street. The houses with the balconies get their rooms better lighted and ventilated than those with the verandahs. There is no encroachment on and narrowing of the public way. Masonry verandahs projecting on to the street were first constructed as a concession and privilege. Now it is almost looked upon as a right which permits the builder to construct in a three or four-storied house 2 or 3 extra rooms at the expense of the Government, .., on Government land, because the verandahs become practically rooms of the house. If a builder desires to attach verandahs to his house he should be allowed to do so only on condition that the verandahs do not encroach on Crown land. Similarly so in regard to balconies. The erection of balconies on narrow streets only renders these streets narrower and should be discontinued.

General Statement regarding Design of Chinese Houses.

21. From the foregoing it will be gathered that the Chinese tenement houses in Hongkong differ in style from the European. They also differ from the ordinary Chinese houses in Canton or other Chinese city, where the buildings are not more than two storeys in height and often not more than one. By some gradual process of evolution they have taken on the worst features of both kinds of houses and none of their best. The tenement houses in Hongkong consist of several storeys, each storey containing one long room lighted at each end by a window but without lateral windows. Each room is subdivided into cabins called cubicles which accom- modate an entire family. The room on each floor communicates, in the rear by a bridge with the kitchen which is separated from the house by a small yard; and in front with a masonry verandah which encroaches on the public street and which being separated by partitions from the adjoining houses is used as an additional room for the house.

The length of room without lateral windows, the kitchen buildings in the rear and the smallness of the back-yard, by obstructing the free access of light and air cause the two lower storeys at least to be dark and badly ventilated. The verandahs in front still further increase this undesirable condition and the cubicles in the

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room intensify it to such an extent that none of the rooms are healthy habitations. The cubicle system leads to overcrowding in its worst form and, with the absence of light and fresh air, under its worst conditions, for with the existing design of buildings whenever there are more than two cubicles in a room even in the upper storeys the compartment is dark and devoid of fresh air. With darkness, absence of fresh air and overcrowding it is impossible to keep them clean.

New Designs.

22. In order to secure lateral windows to the rooms of Chinese houses and so provide a window for each cubicle, designs of various kinds have been sent to the Building Authority and several of these are now reproduced. They show that the problem is not an insoluble one and that the difficulties connected with the proper housing of the Chinese are not insurmountable.

23. Plate XIV represents an improved type of Chinese houses designed by the Honourable W. CHATHAM, Director of Public Works. It solves the cubicle question in the room, for it gives to each a window which will permit of sufficient amount of light and ventilation in the cubicle. The only objection to the building as a whole is that there is no provision for a back-yard, which is an important place for the inhabitants of the house if they are not to do their washing and carry on their general domestic work in the back-lane. Besides in a back-yard a water pipe can be placed for the use of the inmates instead of as now having a water pipe for every storey with extravagant waste and consequent scarcity in the dry

season.

24. Plate XV is a design sent in by WM. DANBY, Esq., M. Inst. C.E., to the Chairman of the Committee re the Housing of the Chinese, as far back as 10th July, 1894. It is an excellent design and plan not only intending to cover the question of cubicles but also that of the relation of houses to one another. We do not however agree with Mr. DANBY as to the number of persons he thinks these houses would contain and yet remain in a sanitary condition. He would allow 21 square feet for each person; 30 is the existing rule but it ought not to be less than 50 square feet. As Mr. DANBY's communication to the Housing Committee is important it is reproduced in the Appendix.

25. Plate XVI represents a design by Messrs. PALMER & TURNER. It has many advantages in its arrangements especially with reference to the staircase which in the ordinary type of house is excessively steep and narrow as well as being dark, but the amount of yard or courtyard is not sufficiently wide for each house. Instead of being 11 feet it should be at least 15 with a certain amount in the rear extending the width of the house and courtyard.

OVERCROWDING.

26. There are two kinds of overcrowding in Hongkong-one produced by the close proximity of the houses, crowding the occupants of the houses on a small area; the other by too many inmates occupying one house.

Both of these may occur apart from one another but it is usual for them to be found together producing conditions of the worst kind. Plate I, showing a block of houses in Health District No. 5, furnishes an example of both kinds, for not only are the houses crowded together thus raising the density of population on the area, but the houses themselves are overcrowded with people. The interior of this block should be resumed and one or more streets cut through it so that the remaining buildings can be laid out on sanitary principles.*

There are many smaller areas like it, which can be rectified only by remov- ing every other row of buildings. The latter process would reduce the surface overcrowding, but it would not affect the overcrowding of the people in the

*Since this report was drafted a number of the houses in this area have been destroyed by fire and it is very important that advantage should be taken of the opportunity thus afforded to carry out the necessary reforms.-F. J. S.

houses, which still remains. To prevent overcrowding it is accordingly necessary not only to limit the number of houses to be built on a given arca, but also to limit the number of people that shall occupy a room. The present limit of not less than 30 square feet is too low a standard and should be raised to 50 square feet.

No definite rules in regard to cubic space per head are laid down in England except with reference to common lodging-houses which are required by the bye- laws to be vacated, the windows freely opened, and beds stripped during certain hours of every day. But the Imperial Public Health Act defines as a "Nuisance" any house or part of a house so overcrowded as to be dangerous or injurious to the health of the inmates and it is left to the discretion of the Sanitary Authority on the advice of the Medical Officer of Health to determine what constitutes over- crowding; their decision is of course subject, in the event of legal proceedings, to the decision of the Magistrates who would be naturally guided by expert evidence.

In a tropical country and with an Eastern population whose tendency is to herd together, the conditions are so different from those obtaining in England that it is desirable not only to have definite rules laid down for all classes of native dwell- ing houses but also to fix the minimum at a proportionately higher level. This view was taken by one of us in 1882 and it was then recommended that 600 cubic feet of air space should be the minimum allowance per head; 50 square feet of floor space per head is the minimum recognised in India for all jails.

In order that the unbuilt over areas of Kowloon and the New Territory shall not get into the same insanitary and overcrowded state as the City of Victoria, it is important that they should be laid out on definite lines, and with this object in view it is recommended that a map should be drawn showing existing and projected streets and scavenging lanes planned out on lines which will ultimately when the areas are built on secure a healthy and well ventilated town.

PROPOSED BILL.

27. In preparing the draft Bill which has for its object the avoidance of the necessity for further sanitary legislation, for the next few years, it was soon found that the only practicable way of carrying out this proposal was to consolidate the whole of the Sanitary and Building Ordinances in one Bill, for the Public Health Ordinance of 1901 was found to contain many clauses relating to construction, some of which, in our opinion, most certainly need ́amendment. This consolidation however is quite in keeping with the construction of the Imperial Public Health Act of 1875 and subsequent amending Acts which deal not only with (sanitary administration out also with the regulation of streets and buildings and we are sure that to have all the provisions of the local law on sanitary and constructional matters within the pages of one Ordinance will prove very useful not only to the officials whose duty it is to see that the law is complied with, but also to the Architects and others who design and erect the buildings. The Bill is divided into six parts:-Part I being Preliminary, dealing mainly with definitions; Part II dealing with Public Health Administration; Part III with Building Cons- truction; Part IV with the rights of adjacent owners; Part V with the Resumption of Property by the Crown for sanitary reasons; and Part VI with Penalties and Contraventions.

In Part II provision is made, in the constitution of the Sanitary Board, for a Sanitary Commissioner, as we are convinced that the Sanitary Department should be administered by an officer who should devote the whole of his time to such duties, and who should be ex-officio the Chairman of the Board and Head of the Depart- This officer should be a medical man specially trained and skilled in sani- tary affairs, and responsible to the Government for the effigient administration of the Department. Certain duties which are now performed by the Medical Officer of Health, in the name of the Board, have been transferred to the Sanitary Com- missioner, but care has been taken not to encroach in any way upon the powers

ment.

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of the Board, as we consider that such a Board is capable of doing much good work on behalf of the Colony. The Bill accordingly imposes upon the Sanitary Commis- sioner the duty of dealing with all nuisances and sanitary defects of whatever nature. but leaves to the Board the power of granting licences, permits, exemptions, etc.. of controlling the policy of the Department and of advising the Government as to the sanitary needs of the Colony. We consider moreover that there should still be a Medical Officer of Health and an Assistant Medical Officer of Health who, with the Surveyor and the Colonial Veterinary Surgeon would continue to be the chief executive officers of the Board. It has morcover been deemed necessary to trans- fer the Port Health Officers to the Sanitary Department as their duties are essentially sanitary and their separation only tends to render inefficient the work of sanitary administration.

(

With regard to the Building clauses 'contained in Part III of the Bill, careful consideration has been given to the Report submitted by the local Architects, and many of their suggestions, have been adopted such for instance as the non-applica- tion of the Ordinance to buildings already planned (within certain limits of time) and contracted for, the right of an authorized architect to appear before the Execu- tive Council before his name is removed from the list, the question of the rights of adjacent owners, and other matters of smaller moment to which our attention has been directed by the said report.

With regard to the setting back of buildings in narrow private streets, it has not been thought necessary to go beyond the law of 1889, which required an open space of seven and a half feet at least as measured from the middle of the lane or street, to be left in front of any such new building.

The provisions of the European Reservation Ordinance of 1888 are incorporated (with some amendment of the boundaries) in Part III and it will be found that several of the clauses in this Part relating to construction only apply to build- ings outside such reservation, as they have been especially drawn to meet the conditions which obtain in Chinese tenement houses and others of that class.

With regard to the resumption of insanitary property, many blocks of build- ings throughout the City of Victoria will undoubtedly have to be gradually bought up by the Government and the areas laid out in a more sanitary manner, more open space around each building being an especial desideratum in many of the most congested areas, and we have accordingly incorporated in this Bill the clauses of the Crown Lands Resumption Ordinance which appear to follow closely the provisions of the Imperial Housing of the Working Classes Act and to provide all the neces- sary powers for the resumption of insanitary or obstructive buildings. In such cases compensation for resumption is always given, but the Bill does not propose to offer compensation to the owners for the erection of sanitary dwellings on land at present unoccupied, nor for the re-erection, on land already occupied, of dwellings of an improved type to those now in existence. The right of an owner of property to re-erect dwellings of an insanitary type, because his present dwellings are insanitary, should not be admitted.

In regard to the question of cubicles it should be specially noted that the Bill does not prohibit cubicles, but regulates them by requiring that every cubicle shall be provided with a window into the external air. As every cubicle is a dwelling compartment for one or more persons, and often for an entire family, it is only in accordance with the ordinary laws of sanitation to require that it shall be separately lit and ventilated by a window into the external air. The law has required since 1894 that every "habitable room" shall be so provided * and it is not in accordance with the spirit of that law that a dwelling-room with one or two windows, should be sub- divided into a number of rooms, each occupied by a family, of which only the roo:n

* Ordinance 15 of 1894, s. 8.---(«) Every person erecting a new building shall provide every habitable room therein with one window, at least, opening directly into the external air, and he shall cause the total area of such window or windows, clear of the window frames to be at least one-tenth of the floor area of every such room.

at the front of the building and possibly the one at the back can have windows into the external air. No person can legitimately claim the right to house tenants in window- less rooms, merely with a view to increasing the rental of his property, and where such has been done, no claim to compensation should be entertained for the discontinuance of this dangerous practice.

Every inaterial amendment of the present law has, we believe, been enclosed within square brackets so that the reader may see at a glance what is new and what is not, and the following is a table showing the arrangement of the clauses, together with a brief resumé of the amendments with notes of the reasons why they have been incorporated in this Bill, where such reasons appear to be called for.

HONGKONG.

THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND BUILDINGS BILL.

ARRANGEMENT OF CLAUSES.

Section.

1. Short title.

PART I.

Preliminary.

2. (1) Repeal of Ordinances. (2) Bye-laws continued in force: (3) Rules and Regulations

continued in force. (4) Existing officers to continue to hold their appointments.

3. Contracts. Any contracts entered into under the existing building laws may be carried out under such laws if the buildings are commenced within three months of the approval of the plans by the Building Authority.

4. Government wells, buildings and works ex'mpt.

5. Rights or liabilities between landlord and imant.

6. Defintions. A number of new definitions have beeu included, which have been taken mostly

from the Imperial Acts.

7. List of" authorized architects." This clause has been framed with a view to preventing the

erection of buildings by incompetent persons.

PART II.

Public Health.

CONSTITUTION AND GENERAL POWERS OF THE SANITARY BOARD.

8. Constitution of the Sanitary Board. We have provided here for the appointment of a Sanitary Commissioner who shall be ex-officio Chairman of the Board. In order to pre- serve a majority of unofficial members on the Board we have been reluctantly compelled to provide that the Medical Officer of Health should cease to be a member of the Board, his seat being taken by the Sanitary Commissioner, although we consider that the services of the present Medical Officer of Health on the Board have been invaluable. In any case, however, the Medical Officer of Health should attend the meetings of the Board as their professional adviser, and chief executive officer.

9. Rules for clection of certain members of the Board.

10. Names of members to be gazetted.

11.

Substitute members.

12. Vacancies on the Board.

13. (1) Board meetings. (2) Quorum.

14. (1) Standing orders. (2) Appointment of select committees.

15. (1) Delegation of powers to Sanitary Commissioner or to select committees. (2) Failure to

comply with orders of Sanitary Commissioner or of select committer.

16. Emoluments and powers of Sanitary Commissioner.

17. Matters with regard to which the Board has power to make bye-laws. 18. Legislative Council to approve bye-laws.

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SANITARY STAFF AND ITS POWERS,

19. Constitution of Sunitary staff.

20. Evidence of appointment of any officer of the Board,

21. Power of Medical Officers of Health and Sanitary Surveyors to enter and inspect premises.

Proviso.

22. Power of Medical Officers of Health to enter and inspect without notice.

23. General power of Board's officers to inspect.

24. Special inspections to ascertain breaches of certain sections.

OBSTRUCTION OF MEMBER OR OFFICER OF THE BOARD.

25. Penalty for assaulting member or officer of the Board.

NUISANCES.

26. Definition of nuisance.

27. (1) Entry to inspect nuisances. (2) Notice of such entry to be given if objection is raised. 28. Penalty for refusing admission after due notice.

29. Sanitary Commissioner to serve notice requiring abatement of nuisance.

30. (1) Sanitary Commissioner may serve notice directing compliance with by-laws. (2) Pro-

ceedings without notice.

31. Board may review notice. This clause provides a right of appeal to the Board by any person

dissatisfied with the action of the Sanitary Commissioner.

32. On non-compliance with notice, complaint to be made to a Magistrate. Proviso. It has been thought advisable to give the Sanitary Commissioner power to abate certain nuisances forthwith, if the notice is not complied with, instead of making application to a Magistrate for an order and penalty; this power has been taken more especially in regard to nuisances intimately associated with the dissemination of plague.

33. (1) Power of Magistrate to make an order dealing with the nuisance. (2) Penalty. 34. (1) Order of prohibition of use, etc., of building unfit for human habitation. (2) Closure of premises which have become a nuisance to the neighbourhood. The latter clause is new, as there appears to be at present no powers for dealing with such premises, and it is possible that offensive or objectionable trades might be carried on in undesirable localities, and yet not fall within the definition of "Offensive trades" given in section 6

35. Penalty for contravention of order of Magistrate, or for defacing any copy of such order. 36. Form of notices.

37. Manner of serving notices.

COMMON LODGING-HOUSES.

38. Common lodging-houses to be registered and the keeper licens.

39. Penalty for false statements.

40. Inspection of common lodging-houses.

PUBLIC WASHERMEN.

41. Regulation of public washermen. This is a new clause to enable the Board to carry out its

duties in regard to the protection of the public water supplies.

FACTORIES, WORKSHOPS, ETC.

42. Establishment of factories or work-places,

43. Establishment of dangerous or offensive trades.

44. Nuisances in factories, workshops or workplaces.

45. Prohibition of occupation for domestic purposes of any building in which a dangerous or offensive trade is carried on. The four foregoing clauses are new; it is very desirable that cement works, white lead factories, alkali works and so on, should not be established in overcrowded parts of the Colony, nor that such premises should be occupied as dwellings without some control by the Sanitary Authority.

BASEMENTS.

46. Basements may not be occupied without permission.

47. Filling in of bisements which are insanitary. This is a new clause which appears to be very

necessary in connection with the question of the dissemination of plague by rats

OVERCROWDING.

48. Overcrowding defined. Overcrowding in European Reservation or Hill District.

49. Overcrowding prohibited.

50. (1) Steps to be taken to abate overcrowding. (2) Magistrate may make order for abatement.

(3) Subsequent inspection.

51. Common kitchen not to be used as a sleeping room. 52. Calculation of cubic space in case of children. 53. Limit of fittings for sleeping accommodation.

In these clauses dealing with overcrowding

the minimum floor space per head has been increased from thirty feet to fifty feet, and the minimum cubic space from four hundred feet to six hundred feet, as recommended by one of us in 1882.

KEEPING CATTLE, SWINE, ETC.

54. Keeping of cattle, swine, etc., requires a licence.

55. Transport of animals, etc.

COMPENSATION FOR SLAUGHTER OF INFECTED ANIMALS,

56. Compensation for infected animals slaughtered,

57. Value to be fixed by Colonial Veterinary Surgeon.

DEPÔTS FOR ANIMALS.

58. Cattle Depôts to be provided by the Government.

59. Grazing may be prohibited.

SLAUGHTER-HOUSES.

60. Establishment of slaughter-houses and the letting thereof. 61. Prohibition of the establishment of private slaughter-houses. 62. Privilege of slaughtering animals.

63. Sub-letting prohibited.

64. Slaughtering except in slaughter-houses prohibited.

65. Unauthorized fees or charges prohibited.

66. Marking of animals for slaughter.

67. Only marked animals may be slaughtered for human food.

68. Forging marks a criminal offence.

69. Pussing of un-marked animals into a slaughter-hous: prohibited. 70. Stamping of beef and mutton.

71. Forging stamps a criminal offence.

72. Slaughter-houses open to inspection.

73. Establishment of markets.

74. Buildings in markets limited.

MARKETS.

Prohibiting establishment of unauthorized markets,

75. Letting of market buildings by the Registrar General.

76. Sub-letting prohibited.

77. Alterations to market buildings require sanction of Director of Public Works. 78. Repairs to market buildings by lessee may be ordered by Magistrate.

79. Sale of certain articles outside markets prohibited.

80. Seizure of unstamped meat by officers of the Board.

81. Exceptions to the prohibition of sales outside markets.

82. Unauthorized fees or charges prohibited.

83. Markets open to inspection.

UNWHOLESOME FOOD.

84. Sale of unwholesome food prohibited.

85. Seizure of unwholesome food. Penalty.

86. Inspection of dairies. Power to prohibit supply of milk in certain cases.

87. Penalty for refusal to permit inspection.

88. Penalty for allowing infected persons to milk animals or assist in the conduct of the dairy

or reside therein.

REMOVAL OF INFECTED PERSONS,

89. Removal of infected persons to hospital.

90. Conveyance of infected persons in public vehicles. Penalty.

CEMETERIES.

91. Chinese cemeteries to be appointed. Penalty for improper interment.

92. List of authorized cemeteries. Penalty for burials elsewhere.

93. Closing of cemeteries by the Governor in Council.

RECOVERY OF EXPENSES BY THE BOARD,

94. Reimbursement of expenses to the Board. 95. Method of recovery of expenses by the Board..

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642

96. Granting of certifientes, etc.

CERTIFICATÈS.

PART III.

Buildings.

BUILDING MATERIALS.

97. Building materials specified.

EXCEPTIONAL STRUCTURES,

98. Construction of exceptional buildings regulated.

99. Structures of glass, iron, etc., to be subject to approval of Building Authority. 100, Buildings in districts outside an urban district may be of wood.

101. Construction of walls regulated.

WALLS.

102. External and party walls, thickness of. The required thickness of external and party walls

has been slightly increased on the recommendation of the Director of Public Works. 103. Limitation of length of walls. Walls over 76 feet in height require approval of Building Authority. The alteration in the limit of height of walls from 80 feet to 76 feet has been made partly because the height of such walls is now measured from the level of the adjacent foot-path instead of as formerly from the top of the footings, and partly to accord with the provisions of section 185 sub-section (5) of the same Ordinance. In any case the Building Authority has power to permit walls of a greater height.

104. Thickness of cross walls to be two-thirds that of main walls.

105. Damp proof courses must be provided.

106. Construction of foundations.

107. Party walls to be carried up above roof,

108. Openings through party or external walls.

109. Lath and plaster walls prohibited. Such walls are most undesirable owing to the intimate: connection between rat-infested premises and plague, and the facilities which such walls give to the breeding of rats within the building.

Bonding for THE WALLS OF DOMESTIC BUILDINGS.

110. Bonding of walls provided for. This is a new clause inserted on the recommendation of the

Public Works Committee of the Legislative Council.

BRESSUMMERS AND LINTELS.

III. Bearings of bressummers and lintels.

CONCRETING of Ground SURFACES.

112. Prohibition of habitation of domestic buildings until impermeable floors have been provided.

Proviso.

113. Repairs to impermeable material over ground surface.

FLOORS.

114. Level of ground floors to be above level of ground outside. 115. Distance between floor timbers of contiguous buildings.

116. Floors to rest on corbels of brickwork or stonework.

117. Space to be left between floors defined. A space of nine feet only between floors in a tropical country is inadequate and the space has accordingly been increased in this clause.

118. Ventilation under boarded floors in the lowest storey. A space of a few inches only under a wooden floor is inadequate and the requirements of the law in this respect have accordingly

⚫ been increased to two feet six inches, thus rendering the space accessible and capable of

being kept cleansed and free from rats.

119. Regulations governing mezzanine floors.

120. Wooden floors to be made reasonably water-tight.

121. Cement skirtings required. This clause has been inserted so as to provide an additional

protection against rats in the Chinese quarter.

STAIRCASES.

122. Regulations governing tread and rise of stairs.

CEILINGS.

123. Ceilings prohibited outside European reservation. This is intended as a further protection.

against rats in the Chinese quarter.

124. Corbels to be of stone or brick.

CORBELLING.

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643

ROOFS.

125. Covering of roof to be of incombustible material.

126. Space between roof timbers of contiguous buildings. 127. Platforms on roof prohibited.

128. Roofs to rest upon brickwork or stonework.

WOODWORK.

129. Bond timbers or wood plates not to be built into walls. 130. Timber or woodwork near flue or chimney opening prohibited.

ARCHES.

131. Regulations governing construction of arches.

132. Material for coping, cornices, etc.

PROJECTIONS, ETC.

133. Eaves-gutters and rain water down-pipes to be provided.

134. Projections into public thoroughfares prohibited. Proviso in the case of public buildings.

VERANDAHS, BALCONIES AND AREAS.

135. Encroachments on Crown land prohibited. We are most emphatically of the opinion that all encroachments upon Crown land by means of verandahs, balconies etc., should be absolutely prohibited in future. Such structures very materially lessen the width of the public streets and are thus an important factor in the darkening of the lower floors of dwelling houses. All such structures should be provided by owners on their own land.

RESTRICTION ON PARTITIONS, OBSTRUCTIONS AND ENCLOSURES IN VERANDAHS AND BALCONIES.

136. Verandahs and balconies not to be enclosed. This clause is intended to cover all existing

verandahs and balconies on Crown land or over any street.

KITCHENS, FIREPLACES AND CHIMNEYS.

137. Kitchen accommodation must be provided in domestic buildings.

138. Limitation of extent of kitchens in tenement houses.

139. Construction of chimney of fireplace.

140. Fireplaces adapted for use of charcoal to have hoods.

141. Floors under oven, stove or fireplace to be incombustible.

142. Chimneys not to be fixed near woodwork.

143. Thickness and height of chimney above roof defined.

•

144. Corbelling and foundations of himneys regulated. 145. Thickness of back of chimney opening defined.

WINDOWS, CUBICLES AND ROOMS.

146. Windows in rooms required.

147. Limitation of depth of buildings. One of the most important causes of the insanitary condi- tion of many of the dwellings in this Colony is the excessive depth of buildings in relation to their width, and this clause is designed to prevent the further erection of domestic buildings of great depth without lateral windows. The enforcement of this clause may occasionally necessitate the resumption of a portion of a building-lot by the Crown, but in view of the insufficient width of many of the public streets in the Colony, and the lack of open spaces this resumed land can well be utilized to increase the width of the public street or streets abutting on such lot or be reserved as an open space for the improvement of the neighbourhood. The option of resuming any portion of a building-lot in connection with this clause should rest with the Government, as it is conceivable that the land may be laid out in several different ways, and it is only suggested that resumption might ensue when the building-owner can make no use whatever of a portion of his land. 148. Cubicles without windows prohibited in domestic buildings hereafter erected. Very little improvement in the sanitary condition of the vast majority of the Chinese dwellings in the Colony can be hoped for until this question of cubicles is dealt with in a rational manner, and we consider that it will be no great hardship to require all cubicles in buildings hereafter erected to possess windows into the external air.

149. Requirements as to cubicles in existing buildings.

The number of cubicles, not separately

lit by windows or skylights on any storey has been limited to two, and in lieu of the present sliding scale as to the height of the partitions, the Bill provides for a maximum height of six feet. The size of the cubicles has also been amended to accord with the proposed increase in the area of floor space to be allowed per head by clause 48 of this Bill.

150.. Obstruction of windows prohibited.

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PRIVIES, WATER CLOSETS AND LATRINES.

151. Construction and dimensions of privies regulated.

152. Ventilation of privies and latrines and rendering of walls with cement. 153. Construction of floors of privies and latrines specified.

154. Frivies and latrines not to be connected directly with drain or sewer. 155. Direct connection of water-service with privies, etc., prohibited.

156. Kereptacle and seat in privy required.

157. Construction of water closets and urinals without permission prohibited.

158. Privies to be provided in factories and other industrial establishments. 159. Latrines to be provided for tenement houses.

160. Inadequate provision of latrines to be dealt with by Sanitary Commissioner.

PUBLIC LATRINES.

161. Sanction of the Board to be obtained before erection of a public latrine, 162. Application by Board to Government for additional public latrines. 163. Notification of intention to erect a public latrine.

164. Objections to such erection.

165. Resolution of the Legislative Council necessary where objection is made.

166. No injunction to be granted or suit to be brought in certain cases.

167. Existing Government public latrines protected from injunction.

168. Board to contral Government public latrines.

169. Saving clause preserving existing rights.

OPEN SPACES, SCAVENGING LANES, ETC.

170. (1.) Open spaces to be provided for existing buildings. (2) Buildings with two main front- ages. (3) Modifications in special cases. (4) Obst uctions in such open spaces prohibited.

171. Open space or area to be provided between new building and hill side.

172. Subsoil drainage of such open spaces or areas.

173. Structures in areas prohibited.

174. Open spaces in the rear of new buildings on land not yet sold by the Crown,

175. Open spaces in the rear of new buildings on land already sold by the Crown. The Bill provides that the open spaces in the rear of new buildings shall bear a definite proportion to the roofed over area of the buildings and if the mean of the three scales which now exist (namely section 54 of the Public Health Ordinance of 1901, section 56 of the same Ordinance, and the Schedule of the Praya Reclamation Ordinance No. 16 of 1889, all three of which should be now repealed) be taken, it will be found that the new scale is not much in excess of the existing ones. It will be observed moreover that the erection of one-storey kitchens, bath-rooms and latrines in the open spaces, or yards is permitted, which is an advantage not permitted by the existing sanitary laws.

176. Further provisions in regard to open spaces around buildings on land not yet sold by the

Crown.

177. Further provisions in regard to open spaces around buildings on land already sold by the Crown. It appears to be necessary, especially in connection with buildings abutting ou private streets, to provide for the preservation of the open spaces in front of buildings as well as in the rear.

PUBLIC STREETS.

178. Preparation of plan of projected public streets and lanes by the Building Authority. The Ordinance should definitely lay down that a plan is to be prepared of all pro- jected streets in the districts not yet built upon but which are available for purchase, so that intending purchasers of Crown land may be in a position to design their buildings to the best advantage.

PRIVATE STREETS.

179. New private streets to be approved by the Building Authority.

180. Width of new private streets regulated.

181. Space in front of new buildings in private streets.

182. Obstruction of streets by buildings prohibited.

183. Maintenance and lighting of private back streets and lanes,

184. Maintenance and lighting of private front streets and fanes,

HEIGHT OF BUILDINGS.

185. Limitation of height of buildings. It is essential that the height of all buildings hereafter erected (with perhaps one small exception,) should be limited to a maximum of one and a balf times the width of the street on which such buildings front, and in ease of land not yet

The

sold by the Crown, we advise that the height be limited to the width of the street. exception referred to relates to certain private streets which received special consideration in the Insanitary Properties Ordinance of 1894, and reference to these will be found in the proviso to sub-section (3).

186. Method of determination of height of buildings.

DRAINAGE WORKS.

187. Drains must be provided in new buildings.

188. All drainage works to be carried out by the Board or by persons approved by the Board.

189. Drains in existing buildings to be amended or reconstructed if defective.

190. Groups of buildings shall be drained in combination if so required by the Sanitary Commis-

sioner.

191. Owners to conneet drains with main sewers.

192. Suspected drains to be opened by an officer of the Board.

193. House drains required in villages and rural districts.

194. Open drains to be provided in rural districts, wherever feasible.

195. Sumps to be provided where there is no public drainage system.

196. Drain connections with Government main sewers to be regulated by the Director of Public

Works.

DESIGN OF BUILDINGS.

197. Erection of Chinese domestic buildings within European Reservation or Hill District pro-

hibited.

198. Building Authority to inspect any such building in respect of which a complaint is received. 199. Kestriction does not apply to the residence of Chinese within the European Reservation or

Hill District.

200. Preserving existing rights of the Government to regulate type of buildings to be erected.

OCCUPATION OF NEW BUILDINGS.

201. Occupation of new building without a certificate prohibited.

DANGEROUS BUILDINGS.

202. Shoring and fencing of a dangerous building.

203. Taking down of a dangerous building.

204. Shoring or taking down of a dangerous building at the cost of the owner.

HOARDINGS AND SCAFFOLDINGS.

205. Hoardings and scaffoldings in thoroughfares require permission of Building Authority,

MATSHEDS AND OTHER INFLAMMABLE STRUCTURES.

206. Inflammable structures may not be erected without permission.

BLASTING.

207. Precautions to be adopted when blusting stone, etc.

EARTH CUTTING,

208. Regulations as to earth cutting.

TIMBER YARDS.

209. Timber yards to be enclosed,

WELLS AND POOLS.

210. Wells may only be sunk with permission of Building Authority.

211. Excavations allowing stagnant water prohibited.

212. Closing of wells which are insanitary.

NULLAHS, STORM WATER CHANNELS AND Drains.

213. Building over drains without permission prohibited.

214. Covering in of nullahs prohibited.

215. Conditions to be imposed by the Director of Public Works.

216. Interference with any drain, nullah, catchwater or water channel prohibited.

BOUNDARY AND RETAINING WALLS.

217. Construction of boundary or enclosure walls.

218. Construction of retaining walls.

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646

PLANS, DRAWINGS AND NOTICES.

219. (1) Plans, drawings, etc., to be submitted in connection with all new works. Block plan to

be submitted. (2.) Copy of plans, etc., to be deposited with Building Authority. (3) Copy of plans, etc., showing drainage works to be deposited with Sanitary Board. (4) Misrepresentations in plans, etc., punishable. (5) Power of Magistrate to require com- pliance with the Ordinance. (6) Penalty.

220. Notice of commencement or resumption of works.

221. In case of emergency notice may be given after commencement of works.

ALTERATION OR ADDITION TO EXISTING BUILDING OR WORKS.

222. Certificate of authorized architect required before alteration or addition to existing building

or works.

REFERENCE OF PLANS TO THE SANITARY COMMISSIONER.

223. Plans and drawings respecting building or works to be referred to the Sanitary Commissioner.

POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE BUILDING AUTHORITY AS TO ENTRY AND INSPECTION.

224. Power to enter and inspect buildings and works.

STOPPAGE OR DIVERSION OF TRAFFIC.

225. Director of Public Works may stop or divert traffic.

226. Building nuisances defined.

BUILDING NUISANCES.

227. Notice to abate building nuisance. Proviso.

228. Magistrate's order enforcing abatement of nuisances by the Building Authority. Expenses

consequent thereon.

229. Recovery of expenses of abatement of nuisance by sale of materials.

}

230. Distress in case of non-payment of expenses.

231. Saving of other remedies for nuisances.

SERVICE OF NOTICE, SUMMONS OR ORder.

232. Method of service of notice, summons or order.

PART IV.

Rights of Building and Adjoining Owners.

233. Provisions concerning buildings on line of junction when adjoining lands are unbuilt on.

234. Rights of building owner in relation to party structures.

235. Requirements of adjoining owner in relation to party structures.

236. Notice to be given by building owner before works are commenced.

237. Differences between building owner and adjoining owner.

238. Right of entry of building owner.

239. Underpinning or strengthening of foundations of adjoining building.

240. Adjoining owner may require security to be given.

241. Expenses to be borne jointly by building owner and adjoining owner. Expenses to be borne by

the building owner.

242. Statement of expenses to be furnished by building owner.

243. Difference between building owner and adjoining owner as to expenses.

244. Failure by adjoining owner to express dissatisfaction to be deemed acceptance.

245. . Failure by adjoining owner to contribute to expenses leaves building owner possessed of sole

property.

246. Adjoining owner liable for expenses incurred on his requisition.

247. Preserving all other easements and rights in regard to party structures.

PART V.

Resumption.

248. Power of resumption by the Crown defined.

249. Constitution of Board of Arbitrators.

250. Notification of constitution of Board of Arbitrators.

251. No suit to lie but claims to be sent in writing to the Board of Arbitrators.

252. Consideration of claims.

253. Powers of the Board of Arbitrators.

254. Assessment of compensation where property is resumed. Proviso. Proviso where insanitary

property is resumed.

255. Notices by Board of Arbitrators.

256. No appeal from decision of majority. 257. Vacancies on Board of Arbitrators.

258. Re-grant af lands etc.

259. Compensation to bear interest until paid.

260. Notice of resumption to be conclusive evidence of a resumption for a public purpose. 261. Arrangement with owner to re-construct buildings.

262. Power of Board of Arbitrators to regulate proceedings.

263. Saving of rights of resumption under Crown Leases.

PART VI.

Contraventions and Penalties.

264

Contraventions.

265. Recovery of Penalties.

266. Penalty for building nuisances.

267. Penalty for refusing to obey Magistrate's order or for obstructing Building Authority. 268. Penalty for other contraventions.

269. Imprisonment in default of payment of penalties.

270. Linbility of Secretary or Manager of a Company. 271. Proceedings against several persons.

SPECIAL Powers of MAGISTRATE.

272. Closure of premises by order of a Magistrate.

273. Power of Magistrate to order removal of illegal structures. Appeal to the Governor-in-Council. 274. Appeal to the Governor-in-Council against decision of the Building Authority.

REGULATIONS.

275. Governor-in-Council may make Regulations.

APPLICATION OF ORDINANCE.

276. Ordinance not to apply to New Territories except New Kowloon unless Order in Council

shall so direct.

Enactments repealed.

SCHEDULE A.

SCHEDULE B.

Bye-laws governing Bakehouses; Basements; Cattle-sheds, Pigsties etc.; Cemeteries; Common

Lodginy-houses; Dairies; Depôts for Cattle, Pigs, Sheep and Goats; Disinfection of infected Premises; Domestic cleanliness and Ventilation; Drainage Entry and Inspection of Buildings; Importation of Animals; Latrines; Laundries; Night-soil carriers; Markets; Notification of infectious Disease; Overcrowding; Offensive Trades; Opium smoking Divans; Poisons; Prevention or Mitigation of epidemic endemic or contagious disease; Prevention of the dissemination of rats; Slaughter-houses; Removal of patients; Scavenging and Conservancy; Streets (private), Obstruction o); Water-closets.

SCHEDULE C.

Matshed Regulations.

SCHEDULE D.

Regulations us to obtaining Stone, Earth or Turf from Crown Land.

SCHEDULE E.

Rules for the election by the rate-payers of members of the Sanitary Board.

SCHEDULE F.

Form of notice to abate a Public Health Nuisance.

SCHEDULE G.

Form of notice of intention to commence or resume any building or works.

- SCHEDULE A.

Form of notice to abate a building nuisance.

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648

We would ask that the Bill may be referred to the Attorney General so that its phraseology may be altered, where necessary, to the legal form, and any flaws in its construction rectified, and we believe that if the Government can secure its adoption by the Legislative Council with only such alterations as the Attorney General may deem necessary, the Colony will possess an Ordinance which will gradually secure a great improvement in its general sanitary condition, and will lead to the suppression of those diseases which are dependent upon overcrowding and insanitary conditions for their propagation.

We have the honour to be.

Sir,

Your obedient Servants.

OSBERT CHADWICK,

M. INST. C.E., M.I.M.E., C.M.G.

W. J. SIMPSON,

M.D., F.R.C.P.

SIR,

Appendix.

Mr. W. Danby to Chairman of Committee re the Housing of the Chinese.

HONGKONG. 10th July, 1894.

Having given much thought and attention for many years past to the practic- ability of introducing a better and more sanitary type of Dwelling House for the Chinese Working Classes of this Colony, I should be glad if you would lay the following suggestions, with accompanying plans, before the Committee, now sitting on the subject of House Accommodation for the Working Classes.

2. Before proceeding further, however, I may state, that I have probably designed and superintended the erection of more Chinese Houses in the Colony, than any other Architect, and am consequently well acquainted with their many defects, and the points on which improvements should be insisted upon, and also the objections likely to arise from property owners, when such improvements are first proposed. At the present time, so long as the plans of proposed Chinese Houses comply with the requirements of the existing Building and Public Health Ordinances, we Architects are powerless to introduce such improvements as we should like, if our clients refuse to adopt our suggestions, which they almost invariably do.

3. In preparing the accompanying design. I have adopted a somewhat different type of building, to what we have at present in the Colony, a departure to which at first sight some objections will probably be raised by some of the Chinese owners of property. I have, however, shewn and explained the general design to many Chinese, who after going into it, have expressed themselves much pleased with it, and are of opinion that it is a type of building which would eventually become popular with the Working and Coolie classes.

4. The plans sent herewith have been more especially designed for the large blocks of vacant ground at Kennedy Town, of which the Hon. C. P. CHATER is Crown Lessee, their respective numbers being Inland Lots Nos. 953-954 and part

of Inland Lot No. 906; the Committee will see, however, that the type of building now proposed, can easily be adapted to the new buildings which will have to be erected on the condemned area in Taipingshan, after the Government have resumed the ground, and laid it out on more sanitary and modern lines.

5. My suggestion is to erect blocks of model working class Dwellings, having large open area in the centre for light and ventilation, with streets and wide passages on the outside, and surrounding the premises on all four sides (cide Drawings) thus securing further light and ventilation.

6. On referring to Drawing No. 2 (which is a detail of Block 4 on Drawing No. 1) it will be noticed that the General Entrance to the premises is on the side facing the 50-feet Public Street, the Entrance will be 4 feet 6 inches wide opening into an Entrance Lobby (laid in cement concrete) 15 feet long and 14 feet wide, and leading direct into the large Open Area or Yard 39 feet long by 36 feet wide. The caretaker or concierge would reside in this lobby, for which there is ample room, at the front corner of the Blocks, and on the Ground Floor, two shops are shewn, for the sale of Chinese groceries, provisions, &c., &c.

7. At the opposite end of the Yard to the Entrance, a large cook-house (15′× 12′) and latrine accommodation is provided, one latrine for men only (15' x 12') and one for women and children (15' x 8')

The question of latrine accommodation is one to which I attach very great importance, hitherto it has almost invariably been neglected both by the Govern- ment and owners of property. In all Building Regulations both in Great Britain and other places, you will find provision made for the erection of privies, &c., and that by the "Building Owner." According to the existing Hongkong Ordinances, a building owner can, if he so wishes it, erect say 500 houses in one Block, and there is no provision in any of the Ordinances compelling him to provide suitable latrine accommodation for the occupants of the said houses. The present time, with the lessons taught us by the visitation of the Plague, and when it is proposed to re-construct certain portions of the City, is, in my opinion, a favourable opportunity for introducing new Regulations referring to this matter.

8. As before mentioned, a Special Latrine, with a separate Entrance is pro- vided for women and children. You will probably be informed that women will not go to such places; on enquiry, however, I find that such is not the case, the fact being, as I am creditably informed, that in the Public Latrines now opened in the City (and which latrines are few in number and some long distances apart), no special provision of any kind is made for women and children; they have either to make use of receptacles in their cook-houses or living rooms, or resort to the Latrines used by men.

I respectfully venture to suggest that your Committee should strongly recom- mend the Government to adopt measures for the improvement of this very unsatis- factory state of things.

9. The proposed latrines would have cement concrete floors, and the walls, for a height of 5 feet would be rendered with neat cement. They would have ample light and ventilation from large doors and openings at each end, thus securing a good current of air through each of them and owing to the ample light in them. there would be no difficulty in keeping them clean and free from offensive smells.

The floors of the cook-rooms immediately above them, would be constructed of cement concrete (carried on iron joists) and other materials impervious to

moisture.

10. All the cook-houses throughout the building would also be constructed in a manner similar to the latrines, with concrete floors, so that no water could percolate through them, they also would have ample light and ventilation on two

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650

sides, each cooking range would also have a separate flue, which is not usually the case, the smoke from the lower cook-house generally finding its way into and filling the cook-house immediately above it. The new cook-houses, thus having plenty of light and ventilation, and good flues will easily be kept clean and sweet, especially as there will be no dark corners for dirt to accumulate.

11. An iron verandah, 6 feet wide in the clear (or 2 feet wider than the usual iron balconies now permitted in the public streets) is proposed to be erected in the "Open Yard" at the level of each floor, this verandah will give access to all the rooms on each floor.

12. An unusually good, wide and well ventilated, and well lighted general staircase is provided, the steps being of hard wood 4 feet wide (and with iron balusters) enabling the occupants to easily pass each other when ascending or des- cending. This staircase communicates with each floor of the building. I wish to draw the special attention of the Committee to this staircase, as one of the features of the proposed new buildings. The ordinary staircase in the usual type of Chinese houses in the Colony (including even good ones) is dark, rickety and very steep, in fact, absolutely dangerous: knowing them as I do, the wonder has been, more accidents have not occurred. I have on several occasions endeavoured to get a clause inserted in the Building Ordinances limiting the height and tread of steps in Chinese Dwellings as is done in the Building Bye-laws of Municipal Towns in England and other places. Ground in this City is valuable, in the future it will become more so, the ten lency will be to increase the height of new buildings, which means also the making of the staircases much steeper than they are now, and conse- quently more dangerous, as is now the case in nearly all 4-storied houses. The steps in the suggested new type of house, would be 12 inches wide and 6 inches rise. In some Chinese good houses, the tread is only 5 inches and height 9 inches. It requires practice, and a cool head, to descend a long flight of say 4 stories of such steps, especially when there is only a rope to hang-on too, or an apology for a hand rail. I had occasion some time ago, to show the late Mr. S. BROWN (Surveyor General) such a staircase, and it was only with the greatest difficulty we got him down safely. A recommendation from your Committee on this matter would probably be the means of a clause on the lines now suggested, being introduced into any new or amended Building Ordinance. The minu tread of steps in any house used for human habitation should be 8 inches and the maximum rise of the step 8 inches.

13. It will be noticed that each habitable room is unusually well lighted and ventilated, most of the rooms on each floor having large doors and windows on thre- sides, and the others on two sides, none of them having any obstructions of any kind. These would give the respective rooms an ext aordinary amount of light and ventilation in every direction, and it is a well known fact, that the more light and ventilation you have (even in Chinese houses) in rooms, especially such as are now referred to (which would be both living and sleeping rooms), the cleaner and sweeter they would be kept by the occupants, in addition to which, they would be more conclusive to the improved health and general tone of the people living there- in. Each room opens direct on to the 6-feet verandah, which would be for all practical purposes, an extension of the respective rooms abutting on to it.

It is also proposed to have iron balconies, 4 feet wide, on the first and second floors of such blocks as have a frontage to the 50 feet wide public streets.

14. If it would be thought desirable (of which I have no doubt in my own opinion) I have provided for Ablution Rooms on the first and second floors, as it cannot but be thought objectionable, that men, women, and children should have no alternative but to perform these necessary duties, either in the cook-house (which is required and used for other purposes) or in the presence of their fellow lodgers.

If we wish to encourage and promote clean habits and a more sanitary mode of living among the working and coolie class of Chinese residents in the Colony, let us, before condemning them for their dirty habits, give them the means of becom- ing clean and improving their objectionable mode of living, &c., &c.

15. The floors of all the ground floor rooms, would be of concrete, and the walls (external and internal) rendered for a height of 18 inches in neat cement.

16. The only underground drain in the Block, would be the one leading from the large gully, in the centre of the open yard. It would be laid in a straight line to the 20-feet private street, passing under the floor of the latrine, it would be of 6 inches diameter glazed earthenware socket pipes, pointed in cement, and bedded in concrete, having man-holes at each end for inspection and cleaning purposes.

17. Water would be laid into each cook-house and ablution-room, and a sinall stand-pipe, in the open yard for general purposes, which stand-pipe would also be used by the tenants generally (having a large enclosed open yard) for washing their clothes, &c., which would be done in the usual Chinese manner, a little soap and small wooden tub. If no provision of this kind is made, they have no alter- native but to resort to the side-walks of the public streets as is now the case.

18. The living rooms vary somewhat in size, they are so designed, however, that they could be easily let out to friends, clansmen, or married families, who may wish to live together.

19. Such a Block, as the one referred to on Drawing No. 2, Block A on Inland Lot No. 954, would accommodate 371 adults, allowing each adult 300 cubic feet and 21 superficial feet. The estimated cost of such a building (exclusive of the cost of the ground) is about $8,500.00 or, say, at the rate of $23.50 per adult.

20. Twenty-seven (27) Blocks of houses as described, can be erected on the three plots of ground referred to, viz.:-

Inland Lot No. 953,

954, 906,

Total.

No. of Blocks.

No. of Adults.

3,635

2,226

3,510

9,371

or at the rate of 2,136 adults per acre. The net actual building area of the three plots of ground is 419 acres.

21. I should like here to caution the Committee against being lead away by misstatements as to what is overcrowding. A letter by a well known Medical Gentleman (Dr. CANTLIE) appeared in the local papers a few days ago, in which he said: "In Britain 1,000 persons to an acre is the sanitary limit,* any number over that constitutes surface overcrowding as distinct from overcrowding," this statement is very vague and likely to do harm, and, in my opinion, no importance whatsoever should be attached to it, unless the writer of the letter gives us his au- thority for the statement, and how his figures were arrived at. Was the acre area mentioned the net actual area covered by buildings, or did it include streets, gar- dens, yards, parks, commons, &c., extending over many acres? The before men- tioned number of people that can be accommodated in the suggested new buildings, and allowing each individual 300 cubic feet, and also in a 3 storied building only, is at the rate of 2,136 adults per acre, and I am sure that the learned Doctor him- self would, or could not, by any possible means call it “overcrowding.”

Query.-W.J.S.

651

652

22. Some building owners and others may possibly think that the type of house, sketched out herein, is too good, and too expensive for the poorer classes of Chinese; if they go thoroughly into the question, however, I feel sure that they cannot but think $23.50 per adult is a very reasonable, if not cheap rate, for such a class of house as now proposed, and it will bear favourable comparison with the cost of the ordinary low, ill ventilated, ill lighted, dark and dirty type of existing Chinese houses, especially when consideration is given to the superior accommoda- tion provided in the new houses, in the matter of open yard, light, air, latrines, ablution rooms, good cook houses, verandahs and a good, safe, and well lighted general staircase. The occupants can secure more privacy, the sexes and married people can easily be kept separate, and in a much better manner than in the exist- ing houses. The concierge, living as he would be, in the Entrance Lobby would have a greater control over the inmates in every respect, he would be able to pre- vent tenants leaving without paying their rent, or removing their belongings un- known to the landlord. He would be able to supervise the general cleanliness and sanitary condition of the premises, and be in fact, the residential agent of the

owner.

23. It is generally understood that new, or amended Building Regulations are about to be introduced. This is an unusually favourable opportunity for the Gov- ernment to take a new departure in the matter of the erection of healthy houses for the poorer classes of Chinese, it would be a measure in which the Govern- ment would have the support of the whole of the community. I have, therefore, ventured to address your Committee on the subject, being one in which I have always taken a great interest, and the importance of which has been forced on the attention of the Government and community lately in a very strong and emphatic

manner.

24. With a view, therefore, of furthering this project, I would very respect- fully suggest that the Government be asked to erect one or more Blocks of houses such as are referred to herein, as an experiment. I feel sure, however, from my experience on the subject, that with proper management they will always be sought after and that the Government (or owner) will always command good tenants, and will eventually be able to dispose of the property at a reasonable profit.

25. This locality (viz., the west end of the City) is a far more popular district with the Chinese, than the east end, viz., Causeway Bay: they will not go so far east, especially when the bulk of the Chinese hongs and shipping offices are in the central and western portions of the City; this City is like most of the large towns and cities of Europe and America, which have almost invariably extended (and are still extending) westwards (this applies both to ancient and modern cities) the reasons for which, although so universal, has never, in all cases, been satisfac- torily explained.

26. I have not gone into the question of the cost of the ground, comprising Inland Lots Nos. 953, 954 and 906, as I understand information on this subject has already been laid before you.

Yours truly,

WM. DANBY, M. INST. C.E.

No. 1862.

No. 1

1902

HONGKONG.

IMMUNITY OF CHINESE IN CAPE COLONY FROM INFECTION OF PLAGUE.

Laid before the Legislative Council by Command of His Excellency the Governor.

COLONIAL SECRETARY'S OFFICE, HONGKONG, 30th July, 1901.

SIR,-I am directed by the Governor to inform you that His Excellency has observed a statement in the English papers to the effect that in Cape Colony the Chinese population has enjoyed immunity from infection during the late outbreak of plague.

2. His Excellency would be glad to know to what cause this immunity, if it exists, has been attributed.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your most obedient Servant,

J. H. STEWART LOCKHART, Colonial Secretary.

THE SECRETARY TO THE HIGH COMMISSIONER,

P.S. No. 808.

Cape Colony.

GOVERNMENT HOUSE,

CAPE TOWN, 6th November, 1901.

SIR,--With reference to your letter, No. 1862 of the 30th July last, addressed to the Secretary to the High Commissioner, regarding the alleged immunity from infection enjoyed by the Chinese population in Cape Colony, during the outbreak of plague, which was referred to this Office on the 25th September last. I am desired by the Governor to transmit, herewith, a copy of a report he has received from the Medical Officer of Health for the Colony and Director of Plague Admin- istration, on the subject.

I have the honour to be.

Sir.

Your obedient Servant,

H. W. B. ROBINSON, Private Secretary.

THE COLONIAL SECRETARY,

Copy.

MEMORANDUM.

Hongkong.

(Enclosure.)

OFFICE OF THE MEDICAL OFFICER OF HEALTH FOR THE COLONY,

33, PARLIAMENT STREET, CAPE TOWN, November, 1901.

ALLEGED IMMUNITY OF CHINESE FROM PLAGUE INFECTION.

(1.) With reference to the statement in the English papers to the effect that in Cape Colony the Chinese population has enjoyed immunity from infection of Plague during the present outbreak of the disease, and to the request of His

Excellency the Governor of Hongkong to be informed as to the cause of this alleged immunity, if it exists, I beg to state that :----

(2.) There are not at my disposal accurate data upon which to base a calcu- lation as to the relative number of Chinese at present residing in Cape Colony as compared with the rest of the population. The last Census of the population of the Colony was taken as far back as the year 1891, and according to these returns there were only two hundred and fifteen Chinese males (no females) residing in Cape Colony, but it is certain that this number has largely increased; exactly to what extent, however, it is impossible to say.

(3.) The number of cases of Plague which have been discovered up to the present among Chinese during the outbreak is only ten, all of whom were males, namely:

One at Cape Town,

Eight at Port Elizabeth, and

One at Uitenhage.

Of which number, seven have died, namely:-

Six at Port Elizabeth, and

One at Uitenhage.

Of the remainder-

One at Cape Town, and

One at Port Elizabeth, have been discharged cured; and

One at Port Elizabeth is still under treatment.

4.) A round enumeration of the Chinese, Asiatics (Indians) and Aboriginal Natives at Port Elizabeth, made during the last few days, has resulted in the discovery of 390 Chinese, three hundred and eighty-four being males and six females. Of 707 Indians, four hundred and ninety-one being males and two hundred and sixteen females; and of eight thousand eight hundred and thirty Aboriginal Natives. This enumeration of Aboriginal Natives is more likely, however, to be inaccurate than that of Chinese and Asiatics.

(5.) Although these figures are quite insufficient for the purpose of arriving at a final conclusion, yet a rough indication of the relative incidence of the disease among Chinese, as compared with other races, and especially Indians, may be obtained. They give, in the case of Port Elizabeth, for the Chinese population a case incidence of over two per cent. of the community and a mortality (so far) of over one and a half per cent.; and a case mortality (so far) of seventy-five per cent. of total known attacks.

These rates may be compared with the incidence on Indians living in the same place, among whom four cases of Plague, all of whom have died, have been discovered, which give a case incidence and mortality of 0.57 per cent. of the In- dian community, and a case mortality of 100 per cent. of the attacks. They may also be compared with the rates for Aboriginal Natives living in Port Elizabeth, among whom forty-four cases of Plague have been discovered, of which number. twenty have died, fourteen have been discharged cured, and ten still remain under treatment; giving a casc incidence of a little less than a half per cent. of the Abc- riginal Native population.

As the final result of so many of the cases among natives at Port Elizabeth is not yet known, no useful rates of mortality can at present be obtained for these Natives, but it is of interest to compare the case mortality in different races among

כי

all cases of Plague which have so far occurred throughout the Colony (including Port Elizabeth).

This has amounted--

among Europeans to 34.1 per cent. on a total of two hundred and

fourteen cases;

among Aboriginal Natives to 42.7 per cent. on a total of one hundred

and ninety-two cases; and

among Coloured persons, chiefly consisting of half-castes and Malays, to

56.7 per cent. on a total of four hundred and thirty-six cases.

(6.) So far, therefore, as we can judge from the above figures both the inci- dence of the disease and the mortality, when attacked, is greater among Chinese than among other races.

(7.) It is impracticable to say how far these results have been influenced by inoculation with "Haffkine's Prophylactic," as, apart from the fact that our re- cords do not in every case state the race of the person inoculated, there are so many sources of fallacy in the application of inoculation figures that no reliable deduction can be made. Moreover the number of persons inoculated is so small compared with the size of the communities living in infected areas that, I think, under any circumstances but little effect can be attributed to the inoculation on the course of the epidemic as a whole. Perhaps an exception to this statement may be made in regard to the inoculation of the large body of Natives (between six and seven thousand) who were removed from Cape Town at the beginning of the outbreak and placed in a new Location at Uitvlugt in the vicinity of the city.

The total of inoculations to date, a large number of which, however, have been performed on Natives and Asiatics living in uninfected portions of the Colony, amount to twenty-nine thousand seven hundred and eighty-one, of whom six thousand three hundred and fifty-five were Europeans, and twenty-three thousand four hundred and twenty-six were Coloured, Asiatics, and Aboriginal Natives.

(Signed)

A. JOHN GREGORY,

Medical Officer of Health for the Colony

and Director of Plague Administration.

619

No. 1902

HONGKONG.

KOWLOON WATERWORKS GRAVITATION SCHEME.

Laid before the Legislative Council by Command of His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government.

(Secretary of State to Governor.)

HONGKONG.

No. 437.

DOWNING STREET.

27th December, 1901.

SIR, I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch No. 454 of the 31st October, submitting an improved scheme for the Kowloon Water-works and to transmit to you a copy of a report by Mr. O. CHADWICK, C.M.G., to whom the question was referred.

2. I approve this scheme being carried out in the manner suggested in Mr. CHADWICK'S report.

3. I presume that the points,

that the points, on which he states that he is not quite clear, can await his arrival in the Colony, for which he proposes to start soon after the middle of January.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your most obedient, humble Servant,

J. CHAMBERLAIN.

Governor

Sir H. A. BLAKE, G.C.M.G.,

Se.. $.c..

&c.

(Enclosure.)

(Mr. Chadwick to Crown Agents.)

he HONGKONG-KOWLOON WATER SUPPLY.

7, CARTERET STREET,

GENTLEMEN,

WESTMINSTER, S. W.

20th December, 1901.

1. I have the honour to return, herewith, the plans and papers, concerning a proposed water supply for Kowloon, and I beg to report thereon as follows:-

2. The works, now proposed, are more extensive and will afford a larger supply than those originally projected by Mr. GIBBS, and described in his report, dated 8th January, 1900. I am of opinion that the rapid increase of population, stated by the Director of Public Works, fully justifies the additional cost of the more extensive scheme.

supply.

3. I feel some difficulty in reconciling the figures, concerning the augment Available ation of the supply, from 590,000 to 1,575,000 gallons a day, with the plan sent home, shewing the gathering-grounds and reservoir-sites. This plan shews a total area of 415 acres, which is only about one-third more than that to be utilised, under

•

620

Reservoir capacity.

Material

of dam.

The design of dam.

Dam to be

full height

at once.

the original scheme, and obviously would not produce a nearly three-fold increase in the yield. In the report of the Director of Public Works, paragraph 12 section 2, a "Catch-water" is mentioned. This, I presume, brings in the water from some area, amounting to 400 acres, not shewn on the plan, and therefore making a total of about 800 acres. Applying to this area the Hongkong data, quoted in my report of 17th August, 1900, the available daily supply would be 1,488,000 gallons a day, an amount agreeing substantially, with that estimated by the Director of Public Works, namely, 1,575,000 gallons a day.

4. According to the same data, a reservoir capacity equal to 200 days' consumption, will be required to maintain the supply. The now proposed reservoir is to contain 310 millions of gallons, so that, according to Hongkong experience. it should suffice to maintain the desired supply.

5. I am glad to learn that it is now proposed to construct a masonry dam. I do not consider that it would be safe to construct an earthen dam, of the height now proposed, nearly 100 feet. Indeed I hold the opinion, one shared I believe by most Engineers, that masonry (including concrete) should be preferred, whenever the conditions for its use, are reasonably favourable.

6. The section of the masonry dam is judiciously designed. I have inves- tigated the stresses, and I find that the conditions of stability, usually accepted, are fully satisfied, even when the reservoir is full to the very crest, in other words when the water-level, during a great flood is 4 feet above the cill of the waste-weir. The stresses per square foot are, speaking from memory, less than those which obtain in the case of the Taitam Dam.

7. I agree with the Director of Public Works, that the dam should be carried up to carried up, at once, to the full height. The saving, due to leaving off at a lower level, will be small. The reservoir capacity, even at the full height, is by no means excessive. The crest of the dam is to serve as a road or path. By completing the dam at once, this roadway can be constructed at its final level, and will not require subsequent alteration.

Foundations.

Waste-weir.

Draw-off arrange-

ments.

Outlet-cul- vert.

8. I presume that trial-pits have been sunk, along the centre line of the dam, and that the depths of foundation, shewn on the sheet of sections have been fixed in accordance with their indications. No longitudinal section of the dam is given, so I am unable to ascertain the intentions of the designers, in the matter of found- ations. I am however of opinion that in getting out the foundations, stepping should be avoided. The base of the foundations should, as far as possible, be an uniformly inclined line. Abrupt changes of level should be avoided, as far as possible, because sudden variations in depth tend to cause irregular settlement.

9. No drawing of the waste-weir has been sent to me, I am not therefore in a position to offer any opinion as to its sufficiency. The position of the waste-weir as indicated on the general plan, is satisfactory. The length of the waste-weir should be sufficient to discharge 4" of rain, falling on the gathering-ground which contributes directly to the reservoir, plus the maximum quantity of water that the catch-water channel can convey. The latter should be provided with overflows, at points where it crosses natural drainage channels.

10. The draw-off arrangements are satisfactory in principle. Some minor alterations in detail seem desirable. It is hardly necessary to go into this question at present, for the outlet apparatus will not be required, for some time to come.

11. It is worthy of consideration whether the sectional area of the outlet- culvert might not be increased with advantage, so as to provide water-way for the passage of rain-water during moderate floods. If, during a great flood the unfinish- ed dam is overtopped, no great damage will result. This is one of the great merits of masonry as against earth. An earth dam, if overtopped, would be des- troyed.

621

construction.

12. I recommend that the dam be constructed departmentally, and not by Method of contract, so as to ensure perfect workmanship, an arrangement adopted by Mr. MANSERGH, Past President Inst. C.E., in the case of the dams for the Birmingham Water-works. At any rate, most careful supervision will be required. Competent European foremen or inspectors must supervise the work continuously. All cement should be provided by the Government.

the mass of

the dam,

13. In the case of the Taitam Dam, the late Sir ROBERT RAWLINSON, K. C. B., Drains in directed numerous small drains to be formed in the mass of the concrete behind the inner lining of masonry intended to be water-tight, in order that should any water find its way through the said lining it would flow freely away, and not accumulate in any fissure or cavity, causing an upward hydrostatic pressure, tending to reduce the stability of the structure. I consider that this would be a wise pre- caution. In the case of Taitam it was not however adopted, because those in charge of construction thought that the concrete would be sufficiently porous, to prevent any such prejudicial accumulation. As a matter of fact, the Taitam dam leaks considerably through the mass of the concrete. I maintain that concrete should be impervious, the interstices between the stones being completely filled with mortar. Percolation through concrete tends to its disintegration. Mr. MANSERGH informs me, that in the case of the Birmingham Dams, he is not draining the whole mass of the concrete, in the manner recommended by the late Sir ROBERT RAWLINSON, but he is taking every precaution to render the whole inass absolutely homogeneous and impervious. The only drains which he introduces are to remove the land springs. found in the excavations for the foundations, and he has also provided single drain, at a low level, below the whole length of the dam, to remove any water which might by chance percolate through the water face, below the foundations, and this drain communicates with the out-let culvert.

area not to

14. The surface of the drainage area should be as little disturbed as possible, inainage

The main reason why he disturbed. the natural growth of herbage should not be broken up. the water of "Pokfolum Reservoir" is so turbid after heavy rain, is because so much bare soil is exposed, within its gathering-ground, owing to excavation for roads, and for building-sites.

15. In conclusion, I beg to record my opinion that the project for the water- supply of Kowloon is sound and one that may be sanctioned.

I have the honour to be,

Gentlemen,

Your obedient Servant,

OSBERT CHADWICK.

(Mr. Chadwick to Colonial Secretary.)

Re NEW KOWLOON WATER WORKS.

GOVERNMENT OFFICE, HONGKONG, 13th May, 1902.

report

SIR,-I have the honour to report that I have visited the site of the proposed Confirming works in company with the Honourable the Director of Public Works and with Mr. Pour and GIBBS, C.E. I have also inspected the Plans, and fully discussed them with the approving said Engineers. I beg to confirm the opinion, which I have already expressed in a report dated 20th December, 1901, to the effect that the Design is in every way satisfactory; and that the Project is one that should be carried out forthwith.

design.

622

Composition of concrete.

2. There are, however, some points concerning which some modification or reconsideration appears to be desirable. One of these concerns the composition of the Concrete.

Three qualities of Cement Concrete are specified, for different portions of the work, composed as follows:-

Parts by Measure.

1st Quality. 2nd Quality. 3rd Quality.

Cement... Sand

Broken stones

2/1/201 6

Determina- tion of voids in

Now, I am of opinion that in making concrete, care should be taken to make the resultant mass thoroughly homogeneous and free from voids. To fulfil this condition, it is essential that the voids between the broken stone forming the matrix shall be entirely filled with cement mortar, and secondly that the interstices between the sand-grains shall be completely filled with cement. Most of the troubles which have occasionally been experienced in connection with concrete, are traceable to porosity. Portland cement, though

Portland cement, though practically insoluble when in solid mass, is not so when finely-divided. If water be caused to percolate through a porous mass of Portland cement and sand, the interstices between the grains not being fully filled with cement, the mass will disintegrate in time.

It has, therefore, been my practice, in case of important works like the present, not to resort to any arbitrary prescription, as to the composition of concrete; but to determine, experimentally, the percentage of voids in the matrix and in the sand. and then to fix the proportions in a scientific manner.

3. The proportion of voids in the broken stone may be determined as follows. Take a sample of the broken-stone, and soak it in water. Then drain off all water. broken stone. not actually absorbed. Take any water-tight vessel, such as a bucket or cask. Weigh it empty. Let its weight empty, or tare, be T, then fill with water, and let the weight of bucket and water be W, so that the nett weight of the contained water will be W-T. Empty out the water, and fill the bucket with stones. Weigh again, let the weight of the bucket and stones be S. Now add water, so as to fill the interstices, between the stones. Weigh again. Let the final weight (bucket, water

P-S

Percentage of Voids. W-T

Voids in

sand.

and stones) be P. Then

The percentage of voids in stones, broken to approximately uniform cubes, like road-metal, is about 50%. This may however be materially reduced by using assorted sizes, the smaller particles inserting themselves between the larger masses. Having determined the actual percentage of voids, a sufficient proportion of cement mortar must be provided, to fill them, when the cement and sand are mixed and moistened ready for use, in a plastic condition.

4. The voids in the sand which is to be mixed with the cement may be deter- mined in like manner. Usually they amount to about 33%, so that three of sand to one of cement, is about the poorest mixture that can be expected to be non-porous. It usually suffices however to determine, experimentally, the volume of plastic mortar which is formed by some given proportion of cement, sand and water. For example, take say one cubic foot of cement and two of sand. Mix with water, into a paste of proper consistency, and measure the resulting mortar in a cubic foot box. Usually two and one will give 2 to 24 of finished mortar. Suppose that the latter is the case, and that the percentage of voids, in the matrix, is 50%. Then the proper proportions will be 4: 2: 1.

The proposed mixtures may or may not fulfil the conditions of the case. This will depend upon the percentage of voids in the matrix. The first quality mortar seems likely to be homogeneous. One of cement and two of sand makes, usually, about two parts of mortar, which, with the usual voids, will suffice for 4

623

parts of broken stone. The second and third quality mortars seem less likely to be homogeneous. The best and only certain plan is to determine the proportions experimentally, according to the voids actually found in the matrix.

yellow earth

5. I attach so much importance to complete solidity that, if concrete propor- Use of red tioned as I have described, contains more cement than can be afforded, I should try with cement. the effect of adding good red earth, which is of the nature of Puzzolana. Recent experiments made in Germany, show that the addition of Puzzolana to Portland cement, improves its setting properties. Portland cement, in setting, liberates a certain proportion of hydrate of lime. When Puzzolana is present it combines forthwith, with the lime liberated, thus preventing effervescence and obviating porosity. In certain water-works in Mauritius a mixture of burned coral-lime, coral sand, red earth and a small proportion of cement, was used with success. It was also found that the addition of red earth to the cement and sand mortar, used for jointing pipes, completely obviated porosity, which was most difficult to avoid when sand alone was used. I think that it would be well worth while to experiment with various mixtures of stone, sand and cement, with and without red earth, the voids in any case being filled. If 9" cubes, of the several samples, were made, and sent home to me at the University College, I shall be happy to have them crushed, in the testing machine, belonging to the Engineering Laboratory. The exact strength of each mixture would then be known, and it could be allotted to the part of the work for which it proves suitable.

foundations.

6. In my original report, I recommended that foundations should not be Stepping stepped. I then referred to stepping in the longitudinal section of the dam. In the cross-section, at right angles to its length, stepping may, and in many cases should be resorted to.

of dam

7. It is desirable to construct a regular Drain or. Culvert running along the Construction whole of the length of the dam, at the lowest point of the foundation and located drainage of immediately behind the water-tight mass, forming the water-front or inner lining foundations. of the dam. This Drain will serve to collect and carry off any spring-water, that may be found during construction. It should have a free outlet at the lowest level possible, so that, should there be any failure to produce an absolutely water-tight junction with the soil or rock, it will effectively prevent any accumulation of water under full pressure, beneath the foundation, so as to exert a prejudicial upward pressure. If there be any other water-bearing springs or fissures, in any part of the foundation, their water should be collected and conveyed to the main drain or to the outlet channel from it, which should always be left open. If there be any leakage it is better that it should be visible and escape freely than that it should accumulate and perhaps do unseen and unknown mischief.

superstruc-

8. I trust that if the suggestions which I have made as to the composition of Drainage of concrete be adopted the whole mass of the dam will be homogeneous and water- sure of dam tight. Nevertheless I think that it would be a prudent precaution to provide open channels or drains, extending through the whole mass from the outer-face to with- in about 4 feet of the inner water-tight face. These drains might be of 3" Chinese stoneware pipes, of the commonest quality, spaced vertically and horizontally, about ten feet apart. These pipes can do no harm, they will cost little, and they may, if any local mistake be made in construction, be the means of relieving a congestion of water, which might be prejudicial. They will, at least, afford the means of localising any leakage, should one exist. I am fully aware that the pro- vision of drains, through the mass of a masonry dam, is not a common practice. Mr. MANSERGH is not doing so at the Birmingham water-works. But it is to be remembered that these works are being carried out in England, departmentally, and with an abundance of highly skilled supervision, and not by a Chinese con- tractor, and limited skilled inspection.

9. After discussion with Messrs. CHATHAM and GIBBS, I see no reason for The outlet altering the dimensions of the outlet culvert.

culvert.

624

The draw-off

valves.

Venturi meters to filter-beds.

Large Venturi meter for registering daily con- sumption.

Measure-

10. I am of opinion that it will be advisable to reduce the diameter of the out- let valves in the tower to 6", providing proper taper-pieces for connection with them. With suitably-formed taper-pieces the delivery will not be appreciably reduced, and the smaller valves will be much easier to open and shut, than the large, and much less liable to breakage, in so doing. Some arrangement for closing the outlets, outside the tower, in the event of breakage, should be provided. These matters can be arranged, when the indent for the iron-work is sent in.

11. The drawings of the filter-beds have not yet been completed. If they are designed, on the lines of those now in use in Hongkong, they will answer well. I recommend however that each filter-bed be provided with a separate Venturi- meter constructed in accordance with a special arrangement, adapted for the regula- tion of filtration. On my return to England I will be happy to obtain a quotation for these meters.

12. It would also be well to provide one large recording Venturi meter, for registering the daily consumption of water from the service-reservoir.

13. It is desirable to measure the flow of the streams close below the reservoir, ment of How during construction. The arrangements should be such as to admit of accurate

measurement, not only of dry weather flow, but also of moderate floods.

flow

of streams

during con- struction.

Construction

of service- reservoir.

Subsidiary filter-beds.

Probably the best arrangement would be one similar to that suggested for the measurement of the flow of Taitam stream; a large V notch for measuring small flows, and a wide square notch, for floods. It will be well also to have a self- recording water-level indicator, at each gauge.

14. The service-reservoir drawings are not yet complete. It is very properly to be roofed. I have recently used roofs composed of concrete on steel girders and joists supported by cast iron stanchions, an arrangement which has usually proved more economical than masonry arches and piers. Whether this would be the case, in the present instance, I cannot say. It would however be well to get out alter- native designs for the two classes of roofs. The proposed circular form lends itself to the site and naturally has the shortest length of wall, for a given capacity. I must however state that, owing to the difficulty in devising an economical cover- ing, I have rarely found circular reservoirs economical in first cost.

15. The principal filter-beds are to be placed near to the reservoir. It is proposed to intercept certain streams along the pipe track, between the filter-beds and the service-reservoir, and at each intake to construct a small filter-bed to filter the water of the stream, prior to its admission to the main.

I suggest the use of the Fischer Artificial Filter for these subsidiary beds. This filter consists of flattened bottles, made of porous material, composed of sand and glass, fused together. Each bottle is rectangular 3′ 3′′ × 3′ 3′′ × 4′′. These are placed upright, in a suitable tank. A large filtering-area is provided, with relatively small floor-space. The water surrounds the filter-plate and passes through its pores, to the interior cavity, whence it is drawn off by appropriate pipes. The main advantage of the Fischer Filter, in the present case, is the ease with which it can be cleaned, and managed. A small cistern is provided at an elevation of about 10 feet, into which filtered water is pumped. The cleaning of the filter is accomplished, merely by altering the adjustment of certain valves so as to reverse the direction of the flow through the filtering material. The filtered water enters the interior cavity, passes out through the pores of the material, and forces off the adhering slime, which is then sludged out of the filtering-chamber. I have experimented on one of these filters, in connection with some very dirty water, and found that it could be cleaned with the utmost ease. I do not assert that the Fischer Filter effects better, even as good, results as well-managed sand-filtration, but I am confident that it will give better results than an ill-managed sand-filter. I fear that it will be both expensive and difficult to secure good management, in the case of small scattered filters.

;

625

of flood

16. In the cases of intakes just referred to at which filter-beds are to be Interception provided, it would be well to provide an arrangement, by which the water of the waters. stream is automatically intercepted during floods, so as to prevent unnecessary clogging of the filter beds. This may easily be done by constructing weirs and notches with a receiving channel, below and parallel to the crest. The channel will be so proportioned that when the stream is delivering more than a certain quantity, the cascade or apron overleaps the receiving channel. This arrangement is illustrated in works on water-supply.

ment of

voir.

17. For the purpose of collecting statistics as to quantity of water which Measure- overflows, at the waste-weir of the reservoir, it will be well to provide means of overflow measuring the escaping water with some accuracy. Want of such measurement from reser- has greatly reduced the value of the data recorded at Taitam. This may be done, either by constructing special gauge weirs in the overflow channel, as already des- cribed for use during construction, or by using well-constructed iron-sluices in lieu of the stop-boards with which it is now proposed to crown the waste-weir, after the first three months of the wet season. I am of opinion, that it will be a good plan, in any case to have proper iron sluices, as there is to be a

iron sluices, as there is to be a bridge over the waste weir, from which they could be manipulated by means of some simple mechanism. By so doing, the stop sluices will always be to hand where required, and there will be no excuse for neglect to erect them when the time arrives for so doing. Moreover, I see no reason why these sluices should not be so contrived as to open automatically when the water rises to their upper edge. If so arranged, they might be left permanently in place.

To this end they should be carried on horizontal pivots, placed at one-third of their total height from their lower edge.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your obedient Servant,

OSBERT CHADWICK.

HONGKONG.

REPORT OF THE PRINCIPAL CIVIL MEDICAL OFFICER, FOR THE YEAR 1901.

721

No. 37

Laid before the Legislative Council by Command of His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government.

1902

MEDICAL DEPARTMENT, GOVERNMENT CIVIL HOSPITAL, HONGKONG, 15th April, 1902.

SIR, I have the honour to submit, for the information of His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government, the following Report on the working of the Medical Department for the year 1901.

I have to acknowledge my indebtedness to Dr. BELL for much of the information contained in this Report.

MEDICAL STAFF.

I returned from leave on August 4th, up to that date Dr. BELL had been acting as Principal Civil Medical Officer.

Dr. J. A. Lowson returned from leave on the 26th of December last. I regret to say that he had on arrival to be admitted to Hospital, his health not having improved during his absence.

He has since been invalided from the service.

Dr. Lowson was first appointed to the Medical Department in 1889, from that date until March, 1894, he performed the duties of Assistant Superintendent of the Government Civil Hospital and Lunatic Asylums and took charge of the Hygeia when occasion required.

During my first absence from the Colony on leave in 1894 the plague epidemic broke out, at this time he rendered yeoman service, sparing himself no labour or trouble in his efforts to combat this disease; his services at this anxious time will never be forgotten by the Colony, for these he was awarded the Plague Medal and received the thanks of the Government.

When at home on leave in 1896 his services were requisitioned by the India Government as an expert to advise re plague administration in that country.

It was during this work in India that is health broke down and he was under treatment in the Madras Hospital.

He returned to the Colony in 1898 and resumed his duties in the Department.

In 1900 he was appointed Acting Principal Civil Medical Officer when I left the Colony for the second time on home leave, and in August of that year his health again gave way and lung trouble developing he was ordered by Prof. KOCH, who happened to be in the Colony, to South Africa, from there he proceeded to Australia.

Since his return in December last he has improved considerably in health and he finally left the Colony for home on April 12th, undoubtedly his plague services here and in India have undermined his health and predisposed to the causation of the disease from which he is now suffering.

I take this opportunity of bearing testimony to the able services rendered by this Officer since his appointment in 1889, his work has always been marked by great ability and his cheery presence will be missed not only at the Hospital but in the Colony generally.

Dr. G. P. JORDAN left for a year's leave on the 15th March, arrangements having been made for Dr. SWAN to perform his duties as Health Officer of the Port, Dr. GIBSON acting as Deputy Health Officer.

Dr. J. C. THOMSON proceeded on three months' leave on the 31st of October.

The services of Lieutenant STEWART of the Indian Medical Service were available until the 27th July, he ably assisted Dr. BELL in the work of the Hospital, and we are much indebted to the Military Authorities for granting us the services of this officer.

We are also indebted to Dr. LAMORT, who was employed from the 1st June to the 31st July whilst Dr. THOMSON was on special duty at Kennedy Town Hospital, he again acted for him from the 1st November to the end of the year.

ANALYTICAL STAFF.

Mr. F. BROWNE, Government Analyst, returned from leave on the 27th March, Mr. T. J. WILD returning to his duties as Assistant Analyst.

50-30.7.02.

722

NURSING STAFF.

Miss BARKER, Matron, went on home leave on 30th March, Miss BARR acting in her place.

Miss TODD (Nursing Sister) resigned on the 30th March and was succeeded by Miss MILLINGTON (Private Nursing Staff).

Miss ROBINS (Private Nursing Staff) left for England on the termination of her agreement on 30th May.

Miss SHELBOURNE (Nursing Sister) arrived on the 4th June to fill the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Miss BATCHELOR (Nursing Sister).

Miss MILLINGTON (Nursing Sister) was granted leave from 17th October to the 15th November. Nurses GLOVER and FORD were employed temporarily during the plague epidemic, from 16th June to 15th September and from the 10th July to the 9th October, respectively.

Miss MAKER (Nursing Sister) proceeded to Japan on two months' leave in July.

Miss WATSON (Nursing Sister) was granted two months' leave from 20th September.

Nurse MANNERS was granted leave from 1st September to 1st October.

Nurse HOGG went to Manila on a month's leave in October.

Miss RENWICK and Miss GOURLEY (Nursing Sisters) arrived on the 9th October to join the Nursing Staff, specially for plague work.

Nurse Mrs. U I' KAI was granted leave from 1st September to 1st November.

Mrs. ACKERS, Matron, Women's Hospital, returned from leave on 19th October.

Wardmaster LEE went on home leave on the 1st April.

Corporal NEWLING, R.A.M.C., and Private LAKE, R.A.M.C., were employed at Kennedy Town Hospital from the 1st April to the 27th July and from the 21st May to the 24th July, respectively, we are indebted to the Military Authorities for the loan of their services.

Wardmaster O'BRIEN arrived on 27th August.

CLERICAL STAFF.

Mr. CHU SZE YAN (Second Assistant Clerk) was promoted to a clerkship at Victoria Gaol on the 1st May, and Mr. UN SHIN TSEUNG was appointed in his place.

POLICE.

The admissions to the Hospital were slightly in excess of those of last year, the number being 937 as compared with 920, the strength of the Force being somewhat greater, viz., 884 as against 866.

Malarial fever contributed 407 admissions as against 390 in 1900. There has been a marked diminution in the number of malarial fever cases from the Police Stations in the New Territory: on comparing Tables III for the two years we find that the nine Police Stations in the New Territory to the North of the range of hills bounding Kowloon give the following figures:-

Police Station.

† Sha Tau Kok,

* Ping Shan,

Sai Kung,

* San Tin,

* Tai Po,

* Sha Tin, * Tai 0,

† Au Tau,

† Sheung Shui,

Average Strength.

1900.

Malarial Fever Admissions.

1901.

1900.

1901.

153

138

In other words there was a diminution in the percentage of malarial fever cases from 90 per cent. in 1900 to 52.5 per cent. in 1901.

This was undoubtedly occasioned to a great extent by the active prophylactic treatment which was commenced on May 1st last year and continued up to the 1st of November: this treatment varied at the different Police Stations; at those marked * KocH's method was used, one gramme of quinine being given daily for two days followed by an interval of five days without any quinine and so on; at those marked † a daily dose of three or five grains of quinine was given; whereas at Au Tau ‡ 3% grain of arsenious acid was given twice daily.

It must also be borne in mind that the Police were housed in permanent buildings in 1901.

723

The other diseases which occasioned the greatest number of admissions were dysentery 36, beri-beri 10 and enteric fever 4.

The admissions to the Hospital from the various sections of the Force is given in the following Table:

Year.

European.

Indian.

Chinese.

1892,

152

224

120

1893,

134

255

133

1894,

127

244

134

1895,

254

116

1896,

370

124

1897,

320

107

1898,

279

122

1899,

117

421

154

1900,

183

1901,

202

522 521

215

214

There were eight deaths during the year-four Europeans died of endo-carditis, typhoid fever, pneumonia and empyema, respectively. There were two deaths amongst the Indians from malarial fever, and two Chinamen died-one from beri-beri and the other from plague.

Sixteen were invalided, namely, three Europeans, ten Indians and three Chinese, the causes being dysentery, phthisis (four), asthma, sprue, hemiplegia, dropsy, chronic rheumatism, beri-beri, sciatica, tuberculosis, chronic synovitis and debility (two).

year.

Table I gives the admissions and deaths in the Government Civil Hospital during each month of the year.

Table II shows the rate of sickness and the mortality in the Force during the Table III gives the admissions to the Hospital for malarial fever from each station during the year. The following Table gives the total admissions to Hospital and deaths in the Force for the last ten years:-

Year.

1892,

1893,

-1894,

1995,

1896,

1897,

1898,

1899,

1900,

1901,

Admissions.

Deaths.

.496

..522

...505

.466

.588

...526

..488

..692

..920

..937

TROOPS,

There was an increase in the number of admissions to the Hospital as compared with 1900. From Table IV it will be seen that the mortality amongst the European troops was less and that amongst the Indian troops was higher than in the previous year.

The average daily rate of sickness was higher with in European and Indian troops, this being more marked in the latter.

Amongst the deaths in the British troops were two from enteric fever, two from bubonic plague and four from malarial fever, five dying of heat apoplexy.

The following Table gives the sickness and mortality amongst the Troops for the past ten years :—

Year.

1892,

1893,.

1894,

1895.

1896,

1897,

1898,

1899,

1900,

1901,

Admissions.

Deaths.

2,844

.2,927

.2,905

.3,099

.4,274

.4,455

.3,896

.4,714

.3,938

...5,359

GAOL STAFF.

Eighty-one members of the Gaol staff were admitted to Hospital during the year out of a total staff of 93.

There were two deaths and four were invalided, the deaths were one European from malarial coma and one Indian from phthisis; the invalidings were three Indians from phthisis and one Chinaman from rheumatism.

724

SANITARY DEPARTMENT.

There were thirty admissions as against fifteen in 1890. There were no deaths and none were in- valided.

GOVERNMENT CIVIL HOSPITAL.

The total number of admissions to the Government Civil Hospital was 2,948 as against 3,030 in 1900, and 2,734 in 1899. The total number of out-patients was 12,663 as against 13,883 in 1899.

Attached to this Report are the following Tables:-

V. Showing the admissions and mortality in the Government Civil Hospital during the year 1901. VI. List of operations performed during the year 1901.

VII. Showing the rate of mortality in the Government Civil Hospital during the last ten years. VIII. Showing the admissions into and deaths in the Government Civil Hospital during each month of the year 1901.

IX. Showing the admissions and deaths in the Government Lunatic Asylum during each month of the year 1901.

X. Showing the number of patients in the Asylum and the disease for which they were admitted. XI. Showing the admissions and deaths in the Government Maternity Hospital during each month of the year 1901.

The following Table gives the number and classification of those admitted to the Government Civil Hospital during the past ten years:-

1892. 1893. 1894.

1895.

1896. 1897. 1898. 1899.

1900. 1901.

Police,

496

522

505

466

588

529

488

692

920

937

Board of Trade,

157

132

100

129

Paying Patients,....

378

467

491

198

632

603

741

764

891

830

Government Servants...

168

205

168

203

269

227

186

208

266

339

Police Cases,

232

247

272

319

244

299

306

347

348

Free Patients,

284

262

427

668

778

742

785

739

569

466

1,715

1,835

1,963 2,283 2,598 2,445 2,571 2,734 3,030 2,948

It will be seen that there is a decided increase in the number of Government Servants admitted, a slight increase in the number of Police and a marked diminution in the number of free patients admitted; this was accounted for last year by the fact that it is impossible to admit many cases which attend as out-patients and who should be in-patients owing to the large increase in the number of sick Police and Government Servants admitted, these two classes of patients alone contributing 276 more than in 1899.

The admissions into and deaths in the Hospital for the past ten years are as follows:-

Year.

1892,

1893,

1894,

1895,

1896,

1897

1898,

1899,..

1900,..

1901,...

Admissions.

Deaths.

.1,715

1,835

.1,967

· 101

..2,283

114

..2,598

143

.2,445

119

2,571

138

.2,734

114

.3,030

155

..2,948

153

The rate of mortality for the year was 5.18 per cent.

The average daily number of sick was 111.72 as against 110.95.

Women and Children.-The number admitted was 281 as against 325. It is to be hoped that the Victoria Hospital for Women and Children will be ready for occupation this year, the intention is to treat most of these cases there, one ward only being retained at the Government Civil Hospital for urgent cases and for those who could not be removed so far.

NATIONALITY.

Europeans.-960 were admitted during the year as against 943 in 1900. Indians.-834 were admitted as compared with 788 in the previous year.

Asiatics.-1,154 were admitted during the year, the figures being 1,154 as against 1,299 in 1890.

DISEASES.

The following diseases caused the greatest number of admissions:—

Fevers:-

Malarial, Enteric, Dengue, Febricula,.

....

.803

869

Venereal Diseases,

.189

Diseases of the Digestive System, .......189 Respiratory System, ...184

Dysentery,.. Injuries,..

..101 ........442

The following diseases caused the greatest number of deaths:-

Diseases of the Respiratory System,...... 28 Malarial Fever,

Effects of Malarial Fever,

Enteric Fever,

Dysentery,..

725

Injuries of various kinds caused 29 deaths.

Dengue.-There was an epidemic of this disease in the autumn months, thirty-two cases having been admitted to the Hospital. It was in all likelihood introduced from Singapore-cases at the com- mencement of the epidemic were mistaken for influenza but the initial and terminal skin eruptions quite distinguish it from this disease.

On examining the peripheral blood a rod shaped bacillus with rounded ends was found, one or two parts of the bacillus staining darker than the rest.

Attempts were made to obtain a growth on blood serum, gelatine agar and glycerine agar, but all failed with one exception.

From this case, with a well marked secondary eruption, a growth was obtained on glycerine agar, this was inoculated into a guinea pig which died in eighteen hours, (probably from the cold weather); but from the spleen and heart of this guinea pig cultures were obtained which contained similar bacilli to those found in the blood.

Many cases were complicated with malaria.

Enteric Fever.-There were 25 cases under treatment with 8 deaths, 11 of these were imported cases and 3 occurred amongst members of the Police Force.

Cholera.-There were no cases suffering from this disease during the year.

Dysentery.-There were 98 cases with 8 deaths.

Diphtheria.-Two cases were admitted, one had been ill for some days before admission and although tracheotomy was performed the patient succumbed, to all appearance she was progressing favourably when she died suddenly of heart failure; the second, who evidently contracted the disease from the first, recovered, he was brought in as soon as the disease appeared. Both were treated with antidiphtheritic

serum.

Beri-beri.-There were 41 cases under treatment, as against 29 in the previous year, with 4 deaths. Malarial Fever.-803 cases have been treated as against 674 last year, all were diagnosed by microscopical examination of the blood, and the results are:-

Malignant (Malignant Tertian) and Estivo-autumnal, Tertian Simple,

Quartan Simple,

Mixed infection,..

..86·30%

8.21%

1.12%

•

4.35%

It will be seen that

Table XII gives the varieties met with during each month of the year. malaria prevails all the year round, but less in the dry winter months. This is probably due to the fact that we never get any long spell of cold weather, even in the coldest months hot summer-like days in- tervening.

Also it is rare that the hill streams completely dry up so that the mosquito never dies out.

CEREBRAL MALARIA OR MALARIAL COMA.

Six cases of this nature were admitted with three deaths, in none was the temperature high, in other words this form of malarial infection does not at any rate here produce hyperpyrexia, the behest temperature being met with in those suffering from simple tertian.

APYREXIAL FORMS OF MALARIA.

These are difficult to explain on the theory that it is the liberation of the toxins when the spores sporulate which produces fever.

We had at least six cases during the year, where malarial parasites were found in the blood, but there was no rise of temperature, three of the six were suffering from the malignant type, one had mixed infection, simple tertian as well as the malignant, and there were also two cases in which quart- an parasites were present without any fever, in one of these two the parasites were sporulating.

Malaria seems to complicate most of the diseases met with here. This is not to be wondered at when it is remembered that nearly every one contracts malarial fever and it is an undoubted fact that given one attack of malarial fever any illness or injury which reduces the vitality of the patient predisposes

726

to a return of the malarial parasites in the blood, e.g., during the year nearly every patient's blood was examined microscopically, and Dr. BELL found the following results:-

Dysentery. Out of 101 cases 66 showed the presence of malarial parasites.

Phthisis. Out of 68, parasites were found in 35 cases, in many cases of phthisis the fever is malarial as on the administration of quinine, it frequently subsided.

Enteric Fever.-13 out of 25 gave malarial parasites.

Liver Abscess.-3 out of the 6 cases showed the presence of malarial parasites.

Dr. BELL has fully discussed this subject in a report on malaria written last summer in which he

has given the results of the experience of himself and Lieutenant STEWART, I.M.S.

Liver Abscess.—6 cases were treated during the year with no deaths, three were operated on success- fully, two burst into the lung and recovered, the diagnosis being made from the history and the presence in the sputum of hepatic cells.

Appendicitis.-There were 7 cases as against 6 last year, one only was operated on, they all

recovered.

Tetanus.-2 cases occurred, both proved fatal.

Antitetanic serum obtained from the Pasteur Institute at Paris was used in the first case and seemed to modify the spasm. In the second case the man was knocked down by a heavy sea on the voyage between Singapore and Hongkong and sustained a compound fracture of the right thigh. The limb was amputated and it was observed just before the operation that there was some slight trismus, tetanus rapidly developed after the operation, tetanus bacilli were found in the wounds, this case is returned in Table under injuries.

used.

Bullet Wounds.-There were not so many as usual, 9 only being admitted as against 18 in 1900. Poisoning.-There were only 2 cases during the year, in both opium was the poisonous agent

Surgical Operations.-There were not so many as usual during the year, the numbers being 188 as against 225 in 1900. We had to treat many more malarial fever cases in the surgical wards than is generally the case.

used.

Lithotomy.-3 cases, all successful.

Strangulated Hernia.-One case, which recovered.

Anaesthetics.—Chloroform was given 193 times during the year, Junker's Inhaler being generally

Fractures and Dislocations:-The following were treated during the year :-

Fracture of the Skull,

Jaw,..

..14 cases with 8 deaths.

1 ""

Arm,

Fore-arm,

Clavicle, Leg,.....

Dislocation of the Elbow,

Hip,.... Shoulder,

•

.13

་

Vaccinations.-644 vaccinations were performed during the year with the following result:—

Successful. Unsuccessful.

Primary Cases,

Re-vaccinations,

248

234

148

Total.

262

382

644

Fees.-The total fees received during the year in the Medical Depratment was:-

Hospital Fees,

Private Nursing Fees, Certificates,

.$32,443.55

865.00 650.00

$33,958.55

Buildings. A scheme for fitting the Hospital with electric light has been drawn up during the year, the necessary expenditure has been sanctioned, and before next summer it is expected that this will be installed.

A new operating theatre is very much required.

LUNATIC ASYLUMS.

Tables IX and X show the admissions and deaths that have occurred during the year and the disease for which the patients were admitted. There were nineteen less admissions than in 1890. A report on the working of the Asylum is attached.

727

Room for outdoor exercise has been obtained by enclosing the vacant ground to the South of the European Asylum.

Staff-Wardmaster LEE proceeded home on leave.

MATERNITY HOSPITAL.

Table XI gives the admissions and deaths in the Hospital during each month of the year, there were 54 admissions, the same number as in 1900.

The two fatal cases were Chinese, one came in with retained placerta and died of septicæmia, the other died from malarial coma (see note of the case in the Appendix).

Eleven were wives of Government Servants, 27 private paying, and 16 free.

PRIVATE NURSING INSTITUTE.

The term of engagement of the private nurses having terminated in May the Government decided to discontinue their services.

"Stouford."-Stowford is still rented in order to find accommodation for three of the Sisters and the two probationers. It is to be hoped that the much needed extension of the Nursing Quarters will soon become practicable.

GAOL.

The following Table gives the number of admissions to the Gaol and the daily average number of prisoners for the past ten years:—

Total No. of Admissions

to the Gaol.

Daily Average

No. of Prisoners.

1892,

.5,046

515

1893,

..4,010

458

1894,

.3,913

455

1895,

.5,014

472

1896,

.5,582

514

1897,..

5,076

462

1898.

5,427

511

1899,.

4,789

434

1900,

5,432

486

1901,.

.5,077

499

Undoubtedly the Gaol is not now large enough for the Colony's requirements.

The new Warders' Quarters is rapidly approaching completion, when finished the new Hospital will be available for patients.

TUNG WAH HOSPITAL.

There were 21 less cases treated than in the previous year.

It will be noticed also that the number of those under so-called Western treatment has not in- creased but diminished, e. g. :—

1900, 1901,

Western Treatment.

.32 % ....30.4 %

Chinese Treatment. 57.7% 69-6 %

It must also be remembered that those attending the out-patient department are not seen by the European doctors but by the so-called Native doctors.

PUBLIC MORTUARY.

An interesting report by Dr. BELL on the post mortem examinations during the year is attached. Two thousand two hundred and fifty (2,250) bodies were brought to the Mortuary as against 1,702 in 1900.

In 1,035 of these plague was the cause of death and as is pointed out 36-6% occurred in bodies found in the streets or harbour whose addresses were unknown and I agree with Dr. BELL that some radical measure must be taken to stop this surreptitious deposition of plague bodies in the streets.

KENNEDY TOWN INFECTIOUS HOSPITAL.

The building has been thoroughly painted and colour-washed throughout and the verandahs on the top floor enclosed with iron railings.

Two hundred and sixty-seven (267) patients in all were treated during the year, 42 being cases of small-pox, 15 cholera, which all came in February from Bangkok by the s.s. Cheung Chau, and 204 were suffering from plague.

The report of the visiting medical officer is attached.

Evidently the presence of plague bacilli in the blood of those affected must vary in different epidemics as in 1896; in 81% of the cases plague bacilli were found and this by such an experienced bacteriologist as Dr. WILM.

728

As it appears evident that this Hospital will be required yearly for plague patients, a permanent nursing staff was requisitioned for from home consisting of two Nursing Sisters and two Wardmasters, this is a much better arrangement than being dependent on the Military, and any nurses we can obtain for extra help in epidemic times, the services of these officers are utilised in the other Hospitals of the department when not required at Kennedy Town Hospital.

Another Assistant Surgeon has been obtained from England so that there can, in future, be a resid- ent medical officer at Kennedy Town Hospital during epidemic times-a much needed requirement.

HOSPITAL HULK "HYGEIA."

This ship was improved during the year by fixing more skylights on the floor of the upper deck, by this means the lower deck is better lighted; arrangements were made for improving the ventilation. of the lower deck.

VACCINE INSTITUTE.

The Vaccine Institute has been satisfactorily maintained, Dr. CLARK taking over charge when the Colonial Veterinary Surgeon left on leave.

The lymph has given every satisfaction.

The amount paid into the Bank for the sale of lymph was $263.00.

VACCINATIONS.

The following vaccinations were performed during the year:-

Government Civil Hospital,

Victoria Gaol,..

Tung Wah:-

644

.2,880

Alice Memorial Hospital

771

Victoria,

.1,826

Aberdeen,

Stanley,

Shaukiwan,

Hung Hom, Yaumati,

1,952

6,247

ANTI-MALARIAL MEASURES.

During the year much has been done in combating mosquitoes.

In February a systematic filling up and draining of the pools in the nullahs at Kennedy Town near the old Tung Wah Mortuary, adjoining Nethersole Hospital and in the neighbourhood of the Upper Richmond Road, was instituted.

A supply of Professor CELLI's larvicides was obtained in May, these were extensively used in the ravines in the neighbourhood of the Richmond Estate at West Point during the summer months; the results were not altogether satisfactory as anopheles larvæ were found in pools in which they had been applied; it is just possible that these were not used in sufficiently large quantities.

It was proved that they were not so effective as kerosene in killing the larvæ, the drawback to kerosene is that it destroys the potability of the water to which it is applied whereas Professor CELLI's larvicides do not impure the water.

I fear it is a hopeless task to endeavour to keep the untrained nullahs free of pools especially in the rainy season when malarial fever is rife, the nullah beds, owing to the rains and weathering effects. of the atmostphere, are continually changing, fresh pools being formed from day to day.

The only effectual remedy is to train the nullahs; this however is a very expensive operation, .., it would cost $10 for a lineal foot for the larger nullahs and $8 per foot for the smaller ones, on this basis training the nullahs to the West of the Richmond Estate would cost $15,000.

Much, I understand, has been done in the way of training nullahs in the neighbourhood of the houses within the built area of the City, but to train all the nullahs on the outskirts of the City is a formidable task, and it is for Government to determine whether this extensive operation should be undertaken.

In a flat country it is comparatively easy to get rid of these pests but in a mountainous island like this it is quite another matter.

There are so many fissures and natural excavations along the hillsides where mosquitoes breed in large numbers that I doubt myself whether, even if the nullahs were trained, it would be practicable to exterminate these insects; however it would certainly diminish their numbers.

In October last I carried on some experiments with the help of Inspector WATSON, in order to ascertain which oils, etc., were most destructive to the larvæ. We experimented with the following mineral oils:--

Snowflake. Comet.

300° mineral Colza and Jeye's fluid.

729

The results were as follows: Snowflake.-On adding one teaspoonful to 1 gallons of water in a circular vessel teeming with larvæ, we found that they were all dead in two hours.

Comet-Under the same conditions no larvæ were dead in two hours, although they were much less active, in 10 hours they were all dead.

300° Mineral Colza.-A few of the larva were dead in two hours, several alive after 24 hours. On adding a tablespoonful instead of a teaspoonful to the water, the following results were obtained :—

Snowflake. All the larva were dead in ten minutes.

Comet. About same effect as a teaspoonful of Snowflake.

Colza.-A number alive after six hours.

Snowflake is much more destructive than Comet, it also spreads more rapidly on the surface of the water; with the Colza the oil does not spread so well on the water.

One tablespoonful of Snowflake was tried in a water run round a cress bed and all the larva sank within 5 minutes.

In stagnant water Jeye's fluid is by far the most effectual larvicide, one teaspoonful to 1 gallons of water with the same surface as was used before killed the larvæ in 2 minutes.

Twenty drops in the same quantity of water killed them all in six hours, it also has this effect that it kills all the larvæ in the water whereas the oils only kill those on the surface, it is useless in running water as it mixes with it and does not float on the surfaces.

To show the difficulty there is in ridding certain neighbourhoods of this Colony of anopheles I would refer to the extensive operations carried on in the spring of last year at the Military sanatorium, Magazine Gap, at the suggestion of Dr. YOUNG, a Civil Medical Officer attached to the China Expedi- tionary Force, to free this place of malarial fever.

Two hundred men of the Indian Regiment were detailed to carry out the necessary work under Dr. YOUNG's supervision, the hills were cleared for a distance of 300 yards of all brushwood and under- growth, several bogs were drained and the anopheles pools in the nullah were filled up.

Notwithstanding all these measures, however, fever was so prevalent there in the autumn months that the station had to be vacated by the Troops.

NEW TERRITORY.

Dr. Ho NAI Hor has continued to reside at Tai Po and has performed the duties of Resident Medical Officer in the New Territory, the distances he has to travel are very great and it is practically impossible for him to do justice to the large resident population there, the question of appointing another medical officer to reside in the West of the New Territory say somewhere in the Shap-Pat- Heung Valley will soon have to be considered. I attach the annual report on the work of the medical department in the New Territory.

In an Appendix I give a report by Dr. THOMSON regarding the mosquitoes which occur in the Colony of Hongkong, this has entailed an immense amount of labour and has, as was to be expect- ed, confirmed the fact that where malarial fever is rife there anopheles abound.

In Appendix 1 is given the notes of several cases of interest which have occurred in the Hospital during the year.

Appendix B contains the report by Dr. THOMSON, already referred to, regarding the mosquitoes that occur in the Colony of Hongkong.

Attached are the reports of:-

1. The Medical Officer to the Lunatic Asylums.

2. The Medical Officer in charge of the Public Mortuary.

3. The Medical Officer in charge of the Infectious Diseases Hospital.

4. The Medical Officer to Victoria Gaol.

5. The Medical Officer to the Tung Wah Hospital.

6. The working of the Medical Department in the New Territory during 1901.

7. The Report of the Government Analyst.

In conclusion my thanks are due to the several members of the staff for their assistance rendered during the past year, and I take this opportunity of thanking all those who in the past year have remembered the patients by forwarding them flowers, books, periodicals, &c.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your most obedient Servant,

J. M. ATKINSON, M.B. (Lond.) D.P.H. (Cant.) Principal Civil Medical Officer.

The Honourable

THE COLONAL SECRETARY,

&c.,

&c.

&C.,

Central,

No. 2,

No. 5,

No. 6,

No. 7,

No. 8.

Tzat Tzs Mui,

Shaukiwan,

Aberdeen,

Stanley.

l'okfulam,

Gap,

Mount Gough,

Water, Yaumati, Hunghom.. Shi Tau Kok. Ping Shang, Tung Ching, Sai Kung,.. Sun Tin.... Kowloon City, Tai 0. Un Long, Sha Tin, Tai Pó,

Au Tau,

Shek O,

Sheung Shui,

730

POLICE.

Table I.-Shewing the ADMISSIONS into and DEATHS in the GOVERNMENT CIVIL HOSPITAL during each Month of the Year 1901.

EUROPEANS.

INDIANS.

CHINESE.

MONTHS.

TOTAL Admissions. Deaths.

TOTAL

Admissions.

Deaths. Admissions.

Deaths. Admissions. Deaths.

Remaining on the 1st Jan.,

1901,.

January,.

February,

Marchi,

April,

May,

19 -

June,

...

July,

August,

September,

October,

November,

NS:

123

December,

(15

Total,......

202

521

214

937

J. M. ATKINSON,

Principal Civi1 Medical Officer.

Table II.—Shewing the RATE of SICKNESS and MORTALITY in the POLICE FORCE during the Year 1901.

AVERAGE STRENGTH.

TOTAL SICKNESS.

TOTAL DEATHS. RATE OF SICKNESS.

RATE OF MORTALITY.

European.

Indian.

Chinese. European. Indian. Chinese. European. Indian.

Chinese.

European. Indian.

Chinese.

European.

Indian.

Chinese.

126

354

404 202 521 214

↓

160.31 147.17 52.97

3.17 0.56 0.49

J. M. ATKINSON, Principal Civil Medical Officer.

Table III.-Shewing the ADMISSIONS to HOSPITAL from the POLICE for MALARIAL FEVER

from each Station, during the Year 1901.

Average

STATIONS.

Strength.

January.

February.

March,

August.

September.

October.

November.

December.

Total.

149

~~: C-N: Nouri nanRewadBeauti N63

Kennedy Town,

Total,

42 i 50

407

J. M. ATKINSON, Principal Civil Medica! Officer.

YEAR.

Table IV.-Shewing the RATE of SICKNESS and MORTALITY of the TROOPS SERVING in HONGKONG during the Years 1900 and 1901.

AVERAGE STRENGTH.

ADMISSIONS INTO HOSPITAL.

DEATHS.

AVERAGE DAILY RATE OF SICKNESS.

731

RATE OF MORTALITY PER 1,000 OF THE

STRENGTH.

White. Black. Total. White. Black. Total. White. Black. Total. White. Black. To tal. White. Black. Total.

1900, 1,484 1,785 3,269 1,986 1,952 3,938

1901, 1,673 2,677 4,850 2,465 2,894 5,359 16

23 17

123.98 78.56| 202.54 15.40 9.52 24.92

139.48 147.33 286.81 9.60 19.05 28.65

G. A. HUGHES, Lt.-Col., R.A.M.C., P. M. O., China and Hongkong.

Table V.-Showing the ADMISSIONS and MORTALITY in the GOVERNMENT CIVIL HOSPITAL during the Year 1901.

GENERAL DISEASES.

ADMISSIONS.

DEATHS.

TOTAL.

Euro-

peans.

Indians & Asiatics, Coloured including Persons.

Japanese.

Euro- peans.

Indians & Asiatics, Coloured including Persons. Japanese.

Small-pox,

Measles,...

Rubella-ynonyms: Rotheln, German Measles. Epidemic Rosel

Kash.

Dengue.

Plague,

Influenza.

Diphtheria,

Simple continued Fever-Synonym ; Febricula,

Enteric Fever-Synonym: Typhoid Fever,

:26:;:

Choleraic Diarrhoea-Synonym: Cholera Nostras, Dysentery,

Beri-beri-Synonym: Kakki,

Malarial Fever,

231

357

199

787

Hvala -⠀

PHAGEDENA-

a. Sloughing Phagedoena,

Erysipelas,..

Pycemia...

Tetanus...

Tubercle,

∞ =

12481

42-

comcom

Leprosy-Synonym: Elephantiasis Grœcerum,

SYPHILIS-SYNONYM: POX-

« Primary, ard chancre or infecting sore, b. Secondary, or Constitutional,

Vegetable

ནཾ》

Vegetable Poisons, Heat,

c. Inherited,.

Gonorrhoea-Synonyms: Clap, Blennorrhagia, Diseases dependent on Animal Parasites,

Effects of Animal Poisons.

ALCOHOLISM-

Delirium Tremens,

Rheumatic Fever-Synonym: Acute Rheumatism,

Rheumatism,

Gout,

OSTEOARTHRITIS-SYNONYMS: ÅRTHRITIS NODOSA, ARTHRITIS

DEFORMANS. HEUMATOID ARTHRITIS,.

New Growth, Non-malignant,

Ancemia,

Malignant,

IDIOPATHIC ANŒMIA-SYNONYM: PERNICIOUS ANŒMIA, Congenital Malformation..

Debil ty,

LOCAL DISEASES-

Diseases of the--

Nervous System,

Eye,

Ear.

Circulatory system,

Respiratory,

Digestive.

Lymphatic.

Urinary ystem

Generative System...

Male Organs,

Female Organs,

Organs of Locomotion,

Connective Tissue,

>kin,

Injuries,

Under Observation,

8610

878-

KAL

:**

1478

SAT

144

**********

192

180

348

475 60

TOTAL,

1,016

834

1,098

2,948

145

J. M. ATKINSON,

Principal Ciril Medical Officer.

}

732

Table VI.-LIST of OPERATIONS performed during the year 1901.

SURGICAL OPERATIONS.

Removal of Tumours,-Buboes, Incision,

Scraping,

Sebaceous Cyst,

Fibroma of Face,

Palate,

Angioma of Face,

OPERATIONS.

DEATHS.

Wounds, of Foot,

of Scrotum,

Papilloma,

Condylomata,

of Wrist (suturing tendons),

of Hand,

Bullet Wounds,

of Abdomen,

Eye Operations,-Cataract,

Hypopyon, Entropion,

Ptosis,

Operations on Head and Neck,-Harelip,

Tracheotomy,..

Operations on Respiratory Organs,-Paracentesis Thoracis,

Empyema,....

Operations on Genito-Urinary Organs,-Hydrocele,

Operations on Digestive Organs,-Piles,

Circumcisions, Lithotomy,...... Urethral Calculus, Fungus Testis,

Fistula in Ano,

Hepatic Abscess,

Appendicitis,

Strangulated Hernia,..

Abdominal Section,

Paracentesis Abdominalis,

Operations on Organs of Locomotion,-Amputation of Thigh,

Leg, Arm,

Forearm,

Foot,

Toes and Fingers,

1-30 01:00 00

Necrosis,.. Ulcer of Leg,

Plantar and Palmar Abscess,. Abscess,

Operations on Cellular Tissue,-Whitlows,

Opening Knee Joint,

Total,...

188

J. M. ATKINSON,

Principal Civil Medienl Officer.

Table VII.-Shewing the RATE of MORTALITY in the GOVERNMENT CIVIL HOSPITAL during the last 10 Years,

Rate to Total Number of Rate to Number of Europeans Rate to Number of Coloured Rate to Number of Asiatics

Admissions.

Admitted.

Persons Admitted.

Admitted.

1892,

Per cent.

3.96

P'er cent.

Per cent.

1892,

2.92

1892,

3.28

1892,

5.74

1893,

3.65

1893,

1.57

1893,

2.28 1893.

7.34

1894,

5.14 1894,

8.71

1894,

3.51

1894,

7:30

1895,

4.99 1895,

2.47

1895,

1.32

1895.

8.85

1896,

5.50 1896.

3.65

1896,

1.84

1896,

8.88

1897,

4.86

1897,

3.63

1897,

2.61

1897,

6.56.

1898,.

5.36

1898.

5.07

1898,

2.07

1898,

6.59

1899,

4.16

1899,

4.06

1899,

2.27

1899,

5.22

1900,

5.16

1900,

3.81

1900,

3.93

1900,

6.77

1901,

5.18

1901,

4.58

1901,

4.31

1901,

6.32

J. M. ATKINSON,

Principal Civil Medical Officer.

Table VIII.-Shewing the ADMISSIONS into and DEATHS in the GOVERNMENT CIVIL HOSPITAL during each Month of the Year 1901.

733

EUROPEANS.

COLOURED.

CHINESE.

MONTHS.

Total Admissions.

Total Deaths.

Admissions. Deaths.

Admissions. Deaths. Admissions. Deaths.

Remaining on the 1st

January, 1901,

January,

February,

March,

April,

May, June,

July,

August,

September,

October,

November,

December,.

・4555464631

121

120

100

141

Total,

960

834

1,154

alaBaaer ~ ∞ ∞ ∞ ~ 2 00 13

211

157

191

219

235

226

259

255

286

297

322

206

2,948

153

J. M. ATKINSON,

Principal Civil Medical Officer.

Table IX-Shewing the ADMISSIONS into and DEATHS in the GOVERNMENT LUNATIC ASYLUMS

during each Month of the Year 1901.

EUROPEANS.

COLOURED.

CHINESE.

MONTHS.

Total Admissions. Deaths.

Total

Admissions. Deaths. Admissions. Deaths. Admissions. Deaths.

Remaining on the 1st

January, 1901,

January,

February,

March,.

April,

May,

June,

July,

August,

September,

October,

November,

∞ONNO 00 CO 6) G7 to to co ∞ «H

December,

*∞VOVN¤veauvo

Total,......

J. BELL,

Medical Officer in charge of Asylums.

Table X-Shewing the NUMBER of PATIENTS in the ASYLUM during the year 1901, under the respective Diseases.

Mania,

Delusional Insanity,

Dementia,

Melancholia,

Idiotcy,

EUROPEANS.

INDIANS.

CHINESE.

TOTAL.

Male.

Female.

Male.

Female.

Male.

Female.

~~~

Total,..

J. BELL,

Medical Officer in charge of Asylums.

MONTHS.

734

Table XI-Shewing the ADMISSIONS into and DEATHS in the GOVERNMENT MATERNITY HOSPITAL during each Month of the Year 1901.

EUROPEANS.

JAPANESE.

CHINESE & INDIANS,

Total Total Admissious. Deaths.

Admissions. Deaths. Admissions. Deaths. Admissions. Deaths.

Remaining on the 1st

January, 1901,

January,

February,

March,.

12+

April, May, June,

July,

August,

10 10 ON

September,

October,..

November,

૨

December,

OWLOW 00 10 on f10-03 (9

Total,..

January.

February.

J. M. ATKINSON,

Principal Civil Medical Officer.

Table XII. Shewing Varieties of MALARIAL FEVER, uncomplicated and associated with other Diseases, occurring monthly at the GOVERNMENT CIVIL HOSPITAL during 1901, and Percentage of Cases to Number of Patients in Hospital.

March.

April.

May.

June.

July.

August.

September.

October,

November.

Quartan, ..

] 1

Simple Tertian,

Maliguant,

Mixed Infection,

* 186

115

109

106

121

114

919

Total,

74 94 123 122

119; 133

125

1,036

Percentage,

33.1726.11 17.80 26.0231.4841.59 | 43.62 | 47.8441.60 44.77

38.82 19.90 35.14

J. M. ATKINSON, Principal Civil Medical Officer.

Appendix.

HEPATIC ABSCESS DUE TO MALARIA-OPERATION-RECOVERY.

An officer of the Garrison was admitted to hospital on the 7th December suffering from fever of 3 days' duration. The patient was a strong young man with only 3 months' foreign service, all in this Colony. He had never had dysentery or malaria before and was a very abstemious person.

His tongue was furred, temperature 103.4 with enlargement and tenderness of the liver. Blood slide showed numerous malignant quotidian parasites. Under quinine in various forms and doses and saline purgative he improved somewhat, the chart however being very irregular 100 to 101 or 104, occasionally normal all day and parasites being sometimes present (4th, 13th, 22nd February and 8th March) and at other times absent (12th, 18th, 19th and 24th January and 25th February). The liver dulness diminished considerably but still remained enlarged somewhat and tender in one spot. On the 28th Febuary an exploratory puncture showed the presence of pus and the usual operation was performed. After the operation the temperature still kept up in an irregular manner rising to 100.8 or 103 in the evening- a small piece of necrosed rib was removed and on the 1st April the temperature fell to normal and kept so throughout. The patient began to mend and put on weight and left for home on the 1st May with a small sinus still discharging.

Remarks.-The cause of the liver abscess seems to have been the malaria which was very obstinat notwithstanding frequent and large doses of quinine. The presence of parasites in the blood w rather puzzling and took one's attention off the hepatic condition.

December.

Total.

735

Pro NEPHROSIS DUE TO CALCULUS-WITHOUT PAIN OR FEVER.

A German aged 56 was admitted on the 21st of December. Patient looked ill and seemed much older than the age he gaye. He stated that he had been suffering from dysentery in Manila and had come over to get stronger. His stools were liquid and bilestained and were about 5 or 6 a day and this diarrhoea throughout was quite unaffected by treatment. His blood showed no malaria and he com- plained of no pain anywhere throughout the illness. His temperature varied between 96 and 98.4 during his illness. His urine was examined on several occasions and was always normal save on the last occasion, 6 days before death, when "a faint trace of albumin" was reported. He slowly became more and more drowsy but was easily roused for his food and medicine. His lips and mouth were frequently covered with thrush. He passed his motions in bed throughout. Towards the end he became delirious and very irritable. The case was seen by several medical men and the diagnosis of auto-intoxication confirmed, the absorption probably taking place from an old dysenteric ulcer. The treatment consisted in liquid diet, stimulants and various antiseptics. He died on 17th February.

Post mortem.-Intestines much atrophied but no signs of dysentery. Liver cirrhotic. Heart and lungs normal. Right kidney enlarged and lobulated. Left kidney had a small stone firmly blocking the ureter, pelvis dilated and full of pus, the abscess cavity extending into the substance of the kidney.

MALARIAL COLITIS SIMULATING APPENDICITIS-RECOVERY.

A German soldier was brought to hospital by his medical attendant to be operated on for appendicitis on the 2nd April. He had been ill for three days with constipation, fever (102°), furred tongue and offensive breath. The abdomen was very tympanitic and tender more especially over McBurney's point. His bowels had not acted for four days, his temperature was 102.4, pulse 110. On the following day he was still very tympanitic and tender and the least pressure in the neighbour- hood of the appendix elicited much pain. There was frequent vomiting and dulness in both flanks. His temperature was 101.4 and a blood slide showed numerous non-pigmented ring-formed parasites (malignant quotidian). After several doses of saturated solution of magnesium sulphate the bowels acted copiously and the stools were full of "jelly like" material. Under quinine grs.

Under quinine grs. 5 every 4 hours and saline purgatives he slowly improved, vomiting ceased, tongue cleaned and the distension and tenderness disappeared and the temperature became intermittent in the morning and 101° in the evening. The quinine was reduced to 5 grains terdie but in 48 hours the symptoms recurred, pain more especially in R. iliac fossa extending to the region of the bladder and the stools were again full of "jelly like" mucus. The quinine was ordered to be given every 3 hours, hot fomentations applied to the abdomen and a quiniue enema (30 grains) given every night. In 48 hours the patient was much improved and the temperature fell to normal and remained so. Dulness and a sense of resistance in the R. iliac fossa continued for some few days but eventually cleared up. Patient was discharged quite well on the 1st May.

GENERAL PARALYSIS OF THE INSANE-RECOVERY AFTER THREE YEARS.

A German sailor was admitted to the Asylum from the Gaol on 9th April, 1898. He had been several times in Gaol for petty thefts (kleptomania) and on the last occasion the Medical Officer considering he was "silly" transferred him to the Asylum. For several months he was under obser- vation without any definite symptoms save that he was decidedly silly, laughing constantly and for no apparent reason, &c. He was sent to a general ward in the Civil Hospital where in a day or two com- plaints were made, by the other patients, of his stealing all and everything he could find and hiding them away, sitting up all night writing (the writing being unconnected and mostly rubbish), putting on several suits of clothes, &c. On re-admission to the Asylum he rapidly became worse, noisy and violent and full of delusions. His ideas were all of an extravagant type. He was at times Emperor of Germany, Queen of England, President U.S.A., &c., owned stores and stores of money, millions of ships, &c. He required a bullock for each meal, barrels of beer and 1,000 of cigars. This stage lasted for a long time and for over two years he was the noisest lunatic we have ever had, incessantly talking and shouting and hardly ever sleeping. He became very dirty in his habits and very troublesome as he had a delusion the walls and floors were covered with arsenic and it was his business to clean them with his head and mouth and it was extremely difficult to prevent him doing this. At times he ceased to be violent and noisy and was extremely liberal to his attendants, giving them gold, silver, jewels and ships, &c. His pupils were unequal and presented the Argyll-Robertson phenomenon. No history of syphilis was obtainable though on the chance he occasionally had Iodide of Potassium but as he resented any medicine under the impression they were poison, it was not persisted in. His weight fell from 162 lbs. to 124 lbs. but he slowly regained it towards the end and weighed 172 lbs. when he left. Slowly his violent attacks diminished in frequency, his appetite returned, and his delusions ceased to be marked up to 11th Novemher, 1900, when he had a series of fits of an epileptic nature with a very feeble pulse. After this the cure became more rapid and more marked so that in July he was allowed out daily and went round visiting his friends, the Consul, &c. and returning daily to the Asylum. He lǝft on August 22nd, 1901, for Germany looking well and apparently free from all delusions.

Remarks. A cure from this disease being very rare, the case is recorded. There was no doubt of the diagnosis as he was seen by several medical men who all agreed as to the nature of the illness.

736

The improvement was so gradual and so marked that one is justified in looking upon it as a cure and not a remission.

MALIGNANT MALARIA WITH OBSTRUCTIVE JAUNDICE.

A European sailor from a coasting steamer was admitted on 28th June. His temperature was 100, conjunctive jaundiced, left lobe of liver very tender and constant vomiting, a blood slide showed numerous malignant quotidian parasites. The jaundice became rapidly general and the vomiting very persistent, under hypodermics of morphia the latter symptom subsided but the patient became delirious and rapidly sank, dying on the 2nd July. The temperature was normal in the morning and 104 in the evening of 29th, normal all day 30th, 105 in the morning and 102 in the evening of 1st.

Post mortem.-Jaundice deeply marked all over. Gall bladder slighly distended but no obstruction could be made out. Brain congested and excess of fluid. Spleen enlarged and soft. Smear from this organ teemed with malarial parasites.

CHRONIC PANCREATITIS-JAUNDICE-Death.

An engineer was admitted from a steamer on the 30th May, 1901, deeply jaundiced and dying. The only history obtainable was that he had had jaundice for over a year but had been doing his duty up to a few days before his admission. He was deeply jaundiced all over, temperature 101, quick almost uncountable pulse and great dyspnoea. He was put to bed and given stimulants but died a few hours after, passing a large tarry stool just before death.

Post mortem.-Gall bladder was much distended and full of bile, intestines full of blood. Pancreas very much enlarged and hard being about double the average size and weighing eight ounces. The head was firmly adherent to the common bile duct and intestines. Section of pancreas was stained and showed a large increase in the connective tissue but no recent hemorrhages.

MALARIA COMA-PREMATURE BIRTH-DEATH.

A Chinese prisoner in about the 8th month of pregnancy was suddenly seized with a fit at the Gaol on 1st June, 1901. When seen she was quite unconscious, with contracted pupils, deep stertorous breathing, insensitive conjunctivæ and small feeble pulse. Under the idea she was suffering from uræmia she was transferred to the Maternity Hospital. On arrival she was in much the same condition, temperature 100, and passing her urine unconsciously. By means of a catheter a specimen was obtained-1015, acid, trace of albumen-3.3% urea. The following day she was slightly better and could be roused by loud shouting and tried to do what she was told (put out tongue, &c.). The urine contained albumen with blood corpuscles and blood casts. Labour came off naturally, the child, however, being dead. On the 3rd the temperature was 103, urine normal, patient again more uncon- scious-a blood slide showed large numbers of malignant quotidian parasites. Ten grains of quinine hypodermically were given night and morning but without any drop in the temperature which on the 4th went up to 106.8. As the patient was quite unconscious and evidently sinking, lumbar puncture was performed and the tube left in for 48 hours. Under ice packing the temperature fell to normal. at mid-night. The blood next morning was still full of malaria though the patient was much better and more easily roused. The quinine was increased to 15 grains twice daily hypodermically and a mixture of Tinct Ferri mXV and Quinine gr. II given every two hours. The patient, however, slowly became more unconscious, the temperature ranging between 101 and 105 till the 7th when she died, temperature 106. Throughout urine and fæces were passed unconsciously.

Liver cirrhotic,

Post mortem.-Heart and lungs normal save for some old adhesions at right base. 22 lbs., kidneys normal but much congested, spleen 5 oz., brain soft and congested but no increase in the fluid either at base or in ventricles, blood smear from spleen teemed with parasites.

INTESTINAL OBSTRUCTION DUE TO STRICTURE OF RECTUM.

A married European female, aged 31, was admitted to hospital on August 21st. She was quite well up to the 20th, when she was seen by a medical man who prescribed a pill (Pil Hydrarg grs. III. Pil Coloc Co. grs. IV.) for vague abdominal pain and vomiting. On admission her temperature was 102.4, with furred tongue, tympanitis and tenderness all over the abdomen, but more especially in the right iliac region, malignant malarial parasites were found in the blood. Her previous medical history was good though there was a history of an attack of dysentery in 1895 but no abdominal trou- ble since. The vomiting continued throughout, the rejected matter consisting of green "spinach like " material and never feculent. Bowels did not respond to enemata, salines or small repeated doses of calomel. On 24th she was examined under chloroform but nothing definite could be found to account for the symptoms. There was no dulness in the right iliac fossa and nothing was felt per rectum. 25th her condition was the same and as the tympanitis was distressing and the vomiting continued a small trocar was inserted into the intestines and a quantity of fœtid gas escaped with a certain amount of relief. On 26th, as her condition was decidely worse laparotomy was performed. The intestines were much congested and distended, there was no appendicitis and no cause was found to account for the distension. She slowly sank and died the same day.

Post mortem.-No peritonitis or appendicitis. Intense enteritis. The whole of the small intestine and the large intestine as far as the sigmoid flexure were distended and at the lower end of the sigmoid flexure a stricture was found, the intestine being contracted to the size of a goose-quill. On cutting through this constriction it was found to be due to the cicatrisation of a dysenteric ulcer with thick- ened and indurated edges. There was no tubercular disease anywhere.

737

Remarks. The case is interesting on account of the obscurity of the cause of all the abdominal symptoms. The temperature was accounted for to a certain extent by the presence of malarial parasites (malignant tertian) in the blood. Although the patient was a delicate woman her condition could hardly be attributed to the aperient she had taken. The puncture of the intestine with the smallest trocar in Potain's aspirating case afforded relief and did not induce the slightest local inflammatory trouble.

HEPATIC ABSCESS-OPERATION FOLLOWED BY GUMMA OF THE LIVER-RECOVERY,

A French sailor, 42 years of age, was admitted on June 7th, having been ill 15 days with fever. His temperature on admission was 101°, liver much enlarged with distinct fluctuation in front. The abscess was opened, the walls stitched to the skin and a tube inserted. It healed rapidly but the tempe- rature still ran an intermittent course, being normal in the morning and 102° or 103° in the evening. On the 13th, malignant parasites were found in the blood and 5 grains of quinine given every four hours. This brought the fever down to normal in a few days and he soon put on weight and was waiting for a passage home when on July 29th the temperature again rose with parasites in his blood (after he had been out on leave for the first time). There was also a distinct tumour of the liver below the ribs which was hard and not tender on pressure. Notwithstanding quinine every 3 or 4 hours the temperature still continued an irregular course, rising to 100° and occasionally to 103° in the even- ing. On August 11th, he was aspirated but no pus found. A distinct specific history having been obtained he was put on Potass Iodid grs. xv terdie. The temperature almost immediately fell to normal and continued to, and the swelling slowly but markedly disappeared. He left for Europe on 9th September looking and feeling well, his weight having risen from 8st. to 8st. 7lbs. and without any trace of hepatic enlargement.

INTESTINAL OBSTRUCTION DUE TO PLAGUE-DEATH.

An English boy aged 11 was admitted to hospital on the 9th September. He had been taken ill two days previously with a sharp pain in the abdomen for which a dose of castor oil was prescribed which however only set up vomiting immediately after being taken. On admission his temperature was 1023, foul tongue and pain in abdomen, chiefly in right iliac fossa where there was a distinct sense of resistance on pressure. His temperature continued between 102 and 104 till the 11th, with great abdominal distension and pain. On this day a papular eruption was seen chiefly on forehead and back of ears. In the evening slight delirium was noticed for the first time. On the 12th the condition was much the same with frequent vomiting (bile and blood), very fœtid breath, epistaxis and abdominal distension, and from this onwards no further action of the bowels occurred. There was dulness in both flanks. The stools were liquid and bile-stained. There was distinct tenderness and dulness in the right iliac fossa where a distinct tumour could now be felt. In the evening the enema contained only a trace of fæces. The morning temperature was 100° and a few malignant malarial parasites were found in the blood. The evening temperature was 101.8 and the pulse varied between 88 and 92. The case became slowly worse, pulse 120 to 130, vomiting, constipation and great distension, and a trace (2) of albumen in the urine till the 14th-8th day of illness-when the temperature rose to 105, and the patient succumbed.

Post mortem. Small intestine normal. Spleen hard and firm. No appendicitis. Large intestine (cœcum) swollen with hæmorrhagic extravasation into the walls for about 3 inches causing almost complete obstruction. Mesenteric glands swollen and hæmorrhagic. Retroperitoneal extravasation well marked. Slight amount of bloody fluid in abdominal cavity. Spleen and glands full of typical plague bacilli, a culture of which was injected into a guinea pig and produced death with plague bacilli in internal organs.

Remarks. No idea of plague was ever thought of in diagnosing this case which was looked upon at first as being one of malarial colitis or appendicitis, and the patient was treated accordingly with saline purges and hypodermics of quinine. Fortunately for various reasons no operation was attempted. Authorities on plague mention the possibility of mistaking the disease for appendicitis but such a case as this is worth recording owing to the very definite tumour and complete obstruction produced.

COMPOUND FRACTURE OF FEMUR-AMPUTATION-DEATH FROM TETANUS.

A European sailor was knocked down by a heavy sea on the 10th December and sustained a compound comminuted fracture of the lower end of the right femur. On arrival here, six days after the accident, the man was brought to hospital. The wound was thoroughly cleaned, some jagged ends of bone removed and an endeavour made to save the limb. As the temperature chart pointed to septic infection, amputation was decided upon, and assisted by Staff Surgeon NOLAN, R. N., and Surgeon WALLIS, R. Ñ., at 11 a.m. on the 20th, the limb was removed. Just previous to the operation the patient complained of stiffness in the jaw muscles and inability to open his mouth. To our regret smears taken from three places in the wound showed tetanus bacilli. The patient stood the shock fairy well and at 1 p.m. was conscious, the spasms short and frequent, and the pulse fairly strong. At 4 p.m. he had a severe spasm which almost raised him off the bed, and died suddenly.

Remarks.-The extreme rarity of tetanus following operations here makes this case worth record- ing. It is extremely difficult to account for his having been infected on board a ship as the bacillus is generally looked upon as an earth germ and the steamer had not been carrying manure, horses or other animals as cargo. Immediately after the injury everything seems to have been done to keep the wound clean and the limb at rest by means of Carbolic lotion and an improvised splint.

738

REPORT REGARDING THE MOSQUITOES THAT OCCUR IN THE COLONY OF HONGKONG.

HONGKONG, 15th February, 1902. SIR,I have the honour to submit, for purposes of the Annual Medical Report, the results of a systematic examination and classification of the mosquitoes that prevail in Hongkong and its Depend- encies, on which I was engaged during the twelve months ending 30th September, 1901.

For somə months previous to September, 1900, I was working at the subject as I had opportunity, but my field of observation was limited to the Colony itself until in that month the Honourable F. H. MAY, C.M.G., Captain Superintendent of Police, kindly consented to my proposal that I should be supplied with at least one dozen mosquitoes from each of the Police Stations throughout Hongkong itself and the New Territory once a week for a year. As the Police Stations are approximately equally scattered over the whole area, the mosquitoes that were sent to me may be assumed to fairly satisfactorily represent the actual relative prevalence of these insects in this locality..

2. I distributed a number of glass test-tubes to each of the thirty-six Police Stations, with general instructions for the catching and transmitting of the insects in such a way as to avoid injury to them. They were to be caught by means of the glass tubes, killed by a whiff of tobacco-smoke, and sent enclosed in match-boxes to the Central Police Station, from which they would be duly forwarded to me. It was requested that about two-thirds of each consignment should be caught in the evening, or from mosquito-curtains in the early morning, and the remainder from species seen flying about in the day time; and further that no selection of any kind should be made, the first dozen or so caught on any given date being sent.

The arrangements made have been carefully carried out by the officers in charge of the stations, with few exceptions; and I beg to express my thanks to the Captain Superintendent of Police, Chief- Inspector MACKIE, and the officers of the Police Force for their hearty co-operation in this research.

3. During the twelve months, 1st October, 1900, to 30th September, 1901, 32,266 insects were sent to me from the Police Stations. Of these, 31,390 proved to be mosquitoes; the others were chiefly insects belonging to cognate families, such as fungus gnats (Mycetophilida), midges (Chironomide), sand flies (Simulidae), &c.

1,169, .., 3.7 per cent. were Anopheles, of three species, and 30,221, i.e., 96.3 per cent. were Culex, of twelve species. As is shown in Appendix II, the number of species of Culex is probably considerably larger, some that I describe as varieties being perhaps distinct species.

4. I enclose a Table (Appendix I) showing in detail my observations during the year as regards the various Police Stations. I show for each station the number of specimens received, the number of Anopheles and Culex respectively, and the names of the species of both that have come from the station. I describe the different species by letters corresponding to those used in the Systematic Account of Hongkong Mosquitoes given below (Appendix II). Similar tables showing the same facts, but without the names of species, for each month and each quarter of the year are included in my quarterly reports on this subject, which have appeared in the Government Gazette.

5. The monthly percentage of Anopheles and Culex has been as follows:-

Anopheles.

Culex.

Mosquitoes examined.

Number.

Per cent.

Number.

Per cent.

October,

401

106

26.4

295

73.6

November,

796

6.3

746

93.7

December,

2,342

138

5.9

2,204

94.1

January,

3,380

143

4.2

3,237

95.8

February.

2,524

1.4

2,489

98.6

March,

1,586

3.1

1,537

96.9

April,

3,501

115

3.3

3,386

96.7

.May,

5,476

116

2.1

5,360

97.9

June,

3,562

111

3.1

3,451

96.9

July,

2,582

138

5.3

2,444

94.7

August,

2,296

3.8

2.208

96.2

September,

2,944

2.7

2,864

97.3

Last Quarter, 1900,

3,539

294

8.3

3.245

91.7

First Quarter, 1901,

7,490

227

7,263

97.

Second Quarter, 1901,

12.539

342

2.7

12.197

97.3

Third Quarter, 1901,

7,822

306

3.9

7.516

96.1

The Twelve Months,

31,390

1,169

3.7

30,221

96.3.

739

6. In considering the percentage of Anopheles in the foregoing table, two modifying circumstances require to be allowed for. The percentage for October, 1900, is too high, owing to the fact that I was then receiving an unduly large number of insects from the more malarial Police Stations, and less in proportion from the more healthy stations. And on the other hand, the percentage of Anopheles shown for August and September, 1901, is probably much below the average for the Colony as a whole during those months, owing to the fact that from the end of June vigorous measures for the destruction of the larvae and breeding-places of these insects were in operation in the neghibourhood of all my collecting stations. I drew up a series of simple instrutions on this subject, as brief and elementary as possible, and these were embodied in a General Order to officers in charge of Police Stations by the Captain Superintendent of Police (v. Appendix III). They were carried into effect more or less thoroughly, and, while the Police reaped the benefit, my statistics were vitiated in the direction I have indicated. Allowing for these modifying circumstances, it will be found that the prevalence of the Anopheles mosquito runs quite parallel with what we already know of the prevalence of malaria in the Colony. Both are at their minimum in February, and at their maximum between the months of July and October.

7. No Anopheles were found among mosquitoes sent to me from the following stations:-

No. 5, No. 6, No. 7, No. 8, Kennedy Town, Mount Gough, Shaukiwan, Tsim Sha Tsui,

Stone Cutters' Island, Hung Hom, and Kat 0.

8. The following Table shows the stations from which Anopheles were sent to me, and the per- centage of Anopheles among the total mosquitoes received from those stations:-

Anopheles.

Culex.

Mosquitoes examined.

Number.

Per cent.

Number.

Per cent.

No. 1 Station,

1,261

0.5

1,255

99.5

No. 2 Station,

575

0.2

574

99.8

No. 3 Station,

1,178

0.1

1,177

99.9

Pokfulam,

852

2.5

831

97.5

Aberdeen,

688

681

99.

Stanley,

963

1.6

948

98.4

Shek O

748

116

15.5

632

84.5

Tsat Tsze Mui,

600

7.8

553

92.2

Yaumati,

1,066

0.1

1,065

99.9

Fuk Tsun Heung,

558

0.2

557

99.8

Kowloon City,

1,717

0.1

1,716

99.9

Sha Tin,

572

7.5

529

92.5

Sai Kung,

552

1.4

544

98.6

• •

Tai Po,

809

191

23.6

618

76.4

Sha Tau Kok,

4,401

414

9.4

3,987

90.6

Sheung Shui,

815

1.2

805

98.8

San Tin,

837

1.7

823

98.3

Au Tau,

1,841

113

6.1

1,728

93.9

Ping Shan,

245

4.9

233

95.1

Tai O,

399

9.5

361

90.5

Tung Chung,

226

34.5

148

65.5

Ch'eung Chau,

4,704

00.2

4,703

99.98

Lamma,

604

574

95.

9. In Appendix II I describe systematically the mosquitoes that prevail in the Colony, examin- ing in each case the wings, legs, head, appendages, thorax, abdomen, and size. The size I express in millimetres (inch). It will be noted that, so far as Hongkong is concerned, the wings of Anopheles are in all species spotted, and those of all forms of Culex unspotted.

There are three species of Anopheles--a sub-species of Anopheles Sinensis, and two species which have been recognised as new species, not thus far observed elsewhere, by Mr. F. V. THEOBALD, Ento- mologist at the British Museum, to whom I submitted them. He has named one of them Anopheles Maculatus from its markings, the other Anopheles Minimus from its minute size. The former I at first belived to correspond to Anopheles Costalis of West and South Africa, but there are specific differences. I need not here enter into descriptive details, which I have set forth at length in the Appendix.

Anopheles Sinensis breeds chiefly in the rice-fields and the ditches surrounding or draining them, the other two chiefly in the ravines; but they do not confine themselves exclusively to their usual habitats.

740

As to the relative prevalence of the three species of Anopheles, I am not able to speak as regards the 294 Anopheles which I received during the last quarter of 1900, but of 875 received during the three quarters of 1901 included in this research, 483 were Anopheles Sinensis, 249 Anopheles Macu- latus, and 143 Anopheles Minimus.

10. I have differentiated twelve species of Culex, which I describe at length in the Appendix. There are probably considerable more, as some of the varieties of certain species which I describe may be regarded by entomologists as distinct species. I do not attempt to follow THEOBALD in his new classification of mosquitoes, just published in the Tropical Journal, into twenty-four different genera, breaking up the old genus Culex into some twenty new genera, based on the arrangement of the scales which cover the insects. For instance, he now decribes Culex Scutellaris and Culex Obturbans, two of the most common of the Hongkong mosquitoes, as Stegomyia Scutellaris and Armigeres Obturbans.

Culex Fatigans, Culex Scutellaris, Culex Obturbans, and Culex Concolor have been described before. Culex Anulus, Culex Scriceus, and Culex Reesii are new species, and have been named by Mr. THEOBALD from specimens which I submitted to him. Culex Reesii he has so called from our mutual friend Dr. D. C. REES, lately Superintendent of the London School of Tropical Medicine, who put me in communication with Mr. THEOBALD. The insects which I have indicated by the letters, "n" "o", "p", "r", "r", and "s", I, have carefully described, but not named. "p" may be Culex Fuscanus ; the others are, I think, new species but this question I shall remit to Mr. THEOBALD at the British Museum.

Culex Scutellaris is the black and white striped mosquito so common all over the Colony during the day time; Culex Fatigans and Culex Reesii are the equally common brown mosquitoes, to be found everywhere and at all seasons in the evening; Culex Obturbans is the very large dark mosquito, also very widely prevalent. The others are less abundant, but for the most part occur pretty generally throughout the Colony.

It may be noted in passing that Culex Fatigans is the most usual intermediate host of the blood parasite, Filaria Nocturna, the cause of Elephantiasis and its kindred diseases, by no means uncommon. in this locality.

While Anopheles as a rule only use for breeding purposes clean water in more or less natural collections, the various species of Culex lay their eggs wherever stagnant water exists, in broken dishes, empty tins, flower pots, water tanks or barrels, drain traps, and the like. Nothing is too dirty to have its appropriate mosquito developing in it. Culex Obturbans is the most loathsome of all in its larval state, finding its most favourable conditions in decomposing urine.

11. I do not propose to enter here into details of prophylaxis against these insects, which I have dealt with in special reports: but direct attention to certain observations which I made during the winter,

I found the larvæ of Anopheles in the nullahs throughout the whole winter, in scarcely diminished. numbers, though there were few in the pupa stage, and development at that season is evidently very slow or arrested.

I was able to note the effects of severe cold at the beginning of February. On 1st February, I had made a careful examination of the Kennedy Town nullah, and found Anopheles larvæ plentiful. On the 3rd there was a sudden rapid drop in the temperature, and when I examined the stream again on the 5th there were few larvæ to be seen. It seemed as if they had been killed by the cold. But for- tunately I had some larvæ under observation at the time in a glass jar in my verandah. Under the influence of the cold these became torpid or sluggish, and most of them seemed dead. On the 7th, however, the sun shone out brightly, and the seemingly dead ones as well as the others became quite lively again. It is probable, therefore, that much of the diminution in numbers of the larvæ in the ravines during the winter is more apparent than real, since they are most easily recognised in ordinary circumstances by their very characteristic movements when disturbed.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your obedient Servant,

JOHN C. THOMSON, M.D., M.A.

Dr. J. M. ATKINSON,

Principal Civil Medical Officer,

&c.,

&c.

APPENDIX I.

PREVALENCE OF MOSQUITOES, DURING THE YEAR ENDING 30TH SEPTEMBER, 1901.

NAME OF STATION.

ANOPHELES.

CULEX.

3741

Specimens received.

Other Genera.

Number. Species. Number.

Species.

Central Station,

Nil.

No. 1 Station,.

1,360

No. 2

576

No. 3

1,334

No. 5

107

No. 6

100011

a b

1,255

574

efhikn efhiknr

1,177

efhiknor

156

107

ehir

ehino

No. 7

462

447

efhik

No. 8

efhiko

Kennedy Town,

764

716

efhikn

Mt. Gough,

efhi

Pokfulam,

872

a b c

831

efhikmnor

Aberdeen,

735

681

efghikmur

Stanley, Shek O,

Shaukiwan,

Tsat Tsze Mui,

980

a be

948

efhiknor

750

116

632

efhimno

1,579

1,538

efhikmnor

607

b c

553

efhikn

Tsim Sha Tsui,

678

676

efhikn

Yaumati,

1,069

1,065

efghiknrs

Fuk Tsun Heung,

572

557

efhiknor

Stone Cutters' Island,

ehkon

}

Hung Hom,....

729

*25

efhinor

Kowloon City,

1,726

1,716

efhiknor

Sha Tin Gap,

Nil.

Sha Tin,

662

Sai Kung,

648

Tai Po,

819

191

Sha Tau Kok,........

4,428

414

Kat 0,....

709

ུ།

a b c

529

efghiknops

a b c

544

efghikn

a h C

618

efhinnopr

a b c

3,987

efhiknopr

696

efhi

Sheung Shui,

829

a b

805

efhikmnor

San Tin,

916

a b c

823 efhiknor

Au Tau,

Ping Shan,

Tai O,

Tung Chung,

Cheung Chau,..

Lamma,

1,853

113

a b c

1,728

efhikmnor

251

a b

233

efghikn

408

a b c

361

efhiko

233

148

efhikm

4,704

4,703

efhikn

628

a b c

574

efhiknor

Total,.......

32,266

1,169

a b c

30,221

efghikmnoprs

876

Less,....

876

Net Total,.

31,390

APPENDIX II.

AN ACCOUNT OF HONGKONG MOSQUITOES.

A.-Anopheles Sinensis (Wiedemann).

Sub-species; Annularis.

Wings spotted. Dark brown costa, with two lighter interruptions. Dark brown spots irregularly placed on wing field. Legs brown. White-banded at joints. White bands at apices of tarsi.

Antennæ and palpi brown. Proboscis darker brown.

Thorax brown. Linear markings of a deeper brown.

Abdomen brown, unbanded.

Length, 5 mm.

B.-Anopheles Maculatus.

A new species.

Wings spotted, transparent. Four linear black spots along costa, with three pale intervals. Also faint linear spots on wing field at points on course of veins.

Legs black, white-banded. White bands at apices of tarsi.

Antennæ grey. Palpi black, white-banded, and white-tipped. Proboscis dark-brown, with pale tip.

Thorax brown, with grey-white tomentum.

Abdomen brown, unbanded.

Length, 4 mm.

742

C.-Anopheles Minimus. A new species.

At first sight appears simply a dwarf variety of Anopheles Maculatus.

it is exceedingly minute.

All its markings are less distinct, and

Wings spotted, transparent. Four linear black spots along costa, with three pale intervals.

wing field. The black is not so deep as in the previous species.

Legs black, white-banded. Faint white bands, at apices of tarsi.

Also faint linear spots on

Antennæ grey. Palpi black, white-banded, and white-tipped. In some specimens the palpi are brown and unbanded. Proboscis dark brown, with pale tip.

Thorax brown, with linear darker markings.

Abdomen brown, unbanded.

Length, 2 mm.

E-Culex Fatigans (Wiedemann).

Wings unspotted. Transparent.

Legs brown. Unbanded.

Antennæ, palpi, and proboscis brown.

Thorax brown, with golden scales, and with a median and two lateral dark bare lines.

Abdomen banded. Segments brown, with white bands at bases.

Length, 4 mm.

F-Culex Anulus.

A new species.

Wings unspotted. Dark veins.

Legs brown.

White-banded at joints. White bands at apices of tarsi.

Antennæ grey. Palpi brown. Proboscis brown, with broad white band at the middle of it. Thorax brown, with lighter linear markings.

Abdomen brown, with white bands at bases of segments.

Length 3 mm.

G.-Culex Sericeus.

A new species.

Wings unspotted, brown, transparent, with prominent veins.

Legs brown, unbanded.

Antennæ grey. Palpi and proboscis brown.

Thorax brown, with golden-yellow tomentum.

Abdomen speckled, blackish brown, with yellowish white bands at bases of segments. Length, 5 mm.

Wings unspotted. Greyish brown.

H.-Culex Reesii.

A new species.

Legs yellowish brown. Unbanded.

Antennæ grey. Palpi brown, with black tip in male. Proboscis brown.

Thorax brown, with faint linear marking.

Abdomen speckled, blackish brown, with faint pale bands at bases of segments.

Length, 4 mm.

I-Culex Scutellaris. (Walker).

(Stegomyia Scutellaris. Theobald.)

There are several varieties of this insect, differing markedly in size. There is also one in which the median white line, while present on the head, is absent from the thorax, which is a very dark brown. Probably some of these would by entomologists be described as different species. The one I describe may be regarded as the type.

occur in different parts of the Colony.

Wings unspotted. Greyish, with dark scales on veins

Legs dark, with whitish femur, and with white bands at bases of tarsi.

Antennæ grey. Palpi white-tipped in female, with four white bands in male. Proboscis black. Head and thorax with median white line, with silvery white spots on sides of thorax.

Abdomen black, with silvery white bands at bases of segments.

Length, 4 mm.

K.-Culex Obturbans. (Walker.)

(Armigeres Obturbans. Theobald).

The different varieties

Mr. Theobald recognised the specimens of this which I sent him as Culex Obturbans, but many of the specimens agree more closely with the Culex Ventralis of Walker. It may be that sub varieties of both, approaching each other in charac- teristics, are present in the Colony. They are both large species. While I adopt the name Culex Obturbans, the following description of the insect, as it is now in large numbers before me, is very like the description of Culex Ventralis in Giles's Handbook of Mosquitoes.

Wings greyish, unspotted. Veins black, with fringe of large scales. Legs almost black, unbanded.

Femur pale underneath.

Antennæ grey. Palpi brown. Proboscis black.

Thorax brownish black, unadorned above, with white spots on sides.

Abdomen black, dorsally unbanded, but with pure white bands on under surface.

Length, 65 mm.

In some specimens the thorax and abdomen are more brown than black.

M.-Culex Concolor. (R. Desvoidy.)

Wings unspotted, clear, transparent.

Veins almost nude.

Legs yellowish, unbanded.

Antennæ pale brown. Palpi brown. Proboscis yellowish.

Thorax reddish brown, with three indistinct brown hairy lines.

Abdomen yellowish brown, with pale yellow bands at apices of segments. Length, 7 mm.

Probably a new species.

Wings smoky, owing to thick black scales on veins, unspotted. Legs black, unbanded.

Antennæ, palpi, and proboscis black.

Thorax black.

Abdomen dark brown.

Length, 5 mm.

Unbanded

Probably a new species.

743

Wings unspotted, transparent, with dark seales on veins.

Legs black, with white bands on bases of tarsi.

Antennæ grey.

Thorax brown.

Palpi black, and in the male with white band at middle. Proboscis dark brown.

Abdomen brown. Unbanded.

Length 4 mm.

There is a variety of this insect with a darker thorax and abdomen, greenish-black in colour.

Probably Culex Fuscanus (Wiedemann;.

Wings unspotted. Dark owing to thick covering of large scales on veins.

Legs brown, uubanded.

Antennæ grey. Palpi and proboseis brown.

Thorax brown, with grey tomentum.

Abdomen black, with faint grey bands at bases of segments.

Length, 4 mm.

Under " r "I have included two small dark species, which to the naked eye look alike, but show marked differences on examination with a lens. I shall describe them as "r" and "r"

R.-Probably a new species.

Wings unspotted. Veins thickly covered with dark scales. Legs dark brown, unbanded.

Antennæ, palpi, and proboscis dark brown.

Thorax very dark brown. Fine linear markings of grey hairs. Abdomen black. With faint grey bands at bases of segments. Length, 3 mm.

R1.

Probably a new species.

Wings unspotted, transparent. Veins almost nude.

Legs dark reddish brown, unbanded.

Antennæ, palpi and proboscis black.

Thorax black. Faint pale linear marking.

Abdomen black, unbanded.

Length, 4 mm.

Probably a new species.

Wings unspotted, greyish, with dark scales on veins.

Legs dark, with whitish femur, and white bands at bases of tarsi.

Antennæ greyish. Palpi white-tipped in female, with white bands in male. Proboscis black. Thorax dark reddish-brown, with white spots on sides.

Abdomen black, unbanded.

Length, 24 mm.

►

APPENDIX III.

Directions for the Destruction of the Larvæ of Mosquitoes, embodied in a General Order to Officers in charge of Police Stations, 22nd June, 1901.

The one great principle to act on is to prevent or abolish all stagnant water.

Careful search should be systematically made in the neighbourhood of all dwellings for any vessels that might contain stagnant water from rain or any other source; and arrangement should be made to keep them empty, or to have them emptied, or the water changed, once a week.

If running streams or ravines be anywhere near a station, efforts should be made to confine the water to a central channel. Side pools should be filled up; rock hollows should be smoothed out by cement or concrete, or a channel should be made from them by means of hammer and chisel; and a ready exit, or drainage under ground, should take the place of all oozings of water from the ground surface.

Where this guiding principle cannot be applied, or until it can be applied, still or stagnant water surfaces should be systematically inspected for the presence of larvæ of mosquitoes, and measures adopted to destroy them. This is most conveniently done in this locality by sprinkling the water surface with kerosene oil. The oil spreads in a very thin layer over the surface, and prevents the larvæ from rising to breathe the air, which results in their speedy death. About one tea-spoonful of oil to each square yard of water surface is sufficient, and, if there is little movement of the water, once a week is often enough.

As the colour of the larva assimilates itself to the colour of the water it inhabits, the larvæ cannot usually be easily seen in the water pool itself It is necessary to dip up the water with a rapid dip of a large spoon or a saucer.

744

Enclosures.

GOVERNMENT CIVIL HOSPITAL,

HONGKONG, 1st January, 1902.

SIR,-I have the honour to forward the Annual Report on the Government Lunatic Asylum for

the year 1901.

Table IX shows the admissions and deaths that have occurred during the year and Table X the diseases for which the patients were admitted.

The total number admitted was 90 as against 109 in 1900.

Europeans.-No females were admitted during the year. The American female admitted in April, 1895, is still in the Asylum and quite incurable mentally. The German Sailor admitted in April, 1898, and the Austrian in 1900 have both recovered and been sent home. The former's case being of great interest has been inserted in the Appendix. No deaths occurred amongst the Europeans.

Indians.-One died as the result of debility in a chronic imbecile.

Chinese.—The admissions this year were 76 as against 97 in 1900. There were 6 deaths, 22 patients were sent to Canton and 43 handed over to their friends.

I am glad to say no accidents occurred during the year.

Wardmaster G. R. LEE proceeded on leave in March and was succeeded by Mr. GRIFFITHS.

The buildings are in a good state of repair but require colour washing and painting outside, as this has not been done for many years. The fireplaces in lieu of gas stoves, suggested in last year's report, have been built and are a great improvement.

The improvements suggested by you, whereby more room for outdoor exercise for the patients, will be available, are being carried out.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your obedient Servant,

THE PRINCIPAL CIVIL MEDICAL Officer.

J. BELL,

Medical Officer in charge of Lunatic Asylum.

GOVERNMENT CIVIL HOSPITAL,

HONGKONG, 31st January, 1902.

SIR,-I have the honour to foward the Annual Report on the work done at the Public Mortuary during 1901.

On May 12th I took over charge from Dr. THOMSON.

Owing to the want of accommodation, especially noticeable in plague epidemics, an improvement was made by adding a few more tables and a better water supply. In view of the fact that even now there is only accommodation for 16 bodies, I trust the extension, sanctioned last year, will soon be carried out, if possible before the next plague epidemic.

The Chinese Caretaker has continued in charge and done his work very satisfactorily, and, I am glad to say, escaped any infection.

Attached Table gives the causes of death as certified.

General Remarks.-Only 15 Eurpoeans were brought to the Mortuary out of 2,250. The rest. were Chinese, Indians, Portuguese and Japanese-the Chinese of course predominating. Of the total number 45.5 per cent. were found in the streets or harbour, i.c., without their addresses being known. During the plague epidemic a few rats were examined occasionally with a view to ascertaining whether they had died of plague. The numbers were unfortunately very small, but in May and June those I examined gave a death-rate of 24% due to plague. In September, at the suggestion of Dr. KINYOUN (United States Marine Hospital Service), a large number were examined with his kind assistance and the result showed a plague death-rate of 5.10%. Subsequently I examined 100 every month and it is interesting to note that the subsidence of plague amongst human beings corresponds to that amongst rats, October giving 2%, November 1% and December nil. This investigation will show whether the plague epidemic amongst rats precedes or not the epidemic amongst mankind.

Special Remarks. Plague. This disease heads the list by a very large number-1,035 out of 2,250. Of this number no less than 36.6% occurred in bodies found in the streets or harbour and consequently without their address being known. This percentage continues high throughout the year and does not seem to be affected in any way by any measures taken or any concessions made. The percentages month by month were:-

January 42.8, February 33.3, March 39.4, April 44.4, May 35.04, June 34.5, July 34.3,. August 45.4, September 59.09, October (no cases), Nevember 100. This question has been frequently discussed as militating seriously against checking the disease in the early months of the year, but it is.

745

not easy to suggest a remedy. Cremation is now carried out for this disease all over the world and it is perhaps more needed here as our space, for disposing of bodies dying from epidemic diseases, is extremely limited. I would much like to see a crematorium attached to the Mortuary as it would save much unnecessary handling and carrying about of bodies which, especially in the summer months, is anything but pleasant and an attempt to popularise this method might be made by thus disposing of all unclaimed bodies.

The largest number of cases occurred in May (428). There were 12.18% of non-bubonic cases. At the beginning and during the height of the epidemic by far the largest number of cases were of the bubonic type whilst from July onwards the septicemic variety prevailed. The percentage of septicemic cases were month by month :-

January, February, March,

April, May,

June, July,

August,..

September,

...Nil.

.Nil.

.11.1 per cent.

5.3

8.6

35.8

.72.7

100

October,

November,

December,.

No cases.

100 per cent. .Nil.

The routine examination of the spleen blood of every case sent in has been extremely useful in detecting cases sent in as one of drowning, accident, &c. and especially amongst the bodies so decomposed as to prevent the cause of death being ascertained.

In the latter cases it is thus possible to exclude plague as a cause of death.

Two cases may be cited as showing the necessity of being careful in this matter. A girl was sent in, found by the Police floating in the harbour, and her mother stated she last saw her alive asleep on the sampan where it was presumed she fell off and was drowned. A spleen smear, however, showed it to have been a case of plague. A boy was sent in who had fallen downstairs and dislocated his neck. His neck was dislocated but his spleen was full of plague bacilli and his house was accordingly disinfected. Another interesting case was that of a Chinaman who had been bitten by a rat a few days previous to his death. The bite on the thumb, the lymphangitis up the arm, and the axillary bubo full of plague

bacilli were all well marked.

Enteric Fever.-From these figures (3) it does not seem as if this disease was very prevalent amongst the Chinese though it must be borne in mind that in a long illness of this kind no doubt many cases are removed to their own homes on the mainland.

Malarial Fever.—Exclusive of plague about 5% of the deaths come under this heading. Next year, I am inclined to think, the figures will be higher as the "unknown' cases from the convents will no doubt come in fair numbers under this heading as well as some of the "unknown" cases found in the streets. In connection with this disease I may mention that the parasites, spores and crescents in the spleen rapidly disappear after death being apparently disintegrated by the post montem bacilli and I found this to occur in one case inside of 40 hours. Probably therefore many of the cases under the heading "unknown" may be malarial. I have also found signs of recent malaria (spores, &c.) in smears taken from brain, liver and kidney as well as spleen and this may have a practical use inasmuch as the liver and kidney disintegrate much slower than the spleen so that in some of the "unknown" bodies one may be able in future to ascertain whether or not death was due to malaria for, as I have already stated, 30 or 40 hours after death all traces of recent malaria have disappeared from the spleen.

Septicamu.-2 cases out of the 9 were puerperal. The cases where death was due to some com- plication of labour only amount to 8, a small number, though they were all preventable in the sense that proper supervision or skilled aid might have saved the mother's life.

Ttmus.-Four of these cases were reported by my predecessor, two of them being tetanus neanotorum but no note was made as to the presence of the tetanus bacillus in the wounds. The curious and interesting fact about this disease is that the bacilli very like tetanus bacilli may be found in numbers in the spleen in certain decomposed bodies-both rat and human-in which death has not been due to tetanus but the disease itself is extremely difficult if not impossible to diagnose post mortem. "The "bacillus in the disease itself does not appear in the internal organs or blood-and lesions in internal

organs both of human beings and animals which have succumbed to tetanus are very trifling.' (Flexner.) Why the bacilli are found after death in other diseases is difficult to explain nor do I think any one has so far noted its occurrence so that possibly it may be a peculiarity of the tropics. So far I have found them chiefly in acute septic diseases (plague, endocarditis, &c.) and in one case of apoplexy in a chronic alcoholic subject. In the only two cases of tetanus reported by myself I found the bacillus easily and in numbers in the unhealed end of the umbilical cord in both cases.

746

Tuberculosis (Abdominalis).—The bulk of cases were amongst infants and chileren, only two cases being over 12 years of age. At the present stage of the Tuberculosis question these cases are of great interest. The Chinese do not feed on milk, butter or beef and therefore there can, in their case, be no question of direct inoculation of the intestines by the ingestion of tubercle bacilli in their food.

DISEASES OF RESPIRATORY SYSTEM.

These account for 17% of the mortality (exclusive of plague) and are very prevalent both amongst adults and children. Most of the "Empyema" cases might have been saved if they had only applied

for assistance early.

DISEASES OF DIGESTIVE SYSTEM.

Peritonitis.-4 of these cases were due to appendicitis, the abscess having ruptured into the peritoneal cavity, and 2 were due to perforation of duodenal ulcers. The cause of this latter disease is very obscure. In each case there was only one large ulcer about the size of a twenty-cent piece and neither of the cases had suffered, as far as one could see, from burns.

Jaundice-In only one of these cases were any gall stones to be found so that the bulk of them were as far as one could judge catarrhal nor were there any evidences of recent malaria.

INJURIES.

Wound of Chest.-This was caused by a stab, the intercostal artery being omit severed and the chest full of blood.

Wound of Wrist.-The radial artery was cut and apparently no aid being at hand the woman bled to death.

Ruptured Spleen (12).-It is a pity these cases do not seek advice early as in most of them surgery might have saved a fatal termination. Some of them, from the history of the case, had survived for hours after the injury. One of them was due to a buffalo accident--rare in Hongkong-but I was not able to ascertain whether the animal tossed the man only or whether he was gored. In connexion with the spleen a curiosity may be recorded here as tropical practitioners are more used to large spleens than otherwise. The smallest spleen I have ever seen, at any rate in an adult, I found in an old man of 52. It weighed 3 ounces and was 2 inches long. It was not a supplementary organ and no other glands in the body were in any way enlarged.

Ruptured Heart.-One of these, a case of a body aged 12 who, swinging on a gate at the Race Course, brought the structure down on himself. No bones were broken nor was there any external bruising but the auricle was torn and the pericardiun was full of blood. He lived about 10 minutes.

Ruptured Liner.-2 cases were in children about 1 month old. There were no bruises or fractured ribs in either case. The abdomen was full of blood. As the children were found in the streets or sent from the Convent no history was obtainable, a regrettable fact as this accident seems to be very rare at this early age.

Worms (reflex action).-This occurred in a boy aged 12, in my predecessor's time, but as there are no notes of the case, it is impossible to explain the exact cause of death. This cause must be very rare, however, though round worms are extremely common amongst the natives here and do the most extraordinary things.

Premature and still birth.-No doubt a good many of these are due to plague in the mother as the bacilli were found in the spleen in several cases late in the epidemic. Unfortunately I did not examine the early ones in this manner. Even with a plague epidemic on, many of these cases must represent difficulties in labour with the mother, perhaps ending fatally, though what becomes of them it is not easy to say as we have only had 8 cases in the mortuary where death was the result of child-birth.

Unknown.-153 seems a large number but the practice of dumping the bodies on to the hillside or into the harbour leads to a delay before they are found and as decomposition sets in so rapidly here it is out of the question in most cases to give any cause of death. All spleens are, however, now examined so as to be sure, if possible, that plague was not the cause of death and in the plague epidemic it has been the practice to bury them as plague so as to be on the safe side. These are cases in which a crematorium would be most useful. I would like to mention one very useful practical hint, for which I am indebted to Dr. KINYOUN, in connection with this work. I refer to the use of the dye-Thionin. It has two advantages over all others owing to its having no time limit and where one has to examine many specimens, especially at the monthly survey of rats, this is very important, and, secondly, owing to its being a differential stain for plague bacilli. These take on a faint blue colour in contrast to the dark blue of the other bacilli. These advantages have been most useful in the work. It, however, does not last, so it is not so good for permanent specimens.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your obedient Servant,

J. BELL,

Medical Officer in charge of Post-mortems.

THE PRINCIPAL CIVIL MEDICAL OFFICER.

Table.-RETURN of CAUSES of DEATH as certified from the GOVERNMENT PUBLIC MORTUARY during 1901.

747

GENERAL DISEASES.

Brought forward 1,743

Small-pox,

Peritonitis,

Plague,

.1,035

Gall Stones,

Typhoid Fever,

Cirrhosis of Liver,

Dysentery,

Jaundice,

Beri-beri,

Cystic Disease of Omentum,

Malarial Fever,

Malarial Cachexia,

Septicæmia,

Diseases of Urinary System.

(Puerperal),

Tetanus,

Chronic Bright's,.

(Neanatorum),

Tuberculosis,

Diseases of Female Organs.

Abdominalis),

Syphilis (Congenital),...........

Alcoholism,

Extra Uterine Pregnancy,

Malignant new Growth,

Placenta Previa,

Ancemia,

Debility,

9983

Postpartum Hæmorrhage,

Ruptured Uterus,

LOCAL DISEASES.

Injuries.

Diseases of Nervous System.

Multiple,

Fractured Skull,

Meningitis,

Fractured Spine,

Dislocation of Neck,

Apoplexy,

Gunshot Wounds,

Epilepsy,.

Wound of Chest (Stab),..........

Wrist,

Disrases of Circulatory System.

Brain (Stab),

Leg,

Valvular and Fatty Disease,

Ruptured Spleen,

Pericarditis,

Heart,

Acute Endocarditis,.

Liver,

Aortic aneurism,

Effects of Heat.

Diseases of Respiratory System.

Heat Stroke,

Phthisis,

Burns,

Pneumonia,

Pleurisy,

Poisoning.

Bronchitis,

Broncho-pneumonia,

Empyema,

Opium Poisoning,

Gangrene of Lung,

Fish

Worms (reflex action),

Diseases of Digestive System.

Premature Birth, .

Still birth,

Diarrhoea,.

Enteritis,

Carried forward................... 1,743

Hanging,

Drowning, Asphyxia,

•

Unknown,

153

Total.......

2,250

J. BELL,

Medical Officer in charge of Post-mortems.

748

INFECTIOUS DISEASES HOSPITAL, KENNEDY TOWN, HONGKONG, 21st February, 1902.

Sir, I have the honour to report for the information of His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government regarding the Infectious Diseases Hospital at Kennedy Town for the year 1901.

I enclose a Return of Diseases and Deaths in the Hospital during 1901.

Small-por.-There were 42 cases, with 12 deaths. Many of the fatal cases were Chinese suffering from the confluent form of the disease, and at an advanced stage of the illness at the time of admission. I find Salol of great value in the treatment of Small-pox, when its use is commenced early. It allays irritation of the skin, aborts the eruption, causing it to die away for the most part without sup- puration, usually prevents the secondary fever entirely, and hastens the general course of the disease. It is less useful if not given until after suppuration of the vesicles has become established. I give ten grains every three hours at first, but find it desirable to rapidly diminish and discontiuue the drug when the disease is under control, as, if long continued, it tends to produce a warty condition of the skin of the face.

Cholera.-All the cases of Cholera occurred at the end of February, and came from the S.S. "Cheung Chew." Most of the fifteen patients were in a state of collapse at the time of arrival, and of the ten fatal cases eight died within a few hours after admission.

Plague.-204 Plague patients were under treatment, and of these 156 died. This gives a mortality of 76.5 per cent., a little less than that of the previous year-77.5 per cent. As in former epidemics, the mortality was very heavy among Chinese and much lower among Europeans. The comparative racial mortality was as follows:-

Cases.

Deaths.

Europeans,

Mortality. 33.3 %

Portuguese, Chinese,

136

121

Other races,

53.6

204

156

76.5 %

The following table shows the distribution of the buboes:--

Cases.

Deaths.

Femoral,

Inguinal,

Axillary,

Cervical,

Parotid,

Multiple,

No apparent bubo,

204

156

There was only one case of pneumonic plague properly so called, but pneumonic symptoms supervened in three other cases which had also buboes.

After very careful observation of the effects of the administration of Carbolic Acid throughout the whole of last year's epidemic, I am of opinion that it does not in any way modify the course of Plague, and is useless as a method of treatment.

To test the diagnostic value of microscopic examination of the blood in Plague, apart from the question of the exclusion of Malaria, I examined a single stained film from each of 278 consecutive cases, partly from the Plague Branch of the Tung Wah Hospital Plague bacilli were present in only 30, and were absent in 241. In many of the latter, especially when going on to a fatal issue, bacilli were present in the blood at later stages of the disease; but the figures above given show that the value of blood examination is more important for purposes of prognosis than for diagnosis.

The Staff Mr. E. ABBOTT, the Wardmaster in charge at the beginning of the year, died of Phthisis in the Civil Hospital on 21st April. Corporal T. NEWLING, R.A.M.C., lent by the Military Authorities, reported for duty on 1st April, and acted as Wardmaster throughout the Plague epidemic until he was recalled on 27th July. Private B. P. LAKE, R.A.M.C., assisted him from 28th May to 24th July; and Mr. LI YIN SZE, a student of the College of Medicine for Chinese, was also employed as Assistant Wardmaster from 22nd April till the end of August. Mr. C. F. O'BRIEN arrived from England, and assumed duty as Wardmaster on 27th August.

3.4

749

When female patients were under treatment in the European wards, Sisters were detailed from the Civil Hospital staff for duty at Kennedy Town.

The staff of Chinese "boys," amahs, and other employés was increased and diminished as was found necessary to meet the varying conditions that existed in course of the year.

During my absence on leave in November and December, and until my return to the Colony 5th instant, Dr. R. LAMORT acted for me as Medical Officer in charge of this Hospital.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your obedient Servant,

一

Dr. J. M. ATKINSON,

Principal Civil Medical Officer,

$c., &c., &c.

JOHN C. THOMSON, M.D., M.A., Medical Officer in charge.

RETURN of DISEASES and DEATHS in 1901 at KENNEDY TOWN HOSPITAL.

DISEASES.

Remaining in Hospital at end of 1900.

YEARLY TOTAL.

Total Cases Treated.

Admissions. Deaths.

Remaining in Hospital at end of 1901.

Remarks.

GENERAL DISEASES.

Small-pox,

Cholera,

Plague,

Malarial Fever-

Malignant Quotidian

Beri-beri,

Leprosy, Pneumonia,

42 15

204

156

2013

201

Under observation.

Total,....

267

179

274

JOHN C. THOMSON, M.D., M.A.,

Medical Officer in Charge.

Report of the Acting Medical Officer of Victoria Gaol.

VICTORIA GAOL, HONGKONG, 6th January, 1902.

Sir, I have the honour to forward to you for the information of His Excellency the Governor the Annual Medical Report on the condition of Victoria Gaol during the year ending the 31st December,

1901.

The health of the staff has been good in spite of the fact that the new Officers' quarters have not yet been opened to them. The health of the inmates has also been satisfactory.

Six lepers were sent to Canton, one of which, however, returned to the Colony and had to be sent back again.

There were a hundred and fourteen cases in which corporal punishment was inflicted during the year, fourteen by the Prison Authorities and a hundred from the sentence of the Courts; none required any medical after-treatment.

Overcrowding of prisoners is still a serious question. Four and even five men have at times to be put in the same cell, thus reducing the space for each to some 250 cubic feet, whereas the Public Health Ordinance, 13 of 1901, requires that the individual allotted space should be of 400 cubic feet.

The temporary hospital is also at times overcrowded. The Officers' quarters which were altered and fitted up some two years ago for the Gaol Hospital is yet unavailable for the prisoners, being still occupied by the Indian Gaol Staff. The present temporary hospital is most inadequate, offering no proper accommodation or facilities for the treatment of patients.

750

The daily number of prisoners complaining sick is most variable from time to time, malingering fully accounting for these variations.

In spite of the prevalence of dengue fever in the Colony in November, no case occurred amongst the prisoners.

year.

There were fifteen prisoners discharged on medical grounds during the Permission was obtained from His Excellency the Governor to transfer a pregnant female prisoner to the Government Civil Hospital, as she had suddenly become comatose, she was found to be suffering from malignant malaria and died shortly after, having given birth to a still-born child.

I append the usual Tables.

Dr. J. M. ATKINSON,

Principal Civil Medical Officer,

&c.,

&C.,

&c.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your obedient Servant,

R. LAMORT, Acting Medical Officer.

Table I.-RETURN of DISEASES and DEATHS in 1901 at VICTORIA GOAL HOSPITAL, Hongkong.

DISEASES.

Remaining in Hospital

Yearly Total.

at end of 1900.

Total Cases Treated.

Remaining in Hospital

Admissions. Deaths.

at end of 1901.

Remarks.

GENERAL DISEASES.

Dysentery,

Malarial Fever :—

Beri-beri,

Malignant,

Syphilis, Primary,

Secondary,

Erysipelas,

Gonorrhoea,

Alcoholism,

Rheumatism,.

Anemia,

Debility,

LOCAL DISEASES,

Diseases of the Nervous System.

Functional Nervous Disorders

Epilepsy,

Mental Diseases :--

Dementia,

Diseases of the Eye,

Ear,

Circulatory System,.

Respiratory

Digestive

Urinary

Lymphatic

Organs of Locomotion,.

Cellular Tissue,..

Skin,

Injuries, Local,..

Under Observation,

Parasites,

Total..

* 28

25413

348

}

358

* In addition to the nine deaths from natural causes, there were three executions.

R. LAMORT,

Acting Medical Officer.

Table II.-Showing the RATE of SICKNESS and MORTALITY in Victoria Gaol during the Year 1901.

DAILY AVERAGE NUMBER OF :—.

RATE PER CENT. OF:

751

Daily Average Deaths due Number of all

TOTAL NUMBER OF:-

Prisoners Admis-

admitted sions to to Gaol. Hospital.

Cases, includ- -ing Skin Diseases, treated in the Cells.

Sick Admissions.

Deaths due to Disease.

Pri- Sick soners in

in Hos- Gaol, pital

not in

Daily Average Number of to Hospital Sick in Hospital

Hos- pital:

to Total Admissions

to Daily Aver

to Gaol age Number of

Prisoners.

Daily A Average Admissions

Number

of Prisoners.

Sick in Gaol

to Total

to Gaol.

to Disease

5,077

348

1,316

499

8.59

34.72

6.85

1.72

8.68

0.18

R. LAMORT, Acting Medical Officer.

Table III.-Showing the NUMBER and RESULTS of VACCINATIONS in Victoria Gaol.

Year.

during the past ten Years.

Number of Prisoners

Successful.

Unsuccessful.

vaccinated.

Number of those

Not inspected,vaccinated who

owing to early

Discharge from

showed Marks

Gaol.

of previous Vaccination.

2,618

1892,

2,625

1,985

640

1893,.

1,417

763

654

1,325

1894,.

747

242

505

746

1895,

942

455

487

941

1896,

831

631

200

831

1897,

2,830

1,678

1,016

136.

2,410

1898,

4,507

2,875

1,252

380

4,181

1899,

3,378

2,004

1,063

311

3,069

1900,

2,638

1,765

666

207

1,916

1901,.

2,880

2,150

337

393

2,549

R. LAMORT,

Acting Medical Officer.

Table IV.-Showing GENERAL STATISTICS connected with VICTORIA GAOL and the GAOL HOSPITAL

during the past ten Years.

Year.

Admissions to the Gaol.

Daily Average

Number of Prisoners.

Number of Cases treated in Hospital.

Number of less serious Cases, including Skin Diseases, treated in the Cells.

Deaths due to Disease.

1892,................

5,046

515

312

723

1893,

4,010

458

272

523

1894,

3,913

455

271

614

1895,

5,014

472

231

948

1896,

5,582

514

507

740

1897,

5,076

462

342

455

1898,....

5,427

511

298

1,033

1899,

4,789

434

503

1,778

1900,

5,432

486

495

1,523

1901,..

5,077

499

348

1,316

R. LAMORT,

Acting Medical Officer.

752

TUNG WAH HOSPITAL, HONGKONG, 22nd Feburary, 1902.

SIR,-I have the honour to submit for the information of His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government the Annual Report of the Tung Wah Hospital for the year 1901.

The number of patients in the wards at the beginning of the year was 125; 2,989 were admitted during 1901, making a total of 3,114 cases; 1,899 were discharged; 1,071 died; leaving 144 in the Hospital at the close of the year.

The admissions during the past ten years have been as follows:—

1892,

.2,455

1893,

2,255

1894,

•

2,354

1895,

2,732

1896,...

.2,041

1897,..

..2,776

1898.

2,898

1899,

.2,542

..2,981

..2,989

1900, 1901,..

Of the 2,989 Admissions, 547 were transferred for treatment to other institutions, as follows:-. 18 to Government Civil Hospital, 7 to the Lunatic Asylum, 130 to Kennedy Town Infective Diseases Hospital, and 392 to the Tung Wah Plague Branch Hospital at Kennedy Town.

Of the fatal cases, 296 were in a dying condition at the time of admission.

There remains a net total of 2,146 actually treated in the Tung Wah Hospital, of whom 652, i. e., 30.4 per cent. were under European treatment, and 1,494, i. e., 69.6 per cent. under Chinese treatment.

483 dead bodies were brought to the Hospital mortuary to await burial. 84 of these, and also 63 bodies of persons who died within the Hospital itself were sent to the Government Public Mortuary for

internal examination.

Free burial was provided by the Hospital for 1,930 persons.

The number of visits to the out-patient Department was 77,842.

449 destitute persons were temporarily housed and fed.

1,952 persons were vaccinated at, and in connection with, the Hospital.

As in previous years, the Tung Wah Hospital was used throughout the Plague epidemic of 1901 as a convenient centre for the diagnosis and observation of Plague cases, a large airy ward close to the Receiving Ward being set apart for this purpose.

The matshed Plague Branch was re-opened for the admission of patients on 4th May, and was in use until 30th July. The number of admissions was 393; of whom 41 were discharged cured, 2 escaped from the Hospital, 1 was transferred to the Government Hospital, and 349 died; this gives a mortality of 88.8 per cent.

A second Branch Hospital was opened near Yaumati, on 1st July, but the epidemic rapidly decreasing there were no admissions and it was closed on 10th July.

The new Hospital buildings to form an extension of the existing Hospital on the opposite side of Po Yan Street are now nearing completion; and on 19th November His Excellency the Governor laid the foundation stone of a permanent Infective Diseases Branch of the Tung Wah Hospital on a site adjoining that of the Government Hospital at Kennedy Town.

A considerable number of surgical instruments were got out from England in course of the year. Dr. CHUNG was absent on sick leave from 19th August to 17th December; and Mr. Ho Ko TSUN, a student of the Hongkong College of Medicine for Chinese, who had already been employed from 1st June to assist Dr. CHUNG in the extra work involved by the Plague epidemic, acted for him during his absence. During my own absence from the Colony from the 31st October to the end of the year Dr. LAMORT acted as Inspecting Medical Officer.

I attach the following Tables:-

I. A Return of Diseases and Deaths during the year 1901.

II. Showing the proportion of cases treated by European and Chinese methods respectively.

III. Showing General Statistics relating to the Hospital during 1901.

IV. Showing Vaccinations at, and in connection with, the Tung Wah Hospital during 1901.

I have the honour to be,

}

Sir,

Your obedient Servant,

JOHN C. THOMSON, M.D., M.A.,

Inspecting Medical Officer.

Dr. J. M. ATKINSON,

Principal Civil Medical Officer,

&c.,

fc.,

&r.

Table I.--RETURN of DISEASES and DEATHS in 1901 at TUNG WAH HOSPITAL, Hongkong.

DISEASES.

GENERAL DISEASES.

Remaining in Hospital at end of 1900.

Yearly Total.

Total Cases

Remaining in Hospital

Remarks.

Admissions.

Deaths.

Treated.

at end of 1901.

Enteric Fever,

Small-pox,

Dengue, Influenza,

Whooping-cough,

Dysentery,

Plague,.....

Malarial Fever:

1. Quartan,

and

2. Simple Tertian

609

110

609

3. Malignant Tertian, and

460

117

465

4. Malignant Quotidian,

Malarial Cachexia,

Beri-beri,

412

219

448

Tetanus,

وو

Erysipelas,

Pyæmia,

Septicemia,

Tubercle,

Leprosy, Tubercular,

Syphilis, Secondary,

malignant,

Rheumatism,

New Growth, non-malignant,.

Anæmia,

Debility,

LOCAL DISEASES.

Diseases of the Nervous System.

SUB-SECTION 1.

Diseases of the Nerves,-

Meningitis,

SUB-SECTION 2.

Functional Nervous Disorders,——

Apoplexy,

Paralysis,

Epilepsy,

Neuralgia,

SUB-SECTION 3.

Mental Diseases,-

:::

10 10:

Mania,

Dementia,

Delusional Insanity,

Diseases of the Eye,

Circulatory System,

Respiratory Digestive

441

289

447

161

168

Lymphatic

Urinary

Generative.

Male Organs,.

Female Organs,

Organs of Locomotion,

Cellular Tissue.

Skin,

Injuries, Local,

265

279

Poisons,

Parasites,

Total

125

2,989

1,071

3,114

144

753

Transferred to Kennedy

Town.

Transferred, unless ac-

tually dying, to Ken- nedy Town.

JOHN C. THOMSON,

Inspecting Medical Officer.

754

Table II.-Showing the Admissions and Mortality in the TUNG WAH HOSPITAL during the Year 1901, with the proportion of cases treated by European and Chinese methods respectively.

Enteric Fever,

Dysentery,

Plague,......

609

Malarial Fever: Benign,

Malignant,

Cachexia,

Beri-beri,

105

Erysipelas,

:-~808~20-

ADMISSIONS.

DEATHS.

European Chinese Treatment. Treatment.

Total.

European Chinese Treatment. Treatment.

Total.

General Diseases :-

* Small-pox,

Dengue,

Influenza,

Whooping-cough,

* *

Pyæmia,

Septicæmia,.

Tetanus,

Tubercle,

Leprosy,

Syphilis, Secondary,

Rheumatism,

New Growth, non-malignant,

malignant,

Anæmia,

Debility,

ΤΟ

-372300

:1 21:g 5ཨ:}}}ནྡྷ

609

110

364

460

117

307

412

182

219

142

JAN wi

Noooo:

Local Diseases:-

Diseases of the Nervous System,

Eye,

Circulatory System,

Respiratory,

360

441

243

289

Digestive

104

161

Lymphatic

Urinary

Generative

male,.....

female,

}

Organs of Locomotion,

Cellular Tissue,

Skin,

Injuries, Local,

168

265

Poisons,

Parasites,..

Total,......

1,339

1,650

2,989

310

761

1,071

Less moribund cases,

140

156

296

140

156

296

Less transferred elsewhere,

1,199 547

1,494

2,693

170

605

775

547

Total Treated,..........

652

1,494

2,146

170

605

775

* Transferred at once, unless actually dying, to Kennedy Town.

JOHN C. THOMSON, Inspecting Medical Officer.

Table III. Showing GENERAL STATISTICS relating to the TUNG WAH HOSPITAL during the year 1901.

Remaining in

Dead

Free

Bodies Burials

brought to

Remaining

Patients.

in Hospital at end of

Ad- missions.

Total Cases

Dis-

Deaths.

charged. Treated.

Hospital at end of

Out- Vaccina- Patients. tions.

Destitute Persons sheltered. Mortuary for Poor

Hospital provided

1900.

1901.

for Burial. Persons.

Male,

Female,

110 2,458 2,568

1,547

897

124 55,005 1,047

449

327

•

531

546

352

174

20 22,837

905

156

Total,

125

2,989

3,114

1,899

1,071

144

77,842 1,952

449

483 1,930

JOHN C. THOMSON,

Inspecting Medical Officer.

Table IV. Showing VACCINATIONS at fand in connection with, the TUNG WAH HOSPITAL during the year 1901.

Hongkong.

Shaukiwan.

Aberdeen.

Stanley.

Yaumati.

Hunghom.

Total.

1,826

1,952.

JOHN C. THOMSON,

755

Inspecting Medical Officer.

GOVERNMENT CIVIL HOSPITAL, 1st March, 1902.

SIR,-In reply to Circular No. 71 of 1901, I have the honour to forward you a report on the working of the Medical Department in the New Territory during last year.

I have the honour to be,

The Honourable,

THE COLONIAL SECRETARY.

Sir, Your obedient Servant,

J. M. ATKINSON, Principal Civil Medical Officer.

GOVERNMENT CIVIL HOSPITAL, HONGKONG.

There has been a marked diminution in the number of malarial fever cases from the Police Stations in the New Territory during the year 1901.

On comparing the admissions to the Hospital for this class of diseases for the last two years we find that the nine Police Stations to the North of the range of hills bounding Kowloon give the follow- ing figures:-

Average Strength. Malarial Fever

Admiss ons.

POLICE STATIONS.

1900. 1901. 1900. 1901.

Sha Tau Kok.

Ping Shan,

14.

Sai Kung,.

San Tin,

Tai Po,..

Sha Tin,

14.

Tai 0,

Au Tau,

Sheung Shui,

153 99

138

In other words the percentage of malarial fever admissions to Hospital from the New Territory dropped from 90% in 1900 to 52.5% in 1901.

This was undoubtedly occasioned to a great extent by the active prophylactic treatment which was commenced on the 1st May, 1901, and continued up to 1st November of that year.

This varied, at those Stations marked *. Prof. KocH's method was used, viz., one gramme of quinine being given daily for two days followed by an interval of five days without any quinine and so on; at those marked a daily dose of three or five grains of quinine was given; whereas at one Station‡, viz., Au Tau grain of arsenic was given twice daily.

The result of this prophylactic treatment is still further shewn by a Table marked A which I attach showing all the cases of malarial fever at the Police Station in the New Territory from March to December, 1900, and 1901, and the prophylactic treatment adopted.

This return includes the cases treated by the Resident Medical Officer in addition to those sent in to Hospital.

From this it will be seen that quinine is the best prophylactic, and of the two methods, if anything, the daily administration of a small dose has been followed by the best results.

Another important factor in this diminution is that the Police were in 1901 housed in permanent buildings at Sha Tau Kok in 1900 the Police were under canvas.

Recognised precautions were more fully taken against malaria, the neighbourhood of the Police Stations was kept as free as possible of Anopheles, the Police were instructed how to recognise Anopheles

756

pools and were shewn the methods of destroying the larvae, all standing collections of water were as far as possible got rid of and many trees, Eucalyptus and others, were planted.

In August shortly after my return I visited the New Territory accompaned by the Captain Super- intendent of Police; we inspected Tai Po and Sha Tau Kok.

I recommended that the numerous paddy fields adjoining the Police Station at Sha Tau Kok should, if possible, be resumed and reclaimed, there is constantly stagnant water on them which forms excellent breeding place for Anopheles.

I also recommended that, to better drain the swampy grounds around the Police Stations, a number of Eucalyptus trees should be planted, what is required is to plant these trees on the damp areas at the base of the hills not on the slopes of the hills..

Again, in October with the Acting Captain Superintendent of Police, I visited Cheung Chau, Tai O, Ping Shan and Au Tau.

As plague has been prevalent at Cheung Chau, I recommended that steps be taken to kill off the rats which are still prevalent there; this has been done.

We arranged for the transfer of the Lepers from the swampy island near Au Tau Police Station to the buildings erected for their habitation on the hillside opposite to their old abode, they have since been transferred and are visited weekly by the Resident Medical Officer.

Attached is a return marked B from Dr. THOMSON's report on the "Examination of Mosquitoes' showing the number of mosquitoes examined by him from the several Police Stations during the year ending 30th Stepember, 1901-this conclusively shows, as was to be expected, that at the station where most malarial fever cases occur the proportion of Anopheles found is also greater.

I also enclose the report of the Resident Chinese Medical Officer. In my opinion there should be at least two resident medical officers-one for the East and another for the West of the New Territory, that one in the West might be stationed at Un Loong or Ping Shan, and the one in the East as at present at Tai Po, the work is much too arduous for one, the distances he has to travel are very great and it is practically impossible for him to do justice to the large resident population; in addition to this he can never get away on leave.

Another important requirement is a registration of births and deaths.

It must be remembered that all the Chinese living in the New Territory are British subjects and several cases of infanticide have already occurred; in order to check the native practice of abandoning their female children, some such measure is necessary.

I would suggest that each Police Station should be a place for registration.

J. M. ATKINSON, Principal Civil Medical Officer.

Table A.-Showing Cases of MALARIAL FEVER at POLICE STATIONS in NEW TERRITORY fram March to December, 1900 and 1901, and the PROPHYLACTIC TREATMENT adopted.

Stations.

March. April. May. June.

Septem- ber.

October.

Novem- Decem- Average

ber. F ber. Strength.

Increase or Decrease

July. August.

1900 1901 1900 1901 1900 1901 1900 1901 1900 1901 1900 1901 1900 1901 1900 1901 1900 1901 1900 1901 1900 1901

1900 1901 1900 1901

after Prophylactic Treatment.

Tai Po.*

San Tin,*

Ping Shan,*

Sha Tin,*

Kowloon City.*

Tai 0.*

Sha Tan Kok,†

Sheung Shui,t

Au Tau,‡

1:1

KHAH IN MO M

Ni N FUNN

and unwa

4 16 7 31

2 22

724

12 00

11 10 4

Prophylactic treatment was started on May 1st, 1901.

* Quinine 5 grs. thrice daily for 2 days followed by interval without any quinine and so on.

Quinine 3 or 5 grs. once daily.

Arsenic gr. twice daily.

B.-EXAMINATION OF MOSQUITOES.

** :: 201000

Bra - na

16 10

19 12

1+1 1

2 19

Specimens

received.

Anopheles.

Culex.

Sha Tau Kok,

Ping Shan,

4,428

14.

3,987

251

233

Sai Kung, San Tin, Tai Po,

648

544

916

823

819

191

618

Sha Tin,

662

529

Tai O,

251

233

Au Tau,

1,853

113

1,724

Sheung Shui,

829

805

757

GOVERNMENT LABORATORY,

April 9, 1902. SIR,-I have the honour to submit a statement of the work done in the Government Laboratory during the year 1901.

2. The work was greater in amount than in any previous year. It may be summarized as follows:-

Description of Cases.

No. of Articles

examined.

Toxicological (includes 15 stomachs),

Articles for blood stains,.

•

Waters, Petroleum,

....

Food and Drugs Ordinance,

Rice,..

Coal,.

Ores,

Sugar,

Chinese drugs,

Opium extract,

Dross opium,

Leprosy cure,

Chloride of lime,

White metal,

Cement,

Mortar,.

Fumigating candle,

Egg preservative,

Lime,

Milk,.

Red earth,

Articles for fire enquiry,

Clothing for nitric acid stains, Tooth powder,.

Condensed milk,

Naphtha,

Sheet,

Mineral water,

Medicinal powders,

Total,..

TOXICOLOGICAL.

108

265

707

3. The toxicological cases investigated comprise 15 cases of suspected human poisoning. The poison found in eight cases was opium; and in one case the active principle of Gelsemium Elegans was isolated. In one case of wholesale poisoning a woman put native arsenic in coarse powder amongst some cooked fish. Violent vomiting and great prostration only were caused to the six persons who ate the food. From the remnants of the fish 27 grains of arsenic were separated. The coarseness of the powdered arsenic had doubtless greatly interfered with the desired result.

WATERS.

4. The results of the analyses of samples taken each month from the Pokfulum and Tytam Re- servoirs, and from the Kowloon service, indicate that these supplies continue to maintain their excellent qualities. Towards the end of the year Yaumati was supplied from a new service-the Cheung Sha Wan supply. The results of the analysis of this source shows the water to be well suited for potable purposes. In an Appendix will be found particulars of the monthly analyses of the public supplies, and of the other waters.

THE DANGEROUS GOODS ORDINANCE, 1873 AND 1892.

5. Of Petroleum and Petroleum Fuel, 265 samples were examined. imported was sufficiently high to pass the 73° F. limit.

The quality of the oil

759

THE FOOD AND DRUGS ORDINANCE.

6. Thirty-seven exhibits were examined. The following table shows the results of the examin- .ation of 32 samples taken for the purpose of analysis by the Police and by the Sanitary Board:-

Beer, Brandy,

Tea,

Milk,

Bread,

Coffee,

Whisky,

Description.

No. of Samples.

No. found Genuine.

10 3

No. found Adulterated.

ONIONHO

()

7. A number of various kinds of food were examined for the public at the specially low fees laid down in the Ordinance.

8. The result of the systematic method of taking samples by the Police has been that the sale of adulterated liquor has practically ceased in the Colony.

RICE.

9. In connection with the food supply a series of examinations was made of the cheapest kinds of rice to be obtained in the Colony. The amount of albuminoids in Chinese rice is very high. This is of much interest as in calculating out the diets for Chinese engaged on hard labour it had been found that if the percentage of albuminoids in rice be taken at five (the figure hitherto adopted) a much larger ration of more albuminoid substances such as fish was theoretically required by these per- sons than practically was found to be needed. The figure 7.12 (mean of the percentage of albuminoids of the first 9 specimens) is now used for ascertaining the proportion of rice required by persons en- gaged in various capacities. The analyses are recorded in the Table. Sample No. 9 was bought as being good rice. It will serve as a standard. Sample No. 10 was sent from the Po Leung Kuk for an ex- amination of its quality.

ANALYSES OF TEN SAMPLES OF CHINESE RICE.

The results are expressed as parts in 100 parts of the sample.

· No.

Whence obtained.

Price paid, 1 catty.

Appearance of grain.

Colour of powder.

Album-

Vege-

Mois-

ture.

Ash. Fat.

enoids or Starch. table N. x 6.33.

fibre.

34, Nullah Lane,

4 cents.

Sprinkling of pow-

der.

White. 13.78 .72 .30

8.64 71.83 4.73

256, Jardine's Bazaar,...

3 cents

8 cash.

Sprinkling of pow- der. Some integu-

Pale yellow.

13.13 1.09 .56

5.56

71.19 8.47

ment present.

3 | 134, Wing Lok Street,

4 cents

As (2).

Do.

13.38 1.10 .21

6.58

73.38 5.35

1 cash.

4 9, Cochrane Street, .

3 cents

Much integument.

Gray. 12.95 1.77 .38

6.64 72.71 5.55

6 cash.

525, Pokfulam Road,.

4 cents 2 cash.

Sprinkling of pow-

White. 13.15 .64 .35

7.82

75.71 2.33

der.

6 6, Pokfulam Road,

2 cents

Do.

14.13 .73 .50

7.08

75.95 1.61

8 cash.

7 | 132, Wing Lok Street,

3 cents

Do.

13.47 .59 .30

7.08

76.93 1.63

7 cash.

88, Gough Street,

4 cents.

Do.

13.42 .40 .15

7.51

77.18 1.34

9288, Queen's Road, W., 5 cents.

Clean translucent

Do.

13.25

.38 .34

7.21

76.68 2.14

grain.

10 Po Leung Kuk,

Do.

Do..

11.95

.47

.43

7.40

79.50 .25

759

BLOOD STAINS.

10. No less than sixty articles consisting of clothing and weapons were examined.

BUILDING MATERIALS.

11. Samples of lime, mortar, cement, and red earth have been sent for analysis. A good sample of Chinese red earth contained the following constituents in 100 parts:-

Silica,.. Alumina, Ferric oxide, Water,

.63.8 ...20.8

4.4

.10.0

99.0

The analysis showed the material to be derived from granite, of which some of the constituents had been removed in the process of weathering. Viewed under the microscope the earth was seen to be almost entirely in sharp crystals. Such red earth if used instead of sand for mixing with lime would form a strong and durable mortar.

LIME.

12. Although it is not difficult to prepare good lime, it appears that much of that used in Hongkong has been so much exposed to atmospheric conditions as to be greatly impaired for building

purposes.

CHINESE DRUGS.

13. Seventy-one were sent to the laboratory for identification, and, in the case of mixed drugs, for the presence therein of noxious constituents.

EXAMINATIONS FOR THE PUBLIC.

The

14. A considerable number of articles of various kinds have been examined for the public. list comprises ores, coals, liquor, milk, lime, cement, petroleum, opium, medicine, chloride of lime, and

For these examinations the public have paid $1,380.50 in fees.

water.

SPECIAL REports.

15. Special reports have been supplied on:

Disinfection of No. 5 District.

Quicklime.

Phosphorus.

Dross opium.

Condensed milk.

Naphtha.

Mortar from fallen houses.

Sulphuric acid.

Chinese medicines for an abcess.

Aqua fortis.

Classification of certain articles for trade-marks.

Cracker factory.

Analyses for the public.

Gunpowder Bill.

Petroleum fuel. Asbestos.

16. Value of the work done.-The value of the analyses performed as determined from the tariff of charges published in Government Notification No. 664 is $5,282.50. This amount does not include the value of the analyses undertaken in connection with the Special Reports (See para.15); also, there is much other work in connection with the laboratory for which nothing has been set down.

17. Library. A few standard works have been ordered so as to bring the library up to date.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your obedient Servant,

FRANK BROWNE, PH. Cн., F.C.S.,

(for some time a Demonstrator in the Laboratories of the Pharmaceutical Society,)

Government Analyst.

THE PRINCIPAL CIVIL MEDICAL OFFICER.

760

HONGKONG PUBLIC WATER SUPPLIES.

Results of the Monthly Analyses.

Results expressed in grains per Imperial Gallon, (1 in 70,000).

1901.

Total Solid

Supply.

Month.

Matter dried at 100° C.

Chlorine. Ammo-

nia.

Saline Albume- Oxygen

Nitrogen Sugar test for noid absorbed Nitrites. in the detection Ammo- in 4 hours

Nitrates. of Sewage. nia. at 80° F.

Poi-

sonous Metals.

Pokfulum...... 5.0

က

Absent. Absent.

.009

Absent. Absent. No trace of Sew- Absent.

age indicated.

January

Tytam

4.3

Kowloon

3.3

co co

.6 .6

.006 .003

;་

Pokfulum......

4.3

February...

Tytam

3.3

Kowloon

3.3

976

.008

☺ ☺ ☺

.007

.004

.020

AAR

Pokfulum...... 4.0

March

Tytam

3.6

Kowloon

2.5

Pokfulum..

5.1

April

Tytam..

3.1

Kowloon

3.8

978966

.012

Absent.

.004 .

.002

.008

.85

Y Y Y

.010

.016

.004

Absent.

.004

.008

Pokfulum...... 4.8

May

Tytam.

Kowloon

Pokfulum.....

June

Tytam.

Kowloon..

GRE WOR

.65

.027

.008

6.1

.027

.008

3.7

.004

.016

4.7

.017

.008

4.7

3.7

.0014 .010 .0014

.003

RAR

.008

.016

Pokfulum....

5.0

July

Tytam...

4.0

Kowloon

3.0

666

Absent.

.020

.008

.020

.008

.015

.016

☺ ☺ ☺

Pokfulum..... 5.0

August...

Tytam.

5.0

Kowloon

3.7

766

.013

.008

.013

.008

وو

.003

.016

AAA

Pokfulum....

5.0

.010

.016

September

Tytam..

4.7

.65

.003

Kowloon

3.3

.007

Pokfulam...... 5.2

Tytam.

3.8

October

Kowloon

3.2

766

.017

ง

☺ ☺

.008

.016

☺ ☺ ☺

.012

.013

Absent. .016

AAA

Cheung Sha

Wan

3.7

.010

.008

Pokfulum......

5.0

Tytam.

3.7

November

Kowloon

4.3

co co co

.010

.008

.010

.008 .016

AAA

Cheung Sha

Wan

3.7

.017

225

.008

Pokfulum.....

4.6

Tytam.

4.3

December... Kowloon

3.3

9966

.006

.008

.006

.012

.003

.016

Cheung Sha

Wan

4.0

.45

.003

.012

WATERS.

Results expressed in Grains per Imperial Gallon, (1 in 70,000).

་

Total

Oxygen Nitrogen

Solid

Saline

Albume-absorbed

Sugar test for the detec-

Poisonous

Date.

Situation.

Depth.

matter Chlorine.

dried at

100° C.

noid in 4 Ammonia. Ammonia. hours at

· 80° F.

Nitrates Nitrites.

General Remarks.

and

tion of Sewage.

Metals.

Nitrites.

1901.

Jan. 24

Well at Jardine's Gardens (Ver-

milion Factory,.................................

Feb. 15 Well at Sha Tau Kok between

some Chinese vegetable gar-

dens,........

Well at Sha Tau Kok at the bottom of a hill,

April 23 Spring at Li-chi-kok,

May 3 Spring at Sai Kung,

June 5

Well at No. 14 Des Voeux Road' Central,

18.3

2.4

.010

.003

.030 Absent.

No trace of Sewage indicated.

Absent.

2.6

.7 Absent. Absent.

.019

Absent.

4.8

.002

5.0

.0014

.030

.008

4 feet.

6.3

1.4

.0056

.0014

.013

.008

...

2.9

.0112

.0147

Present.

Sewage indicated. grain of lead {a's per gallon.

}

Odour, Phosphorous. Animalcula present.

July 17

Well at Hunghom West,

18 feet.

9.7

2.0

.0056

.0028

.013

.288

Absent.

Well at Hunghom at the backĮ of the market, .........

37 feet.

15.7

4.2

.0252

.0112

...

.253

Well in Dock Street, Hunghom,.. 21 feet.

9.3

1.8

.0056

.0028

.010

.172

Aug. 7 Well at Sa Mun Station,

6.0

...

1.1

Absent.

.0028

.027

Absent.

Oct. 29

Well at Tai Po,.........

5.0

.0014 .0014

...

(No trace of Sewage indicated.

Sewage indicated.

(No trace of Sewage indicated.

Absent.

Odour unpleasant.

ད་

761

}

No.

Appendix I.

HONGKONG.

COMMITTEE OF INQUIRY INTO THE ADEQUACY OF THE STAFF OF THE MEDICAL DEPARTMENT.

Laid before the Legislative Council by Command of His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government.

We, the undersigned, were appointed by His Excellency the Governor to be members of a Committee of Inquiry into the Adequacy of the Staff of the Medical Department of the Colony.

2. We have accordingly proceeded on the lines laid down by the Government, and have conducted our inquiry with special reference to :~

(1.) The numerical strength of the staff of the Medical Department.

(2.) The position and duties of the Principal Civil Medical Officer. The following is a list of witnesses from whom we have taken evidence in the course of our inquiry

The Principal Civil Medical Officer and Superintend-

ent of the Government Civil Hospital, ............Dr. J. M. ATKINSON.

The Acting Assistant Superintendent of the Govern-

ment Civil Hospital,

The Medical Officer of Health,

The Deputy Health Officer of the Port,

.Dr. J. BELL.

..Dr. F. CLARK.

..Dr. J. H. SWAN.

Dr. R. M. GIBSON of the Alice Meinorial and Nethersole Hospitals.

A copy of the evidence given by them accompanies the report, which we beg to submit below for the consideration of His Excellency the Governor.

We have taken the second question which was to be dealt with first, as it is essential to determine the position of the Principal Civil Medical Officer before dealing with his

staff.

REPORT.

Question 2.-The position and duties of the Principal Civil Medical Officer.

Answer. We are of opinion that the Medical and Sanitary Departments should be wholly separate and that the Medical Officer of Health should be independent of the Principal Civil Medical Officer. The Medical Department should be under the juris- diction of the Principal Civil Medical Officer who, however, should not be an adminis- trative officer only, but should retain his present position as Superintendent of the Gov- ernment Civil Hospital. The Sanitary Department should be under the administration of the Medical Officer of Health subject to the control of the Sanitary Board.

Question 1.-The numerical strength of the Medical Department.

Answer.

After mature consideration we have come to the conclusion that the

staff as at present constituted and consisting of :-

1 Principal Civil Medical Officer, who is also Superintendent of the Govern-

ment Civil Hospital;

3 Assistant Surgeons;

1 Health Officer of the Port;

1902

is not sufficient to carry on the work of the Medical Department efficiently. In our opinion, 7 Medical Officers are required

1 Principal Civil Medical Officer;

4 Assistant Surgeons; and

2 Health Officers of the Port;

the two last named being Government Officers, who should devote their whole time to Government work and should be forbidden to engage in private practice either ashore or afloat.

We have ascertained in the course of our investigations how much time is taken

with Government Medical work in the various branches of the Department, and we beg to submit the subjoined list of duties in tabular form to be assigned to the several officers, one for epidemic and the other for non-epidemic times.

LIST OF DUTIES OF OFFICERS IN THE MEDICAL DEPARTMENT.

Epidemic Period.

1 Principal Civil Medical Officer.

4 Assistant Surgeons.

2 Health Officers of the Port.

Government Civil Hospital, Lunatic Asy-

lum and Maternity Hospital.

Victoria Gaol, Tung Wa Hospital, Mor- tuary, Visit the Subordinate Gov- ernment Officials in Hongkong.

Kennedy Town Hospital, and Hygeia

(if brought over.)

(i.) The Port.

(ii.) Kowloon Plague Hospital and Mor- tuary, Police and Subordinate Gov- ernment Officials in Kowloon. (iii.) Government Civil Hospital, or as detailed by the Principal Civil Medi- cal Officer.

The Principal Civil Medical Officer and

Superintendent.

2 Assistant Surgeons.

1 Assistant Surgeon.

2 Health Officers of the Port-one to reside in Kowloon and do duties as in (ii.); the other as in (iii.) when not engaged in duty in the Harbour.

Non-Epidemic Period.

Government Civil Hospital, Lunatic Asy- lum, Maternity Hospital, and Mor-

tuary.

Victoria Gaol, Tung Wa Hospital, Visit the Subordinate Government Of ficials.

(i.) Port.

(ii.) Kowloon. In charge of the Mor- tuary. To visit the Subordinate Government Officials and Police in Kowloon.

(iii.) Work as detailed by the Principal

Civil Medical Officer and Hygein.

The Principal Civil Medical Officer and Superintendent; 3 Assistant Surgeons.

1 Assistant Surgeon.

2 Health Officers of the Port-one to

reside in Kowloon.

We are of opinion, from evidence given, that, speaking generally, one of the above 7 officers could always be away on leave, his duties being arranged for by the Principal Civil Medical Officer.

}

We further consider that some closer supervision should be exercised over, or new rules drawn up for the regulation of, the absence on leave of the officers of the Govern- ment Medical Department with a view to at least arranging for the presence in the Colony during Plague time of the nearest approach to the full staff.

There should always be a Medical Officer on duty at the Government Civil Hospital, and during his tour of duty he should not be permitted to leave the Establishment un- less for an urgent professional call.

We would suggest that the two Health Officers of the Port divide the Port duties between them, and that during his hours of duty, the officer on duty should always be available for the Port work. One of the two should reside at Kowloon, and during the hours he is not on duty for Port work he should attend to the Kowloon Plague Hos- pital and Mortuary, and the Government subordinate officials resident at Kowloon. During the hours when the other of the two is not on duty for Port work, he should be employed at the Government Civil Hospital or as the Principal Civil Medical Officer may require. This latter officer might easily attend to the Hygeia during non-epidemic times when he is not engaged on Port duty.

It was stated by Dr. ATKINSON in the course of his evidence that "it is the inten- tion of the Government to have a medical inspection of all ships entering the Harbour." In framing our opinion as to the above mentioned staff for Port work, we have not allowed for the carrying out of this intention, which would necessitate a much larger staff.

In conclusion, we consider that it is imperatively necessary that during epidemic. times one Medical Officer should reside at the Kennedy Town Hospital.

We have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your most obedient Servants,

Hongkong, 31st December, 1901.

The Honourable

THE COLONIAL SECRETARY.

W. B. DREW, D.I.G., R.N., (Chairman.)

G. A. HUGHES, M.B., M.ch.

F. O. STEDMAN, M.D., B.S., London.

C. S. SHARP.

R. L. RICHARDSON.

(5)

•

COMMITTEE OF ENQUIRY

INTO THE ADEQUACY OF THE STAFF OF THE MEDICAL DEPARTMENT

OF THE COLONY.

FIRST MEETING.

Council Chamber.

Monday, 4th November, 1901.

PRESENT:

Deputy Inspector General DREW, R.N., (Chairman).

Colonel HUGHES, D.S.O., R.A.M.C.

Dr. F. O. STEDMAN, M.D., B.S., London.

C. S. SHARP, Esq.

R. L. RICHARDSON, Esq.

E. D. C. WOLFE, Esq. (Secretary).

The Chairman.-Gentlemen, I presume it is clear what the Committee has been appointed for. It is to look into the adequacy of the Medical Staff of the Colony. As the instructions were not very definite, I wrote to the Colonial Secretary, and he sent me Appendix 1. a letter which I have here (No. 2796 of the 31st October). Now what we are going to enquire into is: (1.) the numerical strength of the Staff of the Medical Departinent; and (2.) the position and the duties of the Principal Civil Medical Officer. I enquired whether we were to look into the question of salaries, and the Colonial Secretary replied in the negative. There are a lot of documents on the subject of the Medical Department which, I think, should be read. I will ask the Secretary to read them, with a view to leading up to the main questions.

The Secretary then read a letter-dated the 6th of June from Dr. J. BELL, Acting Appendix II. Principal Civil Medical Officer, applying for another Assistant Surgeon. (No. 169).

The Chairman.-You had now better read this despatch from His Excellency to the Secretary of State.

Appendix III.

Appendix IV.

The Secretary then read despatch No. 218 of the 10th of June from His Excellency to the Secretary of State, forwarding the Acting Principal Civil Medical Officer's appli- cation, and recommending it for approval for reasons stated.

This was followed by Colonial Office Despatch No. 259 of the 7th August from the Secretary of State for the Colonies, approving of the appointment of a new Assistant Surgeon, who was to be appointed on a 3 years' agreement and not permanently.

The Chairman.-This Assistant Surgeon has now been permanently appointed, I understand. But still another Assistant Surgeon is required. (Vide Appendix V, the Principal Civil Medical Officer's Report of the 18th September).

Colonel HUGHES.-Is that the Assistant Medical Officer of Health?

The Chairman.-No.

Mr. RICHARDSON.-Is he to do duty at the Hospital?

The Chairman.-I don't exactly know what his duties are to be. Dr. ATKINSON will be asked to furnish us with this information.

Appendix V.

Appendix VI.

( 6 )

The next document is the Principal Civil Medical Officer's Report of the 18th Sept- ember, referring to C.O.D. 259 of the 7th of August and dealing fully with the needs of the Medical Department.

The Chairman.-I think we need not enter into the statements relating to the pay of Medical Officers here and in the Straits Settlements, as that matter does not concern us. Do you wish to go into it?

เ

Colonel HUGHES-I don't think there is any necessity to do so.

The Chairman.-We now come to a paper containing an application for house allowance in lieu of free quarters by the Principal Civil Medical Officer, dated the 19th of September. Do you wish to have it read?

Colonel HUGHES.

Mr. SHARP.-No.

NO.

A Minute was then read, dated 19th September and written by the Colonial Secretary to His Excellency, on the subject of Colonial Office Despatch 259 (Appendix IV) and the Principal Civil Medical Officer's Report of the 18th September (Appendix V), and proposing that a Committee should be formed to enquire into the needs of the Medical Department.

Appendix VII.

This was followed by His Excellency's Minute of the 20th of September in reply to the Colonial Secretary, and going into the subject matter of the Principal Civil Medical Officer's Report of the 18th September (Appendix V).

Appendix,VIII.

The Chairman.-Finally, there is a letter No. 331 of the 21st October (C.S.O. 3203) from the Principal Civil Medical Officer requesting that the Female Venereal Ward be converted into a Ward for Destitute Chinese and Indians and that the Matron of the Female Venereal Ward be pensioned off. We had better read it though I don't know why it is included. I don't see that it comes within the scope of the enquiry at all.

The only other business that remains to-day is to make some arrangement as to what procedure this Committee ought to adopt. I propose that, when we meet again shortly, we ask Dr. ATKINSON to give evidence, and, later on, Dr. BELL. Dr. THOMSON is away. Our enquiries will be limited to the number of Medical men wanted in the Colony, exclusive of the Sanitary Department.

Colonel HUGHES.-I understood the Colonial Secretary to say the Sanitary Depart- ment was to be included.

The Chairman.-What is Dr. CLARK ? Is he the Medical Officer of Health?

Colonel HUGHES.-Yes.

The Chairman.-Then the business resolves itself into two things-the position of the Principal Civil Medical Officer, and what his duties ought to be, and the number of Assistants he ought to have under him. We have to give our opinion as to whether be is to be an Administrative Officer, and have control of all the other Medical Officers, or not, and to state what his duties should be.

Dr. STEDMAN.-We shall have to have Dr. CLARK's views on the Sanitary Board. Colonel HUGHES.--- Why?

Dr. STEDMAN.-Because his views on the matter ought to be considered.

Mr. RICHARDSON.-He can state whether he thinks the Sanitary Board ought to be subordinate or not.

The Chairman.-We will ask him to attend..

It was agreed to meet again on Wednesday afternoon at four o'clock, and to request Dr. ATKINSON to attend.

The Committee then adjourned.

(7)

SECOND MEETING.

Council Chamber.

Wednesday, 6th November, 1901.

PRESENT:

Deputy Inspector General DREW, R.N., (Chairman).

Colonel HUGHES, D.S.O., R.A.M.C.

Dr. F. O. STEDMAN, M.D., B.S., London.

C. S. SHARP, Esq.

R. L. RICHARDson, Esq.

E. D. C. WOLFE, Esq., (Secretary).

The Chairman.-I propose to have the minutes of the last meeting read.

The Secretary read the minutes of the First Meeting.

The Chairman.-The next thing to do is to call in Dr. ATKINSON.

Dr J. M. ATKINSON was then called before the Committee.

The Chairman.-Dr. ATKINSON, you are the Principal Civil Medical Officer? Dr. ATKINSON.-Yes, I am.

The Chairman.—Excluding the Sanitary Department and the Health Officers of the Port how many medical officers are working under you?

Dr. ATKINSON.-Three Assistant Surgeons-Dr. LowsON, Dr. BELL, Dr. THOMSON— and in addition Dr. JORDAN who is Medical Officer of Health for the Port.

Colonel HUGHES.-And the Assistant?

Dr. ATKINSON.—There is no Assistant. Dr. SWAN is the Deputy Health Officer of the Port, but he is not a salaried officer.

Dr. STEDMAN.-He does not give his whole time to the work?

Dr. ATKINSON.--No, he does not give his whole time.

Colonel HUGHES.-There are four Assistant Surgeons.

Dr. ATKINSON.-There will be when the extra Assistant Surgeon arrives, whose appointment has been sanctioned by the Secretary of State.

Colonel HUGHES.-Then there will be four Assistant Surgeons?

The Chairman.-There are not four yet. There is one coming out.

five is not that so?

Dr. ATKINSON.-Yes.

You want

The Chairman.-Would you please describe to the Committee the duties which devolve upon you?

Dr. ATKINSON.—I may say that, at present, one Medical Officer, Dr. Lowson, is away on leave, and consequently part of his duties fall upon me. I perform the admin- istrative work of the Medical Department, that is to say, all letters concerning the staff, correspondence, with the Government, Heads of Departments, mercantile firms and others, and in addition to that I have charge of wards.

The Chairman.-How many?

(8)

Dr. ATKINSON.-I have the main block of the Government Civil Hospital and the Maternity Hospital.

Colonel HUGHES.-How many beds are there?

Dr. ATKINSON.—In the main block there are sixty-eight beds.

Colonel HUGHES.-What is the total number of beds in the Government Civil Hospital?

Dr. ATKINSON.—One hundred and sixty-six in the Government Civil Hospital. In addition there are the Maternity Hospital, the Lunatic Asylum and Kennedy Town Infectious Diseases Hospital.

Colonel HUGHES.-How many beds are there in the Maternity Hospital?

Dr. ATKINSON.-There are twelve.

The Chairman. Are you superintendent at the Government Civil Hospital in addition to being Principal Civil Medical Officer ?

Dr. ATKINSON.Yes, when I was appointed in 1897 I was informed that I should be Principal Civil Medical Officer and would be responsible for the charge of the Gov- ernment Civil Hospital.

Colonel HUGHES.--Of the three Assistants, how many do duty in the Hospital?

Dr. ATKINSON.-One.

Colonel HUGHES.-What are the duties of the other two?

Dr. ATKINSON.-Between them they perform the duties of Visiting Surgeon to the Tung Wah Hospital, Medical Officer to the Public Mortuary and Medical Officer of the Gaol, and in addition they attend the subordinate Government officials at their homes.

Colonel HUGIES.-What is the Tung Wah Hospital ?

Dr. ATKINSON.-It is a Chinese institution.

Colonel HUGHES.-Does the Medical Officer do any work there ?

Dr. ATKINSON. He attends as Visiting Surgeon, and may be there from one and a half to two hours a day.

Dr. STEDMAN. How many beds are there?

Dr. ATKINSON.-There are 170 beds at the Tung Wah Hospital.

Colonel HUGHES.--One Assistant Surgeon assists at the Government Civil Hos- pital, another at the Tung Wah Hospital and the Gaol, and what does the other do?

Dr. ATKINSON. He does work where it is required. For instance, he does the work at the Public Mortuary and attends at Kennedy Town Hospital.

do?

Colonel HUGHES.-The Government is getting another one out. What will he

Dr. ATKINSON.-If my suggestions are carried out, his duties will be devoted to work in the Hospital.

Colonel HUGHES.-And you still want another one?

Dr. ATKINSON.-Yes, it must be remembered that there will always be one officer away on leave. Although there are three Assistant Surgeons, there are practically only two. This fifth officer I have recommended for the work at Kowloon. A plague hos- pital and a public mortuary have been erected there, and in addition there are the Government officials at Kowloon to attend; we have four Police Stations there and a

(9)

number of other officials there, the Observatory and Sanitary Inspectors. In addition we require one of the Assistant Surgeons to be resident at Kennedy Town Hospital during plague epidemics.

Colonel HUGHES.-What will he do when plague is not epidemic?

Dr. ATKINSON.-Assist wherever he is required and reside at Kowloon.

Dr. STEDMAN. Have you any idea of the average number of patients at the Gaol ?

Dr. ATKINSON.-There are not many patients at the Gaol Hospital. I should say something under 20. The officer has to examine in addition every fresh prisoner, cer- tify as to his ability for hard work or otherwise, see any prisoners who complain of being sick, and attend the officers of the Prison and their families. every prisoner on whom corporal punishment is to be inflicted.

Dr. STEDMAN-How many hours is he employed at the Gaol ?

He has to examine

Dr. ATKINSON. As a rule about an hour to an hour and a half daily, in addition once a week he makes an inspection of the Gaol.

Dr. STEDMAN. Have you any idea of the number of visits the doctor will have to pay to the subordinate officials under $2,000 a year?

Dr. ATKINSON.-It varies so.

Dr. STEDMAN. Have you any idea of the number of subordinate Government officials?

Dr. ATKINSON.-It averages, I think, 450; including Chinese this was the number in 1895.

Dr. STEDMAN.-Excluding their families?

Dr. ATKINSON.-Yes.

Dr. STEDMAN. And he would have to attend the families too if they were sick?

Dr. ATKINSON. Yes, and they are scattered about-some living at the West and others at the East end of the Town.

Colonel HUGHES.-Is this work and the Gaol enough for one man?

Dr. ATKINSON.-Yes, I think so.

The Chairman.-Who did the work at Kenne ly Town during last summer?

Dr. ATKINSON.-Dr. THOMSON; he was deputed for that work, and another Medi- cal Officer was obtained temporarily to perform the other duties, viz., act as Visiting Surgeon to the Tung Wah, Medical Officer to the Gaol and attend the subordinate officials.

Dr. STEDMAN. He is still doing this work, is'nt he?

Dr. ATKINSON. Yes, he is now doing this, as Dr. THOMSON has gone away on leave.

Colonel HUGHES.-Is this anything like what you want? One Principal Civil Medical Officer, one Superintendent and one Assistant at the Hospital ?

Dr. ATKINSON.-Yes.

Colonel HUGHES.-One man for the Gaol and subordinates, one for Kennedy Town and one for Kowloon. That is five Assistants; there are only three now?

Dr. ATKINSON.—Yes, it must be borne in mind we really require an extra man because there will always be one away on leave.

Mr. SHARP.-Who looks after Kowloon now?

( 10 )

Dr. ATKINSON.-No one at present, but as I have already said there is a plague hospital and a mortuary there, next summer there will be a great deal of work to do.

Mr. SHARP.-But is'nt there a Police Station there?

Dr. ATKINSON.-Yes, there are four. It is a pretty wide area and very difficult to work from this side.

man?

The Chairman. But at present there is not work enough in Kowloon for one

Dr. ATKINSON.-No, he would be in the Department and would have to perform whatever duties were required, there are still the Government Officials resident at Kowloon whom he would attend.

Dr. STEDMAN. The growth of Kowloon does not affect the Medical Department except as to subordinate officers there. There is a private practitioner living there, and therefore the Medical Officer, as I understand it, is only called upon to attend subordinate officers who may choose to reside in Kowloon?

Dr. ATKINSON.-Yes, that is what is done now. This year a mortuary has been erected and also a plague hospital. The plague hospital was only finished at the close of the summer, but next year if the plague is anything like as severe as it has been during the past three years we shall have patients there daily.

Dr. STEDMAN.-There is one question more with regard to Kowloon. us there were 450 subordinate officials who can claim Medical attendance. include those residing at Kowloon ?

Dr. ATKINSON.-Yes.

You told Does that

Dr. STEDMAN.-If so many subordinate officials live in Kowloon, the Medical Officer's work on this side must be greatly reduced in that respect ?

Dr. ATKINSON.-Yes.

Dr. STEDMAN-Can you find out how many subordinates live in Kowloon at the present time?

Dr. ATKINSON.-Yes, I can ascertain. The number 450 is approximately the total number in the service.

The Chairman. Have you control over the Sanitary Department-the Sanitary Medical Officer--at present?

Dr ATKINSON.-I am President of the Sanitary Board.

Colonel HUGHES.-Not as Principal Civil Medical Officer?

Dr. ATKINSON-NO.

The Chairman.-You have no control over the Medical Officer of Health for the Town?

Dr. ATKINSON.-Only as an Executive Officer of the Sanitary Board.

Colonel HUGHES.-As President?

Dr. ATKINSON.-Yes.

Colonel HUGHES.-Not as Principal Medical Officer of the Colony?

Dr. ATKINSON. He was appointed as an Assistant Surgeon in the Medical Depart- ment, but was seconded to the Sanitary Board.

Colonel HUGHES.-Quite a different Department altogether from the Medical?

Dr. ATKINSON.-Yes, it is so at present. He has been called upon occasionally to assist in the Medical Department but only when there has been great stress of work.

(11)

Colonel HUGHES.-He does not assist in the Medical Department?

Dr. ATKINSON—Only on a few occasions when he has answered urgent calls at the Gaol.

The Chairman.-How much of your time is taken up daily, say, at the Govern- ment Civil Hospital? I mean your executive work at the Hospital looking after the wards and patients.

Dr. ATKINSON.-It is difficult to answer this question; in addition to the admin- istrative work the ward work occupies me three or four hours daily, there is in addition operative work and urgent calls night and day.

Colonel HUGHES.-What assistance have you now?

Dr. ATKINSON.-One Assistant Surgeon-Dr. BELL.

Dr. STEDMAN.-There is a Second Medical Officer for the Port arranged for, is there not?

Dr. ATKINSON-Yes.

Dr. STEDMAN. That has been definitely settled?

Dr. ATKINSON.—Yes, the Government have recommended the appointment of an additional Health Officer for the Port, but the Secretary of State has not made the appointment yet.

Colonel HUGHES.-The Colonial Government has sanctioned another Assistant Surgeon for the Medical Department, has it not?

Dr. ATKINSON.—Yes, but that has nothing to do with the additional Medical Officer of the Port.

Dr. STEDMAN.

They have sanctioned another Health Officer for the Port?

Dr. ATKINSON. —Yes, one has been sanctioned, but we have not been informed that he has been approved by the Secretary of State.

Colonel HUGHES.-The Assistant Surgeon is sanctioned ?

Dr.. ATKINSON.-The Assistant Surgeon is sanctioned; the Second Health Officer is recommended, and not sanctioned.

Dr. STEDMAN.-I was going to ask about the Second Health Officer of the Port. Seeing that one man does all the work now with a great deal of private practice besides, if there were two would not the Second Officer be able to look to what is required in the Medical Department at Kowloon ?

Dr. ATKINSON.-I don't think so, because it is the intention of the Government to have a Medical inspection of all ships entering the Harbour, and if this is the case there must always be a Doctor on duty afloat from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. It was pointed out that if this was so it would be absolutely necessary to have two Officers appointed for this work.

Colonel HUGHES.-What are Dr. JORDAN's duties? For instance, supposing a Canadian Pacific Steamer comes in?

Dr. ATKINSON.-He has to visit every ship which arrives from infected Ports, he or his deputy also boards every steamer which arrives, but not immediately on arrival; there is other work as he has to examine all emigrants that leave the Colony for certain ports and that keeps him occupied two days a week for some hours.

Colonel HUGHES.-Examining them what for?

Dr. ATKINSON.-To see if they are suffering from any infections disease or not. Colonel HUGHES.-How long does that occupy him?

( 12 )

Dr. ATKINSON.-Two or three hours twice a week.

The Chairman.-Has Dr. JORDAN private practice in addition to his other duties?

Dr. ATKINSON.-Yes.

Dr. STEDMAN. He practically does nothing. His deputy does it all. go to the ships himself?

Dr. ATKINSON.-Sometimes.

which he does.

Does he

There is in addition the official correspondence,

The Chairman.-Will the Second Port Health Officer who is going to be appointed be permitted to have a private practice?

Dr. ATKINSON.-No, it is definitely laid down that he is not to be allowed private practice.

Colonel HUGHES.-I should think a Second Port Health Officer resiling at Kow- loon would meet the case..

Dr. ATKINSON.-There would be a difficulty with regard to that. He would have to be afloat at certain hours. There must be some one constantly on duty, because ships are arriving all day long from 6 a.m. till 6 p.m. If he is engaged in seeing patients at Kowloon, how can he inspect a ship which has just arrived, say from Bangkok?

Dr. STEDMAN. The same thing holds good to a greater extent in the other case, because there is only one man for the Port who has considerable private practice besides.

Dr. ATKINSON.-The Medical inspection of all ships arriving in the harbour, im- mediately after their arrival, is not carried out now.

Dr. STEDMAN. As one man has done this work up till now and has engaged in private practice besides, the question is, if there are two Medical men would not the second have time to do the small amount of Government work in Kowloon as well as his work afloat?

The Chairman.-If you had two Officers, whose duties were given entirely to the Colony, it could be easily done.

Dr. ATKINSON.

his deputy does.

Although Dr. JORDAN does not do much Harbour work himself

Dr. STEDMAN. Then his deputy has a private practice which must often take him away when he is wanted.

The Chairman.-Probably this new man who is coming out will do all the work afloat if he has nothing else to do except boarding ships.

Colonel HUGHES.-That is not the man coming out; it is the Assistant Surgeon, whose appointment has been sanctioned.

Mr. SHARP.-The Second Health Officer of the Port is only applied for?

Colonel HUGHES.-But a Fourth Assistant Surgeon has been sanctioned.

The Chairman. And also this additional Medical Officer ?

Dr. STEDMAN. That has been sanctioned by the Colonial Government, but not by the Home Government. Is it proposed to inspect in any way all the come from Canton and Macao ?

Dr. ATKINSON.-It never has been done, excepting in 1894.

Dr. STEDMAN. It would be almost an impossibility.

passengers that

( 13 )

Dr. ATKINSON.-I should think it is impracticable, there are so many ways for the Chinese to evade this inspection, by coming in junks or some of the other river steamers. It would be a great advantage if it could be carried out in epidemic times, I mean by that when plague is prevalent at Canton and Macao.

The Chairman.--Supposing that the Principal Civil Medical Officer was a purely administrative officer and his duties as regards the Hospital were only of a consultative character, would that take up all his time?

Dr. ATKINSON. He is at present President of the Sanitary Board as well. The administration work of these two departments would be quite enough to occupy all his

time.

Colonel HUGHES.-But if plague broke out would he go and visit and report upon it, or would the Medical Officer of Health?

Dr. ATKINSON.-No, not necessarily, the Medical Officer of Health would do this, but he might be called upon by the Government to report.

The Chairman. Supposing you had control of all the Health Officers of the Port, then you would be responsible for everything that takes place in the Medical Depart- ment ?

Dr. ATKINSON.-That is so at present.

The Chairman. If you were purely an administrative officer would it not be desirable to have the whole of the Medical Officers of the Department under you ?

Dr. ATKINSON.—Yes, it is practically so now. I think it would be advisable to have it definitely stated that all the medical officers of the Department should be under the Principal Civil Medical Officer.

Colonel HUGHES.-The Medical Officer of Health reports direct to the Governor ?

Dr. ATKINSON.-The Governor communicates with him direct, but the Medical Officer of Health is supposed to communicate ordinarily through the Secretary of the Sanitary Board.

Colonel HUGHES.-The Secretary is an officer of the Sanitary Board.

Dr. STEDMAN.-Would'nt it be more natural if the Health Officer of the Port were subordinate to the Sanitary Department, for is he not primarily responsible to the Sanitary Department?

Dr. ATKINSON.-lle is not responsible to the Sanitary Department, but he is under the orders of the Principal Civil Medical Officer. The Medical Officer of Health was practically appointed a member of the Medical Department, and when he arrived in the Colony he was seconded for special work to the Sanitary Department, but he is still, I take it, liable to be called upon to do other duties, if exceptional circumstances should require it.

Dr. STEDMAN. He was brought out from Europe as Medical Officer of Health.

Dr. ATKINSON. The letter of appointment stated he was an Assistant Surgeon in the Medical Department.

Dr. STIDMAN. But he had given up all his general practice in England in favour of sanitation before he left, and he was appointed to be a sanitary expert.

Dr. ATKINSON-That is so.

Mr. SHARP.-Don't you think there would be great confusion if the Medical Officer of Health for the Town was put under the Principal Civil Medical Officer ?

Dr. ATKINSON. In what way?

( 14 )

Mr. SHARP. Supposing there was a case in which the Sanitary Board carried a resolution, with which you as President of the Board disagreed; if the Medical Officer of Health were under the Principal Civil Medical Officer you might afterwards as Principal Civil Medical Officer override the resolution by ordering the Medical Officer of Health to carry out the particular matter concerned in the resolution as you con- sidered right?

Dr. ATKINSON.-I do not see that the occasion would arise. As President of the Board I should not do this. The only question would be when the Department is short- handed and I might say to him "I want you to assist somewhere else," of course this would only occur very exceptionally.

Dr. STEDMAN-He has never had any time to spare. The Department has been so busy.

Dr. ATKINSON. His time has been and is now fully occupied.

Dr. ATKINSON.-The Health Officer holds an anomalous position because he is an executive officer of the Board and also a member of that Board. He practically carries out all the work which the Board advises, yet he is himself a member of the Board!

The Chairman.--The present Health Officer is to a certain extent independent of the Principal Civil Medical Officer of the Colony.

Dr. ATKINSON.-Independent, in what way ?

The Chairman.-That is what I want to find out. Is he, in any way ?

Dr. ATKINSON.-His duties are definite, as an Assistant Surgeon in the Medical Department he is under the Principal Civil Medical Officer, but he was, as I have said before, seconded to the Sanitary Board for special work, and in the position of Medical Officer of Health for the Town he is not under the Principal Civil Medical Officer.

Dr. STEDMAN.-I think the Sanitary Board ought to be entirely separate from the Medical Department, and the Medical Officer of Health ought to be responsible only to the Sanitary Board.

The Chairman.-Do you agree with that, Dr. ATKINSON?

Dr. ATKINSON.-I think it would be better if all the Medical Officers were under the Head of the Medical Department. The Health Officer of the Port is now under the Principal Civil Medical Officer. It has been so as long as I have had any knowledge of the Colony.

Dr. STEDMAN. Because when that appointment was created there was no Sani- tary Board. Is that not so?

Dr. ATKINSON.-Yes, the Sanitary Board has been in existence since 183.

The Chairman.-I take it that at present the Medical Officer of Health for the Town has plenty to do?

Dr. ATKINSON.-Yes, quite enough.

Dr. STEDMAN.He has just got an assistant.

The Chairman.—But Dr. CLARK is going away.

The Chairman.-If the additional Health Officer of the Port lived at Kowloon could he do the duties of that district in addition to the work afloat?

Dr. ATKINSON. He might be able to do it, but it is not what I should advise. There might be delay, and objection might again be raised by the Chamber of Com-

merce.

}

( 15 )

Colonel HUGHES.-You would not want the Assistant Port Officer to sail about all day waiting for ships.

Dr. ATKINSON.-He would be on duty for six hours at any rate-one officer would be on duty from 6 a.m. to 12, and another from 12 to 6 p.m.

Colonel HUGHES.-Every day?

Dr. ATKINSON.-Yes.

Colonel HUGHES.-Is Dr. JORDAN afloat for six hours ?

Dr. STEDMAN. He visits ships as they come in.

Colonel HUGHES.-During the epidemic of plague last summer Dr. THOMSON did the Gaol, Kennedy Town, and the Tung Wah Hospital?

Dr. STEDMAN.—No.

Dr. ATKINSON.-There was another officer appointed.

Dr. STEDMAN-The French Doctor?

Dr. ATKINSON.-When Dr. THOMSON was performing the Kennedy Town Hospital work Dr. LAMOKT did the other work, viz. :-Tung Wah, Gaol Hospital and visiting Government Officials.

Colonel HUGHES.-Where does Dr. THOMSON get the time to hunt mosquitoes?

Dr. STEDMAN.—He does not hunt them, they are sent to him from the various Police Stations, and he simply examines them.

Colonel HUGHES.-How did he find time to go to the New Territory ?

Dr. ATKINSON.—That was before the epidemic, I think.

Mr. SHARP.-I suppose in plague time Kennedy Town would take up his whole time?

Dr. ATKINSON.-Yes.

The Chairman. I see that in addition to these Medical Officers, you suggest a scheme whereby the medical requirements of the outlying districts like Shaukiwan, Quarry Bay, Aberdeen, Stanley and the New Territory may be met.

Dr. ATKINSON.—Yes, I have suggested to the Government that soine such system as that at Singapore might be adopted, whereby Native Apothecaries holding some such qualification as the Licentiate of Madras University might be obtained.

Eight such Native Apothecaries are employed at Singapore, and they have been proved very efficient.

The Government there annually gives four scholarships of the value of £250 to the students at the Government Schools who pass highest in the Seventh Standard and in at least two extra subjects, an examination corresponding to the Senior Cambridge Local University examination.

Those who pass highest in the examination become Government Scholars, and are sent to Madras University where they are trained, the course lasting four years.

The Chairman.-Why should it take four years ?

Dr. ATKINSON. Because that is the prescribed period of the course of training

The Chairman.-What sort of men, are these Chinese?

Dr. ATKINSON.-Yes, Chinese, Indians, Europeans, or any nationality I under- stand can compete.

Dr. STEDMAN-What are their duties?

( 16 )

Dr. ATKINSON.-When qualified they return to Singapore, and are employed by the Government Medical Department signing a bond to serve for 15 years, one is boarding officer to the ships, another Medical Officer to the Pauper Hospital, a third in charge of the Quarantine Station, and so on.

The Chairman.-Is the Hygein still used as a Hospital Ship?

Dr. ATKINSON.-Yes.

The Chairman.-They say here it is no longer so used.

Dr. ATKINSOs.-The Governor has decided that it is still to be utilised as a Hos- pital Ship.

The Chairman.-Who do you employ on board ?

Dr. ATKINSON.-One of the Medical Officers of the Department.

Dr. STEDMAN. -Have there been any sick there during the past year?

Dr. ATKINSON. Two in the past year, I think. In previous years, we have had as many as thirty patients on board. In 1894, 1896 and 1897 it was utilised for cases of cholera, plague and small-pox. If a ship should arrive, say, with cholera on board, the patients would be at once taken to the Hygeia instead of being treated in a hospital on shore. When it is in use it must be remembered that it takes three-quarters of an hour to get there.

Dr. STEDMAN. Do you think the school for Chinese medicine is turning out a success? Do

Do you think the course of education at the Chinese College of Medicine here is satisfactory; that the men are sufficiently well qualified to be put on to Government duties ?

Dr. ATKINSON. I don't think they can be sufficiently well trained here as the facilities are not sufficient for thoroughly training medical students.

Dr. STEDMAN. Are the scholars sufficiently well trained in anatomy?

Dr. ATKINSON.-No, they cannot be, as there are no bodies to dissect.

Dr. STEDMAN.-Can they read and write English sufficiently well to understand lectures, and have they to pass an entrance examination?

Dr. ATKINSON. In former years-I am referring to eight or nine years ago-when the college was started there was no entrance examination at all, and the students had a very scanty knowledge of English, and how they were taught physiology, pathology and medicine without a knowledge of the language in which they were taught, I don't. know.

Mr. SHARP. As far as I can see in the staff you propose every man would be wanted during summer when plague occurs, and during the other part of the year it would be fairly easy work for all.

Dr. ATKINSON.-That is so, but it must be remembered that as one Medical Officer will now nearly always be away, there will be plenty of work for the rest even in the winter.

Colonel HUGHES.-They would not be overworked as they now are.

Dr. ATKINSON.-It must be borne in mind that the pressure comes at the worst time of the year, namely, the summer.

Colonel HUGHES.-Number 18, in the Colonial Estimates, headed "Medical Depart- ments," gives the Medical Staff, and goes on to give the Civil Hospital Staff-apothe caries, analysts, and so on-messengers, cooks, stokers, etc. Are those adequate?

Dr. ATKINSON.-Yes, I think they are.

[

( 17 )

Colonel HUGHES.-That establishment is adequate?

Dr. ATKINSON.-Yes.

Colonel HUGHES.-Does not require any increase?

Dr. ATKINSON.-No.

The Chairman.-Or decrease?

Dr. ATKINSON.-There is one decrease, the Matron of the Female Venereal Wards; I lately recommended this to the Government, as the Contagious Diseases Act has been repealed, we have no further use for her as there are no patients in the Venereal Wards, or next to none.

Colonel HUGHES.-That is the only one?

Dr. ATKINSON.—Yes.

Colonel HUGHES.-It is an adequate staff of subordinates, servants, etc.?

Dr. ATKINSON.-Yes.

Dr. STEDMAN.-When Dr. AYRES was Colonial Surgeon, didn't he visit the subor- dinate officers who were living about the town?

Dr. ATKINSON.-Yes, but the work of the Department has very much increased since then, and he did no Hospital work.

Dr. STEDMAN.-If you were freed from your present duties at the Hospital and were only consultative Medical Officer to the Government Civil Hospital, do you think you would have time to visit the subordinates about the town as well as to attend to your duties as administrative officer?

Dr. ATKINSON.-I don't think this is a duty that should be expected of the Head of the Medical Department.

Colonel HUGHES.-What work is done at the Gaol?

Dr. ATKINSON.-There is the general examination of prisoners who come in, stating what work they are fit to do, and as to their ability to stand certain punishments, &c.

Colonel HUGHES.-Just like a Military prison?

Dr. ATKINSON.-There are between 500 and 600 inmates, and once a week the Medical Officer has to make a general inspection, and he is also liable to be called to attend the Prison Office and to be sent for in cases of urgency.

Colonel HUGHES.-You, as Principal Civil Medical Officer could not relieve him at all?

Dr. ATKINSON.-No, I think there is quite enough work otherwise for the Prin- cipal Civil Medical Officer.

Dr. STEDMAN.-Could you as Principal Civil Medical Officer do the necessary supervision of the Tung Wah Hospital? That does not seem to be very heavy.

Colonel HUGHES.-It is only inspection?

Dr. ATKINSON.-It is only the ordinary inspection that the Principal Civil Medi- cal Officer is expected to exercise over all the hospitals in the Colony.

The Chairman. You are responsible for Kennedy Town Hospital?

Dr. ATKINSON.-Yes.

Colonel HUGHES.-Outside the Hospitals what administrative work do you per- form ?

Dr. ATKINSON.-None as Principal Civil Medical Officer.

(18)

Colonel HUGHES.-The questions of house sanitation all go to Dr. CLARK?

Dr. ATKINSON.-Yes, excepting that the Government consult the Principal Civil Medical Officer on all Health matters, he is the Medical Adviser to the Government.

Colonel HUGHES.-If you had control of everything, sanitation and everything else, and were responsible for the whole Colony, you would have a lot to do. Now you only have the administration of the Hospital, and no outside work.

Dr. ATKINSON.-As Principal Civil Medical Officer that is so, but I think it would be better were the Sanitary Department made a Sub-department of the Medical Depart-

ment.

The Chairman.-I suppose all candidates for Government service have to be medi- cally examined ?

Dr. ATKINSON.-The Police are all medically examined before joining.

Colonel HUGHES.-Who looks after the Police ?

Dr. ATKINSON.-The Government Medical Officers.

The Chairman.-Outside who looks after them?

Dr. ATKINSON.-The Medical Officer who attends subordinate officials.

Dr. STEDMAN.-That is to say if they are able to go as out-patients to the Hospital they do so and if they are not and are sufficiently sick they either come into hospital or are visited by a Medical Officer at their homes ?

Dr. ATKINSON.-Very often they are treated at their own houses,

Colonel HUGHES.-Do you have to go to No. 2 Police Station?

Dr. ATKINSON.—Yes, one of the Medical Officers may have to attend there.

Colonel HUGHES.-Attend Policemen and their families ?

Dr. ATKINSON.—Yes.

Dr. STEDMAN. Are there 450 subordinate Government Officials?

Dr. ATKINSON.-That was the number in the last return we had, but I will ascer- tain the exact number, our last return of such officers is not up to date.

Dr. STEDMAN.-You attend all the Sanitary Inspectors, Road Surveyors, and all

that class of men ?

Dr. ATKINSON.-Yes, one of the Medical Officers does.

Colonel HUGHES.-The Medical Officer of Health has to do that?

Dr. ATKINSON.-No, he does not attend them.

The Chairman.-If there is a serious accident do you have to go out to it?

Dr. ATKINSON.-One of the Medical Officers has if the patient is too ill to come to Hospital.

Colonel HUGHES.--Supposing a man malingered, and your Medical Officer of Health said so, or vice versâ, there might be friction?

Dr. STEDMAN.-I think Dr. ATKINSON would be wholly supreme. If he decided he was malingering it is a case of malingering. If you imagine another case where Dr. CLARK said the Government Civil Hospital was deficient as to drainage and Dr. ATKINSON said it was all right, I should say Dr. CLARK was supreme, as it would be a sanitary matter.

( 19 )

Colonel HUGHES.-It is not satisfactory. Of course the Principal Civil Medical Officer would be responsible for the state of the drains in the Hospital. He is supposed to have efficient knowledge.

Dr. STEDMAN.-Is the Lunatic Asylum often occupied to its full extent?

Dr. ATKINSON.-There are 17 there now.

Colonel HUGHES.-The hospitals are pretty full.

Dr. ATKINSON. They are generally full; our accommodation at the Government Civil Hospital is very inadequate, we have frequently to turn patients away.

The Chairman.-A great deal of your time is taken up by bacteriology.

Dr. ATKINSON.-Yes, at present.

Dr. STEDMAN. That is already arranged for?

Dr. ATKINSON.-The Government have requisitioned for a Bacteriologist. Dr. STEDMAN.-How many maternity patients do you have in a year?

Dr. ATKINSON.-It is constantly increasing. Last year we had 51 lying-in cases. Colonel HUGHES.-To what hospital do you send patients suffering from scarla- tina and small-pox?

Dr. ATKINSON.-Small-pox is treated at Kennedy Town. scarlatina, it is practically never met with here.

The Chairman.-There is nothing else you can think of?

Dr. ATKINSON.-No.

We have no cases of

[The Commission then adjourned. At the next meeting, on Tuesday, the 19th November, at 4.30 p.m., Dr. BELL and Dr. CLARK will be requested to attend as witnesses.]

THIRD MEETING.

Council Chamber.

Tuesday, 19th November, 1901.

PRESENT:

Deputy Inspector General DREW, R.N., (Chairman).

Colonel HUGHES, D.S.O., R.A.M.C.

Dr. F. O. STEDMAN, M.D., B.S., London.

C. S. SHARP, Esq.

R. L. RICHARDSON, Esq.

E. D. C. WOLFE, Esq., (Secretary).

Dr. BELL called, gave the following evidence :—

The Chairman.-Dr. BELL, you are Senior Assistant Surgeon ?

Dr. J. BELL.-No, I am Number 2. Dr. Lowson is Senior Assistant Surgeon.

The Chairman.-Are your duties limited entirely to what you do in the Hospital, or have you any duties outside ?

Dr. BELL.-The Public Mortuary and the Hospital.

( 20 )

The Chairman.-How much of your time is taken up at the Public Mortuary and the Hospital?

Dr. BELL.-Practically all my time. I go to the Mortuary at 7 A.M. and then to the Lunatic Asylums, and then spend the whole morning at the Hospital.

The Chairman.-You also have most of the bacteriological work to do ?

Dr. BELL.-I do most of it.

The Chairman. In fact, you have a great deal to do altogether.

Dr. BELL.-Yes, my duties take me nearly all day. I am always available, and sometimes have to attend at the Gaol, or see a subordinate officer who is sick.

The Chairman.-Any other duties ?

Dr. BELL.-Nɔ.

The Chairman.--I suppose you could not be sent for to attend at any other place? Dr. BELL.-Oh, yes.

The Chairman. You are always liable to be called upon if wanted ?

Dr. BELL.-Yes.

Colonel HUGHES.-Dr. LowSON is on leave?

Dr. BELL. Yes.

Colonel HUGHES.-What sort of leave?

Dr. BELL.-Half-pay.

Colonel HUGHES.-Sick leave?

Dr. BELL.-Yes.

Colonel HUGHES.-How long has he been sick?

Dr. BELL. He went away last August twelve months.

Colonel HUGHES.-He has not been replaced?

Dr. BELL.-No.

Colonel HUGHES.-In the ordinary course of things when would he be replaced? Dr. BELL. He would never be replaced until he resigned or was pensioned.

Colonel HUGHES.-And no substitute is provided?

Dr. BELL.-No.

Colonel HUGHES.-Are you alone in the Hospital?

Dr. BELL.-There are two of us, Dr. ATKINSON and myself.

Colonel HUGHES.-Have you ever been alone?

Dr. BELL.-Yes. I was alone all last year. My assistant left at 1 P.M., after which time I was in sole charge.

Colonel HUGHES.-On duty every night?

Dr. BELL.-Yes.

The Chairman.-Until Dr. ATKINSON returned from leave ?

Dr. BELL.-Yes.

Colonel HUGHES.-You were Principal Civil Medical Officer besides ?

Dr. BELL.-Acting Principal Civil Medical Officer.

( 21 )

Colonel HUGHES.--Did that ever take you outside of the Hospital ?

Dr. BELL.-No.

Colonel HUGHES.-Never outside ?

Dr. BELL.-No.

Dr. STEDMAN.—Did you not attend at the Sanitary Board Offices ?

Dr. BELL.-Yes, and occasionally at the Infectious Diseases Hospital.

Colonel HUGHES.-Did you get any correspondence?

Dr. BELL.-Oh, yes, I had to do all that; not only for the Hospital, but for the Medical Department altogether.

Colonel HUGHES.-How much of your time was taken up with this?

Dr. BELL.-It is difficult to say. I used to do most of the correspondence at night, so as to have it ready for the clerks in the morning.

Colonel HUGHES.-Were you ever called out to Kennedy Town?

Dr. BELL.-Yes.

Colonel HUGHES.-How often?

Dr. BELL.-I should think about two or three times.

Colonel HUGHES.-What for?

Dr. BELL.-To attend people who were ill when Dг. THOMSON was not there, or had just left.

Colonel HUGHES.-You always had to go?

Dr. BELL.-Oh, yes.

Colonel HUGHES.-Have you ever been called out to the Gaol ?

Dr. BELL.-Yes.

Colonel HUGHES.-Often ?

Dr. BELL.-No, not very often.

Colonel HUGHES.-Whose duty was it to attend subordinate officers last summer?

Dr. BELL.-I suppose it was partly my duty, and partly the duty of the Gaol Surgeon. When the epidemic was at its height, Dr. THOMSON was taken off all duties and put on at Kennedy Town solely.

Colonel HUGHES.-Where did he live ?

Dr. BELL.-At the Hongkong Hotel, at first.

Colonel HUGHES.-No private quarters ?

Dr. BELL. He occupied the Assistant Superintendent's quarters from September, 1900, to August, 1901.

Colonel HUGHES.-During the epidemic you were liable to be called out; in fact there was nobody else?

Dr. BELL.-There was nobody else. There was only a temporary officer, purely for the Hospital, and when Dr. THOMSON went on duty at Kennedy Town we had another man on at the Gaol.

Colonel HUGHES.-Did he look after the subordinates ?

Dr. BELL.—He was in charge of the Gaol and subordinates until he was put on to Kennedy Town Hospital solely.

( 22 )

Colonel HUGHES.--Who did the Tung Wah Hospital?

Dr. BELL.-Dr. THOMSON.

Colonel HUGHES.-And Kennedy Town?

Dr. BELL. Yes.

Colonel HUGHES.-Who did the Gaol after Dr. THOMSON was relieved?

Dr. BELL. Dr. LAMORT.

Dr. STEDMAN. When did Dr. ATKINSON go away on leave?

Dr. BELL.He went away on leave in March, 1900.

Dr. STEDMAN.-What leave did he nominally go away for?

Dr. BELL. For a year.

Dr. STEDMAN.--He should have been back in March, 1901 ?

Dr. BELL. Yes.

Dr. STEDMAN. That was the time the epidemic was getting severe (or, I should say, just beginning)?

Dr. BELL.-Yes.

Dr. STEDMAN.-Dr. Lowson went away on sick leave in August, 1900?

Dr. BELL. Yes, he went away in August, 1900.

Dr. STEDMAN.—And Dr. ATKINSON was not brought back ?

Dr. BELL-No.

Dr. STEDMAN. But, on the other hand, given extension of leave?

Dr. BELL. Yes.

Dr. STEDMAN.-So that if Dr. ATKINSON had been brought back instead of being granted an extension of leave, a good deal of the difficulty last summer would not have occurred; of course, some of it would?

Dr. BELL. We should have had an extra officer.

—

Dr. STEDMAN.Is Dr. THOMSON away on leave now?

Dr. BELL.-Yes, three months' leave.

Dr. STEDMAN. Are there two of the medical staff away now?

Dr. BELL.-Yes.

Dr. STEDMAN.-Is Dr. LAMORT doing the Gaol in consequence of Dr. THOMSON being away on leave?

Dr. BELL.--Yes, he is doing Dr. THOMSON's work.

Dr. STEDMAN.-The Gaol and the subordinates?

Dr. BELL.--Yes, and the Tung Wah Hospital.

Dr. STEDMAN.-How long does the work at the Gaol take you in the morning?

Dr. BELL.-About an hour to an hour and a half. It all depends upon the num- ber of prisoners there are to see.

Dr. STEDMAN. And have you any idea how long the superintendence work at the Tung Wah Hospital takes?

( 23 )

Dr. BELL.-Well, nominally it takes, I believe, about half an hour to three quar- ters of an hour. Of course, there is a great deal more work than mere inspection. You have to watch all cases under treatment. You see the case in the morning and then make a rough diagnosis with a view to preventing a case of an infectious disease being taken in, but you have to see some of the cases for days afterwards to come to a diagnosis.

Dr. STEDMAN. Have you ever been in charge of the subordinate staff ?

Dr. BELL.-I don't know that I was ever actually in charge of them. I used to

go out when I was Gaol Surgeon and Dr. AYRES could not get away.

Dr. STEDMAN. Could you give us any idea how long the work takes?

Dr. BELL.-It varies so; I could not say.

Dr. STEDMAN.-Have you any idea of the number of the subordinate staff ?

Dr. BELL. I have not the least idea. I may say that the Principal Civil Medical Officer is having a proper list drawn up.

Dr. STEDMAN.-Yes, he has written and told us there are 450, but that includes Chinese.

Dr. BELL.-The Chinese have to be visited as it is necessary to send in a certificate if they are unable to do their duty.

Colonel HUGHES.-Are those Chinese Police?

Dr. BELL-No, all sorts. The Chinese l'olice always come to the Hospital. Dr. STEDMAN. And, I suppose, that the other Chinese if they want European treatment go to the Hospital?

Dr. BELL.-Yes.

Dr. STEDMAN.-You don't often visit Chinese in their homes?

Dr. BELL.-No, I should think very rarely. A great many of them come up to the Hospital in the morning. I have out patients from nine to ten in the morning.

Dr. STEDMAN. If the Bacteriologist, whom I believe they have written Lome for, is sanctionel, will he relieve you a great deal of your microscopic and bacteriological work at the Hospital?

Dr. BELL.-Not to any great extent, I think. work of this kind attached to a hospital.

There is always a good deal of

Dr. SIEDMAN-But surely you will send a great many of the specimens to him for examination? Typhoid and diphtheria swabs and the like ?

Dr. BELL.-I might possibly.

Colonel HUGHES.-If not, what will be his work?

Dr. BELL.-Investigating diseases from a bacteriological point and preparing the various sera and vaccine lymph.

Dr. STEDMAN. Do you know there is to be a Hospital for plague in Kowloon ?

Dr. BELL.-Yes.

Dr. STEDMAN. Is it to be medically officered by Europeans or Chinese ?

Dr. BELL.-I could not exactly say what is intended. The resident, I believe, will be one of the Chinese students, but it will be supervised by a Government Medical Officer.

Dr. STEDMAN.-It is not the intention to put European patients there?

(21)

Dr. BELL.-Oh, no. I think it is entirely intended for Chinese.

Dr. STEDMAN.-Who looked after the Kennedy Town Hospital during the epidemic?

Dr. BELL.-Dr. THOMSON,

Dr. STEDMAN.—Was he living at the Peak part of the time?

Dr. BELL.-No, he asked permission to go there for a day occasionally.

Dr. STEDMAN. Do you know how often be paid evening visits to the Kennedy Town Hospital?

Dr. BELL.-I could not say. Every day, I think.

Dr. STEDMAN.-Did it come within your knowledge while he was at the l'eak that on one occasion a European patient with plague was taken to the Kennedy Town Hospital during the afternoon, and was not seen by Dr. THOMSON till the following morning?

Dr. BELL.-No.

The Chairman. Has there always been a resident officer at Kennedy Town during the epidemic ?

Dr. BELL.-There has never been a resident officer there.

Dr. STEDMAM.-How far are Dr. THOMSON's quarters from Kennedy Town?

Dr. BELL.-About ten minutes, I should think.

Mr. SHARP.-Do you consider there ought to be a resident medical officer at Ken- nedy Town during the epidemic?

Dr. BELL. Yes.

Mr. SHARP.-Would those duties take up all his time?

Dr. BELL.-Yes, in epidemic times. There have never been any quarters there for a resident. It has been considered sufficient to run it from the Government Civil Hospital.

Colonel HUGHES.-During an epidemic should there not be quarters ?

Dr. BELL.-Quarters are to be built.

The Chairman.-Where did Dr. GIBSON live?

Dr. BELL.—I think it was opposite number 8 Police Station.

Dr. STEDMAN.-Near the Church Mission House?

Dr. BELL. I forget the name of the house.

Mr. SHARP.-How was the medical work at Kowloon managed last summer?

Dr. BELL. I used to go over there, and Dr. THOMSON went over there occasion-

ally before he took over sole charge of the Plague Hospital.

Colonel HUGHES.-Is it necessary to have a medical officer there?

Dr. BELL. Yes, I think so.

Colonel HUGHES.-How did you get on last year ?

Dr. BELL.-There was no mortuary or plague hospital there. Next year there is to be a plague hospital and a mortuary.

Colonel HUGHES.-It would only be for a certain time of the year?

( 25 )

Dr. BELL.-I understand the intention is in future to have a resident medical officer at the Infectious Hospital. Directly the plague breaks out he will live at Kennedy Town and do nothing else but attend to cases of plague.

Colonel HUGHES.-What would the Kowloon man do besides ?

Dr. BELL.He would look after the Police Stations and the subordinates.

Colonel HUGHES.-That would not be very much. What would he do when there was no plague ?

Dr. BELL. He would be available for various other duties. There would not be very much work except at plague time.

Colonel HUGHES.-Could he do Port Health Officer's work as well as resident officer's work at Kowloon ?

Dr. BELL.-I don't think so.

Colonel HUGHES.-Could he do Assistant Port Officer's work?

Dr. BELL.-I don't think so.

Colonel HUGHES.-Why not?

Dr. BELL.-Supposing he was out doing plague work, and was wanted when a steamer came in quarantine. All the trouble in the Harbour has been due to the merchants objecting to ships being kept waiting.

Colonel HUGHES.-But if Dr. JORDAN is away on private practice what happens? Dr. BELL. His deputy goes off to the ships.

Colonel HUGHES.-Paid by him?

Dr. BELL.-Yes.

Colonel HUGHES.-Is he always to be found?

Dr. BELL.-Yes, I think so.

Colonel HUGHES.-Why do the shipping people complain ?

Dr. BELL.-I cannot say.

Mr. SHARP.-Does his deputy engage in private practice?

Dr. BELL.-Yes.

Colonel HUGHES.-Is that satisfactory?

Dr. BELL.-Well, I did the work with private practice. I was not in the Government service; I did it for eight years.

Colonel HUGHES.-Satisfactorily?

Dr. BELL.-I found it so.

Colonel HUGHES.-But as Acting Principal Civil Medical Officer would it be satis- factory to you?

Dr. BELL.--No. I think there should be one man who does nothing else.

Colonel HUGHES.-There is enough work for one man ?

Dr. BELL.-If he did nothing else one man is not sufficient. You cannot expect

a man to be going about the Harbour from six in the morning till six or seven in the evening.

Colonel HUGHES.-Whose idea is this of a second Port Officer ?

Dr. BELL. The merchants of Hongkong.

( 26 )

Dr. STEDMAN.-Do you think it would be possible for Dr. JORDAN's deputy to be arranged for to be on call for a certain number of hours each day and the new man, coming out, to take the remainder of the day?

Dr. BELL.-That is the idea. available.

Between those two there will be always one man

Dr. STEDMAN.—If that was arranged would it not give the man ashore time to do the Plague Hospital and attend the few cases at Kowloon?

Dr. BELL.-The plague work and the mortuary must be seen to in the morning so that an officer must always be there in the morning. No doubt an arrangement might be made with Dr. JORDAN's deputy that they should take turn-and-turn-about, and be on for six hours daily each.

Colonel HUGHES.-In that case he could do the work at Kowloon ?

Dr. BELL.-I should think he could manage that very well. There is other work besides boarding ships. There are sometimes two or three steamers going out and all the Chinamen on board have to be examined so that if you have these and several ships coming in from infected ports, one man must attend to the emigration work and the other to inspecting ships when they arrive.

The Chairman.-Is not there some new rule which allows mail steamers to go to the wharves direct?

Dr. BELL.-A steamer with a Surgeon who certifies that there is no illness on board is allowed the enter though coming from an infected port.

The Chairman.-It must carry a medical man?

Dr. BELL.-Yes, the arrangement is as follows: if a steamer comes in from an infected port with a doctor on board who certifies that nothing is wrong on board she is allowed to land her mails.

Colonel HUGHES.-There is no hurry in that case?

Dr. BELL.-No, but if there is a case on board she has to wait while the other passenger steamers are finished.

Dr. STEDMAN.- If she comes in with a case of an infectious disease on board she has to be delayed though she carries a doctor?

Dr. BELL.-The mails are not. If she has an infectious disease on board they cannot land the mails until the nature of the disease has been ascertained. There was a case in which the doctor on board said it was one disease and three others said it was infectious, and they referred it to me, and I said it was not.

Colonel HUGHES.-Whose decision was taken ?

Dr. BELL.-Mine.

Colonel HUGHES.-What was the decision?

Dr. BELL. I decided the case was not infectious and the steamer was released.

The Chairman.-You had to board that steamer?

Dr. BELL.-They brought the case to me.

Colonel HUGHES.-That happened once?

Dr. BELL.-It does not happen often.

The Chairman.-Is that the only instance you know of?

Dr. BELL.-That is the only one lately.

The Chairman.-How long have you been here?

( 27 )

Dr. BELL.-Seventeen years.

The Chairman.-That is the only case you know of?

Dr. BELL.-That is the only case I recollect.

Colonel HUGHES.-Were not you deputy Port Officer for some years ?

Dr. BELL.-Yes.

Dr. SHARP.-The present regulations simplify and expedite matters ?

Dr. BELL.-Yes, with regard to steamers coming in.

Colonel HUGHES.-When you were deputy Port Officer were you engaged in private practice ?

Dr. BELL.-Yes, afloat.

Colonel HUGHES.-None on shore?

Dr. BELL.-No-practically none.

Dr. STEDMAN.- The present deputy has a private practice on shore?

Dr. BELL.-Yes, at Kowloon, I believe.

Colonel HUGHES.-He lives there?

Dr. BELL.-Yes.

Colonel HUGHES.-Why could not the new one coming out live at Kowloon and do the Port Officer's work as well as the present man? No objection has been raised to the man living there.

Dr. BELL.-We cannot raise any objection to the man living anywhere.

Colonel HUGHES.-As Principal Civil Medical Officer?

Dr. BELL.-No. The Health Officer of the Port has been allowed to provide an assistant to help in the work, and he lives where he likes.

Colonel HUGHES.-As Principal Civil Medical Officer would you have any hold over him?

Dr. BELL. He is gazetted as a health officer.

Colonel HUGHES.-He can live where he likes?

Dr. BELL.-It does not matter for Harbour work where he lives.

Colonel HUGHES.-Therefore, this new man could live in Kowloon?

Dr. BELL.-Oh, yes. Personally, I am of opinion it would be a mistake to give him anything else but Harbour work, because the whole of the trouble has arisen through ships being kept waiting. Our tendency is to make more and more places infected, with the result that whereas in my days there used to be very few ships coming in from infected ports, now, when a disease breaks out, the port is immediately declared infected and ships are coming in practically all the year round flying the yellow flag.

Colonel HUGHES.-You want two Port Officers ?

Dr. BELL.-Yes.

Colonel HUGHES.-To do nothing else?

Dr. BELL.-Yes, to do nothing else.

Colonel HUGHES.-And neither of them should engage in private practice?

Dr. BELL.-No, neither of the Government Port Doctors.

( 28 )

Colonel HUGHES.-You say there is ample work for two?

Dr. BELL.-Yes, I think so.

The Chairman.-Without engaging in private practice ?

Dr. BELL.-No.

The Chairman.-Supposing you had two Port Medical Officers who were not allowed to have private practice could they do Government work at Kowloon in addition to the Port work?

Dr. BELL.-Yes, I should think they could. They would only be required afloat from six to twelve and twelve to six-six hours each.

The Chairman.-At present Dr. JORDAN'S assistant has all the private practice at the Docks. It must take up a great deal of his time.

Dr. BELL.-I suppose it does take up a good deal of time.

The Chairman.-He is the man who does the Harbour?

Dr. BELL.-Yes.

The Chairman.—In addition to what he does otherwise?

Dr. BELL. Yes.

Colonel HUGHES.-If you were Principal Civil Medical Officer and were asked how many officers you required, to efficiently perform the medical duties, how many would

you apply for?

Dr. BELL.-Exclusive of the Principal Civil Medical Officer?

Colonel HUGHES.-Yes. How many would you apply for?

The Chairman.--In addition to yourself.

Dr. BELL.-I should have two in the Hospital. You must have two in the Hospital.

Colonel HUGHES.-How many beds are there?

Dr. BELL.-165.

Colonel HUGHES.-Roughly speaking?

Dr. BELL.-Yes.

Colonel HUGHES.-Are they always full?

Dr. BELL.-Always full.

Colonel HUGHES.-You want two men for that?

Dr. BELL.-Yes.

Colonel HUGHES.-What else?

Dr. BELL.Then I should have a man for the Gaol, the subordinate Officers and the Tung Wah and one more for the Mortuary and Infectious Hospital, and one for Kowloon work. In epidemic time one man would do nothing else but the Infectious Hospital.

Colonel HUGHES.-What man ?

Dr. BELL.-The man who does the Gaol in non-epidemic times. I should want a man at the Epidemic Hospital in Kennedy Town and one at Kowloon and one or two Medical Officers of the Port-one, if the present arrangement is carried on, but if that is to be abolished, you want two Government Medical Officers for the Port to do nothing else but that work.

Colonel HUGHES.-That is sweeping away the two now.

( 29 )

Dr. BELL.-Yes, that is doing away with the present system.

Colonel HUGHES.-Two at the Hospital; how many have you now? Dr. BELL-Two-the Principal Civil Medical Officer and myself.

Colonel HUGHES.-What is Dr. Lowson ?

Dr. BELL.-He is away.

Colonel HUGHES.-- Say they are all here, except one on leave?

Dr. BELL. He would be at the Gaol.

Colonel HUGHES.-You have one at the Hospital and one at the Gaol.

Dr. BELL.-Now.

Colonel HUGHES.-Supposing they are all here?

Dr. BELL.-One assistant surgeon at the Hospital, one at the Gaol and for the subordinates, and one at the Mortuary and Kennedy Town.

Colonel HUGHES.-Who would that be?

Dr. BELL.That would be Dr. Thomson.

Colonel HUGHES.-There is no work at Kennedy Town.

Dr. BELL.-No, there are no patients there.

Colonel HUGHES.-Is there much work at the Mortuary?

Dr. BELL.-Oh, yes.

Colonel HUGHES.-Sometimes !

Dr. BELL.--Well, there is a good deal of work. There were about 1,970 bodies to examine up to the end of October, and at the present rate there will be another 300, which will make about 2,200 to the end of the year.

Dr. STEDMAN. That is about six a day. They are not all post mortem examina- tions I take it.

Dr. BELL. Almost every one of them.

decomposed are not opened.

}

Of course the bodies which are too

Dr. STEDMAN.—Do you say there is an average of six post mortems a day ?

Dr. BELL.-Yes, almost every one is a post mortem.

Colonel HUGHES.—I think I am right in saying that at the present time there is

one assistant surgeon at the Hospital, one at the Gaol, Tung Wah Hospital, and for the subordinates, and one for the mortuary and Kennedy Town. Your present one who does the Gaol is away and a substitute does the work. Who pays him ?

Dr. BELL.-The Government.

Colonel HUGHES.-And the one for the Mortuary and Kennedy Town is absent?

Dr. BELL.-Yes.

Colonel HUGHES.-So you are working the place with two and the Principal Civil Medical Officer ?

Dr. BELL.-Yes. I am doing the Mortuary.

Colonel HUGHES.-You are working now with two men and the Principal Civil Medical Officer ?

Dr. BELL.-Yes.

( 30 )

Colonel HUGHES.-And you want five ?

Dr. BELL. Yes.

Colonel HUGHES.-An increase of two ?

Dr. BELL.-Yes.

The Chairman.-What will the Principal Civil Medical Officer do then?

Dr. BELL. He would be the head of the Department, and do all the official work. He would be the Consulting Medical Officer for the Civil Hospital; and as far as I can see he is now practically the head of the Sanitary Department.

Colonel HUGHES.-Is he the head of the Sanitary Department?

Dr. BELL. He goes to the office every day.

Colonel HUGUES.-Can you say he is or is not at the head of the Sanitary Depart- ment ?

Dr. BELL.-I cannot say that.

Colonel HUGHES.-According to the Colonial Regulations-

Dr. BELL.-No, I don't know very much about regulations as far as he is con- cerned.

Dr. STEDMAN.-The Sanitary Board is a different department?

Dr. BELL.-Yes. The President is head of the Sanitary Board. I don't know in what position he is there, but I presume he is President of Sanitary Board, because he is Principal Civil Medical Officer.

· Colonel HUGHES.--Suppose he was not President?

Dr. BELL.-I believe he would not have anything to do with it.

Colonel HUGHES.--Should he have anything to do with the Sanitary Board?

Dr. BELL.--Oh, yes; most decidedly.

Dr. STEDMAN.-Don't you think a Sanitary man should be at the head of his own Department?

Dr. BELL.-No. I think that a man, who is a skilled medical man, makes a far better sanitarian than the man who is simply a sanitarian.

Colonel HUGHES.-Are the Port Officers under the Principal Civil Medical Officer?

Dr. BELL.-Yes.

Colonel HUGHES.--Absolutely?

Dr. BELL.-Yes, entirely.

Colonel HUGHES.-When you were in charge of the Hospital were you absolutely satisfied with the subordinate staff of the Hospital?

Dr. BELL.-Yes.

Colonel HUGHES.-Did you want anything at all?

Dr. BELL.-No. I wanted nothing. There are some things, of course, which I wanted, and could not get. For instance, a better class Chinese boy is wanted.

Colonel HUGHES.-Were you satisfied with the arrangements in Kennedy Town last year?

Dr. BELL.-Yes.

Colonel HUGHES.-What was the establishment when plague broke out-the authorized establishment?

( 31 )

Dr. BELL.-One European Warlmaster, and as many Chinamen as you wanted. Colonel HUGHES.-How long was that Wardmaster there?

Dr. BELL. A very short time. One died early in the year, and the other man was his successor.

Colonel HUGHES.-Is the new man there now?

Dr. BELL.-Yes.

Colonel HUGHES.--Didn't he come out at the end of the epidemic?

Dr. BELL.-Yes, he did.

Colonel HUGHES.-Was'nt the other man dying when the epidemic first broke out?

Dr. BELL.-Yes.

Colonel HUGHES.-He was fit for no work?

Dr. BELL.-Oh, yes.

He worked up to the last; he was the best man we ever had.

Colonel HUGHES.-Was he fit for work?

Dr. BELL.-I take it a man is fit for work as long as he does his work, and he did his work thoroughly.

Colonel HUGHES.-What did he die of?

Dr. BELL.-Phthisis.

Colonel HUGHES.-You had to apply to me for assistance.

Dr. BELL.-Yes, and you lent us two men.

Colonel HUGHES.-What would you have done without them? Could you have got on without them?

pay?

Dr. BELL.-We could not get anybody; I had tried to get some one before. Colonel HUGHES.--I lent you a Corporal and a man. What did the Government

Dr. BELL-Eighty dollars a month, I think.

Colonel HUGHES.-What is the salary of the permanent Wardmaster?

Dr. BELL.-I cannot remember the figures. It is in the Estimates. The Account- ant pays all the salaries.

The Secretary-Eight hundred and sixty-six dollars a year.

The Chairman.-Isn't it better to have your own staff properly made

Dr. BELL-Yes.

The Chairman.-And yet you are satisfied with what you have.

up?

Dr. BELL.-I am satisfied with the staff at Kennedy Town. Now I have two Wardmasters and two trained Sisters.

Colonel HUGHES.-At the Hospital?

Dr. BELL.-Yes, the Sisters are, and one Wardmaster is on the way out from England.

Colonel HUGHES.-You will have two.

Dr. BELL.-There are now two to be permanent. This is the first epidemic I have had charge of and it came on suddenly. Arrangements are now made that in future there shall always be two European Wardmasters, and two trained Sisters.

(32)

The Chairman.-You think you won't want any more. In case of epidemic you won't have to apply to the Military authorities for help?

Dr. BELL.-I should think not, because four ward people and a medical resident officer will be employed for twenty or thirty cases. Two Sisters are now in the place waiting for an epidemic; one Wardmaster has arrived, and the other is on his way out.

Mr. SHARP.-How is the Hygeia provided for?

Dr. BELL. It is worked from Kennedy Town.

Mr. SHARP.-Would the Medical Officer at Kennedy Town look after the Hygeia ?

Dr. BELL-Yes. She is brought over.

Colonel HUGHES.-Is she going to be done away with?

Dr. BELL.-I think not. I think they would put Chinese patients with cholera there.

Colonel HUGHES.-Who would look after it?

Dr. BELL.-The Medical Officer from Kennedy Town would go there. epidemics it is always brought over and moored opposite to Kennedy Town.

In plague

Mr. SHARP.-I notice in your letter of the 6th June last you recommend another Assistant Surgeon being attached to the Department. That was in addition to the three you have?

Dr. BELL.-No.

Mr. SHARP.-You recommend the addition of another Assistant Surgeon?

Dr. BELL.-Yes.

Mr. SHARP. Did you consider at the time that would be sufficient for the staff- that extra one?

Dr. BELL. When I wrote that letter there was nothing said about Health Officers of the Port and I was not considering the Officer for Kowloon.

Mr. SHARP. Then this Assistant Surgeon was merely to supplement the medical staff on this side ?

Dr. BELL.-Yes.

Mr. SHARP. And you thought that would be sufficient?

Dr. BELL-Yes. That would give us five instead of four.

Mr. SHARP.-Five including the Principal Civil Medical Officer?

Dr. BELL. Yes.

Colonel HUGHES.-If the Principal Civil Medical Officer was relieved of executive work in the Hospital could he not do the Tung Wah Hospital, that is, inspection and consultation ?

Dr. BELL.--Yes, I suppose he could. There is a great deal more work at the Tung Wah Hospital if one wants to do it. You want to follow up the cases under treatment, and

you have to do the operations there, or supervise the officers doing them.

Mr. SHARP.-Does the officer in charge of the Government Civil Hospital also

superintend the work at the Maternity Hospital ?

Dr. BELL.-Yes.

Mr. SHARP.-Is there much work?

Dr. BELL. There is about a case a week.

( 33 )

Colonel HUGHES.-One of Dr. ATKINSON's answers to me was "In addition we require one of the Assistant Surgeons to be resident at Kennedy Town Hospital during plague epidemics." Then I asked him what he would do when plague was not epide- mic, and he replied: "Assist wherever he is required and reside at Kowloon." Is that your idea?

Dr. BELL.-Yes, he might reside at Kowloon. Of course, we have not been at full strength for some time, as so many officers have been away on leave. The man who is not doing much in the non-epidemic time would probably be appointed either to the Gaol, Tung Wah, or Kowloon while one of the other officers is away on leave. We are all becoming due for leave now.

Colonel HUGHES.-Is there an Infirmary in the Gaol ?

Dr. BELL.-Yes.

Colonel HUGHES.-Are all prisoners treated there ?

Dr. BELL.-Yes.

Colonel HUGHES.-Have you any idea of the daily sick?

Dr. BELL.—The average is about six a day-six in hospital.

Colonel HUGHES.-Are serious cases treated there?

Dr. BELL.-Yes, all cases.

Colonel HUGHES.-Never moved out of the Hospital?

Dr. BELL.-Oh, yes, occasionally by special permit from the Governor. Colonel HUGHES.-To the Civil Hospital?

Dr. BELL.-Yes.

Colonel HUGHES.-It would not take a man very long to manage six.

Dr. BELL.-The Hospital is nothing.

Colonel HUGHES.-Is there much night work at the Gaol?

Dr. BELL.-When I was in charge, Dr. AYRES used to do that.

Colonel HUGHES.-But you have done the Gaol ?

Dr. BELL. Yes.

Colonel HUGHES.--As a rule how long did it take ?

Dr. BELL. About an hour to an hour and a quarter or an hour and a half.

Dr. STEDMAN. Is there any regulation of the Government Civil Hospital with regard to two medical officers being out together?

Dr. BELL.-No.

Dr. STEDMAN. That is to say on some occasions there is no medical officer there? Dr. BELL.-Yes; but he is not very far away; not further than the Club. Dr. STEDMAN.-There is no regulation against that?

Dr. BELL. I simply ask and tell Dr. ATKINSON I am going out, but if he happens to be going, say, to Kowloon, then I must not go further than the Club.

Colonel HUGHES.-Is that satisfactory?

Dr. BELL.-I think so.

Colonel HUGHES.-Suppose you were both out, and a man was brought in and died ten minutes after, how would you feel?

( 34 )

Dr. BELL.-I should feel it could not have been otherwise as there are trained people about and if they could have done nothing the man must have been very ill.

Colonel HUGHES.-Who are the trained people?

Dr. BELL.--One is a trained Chinaman and the other is a trained European. Colonel HUGHES.-Has the trained European a diploma or certificate?

Dr. BELL. He was sent out as a trained Wardmaster.

Colonel HUGHES.-He would be no good legally in such a case; he would have no power to sign death certificates ?

Dr. BELL.-No. The cause of death in such a case must he ascertained afterwards. I have not found that the present arrangement works badly. I stay in the Hospital a great deal; I like staying in. The only arrangement is that neither of us should go

out beyond the Club.

Colonel HUGHES.-If there was another Assistant Surgeon appointed to the Hos- pital would you have one man always on the premises?

Dr. BELL.-If I was superintendent I should always have a man there.

Colonel HUGHES.-Never off the premises?

Dr. BELL-Never off the premises; it would be much better.

Dr. STEDMAN.-If there were three Medical Officers; that is to say, Dr. ATKINSON, and two Assistants, would it be possible to attach the third man to Kennedy Town during epidemic times and the other two could carry on the Hospital as now?

Dr. BELL.-Yes.

Mr. RICHARDSON.-In this list you give us you don't allow for any one being on leave.

Dr. BELL.-When a man is away on leave everybody has to do extra work. We were extremely fortunate last year in being able to get men. If we had not been able to get Captain STEWART I don't know where we should have been.

Colonel HUGHES.-You could not have done it.

Mr. SHARP. Last year it was rather exceptional.

Mr. BELL.-Yes, one man was away on leave--his legitimate leave and the other fell sick.

Colonel HUGHES.-There is one man coming out now; that will, make you four besides Dr. ATKINSON?

Dr. BELL-Yes.

Colonel HUGHES.-And you want another now?

Dr. BELL.-Yes.

Colonel HUGHES.-And another Port Officer?

Dr. BELL.-Yes.

Colonel HUGHES.-They have also got an Assistant Medical Officer of Health since last year.

Dr. BELL. That is, of course, the Sanitary Department.

Mr. SHARP.--And a Bacteriologist is asked for.

Dr. BELL.-The Bacteriologist is not exactly a member of the Medical Depart- ment. I asked for one because I thought a rich Colony like this should have a man to study the causes of diseases. I never intended he should be sent for for anything else.

( 35 )

Colonel HUGHES.-But it will help you all the same.

Dr. BELL. If he deals with bacteriology; but if he is to do Gaol work you won't keep him.

Colonel HUGHES.-He will help you in your work.

Dr. BELL.-Yes, he will help everybody.

Colonel HUGHES.--We are talking about the Medical Department.

Dr. BELL.-A Bacteriologist, although he is an increase on former years, is not what you might call a medical man.

Colonel HUGHES.-He would take hours off your work at the Hospital.

Dr. BELL.-Very little indeed, because there is such a lot of work that cannot be handed over to the bacteriologist.

Colonel HUGHES.-Are there not lots of men who could hand over all the bacte- riological work to him and be considerably relieved?

Dr. BELL.-I don't think so. On the contrary, in the summer there is a lot of work which must be done in the Hospital; he will relieve us to a certain extent.

The Chairman.-Dr. ATKINSON suggests the employment of Native Apothecaries to do the work at Shaukiwan, Quarry Bay, Aberdeen, Stanley and the New Territory.

Dr. BELL.-Qualified from Madras and Bombay? I think one or two of those men might be very useful. I know little or nothing about them; my experience is prac- tically hearsay experience-talking to Medical Officers about them. Some are very good and reliable men.

Colonel HUGHES.-I know a good deal about them. In the Indian Subordinate Medical Department they are called Assistant Surgeons now. Some of them are most excellent and trustworthy men. You can trust them to take medical charge.

Dr. BELL.-Oh, yes. I think one or two of them in Aberdeen, Quarry Bay, Shau- kiwan, and the New Territory would be very useful.

Mr. SHARP.-Unless they were Chinese I don't fancy they would be accepted.

Dr. BELL.-The difficulty with regard to Chinese is to get them to learn English. The Government might send them to qualify in India; for I think it is necessary to have Chinese. The natives would watch the results of the cases, before they would tr ust them, the same as they do in the villages at the present time.

The Chairman.-You don't think an Indian would be quite suitable for this country?

Dr. BELL.-I don't think so. He would be looked on by the natives as a sort of stranger.

The Chairman.--I don't think there is anything else to ask.

Dr. FRANCIS CLARK was then called.

The Chairman.-Dr. CLARK, are you Medical Officer of Health ?

Dr. CLARK.-Yes, Sir.

The Chairman.-What staff have

you

under you?

Dr. CLARK.-An Assistant Medical Officer of Health, five Senior Inspectors of Nuisances, five First Class Inspectors of Nuisances, seven Second Class Inspectors of Nuisances, and six Third Class Inspectors of Nuisances.

( 36 )

The Chairman.-Are you quite satisfied with the staff you have? Is it ample for the requirements of the Colony?

Dr. CLARK.-Well, Sir, that is a somewhat difficult question to answer.

The Chairman.-Roughly. We don't want to go into details.

Dr. CLARK.-Well, I think the sanitary condition of the Colony would be very much improved if we had double the staff. That is to say, each District Inspector can only now visit each house in his District once in two months. I think if each house was visited once a month it would be far better.

The Chairman.-A proposition has been made that the Principal Civil Medical Officer should be purely an administrative officer in charge of the Sanitary Department as well as the Medical Department. Do you see any serious objections ?

Dr CLARK.-Yes, Sir, I do.

The Chairman.-What are they?

Dr. CLARK.-On that question I have prepared a statement which deals with all the various points; I think it covers everything which concerns me and my duties as Medical Officer of Health.

Colonel HUGHES.-Have you had an increase of Inspectors since the epidemic ?

Dr. CLARK. We have had an increase. That is to say, five additional men are provided in the Estimates, and two have already arrived from England. During the plague we took on four temporary men.

Colonel HUGHES.-How long have you been Medical Officer of Health in Hongkong?

Dr. CLARK.-Six years and a few months.

Colonel HUGHES.-On what engagement did you come to Hongkong?

Dr. CLARK.-I was appointed as an Assistant in the Medical Department.

Colonel HUGHES.--As an Assistant what ?

Dr. CLARK.-An Assistant Surgeon in the Medical Department on the understand- ing that I would be seconded for service under the Sanitary Board when I arrived. That was not put in writing in my case, it was given me verbally. The Assistant Medical Officer of Health has actually had the same condition put in writing. I can put Appendix in the terms of his appointment. These, Sir, are the terms of the appointment of the Assistant Medical Officer of Health, and that was practically the understanding on which I came to this Colony. I was a Medical Officer of Health in England before I came here and would not have accepted appointment to do hospital work.

IX.

Dr. STEDMAN. When the Assistant is seconded to serve under the Sanitary Board he owes no allegiance to the Medical Department?

Dr. CLARK.-No.

Colonel HUGHES.-Is there any country, or Colony, or place where the Medical and the Sanitary Departments are separate?

Dr. CLARK.-There is no Medical Officer of Health in England who is subordinate to any medical man. The Medical Officer of Health is supreme in his own Department.

Colonel HUGIES.-Take India for instance ?

Dr. CLARK.-I have not been to India, so I cannot speak generally.

Colonel HUGHES.-Take the Medical Officer of Health in Calcutta for instance?

( 37 )

Dr. CLARK.-He is a servant of the Municipality, and is the administrator of his own Department. It is the same in Singapore and in Shanghai.

Colonel HUGHES.-How would Dr. ATKINSON interfere with you if he was Prin- cipal Civil Medical Officer?

Dr. CLARK.-I have not said he would interfere in any way.

Colonel HUGHES.-What is the great objection to being subordinate to the Prin- cipal Civil Medical Officer; there must be a head to everything?

Dr. CLARK.-I take it the Medical Officer of Health is the head of his own Department, or should be. He is the man who has had experience in Sanitary work.

Colonel HUGHES.- Who should he report to?

Dr. CLARK.—To the Sanitary Board.

Colonel HUGHES.-If there is no Sanitary Board?

Dr. CLARK. Then he should report to the Government through the Colonial Secretary.

Colonel HUGHES.-Now the President of the Sanitary Board is the Principal Civil Medical Officer.

Dr. CLARK.-He happens to be at present.

Colonel HUGHES.-You report to him as President of the Sanitary Board?

Dr. CLARK.-Yes.

Colonel HUGHES.-Not as Principal Civil Medical Officer ?

Dr. CLARK.-No.

Colonel HUGHES.-Don't you think that as long as the Sanitary Board exists the Principal Civil Medical Officer ought to be always President?

Dr. CLARK.-I think it is an excellent arrangement in some respects.

Colonel HUGHES.-Should the Medical Officer of Health be President?

Dr. CLARK.-No. I think if the Principal Civil Medical Officer is not the President of the Sanitary Board that an unofficial member (a business man) might be, and I think so because it would probably make the Sanitary Board more popular.

Colonel HUGHES.--A business man ?

Dr. CLARK.-Yes.

Colonel HUGHES.-A business man knows nothing about sanitation.

Dr. CLARK.-He would know as much about sanitation as President as he does as a member of the Board. The Chairman of the Sanitary Committee in England, which is considered the most important Committee of each Municipal Council, is usually a business man.

Colonel HUGHES.-Does that make it right?

Dr. CLARK.-No, Sir. I say it is usual.

The Chairman. You have not stated your objections to the Principal Civil Medical Officer being President of the Sanitary Department. You said you had certain objections; you have not told us what they were.

Dr. CLARK.-They are as follows, Sir, but with your permission, I should first like to be allowed to correct an error which appears several times in the account of the evidence given by Dr. ATKINSON. I am there described as

I am there described as "Medical Officer of Health for the Town"; this is perhaps intended to distinguish more clearly my office from

•

( 38 )

that of the "Health Officer of the Port," but I wish to point out that I am "Medical Officer of Health for the Colony" and, that it is certainly misleading to describe my office in any other terms. My jurisdiction is, by Ordinance, co-extensive with that of the Sanitary Board, and comprises the island of Hongkong, which has an area of 29 square miles, and the whole of Kowloon this side of the first range of hills, covering a further area of 18 square miles.

The population of this territory of 47 square miles is now considerably over 300,000, and the plans of every new building to be erectel, and of every alteration to an existing building, within this area passes through my hands, and has to be approved by me as being in accordance with the sanitary laws of the Colony, while the whole of the buildings comprised therein are visited by the sanitary staff under my direction.

(2.) There also appears to be some confusion as to the actual relationship at pre- sent existing between the Medical Officers of Health and the Medical Department. As Dr. ATKINSON explained, the Medical Officers of Health are appointed in England to the Medical Department of the Colony, but on the understanding that on arrival they will be seconded for service under the Sanitary Board.

To make this clear I have put in the form of appointment (Appendix IX) and I think I need hardly explain to members of this Committee that, after being so seconded, we owe no allegiance to the Principal Civil Medical Officer and do not receive instructions from him. It is of course always open to His Excellency the Governor to transfer either myself or the Assistant Medical Officer of Health back to the Medical Department, when we would of course come under the authority of the Principal Civil Medical Officer and would cease to hold service under the Sanitary Board, but it is hardly to be supposed that such a course would ever be adopted, as sanitary work is now essentially a speciality and sanitarians cannot be made interchangeable with hospital surgeons and physicians.

As an illustration of the entire separation of the Medical Officers of Health from the Medical Department I may remind you that for about fourteen months previous to Dr. ATKINSON's return from leave, Dr. BELL was acting as Principal Civil Medical Officer and yet he is nearly twelve months junior to myself in the Medical Department. Had the Medical Officer of Health been subordinate to the Principal Civil Medical Officer, it would have been impossible to place Dr. BELL in that position.

(3.) Dr. ATKINSON suggests that the Sanitary Department should be made a sub- department of the Medical Department. In my opinion this would be a most impos- sible arrangement. To begin with, it would involve the entire abolition of the Sanitary Board, for no man can be asked to serve two masters-if the Principal Civil Medical Officer is to be my chief, the Sanitary Board must cease to be so, and they would then have no executive staff to carry out their wishes. The present Sanitary Board fulfils, I consider, a most valuable purpose by enabling the public to know something of what is being done in regard to the sanitary welfare of the Colony-were there no Sanitary Board there would be no public discussions, the whole policy of the Department would be decided departmentally, and I think it is generally recognized that as such very large interests are so frequently involved in sanitary questions the fullest publicity is essen- tial.

Moreover I do not consider that any one man can be at the same time an expert physician, an expert surgeon, and an expert sanitarian, using this latter term to cover the multifarious duties which are now performed by a Medical Officer of Health. I may perhaps be excused for mentioning that I have been a qualified member of the medical profession for almost exactly sixteen years and that I have devoted the past eleven years exclusively to sanitary work and administration-having been the Medical Officer of Health to an English Borough before I came to this Colony. I lay no claims to being an expert surgeon, but I think I am justified in claiming a more thorough know-

Appendix

( 39 )

ledge of the principles and practice of sanitation than any other medical man in the Government service of this Colony, while I also have a very special knowledge of our somewhat complicated sanitary laws.

(4.) I consider therefore--

(a.) that the Sanitary Board should continue to exist, either in its present or in an improved form, and that the Board should-so far as it may be allowed to do so by the Government-direct the policy of the Depart- ment and regulate such matters as are deputed to it by Ordinance, just in the same way as the policy of the Public Works Department is regulated by the Public Works Committee of the Legislative Council while leaving the Director of Public Works to carry out the details of administration;

(b.) that the Medical Officer of Health should be recognized by the Govern- ment as the Head of the Sanitary Department. He should consult the Board on all matters involving a change of policy or an increase of staff, and keep them thoroughly well informed as to the progress of sanitation in the Colony and the general health of the community, but that all the details of the administration of the Department should be left in his hands.

Hitherto the head of the Sanitary Department has been the President of the Board, who may at one time be the Director of Public Works, at another the Captain Superin- tendent of Police,' and at another the Principal Civil Medical Officer, but in any case it is an officer who has a Department of his own to control and who therefore has very little time to attend to other work. As a matter of fact the great bulk of the work of the Department is already controlled by me, both as Chief Executive Officer of the Board, and as the representative of the Board, duly vested under Ordinance with the full powers of the Board to deal with all matters relating to nuisances, and by virtue of this

power I direct much of the correspondence that is issued from the office.

Dr. STEDMAN.-Whom do you direct?

•

Dr. CLARK.-The Secretary. I direct him to write certain letters in my capacity as representing the Board.

Colonel HUGHES.-I think they should be only directed by the President.

Dr. CLARK. In that case, Sir, the President would have to spend the whole of his time in the Sanitary Office.

Colonel HUGHES.-Does the Secretary agree with that?

Dr. CLARK.-He does it. It is part of his duty. We have had three Secretaries since I have been here, and they have always done the same.

Mr. SHARP.-Does not the President spend a certain time every day at the office?

Dr. CLARK.-Yes; roughly about half an hour a day.

Colonel HUGHES.-He spends more time there than the previous President?

Dr. CLARK.-Yes.

Dr. CLARK. The recognition of the Medical Officer of Health as the official Head of the Department would not therefore throw any extra work upon his shoulders, while it would actually lighten to no inconsiderable extent the general work of the Department as will be readily seen from this comparative statement which I now put in which shows that much unnecessary circumlocution will be avoided by the adoption of the system which obtains in every other branch of the service, namely, that of recognizing the chief executive officer as the Head of the Department.

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Medical Officers of Health in the large cities of England are always given full powers of administration in their own Department. and are not made subordinate to any physician, however eminent, while the Sanitary Committee of the Municipal Council merely governs the general policy of the Department, as I have suggested that the Sanitary Board should continue to do in this Colony. The Medical Officer of Health for Liverpool, a city with a population of about double that of Hongkong, has 97 Sani- tary Inspectors and a staff of 21 clerks, under his orders, and has also an Assistant Medical Officer of Health for the City and one or more Assistant Medical Officers of Health for the Port.

(5.) Dr. ATKINSON speaks of the anomaly of the Medical Officer of Health being the chief executive officer of the Board and at the same time a member of the Board ; on that subject I wish to say that were I not, at present, a member of the Board, my position in the department would be absolutely untenable. Much of the official cor- respondence of the Department is at present addressed to the Secretary-this being a relic of the old days when Mr. MACCALLUM was both Secretary and Sanitary Sup- erintendent—and never passes through my hands at all, and were I not a member of the Board and therefore entitled to see everything addressed to the Board, I should know absolutely nothing of what was going on in the Departinent.

If the Medical Officer of Health is recognized officially as the Head of the Department, all correspondence with the Government would pass through his hands and there would be no longer any necessity for him to have a seat on the Board, although it would still be necessary that he should attend the meetings of the Board and have the right of speech, just in the same way as the Medical Officer of Health of an English city is entitled, and is indeed encouraged, to express his views at the meetings of the Sanitary Committee of the Municipal Council, which is always the largest and most important Committee appointed by the Council.

(6.) I see that some reference has been made to my proceeding on leave at an early date, but I can assure the Committee that I have no intention of taking my leave (although it was due in September last) until I am satisfied that Dr. PEARSE, the Assistant Medical Officer of Health, is thoroughly able to undertake the administration of the Department, and until after the sanitary experts from England-Professor SIMPSON and Mr. CHADWICK-have completed their investigations, and it would appear now, that that will probably not be until after next year's plague season is over.

Mr. SHARP. Do you think the Sanitary Board ought to have control over the Port Officer's work?

Dr. CLARK.-That question has been before the Sanitary Board, and on April 8th, 1897, they unanimously recommended it should be so, but nothing has been done since, and I take it the matter has been waiting until Dr. JORDAN retired.

Colonel HUGHES.-Who recommended it?

Dr. CLARK.-The Sanitary Board.

Dr. STEDMAN. Do you think it is a great matter?

Dr. CLARK.-I don't think it is a matter of very great consequence.

Dr. STEDMAN.-We have a scheme under discussion in which the new Medical Officer of the Port, who has a certain amount of work in Kowloon, should, with regard to that work, be under the Principal Civil Medical Officer, but it would be hard to put him also under the Medical Officer of Health.

Dr. CLARK.-I think under those circumstances he should be solely under the Principal Civil Medical Officer.

Colonel HUGHES.-How would the Port Officer like to be put under you?

́( 41 )

Dr. CLARK.-I don't know. Why?

Colonel HUGHES.-I only asked the question; you object to being put under Dr. ATKINSON ?

Dr. CLARK.-I said I don't think the Sanitary Department should be under the Principal Civil Medical Officer.

The Chairman.-You don't want an expert sanitarian to board ships?

Dr. CLARK.-No, he must be able to recognize infectious disease and carry out the disinfection of ships, that is all.

Dr. STEDMAN.-Can you tell us whether the Hospital at Kowloon is to be entirely for Chinese?

Dr. CLARK.-Yes; for Chinese.

Dr. STEDMAN.-Under a Chinese doctor?

Dr. CLARK.-Yes, but supervised by a registered medical practitioner.

Dr. STEDMAN.-Are both the Medical Officers at the Government Civil Hospital

out together? Is there any regulation?

Dr. CLARK.-I know nothing about that.

FOURTH MEETING.

Council Chamber.

Tuesday, 26th November, 1901.

PRESENT:

Deputy Inspector General DREW, R.N., (Chairman).

Colonel HUGHES, D.S.O., R.A.M.C.

Dr. F. O. STEDMAN, M.D., B.S., London.

C. S. SHARP, Esq.

R. L. RICHARDSON, Esq.

E. D. C. WOLFE, Esq., (Secretary).

Dr. J. H. SWAN, Deputy Health Officer of the Port, was called.

The Chairman.-Dr. SWAN, are you the Deputy Health Officer of the Port?

Dr. SWAN.-Yes, Sir.

The Chairman.-What are your duties in connection with that office?

Dr. SWAN.-My duties are to board steamers when they come in and to enquire whether there is any sickness on board or not-any infectious disease or not.

The Chairman.-How much of your time is taken up daily by actually visiting ships?

Dr. SWAN.-It depends upon the number of ships coming in.

The Chairman.-On the average ?

Dr. SWAN.-Well, take to-day for instance. I have been afloat since seven o'clock this morning. I got home to tiffin at 1.30 p.m., and went afloat again and have only just returned. [4.30 p.m.]

( 42 )

The Chairman.-Do you do any other work besides these duties in the Harbour? Dr. SWAN.--Yes, there is my private practice.

The Chairman.-How do you manage your private practice if so much of your time is taken up by Harbour work?

Dr. SWAN.-I generally visit my patients about 4.30 or 5 in the afternoon.

The Chairman.-You have a large district in Kowloon ?

Dr. SWAN.--Yes, I have all Kowloon, but I have not all the patients there; my private practice is over there.

The Chairman.-You have managed by yourself up to the present?

Dr. SWAN.-Yes, all by myself.

The Chairman.-You are acting for Dr. JORDAN ?

Dr. SWAN.-Yes. When he is here he assists me by boarding all ships leav- ing for America. I board all other ships and also examine emigrants from this port. To-day I had three boats to examine-one going to America and two to Singapore. The American boat had 44 passengers on board going to Victoria and Tacoma and those going to Singapore carried 263 and 479 respectively. I had to examine them all.

The Chairman.-How do you examine them-separately?

Dr. SWAN.-Yes, in epidemic times I examine them more carefully. I don't examine them so carefully now as when there is plague.

kong.

Colonel HUGHES.-You are not a Government Officer?

Dr. SWAN.-No.

Colonel HUGHES.-You are employed by Dr. JORDAN ?

Dr. SWAN.-Yes, I am employed by Dr. JORDAN.

Colonel HUGHES.-As what?

Dr. SWAN.-As his assistant.

Colonel HUGHES.-And paid by Dr. JORDAN?

Dr. SWAN.-Yes.

Colonel HUGHES.-Is Dr. JORDAN away now?

Dr. SWAN.-He is away now.

Colonel HUGHES.-You are doing his duties as well as your own.

Dr. SWAN.-I am not doing all of his duties. Dr. GIBSON is doing them in Hong-

Colonel HUGHES.-What sort of duties ?

Dr. SWAN.-Professional duties.

Colonel HUGHES.-Any connection with the Port?

Dr SWAN.-No. I am doing all the Port work.

Colonel HUGHES.-Dr. GIBSON is carrying on Dr. JORDAN's private practice ?

Dr. SWAN.--Yes.

Colonel HUGHES.--Have you not a large practice over at the Docks?

Dr. SWAN.--Yes.

Colonel HUGHES.-How long does it take you to go from the Police Pier to Kow-

loon Docks ?

( 43 )

Dr. SWAN.-About fifteen minutes.

Colonel HUGHES.-Do you live on this side?

Dr. SWAN.-No, at Kowloon.

Colonel HUGHES.-I believe there are accidents at the Docks occasionally?

Dr. SWAN.-Yes, but all accidents are sent to the Hospital. I have never been called to an accident at the Kowloon Docks yet.

Colonel HUGHES.-Cases of hemorrhage ?

Dr. SWAN.--Never. Not in my time.

Colonel HUGHES. -And do you find any difficulty in attending to your private practice now?

Dr. SWAN. Of course I work very hard, practically from six o'clock in the morn- ing until eight or nine in the evening.

Colonel HUGHES.-All the year round?

Dr. SWAN.-Yes, all the year round.

Colonel HUGHES.-When Dr. JORDAN is here too?

Dr. SWAN.-When he is here too.

Colonel HUGHES.-So you have no more extra work now, with him away, than when he is here ?

Dr. SWAN.-There is the extra work of going on the American mail steamers and passing the passengers.

Colonel HUGHES.-That is all?

Dr. SWAN.-That is all.

Colonel HUGHES.-Do you pay a visit to the Docks every day?

Dr. SWAN.-Twice weekly-Tuesday and Friday.

Colonel HUGHES.-What hours?

Dr. SWAN.-It varies.

Colonel HUGHES.-How long does it take you ?

Dr. SWAN. Each day it would take me an hour and a half.

Colonel HUGHES.-Only an hour and a half?

Dr. SWAN.-Yes, only an hour and a half.

Colonel HUGHES.-You would not go, I suppose, if a steamer was signalled?

Dr. SWAN.--No, Sir, I always attend to steamers first. That is if I know the steamer is signalled.

Colonel HUGHES.-How many hours were you afloat yesterday?

Dr. SWAN.-I could not exactly tell.

Colonel HUGHES.-Did any steamers come in?

Dr. SWAN.-Yes. I can tell you from the Reports in my office.

Colonel HUGHES.-When Dr. JORDAN is here is he afloat a certain number of hours and you a certain number?

Dr. SWAN. He does not spend any particular time afloat. I do all the work ex- cept passing the steamers going to America.

( 44 )

Colonel HUGHES.-There is no division of duty between you--six hours on and six hours off; you do the whole of it?

Dr. SWAN.-Yes.

Colonel HUGHES.-And find no difficulty?

Dr. SWAN.-No.

Colonel HUGHES.-And do private practice at Kowloon besides ?

Dr. SWAN,-Yes. Of course, this year the work has been very heavy on account of so many ports being declared infected.

Colonel HUGHES.--In ordinary years it is much lighter?

Dr. SWAN.-Yes, it is much lighter and easier to do.

Colonel HUGHES.-Could you do the whole work of the Port, and still attend to your private practice?

Dr. SWAN.-Yes.

Colonel HUGHES.-Could you do the work if offered the appointment?

Dr. SWAN.-I could do the work.

Dr. STEDMAN.~Is it all Government work in the Harbour; do you not attend pri- vately on ships?

Dr. SWAN. Sometimes.

Dr. STEDMAN.-So that all the hours you are afloat are not necessarily hours devot- ed to Government service ?

Dr. SWAN.-No.

Dr. STEDMAN.-If a ship has sick officers or passengers on board you may have to go when you would not have had to do so for purposes of Government inspection?

Dr. SWAN.-Yes.

Dr. STEDMAN.-So part of the hours afloat are devoted to private practice ?

Dr. SWAN.--Yes.

Dr. STEDMAN.-Have you any practice on this side of the Harbour-in the City of Victoria ?

Dr. SWAN.-Yes, I have.

Dr. STEDMAN.-Do

you

make any

examination of any of the women in Hongkong?

Dr. SWAN.-Yes, I examine them on Sundays.

Dr. STEDMAN.--How long does that take you?

Dr. SWAN.--Two hours and a half.

Dr. STEDMAN. And would you have any knowledge of a ship coming in during the time you were engaged on that work?

Dr. SWAN. My coxwain has definite orders to let me know when a ship is signalled.

Dr. STEDMAN. Have you any private practice besides that?

Dr. SWAN.-Occasionally.

Mr. SHARP.-What are your official hours afloat?

Dr. SWAN.-From 6 a.m. till 6 p.m.

( 45 )

Mr. SHARP.--Do you find the present regulations with regard to the mail steamers help you at all?

Dr. SWAN. Yes, a lot.

Mr. SHARP.-Less trouble?

Dr. SWAN.-Less trouble for me.

Mr. SHARP.—What are the special duties to be assigned to the Second Port Health Officer ?

Dr. SWAN.-To assist in the work, I suppose.

Mr. SHARP.-You would not divide the hours afloat?

Dr. SWAN.-We would merely divide the work. If there is no quarantine the work would amount to very little for the two of us.

Mr. SHARP.--Is not six in the morning till six p.m. rather a long time?

Dr. SWAN.--It is very hard work. Sometimes I don't get to tiffin until three or four o'clock in the afternoon. Sometimes I have no breakfast at all.

Mr. SHARP. Have all emigrant steamers to be examined?

Dr. SWAN. All those carrying over twenty passengers.

Colonel HUGHES.-What do you call an emigrant steamer?

Dr. SWAN. Steamers carrying emigrant passengers to Singapore, Penang, Van- couver, Victoria or San Francisco.

Colonel HUGHES.-There are not very many, are there?

Dr. SWAN.—Well, last month we had 19, and I passed over 7,000 passengers. Colonel HUGHES.-What do you mean by "passed "?

Dr. SWAN. Examined.

Colonel HUGHES.-Walked by each man?

Dr. SWAN.-Yes; but in plague time I examine them to see if there are any symptoms of fever. This year I have examined 60,000 passengers up to date.

Mr. SHARP.-There is no examination of the River steamers ?

Dr. SWAN. No, there is no examination. I don't

I don't go on board.

Mr. SHARP.-Would it be possible to have an examination of them?

Dr. SWAN.-I should say it would take two or three medical men to do the work. The Canton steamers, especially, carry on an average one thousand passengers each time, if not more. I assisted in that work in 1898.

The Chairman. If you had another man to help you here, I suppose the work would be fairly easy?

Dr. SWAN.-Very easy.

The Chairman.-If two men did Port work it would be quite easy?

Dr. SWAN.-Yes, quite easy.

The Chairman. And you would have time to spare?

Dr. SWAN.-Plenty of time to spare, because steamers coming from an infected Port come in during the early morning, and you would finish your work by 9 or 9.30

a.m.

( 46 )

The Chairman.-Do you think if you had a medical officer to help you and Dr. JORDAN, he would have time to do the Government work in Kowloon in addition ?

Dr. SWAN.-There is very little Government work to do in Kowloon.

The Chairman.-You think it could be easily done?

Dr. SWAN.-Very easily.

Dr. STEDMAN.-Might I mention that the Government has established a Plague Hospital and a Mortuary at Kowloon. The Plague Hospital is to be worked by Chi- n ese under European supervision, and the question is whether the Second Port Officer would have time to look after the Plague Hospital-to superintend it-and the Mortuary and see after the subordinate officials who live in Kowloon in addition to his other work ?

Dr. SWAN.-I should say so. I have done all the work myself.

Colonel HUGHES.-This is new work; the Plague Hospital is newly established. Dr. SWAN.He could have fixed hours to go there, and also to attend to the Mor- tuary.

Dr. STEDMAN.--One of the other Medical Officers raised an objection, because he said the Mortuary work would always have to be done in the morning, and therefore the Medical Officer in Kowloon would not be able to go off to ships in the morning, and if the hours were divided up between yourself and the new Port Health Officer you would have to take the morning hours.

Dr. SWAN.--I prefer the morning hours to those of the afternoon.

Dr. STEDMAN.At any rate you think it would be fairly easy for him, if he was Port Health Officer, in addition to yourself, to look after the Plague Hospital and Mor- tuary at Kowloon and attend to the Government subordinate officials in Kowloon?

Dr. SWAN.--I should say so.

Colonel HUGHES.--If you were Government Port Officer, and forbidden to engage in private practice, would you consider yourself overworked?

Dr. SWAN.-Certainly not.

Colonel HUGHES.-You would be quite satisfied with your position?

Dr. SWAN.-Quite satisfied.

Colonel HUGHES.-You don't think you would apply for a deputy or assistant ? According to your answer you would not.

Dr. SWAN.-I would not.

The Chairman.-You consider the Port work could be done by one medical officer?

Dr. SWAN.-Certainly.

Dr. R. M. GIBSON, of the Alice Memorial and Nethersole Hospitals, was then called.

Dr. STEDMAN.- Did you act as Dr. THOMSON's deputy at night during the time the latter was in charge of Kennedy Town Plague Hospital?

Dr. GIBSON.-Yes, on one occasion.

Dr. STEDMAN.-Was Dr. THOMSON living at the Peak when you acted as deputy ? Dr. GIBSON.-Yes, Sir.

( 47 )

Dr. STEDMAN.-Do you know how long Dr. THOMSON was living at the Peak? Dr. GIBSON.--I don't know exactly. As far as I can say, it was from the 14th till the 22nd July.

Dr. STEDMAN.-About eight days?

Dr. GIBSON.-About eight days.

Dr. STEDMAN.-Were you his deputy during those whole eight days?

Dr. GIBSON.-Yes.

Dr. STEDMAN.-Did he have any deputy beyond yourself?

Dr. GIBSON.-I arranged to be deputy for him:

Dr. STEDMAN. For one night only?

Dr. GIBSON.-For three or four days. I arranged for the whole time, but I had to go away and Dr. BERINGER took my place.

Dr. STEDMAN.-As deputy for Dr. THOMSON?

Dr. GIBSON.-Yes, for Dr. THOMSON.

Dr. STEDMAN.-Where were you living during that time?

Dr. GIBSON.In the London Mission.

Dr. STEDMAN.-Had you a telephone?

Dr. GIBSON.Yes.

Dr. STEDMAN.-To your room?

Dr. GIBSON.—No, but to the hospital immediately below my quarters.

Dr. STEDMAN. Did you make any evening or night visits to Kennedy Town. Hospital while Dr. THOMSON was at the Peak?

Dr. GIBSON.-No, Sir.

Dr. STEDMAN.-You were not telephoned for, or sent for at all?

Dr. GIBSON.No.

Colonel HUGHES.-Four nights you say you acted ?

Dr. GIBSON.-As far as I can say.

Colonel HUGHES.-You were never called out?

Dr. GIBSON.-Not at all.

Colonel HUGHES.--Do you know how many nights Dr. BERINGER was acting?

Dr. GIBSON.--Two nights, I should say. The arrangement was that I should be called if necessary.

Colonel HUGHES.-Oh, yes.

Dr. GIBSON.-That was my arrangement. I had no occasion to visit the Hospital at all. I was to be called if a Medical Officer was urgently required.

The Chairman.-Dr. THOMSON, of course, always paid the daily visits to the Hos-

pital ?

Dr. GIBSON.-Oh, yes. Two visits a day during the plague season, I believe. The Chairman.-You were simply his deputy for the nights?

Dr. GIBSON. Yes.

48)

( 48 )

No. 2796.

SIR,

Appendix I.

COLONIAL SECRETARY'S OFFICE, HONGKONG, 31st October, 1901.

Committee of Inquiry into the Adequacy of the Staff of the Medical Department.

In reply to your letter of the 29th instant, I am directed to state that His Excel- lency wishes the Committee to enquire into :-

(1.) the numerical strength of the Staff of the Medical Department;

(2.) the position and duties of the Principal Civil Medical Officer;

but not into the question of salaries.

2. I am glad also to inform you that Colonel HUGHES, R.A.M.C., has consented to serve as a member of the Committee

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Deputy Inspector General DREW, r.n.,

The Royal Naval Hospital.

Your obedient Servant,

J. H. STEWART LOCKHART, Colonial Secretary.

Appendix II.

No. 169.

SIR,

GOVERNMENT CIVIL HOSPITAL, HONGKONG, 6th June, 1901.

I have the honour to draw your attention to what I consider is a need, as far as the Medical Department of this Colony is concerned, in the hope that His Excellency will consider the demand legitimate and will give it his support.

I refer to the necessity of having another Assistant Surgeon attached to this Department permanently.

I need only mention the trouble we have just had in getting temporary assistance, and, in view of the fact that plague and small-pox are always likely to be with us, at any rate for many years to come, it will nearly always be one officer's work to attend to the Infectious Hospital for the greater part of the year, now that the nursing of and attendance on infectious cases has been placed on a proper footing by His Excellency.

Attendance on the wives and families of Government servants has also increased with the increase of the subordinate staff of the various departments.

Extra work in connection with malaria in the New Territory is constantly crop- ping up, and we will always be able in non-epidemic times to keep an additional officer usefully employed.

With the newer methods of observation, a knowledge of which we have acquired lately both in connection with malaria as well as other diseases, the Assistant Superin- tendent of the Hospital has his time much more fully occupied and is no longer so much available for outside work as formerly.

( 49 )

Medical men, like others, require leave occasionally, and for the next two years I trust, if permitted, both myself and Dr. THOMSON will be granted leave home so that the Department will be one short for that time, if we are to have a rest. I may mention that I am now doing my 16th consecutive summer in the tropics without any change.

For these reasons, therefore, I trust His Excellency may be induced to favour my suggestion, and if, as I presume it must be, it is referred home, to give it his approval.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your most obedient Servant,

J. BELL,

Acting Principal Civil Medical Officer.

The Honourable

THE COLONIAL SECRETÁRY.

Appendix III.

No. 218.

SIR,

GOVERNMENT HOUSE, HONGKONG, 10th June, 1901.

I have the honour to inform you that the Acting Principal Civil Medical Officer has reported that, in his opinion, the appointment of another Assistant Surgeon, to be attached permanently to the Medical Department, is a pressing necessity.

2. Great difficulty has been experienced during the present year in obtaining tem- porary assistance, and, in view of the danger that, for many years to come, plague and small-pox will probably be epidemic in this Colony, one officer will nearly always be required to attend to the Infectious Hospital for the greater part of the year.

3. The necessity for attendance on the wives and families of Government servants has increased with the increase of the subordinate staff in the various departments.

4. A considerable addition to the work of the Medical Department is occasioned by the prevalence of malaria in the New Territory, and in non-epidemic times it will always be possible to keep an officer usefully employed on such works. Moreover, as the result of the newer methods of observation in connection with malaria and other diseases, the Assistant Superintendent of the Hospital has his time very fully occupied and is no longer available for outside work as was formerly the case.

5. In view of these facts, I am of opinion that the time has come when another Medical Officer must be appointed, and I hope that, if you approve of my proposal, it may be possible for the officer selected to leave for this Colony at an early date.

6. The salary and house allowance will be the same as those granted to the Second and Third Assistant Surgeons, together with exchange compensation on salary.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your most obedient, humble Servant,

HENRY A. BLAKE,

The Right Honourable J. CHAMBERLAIN, M.P.,

His Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for the Colonies,

&c.,

&c.

Governor.

HONGKONG. No. 259.

SIR,

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Appendix IV.

DOWNING STREET,

7th August, 1901.

I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch No. 218 of the 10th of June in which you request that another Assistant Surgeon may be appointed to be attached to the Medical Department, and to inform you that, in view of the necessity which apparently exists for a reconsideration of the present plan of organisation in the Medical and Sanitary Departments, I do not consider it advisable at present to make a new permanent appointment of the kind indicated.

I am, therefore, proceeding to select an Assistant Surgeon who will be appointed on a three years' agreement, the Government having the option of retaining his services at the close of that period. Meanwhile, I shall be glad if you will furnish me with a general scheme showing the effect of recent new appointments in the Medical and Sanitary Departments and of any further proposals that it may be necessary to make as to the requirements of these Departments in Hongkong itself and in the New Territory.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your most obedient, humble Servant,

Governor

Sir HENRY A. BLAKE, G.C.M.G.,

&c.,

&c.

Appendix V.

J. CHAMBERLAIN.

GOVERNMENT CIVIL HOSPITAL,

HONGKONG, 18th September, 1901.

SIR,

With reference to C.O.D. No. 259, dated 7th August last, I have the honour to report as follows:-

The Medical Department as at present constituted consists of:-

Principal Civil Medical Officer, Dr. ATKINSON.

Three Assistant Surgeons, Drs. LowsON, BELL and THOMSON.

Health Officer for the Port, Dr. JORDAN.

Deputy Health Officer for the Port, Dr. SWAN.

Medical Officer of Health for the Town, Dr. CLARK.

Assistant Medical Officer of Health for the Town, Dr. PEARSE.

The Principal Civil Medical Officer, in addition to his administrative duties as head of the Medical Department, has at present to take charge of wards in the Government Civil Hospital.

He is also now President of the Sanitary Board.

( 51 )

As the administrative work of the Medical Department and of the Sanitary Board requires a great deal of care and consideration, it is, in my opinion, enough for one officer, and the Principal Civil Medical Officer should, therefore, be relieved of all executive work at the Hospital and his duties there limited to consultation work only.

The three Assistant Surgeons have to perform the duties of:-

Assistant Superintendent at the Government Civil Hospital, Medical Officer to the Lunatic Asylums, Medical Officer to the Maternity Hospital, Medical Officer to the Infectious Diseases Hospital at Kennedy Town and the Hospital Hulk Hygeia, Visiting Surgeon to the Tung Wah Hospital, Medical Officer to the Victoria Gaol, and Medical Attendant to the subordinate Government Officers with a salary under $2,000 a year.

These duties, in my opinion, cannot be efficiently performed by three Medical Officers.

For sake of comparison I would mention that, at the Wolverhampton and Stafford- shire General Hospital, where the in-patients in the year are 1,859 as against 3,030 in this Hospital, there are, to my personal knowledge, three Resident Medical Officers, and it must also be taken into consideration that, as a rule, there will generally be one Medical Officer away on leave.

Situated as we are in an isolated Island, with yearly recurring epidemics of plague to deal with, we cannot depend upon obtaining outside medical help when necessary. Fortunately this year we have been able to obtain assistance from the Indian Medical Staff Corps, owing to the war with China.

I have given the matter my earnest consideration, and, in my opinion, to carry on the multifarious duties of the Medical Department, we require at least two more Assist- ant Surgeons.

One is sanctioned in the present Despatch, temporarily for three years. The second Assistant Surgeon, in my opinion, is required for the rapidly growing suburb of Kowloon where there are a number of resident Government Officers, Police, &c., and where this year a special Plague Hospital and a Public Mortuary have been erected, and to work this part of the Colony from the mainland involves great delay and loss of time.

The above should be the minimum staff at my disposal.

There are other medical requirements which this scheme does not comprehend. I refer to the medical service of such outlying places as Quarry Bay and Shaukiwan, both prosperous and rapidly growing villages or rather small towns; the population of Quarry Bay already exceeds 1,000 including a European staff of some fifty or sixty, and in addition a large Dockyard is being built by Messrs. BUTTERFIELD & SWIRE, which when finished will practically double the population.

There are in addition the villages of Aberdeen, with its Dockyard and Paper Factory, and of Stanley, on the South side of the Island, and the many populous districts in the New Territory.

These medical services might, in my opinion, be fulfilled by native Apothecaries holding some such qualification as the Licentiateship of the Madras University, as is so efficiently done in the Straits Settlements.

A scheme for the obtaining and employment of such, I am submitting to His Excellency in another subject which I have been asked to report upon.

Whilst dealing with this question, I would take the opportunity of drawing atten- tion to the pay of the Principal Civil Medical Officer; from the enclosed list of similar appointments in different Crown Colonies it will be seen that it does not correspond to that of a similar appointment elsewhere.

( 52 )

Taking the Straits Settlements, the Principal Civil Medical Officer there receives $7,200 a year with house and horse allowance as against the pay here of $5,400 a year rising to $6,000.

I would respectfully submit that the present pay is scarcely commensurate with the responsibility and the duties the Principal Civil Medical Officer has to perform as head of the Medical and the Sanitary Departments.

I would also suggest that the Senior Assistant Surgeon be termed Superintendent of the Government Civil Hospital and that he receives a somewhat larger salary, say $4,800 a year, as he would be responsible for the working of the Government Civil Hospital, the Lunatic Asylums and the Maternity Hospital.

In epidemic times one of the Assistant Surgeons should be Resident Medical Officer to Kennedy Town Hospital.

This is now a necessity and one which it has not been able, with our small staff, hitherto to arrange for, and it can only be done if my suggestion that another Assistant Surgeon be obtained is approved of.

I attach a comparative statement of the Medical Staff here and at Singapore.

Finally, I think the title of " Assistant Surgeon" as applied to the Officers of the Medical Department should be abolished and they be styled "Colonial Surgeons." The term "Assistant Surgeon" is now chiefly, if not entirely, used to designate native practitioners trained in India.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your obedient Servant,

J. M. ATKINSON, Principal Civil Medical Officer.

The Honourable

THE COLONIAL SECRETARY.

YOUR EXCELLENCY,

Appendix VI.

Minute by the Honourable the Colonial Secretary.

This matter requires careful consideration. All departments should be properly manned, and if the Medical Staff is undermanned it should be strengthened. To faci- litate a consideration of this question, I attach a Report of the Committee which consi- dered the Medical Establishment in 1895, the year after the great serious outbreak of plague in this Colony. I am inclined to think that a reference of this question to another Committee would be the most satisfactory method of dealing with it except that the only points to be decided now are:

(1.) Whether a Second Assistant Surgeon should be appointed.

(2.) Whether the salary of the Principal Civil Medical Officer and Dr. BELL

should be increased.

Perhaps these points could be decided in Executive Council without much trouble.

19-9-01.

J. H. S. L.

( 53 )

Appendix VII.

Minute by His Excellency the Governor.

HONOURABLE COLONIAL SECRETARY,

Circulate for Executive Council. The matter will require careful consideration. My own view is that the P. C. M. O. should have administrative control of the entire Medical Departments including Health and Port Health Officers and be relieved of the duty of Medical Officer of the Government Civil Hospital. In the enumeration of the duties, I do not think there will be much work for a Medical Officer at Kowloon that would at present occupy his whole time; but it is a rapidly growing place and it may be well to have one there. The proposal as to the plague matshed was that it should be looked after by a Chinese practitioner trained in the College of Medicine here, with a general supervision by a Government Medical Officer. I understand that the work of Kennedy Town Hospital would not take up all a Medical Officer's time and the Hygeia is no longer used as a hospital, Dr. BELL having reported that she is not required. She is therefore simply lying by as a receiving ship in case an infected vessel enters the port and has to be disinfected.

As to the question of salary, as the staff is at present approved, the Medical Staff of Hongkong costs $25,920 as against $24,000 in Singapore, and if the additional Assistant be asked for and approved, the cost of Hongkong Staff will be $29,520. Under these circumstances, I question if any increase in individual salaries would be approved. I quote from the Colonial List, but I do not know if there are other such Officers employed by the Municipality and doing work here done by the Government Medical Staff. The P. C. M. O. of Singapore has the administrative superintendence of Penang and Malacca as well as Singapore, therefore his work is more extended than that of the P. C. M. O. here.

20-9-01.

No. 331,

SIR,

Appendix VIII.

H. A. B.

GOVERNMENT CIVIL HOSPITAL,

HONGKONG, 21st October, 1901.

I have the honour to report that, since I left on leave, very few patients have been admitted to the Female Venereal Wards.

Since receipt of instructions contained in the Secretary of State's Despatch No. 52 of 17th April, 1894, only those who have voluntarily attended have been treated.

It appears that, since the Captain Superintendent of Police proceeded against these people, the private practitioners have started examination rooms and hospitals for these women, and they prefer to attend there, as no certificates are issued here.

This being so, it seems useless to reserve these wards for that class of patient, especially as we are so hard pressed for room for destitute Indians and Chinese.

(54)

I recommend that the Female Venereal Wards be done away with and that they be utilized as 3rd class wards for destitutes, this will give us 28 more beds, and there will still be a ward available for the few female venereal cases which may voluntarily come to hospital; this year up to date there has been only eight feinale venereal patients admitted.

As the raison d'être for Mrs. ACKERS' post (Matron of the Female Venereal Wards) has ceased, I recommend that she be pensioned off for loss of office.

If the staff of probationers is maintained, we shall be able to work the wards with- out any addition to the staff of Nursing Sisters.

There is at present a vacancy for one probationer Nurse, and I request that I be authorized to advertise for one, provision for her salary is made in this year's Estimates.

We shall require, to work these wards, two more Chinese boys (Nurses) at $9 a month and one more coolie at $7 a month. I enclose a tabular statement showing the present staff and the staff I suggest. I have not included the amah, as our staff of amahs is sufficiently large.

The rooms now occupied by Mrs. ACKERS, I propose to reserve for the Assistant Surgeon already sanctioned. I may state that Drs. Lowson and MARQUES formerly occupied these rooms for some time.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Yours obedient Servant,

J. M. ATKINSON, Principal Civil Medical Officer.

The Honourable

SIR,

THE COLONIAL SECRETARY.

Appendix IX.

DOWNING STREET,

I am directed by Mr. Secretary.

to inform

you that, subject to your being passed by the medical adviser of this Department as physically fit for service, he proposes to select you for appointment as Assistant Medical Officer of Health, Hongkong, with salary at the rate of

The duties of the post will be generally as stated in the enclosed memorandum.

I am to add that your standing will be that of a member of the Medical Depart- ment of the Colony seconded for service under the Sanitary Board.

( 55 )

Appendix X.

A. In every other Department. Hon. Director of Public Work (e.g.),

Please report.

His Excellency the Governor asks to be furnished with a report upon a certain subject. The following correspondence ensues:-

B. In the Sanitary Department.

Secretary, Sanitary Board,

For report.

Colonial Secretary.

Hon. Colonial Secretary,

The President,

Report herewith.

Submitted.

Director of Public Works.

Secretary, Sanitary Board.

Secretary, Sanitary Board,

Request the Medical Officer of

Health to report.

President.

Medical Officer of Health,

Passed to you for report.

Secretary, Sanitary Board.

Secretary, Sanitary Board,

Report herewith.

Medical Officer of Health.

The President,

Submitted.

Secretary, Sanitary Board.

Secretary, Sanitary Board,

Forward to the Hon. Colonial

Secretary.

President.

Hon. Colonial Secretary,

Report by Medical Officer of

Health herewith.

Secretary, Sanitary Board.

No.

HONGKONG.

REPORT ON THE NEW TERRITORY. FOR THE YEAR 1901,

Laid before the Legislative Council by Command of His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government.

Land Court.

I attach (Appendix No. 1) a Report from Mr. GOMPERTZ, President of the Land Court, c. work done by his Department during 1901.

The work of adjudicating upon the claims to land has naturally been somewhat slow owin the amount of preliminary work which devolves upon the Land Court before any actual adjudicat of claims can take place.

Early in the year the Court held its first sittings, and enquired into the claims at Ma W Island and in the Islands of Cheung Chau and Peng Chau, and subsequently dealt with the intri claims to land bordering; on the harbour.

The actual method of procedure adopted by the Land Court, preliminary to the investigation claims, is set forth in Mr. GOMPERTZ's Report. The whole of the New Territory, with the exception Sai Kung Peninsula and Ts'in Wán, has now been demarcated, and claims to over two-thirds of this have already been lodged with the Land Court.

In view of the difficulties incident to the inception of work of this description, the Land C may be congratulated on the work already done. The number of lots already demarcated is 158, the number of claims lodged with the Land Court 69,253. Rent Rolls for Tái Po and fr districts of Mui Wo and Tung Chung in the Island of Lan Tao have been made out: and, wi being unduly optimistic, one may prophesy for the year 1902 a much accelerated rate of progress.

Survey.

I print as Appendix No. 2. a Report from Mr. TATE on the Survey operations in the Territory up to the close of the Field Season, 1900-1901 (July 15th, 1901).

Mr. TATE has returned to India, and the completion of the Cadastral Survey is under the di of Mr. NEWLAND. The headquarters of the Survey are at present at Tái Pó. In November, found necessary to bring 48 trained Indian Survey coolies from India, as the Chinese coolie was unsuitable for this class of work.

The Topographical Survey and the Triangulation on which the mapping has been based an completed.

During the year 1901, 11,087 35 acres and 174,677 fields were cadastrally surveyed. Ir the area surveyed was 35,257·77 acres and 226,588 fields. This difference is due to the fact t Surveyors are at present working with the Demarcators, both Survey and Land Office ope being carried on at one and the same time. The change in scales from 16 inch to 32 inch h retarded the progress of the Survey. This change in scale was found to be essential: it was im to represent the small terraced fields or to survey in detail the villages on the scale of 16 inch mile.

I attach some photographs, which Mr. NEWLAND has forwarded to me, which will give son of the nature of the ground at present being surveyed.

The districts surveyed during the year were:-

The whole of the Shataukok District. Sub-Districts: Shun Wan, Tsoi Hang, Lam Tsu

Wo and portions of Lung Yeuk Tau of the Sheung Ü District.

A portion of the Sub-District Kau Yeuk of the Kau Lung District..

A portion of the Sub-District Cheung Muk Tau of the Tung Hoi District.

The Islands of Peng Chau, Kat O ́and Double Island, in Mirs Bay. Portions of Lan Tao Island near Tung Chung and Mui Wo.

The accompanying map* will show at a glance the situation and extent of these di

* Not printed.

Botanical and Afforestation Department.

Mr. FORD, the Superintendent of the Botanical and Afforestation Department, has furnished me ith the following details concerning the work done by his Department in the New Territory during he past year.

}

Tree planting has been continued round the Police Stations, and some twenty thousand miscel- us trees have been planted along the sides of the new road between Cheung Sha Wan gap and Tin.

With a view of discovering a more economical mode of raising plants than that of sowing the ; in nurseries and afterwards transplanting the seedlings, experiments have been made by sowing. e hills in situ. About 98,000 trees were reared in this way near the new road. With the tion of 5,000 camphor shoots, they were all pine seeds. The pines are doing well but the hors are almost a failure. However, further experiments are to be made this year, which should

whether it is possible to grow camphor trees on the hills so as to be a commercial success. During the past 3 months, about 4 miles of fire barriers, 15 feet wide, have been made to protect trees along the sides of the new road and around Chinese graves.

Grass turfing, to the extent of 16,000 square yards, has been done to cover loose soil near Police tions; in future it would perhaps be better for work of this sort to be undertaken by the Public rks Department in connection with the erection of new buildings.

Harbour Department.

A station in Deep Bay, on board the Police steam-launch, was opened in November, 1991. There are now four stations in the New Territory.

During the year 1901, 6,703 Licences, Clearances, Permits, etc., were issued to Junks at Cheung u; 4,117 at Tai 0; 3,411 at Tái Pó and 531 at Deep Bay. These figures shew an increase of

as compared with those of last

year.

The revenue collected by the Harbour Office Department from the New Territory during 1901 '$9,222.30; in 1900, the revenue was $8,390.75.

Public Works Department.

attach a Report (Appendix No. 3) from the Director of Public Works shewing the work done 3 Department during the year.

The work of erecting and draining permanent Police Stations and of constructing telephonie nication between various parts of the New Territory has been steadily pushed forward. The Station at Sai Kung, begun in 1900, was completed at a cost of $13.650.60. The station at Shui has also been completed, and the one at Tai O in the Island of Lan Tao has been nced.

new road to Tái Pó, the total length of which when finished will be about 18 miles, has been d for 13 miles and good progress has been made with the remaining section.

e amount spent on the new road during the year was $74,648.86.

Education.

Little has been done as yet for the promotion of Education in the New Territory, but it is hoped efore long, Anglo-Chinese and Vernacular Schools will be started at Un Long and Sheung

Medical Department.

attach a Report (Appendix No. 4) from Mr. Ho NAI HOP, the Medical Officer in the New

ɔry.

Ho resided at Tái Pó and attended 2,096 cases during the year. This shews a large increas ber of cases attended during the previous year; no doubt, most of the inhabitants havin mselves of Mr. Ho's services. There has been a great improvement in the health of the Eur ed in the New Territory. The number of cases of malarial fever shews a large decrea

e of admissions to Hospital of such cases dropped from 90% in 1900 to 52.5 % in 190 no doubt, to the prophylactic measures adopted, and to the destruction of the breedi nopheles mosquito. I append a Report (Appendix No. 5) from Dr. ATKINSON, Medical Officer, giving statistics on the subject of malaria in the New Territory.

Police.

The Chinese authorities, at the suggestion of this Government, established a force of soldiery alor the northern border of the New Territory during the latter part of the year under review. The . "braves" have co-operated with our Police in preventing the incursion of bands of robbers across th borders. The close co-operation has enabled the Government to effect a reduction in the number of police stationed in the New Territory and has had a good effect in checking crime.

Crime.

I append (Appendix No. 6) a return of the crimes committed in the New Territory during the year 1901 which have been tried before the Police Magistrates.

The number of cases heard was 551, involving 708 accused persons.,

my Report last year, I drew attention to the criminal statistics and pointed out the large increase in crime which had taken place. This increase was probably due, as I then observed, the more complete development of the Police organisation and to the growing confidence of the nativ in British methods of administering justice. This year it is satisfactory to be able to report although there has been a slight increase in the number of serious offences, there is no increase in ** number of crimes committed.

One c

There was one case of murder, for which three men stood their trial and were convicted. the murderers was hanged; the sentences on the other two being commuted to imprisonment for life.

There were 25 gang robberies, in connection with which 21 persons were convicted and sente to long terms of imprisonment.

The special legislation passed in 1991 to protect the lives and

property of passengers

from attack by armed robbers disguised as passengers has been effectual; no case of this'. occurred during 1901.

The figures for this year shew a decrease of 35 cases and of 99 accused persons, as compare the year 1900. Breaches of the Opium Ordinance are still responsible for the largest list of offende 161 cases having been tried under this enactment alone.

Revenue and Expenditure.

•

I attach a statement of the Revenue and Expenditure on account of the New Territory wh has been prepared by the Acting Colonial Treasurer (Appendix No. 7). The Expenditure for t year 1901, exclusive of expenditure on behalf of Police services was $252,376.14. Of this ame Public Works Extraordinary, including the Sarvey, were responsible for $163,101.45. Expenditr on behalf of the Police Establishment amounted to $101,884.01. It will thus be seen that the to Expenditure for the year was $354,260.15. The tetal Expenditure for the year 1900 was $345,654 the increase in expenditure for the year 1901 is, therefore, $8,606.01. Large as the amount of m expended during the year under review may appear to be, it should be remembered that much of it been sunk in permanent improvements, in the building and draining of Police Stations and in construction of the new road. There are also smaller sums such as the $9,321.03 expended connection with the lighthouse on Waglan Island and the $6,029.82 spent on the hire and charter launches, which, though charged to the New Territory account, are of considerable benefit to the t and commerce of the Island of Hongkong.

The Revenue collected amounted to $53,890.63. The moneys collected under Junk Lic Pawnbroker's Licences and Stone Quarries shew but little variation with the sums collected unde heads in 1900.

Licences for the sale of Spirits and Kerosene Oil, issued for the first time during the year: brought in the sum of $3,015.98, and a slightly larger sum was derived from permits to collect

and ballast.

The most satisfactory item in the Revenue return, however, is the large increase in the collected for Land Tax.

During year, the services of the Registrar General were made use of to impress upon ten the importan of paying rent without delay. The amount collected was $28,797.65, as against $1,300, collected in 1900. As I have pointed out in previous reports, the difficulties in connection with settlement of claims to land, make, the collection of rent a slow process, but with the gradual settlem of these claims and with the completion of the Survey and the Rent Roll a considerably augm revenue from this source may be expected. Although it may be some time before the New Territo will be able to pay its way, it is satisfactory to be able to report that during the year 1901 the r collected more than trebled the amount collected in 1900.

There are also signs of advancement in other directions. A cracker factory has been erected

1 factory for the distilling of native spirits is in course of erection at Ts'un-Wan

A very large establishment for the preparation of Soy for export is in full work at Kowloon City, like the other enterprises I have mentioned, is entirely supported by Chinese capital. I understand rther that the Land Court finds that the customary mortgages, to which much of the agricultural d was formerly subject, are being redeemed on every hand by the landowners, and this I regard as significant of a general advance in the value of property, and of an appreciation of this advance by the villagers themselves.

It is certain that, when the land settlement is further advanced and titles to land settled, progress will be more rapid. Capitalists are quite prepared to invest their capital in various enterprises, but refrain from doing so until they are able to obtain a proper title to the land they wish to purchase.

It must also be remembered that the New Territory has proved a valuable acquisition in certain ys which are not generally remembered, especially by those inclined to decry the extension of the Colony of Hongkong.

As regards water-supply, the water for the Kowloon Peninsula is at present obtained from the Tew Territory, and it is difficult to see how the present and future water requirements of the ever- hcreasing population of Kowloon could have been met had not the New Territory come under the gis of Great Britain. It is not too much to say that, without the New Territory, the develop- ent of Kowloon must have been arrested, whereas, through its aid, the continued progress of owloon is assured. It is also not altogether beyond the bounds of probability that some day it may be necessary to utilise the water from the watershed of Taimo Shan for the supply of the Island of

Hongkong.

I am also informed, by those competent to express an opinion, that Mirs Bay contains some of the est harbours in the world and that it is not necessary to cross the Kowloon Hills to find an ideal

xercising troops.

lways held the opinion that the New Territory was not "a white elephant," as I have not heard unkind critics describe it. Events have already justified the favourable esti- future which I formed and embodied in the Report I wrote after I had visited it for the It is not prudent to prophery unless one is certain, still I venture to predict that before g me inhabitants of this Colony will wonder how even the most arrant pessimist could have held any to the most favourable views regarding the future of the New Territory.

This will be my last report on the New Territory and, in bidding it farewell, I do so with great et mingled with pleasant reminiscences of conflicting work carried on in the midst of most rming and beautiful scenery, and lessened by the recollection that I have been and still remain a

ch believer in its future.

en:-

Staff

The Departments concerned in the administration of the New Territory during the year have

The Land Court.

The Magistracy.

The Police.

Indian Survey-Topographical and Cadastral. The Public Works.

The Medical Department.

The Land Court was constituted as follows:-

President,

Member, Registrar,

Registrar,

Deputy Registrar,

Land Surveyor,

Demarcation Officer,

Chief Clerk in charge of Branch Offices

.H. E. POLLOCK, K.C. ...H. H. J.GOMPERTZ. ...J. R. Wodn.

...E. D. C. WOLFE.

.CHEUNG TSQL. ..B. W. GREY

..S. R. MOORE.

..A. J. MACKIE. YAM CHI KN.

Police and Magistracy. Mr. E. R. HALLIFAX has been in charge of the Police Force with his quarters at Tai Pó; he has also carried on the duties of Police Magistrate..

• Indian Survey. Mr. TATE and Mr. NEWLAND up to July 20th, afterwards Mr. NEWLAND in sole

rge.

Public Works.-Messrs GALE and HUGHES have been in charge of roads and buildings construction. Medical. Mr. Ho NAI HOP has been Resident Medical Officer at Tái Pó.

J. H. STEWART LOCKHART,

Colonial Secretary.

gkong, 22nd March, 1902.

Appendix No. 1.

LAND COURT,

SIR,

HONGKONG, 15th March, 1902.

I have the honour to forward herewith my Report on the work of the Land Court up to the 31 December, 1901.

Judicial and Semi judicial Duties.

1. The operations of the Court fall naturally into two main divisions.

Section 3 of Ordinance 18 of 1900-provides that "all claims to land in the New Territories sha * be heard and determined by a Land Court." Section III and succeeding sections provide for th jurisdiction and procedure of the Court and allow for Appeals to the Full Court in certain cases. Thi is to say, that in all disputed claims, the Court has to take the evidence of the parties concerned and finall to adjudicate between them. This is, in fact, work which is purely judicial and might have been di charged by the Supreme Court of the Colony had that tribunal possessed the necessary leisure. Th Land Court has also further duties, in the exercise of which its functions are rather those of a speci Commission, as when it examines into and allows or disallows, for one reason or another, as against th Crown, claims which are not contested by rival claimants but which require careful scrutiny in orde to ascertain whether the titles are such as would have been recognized by the Government of Chin On this side of its jurisdiction, its functions are also within the scope of the Ordinance and might, think, be classed as semi-judicial in their nature.

Ministerial Duties.

Altogether apart from, however, and outside of the jurisdiction imposed by the Ordinance, it h been necessary to undertake operations of considerable extent calling for the employment of a larg body of men and the disbursement of considerable sums of money. These duties which are perhap best classified as ministerial have for their object :-

(1.) The preparation and collection of claims in such manner as to ascertain clearly which ar those in which there are contesting parties and to winnow out the disputes from tl: great mass of uncontested claims.

(2.) The formation of 'a Crown Rent Roll based upon those among the claims, perhaps 9

per cent. of the whole, as are not disallowed by the Court.

Seeing that this latter or ministerial portion of my duties has been somewhat extensive, and seein also that in order of time it is necessary to make preparation for the presentation of claims before th hearing and adjudication can conveniently be proceeded with, it may be advisable to deal in thi Report first of all with these ministerial functions of the Department.

2. It is, of course, obvious that a claim to land is, in its very nature, dissimilar from a suit to recove money. Supposing, for instance, that A. B. comes forward and declares his desire to lay claim to certain field, it is impossible for the officers of the Court, without a map of holdings, to determine th situation of the land he professes to claim. Even if A. B. produces a survey plan purporting to sho his own holding still without a general scheme showing the relative positions of all claims within th District, there is no means of knowing what other persons have claims conflicting with that of A. B.

On taking up my duties in June, 1900, I found that there were indeed available the exceller cadastral or field to field maps of the Indian Survey extending over approximately one-half of th cultivated 'land. No holdings, however, were shown on these as it had been manifestly impossible fc the Survey Field Staff, who were Indians unacquainted with Chinese, to make any enquiries as to the ownership. A Chinese demarcation staff was, therefore, got together as fast as suitable men could b enlisted; and by the end of 1900 had reached a complement of 88 men. Gradually, however, it becam apparent that, in view of the peculiar circumstances of the New Territory with its thousands of minu holdings, it would be necessary to largely increase the Cadastral Staff unless the estimate of the tin necessary to complete its operations was to be very considerably exceeded.

In June, therefore, His Excellency determined to telegraph to India for 29 additional Field Surveyor and to authorize a corresponding increase in the strength of the Chinese Demarcation Staff, which a the present time comprises no less than 190 men divided into Field parties of 4 men: three coolies and one Demarcator to each party.

Demarcation.

3. The duty of a Demarcator is to discover, in the first instance, the owners of cultivated ground, o of ground showing signs of recent cultivation. He is accompanied by an Indian Surveyor who insert each holding on a map under his directions. Every holding is numbered; the numbers appearing or the map as far as possible in consecutive order. Tickets bearing these numbers, together with description of the holding are issued to all persons claiming an interest in the land; and full particular: of ownership are entered it a demarcation register kept by the Demarcator. A medium of communi sation is thus established between the people and the Court.

The range of a Demarcator's enquiries is limited by the cadastral map. Any land on a cadastral showing clearly marked boundaries may thus be included in the demarcation register even should n owner be not forthcoming in the first instance. Hills, foreshore areas covered by graves-in fact any land at a distance from the general areas of cultivation-are, however, omitted from the demarcation scheme and provided for separately.

Having regard to the, responsible nature of their duties, Demarcators have been selected where possible from the educated class and they have, on the whole, displayed a high standard of intelligence and honesty. Each man is called upon to give security in a Bond for $100 which sum is forfeited in the event of the person secured being convicted under the Ordinance dealing with the receiving or soliciting of an illegal gratification. The prejudice against out-door labour common to the educated in every Eastern country has, of course, been some hindrance to free enlistment, but the difficulty has been partially obviated by the influence of Mission Schools in which it appears that some 20 per cent. of the Demarcators have received their education. I attach (Appendix A) a copy of Demarcation Rules I have prepared for the guidance of the staff. A practical acquaintance with these Rules is required of every candidate before his period of probation is considered at an end.

4. To keep the Register properly is no sinecure in a country where a minute sub-division of pro- rietary rights is almost universal. Nearly every piece of cultivated land is the subject of a double ownership-(a.) that of the customary lessor or rent charge owner who has, moreover, in certain contin- jencies, the reversion of the lessee's interest; and (b.) the customary lessee who has practically the whole ownership of the soil for himself and his heirs subject to the punctual payment of the rent charge. Both lessor and lessee may, and they frequently do, mortgage the whole or part of their rights, and these mortgages are again frequently assigned and re-assigned several times over.

There is no doubt that the head and front of all our difficulties in effecting a satisfactory settle- ment of the land question has been the enormous complexity of the rights of ownership and though with riper knowledge our methods of tabulation have improved and the risk of error has greatly decreased, still I think it will be conceded that the Demarcator's task is a formidable one and that if he does his work faithfully he has thoroughly earned his modest salary of $15 by the end of the month. In all perhaps 30 per cent. of the demarcation staff have either been dismissed as unsatisfactory or have resigned through ill-health-two men have actually died in harness during the wet season.

The main obstacles to the quick progress of demarcation are as follows:—

(a.) The Chinese staff of the Land Court has to work hand in hand with Indian surveyors;

and neither party understands the language of the other.

(b.) The holdings are in many cases very small-in some villages they average more than 100

to the acre.

(c.) Holdings near the boundary of the New Territory often belong to persons resident outside British jurisdiction and the owners occasionally neglect to come forward and furnish particulars of their rights, even after being specially summoned.

(d.) On Chinese holidays and festivals, and during seed time and harvest, information has

been less readily forthcoming than at other times.

(e.) In the case of poor pieces of hill cultivation, that have paid no taxes to the Chinese Government: the squatters are reluctant to lay claims that may be made the basis of taxation later on.

(f.) The divergent interests of local clans and peasant cultivators have given rise to fears on

both sides as to the intentions of Government.

But, on the whole, where large parties of Demarcators have swept over a district taking village by village consecutively-public opinion in each village being prepared by work among its neighbours Land Court operations have been met in a friendly spirit by the inhabitants.

5. It becoming apparent early in 1901 that the 16" scale was not large enough to enable (1.) village es; (2.) the greater part of the cultivated holdings within the deep narrow valleys among the hills to properly surveyed, in the month of February, His Excellency authorized a scale of 32" being employed whenever the Land Court should agree with the Survey Officer that its adoption was necessary.

In districts in which the survey had been completed before this change of scale had been decided upon, no detailed survey of village sites was available. In such cases all houses (including schools, temples, out-houses and the like) have been numbered village by village, and demarcation registers have been made from this starting point, demarcation tickets being issued, to allow householders to report their interests in the ordinary way.

Claims.

6. As soon as the demarcation of a district is in full swing, claimants are invited to come in, and as soon as it appears likely that every land owner is provided with Lot number tickets, a final date is announced in the Gazette after which no claims for land within that district will be received.

All claims must be presented on special forms provided by the Court. Local customs give rise to ambiguity which it is the object of the claim form to avoid. The distinctions between the nominal and actual payments made to a "tax lord," between the holders of yearly and perpetual leases, and between the

terms of one customary mortgage and another are all provided for. I attach (Appendix B) a copy the claim form now in use.

Deeds and other proofs of title are filed with the various claims. In disputes, any claimant wł is dissatisfied with the statement of his case allowed by the Court form, is allowed to attach a petitic containing additional particulars.

As hills, graves, foreshore, &c., usually lie outside the limits of the cadastral survey, special arrang ments have been made by which such claims can be presented to the Court prior to survey. The claims are of all kinds, .., of a village to grazing rights, or to a village site, of a family to buryir rights, of capitalists to fishing and foreshore rights and the like. Rights to cut trees have also bee claimed. These undemarcated claims often encroach on demarcated areas; they sometimes conflict al: inter se.

Conflicting, or seemingly conflicting, statements have been found in claims presented to the Cour Some of these have been due to the ignorance of the claimants: to the indefiniteness or unimportan of the interest claimed; or to clerical errors. To reconcile these statements without the necessity of formal hearing in Court, the Ordinance has been amended by Ordinance 27 of 1901 so as to allow th Registrar to summon lot-holders for a preliminary enquiry. In this way apparent disputes are beir weeded out from those in which there are really contested issues, in order that the latter may con before the Court in due course. The success of claim taking on the mainland has been chiefly dr to the zeal and energy of Mr. J. R. WOOD, who as Registrar has been in charge of the Tai Pó branc office throughout the year.

7. Immediately after the expiry of the last day fixed for the reception of claims, there are availab the materials of a Rent Roll as follows:-

(1.) All uncontested claims to agricultural land.

(2.) All lots shown in the cadastral maps for which no claims have been laid. For the unclaimed lots the particulars of ownership must be obtaind from the demarcatic registers.

To these are added, from time to time as disputed claims are disposed of, all those lots which beir in dispute have been held over for the decision of the Court. These do not, however, average more tha about 4 per cent. of the whole.

In the Tai Pó (No. VI) Survey District there are in all 29,344 demarcated lots. Of these, 25,40 have been formally claimed by the cultivators, leaving a balance of 3,862 lots unclaimed, or about 13.1

I attribute this high percentage of lots unclaimed principally to the instructions given per cent. the Demarcators that all ground under actual or recent cultivation is to be mapped and given a l- number, whether an owner is immediately forthcoming or not. This plan obviates the necessity going back later to survey lots omitted originally because an owner was not forthcoming; but it hɛ also entailed the survey of much poor cultivation in the occupation of mere squatters who are in r hurry to assume the burdens of ownership.

8. It will, I think, be recognized that the training of an adequate staff, together with the experimen necessary for the proper co-ordination of the Demarcation and Survey parties, was calculated to absor several months in preliminary operations.

(

Moreover the principles by which the validity of a claim was to be tested could be none other tha those of the Law of China and it was necessary for the Court to make itself familiar with the gener provisions of that Law no less than with the local customs modifying its operation within the area be dealt with under the Ordinance.

It is not necessary at this stage to describe at length the adequacy or otherwise of the materia ready to the hand of an enquirer into Chinese Land Tenure, but it will be easily understood that som months had gone by before we were in a position to hold formal sittings for the adjudication of claims.

First Formal Sittings of the Court.

9. It was not, in fact, till the 20th February, 1901, that I held a Court for the first time at Ma Wá Island to enquire into the local claims which were for the most part of minor importance; and furth similar sittings were held by me at frequent intervals on the Islands of Cheung Chau and Ping Cha The Full Court, composed of Mr. POLLOCK as President and myself as Member, held its first sitting: Lyeemoon on the 1st March, 1901, and we continued to sit either in the Chinese Temple at Sai Ts Wán or in an empty shop-house at Ch'a Kwo Leng throughout the summer.

Lyeemoon to Kowloon City.

10. Most of the land in this neighbourhood is occupied either by the workmen in the stone quarrie which fringe the coast line for a space of more than four miles, or by petty cultivators residing in th villages of Sai Ts'ó Wán and Tái Kun Tong.

But little difficulty, however, was caused by either of these classes, the padi land being held on inco trovertible Chinese titles while the status of the quarrymen as licensees of the Chinese Government w fully established by their own headmen. The dry and shifting cultivation, on the other hand, we foun

oe mostly in the hands of persons who frankly owned themselves squatters on Crown Land being ither stragglers from the stone cutters villages on the water's edge or boat people who found the chief art of their subsistence upon the sea.

We found, however, that the water front extending from the Lyeemoon Pass to the western rner of Kowloon Bay was covered by a network of large claims mostly laid by persons who had quired their title by purchase since or about the time of the Convention, influenced, no doubt, by the excellent sites available for docks and other industrial enterprises.

After an extensive enquiry lasting over several months, during which we took the evidence of come 160 witnesses, the majority of these large claims were entirely disallowed on the ground usually that the vendors could show no legal (or indeed equitable) title by Chinese Law.

11. In many cases the amount of the consideration money paid by the purchaser was absurdly low, in others, payment of the whole sum was reserved and the full amount was to be finally handed over only after a good title had been shown by the vendors. It seems, therefore, permissible to believe that these purchases were often regarded merely as a promising speculation by the persons concluding them.

In the case of one claim, aggregating some 200 acres in extent and comprising a wide extent of ill-side and valley, the Chinese claimants had made an agreement for sale to a European gentleman sident in the Colony who had conceived an enterprising plan for augmenting the local food supply by he establishment of a sheep and poultry farm.

This claim was disallowed on the grounds that the would-be vendors could only show good title to about an acre and a half of ground, but I believe that a high rate of mortality among the sheep and in epidemic which carried off some thousands of head of poultry had already decided the purchaser o abandon his courageous experiment.

Appeals.

12. It might have been anticipated that the early decisions of the Court resulting as they did in the isallowal of a large percentage of claims to land frequently of considerable value would have resulted in a considerable number of Appeals to the Higher Courts. However, I find that, as a matter of fact. leave to appeal has been applied for in five cases only. In two instances the application has been subsequently withdrawn and in a third I understand that the parties intend to abandon the Appeal as soon as the delimitation of another claim in which they are interested has been satisfactorily arranged. In the remaining two claims the Appeal is still pending, but in neither of them has the Appellant taken any steps to have his case called on for final determination.

13. In my Report for last year I suggested that the largest percentage of troublesome cases would be in the land bordering on the harbour-the "New Kowloon" of Ordinance No. 30 of 1900. This ediction has proved substantially correct, not only, I believe, because of the enormous rise in the value ot such land since the Convention, but because it was so nearly worthless under Chinese Rule that per- sons entitled to the ownership, if indeed there were any such, took little or no trouble to assert those rights thereby laying the way open for the fabrication of every kind of fraudulent and fictitious claim hy other persons later on.

I am glad to be able to report that the settlement of the eastern portion of New Kowloon is now almost complete.

Sam Shui Po and Lai Chi Kok.

For the western portion which ranges from Sam Shui Po to Kau P'a Kang on the north-east of Lai Chi Kok, regular sittings of the Full Court are now held four days in every week. I have no hesitation in pronouncing this to be by far the most difficult area in the New Territory; for the once. deserted foreshore is now covered with a network of claims sometimes ten or twelve deep.

It became early apparent that a special map of these claims would be necessary, and in July, 1901, Fr. B. W. GREY was detailed for the survey work with Mr. A. J. MACKIE as his Demarcation Officer. Much delay was caused by the neglect of claimants to mark out their land with boundary stones when called upon; while frequently the boundary stones once planted have been torn up during the night by rival claimants or carried away by pilfering grass-cutters or marauding junk men. The survey of this district which is plotted on a scale of 32" is now nearly complete, having necessitated some seven months of regular work in the field. The total number of large claims thus specially surveyed is 122, ranging in extent from 190 acres to acre .033, while the total sum of their areas added together amounts to some 1,100 acres.

14. It is instructive to compare with this plentiful crop of litigation, the conditions prevailing in a rural area like the Island of Lan Tao where, out of a total of 9,853 holdings demarcated up to date, there have emerged only some four or five real disputes. It seems fairly clear that in the districts removed from the demoralising neighbourhood of the City of Victoria there should be little trouble in settling all suits between claimant and claimant. There remain certainly one or two vexed questions: for instance, we have yet to determine the exact status of "tax lord" or "rent charge owner"; and, again, we must look to experience to teach us the best method of dealing with family or "clan" estates where no partition has yet been effected; while again the exact proportion in which the dues of the Crown are to be paid

by the parties interested when there is, as commonly, a divided ownership in the soil, has still to be finally ascertained. It should be possible, however, in the near future when full materials are available to formulate general Rules which, if not unduly rigid, will be capable of general application.

15. As to the form of Titles it has been definitely decided that a Land Registry on the Torrens System is to be established for all land to the North of the Kowloon Watershed leaving New Kowloon under the Land Office in Hongkong. I have now in preparation a Draft Code to regulate Transfers ard Mutations in Chinese Customary Land.

Results achieved.

16. The results achieved by the Land Court during the last 18 months may now be briefly recapitulat- ed as follows. The whole of the New Territory on the mainlaind exclusive of the Sai Kung Peninsula and of Ts'in Wan has been demarcated,) while each owner of land has a number ticket for every lot he claims to be his property. Over more than two-thirds of this area the claims have been already got in, and the balance should be in my hands within the next three months. The disputes in the outlying districts are relatively few in number, and several months of regular sittings will probably dispose of those already in my hands. The total number of claims received over the whole Territory up to 31st December last is 69,253. The total number of lots demarcated being 158,598. Eleven thousand three hundred and fifty (11,350) houses have been numbered to supplement those of the Survey Maps that have been plotted on a 16" scale. Rent Rolls of the Tai Pó District and again of Tung Chung and Mui Wo, which comprise the greater part of the cultivation in Lan Tao, are now being made out, and fresh districts will be proceeded with as soon as, to the materials now in my hands, are added the completed lot areas now under computation by the Cadastral Survey Staff.

STAFF.

17. The personnel of the Land Court was largely augmented during the year.

The native field staff was increased from 88 to 190 men; the establishment has been further strengthened by the appointment of an Additional Registrar (Mr. E. D. C. WOLFE); Deputy Registrar, (Mr. CHEUNG TSOI); and two Demarcation Officers-(Messrs. S. R. MOORE and A. J. MACKIE) Mr. B. W. GREY was attached to the Court as Special Survey Officer during the greater part of the year.

In December, Mr. H. E. POLLOCK having resigned the post of President, I was appointed by the Governor as his successor, Mr. H. L. DENNYS, late Crown Solicitor, joining the Court to fill my place as Member of the Court. I must express my hearty thanks to Messrs. TATE and NEWLAND, the Officers.successively in charge of the Indian Survey, for their cordial co-operation and their unfailing readiness to assist in every detail of the difficult work of demarcation in a new country.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your obedient Servant,

H. H. J. GOMPERTZ, President, Land Court.

APPENDIX A.

DEMARCATION RULES.

PRELIMINARY REMARKS.

The object of Demarcation is to ascertain on the spot the exact position and area of each indivia holding in order that it may be recorded in the Survey Map and an appropriate Lot Number given to To this end it is important that all persons claiming land should have full notice before Demarca

rommences.

· Notices should be distributed in the adjacent villages for at least a week before beginning work a the Hemarcator and his coolies should go about and inform people that they must come forward and ро out their land.

The evening before Demarcation begins the area it is expected to cover on the following day should i marked out with tall bamboos surmounted with a red flag; these should be left standing, while the wor goes on, to show the villagers on what land the Demarcator is working.

1. The Demarcation should start close up to the Boundary Line of a Survey District and wor along it, the lots being numbered consecutively from the commencement.

2. Often a piece of land is shown to the Demarcators as being the property of say—the Li family— this means usually that the Li family or T'ong pay the taxes or that the taxes are paid in their name.

The Demarcator should enquire whether the family cultivate or occupy the land themselves or whether it is leased out. If it is leased out for a term of years only or by the year the name of the family should be written in the column "Owner" and the name of the lessee in the column "Occupier

3. If the Lease is in perpetuity "ch'eung p'ai", the name of the perpetual lessee should appear: in the "Owner" column with a note that the taxes are to be paid by the Li family

4. Having ascertained who is the person whose name is to be shown as owner, mark out the limits of the lot carefully with bamboos, one at every angle and give tra Lot number.

5. If the Demarcator is working with a Surveyor he should then give the Surveyor the number, taking care that he gets the right one, and proceed to fill up his Demarcation book details.

6. Having made his entries in the book, the Demarcator is to enquire into the ownership of the next Lot. In no case however are the bamboos to be taken up before the Surveyor has quite finished with a Lot.

7. Every claim should be separately marked out and have a separate Lot number but if people come up later and claim portions of a field that has been alrealy demarcated as one Lot and given a Lot number and this Lot number has been put down by the Surveyor in his map, the Demarcator should` not go back and subdivide it.

8. The proper course is to make a note with the names of the parties in the Demarcation book and give each of the parties a slip with the Lot number written on it, telling them to come to the Office of the Land Court.

9.-(1.) The Demarcator will as a rule be accompanied by three coolies, one carrying bamboos, one with a pickaxe, and a third to assist the Demarcator enquiring into the ownership of the Lots. The coolie with the pickaxe should carry slips of paper with Lot numbers on them and give one to each owner of a Lot.

(2.) Every person claiming ownership in any Lot, the perpetual lessee, the mortgagee in possession and the tax-payer should have a Lot number ticket given to him.

When one person claims several Lots situated not far from each other the Demarcator should write on the back of the Lot number paper a short memo. of the rent paid or the cultivator's name in order that the claimant may be able to remember to which field any one Lot number paper applies.

10. In the case of an area often of considerable size being held by the members of one family and ultivated by them, it will frequently be found that no division has ever been properly made. In such cases the Demarcator must refuse to go into the question of the various shares. He should give the whole area claimed one Lot number and tell the parties to come to the Court if they want a partition effected.

11. In any case of a disputed boundary the Demarcator must remember that he has no power to ettle the boundary.

A B

12. To take such a case as shown here, the fields are D & C, the owner of C claims that his boundary at AA while the owner of D claims that the boundary line is at BB. The Demarcator should put down the two fields together as one Lot with one Lot number and make an entry in the book that the Lot is divided but that the boundary of the divisions is disputed; and also put down the names of the parties. He should then go on to the next Lot. Each claimant must have a Lot number paper with the number on it.

13. If the Demarcator comes to an area which has been or is under cultivation or which appears to have well marked boundaries but for which he can find no claimant he can give it a Lot number and make a note in the book that no owner has come forward.

14.

hen a house inhabited by several members of the same family is claimed by more than one of them, gi

the house and ground that goes with it one Lot number but put down the names of the various imants.

]

Rules for dealing with Mortgaged land :

(1.) If a man has mortgaged part of his holding, make the part mortgaged a separate Lot. (2.) Put down the name of the owner and also that of the mortgagee.

(3.) If there is more than one mortgagee put down the name of the mortgagee in possession

-that is the person who is either (a.) actually cultivating the land himself, or who (b.) receives the rents from the tenant.

(4.) If a part only of a house is mortgaged the mortgage can be disregarded.

16. It is of the very greatest importance that the Lot number on the map and that in the Demarcation oook should agree. Any carelessness on the part of the Demarcator in this respect will be followed. by instant dismissal.

17. (a.) No tickets are to be issued to persons other than claimants, except to applicants on behalf

of a claimant who is not present.

(b.) No name must be entered in the Demarcation book unless a ticket has been issued. 18. When once an entry has been made in the Demarcation book, no crossing out or erasure is allowed. A circle may be drawn round the original entry if it is incorrect and additional information written at the side.

19. Numbers on the tickets will be written in both English and Chinese characters.

20. A Demarcator must post Demarcation notices in every village included in his map. If there are no such villages, then in the two nearest villages. He will report, if these notices are disturbed.

21. One District number and one series of Lot numbers will be given to each map unless special instructions are issued.

22. If any cultivated land is omitted from demarcation or if any houses are unnumbered, the demarcator in whose district it is will report the matter at once.

23. Demarcators will be careful to see that Lots on the boundaries of neighbouring maps are not demarcated twice over. Should this happen the persons responsible will be punished.

The demarcator who is on the spot first is responsible for demarcating fields any part of which lies upon his map; he must let other demarcators on the same ground know when he has done this.

24. All demarcators will check each week's work with the Cadastral Surveyor, doing so not earlier than 2 P.M. on Saturday. The maps and the Demarcation book must be in agreement.

25. A demarcator is not allowed to leave his district except between the hours of 5 p.m. on Saturdays. an 18.30. A.M. on Mondays. On working days any demarcator discovered idling between 9 A.M, and

4.30 P.M. will be severely punished.

26. Fields on either side of a stream or road must be demarcated separately.

27. Any demarcator or demarcation coolie who himself or through his family has any interest in the property in a district assigned to him must report the matter before the district is opened, any disregard of this rule will be severely dealt with.

28. Any demarcator or coolie wishing to deal in land in the New Territory whether by sale, lease or mortgage, wil first ask permission. Any redemptions of mortgage must be at once reported.

29. All demarcators will make a weekly report to the inspector in charge of them; on finishing commencing a district, they will report to the inspector at once. On finishing a district a demarcat will report himself at the office, unless otherwise instructed.

30. No leave in the ordinary course except at Chinese New Year and at Christmas time will given during the field season. Any demarcators applying for leave must give a fortnight's notice:

31. All such offences as laziness, wilful disobedience of orders or of any of these rules, absence fro. duty without leave, carelessness in demarcating holding boundaries or giving out Lot No. tickets, may be punished summarily and at the discretion of the Member of the Land Court with a fine not exceed- ing $5.00 in any one case, Fines to go to a reward fund to be divided at the end of the ear-among those members of the Demarcation staff whose work has been most satisfactory. Any demarcator or demarcation coolie who is fined may if he likes appeal to His Excellency the Governor: whose decision sha be final.

APPENDIX B.

SCHEDULE (E).

PARTICULARS OF CLAIM TO LAND OR CLAIM IN RELATION TO LAND.

SURVEY DISTRICT NUMBER.

NO. OF DEEDS ATTACHED.

Name and Address of Owner or Owners.

Did the Owner or Owners inherit the Land or buy it, and from wliom and when?

Amount of

Situation of

If mortgaged,

Amount of

Amount of Rent

Name and

址住名姓主業

Serial

Lot

No.

Per-

Tax-

Mort-

lord..

Lessee. .petual| iLessee. gagee.

Owner.

遺祖係土田該 relation to Land. 置自係抑業物

Nature of Land or Claim in

Annual Land

state Principal Annual Payment

either in Money

Land and

Address of

Value

Tax formerly

Amount of

to Religious

Area in

"Mows."

paid to Chinese

Mortgage

or other

every

Occupier.

Government.

Debt.

Institutions.

or Produce

of Land.

paid by every

Occupier.

從乃自如土田等何

方土田

段地粮完

戶佃佃世典承主業及來買人何事何求突或

數畝道

數號人

人

置所時何

家皇國

銀本典原善堂廟與少姓客屋各中與少粮少声類之堂址住名

年每來向按典係如多签捐年每或戶耕各各或戶耕各

年每客屋値償

土田

少多租

自自祖

開置遺

屋薯禾

宇地田

有契

中國皇家收

姓收

山

銀

元

565

Appendix No. 2.

REPORT ON THE SURVEY OF THE NEW TERRITORY, AT THE CLOSE OF THE FIELD SEASON OF

1900-01-15TH JULY, 1901.

1. The Topographical Survey of the New Territory has been completed, and about 500 square miles including islands has been mapped on the scale of 1 inch to a mile. The nature of the country is broken and mountainous, and the greater part is some of the most difficult country to survey that I have ever seen.

2. The Triangulation on which the mapping has been based is also completed. Details have been given in my previous reports, which it is useless to repeat here. A memorandum on the marking of stations visited in the course of the Triangulation is attached as an Appendix.

3. The Cadastral Surveys are in progress, and will probably not be completed for another two years to come. I give, briefly, the results obtained :--

(i.) In 1899-1900 an area was surveyed, on the scale of 16 inch to a mile, of 41,000 acres.

(i.) In 1900-01 the outturn has amounted to an area, on the scale of 32 inches-1 mile, of 8,638 acres containing 134,166 fields, the average size of each of the latter being .06 of an acre and about a third part of a mu. A further small area of 650 acres has been surveyed on the scale of 16 inches-1 mile; and re-survey was necessary of one block rejected at the close of the Season of 1899-1900, which amounted to about 200

acres.

4. Adding those figures, we obtain a total of 9,488 acres, or, say, in round numbers, of 9,500 acres as the result of the Cadastral Survey operations in the past Field Season: and the great decrease in the outturn is chiefly due to the system adopted of carrying on the demarcation of holdings pari passu with that of the Survey. But if the purposes of the Rent Roll are served by working on these lines, the system must be continued-as I have shewn in a previous report-and if the Land Court finds that it suits them to have the maps made and the titles of holdings registered at one and the same time, there is no other course open than to continue working on these lines. Indian experience does not help one very much, as the conditions are so very different in the New Territory, and it is better and safer, in the absence of all previous information such as a summary settlement, would provide, to work slowly, establishing every step taken in the preparation of the Rent Roll, with the map of individual holdings at hand for purposes of reference.

5. The traverses, upon which the Cadastral Surveys are made, have been advanced very far ahead of the Detail Surveys; and probably less than a fifth, and even a sixth, of the New Territory has been not yet traversed. The portions of the mainland where no traverses have been run, are that narrow peninsula which separates Mirs Bay from Junk Bay, and whose southern extremity forms the northern limit of the Fut-i-mun Pass, or outlet into the open sea, the valleys which lie at the heads of Tsin Wàn and Gin Drinkers Bay, the southern slopes of Taimoshan, and the Shing Mun Valley, and the valley of Lam-Kwat-An. On the Lantau Island the cultivated areas round Tung Chung have been surveyed and also in the vicinity of Mui-wo. The other cultivated areas on this island have not yet been prepared by means of traverses for the Detail Survey for cadastral purposes.

During the forthcoming winter the traverse operations should be completed, they should be commenced about the 1st of October, and the end of the Field Season should see them completed and the stations marked.

The country that will be dealt with in the forthcoming Season and the one to follow, is the most broken and rugged part of the New Territory. The only open portions are insignificant and will be taken up in a few blocks each, they lie at the head of Tide Cove and Tsin Wan, and Gin Drinkers Bay, and along the south coast of Lantau; the remainder is mountainous and difficult.

HONGKONG, 21st July, 1901.

GEO. P. TATE, Survey of India Department,

in charge Kowloon Survey Department.

566

Stations of Observation.

There will be found two types of cut mark stones existing in the New Territory.

One is

and this has been used to mark all main stations of the Triangulation at

which observations have been made. The mark stone is a block of granite, the upper surface being smooth dressed, which has been embedded in a hole with earth rammed around to fix it.

No. 2 is similar to No. 1 but the letters have been omitted, this tpye has been used, owing to the former having been expended; but only in cases where a point has been fixed by means of a theodolite interpolation to afford an origin or initial point for the cadastral traverses. These are not stations for extending the Triangulation.

Sometimes it has been necessary to determine the bearing of a station in addition to fixing an initial point of a traverse, and in a sequence with the latter; then for such a point a mark stone of type No. 2 has been used; and one of No. 1 for marking the initial point; therefore whenever a mark stone of type, No. 1 is met with, it may be safely assumed that it marks a station of observation of the Triangulation of the New Territory.

When a solitary mark stone of type No. 2 is discovered, it denotes, also, the site of a station of the New Territory Triangulation.

But when two mark stones-one of class 1 and another of class 2-are found in close proximity to one another, then the former marks the station of observation, and the latter a station for the traverses whose bearing with reference to the station of observation, has been determined.

As a rule most of the minor points fixed by means of observations taken from stations to them, have been marked by cairns in the first instance. But in the absence of a cairn the highest part of a summit fixed by Triangulation can safely be taken as having been the point observed to; and here, if it is necessary, a cairn may be erected. Conspicuous peaks, or rocks on hill tops, easily seen and recognised from a distance need no special marks being placed or cut on them; and none have been left in such cases.

GEO. P. TATE,

in charge.

21. 7.01.

Appendix No. 3.

REPORT ON WORK EXECUTED BY THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IN THE

NEW TERRITORY, DURING THE YEAR 1901.

Sai Kung Police Station.

This station was completed at a total cost of $13,650.60 of which $11,506.65 was expended during -1901.

Sheung Shui Police Station.

ne contract was let in the end of May and good progress had been made by the close of the year.

A sum of $11,238.44 was expended and it is anticipated that the work will be finished by the end of March, 1902.

徵

Tai O Police Station.

This station was commenced about the same time as the one at

Sheung Shui, but very little progress was made owing to the financial difficulties of the contractor. Mr. CHAN YEW TING has now taken over the contract under agreement with the Government and more satisfactory progress is being made.

Ping Shan Police Station.

The drains of this station have been extended for some distance from it, to a concrete sump which is periodically cleansed out. This arrangement for disposing of sullage water is found to act satisfac- torily. Cost $138.70.

567

Au Tau Police Station.

Here also the drains have been extended for some distance in order to overcome a nuisance which had arisen through the disposal of the sullage water too near the building. Cost $264.

An unsuccessful attempt was made to obtain a water supply by sinking a well near the station, but as no water was met with, it has to be filled in again. Cost $124.75.

San Tin Police Station.

This is a native dwelling which has been adopted for the accommodation of the Police. A mez- zanine floor was put in to form a living room for the Sergeant in charge, a new cell built and various other alterations and additions made at a cost of $99.72. The drains are now being put in order.

Tải Pó Police Station.

The drains have been extended and improved at a cost of $568.04.

Starling Inlet Police Station (Sha Tau Kok.)

In this case it was found advisable to extend the drains so as to discharge into the tidal waters. The work was carried out at a cost of $294.72. *

Offices and Quarters at Tái Pó.

These consist of matsheds which required a good deal of repair, principally owing to damage caused by storms, the cost has been $1,549.57.

The drains at the Quarters have been put in order and extended to the sea and the concreting of the ground surface has been renewed and partly rendered with cement at a cost of $537.46.

A well which had been sunk near the Quarters was lined with rubble and properly finished off at a cost of $40.30.

The tennis-court was enlarged and re-laid with turf at a cost of $247.15.

Leper Village near Au Tau.

Twelve wooden huts for lepers were erected and enclosed in a bamboo fence at a cost of $2,199.70. The lepers formerly occupied some miserable hovels situated in a swampy piece of land.

Tai Po Read.

This road is completed and open to traffic for a distance of 13 miles. Good progress has been made with the remaining portion which extends to Tái Pó.

Some delay has been caused through the non-arrival of iron joists ordered from England, and required for the construction of the bridges, a number of which are in readiness to receive them; but these are now due and will be speedily put in place. The filling to form the embankments across which the road will be carried to Tái Pó is being obtained by cutting the top off a small island in order to form a site for the erection of permanent quarters. The island occupies a very suitable position for the purpose and will be connected with the mainland by the embankments referred to. The amount expended on the road during 1901 was $74,648.86.

Telephone Service.

Several improvements have been made in the telephone service, the principal being the fixing of a new annunciator at Tái Pó and the establishment of separate wires to Au Tau and Ping Shan in place of the single wire which formerly served both places.

Maintenance of Buildings.

Considerable repairs were effected at the various old Customs Stations and other premises occupied as Police Stations. The total expenditure under this heading was $5,928.

Five new Police Stations have now been completed and two more are in progress.

Waterworks Intake.

A number of improvements were effected at the Cheung Sha Wan Intake in order to utilize more fully the supply of water available from this source. By making some modifications in the distribution mains, the entire districts of Yaumati and Mongkok-tsui have now been supplied from this important auxiliary of the Kowloon Waterworks, thus leaving the supply from the former works, all of which has to be pumped, available for the districts of Tsim Sha Tsui and Hunghom.

W. CHATHAM, Director of Public Works,

27th March, 1902.

568

Appendix No. 4.

MEDICAL DEpartment,

Tá Pó, 24th January, 1902.

SIR, I have the honour to submit to you my annual report upon my medical work done in the New Territory during the year ending December 31st, 1901.

The total number of patients attended by me during the year was 2,096, of which 1,482 were new and 614 old cases. They are shown in the following table:-

Cases among

New.

Old.

Total.

Villagers, during Visits,

228

320

Police Department, during Visits,

191

287

Civil

Do.,

at Tái Pó,.................

242

108

350

Police Do.,

do.,

Villagers about

do.,

738

302

1,040

1,482

614

2,096

The number of cases in the Civil Departments was much greater than that of the previous year. This was due to the increase of the staffs, as, besides the magistracy already existed, the Land Court and the headquarter of the survey party are both stationed at Tái Pó during the whole period.

The number of cases of vaccination performed by me during the year was 142. This was done both at Tái Pó and other out-stations, notice had been put up in front of each station in the winter season, giving the dates of my visits and informing the villagers of free vaccination,

Epidemic of small-pox had once been prevalent in Sun Chün, village of Sha Tau Kok District, in April of the year, 13 out of the 16 children in the village had taken the disease and were treated by ine in their own village. They were all improved under treatment, having no fatal cases. In order to prevent its further spread, I vaccinated every member of the village and the epidemic was brought to an end.

In adition to my list of visits of the previous year, the Leper Asylum was to be visited from November. This leper settlement was formerly composed of a small island situated on a swamp and was liable to be flooded in case of typhoon. The new Asylum is built by the Government on the hill side just opposite to the old one. Since their removal into the new establishment, I have regularly visited them once weekly and treated them accordingly.

The health of the Police staff was generally much improved this year. The number of cases of malarial fever had been much smaller than that of the year previously. Preventive treatments had been vigorously carried out during the season by the use of quinine and arsenic. The use of the former had been met with a good effect, and of the latter practically ineffectual as a preventive measure,

One European Constable, JAMES NEW, died of sun-stroke on June at Sheung Shui Station This was the only case of death among the Police, which took place in the New Territory during the

year.

I had examined four cases of committing suicide, 2 cases were committed through the use of a. poisonous herb named "Ho Min Tang," one by hanging, and the other by opium poisoning.

The poisonous leaves found in the stomach of the deceased by post-mortem examination, were forwarded to the Government Analyst for chemical examination and were found to contain the active principle of the alkaloid gelsemine.

569

This herb grows wild on the hill and can be found anywhere. It is alleged that only about three leaves would be sufficient for a fatal dose. In committing suicide this herb is most commonly used among the Hakka people here, as it is easily available and requires only a small quantity to cause rapid collapse and death.

I have the honour to be,

Dr. J. M. ATKINSON,

Principal Civil Medical Officer,

&c.,

&C.,

&c.

Sir,

Your most obedient Servant,

HO NAI Hor.

Appendix No. 5.

GOVERNMENT CIVIL HOSPITAL,

HONGKONG, 1st March, 1902.

There has been a marked diminution in the number of malarial fever cases from the Police Stations in the New Territory during the year 1901.

On comparing the admissions to the Hospital for this class of disease for the last two years we find that the nine Police Stations to the North of the range of hills bounding Kowloon give the follow- ing figures:-

Malarial Fever

Admissions.

Police Station.

Average Strength.

1900.

1901.

1900.

1901.

Sha Tau Kok, Ping Shan,

Sai Kung,

ན]

San Tin.

Tải Pó,

N O

90 10 S

Sha Tin,

Tai 0,

Au Tau,

Sheung Shui,

153

138

In other words the percentage of malarial fever admissions to Hospital from the New Territory dropped from 90 per cent. in 1900 to 52.5 per cent. in 1901.

This was undoubtedly occasioned to a great extent by the active prophylactic treatment which was commenced on the 1st May, 1901, and continued up to 1st November of that

year.

ง

This varied. At those stations marked* Professor KocH's method was used, viz., one gramme of quinine being given daily for two days, followed by an interval of five days without any quinine, and so on; at those marked † a daily dose of three or five grains of quinine was given, whereas at one station, viz., Au Tau 3 grain of arsenic was given twice daily.

The result of this prophylactic treatment is still further shewn by a Table marked A which I attach showing all the cases of malarial fever at the Police Stations in the New Territory from March to December, 1900 and 1901, and the prophylactic treatment adopted.

This return includes the cases treated by the Resident Medical Officer in addition to those sent in to Hospital.

570

From this it will be seen that quinine is the best prophylactic, and of the two methods, if anything, the daily administration of a small dose has been followed by the best results.

Another important factor in this diminution is that the Police were in 1901 housed in permanent buildings. At Sha Tau Kok in 1900 the Police were under canvas.

Recognised precautions were more fully taken against malaria; the neighbourhood of the Police Stations were kept as free as possible of Anopheles; the Police were instructed how to recognize Anopheles pools and were shewn the methods of destroying the larvæ; all standing collections of water were as far as possible got rid of and many trees eucalyptus and others were planted.

In August, shortly after my return, I visited the New Territory accompanied by the Captain Superintendent of Police; we inspected Tái Pó and Sha Tau Kok.

I also recommended that, to better drain the swampy grounds around the Police Stations, numbers of eucalyptus trees should be planted, what is required is to plant these trees on the damp areas at the base of the hills, not on the slopes of the hills.

Again, in October with the Acting Captain Superintendent of Police, I visited Cheung Chau, Tai O', Ping Shan and Au Tau.

As plague has been prevalent at Cheung Chau, I recommended that steps be taken to kill off the rats, which are still prevalent there; this has been done.

We arranged for the transfer of the lepers from the Swampy Island near Au Tau Police Station to the buildings erected for their habitation on the hill side opposite to their old abode; they have since been transferred and are visited weekly by the Resident Medical Officer.

Attached is a return marked B from Dr. THOMSON'S Report on the "Examination of Mosquitoes showing the number of mosquitoes examined by him from the several Police Stations during the year ending 30th September, 1901. This conclusively shows, as was to be expected, that the station where most malarial fever cases occur, the proportion of Anopheles found is also greater.

I also enclose the Report of the Resident Chinese Medical Officer.* In my opinion there should be at least two resident Medical Officers, one for the East and another for the West of the New Territory, the one in the West might be stationed at Un Long or Ping Shan, and the one in the East as at present at Tái Pó; the work is much too arduous for one, the distances he has to travel are very great and it is practically impossible for him to do justice to the large resident population; in addition to this he can never get away on leave.

Another important requirement is a registration of births and deaths.

I would suggest that each Police Station should be a place for registration.

Sha Tau Kok, Ping Shan,

Sai Kung,..

San Tin,

Tai Pó,..

Sha Tin,

....

Tai O, Au Tau,

Sheung Shui,

Examination of Mosquitoes.

J. M. ATKINSON.

Specimens

received.

Anopheles. Calex.

4,428

3,987

251

233

648

544

916

823

. 819

191

618

662

529

251

233

1.853

113

1,728

829

805

* See Appendix No. 4.

།

TABLE Á.

SHOWING CASES OF MALARIAL FEVER AT POLICE STATIONS IN NEW TERRITORY FROM MARCH TO DECEMBER, 1900 AND 1901, AND THE PROPHYLACTIC TREATMENT ADOPTED.

STATIONS.

MARCH. APRIL.

MAY. JUNE.

JULY.

AUGUST.

SEPTEM-

BER.

OCTOBER.

NOVEM DECEM- AVERAGE BER. BER. STRENGTH.

INCREASE OR

DECREASE

1900 1901 1900 1901 1900 1901 1900 1901 1900 1901 1900 1901 1900 1901 1900 1901 1900 1901 1900 1901 1900 1901

AFTER

PROPHYLACTIC TREATMENT.

1 2

31 2 22

17 3

6 2 6

3 16 10

-81

ล

5 1

4 ¦

1 :

I 2

Tải Po

San Tim,*

Ping Shan,*

2 2

Sha Tin,

Kowloon City,

Tai 0,*

Sha Tau Kok,†

Sheung Shui,†.

...

Au Tan,‡

+ 1

-12

-10

30 3

18 1

-76

5 1 1

25. 11

19 ·

2 8

20 14

-29

Prophylactic treatment was started on May 1st, 1901.

Quinine 5 grs. thrice daily for 2 days followed by interval of 5 days without any quinine and so on.

Quinine 3 or 5 grs. once daily.

Arsenic gr. twice daily.

J. M. ATKINSON, Principal Civil Medical Officer,

571

Appendix No. 6.

RETURN of CASES from NEW TERRITORY tried at the Police Court, Victoria, Hongkong,during 1901.

DEFENDANTS IN EACH CASE, SENTENCE, Decision or ORDER MADE,

Committed

for Trial

572

Number

Cases

Total.

Convicted

and

Punished.

Ordered to find Security

To be imprisoned.

Sent

Discharged.

at the

Supreme

and to, be

of Good

Behavior.

Fined.

In lieu of Fine. Peremptory House

Court.

&c..

Hard Labour.

Hard

Labour.

recorded.

Deten-

tion.

M. F.

Triad Society,

Opium,

Cutting Trees,

Trespass on Crown Land,

Arms, Possession of,

Property, Unlawful Possession of,

161

159

20 10 10 cv 20:

Cutting Earth or Turf and Extracting Stone from Crown Land,

Assault (common),

Abandoning a Child,

107

Larceny (common),

Disorderly Behaviour,

Gambling,

Watchmen to Gamblers,.......

Workmen, etc., Intimidating,

Coins, Possession of Counterfeit,

Larceny from Dwelling Houses,

Banishment, Returning from,

Armed Robbery,

Robbery from the Person,

Receiving Stolen Property,

Boats-Unlicensed,

Dogs-Unlicensed,

Dogs Allowing unmuzzled and ferocious dogs to be at large, Swine-Unlicensed,

...

Liquor-Selling without Licence,

Street Nuisances,.......

Malicious Injury to Property,

•

Demanding Money with Menace,

Vagrancy,

Eating House-Unlicensed,

Removing Land Mark,

Felony-Attempted to commit,.

Cruelty to Animals,

House breaking,

心

Carried forward,

461

}

601

482

}

193 | 2

212

RETURN OF CASES from NEW TERRITORY tried at the Police Court, Victoria, Hongkong, during 1901,—Continued.

DEFENDANTS IN EACH CASE, SENTENCE, DECISION OR ORDER MADE.

Committed

Convicted

for Trial

Number

Ordered to find Security

To be imprisoned.

Total.

and Discharged.

at the

and to be

Fined.

Punished.

Supreme

Cases

recorded.

Court.

of Good,

Behaviour.

In lieu of Fine, Peremptory House

Sent

*..

Hard Labour.

Hard

Labour.

Deten-

tion.

M. F.

M. F. M.

M. F.

Brought forward,

461

601

482

Erecting Pier or Wharf without Permission,

Opium Divan-Unlicensed,

193

212

3 76

...

Trade Mark-Breach of,

...

Plague-Failing to report Cases of,

Dead Body-Removal of,

Burial-Breach of the Regulations,

Assault-Indecent,

Detaining, harbouring or receiving Women or Girls for purpose of prostitution,

Decoying Women or Girls away from the Colony,

Cockloft-Allowing to remain, ..

***

Cubicles--Breach of Regulations,

}

...

Weights and Measures-Breach of,

Premises-Dirty Condition of, ...

Pownbroker's Ordinance-Breach of,

Gunpowder--Keeping, etc.,

Assault-Causing grievous bodily harm,

Dangerous Goods-Not labelled,

Do.

Excise Officer-Assuming as,...

...

-Unlicensed,...

Rogue and Vagabond-Suspicious Characters,

Cutting and Wounding,

Murder,

Shooting with intent to do grievous bodily harm,

Recognizances-Breach of,

Building-Occupying or erecting on land not being under lease from the

Crown,

Street Obstructions,

Sale of Food outside Market,

False Pretences- Obtaining Money by,

Truck-Unlicensed,

...

:མ;:

༢༥ - ་

: 01

Total,

...

551

700

553

2 44

235

2 235

3 82

Hongkong, 27th February, 1902,

The Magistracy,

F. HAZELAND,

Police Magistrate.

573

574

Appendix No. 7.

NEW TERRITORY.

STATEMENT OF REVENUE FOR 1901.

Junk Licences, Fishing Nets, &c. Pawnbrokers' Licences,

Fines and Forfeitures,

Spirit and Kerosene Oil Licences,

Registration of Deeds,

Salt Pans,

Rent of Government Buildings,

Stone Quarries,

Land Tax

Water Shoot at Lai Chi Kok and Encroachments, Pier Rént,

Collecting Ballast Stones, &c.

8,914 80 3,150

392 70

3,015

145

1,235

3,765

28,797

714

330

3,359 97

53,890

Personal Emoluments.

STATEMENT OF EXPENDITURE FOR 1901.

Exchange Compensation.

Other Charges.

Total.

Colonial Secretary's Department,

4,201

672

Treasury,

1,253 77

1,178

Lighthouses,

Public Works Department,

Harbour Master's Department,

Botanical and Afforestation Department,

Education Department,.

2,569 76

345

3,690

7,008 93

5,660 92

261

6,245 25 2,551

UMS: NAS

318 19

5,191 65

2,432 49

675 45

3,590 21

318 1,232 76

11,007 14

Medical Department,..

Land Court,

Police,

1,200

22,278 | 05 67,232 84

$103,340 34

40 06 1,369 18 4,181 71 26,670 57

50,263. 47

12:::88

13,138 93

2,815

2,569 18

2,440 60 28.900 36 7,980 60 101,884

12,965

81|171,569 62

Public Works, Annually Recurrent.

Maintenance of Buildings,

Do.

Telegraphs,

Miscellaneous Works,

Maintenance of Roads and Bridges,.

Miscellaneous Services,...

Public Works Extraordinary.

Police Station at Tsun Wan,

Extension of Táipó Road, 2nd Section,

Survey of New Territory,

Police Station at Fu-tiau,..

Kowloon Water-works, Site 1,.

Sai Kung Police Station,

Expenses in New Territory,

Starling Inlet Police Station,

Causeway and Pier in Deep Water, Táipó,.

Cable at Waglan Island Ligthhouses,..

$ 5,302 16

876 08

3.220 25

927 714

11,040

74,648

48,758 37

11,238

2,648 | 26 11,506 65

562 48 1,370 08 2,969 28 9,321

$163,101 45

NEW TERRITORY

STATEMENT OF EXPENDITURE For 1901,—Continued.

Miscellaneous Services.

Construction of Steam Launch,

Charter of Steam Launches,..

Numbering Houses,

Safes for Police Station,

Cutting Grass around Police Station,

Repair of Police Steam Launch,

Erated Waters, &c. damaged in Police Stations,

5,075

954 82

1.042

642

301

265

267 77

8,549

ABSTRACT.

Colonial Secretarys Department,

Treasury,

5,191 65 2.432

Public Works Department,

3,590 21

Harbour Master's Department,

Lighthouses,

Botanical and Afforestation Department,

Education Department,

Medical Department,...

Land Court,

Police,

Public Works Recurrent,

Public Works Extraordinary,

Miscellaneous Services,

Treasury,

Hongkong, 4th March, 1902.

11,007 14

13,138 93

2.815

40 06 2,569 18 28,900 | 36

101,884 01

11,040

163,101 45 8.549 08

$354,260 15

C. McI. MESSER,

Acting Treasurer.

575

No. 1

1902

HONGKONG.

REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF THE OBSERVATORY, FOR THE YEAR 1901.

Laid before the Legislative Council by Command of His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government.

HONGKONG OBSERVATORY, 31st January, 1902.

SIR,I have the honour to submit my annual report for 1901 to His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government. My seventeenth volume of observations was published last autumn, and the eighteenth volume is now being printed. It contains the usual astronomical, meteorological and magnetic observations.

2. The comparison of Mr. FIGG's weather forecasts, issued daily about 11 a.m., with the weather subsequently experienced has been conducted on the same system as heretofore (compare Annual Report for 1896 §5). We have: —

Success 59, partial success 34°, partial failure 6. failure 1%-

Following the method used in meteorological offices and taking the sum of total and partial success as a measure of success, and the sum of total and partial failure as a measure of failure, we find, finally, that 93 % of the weather forecasts were a success.

3. The China Coast Meteorological Register was printed every morning at the Observatory, and information regarding storms was telegraphed by Mr. FIGG and exhibited on notice-boards as often and as fully as such information could be justified by the weather telegrams received. This happened on 93 days in 1901. The Red Drum was hoisted once, the Red South Cone once, and the Black South Cone once. The Typhoon Gun was not fired during the year.

4. Telegraphic connection with Victoria was interrupted as follows:-January 18th, 7 a. to 10.30 a.; February 11th, 7 a. to 9.30 a.; February 16th, 4 p. to 17th, 10.20 a.; 17th, 1 p. to 18th, 8.30 a. ; 28th, 7.45 a. to 1.16 p.; March 3rd, 2.30 p. to 4th, 7 a ; 4th, 8.30 a. to 10.20 a.; April 6th, 6.3 p. to 8th, 12.35 p.; May 8th, 1 p. to 4.36 p.; 20th, 3.18 p. to 5.15 p.; June 8th, 5.50 p. to 9th, 8.50 a. 20th, 12.5 p. to 3.17 p.; August 4th, 8.10 a. to 12.35 p.; 5th, 7 a. to 9.40 a.; September 30th, 5 p. to 10 p.; October 1st, 7.54 a. to 10.54 a.; November 12th, 7.25 p. to 10 p.; 17th, 9 a. to 12.38 p.; December 3rd, 8 a. to 1 p. ; 3rd, 4.20 p. to 5.55 p.; 5th, 9.10 a. to 7th, 3.30 p.; 11th, 4.35 p. to 7.10 p. ; 20th, 8.12 a. to 9.20 a.; 29th, 8 a. to 30th, 10.30 a. Interruptions occurred, therefore, on 30 days, and of course, also, during thunderstorms.

;

5. During 1901 in addition to meteorological registers kept at about 40 stations on shore, 2,007 ship-logs have been copied on board or forwarded by the captains. The total number of vessels, whose log-books have been made use of by Miss DOBERCK, was 245. The total number of days' observa- tions (counting separately those made on board different ships on the same day) was 15,731.

6. The following is a list of ships, from which logs have been obtained in 1901. The majority are steamships, and the others are distinguished as follows:-bk.. barque; sh., ship; bqt., barquen- tine-Adria, Airlie, Albion (H.M.S.), Alcinous, Alexander (U.S.S.), Alexandria, Amara, Ainiral Charner (French man-of-war). Andalusia, Anna, Anping Maru, Antenor, Antonio Macleod, Ariake Maru, Argonaut (H.M.S.), Arratoon Apcar. Australian, A wa Maru, Ballaarat, Banca, Bengal, Ben- larig, Bingo Maru, Bisagno, Bombay, Bormida, Braemar, Brand, Brandenburg (S.M.S.), Brooklyn (U.S.S.), Burnside (U.S: Cable ship), Calchas, Canning, Canton, Catherine Apcar, Carinthia, Carlisle City, Cebu, Ceylon, Changsha, Chelydra, Chihli, Chingkiang, Ching Wo. Chi Yuen, Choysang, Chunsang, Cimbria, City of Bombay, Commerce (sch.), Coptic, Coromandel, Daijin Maru, Decima, Diamante, Dido (H.M.S.), Doric, Eastern, Elcano, Empress of China, Empress of India, Empress of Japan, Esang, Fausang, Flandria, Formosa, François Arago, Freiburg, Fushun. Gaelic, Geier (S.M.S.), Glenfalloch, Glenfarg, Glengarry, Goliath (H.M.S.), Guichen (French man-of-war), Guthrie, Hailan, Hailoong, lainan, Haitan, Hamburg, Hansa (S.M.S.), Hertha (S.M.S.), H. H. Meier, Hikosan Maru, Hinsang, Hiroshima Maru, Hongkong, Hongkong Maru, Hopsang, Hsieh Ho, Hunan, Idzumi Maru, India, Indrapura. Indravelli, Indus. Irene (S.M S.), Iris (bqt.), Jaguar (S.M.S.), Japan, Java, Ka- chidate Maru, Kagoshima Maru, Kaifong, Kaiserin Augusta (S M.S.), Kamakura Maru, Kanagawa Maru, Kashing, Kasuga Maru, Kawachi, Keongwai, Kentucky (U.S.S.), Kintuck, Kiukiang, Kinshiu Maru, Knight Companion, Kumano Maru, Kumsang, Kutsang, Kurfürst Friederich Wilhelm (S.M.S.), Kwanglee, Kyoto Maru. König Albert, Laisang, Leopard (S.M.S.), Loksang, Loongsang, Loosok, Loyal, L. Schepp (sh.), Lucia, Lyeemoon, Macedonia, Machew, Madagascar (bk.), Maréchal de Vil- lars (bk), Maria Teresa, Maria Valeria, Marquis Bacquehem, Massilia, Mausang, Mazagon, Miike Maru, Monterey (U.S.S.), Moyune, München, Nanchang, Nankin, Natal, Neptune, Ness, Nereus (sh.), Nippon Maru, Nivelle (sh.), Nuentung, Nurani, Obi, Olympia, Onsang, Orlando (H.M.S.), Oro, Pakhoi, Pakshan, Palawan. Parramatta, Patroclus, Pax, Pekin, Penarth, Peninsular, Pennsylvania (U.S.T.), Perla, Peru, Petrarch, Phra Chom Klao, Phoenix (H.M.S.), Pompey (U.S.S.), Prima, Princeton (U.S.S.), Prinzess Irene, Prinz Heinrich, Progress, Prudentia, Quarta, Radnorshire, Raja-

116

buri, Rambler (H.M.S.), Kanya, Reynolds, Riojun Maru, Rosario (H.M.S.), Rosetta Maru, Sachsen, Saint Irene, Salahadji, Sambia, Sandakan, Sanuki Maru, Saxonia, Segovia, Sevastopol (Russian man-of-war), Shantung, Shinano Maru, Shirley, Siam, Siberia. Silesia, Singapore, Sishan, Stentor, Strathard, Suevia, Suisang, Sultan van Langkat, Sumatra. Sunda, Sungkiang, Süllberg, Taichiow, Tailee, Taisang, Taishan, Taiton Maru, Taiwan, Taksang, Tantalus, Tetartos, Tientsin, Tingsang, Tsinan, Tsurugisan Maru, Vale of Doon (bk.), Ville d'Alger (French man-of-war), Ville de la Ciotat, Vimeira (bk.), Wakasa Maru, Waterwitch (II.M.S.), Wilmington (U.S.S.), Woerth (S.M.S.), Wongkoi, Yamaguchi Maru, Yangtze, Yawata Maru, Yorktown (U.S.S.), Yuensang.

7. The entry of observations made at sea in degree squares for the area between 9° South and 45° North latitude, and between the longitude of Singapore and 180° East of Greenwich for the construc- tion of trustworthy pilot charts, has been continued by Miss DOBERCK and 253593 in all have now been entered.

Table I.

Meteorological Observations entered in 10° Squares from 1893-1901 inclusive.

Square

number.

Jan.

Feb.

Mar.

April. May. Junc.

July.

Aug.

Sept.

Oct.

Nov.

Dec.

2 202

.40

སྱཱ -༔ -༔ :

29 5

239

305

101

103

155

218

508

379

454

419

345

302

592

529

381

482

605

444

284

209

188

176

203

177

236

211

187

363

388

322

3104

2728

3304

3363

3614

3647

3784

3972

8700

3665

3241

3132

89.

108

147

164

157

107

111

101

113

157

131

325

367

339

216

304

273

411

336

188

251

247

250

3411

3026

3624

3370

4022

4164

4325

4341

4206

4239

3915

3527

1953

1924

2176

2107

2268

2333

2166

2187

2191

2097

2009

1974

105

122

105

101

116

101

ΤΟ

160

127

110

100

105

141

2144

1959

2026

1978

2355

2307

2379

2245

2022

2222

2041

2022

933

920

1084

967

987

1108

1048

1064

1092

130

1036

306

291

316

371

385

417

419

401

395

387

347

127

180

141

118

114

151

122

130

144

126

124

128

194

105

152

137

122

160

178

149

197

155

158

129

225

127

207

208

152

217

199

212

190

209

210

204

130

562

430

547

483

621

618

699

635

495

541

611

512

131

549

501

524

565

607

646

744

842

522

547

567

498

132

1740

1614

2149

2477

2858

2891

3195

2936

2534

2596

2512

1795

133

118

103

153

174

176

117

103

143

117

163

165

157

176

244

233

272

274

281

222

224

207

144

164

271

194

271

338

305

423

388

391

375

301

284

196

165

315

220

263

296

394

417

429

410

412

269

321

235

166

114

110

135

134

152

118

169

118

103

167

121

148

165

168

169

170

199

200

201

202

203

N* AS

318

ต

319

320

321

322

323

454

261

357

231

230

186

274

226

213

235

300

319

324

393

300

209

133

104

148

152

250

301

346

875

325

294

326

430

448

492

559

* 567

599

372

361

344

326

19719 17688 20090 20016 21867

22548

24013 23432

21372

22119

21450 19279

Date.

117

8. As stated in the "Instructions for making Meteorological Observations," meteorological in- struments forwarded by observers who regularly send their registers to the Observatory are verified here free of cost. During the past year, I thermometer was verified and several hundred barometers and aneroids on board ship were compared with our standard.

9. The mean values of the spectroscopic rainband (1-5) in 1901 were as follows:-January 2.0, February 1.0, March 1.8, April 2.2, May 2.6, June 2.1, July 2.1, August 2.2, September 1.8, October 1.7, November 1.0, December 1.3. Year 1.82.

10. In 1901, the number of transits observed was 3,349. The axis of the transit instrument was levelled 231 times and the azimuth and collimation errors, which are less liable to variation, were determined 28 times by aid of the meridian mark erected in 1884. Stellar observations were discon- tinued between June 3 and August 2, and again between September 19 and November 20. About one half of the observations have been made and the whole have been reduced by Mr. J. I. PLUMMER, the remainder of the observations have been made by Mr. F. G. FIGG and myself.

11. The standard sidereal clock by Dent has gone uninterruptedly thoughout the year in a per- fectly satisfactory manner. The platinum points of the contact springs were cleaned once only, viz., on August 29, an operation which does not appreciably interfere with the rate, but usually alters the arc of vibration to some extent. The standard mean time clock by Brock continued to go in the unsatisfactory manner mentioned in previous reports until June 4, when, the cord of the driving weight, having been found broken, the clock was thoroughly overhauled, and the pendulum taken to. pieces and cleaned. As the compensation of this clock was much in excess, the zinc tubing was short- ened three millimetres, and there is reason to believe that the going of the clock since these alterations has been materially improved. The time-ball clock continues to give satisfaction.

The

12. The errors of the time-ball are given in Table II. There were six failures in 1901. ball is not dropped on Government holidays, nor, since December 1st, on Sundays, and on 50 days this year it has been under repair. The cause of the failures on February 17, June 6 and June 10, was that the piston jammed at the top of the shaft most probably in consequence of hardened oil in the shaft on the first occasion, and from rust on the mast upon the later dates. On July 20 the current failed to discharge the lock, and on November 21 and November 25, the back spring having become loose, the piston would not rest upon the tooth. The ball was dropped successfully 286 times in the year, and on five days was not dropped, there being no assistant available. In consequence of the repeated repairs necessary to the old ball, the zinc having become crystallized and very much cracked, a new one was ordered from the Hongkong and Whampoa Dock Company which has been erected and which was dropped for the first time on August 23. The new ball has been constructed of brass with spring steel ribs, and to obviate any accumulation of rain-water in the interior of the ball, a small hole has been drilled at the lowest part of its circumference. The probable error was in January 0.22. in February ± 0.09, in March ± 0.12, in April ± 0.28, in May '± 0.11, in June±0.11, in July± 0.10, in August ± 0.09, in September± 0.10, in Cctober± 0.09, in November ± 0.10, and in December ± 0.20.

Table II.

Errors of Time-Ball in 1901.

means too late.

+ means too early.

Jan.

Feb. March. April.

May.

June.

July. Aug.

Sept.

Oct.

Nov.

Dec.

- 2 x

0s-1

08-1

0$-1

0.1

08-1

08.1

05.1

...

+0*2 +0.3

0.1

+0.2

0.1

+0.2

0.1

+0*6

+054 +0.2

0.1 +0.2

+0.4

0.1

+0.6

0.1

+0.3

0.1

+0.2

0.1

+0.3

0.1

0.1 +0.3

0.1

+0.2

0.1

-0.2

0.1

+0.4

0.1

+0.2

0.1

-0.2

0.1

0.1 ·

+0.6

0.1

0.1 +0.7 +0.2

0.1

10 +0.7

0.1

+0.9

0.1

11 +0.9

0.1

+1.1

0.1

+0.2

+0.6

0.1

+1.3

0.1

+0.3

0.1

+0.5

0.1

+1.4

0.1

-0.2

+0.2

-0.2

0.1

0:1

0.1

+0.2

-0.2

0.1

...

0.1

+0.2

0.1

+0.2

0.1

0:1

0.1

118

Date.

Errors of Time-Ball,—Continued.

Jan.

Feb. March.

April.

May. June.

July.

Aug.

Sept.

Oct.

Nov.

Dec.

0.1

-0.4

0.1

.0.1

0.1

+0.2

.20

0.1

+0.5

0.1

+0.7

0.1

-0.2

0.1

05.1

0.1

+0.9

+0.2

-0.2

0.1

-0.2

0.1

+0.3

0.1

-0.2

...

0.1

+0.2

0.1

-0.2

0.1

+0.4

+0.2

0.2

0.1

+0.3

+0.2

-0.2

0.1

+0.2

0.1

-0.3

0.1

+0.2

0.1

+0.4

0.1

-0.2

13. The cisterns of the barograph and standard barometers are placed 109 feet above M.S.L. The bulbs of the thermometers are rotated 108 feet above M.S.L., and 4 feet above the grass. The solar radiation thermometer is placed at the same height. The rim of the rain-gauge is 105 feet above M.S.L., and 21 inches above the ground.

14. The monthly Weather Reports are arranged as follows:—

Table I. exhibits the hourly readings of the barometer reduced to freezing point of water, but not to sea level nor for gravity as measured (at two minutes to the hour named) from the barograms.

Table II. and III. exhibit the temperature of the air and of evaporation as determined by aid of rotating thermometers. Table II. exhibits also the extreme temperatures reduced to rotating thermometer by comparisons of thermometers hung beside them. Table III. exhibits also the solar radiation (black bulb in vacuo) maximum temperatures re- duced to Kew arbitrary standard.

Table IV. exhibits the mean relative humidity in percentage of saturation and mean tension of water vapour present in the air in inches of mercury, for every hour of the day and for every day of the month, calculated by aid of Blanford's tables from the data in Tables II. and III.

Table V. exhibits the duration of sunshine expressed in hours, from half an hour before to

half an hour after the hour (true time) named.

Table VI. exhibits the amount of rain (or dew) in inches registered from half an hour before

to half an hour after the hour named. It exhibits also the observed duration of rain.

Table VII. exhibits the velocity of the wind in miles and its direction in points (1-32). The velocity is measured from half an hour before to half an hour after the hour named, but the direction is read off at the hour.

Table VIII. exhibits the amount (0-10), name (Howard's classification) and direction. whence coming of the clouds. Where the names of upper and lower clouds are given, but only one direction, this refers to the lower clouds. With regard to the names of clouds; nimbus (nim) is entered only when the rain is seen to fall; when no rain is seen to fall cumulo-nimbus (cum-nim) is entered. This name indicates clouds inter- mediate between cum and nim. Cumulo-stratus (cum-str) is the well-known thunder cloud, while strato-cumulus (str-cum) signifies a cloud intermediate between stratus and cum.

Sm-cum means alto-cumulus.

Table IX. exhibits for every hour in the day, the mean velocity of the wind reduced to 4

as well as 2 directions, according to strictly accurate formulæ, and also the mean direc tion of the wind.

Below this is printed a list of the phenomena observed.

15. The following annual Weather Report for 1901 is arranged as follows

Table III. exhibits the mean values for the year (or hourly excess above this) obtained from the monthly reports. The total duration of rain was 751 hours. There fell at least 0.01 inch of rain on 137 days.

Table IV. exhibits the number of hours during a portion of which at least 0.005 inch of rain

(or dew) was registered.

119

Table V. exhibits the number of days with wind from eight different points of the compass. The figures are obtained from the mean daily directions in Table VII. of the monthly reports. Days with wind from a point equidistant from two directions given, are counted half to one of these and half to the other, e.g.. half of the days when the wind was NNE are counted as N, and the other half as NE.

Table VI. exhibits the number of days on which certain meteorological phenomena were re- gistered, and also the total number of thunderstorms noted in the neighbourhood during the past year.

Table VII. shows the frequency of clouds of different classes.

Table VIII. is arranged as last year.

Table IX. exhibits the monthly and annual extremes.

Table X. contains five-day means.

16. The observations of magnetic declination and horizontal force published in tables XI. and XII. were made with magnet No. 55 on Kew pattern unifilar magnetometer Elliot Brothers No. 55. The dips were observed with dip-circle Dover No. 71.

The methods adopted in making observations and in determining and applying the corrections are explained in Appendix G of Observations and Researches made in 1885-"On the verification of the Unifilar magnetometer Elliott Brothers No. 55." The value of log K was 3.44907 at 25". The value of P was 7.28. The mean value of the magnetic moment of the vibrating needle was 579:33.

The times of vibration exhibited in Table XII. are each derived from 12 observations of the time occupied by the magnet in making 100 vibrations, corrections having been applied for rate of chrono- meter and arc of vibration.

The observations of horizontal force given in Table XIII., are expressed in C.G.S. units. The vertical and total forces have been computed by aid of the observed dips.

I have the honour to be,

The Honourable

The COLONIAL SECRETARY,

&c.,

fc..

se.

Sir,

Your most obedient Servant,

W. DOBERCK,

Director.

Table III.

Mean Values and Hourly Excess above the Mean of Meteorological Elements in 1901.

1 a. 2 a.

3 a.

4 a.

5 a.

6 a.

7 a.

8 a.

9 4.

10 a.

11 a. Noon.

1 p.

2 p.

3 p.

4 p.

5 P.

6 p.

7 p.

8 p.

9 p.

10 p.

11 p. Midt.

Meau or

Total.

120

Pressure.

Temperature....

+.004 —.007

1.4

-.015

1.6

1.8

-.018

2.0

.013

2.2

.000 +.016 +.031 2.1

1.6

0.5

Diurnal Range..........

...

Humidity,

5 + 5 + 5+

Vapour Tension,

+.011 +.007

+.00£ .000 .001

5 + 4 + 5+

-.005

-.006

-.007

.010

+.043 +.045 + 0.4 + 1.4

...

+++

..015

+.037 +.019

+ 2.0 +2.4

.005 -.026 + 2.7 + 2.6

-.040.045 +2.4 +1.8

-.011 —.032 + 1.2 + 0.4

..017.

.000 +.013 +.621

+.020 +.014

29.854

0.2 0.1

0.6 0.7

1.1 - 1.2

72.1

8.4

...

Sunshine (Total),

10.6

94.0

160.5

181.3 193.8

Rainfall (Total).

1.880

4.330

3.560

2.740

3,870

4.240

2.745

2.205

2.555 1.600

Hours of Rain (Total),.

Intensity of Rain,.

0.052

0.135

0.087

0.061

0.092

0.082

0.067

0.049

42 34

0.061 0.047

.014 -.011 201.9 203.5 3.790 2.370

0.105 0.076

-.010 -.008

..C09

212.3 214.5

1.400 1.500

0.052

0.065

Wind-Velocity,

0.8

1.1

1.3

1.6

1.1

0.1

+ 1.0 + 1.5

Wind-Direction,

6°

8°

0°

+2.6+ 1.9 + 2o + 6°

+ 12°

0.076 0.067 + 2.1 + 2.2 + 1.9 +1.6 +1.0 0.3 11° 11° 11° + oo + 3°

.005

202.3 189.2

1.800

0.066

+.001 +.004

+.008 +.011

3 +

+.013 +.017

+.015 +.014

0.630

135.0

16.9

2015.8

1.160

1.905

1.780

0.045

2.015

1.710

1.655

1.650

1.575

1.740

65.785

822

0.067

0.049

0.059

0.063

0.049

0.8

1.1

1.0

1.3

0.045

3.1

0.068

12.3

+ 20

4°

6°

E 3o S

Cloudiness,

Solar Radiation, Excess of do.,

+ 8

+ 7

+ 3

+ 1

125.2

48.3

Table IV.

Number of Hours during a portion of which it rained for each Month in the Year 1901.

Mouth.

1 ..

2 ..

3 a.

4 a.

5 a.

6 a.

7 a.

8 a.

9 a.

10 a.

11 a.

Noon.

1 p.

2 p.

3 թ.

4 p.

5 p.

7 p.

6 p.

8 p.

9p.

10 p. 11 p. Midt. Total.

January,

February,

March,

April,

May,

June,

July,.

August,

September,

October,

November,

December,

22273DOTO~-~

1207-4O2 se

----GAAG CON ∞ N

23 15 1-1-1- 0 2 - 0 -

1120

}

གླ -— ༡ 21 ཆུ

12030374-00-

221574G C

COON ON WHA∞NIO

O22442

ON∞ CD —— COMO - 2 -

--- 10 2 2 2~I~ ~

ONOKO 30 31 20

101

135

121∞ IP 30 1

117

153

N-N

Total,.......

36 32

3838

2353

26 30

338

822

Table V..

Number of Days with Wind from eight different points of the Compass during each Month of the Year 1901.

121

Month.

January,

February,

March,

April,

May,

June,

July,

August,

September,

October,

November,

December,

NE.

SE.

SW.

NW.

10 30 01

12 10 10 0

23 19

ير

Sums,..

201

Table VI.

Total Number of Days on which different Meteorological Phenomena were noted and Total Number of Thunderstorms during each Month of the Year 1901.

Month.

January, February, March, April,

.......

May,

June,

July,.

August,....

September,

1600001

----:

2021:0

October,

November,

December,....

Sums,....

123

Table VII.

10 10 10 10 10 10 0 2 1 N N

223

Total Number of Times that Clouds of different forms were observed in each Month of the Year 1901.

Month.

رن

c-str.

c-cum. sm-cum.

cum. cum-str.

str.

R-cum. cum-nim.! nim.

January,..

February,

March,

April,

2200

144

115

130

May,

146

June,

183

July,

113

201

August,

104

165

September,.

148

October,

133

November,

December,

188

Sums,........

129

440

436

1560

217

114

279

122

Table VIII.

Baro-

Mean

Diurnal Weight RAINFALL.

MEAN DIRECTION NUMBER of Days

Hourly OF CLOUDS

Month.

Variabi- of

Intensity WHENCE COMING.

WITH

CLOUDS BELOW

metric

Tide.

lity of Aqueous

Temper- Vapour.

Rain.

ature.

Mean. 1901.

Lower. Upper. 2,000 ft. | 1,000 ft.

1901.

January,

0.105

1.63

5.61

1.545

0.685

0.010

E 6° SW 5° S

February,

0.111

3.01

2.40

2.091

0.765

0.014

E 15° N W 13° N

March,

0.101

2.30

5.05

2.991

1.275

0.036

E 12° SW 8° S

April,..

0.093

1.68

7.42

5.980

9.035

0.073

E 53° SW 15° S

May,

0.088

2.22

8.49

13.159

14.105

0.101

E 54° SW 6° S

June,

0.072

0.92

9.10

16.496

2.335

0.042

S 1°WW 75° N

July,

0.067

0.71

3.41

14.210

5.585

0.103

S 14° EN 16° E

August,

0.074

1.25

9.34

13.482

14.000

0.135

E 20° SE 27° N

September,

0.081

1.04

8.32.

8.833

3.890

0.139

E 15° N N 13° W ↑

October,

0.100

1.41

6.88

5.794

2.505

0.074

E 5° NW 5° S

November,......

0.108

1.77

5.01

1.302

0.770

0.033

E 3° NW 15° S

December,

0.104

2.13

4.06

0.985 0.835

0.027

E 8° NW 15° S

Mean or Total,... 0.092

1.67

6.76

86.867 55.785

0.066

E 22° SW 30° N

Table IX.

Monthly Extremes of the Principal Meteorological Elements registered during the Year 1901.

BAROMETER.

TEMPERATURE.

HUMI-

DITY.

VAPOUR TENSION.

RAIN.

WIND VELO-

RADIA-

TION.

CITY.

MONTH.

Max.

Min. Max. Min.

Min.

Max.

Min.

Daily Hourly

Sun

Max.

January,

30.209 29.814 75.8

56.7

0.667

0.369

0.180

133.9

February,

.377

.828 68.3

38.4

0.472

· 0.026 0.215

0.085

125.3

March,

.228

.783 78.7

54.5

0.692

0.248 0.350

0.195

132.4

April,

.105

.584 84.8

61.9

May,

29.966

June,..

.841

.590 88.7

.440 90.6

64.2

74.2

July,

.789

.474 89.7

76.2

Angust,.......

.790

.250 92.7

73.0

September,.... .932

.612 90.8

73.5

October,

30.073

November, .... .161

.590 91.4

65.3

.828 82.2

59.6

December,...... .360

.812 74.7

48.4

# # 1 2 2 2 2 2

0.890

0.383 4.230

1.105

136.1

0.949

0.485 4.045

1.300

145.3

0.991

0.480 0.490 0.290

151.5

0.981 0.703 1.055 0.530

148.6

1.041 0.669

3.110 1.900

30,

0.936

0.373

1.895

0.600

0.962 0.273 1.645

0.295

0.623

0.153 0.355 0.115

0.670 0.049 0.460 0.190

co c H NO H

146.6

144.4

145.7

139.5

127.5

Year,...... 30.377 29.250 92.7

38.4

1.041 0.026 4.230 1.900

151.5

Table X.

Five-Day Means of the Principal Meteorological Elements observed at Hongkong in 1901.

123

FIVE-DAY PERIODS. Barometer.

Temper-

Humidity.

Vapour

ature.

Tension.

Wind Velocity.

Nebulosity. Sunshine.

Rain.

January

1- 5

29.944

67.2

0.549

14.5

8.8

2.1

0.016

6-10

.956

63.1

.482

18.1

9.9

1.0

0.066

..11-15

30.024

63.7

*502

17.7

8.9

1.4

0.038

...16-20

.041

64.5

.519

16.7

7.3

3.5

0.015

.21-25

.018

66.3

.549

12.3

5.8

5.0

0.001

.26-30

.039

64.8

.484

13.8

7.6

3.8

0.001

..31- 4

.173

52.5

.253

14.5

8.2

2.1

0.000

February

5- 9

.126

54.2

.160

12.4

4.8

6.2

0.000

.10-14

.132

524

.146

10.8

6.8

1.3

0.048

.15-19

.159

56.6

.259

8.4

9.8

0.1

0.027

.20-24

.090

56.7

.259

11.7

7.7

2.9

0.040

.25- 1

.082

58.9

294

15.9

3.4

7.7

0.038

March

2- 6

.105

59.5

.368

18.7

4.8

6.5

0.000

7-11

29.968

65.3

.475

130

5.0

7.9

0.000

12-16

30.045

61.7

.412

20.9

10.0

1.2

0.011

17-21

.059

63.4

.463

17.9

7.4

3.0

0.114

22-26

29.964

66.0

.504

11.8

4.7

6.2

0.054

.27-31

.962

67.7

.573

9.6

8.5

4.3

00.76

April

1- 5

.967

67.1

.494*

16.4

7.8

3.7

0.001

6-10

.800

66.7

.627

19.3

9.9

0.1

1.232

29.

11-15

.828

69.2

.643

14.9

8.8

2.4

0.310

71.

16-20

.740

73.8

.745

12.8

9.2

2.9

0.007

21-25

.699

79.6

.841

11.5

9.8

3.0

0.005

.26-30

.849

74.8

.778

12.6

7.6

4.2

0.252

May

1- 5

.758

77::7

.808

7.7

9.1

4.2

0.258

6-10

.701

77.1

.827

9.8

9.6

2.7

1.072

11-15

.833

71.2

.646

15.1

9.7

0.6

0.400

16-20

.736

76.3

.777

15.8

5.8

6.4

0.002

.21-25

.722

81.4

.878

7.3

4.2

9.3

0.013

.26-30

.803

79.0

.826

13.6

8.5

5.1

0.412

.31- 4

.672

77.7

.785

16.1

7.4

5.4

0.707

June

5- 9

.615

78.7

.818

15.3

7.7

5.3

0.056

10-14

.559

$1.5

.811

9.3

6.6

9.1

0.000

.15-19

.607

83.1

.932

17.6

8.9

2.5

0.178

.20-24

.691

83.6

.921

12.6

8.9

5.5

0.085

25-29

.676

83.0

.875

10.4

8.8

5.1

0.103

.30- 4

.595

82.3

.892

10.9

8.5

5.8

0.262

July

5- 9

.625

81.1

.893

9.8

7.9

7.3

0.093

.10-14

.625

82.3

.896

10.9

7.6

0.315

.15-19

.722

$2.1

.874

10.8

6.5

8.5

0.206

.20-24

.678

83.2

.877

11.0

3.4

11.2

0.003

25-29

.639

82.1

.897

9.2

7.7

8.2

0.296

.30- 3

.529

83.8

.923

9.2

7.2

9.2

0.038

}}

August

4- 8

.470

79.9

.870

11.3

7.3

4.5

1.046

9-13

.559

79.0

.875

11.8

7.9

3.9

0.352

14-18

.636

78.9

.858

22.4

9.2

4.0

1.030

.19-23

.619

79.8

.880

6.9

6.0

5.1

0.361

دو

24-28

.641

82.9

.931

4.8

6.4

7.8

0.002

.29- 2

.703

80.0

.826

7.5

8.5

4.4

0.105

September

3- 7

.724

80.7

.846

5.3

4.1

7.5

0.000

8-12

.741

80.2

.812

7.0

5.7

5.1

0.047

...13-17

.760

79.8

.721

5.4

2.1

8.3

0.000

18-22

.783

81.7

.724

7.9

2.9

8.5

0.393

23-27

.812

80.5

.815

7.0

4.1

8.5

0.216

.28-2

.834

79.4

.716

13.0

7.7

6.4

0.022.

October

3- 7

.721

81.2

.580

8.7

2.4

10.0

0.036

8-12

.819

81.3

.828

7.7

4.1

8.5

0.062

.13-17

.807

78.0

.749

13.7

7.9

3.6

0.403

.18-22-

.880

74.4

.569

17.4

5.2

0.000

.23-27

.860

75.3

.585

14.6

6.3

6.8

0.000

28- 1

.961

72.3

.493

14.0

2.6

9.7

0.000

November

2- 6

30.059

71.0

.486

13.6

3.9

8.2

0.000

7-11

29.931

72.7

.611

8.4

9.2

0.000

...12-16

30.023

69.7

.504

13.9

6.2

6.5

0.049

.17-21

.012

68.0

4:7

12.0

4.1

7.2

0.000

.22-26

.053

68.3

.394

10.9

2.4

8.7

0.000

.27- 1

29.964

66.6

.493

15.4

6.8

4.7

0.118

December

2- 6

30.185

57.8

.145

13.4

2.7

8.3

0.001

7-11

.011

63.9

58.

:348

7.8

2.4

7.7

0.025

12-16

29.997

64.7

.452

11.4

5.3

5.9

0.010

17-21

30 039

61.2

.420

12.4

1.6

0.118

22-26

29.962

62.6

.445

11.4.

5.2

7.0

0.000

30.088 ...........27-31

58.4

.366

13.6

7.6

3.8

0.000

124

Table XI.

Observations of Magnetic Declination and Dip.

1901.

H.K.M.T.

Declination East.

Observer.

H.K.M.T.

Dip North.

Needle

Observer.

No.

February,

13.3.19 p.

0°18′20′′

F.G.F.

15d3h.44m.p.

31°19′.44

F.G.F.

21.44

April,

16 3 20

16 33

17 3 58 p.

22.28

23.01

July,

16 3 25 p.

16 1

18 4 9 p.

21.56

21.73

October,

14 3 23 p.

15 22

17 3 35 p.

21.50

21.25

December,

17 3 11 p.

15 38

13 3 45 p.

17.56

18.21

H Co

Table XII.

Observations of Horizontal Magnetic Force.

Time

1901.

H.K.M.T.

Tein- of one

per- Vibra- ature. tion. Cent.

Value of

Log m X.

H.K.M.T.

Dist- Tem- ance in per- Centi- ature. metres. Cent.

Deflection.

....

Feb., 1443h50 p. 36354 17°.9 2.32875

579.87 1443-14m.p.

30 17.3

2 49 12 .5

14 4 27 p.

16.9

6 43 20 .0

Log x

6°43′15′′.03.19792 0.36764 F.G.F.

Value of

Ob-

X. server.

2 49 13 .7

April,.... 15 3 33 p. 3.642827 .6

2.32867

579.63 15 2 57 p.

27.5

6 40 58.7 3.19763| 0.36772

2 48 21 .9

15 4 8 p.

27 .3

6 41 21 .3

2 48 23 .7

July,

15.3 51 p. 3.6461 30 .7

2.32847

579.15 15 3 17 p.

30 .3

6 40 8.7 3.19710] 0.36786

2 47 55.0

15 4 27 p.

29 .7

6 40 17 .5

2 48 6.2

Oct.,

18 3 43 p.3.6430 25 .0

2.32815 578.63 18 3 6 p.

24 .6

6 40 46 .2 3.19666 0.36791

2 48 13 .7

18 4 24 p.

24 .6

6 40 52 .5

2 48 13.8

Dec.,

16 3 41 p. 3.6399 22 .15 2.32838 579.39 16 3 5 p.

22.1

6 41 10.0 3.19657 | 0.36804

2 48 18 .8

16 4 17 p.

20.5

6 41 32 .5

2 48 29 .4

Month.

Table XIII.

Results of Magnetic Observations made in 1901.

Magnetic Force.

Declination East.

Dip North.

Total.

February,

April,

•

July,

October,

December,.....

0°18′ 20′′

31°20′ 26′′

0.36764

0.22388

0.43045

16 38

22 38

0.36772

0.22426

0.43071

16 I

21 38

0.36786

0.22419

0.43079

15 22

21 22

0.36791

0.22419

0.43083

15 38

17 53

0.36804

0.22376

0.43072

Mean,.....

0 16 24

31 20 47

0.36783

0.22406

0.43070

No. 15

1902

HONGKONG.

PRELIMINARY MEMORANDA ON PLAGUE PREVENTION IN HONGKONG.

Laid before the Legislative Council by Command of His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government.

421

SIR,

FIRST MEMORANDUM.

SANITARY BOARD OFFICE, 20th January, 1902.

As requested by His Excellency I have the honour to furnish him with a brief memorandum on the measures which it is advisable to take in order to combat the annual and seasonal recurrence of plague. Two deaths have been already reported from this disease within the past fortnight, and it is important from a preventive point of view that vigorous action be promptly taken.

2. No success is likely to accrue from the adoption of any measures limited to dealing with plague in human beings and which does not take cognizance of the fact, that plague in rats and mice also disseminate the infection. It does not serve any very useful purpose to remove the sick and cleanse everything in the infected houses and above ground if the infection is being also carried by plague stricken rats from house to house or district to district by the subterranean movements of rats, whether this be effected by rat burrows or by sewers and drains. Both rat and human plague possess infective powers and each can spread the disease not only to its own species but also to the other.

•

3. Plague is, in fact, primarily a disease among rats, the infection of which can be conveyed to human beings, but once established in human beings the infection is communicable to others by means of the expectoration, by the discharges from the bowels, and by the urine and by discharges from the buboes or glandular swellings which form in this disease. The clothes, the food and surroundings of a plague patient are likely to be infective and spread the disease to others, while the rats in the house which were previously healthy, by eating the food or coming in contact with the clothes or discharges catch the infection and also spread the disease. Ac- cordingly no measures are complete which do not include the prevention of the disease in rats as well as in man. It is because of this intimate connection between rat plague and human plague that the following measures are advised.

4. To begin with the preventive measures against rat infection, it is absolutely essential to know in what houses, areas and quarters of the town the rats are infected with plague. To obtain this intelligence I would advise the appointment of two or three trained medical officers to bacteriologically examine daily the rats which are found dead by the rat-catchers and any that are alive which may appear to be ill. Large numbers of rats do not become infected all at once, but the infection, as in human beings, gradually spreads from one to another until plague among them becomes epidemic. Once the disease acquires a firm hold on the rats the danger to a locality is very great. I think it might be possible to obtain the loan from the Indian Government of some Assistant Surgeons specially trained in plague bacterio- logical work. The rat-catchers also should be at least doubled in number. The disease among rats could then be localised and the information obtained would cor-

50-7.4.02.

422

respond in usefulness with the notification and early discovery of plague cases among human beings. It would then be possible to concentrate, with precision, attention on the infected localities and bring special measures to bear on them, with the view of destroying the rats and their infection before these localities became dangerous in any high degree to man. In connection with the habits of rats it may be mentioned here that whenever rats begin to die in numbers, whether from disease or poison, there is a disposition for the others to emigrate from that locality in a more or less distinctly defined direction. This phenomenon of migration should be borne in mind and watched so that on its first appearance the rats coming into a healthy locality may be destroyed.

5. These measures would not interfere with, but should go on side by side with the more general destruction of rats throughout the town and district carried out by the public, the object of which is to destroy the underground agents which are susceptible to the disease and thus prevent the infection from being disseminated further than the already infected areas. If the rats and mice are destroyed in a locality before plague is imported, plague becomes comparatively a manageable disease.

6. The methods of destruction at the disposal of the public are of a limited nature, consisting mainly of the laying down of poison such as arsenic and phosphor- ous, the employment of rat traps, the pouring of crude carbolic acid down the runs of rats and the killing of them when they endeavour to escape, and, in the case of large firms with godowns and warehouses, the employment of rat-catchers. The méthods at the disposal of the sanitary authority are also somewhat limited but can be carried out in a more systematic manner. They consist in the pumping of car- bonic acid gas or sulphureous acid gas into small sections of drains and sewers previously blocked up for that purpose, and into the holds of ships and boats infested with rats, the employment of rat-catchers on special areas, the taking up ground floors in infected houses, demolition of the rat runs and the setting up of another slightly infectious disease among rats which is not communicable, like plague, to other animals or to human beings. This disease can be produced by feeding rats with cultures of a coccobacillus discovered by DANYSZ.

7. No single method is altogether satisfactory in getting rid of all the rats, healthy and unhealthy, but each method when employed systematically materially assists in obtaining that object, and the continuous regular and systematic em- ployment of all these methods in a district ultimately produces excellent results.

8. For the preparation of DANYSZ virus to be employed to set up disease among rats and mice, I would advise that the services of Dr. HUNTER, the newly appointed bacteriologist to the Colony, be made use of and be placed at the disposal of the Sanitary Board for the time being. I would further advise that thousands of doses of this virus be systematically distributed in different parts of the town not only during every day of the plague season but throughout the whole year in order that an impression may be made on the enormous number of rats which exist in Hong- kong.

9. This desirable result will not be effected in Hongkong unless special mea- sures are at the same time taken at the wharves and landing stages to prevent healthy or sick rats from being imported. Every newly arrived ship moored at the landing stages, without being subjected to precautionary measures, adds its quota of fresh rats to the warehouses and godowns. This is a matter for careful considera- tion, and precautions similar to those taken in other ports should be introduced at the landing stages and wharves of Hongkong and Kowloon.

10. Once the requisite measures are taken against rat plague, which, some times, in addition to the foregoing, necessitate the evacuation of a badly infected area in order to save the inhabitants from being extensively attacked with plague,

then, the measures against human plague resolve themselves into those that are ordinarily employed against an epidemic disease such as small-pox. These consist in arrangements for an early discovery of cases, the tracing out of their connection with previous cases, removal of the sick from the healthy, cleansing and disinfection of the infected house, and inoculation, if possible, of those persons who reside in loca- lities in which the disease prevails. These measures, it will be observed, are distinct from the everyday routine sanitary duties of an ordinary nuisance and conservancy inspectorial staff whose time in Hongkong is occupied in the morning in supervis- ing the removal by contractors of the nightsoil and refuse, and in the afternoon in making house to house inspections with reference to house nuisances. The inspect- ors usefully combine with their duties in the afternoon that of ascertaining whether there is any sickness in the house, but as they cannot possibly, in the few hours at their disposal, get over more than a few houses the number of sick persons they discover is necessarily very small. As a matter of fact a large number of the cases discovered are dead or dying. There is one trained disinfecting Inspector. For ordinary times when the Colony is free of epidemic diseases an establishment of this kind, with the Medical Officer of Health and Assistant Medical Officer of Health, may, possibly, be sufficient, but at times of emergency and particularly when an epidemic disease becomes endemic, recurring year after year, special officers and special establishments are required to contend with the special conditions that have

arisen.

11. The town and district should be divided into conveniently sized districts with a medical man and sanitary inspector in each, their work to consist in the discovery of cases, house to house visitation, and supervision of preventive measures. If they could be assisted by some of the more influential Chinese residing in the district it would be a great advantage. Whenever a case of plague occurs in a house not only should the necessary measures be taken for that house but a zone of houses and buildings surrounding and adjacent to the infected house should be inspected daily by the medical man of the district to ascertain that the inhabitants are healthy and not suffering from any suspicious symptoms. The history also of every case should, as far as possible, be always traced out and recorded as it often gives the clue to the discovery of other cases and other unsuspected infected localities. Par- ticularly the whereabouts of relations and friends who have had communication with the sick or to whom clothes or other articles have been sent from the infected houses should be ascertained. Adaily inspection should also be made of the houses within the zone in order to ascertain that all rats have been destroyed and that fresh rats have not taken their place. I understand that there is great difficulty in ob- taining trained medical men for this work. The same difficulty has arisen in other places and has been overcome by securing the temporary services of medical men from elsewhere.

12. Inoculation with Haffkine's prophylactic should be encouraged. If the protective effect of the prophylactic were carefully explained to the inhabitants in the immediate neighbourhood of a plague house, or to those who have come in contact with a person sick of plague, many, probably, could be persuaded to be inoculated, especially if some of the more enlightened residents in the district showed an example by being inoculated themselves. This prophylactic is very efficacious. In Poona, Bombay, and Capetown I found it gave a very great protection to those inoculated, the difference of attacks between those inoculated and not inoculated being nearly 80 per cent. The Plague Commission sent to India from England re- ported very favourably on the protective effect of Haffkine's prophylactic especially when two inoculations were carried out at intervals of one week from another. The prophylactic is not an absolute protection, but it diminishes the chances of attack immensely, and, at the same time, if an inoculated person should be attacked it re- duces the chances of death. The inoculation is a very simple process more quickly

423

424

done and less painful in its doing than that of ordinary vaccination. The inocula- tion causes in a few hours fever, headache, malaise, and discomfort for about thirty- six to forty-eight hours and a painful swelling at the site of the inoculation which necessitates rest for a day or two. The discomfort and pain experienced in the inoculated arm are, however, seldom greater than those following vaccination against small-pox and only last a few days instead of a fortnight as in the case of vaccina- tion. The inoculation against plague with properly prepared material is perfectly harmless. If the inhabitants residing in a zone surrounding an infected house are. inoculated, they are rendered in a high degree immune to the plague and the risk of the spread of the disease among the inhabitants in that particular area, which is a dangerous area, is much reduced.

13. In Hongkong with its proximity and daily intercommunications with Canton and Macao which appear not to be free of plague, it is necessary to prevent, as far as possible, the importation of plague because every such importation is likely to add to the number of infected centres. This requires arrangements and medical officers for the inspection of incoming passengers from these places. Possibly in the Port as in the districts, Assistant Surgeons from India trained in plague work could be employed under supervision.

14. Connected with the removal of the sick from the healthy, I understand there are special difficulties owing to the Chinese having a dread of being taken to an European hospital.

It is believed, however, that these difficulties could be overcome to a large extent by allowing the large firms to establish private hospitals with Chinese doctors and nurses to attend the sick. If such hospitals are erected on suitable sites approved by the Medical Officer of Health, are equipped with the proper sanitary appliances requisite in an infectious hospital, and the necessary precautionary measures of dis- infection carefully carried out in order to prevent them from becoming centres of infection for the locality in which they are situated, I see no objection. For all sanitary purposes the hospitals would require to be under the supervision of the medical staff of the Sanitary Board. It would be an immense advantage to secure in this way the assistance and co-operation of the different firms in the early discovery and isolation of the sick.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your most obedient Servant,

The Honourable

J. H. STEWART LOCKHART, C.M.G.,

Colonial Secretary.

W. J. SIMPSON, M.D., F.R.C.P..

SECOND MEMORANDUM.

SIR,

HONGKONG, 20th March, 1902.

I have the honour to submit to His Excellency a resumé of the conclusions which I have arrived at during a somewhat short stay in the Colony investigating plague.

2. The material for the study of this disease is mainly taken from the past, owing to the fact that, during my stay in the Colony, only a few cases of plague have occurred. The conditions and circumstances which favour the annual recurrence and epidemicity of the disease have, however, been more or less present as in preced- ing years.

3. The population of Hongkong is mainly Cantonese, and there is a stream of people passing continually from the towns and villages of the Province of Kwan- tung and adjoining territory to Hongkong and vice versa. This continuous circulation by steamers and by junks goes on throughout the year, but is more particularly great in volume at and after the New Year and again at the tombs festival in April. It is between the New Year and the date of the last return from the festival that Hongkong incurs a serious risk of infected persons, infected clothes, and infected rats being brought into the Colony, varying in different years appar- ently with the amount of plague in these Chinese villages and towns. Later the risk is reversed by infected persons, things and rats, being carried in boats from Hongkong to the mainland. This was the case in 1894, and it repeats itself in other years. In a little over a fortnight, the Chinese will be going home to celebrate the tombs festival.

4. One of the circumstances that tend to keep up the recurrence of plague, is this intimate intercourse with infected areas; another is that Hongkong is a great emporium, with hongs and godowns filled with stores and infested with rats suscep- tible to the disease; a third is the poor class of people of which the greater part of Hongkong consists; and a fourth is the conditions under which a large proportion of this class live. It is essentially a labouring class, floating in its character and non-residential, mostly consisting of males, with their wives and families in the vil- lages of China and, like all people of this class in Eastern towns, living under very insanitary conditions. Hongkong is peculiar in possessing a greater proportion of these insanitary classes and of housing them on a smaller space than other towns. In the early days, owing to the limitation of available land for building purposes and the rapid increase of population, a system came into vogue, when sanitation was considered of no particular account in the East, whereby the inhabitants were crowded into houses built close to one another and heightened as necessity arose without reference to the admission of fresh air and sunlight into the rooms, and each room was subdivided by partitions into cubicles or cabins, generally without windows, which were used separately as a house for several inmates.

This systém of housing once introduced has continued to the present day, and is permitted everywhere except on the ground floors and in houses in lanes less than 15 feet wide, where cubicles are only allowed on the top floor. It has been permitted to continue even in Kowloon, on the opposite side of the harbour. The result is that, in the older part of the town, there is a greater population per acre than in any town in the East I am acquainted with. In No. 5 District, for instance, there is over 840 persons per acre, which is more than three times the worst and most crowded area of Calcutta. Apart from too many houses being erected on too small a space, the evils attendant on the overcrowding of a dirty class of people are accent- uated by the kind of buildings erected. It is possible to erect high buildings

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which are sanitary, but in Hongkong the buildings are insanitary in structure and design, and also high. The proximity of the older houses to one another obstructs sunlight, and the internal structure of the houses, apart from cubicles, further darkens the rooms so that it is often not until one reaches the second or the top storey that there is a sufficiency of air and light to secure a healthy habita- tion. It is in these dark rooms and shops that rats and human beings have a com- mon habitation.

5. The endemicity of plague in Hongkong as distinguished from re-infection, is kept up mainly by infected rats in the godowns and stores and in these dark and insanitary places. The insanitary conditions of the older streets and buildings is a legacy of the past. They were referred to by Mr. CHADWICK in his report of 1882, in which he remarks that "both the design and construction of existing buildings is defective. The Building Ordinance requires complete revision. The amended laws must be enforced with more rigour and intelligence than at present, particularly as to alleys, lanes and open spaces." Mr. CHADWICK'S report led to the Public Health Ordinance of 1887, which originally contained clauses intended for the improvement of buildings by providing open spaces at the rear, but which, unfortunately, were deleted in deference to the strong opposition that was raised by one of the Chinese members of the Sanitary Board and by others. It was represented that "landed property in the Colony to the extent of millions of dollars will be sacrificed, vested interests greatly interfered with, and public confidence shaken to the ground.

Since this Ordinance the anxiety of the Government to improve the sanitation of the Colony is shown from the many enactments passed with that object in view. They are as follows :—

Ordinance 1 of 1890, An Ordinance to appoint an additional member

on the Sanitary Board.

4 of 1890,

26 of 1890, 11 of 1891,

12 of 1891,

.5 of 1894,

Amendment of Public Health Ordinance. Amendment of Public Health Ordinance.

The Latrine Ordinance.

Amendment of Public Health Ordinance.

An Ordinance to remove doubts as to the validity of certain Bye-laws made by the Sanitary Board, and for other purposes.

15 of 1894, The closed houses and insanitary dwellings Or-

4 of 1895,

9 of 1895,

11 of 1895,

8 of 1897,

16 of 1899,

dinance.

Amendment of Public Health Ordinance.

Medical Officer of Health Ordinance.

The Sanitary Committees Ordinance.

The Government Latrine Ordinance.

Amendment of Public Health Ordinance.

34 of 1899,

Insanitary Properties Ordinance.

6 of 1900,

13 of 1901,

Amendment of Public Health Ordinance.

An Ordinance to consolidate and amend the laws relating to Public Health in the Colony of Hongkong.

6. It is apparent that there has been a steady endeavour, under considerable difficulties, to obtain powers to improve the ventilation of houses. Scarcely more than six years have elapsed since the appointment of a Medical Officer of Health, and during this period, especially since the passing of the Insanitary Properties Ordinance of 1899, much has been done to open up and endeavour to make habit- able a very large number of the worst houses. Dr. CLARK's work and that of the Sanitary Board in this respect are worthy of the highest commendation, and it is a matter of surprise to me, the large number of improvements that have been effected in so short a time. But notwithstanding the activity of the Medical Officer of

Health, who is untiring in his devotion, his labours are not so productive of benefit as the conditions require, because even with the existing Ordinances there is neither the power nor the organization to remedy the past or prevent insanitary dwellings and insanitary areas being constructed in the future. The existing Ordinances, as will be explained later on, do not even secure sanitary dwellings. Moreover to prevent further overcrowding it is essential to raise the existing minimum of superficial area and cubic space permitted for each person and to spread out the population. In Kowloon there has been since 1861 land which could have been utilised, and since 1899 there is abundance of land on that peninsula. Land will also be available in Hongkong itself when the several reclamation schemes which are in hand and which are proposed, are carried out, and the projected tramway is begun and completed. But there will be little use of this land from a sanitary point of view if buildings and streets are permitted to be constructed which are insanitary and the rooms of the buildings are permitted to be subdivided into cubicles without windows, each cubicle accommodating as it often does an entire family.

7. With reference to the water-supply and sewerage, they are stupendous works which the Government may well be proud of. The gathering-grounds of the water- supply were, however, not calculated to cover a succession of years of comparatively small rainfall or the enormous waste that always occurs when water is freely sup- plied in the houses of a large Eastern population. Hence the difficulties that have arisen with regard to scarcity of water for potable and for cleansing purposes. In my opinion, the sewers and small covered storm-water channels should not be de- pendent on the ordinary water-supply for flushing. It may, however, be said at once that neither the scarcity of water nor the system of the drainage has any- thing to do with the plague epidemics. I have only one suggestion to make with regard to the water-works and that is, that after filtration of the water at the Albany filter-beds it should be received into covered reservoirs. This has already been recom- mended by Mr. CHADWICK. The exposure of water in an uncovered tank after it has been filtered is wrong in principle as it is liable to contamination which, with typhoid and cholera occasionally visiting the island, is dangerous.

8. Having mentioned the circumstances which render Hongkong susceptible to re-infection from the mainland, more specially in epidemic years, and the conditions which favour plague endemicity in Hongkong itself, I shall turn to a consideration of the measures which are feasible and which should be taken to prevent the inhabit- ants suffering annually from plague. It is impossible to pull down the whole of that portion of the town inhabited by the Chinese and reconstruct it or any consider- able part of it, though there are districts, which I shall mention later, that must be treated in this way, while even with the most radical improvements rapidly effected, many years must necessarily elapse before any very great change can be effected. Under these circumstances it is important to concentrate every effort as regards plague prevention on the chief modes by which it spreads, and on organi- zation for its prevention. This concentration of effort is not to take the place of sanitary reform, but it will allow of the inhabitants living in comparative safety while the greatly needed sanitary changes in the town are being gradually effected.

9. The proximity of Hongkong to the Chinese Coast and the very intimate intercourse between the districts of Canton, the West River and Hongkong, together with the fact that the prevalence of the disease in the towns and villages of Southern China are not notified, renders the problem of preventing the importation of the disease specially difficult. I would suggest, if it can be arranged with the Foreign Office, that the Medical Officers of the Consulates in different parts, or the Consul himself, might submit a weekly bulletin as to the infected towns or villages in his district in Southern China. Arrangements might also be made with some of the leading medical missionaries for a similar bulletin, and it might be possible, with the concurrence of Sir ROBERT HART and the Chinese Authorities, for a weekly

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bulletin on this subject to be sent by the Medical Officers of the Customs or by the Commissioners of Customs of the different districts. These would at least assist in giving the Government timely information of infected villages and towns. It is important for this Government to know, at all times, the exact location and state of plague in Southern China for, without this intelligence, no precautions of a precise nature can be taken against the importation of the disease from the infected district, and general precautions are likely, as a rule, to be ineffective. There is no necessity of declaring any place infected, but whenever plague exists in any village or town, suitable arrangements should be made for boarding the vessels coming from the district to ascertain if there is any sickness on board. There are at least four months in the year, from the middle of January to the middle of April, which are dangerous, and for these four months, or even longer, special precautions might readily be adopted, particularly if it is known what villages in Southern China are infected.

10. Medical inspection of the steamers loses much of its value, because the voyage by steamer is so short in its duration. In the case of junks which take longer to sail from port to port, medical inspection is likely to prove more efficacious. Still the examination of passengers can only be a slight screen while the further medical surveillance for 10 days, which forms part of the system of medical inspection, is, by reason of the peculiar circumstances of the Colony, quite impracticable. It is the cus- tom in Europe for the purposes of surveillance to take the name and address of all passengers landing and keep them under medical surveillance by visiting their homes or making them report themselves daily at a central office or offices for 10 days. In the Colony of Hongkong surveillance would be useless because of the very large numbers entering, because of the Chinaman having more than one name, of the the probability of the wrong address being given and the impossibility of main- taining an effective watch over the accumulating numbers. The main advantage of the system adopted in Europe is accordingly lost, and it is under these circum- stances a question open to argument, although it is certain that plague cases are imported into the Colony, whether medical inspection as understood in Europe is of sufficient value to justify its adoption, and if adopted whether it would not be soon found to be impracticable. A modified system of inspection should, I think, however be introduced during the first months of the year. Ships and junks coming from the Chinese coast, more particularly those coming from districts in which plague is known to exist even in the slightest degree, should be boarded by boarding officers previous to their admission to the harbour to ascertain if there is sickness of any kind on board, and if there is the slightest suspicion of sickness whether sup- posed to be infectious or not and there is no medical man on board, the ship or junk should be visited by one of the Medical Officers assigned to the port for that purpose. Such Medical Officers and in fact all the Port Health Officers should be part of the Sanitary Department and should report direct to the Medical Officer of Health. Hongkong has no Custom House officers who could have performed this duty. I am, however, informed by the Harbour Master that three or four Boarding Officers would be sufficient for the purpose. Personally, I am further of opinion that the Canton steamers-Native and European-should, during the first six months of the year, carry at their companies' own expense a medical man who might be a Chinese graduate, educated at the Hongkong College of Medicine for Chinese, to examine the Chinese passengers en route and report to the Boarding Officers.

12. These arrangements are quite different from placing passengers and ships from infected districts under observation at a quarantine station, and they do not attempt medical surveillance once a passenger has landed. They are simply a rough screen against actual or suspected cases. The system is neither surveillance nor quarantine, and it would not be followed by either of these. The sick or sus- picious only would be dealt with and taken to hospital or to the quarantine station for

observation, all others would be freely passed, and, without delay, greater care being taken with those boats coming from districts in which it is known by the bulletins suggested, that plague exists.

13. Special measures should also be taken for the systematic destruction of rats on in-coming steamers and junks from the Chinese coast, from infected ports, and which go to the wharves or into the docks. The junks and steamers anchoring in mid-stream need not be dealt with, nor need ships in transit, provided the precautions referred to in my previous memorandum for the prevention of rats coming on shore from the ships and boats which are moored to the shore are rigorously and properly enforced.

14. The defence against the importation of plague being so weak, it is all the more important that the defence against its spread in the town shall be particu- larly strong in order that full control over the disease may be obtained. This cannot be said to have been the case hitherto, for there exists no special and separate organization for that purpose.

15. In addition to the ordinary intercourse between China and Hongkong already mentioned, there are thousands of emigrants brought into the town from the districts of Pakhoi, Hoihow, Canton, Amoy, Swatow and the Chinese coast generally to be despatched to Singapore and elsewhere. The busy season is from the New Year to May and, so far as I have been able to ascertain, there is absolutely no control over their housing or movements during their temporary stay in the Colony. Immediately on their arrival they go to the common lodging-houses, boarding-houses, and tene- ment houses in the town, and are collected from these by the Chinese agents and contractors who have brought or have had them brought from China. No emi- grant is allowed to leave the Colony without his or her history having been enquired into and a permit being given, and without a cursory medical inspection before leav- ing; for this purpose the emigrants meet at the Harbour Master's Office on one day and are inspected on boardship by the Medical Officer of the Port and the Assistant Harbour Master on the next. If rejected by the Medical Officer, the emigrant, unless obviously suffering from plague, goes back into the town, no one knowing where he goes. In the case of American, Philippine and Canadian ports, the medical examina- tion, as distinct from mere medical inspection, is very complete and each emigrant is bathed and his or her clothes and baggage are thoroughly disinfected.

16. The protection of this Colony does not appear to have come into the arrangements. I would advise that emigration be regulated as it is elsewhere, and with this in view, arrangements should be made that the emigrant-houses are known, registered and kept under special control; that they are inspected daily, that their sanitary condition as regards cleanliness, superficial area, cubic space, sunlight and ventilation, is thoroughly looked after, that a proper register of the names of the inmates is kept by the emigrant-house keeper and that the state of health of every emigrant in this Colony is also known, and this can only be obtained by regular medical inspection of the emigrants in the emigrant-houses and immediate com- pulsory notification of all sickness, whether infectious or not, by the emigrant-house keeper.

17. The early discovery of plague cases is one of the requisites necessary for dealing with the disease. Plague, with its millions of minute and invisible microbes capable of self-multiplication, is more formidable than an army even with smokeless powder and it is as essential, when dealing with plague, to have the earliest possible intelligence of its several movements, as it is for a General in the field to know the exact and if possible the intended movements of the enemy he has to meet.

18. The usual method adoped in plague and other infectious diseases to obtain early intelligence of the disease is compulsory notification by the medical men attending the case and by the householder in whose house the case occurs, which is

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then followed up by a very careful inquiry by a medical man with the object of tracing out the causes of the disease, i.e., whether it is due to infection from another case, to infected clothing, to an infected house, to infected rats, or to other causes, aggravated by the conditions under which the patient was living. As pointed out in my

last memorandum there is no organization for acquiring the second portion of this intelligence, and for that purpose I recommended the appointment of medical men in districts.

19. As regards the first portion I find that the system for acquiring early in- formation of all cases, which is adopted in England, has been bodily transferred to this Colony without relation to the differing conditions. What is admirably adapted for the conditions of England does not apply to the conditions of Hongkong. Any one reading the Ordinances of Hongkong in regard to infectious diseases without being cognizant of its inner life would consider the bye-laws most excellent. They impose notification on medical men, lodging-house keepers and on householders. But, with the exception of the few European medical men who may be called in occa- sionally by the Chinese or other Asiatic to attend on them, the bye-laws so far as they relate to the Chinese population are a dead letter. It is the Chinese and Asiatics that are chiefly attacked with plague, and as the Chinese and Asiatics practically comprise over 90 per cent. of the Hongkong community, the value of such bye-laws can be estimated accordingly. The method fails, as has been repeatedly pointed out by the Medical Officer of Health in his plague reports.

20. More serious even than the non-reporting of cases, is that a large propor- tion of the cases are found dead in the street or floating in the harbour. The dead bodies are conveyed at night from the houses and are thrown into the street or harbour. In 1898, no less than 36 per cent. were thus found, in 1899, 40 per cent., and in 1900, 37 per cent., and this occurred notwithstanding the employment of special constables-soldiers, police and others--for the express purpose of preventing it. Until this is put a stop to, there is no chance of plague being effectually dealt with. The throwing of dead bodies into the street is much worse than leaving the dead body in the house, and all the inmates abandoning the house. In the latter case, it is known at least where the infection is, but in the former case when the dead body is thrown into the street, all trace of the infected house and clothes is lost and an unknown centre of disease remains with probabilities of infecting others, either then or in the next year's season for plague.

21. My professional duty lies in pointing out the fact that, while this continues, plague will not be got rid of in Hongkong. It is for the Government to devise an efficient method to prevent it, or to check it to a minimum extent and which shall not have any more serious drawback than the plague itself. I may, however, be permitted to suggest a method for consideration which seems to me more likely to be attended with success than those hitherto tried. I have very carefully considered the question and have consulted others on the subject, and I have come to the conclusion that the Chinese in Hongkong must be treated in this respect more in accordance with Chinese customs. The responsibility should be thrown on them- selves. I would recommend that the City of Victoria and Kowloon be divided into districts and sub-districts, and each sub-district into streets, and if there is a long street sub-divide this again. Then, that each householder be served with a notice pointing out the importance to his own welfare of the plague being prevented and the necessity of his complying with the law and notifying to the Central Sanitary Office, or office of the medical officer in the district, or the police office, any case of sickness or death in his house, and also warning him that, in the event of a dead body being found in his street, that not only he but all the householders in that street, will be subjected to a fine which will be placed in a common fund to defray the expenses of providing watchmen, blocking up the street and of taking other measures to prevent the spread of plague. There is, I understand, a register of Chinese householders kept by the Registrar General.

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It has been suggested to me that cremation of the bodies thrown into the street would stop the practice, but I am loath to recommend a measure which would probably hurt the religious feelings of the Chinese.

The method which I suggest does not hurt the religious susceptibilities of any. one, but it brings home to all through their pocket that each Chinese resident has certain responsibilities and duties to perform with reference to the prevention of * plague, and, doubtless, when this is thoroughly understood, the Chinese of Hongkong will soon organize among themselves a system of reporting instead of as hitherto giving no assistance.

22. It is essential and only fair at the same time that every household in the Colony should be informed by means of hand-bills what are the causes and symp- toms of plague and what should be done in the event of plague breaking out in the household. The vast majority of the population is ignorant of the wishes of the Government and of its benign intentions in the matter of plague prevention. Instead of viewing any regulations which they may hear of as intended for their benefit, as well as of the community at large, and in the carrying out of which everyone is nterested, they treat them with the greatest suspicion and alarm and as just objects for evasion.

Certain hand-bills have been printed in English and Chinese giving informa- tion about plague and its prevention. I would recommend that, with some modi- fications, at least 100,000 copies be printed on coloured and attractive looking paper and that they should not only be distributed so that every householder, shopkeeper, caretaker and godown holder should be given one or more copies but that a

copy should be posted on every door of a household, in a conspicuous place in every junk, sam- pan, native vessel, steamer, craft, workshop, restaurant and factory. In this hand- bill special prominence should be given to the destruction of rats and equal promi- nence to the addresses of the places where sickness can be notified. Enormous sized posters should also be placed in prominent places in the streets and also in the more public resorts of the Chinese. A conference of Chinese doctors should also be held and the necessity of notification and early reporting should be explained to them; similarly the Chinese contractors of labour and, if possible, the heads of the guilds, should be made fully acquainted with the wishes of the Government.

23. Another and additional method of improving the intelligence branch of the plague department and locating the disease is the bacteriological examination of all rats daily secured by the rat catchers. It was with this object that I recom- mended three doctors trained in this kind of bacteriological work. As the number of rats secured are gradually mounting up and, I hope to see over 1,000 disposed of in a day, probably more doctors will be required for this bacteriological examin- ation. It may be taken as a fact that an infected rat in a house or in a locality means plague in that house or locality sooner or later unless prompt measures are taken to eradicate the infection. Even the Chinese in their villages recognise the fact that when rats are dying in a house, it is dangerous. For the purpose of locating plague, the daily examination of the rats bacteriologically gives most valuable information and it is all important that this information should be promptly acted upon. By this means the infection can be localised and the measures of prevention concentrated on the infected area.

24. Having organized the machinery for the early discovery of human and rat plague together with the machinery for tracing out its ramifications and conditions of extension, the plague department is in a position to deal with the disease. In January a case of plague in Jardine's Bazaar was reported to the Medical Officer of Health by a European medical practitioner. The plague patient was the Chinese wife of an Indian who always employed a European doctor. It was merely accidental then that this case came to the knowledge of the authorities. On careful enquiry,

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which occupied much time, it was discovered that other suspected cases had occurred in adjoining houses and had gone home and died in their villages in China. It was a locality also in which an infected rat had been found some time before. The block of buildings to the extent of some 20 houses were closed and the inmates were temporarily housed by the Government in a new set of buildings. On examination of the block after its abandonment, 23 dead rats were discovered and the houses themselves were found to be rat-ridden in floors, ceilings and walls; a rat. could pass from one end of the block to the other through these rat runs.

25. It is important to thoroughly grasp the fact that plague spreads slowly at first whether among rats or human beings. It is no doubt influenced by the wea- ther, so are armies, which seldom mobilise or carry on active operations in the depth of winter, and it is during a mobilisation of plague, which is a slow process at first but very rapid afterwards, that effective work can be done to destroy it. When an epidemic once gets beyond a certain stage none of the measures which were useful at the beginning will influence the duration of its destructiveness. Measures such as the vacating of a whole block, on account of rat or human plague will prove succesful if applied promptly and at an early stage, but cannot be recommended later on because of their impracticability.

26. The abandonment of the block is a mere temporary measure and of little permanent value unless the rats in the block are destroyed and the houses made rat- proof. In many of the old houses I have examined, I find the footings of the walls. consisting of loose rubble stones so that rats are able to pass easily under the floors from house to house, and in old houses with hollow walls to pass up to the ceiling and often by this means into the rooms of the upper storeys. The filling up of the rat runs in the footings with glass and cement and a three or four-inch layer of cement on and at the sides of the footings and on the floor are necessary to render the ground floors safe.

27. As in the vacating of large blocks, which is quite feasible and useful at the commencement but which is impracticable later on, so it is with the isolation of contacts. After a certain stage, it is impracticable to provide for contacts and keep them under observation. The vacating of the house is the chief measure. When this is done promptly it has been ascertained that the number of contacts falling ill afterwards forms but a small percentage. If arrangements are made for the disinfection of the clothing and effects of the contacts and they are thoroughly examined by a medical man, they can be allowed to go to certain districts, pro- vided it was not a case of pneumonic plague which, at the highest computation, forms a very small percentage of the plague cases. In such a case the contacts from the floor should be provided for.

The system until lately practised of vacating a floor for six hours only during the fumigation should, therefore, be replaced by a complete vacation of the building in all cases.

28. If a case of plague occurs in a house a medical inspector with an inter- preter should immediately visit the house and make as careful an enquiry as possible into its history and the manner in which it was probably caused. If it is a case of pneumonic plague the inmates of the floor should be treated as contacts and isolated for 10 days. If not a case of pneumonic plague the clothes and effects of the inmates of the floor should be disinfected by steam and they should be permitted to leave. If it is possible to get them to report themselves for ten days at the Sanitary Office of the district in which they reside, it is useful; if not possible then the risk run is after all small. The house itself should then be vacated and by the house I do not mean the one room which may contain half a dozen families, but the whole building; and a bye-law should be passed without delay to

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give effect to this. The building having been vacated the floors, ceilings and walls should be thoroughly examined for rat runs; rat poison and rat-traps should be laid down for one night and then the building should be cleansed and disinfected. Usually it will be found necessary that the owner should make the house rat-proof and put it in a sanitary condition before it is re-occupied. If a sufficiency of light and air cannot by structural alterations be admitted, it should be declared on that account unfit for human habitation and should not be re-occupied. The rats in the adjoining houses should be destroyed and examined bacteriologically and, if found necessary, these houses should also be rendered rat-proof and altered so as to admit a sufficiency of air and light.

A similar procedure of vacating the house should be carried out when rats infected with plague are discovered therein, or when several infected rats are found in the adjoining street.

29. The plague work should be independent of the ordinary sanitary routine work of the day, and therefore requires a special establishment which can work in conjunc- tion with the Sanitary Department and get the benefit of its assistance. But the two should not be amalgamated to that degree that one set of duties are lost in the other. The Director and executive Head of both should be the Medical Officer of Health for the Colony. His time must not, however, be occupied. with clerical work, which should be relegated to a capable head clerk or if necessary several clerks work- ing in his office. I would recommend that the weekly bulletins received by the Government and all official documents relating to the Health of the Colony, or to outbreaks of disease in other countries should be sent direct to the Medical Officer of Health; while official documents relating purely to administrative work should be addressed to the administrative President of the Sanitary Board.

30. The duties of the special Plague Department summarised, are:—

(1) The discovery, location and microscopical examination of plague

cases whether—

(a) rat plague;

(b) human plague.

(2) The tracing out of the history of the human plague and the con- nection with others, if any, of each case and the following out the course of rat plague.

(3) The removal of patient and disinfection of clothes, &c.

(4) The examination of contacts and disinfection of the contacts' effects.

The vacating of buildings.

(6) The destruction of rats and the cleansing of infected buildings. (7) The seeing that infected buildings and adjoining buildings are made

rat-proof and that air and light is admitted into these buildings. (8) The careful supervision as regards cleanliness and freedom from rats of the houses provided by the Government for people removed from any block of buildings.

(9) The boarding of vessels when required and inspection of sick persons. (10) The establishment of a quarantine station for the observation of any

sick persons coming by boat from an infected district. (11) The inspection of the quays and reporting to the Harbour Master any relaxation or infringement of the regulations relating to the precautions in the harbour to prevent rats from coming on shore. (12) The general destruction of rats in godowns and elsewhere. For this purpose several of Clayton's machines for pumping gas would be useful. The distribution of rat poison in the storm-water

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channels, houses, quays, stores, &c.; the superintendence of the work of the rat catchers; the preparation of cultures of Danysz bacillus and its distribution.

(13) The special destruction of rats in infected areas.

(14) Preventive inoculation with Haffkine's prophylactic.

(15) The keeping of the necessary registers and notices, also bulletins received from Southern China and the issuing of the weekly

reports.

These duties, it will be seen, are distinct from the ordinary routine of the Sani- tary Department, which is occupied chiefly in matters relating to the scavenging and conservancy of the City of Victoria, the villages and Kowloon; to the abate- ment of nuisances, etc.; to the drainage of houses; and to the dealing with cases of small-pox, cholera, diphtheria and other infectious diseases.

31. Neither do the duties in any way touch the larger sanitary questions of the Colony such as the distribution of the water-supply and its purity as apart from the constructive work, the maintenance of the sewerage and its flushing arrangements, the laying out of streets, public and private, projecting new streets and scavenging lanes, improving the line of old streets, the reservation of open spaces, the construc- tion of healthy houses, the space to be left between and about buildings to secure free circulation of air, the provision of public and private latrines and urinals. Nor do they include the abolition of cubicles without windows nor the larger questions relating to insanitary property. There are areas such as No. 5 district in which nothing short of acquiring the property, compensating the owners, and demolishing and reconstructing, can improve the sanitary conditions, and there are others in which the conditions can gradually be improved. There is also the very important duty of preventing what is actually even now taking place of insanitary areas springing up in the town; and of blocks of buildings being erected to contain hundreds of inmates without the owner of the buildings being obliged to provide for each house a latrine in the backyard, and for every block a public latrine with a proportional number of seats to the number of inmates the block is likely to contain.

32. It is only necessary to enumerate these sanitary duties which are now more or less carried out by different and independent officers, but are not co-ordinated under the head of a department, to make it obvious that a Sanitary Board, meeting infrequently and having a President who is particularly well fitted for the position, but who is not expected to devote his whole time to the duties or even the greater portion of his time, who has no administrative or executive powers other than carry- ing out the decisions of the Board in meeting and who is not on the Executive Council of the Government, cannot give that continuous and detailed attention to the sanitary requirements which the rapidly growing City of Victoria on one side of the harbour and the town of Kowloon on the other, demand.

33. In order, however, that the President and Sanitary Board shall be able to effectively deal with these questions, it is necessary that the Public Health and Building Ordinances shall give them the necessary powers. I have already men- tioned that the internal design of a Chinese house as constructed in this Colony is insanitary. The rooms, as a rule, are far too deep, the object of this depth being to sub-divide each room into a number of cubicles for the accommodation of families or lodgers. Though there may be windows at each end of the room, the great depth materially obstructs the light. For instance, to take an example from the better class of buildings, many of the houses that are being erected on the Praya are eighty feet deep without lateral windows and contain long narrow rooms of fifty-five feet in depth, by twelve or thirteen feet in width, lighted in front by a window and also in the rear by another window which looks into a backyard of twelve feet in depth. The houses are sixty feet high and behind the backyard of twelve feet, approached by a

bridge, are the kitchens, on each floor. The kitchens form a building as high as the house, and practically cut off the greater part of the light from the back. These long tunnel-like rooms are dark of themselves and are still further darkened by insufficient open space behind. As if this were not enough, a masonry verandah ten feet wide is added in front on each storey and projected not on the site belonging to the house but over the public street. This verandah still further obstructs the light. When occupied as a tenement dwelling each room is still further darkened by being sub-divided into cubicles each separately occupied by a cubicle holder who may have his wife and family or his friends living in it. The air in these cubicles is stag- nant and the light in them, from a sanitary point of view, is most inadequate. The projection of these several-storied masonry verandahs over public streets is a curious privilege or custom that has arisen in all streets over fifty feet in width. It is tantamount to the Government making a present of a certain amount of land for habitable purposes--for most of these verandahs are practically rooms—to every builder of a house. On the Praya, it is a gift of ten feet for eighty, but in some parts of the town the proportion of land given is greater. In Queen's Road the street is fifty feet wide and the houses on each side of the street have three-storied verandahs. Each verandah encroaches on the public street ten feet to eleven feet, so that practically the street originally fifty feet has been narrowed to less than thirty feet. In determining the height to which a building shall be erected the full width of the street from house to house and not the actual width of the street from verandah to verandah is taken as the measure. It seems as if the builder gave nothing and received a good deal.

34. In any future Ordinance and in any future sales of land the Government should have powers to prescribe the type of house to be built in different parts of the Colony. The long deep rooms without any lateral windows to them are very objec- tionable. It is obvious also that rules and regulations suitable for European houses at the Peak are not suitable for Chinese houses or for houses of the warehouse and office class. Excellent plans of improved Chinese houses have been prepared by the present Director of Public Works, and by one or two of the local architects. Powers should also be obtained to regulate the maximum proportion of the roofed over area of any domestic building hereafter erected in such a building shall have an adequate open space attached to it. in future be at least one-third of the total area, and the lanes should not be included in calculating this total area. a minimum proportion to the height of the houses and not as now to the depth. The depth of a house should be regulated by its lateral windows, the objection to deep rooms is removed with lateral windows. No cubicles should be allowed in new houses unless each cubicle is provided by a window. In old houses the cubicles should be gradually eliminated except perhaps in top storeys, where skylights and special arrangements for ventilation can be introduced. To prevent overcrowding, the superficial area or floor area should be raised from thirty to fifty feet per head.

manner that every such This open space should streets and scavenging Back yards should bear

35. There are other matters which call for attention, but probably the fore- going will suffice to indicate that many important measures require to be enforced and that the details of them can only be properly considered and efficiently carried out by having an administrative President of the Sanitary Board whose whole time is devoted to this work and whose title might be "Sanitary Commissioner" for the Colony.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your obedient Servant,

The Honourable

J. H. STEWART LOCKHART, C.M.G.,

Colonial Secretary.

W. J. SIMPSON, M.D., F.R.C.P.

435

•

615

HONGKONG.

No. 1902

REPORT OF THE PÓ LEUNG KUK SOCIETY, FOR THE YEAR 1901.

Laid before the Legislative Council by Command of His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government.

The following ten gentlemen were elected to act as the Managing Committee for the

KÚ FAI-SHÁN. CH'AN KING-WAN. KÁN T'IN-HING. CHAN PÓ-TUNG.

year:-

CH'AN WING-Ü.

LAU HING-SÜN.

LAI SUN-HING.

UE PIK-UE. CH'AN KIT-FU. WONG SHIU-TÓNG.

Mr. LAU WAI-CH'ÜN and Mr. WEI LONG-SHÁN were appointed to act as Treasurers. A statement of the Assets and Liabilities of the Society and a declaration by the Treasurers, and two statements shewing the working account and revenue and expenditure during the year are attached. The balance to the credit of the Society on the 31st December was $15,217.19. The actual sum spent by the Working Committee on the work of the Society was $6,640.36 as compared with $6,257.90 in 1900. Despite this increase the Society has been able during the year to pay off an overdraft of $1,302.01. This satisfactory result is due to the liberal subscriptions received from various sections of the Chinese Community. The Man Mó Temple subscribed $1,350, the lessee of the two Chinese theatres $1,000, and various guilds subscribed $4,473.50.

Messrs. SHUM KUN-SAI and WONG HOI-PANG have kindly audited the accounts.

The Visiting Justices during the year have been Captain ANDERSON, the Honourable WEI A YUK and Mr. CH'AN FUK.

The number of women and children, admitted into the Home during the year was 389 being 52 more than in 1900. A return attached to this report shews what steps were taken with regard to them. The Society is indebted, as in former years, to the various Benevolent Societies of Canton, Macao and other places, for their co-operation in restoring women and children to their relatives, and for their assistance in other directions.

The inmates of the Home receive regular elementary instruction daily, and are encouraged to occupy their time with needlework. Many of them are able to earn a little pocket-money by making up clothing for Chinese shops.

The report of Dr. THOMSON on the sanitary condition of the buildings and on the health of the inmates is attached.

The accommodation provided in the Home is at times insufficient.

A. W. BREWIN,

President,

HO KAI,

Vice-President.

We, Láu WAI-CH'ÜN and WEI LONG-SHÁN, members of Board of Direction of the Pó Léung Kuk Incorporated Society, do solemnly and sincerely declare that the attached statement of the Assets and Liabilities of the above Society on the 31st December, 1901, marked "A" and signed with our names on the 5th February, 1902, is a true statement, and we make this solemn declaration conscientiously believing the same to be true and by virtue of the provisions of "The Statutory Declaration Act, 1835.*

LÁI WAI-CHUNG WEI LONG-SHÁN.

Declared by the declarants LAU WAI-CH'UN and WEI LONG-SHÁN, at Victoria, Hongkong, this

fifth day of February, 1902.

Before me,

G. H. WAKEMANN, J.P., Victoria.

616

"A."

PERMANENT COMMITTEE.

Statement of Working Account from 1st January to 31st December, 1901.

Receipts.

Fixed Deposit, Subscriptious from-

Old Clothes Shops,

Californian Hongs,

$ C.

Expenditure.

15,000.00 Working Committee, &c.,

24.00 300.00

Mr. Un Lai Chun for Fixed Deposit,

7,656.31

15,000.00

60.00 Hongkong & Shanghai Bank on Current Account, 217.19

Sweetmeats Shops, Theatre Lessee,

Poultry Shops,

Foreign Goods Shops,

Vermilion Shops,

Fresh Fish Shops,.

1,000.00

40.00

30.00

60.00

48.00

Pork Sellers,

72.00

Man On Insurance Company,

60.00

Tsun On Insurance Company,

60.00

Po On Insurance Company,

30.00

Tung On Insurance Company,.

30.00

Ginseng Hongs,..

200.00

Tea Hongs,

22.50

Cotton Yarn Hongs,

75.00

Man Mo Temple, .:.

1,350.00

Compradores,

300.00

Chinese Banks,

75.00

Restaurants,

500.00

Cattle Lans,

30.00

Tea Saloous,

140.00

Copper and Iron Shops,

60.00

Opium Shops,

150.00

Gold Shops,

120.00

Nam Pak Hongs,

450.00

Tobacco Shops,

15.00

Rice Shops,

150.00

Piece Goods Shops,

630.00

Pewter Shops,

7.00

Fruit and Vegetable Lans,

30.00

Barbers,

15.00

Commission Merchants,

225.00

Pig Lans,....

120.00

Ship Compradores Shop,

60.00

Pawnbrokers,

60.00

Masons,

60.00

Crude Medicine Shops,.

120.00

Tailors,

15.00

Pond Fish Shops,

30.00

Interest on Fixed Deposit,

1,050.00

Total,...........$ 22,873.50

Total,.....

.$ 22,873.50

Statement of Assets and Liabilities of the Pó Léung Kuk Incorporated Society on the 31st December, 1901.

Assets.

On Fixed Deposit in hands of Mr. Un Lai Chun,

Kung Yun Rice Shop,

Hongkong & Shanghai Bank on Current Account,

Total,....

15,000.00

217.19

.$ 15,217.19

WONG HOI-PANG,

SHUM KUN-SAI,

} Auditors.

Liabilities.

Nil.

LAC WAI-CH'ÜEN. WEI LONG-SHÁN.

This is the Statement marked "A" referred to in the Declaration of Lau Wai-ch'ün and Wei Long-sháu, declared before me, this 5th day of February, 1902.

Before me,

G. W. WAKEMAN, J.P.,

Victoria.

1901.

Feb. 1 15

Nov.

Statement showing particulars of Expenditure by the Working Committee, from the 1st January to

617

RECEIPTS.

31st December, 1901.

Balance from previous year...

Received from the Permanent Board,.. Premium on $2,918 received in Bank Notes,... Sale of 74 Hemp bags,

Subscribed for the purpose of giving a New

Year's dinner to the Wards of the Society,. Subscribed by the Working Committee for giving a New Year's dinner to the Wards of the Society,

Sale of Kitchen refuse,

Commission from China Fire Insurance Co.....

60.00

Total,....

$ c.

EXPENDITURE.

6,300.00

353.40 By Wages of Aú Yeung Chak-tong, Clerk, for 12 months.

of Tsang Sz-ming, Clerk, for 12 months,

$ .

288.00 144.00

42.00 12.48

of Wong Sui, Detective, for 12 months..

270.00

of Wong Hoi, Detective, for 7 months and 16 days; first 2 months $24; 5 months and 16 days $83,

107.00

of Tsang Tsun, Detective, for 4 months and

14 days,

53.60

10.00 14.08.2 3.90

of Cham Sham, Porter, for 12 months,

120.00

of l'ortuguese Matron, for 12 months,

of Tam Wa, Servant, for 9 months, of Pun Lung, Servant, for 24 months,

of Cheung Loi, Cook, for 12 months.

of Ng Man, Servant, for 2 months,..

of Laú Sz, Servant, for 12 months, 2 months

at $1.50, and 10 months at $2,

of Tsang Tsoi, Servant, for 10 months,

of Leung In, Female Servant, for 12 months;

7 months at $6, and 5 months at $7. of Ch'an Un, Female Servant, for 12 months;

7 months at $3.50, and 5 months at $4.50,. of Wong Un, Female Servant, for 12 months; 7 months at $2.50, and 5 months at $3.50, of Lau Tsui-shi, the Teacher of Needlework, for 12 months; 7 months at $3, and 5 months at $4.

47.50

10.00

48.00

4.00

23.00

15.00

336.00

77.00

47.00

35.00

6,795.87

41.00

of Lo Shi, Teacher, for 12 months,

144.00

of Ip Sám, Cook, for 12 months; 7 months

at $3.50, and 5 months at $4.50,

47.00

of Lam Mui, Cook, for 12 months; 7 months

at $3.50, and 5 months at $4.50,

47.00

of Chan Kwan. Night Woman, for 12 months, Rice from U Tak Shing, Hop Hing and Kwong

Shang,

24.00

683.74%

Bamboo Ware from Pó Wo,...

43.34%

Oil from Tung Shang Wo.

103.00%

Tobacco and Soap from Chü Wing On...

27.93

Stationery from Kwong Fuk Hing,

124.71%

Tea from Shang Mau,

9.39-5

Porcelain from Hó Cheung,.

34.51%

Repairs by Hip Lung, Tai Loi and Wing Tai,.

261.96

Cloth from King Lung,

46.55%

Women's Slippers from Shing Li,

53.60

Barbers' Wages,

24.00

Flowers from Chung Lam Ün,

11.72

•*

Gas,

31.16

Printing Minutes of Monthly Meetings of the Per-

mauent Board,

11.00

Bill of Tsun Wan Yat Po, Newspaper,

115.20

Bill of Wa Tsz Yat Po, Newspaper,

8.70

Bill of Chung Ngoi Sau Po. Newspaper,

26.20

Photographs from Wa Fong,

33.15

Disinfectants,

24.60

Crown Rent for Lot No. 1356,

32.00

Fruit from Kwong Wo Lung,

57.68

" Extra Meals,

74.14

Passage for Destitutes..

423.00

Hire of Jinrickshas and Boats by Dectective and

Postage,

104.01

Firewood from Wo Un, Wing Tseung Shing and

Mán Tại,

236.46

Food for Clerk and Servants.

130.70

Food for Female Servants,

102.06

Food for Inmates.

658.44

Sundries,

335.87%

Mats from Tseung Ün,

17.10

Black Tea from Kwong Man Wo,

23.60

Printing by Wo Ki,

27.90

Insurance with China Fire, Tung On, Tsün On and

J' On Insurance Offices,

301.78

Blankets from Cheung,....

60.00

Total,

Balance in Hand,..

Total,

6,640.36

155.50

6.759.87

Return showing the Number of Beds of the Staff and of the Persons whose cases have been dealt with by the

Beds for the Inmates,

Pó Léung Kuk, during the year 1901.

Women,

Number of Staff,

Innates remaining on the 31st December, 1900,-

Women,

45 Girls,

2 Total,

Inmates admitted for the Year ended 31st December, 1901,

Married.-

Adopted.-

Girls,..

Permitted to leave,--

Women,

116

Still in Charge of the Society,- Women, 72 Girls, Male Destitutes sent Home,.....

6 Total,

Women, ...327 Girls, ......57 Boys,...... 5 Total,....389 Restored to parents or relatives or sent to Charitable Institutions in

China,--

Women,

Women, .132 Girls, ...50 Boys....... 5 Total,....187 Sent to Missionary Schools,—

2 Girls, 3 Total,.

618

Enclosure.

Pó LEUNG Kuk, HONGKONG, 22nd February, 1902.

SIR,-I have the honour to report, for the information of the Honourable the Registrar General, regarding the Pó Léung Kuk for the year 1901.

I have satisfied myself throughout the year that the sanitary condition of the buildings and drains is satisfactory, that the dormitories are maintained in a clean and orderly condition, and that the food supplied is wholesome and sufficient.

The general health of the inmates has been good; but 17 cases of Beri-Beri occurred during the Most of these having occurred between July and September, I had the whole place very efficiently disinfected and colour-washed by the Sanitary Board's employés.

year.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your obedient Servant,

JOHN C. THOMSON.

Dr. J. M. ATKINSON,

Principal Civil Medical Officer,

&c.,

&C.,

$c.

101

No. 1902

HONGKONG.

REPORT ON THE POLICE AND ON CRIME, FOR THE YEAR 1901.

Laid before the Legislative Council by Command of His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government.

No. 61.

POLICE OFFICE, HONGKONG, 17th February, 1902.

SIR, I have the honour to forward, for the information of His Excellency the Officer Adminis- tering the Government, the Criminal Statistics and Report on the Police Force, for the year 1901.

2. The total of all cases reported to the Police was 9,172, as against 9,873 in 1900, being a decrease of 701, or 7.10 per cent.

In the division of these cases into Serious and Minor offences, there appears a decrease, as compared with 1900, of 128 cases, or 3.62 per cent. in the former, and of 573 cases, or 9.03 per cent, in the latter.

The decrease, as compared with 1900, in Serious offences of 128 is shewn as follows:-

Burglary or Larceny in Dwelling,.

Assault with intent to rob,.

Kidnapping and other offences against the Protection of

Women and Girls Ordinance.,

Piracy,

Unlawful possession,.

Larceny,

Felonies, not already given,

Deduct increase in :-

Robbery,

of}

151

128

3. Table 4 shows the number and character of the Serious and Minor offences reported to the Police during the past year, and the number of persons convicted and discharged in connection with those offences.

MURDER.

4.-(1.) On the 10th January, LEUNG HIN, 49, shopkeeper, 17 Station Street, Yaumati, was sent to Government Civil Hospital suffering from cuts on his body inflicted with a chopper by one of his shopmen and another man. He died shortly after his admission. The two men were convicted and hanged.

(2.) On the 11th January, YEUNG KÜ WAN, 84, teacher, 52 Gage Street, was shot in his room by a man unknown. He was removed to Government Civil Hospital, where he shortly afterwards died. He belonged to the Chinese Reform Party. No arrest was made.

(3.) On the 6th February, KEUNG CHEUNG, 51, coolie, 143 Queen's Road East, was stabbed to death by his paramour, supposed to have been actuated by jealousy. She was convicted and sen- tenced to death. The sentence was commuted to imprisonment for life. She died shortly after admission to Gaol.

(4.) On the 13th August, six men boarded a fishing junk at Cap-Shui-Mun for the purpose of robbery. The crew of the junk resisted them, and a fight ensued. CHAN FUK SHING, 49, master, and CHAN SHAP NG, 15, his son, were shot dead, and his wife and another son wounded. They were sent to Government Civil Hospital, where the wife recovered, but the son died (of beri beri). Five men were arrested, of whom three were convicted and sentenced to death. one was discharged for want of evidence and the other turned King's evidence.

One of the three men convicted-KWOK TAK KUNG-was hanged. The sentence on the other two was commuted to imprisonment for life.

MANSLAUGHTER.

(1.) On the 11th February, CLARA CORDEIRO, 80, midwife, was arrested for causing the death of one LAVIDIA FRANCISCA DE CRUZ ROZA whom she had attended during child-birth. She was discharged.

102

(2.) On the 3rd May, JOHN MILLS, Inspector Sanitary Department, was charged for causing the death of WONG KAM LEE, coolie, at No. 2, George Lane. He was discharged at the Criminal Sessions.

(3.) On the 24th July, P.S. 254 CHU KWAI LAM arrested by warrant one WONG KAU for assault. The latter was detained at Yaumati Station, where he complained of having been assaulted by the Sergeant when on the way to the station. He was sent to Hospital where he died on the 25th. The Sergeant was tried for causing his death, but was acquitted at the Criminal Sessions.

(4.) On the 25th November, at 1 p.m., LI TSAN took some food at an eating house at No. 2, Tai Wong Street.

A dispute arose as to payment, he was said to have been assaulted by NG LUK, the proprietor, and his wife. He died shortly afterwards. NG LUK and his wife were arrested and charged with manslaughter but acquitted at the Criminal Sessions.

(5.) On the 22nd November, two Musicians named Ho MAN and PANG CHUN quarrelled in their house at No. 190, Hollywood Road. PANG CHUN stabbed Ho MAN with a knife. He was removed to Hospital, where he died on December 2nd. PANG CHUN was convicted and sentenced to 3 years' imprisonment with hard labour.

GANG ROBBERIES.

5. There were 44 gang robberies reported during the year. In connection with 14 of these cases, 37 persons were arrested, 29 being convicted, 8 discharged. In 30 cases no arrest was made.

Eleven gang robberies were reported in the City of Victoria-5 occurred in the Central, 2 in the Eastern, and 4 in the Western district.

Of the 44 cases reported, 23 were from the New Territory.

ROBBERIES ON BOATS AND JUNKS.

Ten cases were reported, of which 8 occurred in the New Territory. In connection with 4 of these cases, 14 persons were arrested, 9 of whom were convicted and 5 discharged. In the remaining 6 cases no arrest was made.

HIGHWAY AND STREET ROBBERIES.

Twenty-eight cases were reported, of which 4 occurred in the New Territory. In connection with 10 of these cases, 14 persons were arrested, 12 of whom were convicted and 2 discharged. In 18

cases no arrest was made.

Of these robberies (Highway), only one was upon a European, viz.:-

On the 3rd March, at 3. p.m., while FRANK ESROM, Pelham House, was on Bowen Road, east of the Cemetery, he was assaulted by two Chinese, who robbed him of his watch and chain. Two men were convicted and sentenced to 6 years' hard labour and a whipping.

NEW TERRITORY.

Since the middle of the year under review, the Chinese Provincial Authorities have maintained a force of soldiery along the northern boundary of the New Territory, who have co-operated with our Police in preventing the incursion of armed robbers into our territory. This has had a good effect and has enabled the force in the New Territory to be very considerably decreased without any noticeable increase in serious crime.

FELONIES NOT ALREADY GIVEN.

6. Under this heading are comprised the following:

Housebreaking,

Forgery,

Drugging,

Arson and attempted arson,

Embezzlement,

Suicide,

Assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm,

Throwing corrosive fluid,

Manslaughter,

Cutting and Wounding,

Attempted Murder, Bigamy,.....

...

182

TRIAD SOCIETY.

7. Three men were arrested and charged for being members of this Society, and convictel.

PIRACY.

103

8.-(1.) At 10 p.m., on the 22nd June, while a fishing junk belonging to TUNG PING Fu was at anchor off Sam Chau Island, five men armed boarded her, put the crew ashore, weighed anchor and. sailed away with her. The junk was afterwards found at Macao. Four men were arrested at Macao and extradited to Hongkong. Two were convicted and sentenced to 10 years' hard labour and two were discharged.

(2.) At 6 p.m., on the 29th October, while the steam launch Ut Fat was at anchor at Tai 0), nine men armed boarded her from small boats, weighed anchor, and steamed up the Canton River, robbing a coal junk on the way of several tons of coal. They proceeded up the East River, their probable intention being to use the launch to rob junks and passage boats. Their plans were thwarted, however, by the launch accidentally running aground near Tung Kun. They thereupon left her, and the crew regained possession and brought her back to Hongkong. Only a few articles of small value were stolen. This launch carried passengers regularly between Hongkong and Tai O. No trace of

the robbers was found.

Owing to the number of robberies which occurred on launches in 1900 by armed robbers disguised as passengers, special legislation was introduced compelling launch owners to provide adequate protection to the crews and passgengers against surprises, and to prevent armed robbers obtaining access to launches under the guise of ordinary passengers. It is satisfactory to record that these measures have proved effectual, no case of this nature occurring during 1901. (In the case of the Ut Fat mentioned above the passengers had all gone ashore and the watchmen had laid aside their arms and were off duty. The lives and property of passengers, which the special measures were framed to protect, were not therefore involved.)

GAMBLING.

9. There was a great deal of gambling during the year, though less than in the previous year. The European Police officers charged with its suppression, all discharged their duties in this connec- tion with great zeal and ability. Police made successful raids, under warrants, on 81 gambling houses (of which 18 were broken in July alone), as against 85 in 1900. I have recently induced the Police Magistrates to largely increase the fines which it had become customary to impose on persons con- victed of keeping gambling houses. It is too early yet to form an opinion as to whether the fines now imposed are heavy enough to act as a deterrent.

PROPERTY REPORTED STOLEN AND PROPERTY RECOVERED.

10. The value of the property reported stolen during the year was $91,042.90.

The value of the property recovered by the Police and restored to owners was $6,152.17.

LOST PROPERTY.

11. The following is a return showing property lost or recovered during the year 1901 :—

Articles reported lost.

Value lost.

Articles recovered and Articles found which were not reported lost.

Value found.

189

$6,999.84

171

OPIUM WARRANTS.

$1,588.73

12. One thousand three hundred and twenty-nine (1,329) search warrants for prepared opium were executed by the Police and Excise Officers of the Opium Farmer. In 471 cases opium was found and 579 persons were arrested.

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES.

13. The Examiner of Weights and Measures made the following verifications :-

Examined.

Correct.

Incorrect.

Chinese balances,

2,436

2,384

European scales,

410

346

Measures,

677

The following prosecutions were instituted :-

Prosecutions.

Possession of unjust Weights and Measures, 28

Convictions. Discharged.

Fines.

$855.00

DANGEROUS Goods.

Prosecutions.

Dangerous goods,.....

Convictions.

Fines. $176.00

104

FOODS AND DRUGS ORDINANCE.

14. Twenty-one (21) samples of intoxicating liquor, two (2) of bread, two (2) of tea, and one (1) of coffee were collected and sent for analysis, and certified to be genuine.

MENDICANTS.

15. Fourteen beggars were dealt with by the Police Magistrate and two sent to Tung Wah Hospital. 155 were summarily deported to Canton as follows:-

HOW OFTEN SENT AWAY.

CANTON.

Once.

Twice,

Thrice,.

145

}

4 times,

5 times,

TOTAL,.

LICENCES.

16. The following licences were issued during 1901 :-

1,175 Hongkong Jinrickshas.

25 Quarry Bay

140 Kowloon

1,350 Private Vehicles.

556 Hongkong Chairs.

24 Hill District Chairs.

7 Gbaris.

11,085 Drivers and Bearers.

Dogs Ordinance.

2,484 Dogs were licensed.

155

12 Watch dogs were licensed, free of charge.

67 Dogs were destroyed.

43 Dogs were seized and restored to owners or ransomed.

Arms Ordinance.

10 licences to import and deal in arms were issued.

7 licences to deal in Sporting arms and ammunition were issued.

EDUCATION.

17. During last year, 8 Europeans and 19 Indians obtained certificates for knowledge of Chinese, and 5 Indians and 2 Chinese obtained certificates of English.

I append a report from Mr. T. K. DEALY, Master-in-charge, on the work of the Police School during the year.

BARRACKS.

18. The new police station at Sai Kung was occupied by Police on the 20th December, 1901.

DISTRICT WATCHMEN.

19. The members of this Force have done their duty satisfactorily under the supervision of the European Inspectors and Sergeants of Police.

CONDUCT.

20. The number of reports against Europeans was 75, as against 126 in 1900 of these, 14 were for drunkenness, as against 23 in the previous year; 2 for asleep on duty, as against 4; 1 for disoderly conduct and fighting; and 3 for sitting down on duty, as against 10 and 7 respectively; and 8 for neglect of duty (same as last year).

One European Constable was convicted before the Police Magistrate for wantonly discharging revolver and wounding a Chinese hawker.

year.

The conduct of the Contingent was on the whole good.

There were 350 reports against men of the Indian Contingent, as compared with 635 for last For drunkenness there were 20, against 41 in 1900; 15 for disorderly conduct, against 49; 27 for neglect of duty, against 78; 57 for absence from duty, against 73; 71 for gossiping and idling on duty, against 147; and 21 for asleep on duty, against 39 in the previous year.

Nine Indian Constables were convicted before the Police Magistrate-5 for assault, one for using abusive language, one for drunkenness, one for violating his duty, and one for insolence.

-་་

105

The conduct of the Contingent was satisfactory.

The Chinese Contingent is responsible for 607 reports, against 930 in 1900.

There were 4 reports for drunkenness; reports for asleep on duty decreased from 100 to 60; disorderly conduct increased from 18 to 25; and absence from station, duty and parades decreased from 260 to 200.

Fifteen Chinese Constables were convicted before the Police Magistrate-7 for assault, 2 for violating their duty, 2 for larceny, 2 for misconduct, I for giving false evidence, and 1 for forgery.

The conduct of the Contingent was on the whole satisfactory.

REWARDS.

21. One Lance Sergeant, 7 Chinese Constables, and 4 Indian Constables were granted rewards for energy and zeal in making arrests of robbers, murderers and thieves.

One Indian Acting Sergeant and 1 Indian Constable were granted a reward for rescuing men drowning.

Three District Watchmen were rewarded for arresting robbers and thieves.

Medals for long and faithful service and special services were awarded to 7 European Officers, 2 Indians and 4 Chinese.

PLAGUE SERVICES.

22. One European and 4 Chinese were engaged on house to house visitation in connection with the plague from March 4th to July 22nd, and 2 Indians and 2 Chinese were on duty at the Tung Wah Hospital from March 4th to the 20th.

HEALTII.

23. Admissions to Hospital during the last three years were as follows:---

Nationality.

1899. (Strength prior to 17th April.

1900.

1901.

Strength

630; subsequently)

827

929

920

Europeans,

117

174

163

Indians,.

421

512

493

Chinese,.

155

223

215

Return of Police treated in Government Civil Hospital for Fever, from 1st January to 31st Decemeber, 1901:-

Europeans, Indians, Chinese,

Old Territory.

236

102

New Territory.

In addition to cases treated in Hospital for fever from the New Territory, the following numbers of cases were treated for fever in the various stations in the New Territory without being removed to Hospital, viz.:-

Europeans 22, Indians 115, Chinese 18; while 5 Europeans, 9 Indians, and 3 Chinese cases

were treated in the stations in the New Territory for other causes.

EXECUTIVE STAFF.

24. An Additional Assistant Superintendent was added to the Executive Staff, which now consists of 1 Captain Superintendent, 1 Deputy Superintendent, and 2 Assistant Superintendents. Mr. P. P. J. WODEHOUSE was appointed to the new post, and at once proceeded to Lahore to study Hindustani and Indian Police Methods. During his absence the services of Captain GooDWIN, R.A., and afterwards of Lieutenant CowIE, R.A., were kindly lent to this Department by the military author- ities.

Both Officers rendered most valuable assistance in smartening up the Indian Contingent in drill and otherwise, selecting Indian recruits, and in many other directions.

The Captain Superintendent (Honourable F. H. MAY) left for England on leave on the 5th September, since when I have acted in his place, and Mr. A. MACKIE, the Chief Inspector, has acted in my place as Deputy Superintendent.

POLICE FORCE.

25. Table E shows the strength, enlistment and casualties in the Force during 1901.

Eleven (11) Europeans were engaged during the year-7 were recruited in England, and 4 en- listed locally. Of these 4, one was allowed to resign and one was dismissed.

106

ARMS ORDINANCE.

26. During the whole of the year a Proclamation has been in forcé prohibiting the export of arms and ammunitions of war from the Colony.

The following arms and ammunition were seized and forfeited by the Police Magistrate during the year, viz.:-1,288 rifles, carbines, and muskets; 885 revolvers; 146 pistols; 2,653 bayonets; 8 swords; 241,350 rounds of ammunition; 3,400 boxes percussion caps; and 3 cwt. of nipples for

muskets.

MUSKETRY.

27. The European and Indian Contingents went through a course of Musketry on the new Rifle Range, the conditions being the same as in 1899 (no course was fired in 1900), except that Martini- Enfield Carbines were used in place of the old Martini-Henry. The results show a marked improve- ment in the shooting of both Contingents, especially of the Indians, of whom only 53 failed to qualify as second class shots or better, as against 154 in 1899. This improvement may be partly, but not entirely, attributable to the use of the newer weapons.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your obedient Servant,

F. J. BADELEY,

Acting Captain Superintendent of Police.

The Honourable

THE COLONIAL SECRETARY,

&c.,

&c,,

&c.

POLICE SCHOOL,

HONGKONG, 13th January, 1902.

SIR,I have the honour to submit the following Report on the Police School for the year ended December 31st, 1901.

1. The School was open on 104 days. The total number of attendances registered in the School Roll was 4,580. This gives a daily average of 44. In 1900, the daily attendance averaged 34.5.

2. The number of different men who have been in School at all, during the year, is :-English Constables 29, Indian Constables 67, Chinese Constables 128, Gaol Staff (Guards and Assistant Warders) 85, and Garden Boys 4; a total of 313, as against 255 in 1900.

3. At an examination, held on March 5th and 6th, in the Police Library, six Constables-Nos. 4, 71, 99, 111, 115 and 131-passed and were granted Certificates of Exemption: and, at a further examination, held on August 26th, 27th and 28th, eight other Constables-Nos. 25, 59, 61, 90, 93, 98 and 128--were similarly successful.

4. The following table is not without interest, as it contrasts the attendances, etc., during the past three years :----

Men in

Year.

Total attendances.

Days open.

Average. attendance

at all.

1899,

3,378

34.5

1900,

3,546

35.8

255

1901,

4,656

106

44.0

313

For purposes of comparison, I should like to have gone further back with these statistics; but, for various reasons, was unable to do so. It is satisfactory to record a sensible increase all round during the year under review. It is also gratifying to note the increased number of Chinese Consta- bles who now attend.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your most obedient Servant,

F. J. BADELEY, Esq.,

Acting Captain Superintendent of Police.

T. K. DEALY,

Master-in-charge.

{

་

TABLE A.

RETURN of SERIOUS and MINOR OFFENCES reported to have been committed during the Year 1901, with the Results of such Reports.

Robberies

with violence Burglaries.

from the

person.

Larcenies in

Dwelling

Houses.

Assaults

with Intent

Larcenics.

Felonies

not

already

Assaults

and

Disorderly

Gambling.

Conduct.

to rob.

given.

Kidnapping.

Offences

against Ord. 9 of 1897, (Protection

of Women

and Girls.)

Unlawful

possession.

Piracy.

Miscellaneous

Offences.

Euro-

peans

and

Ameri-

Indians.

Chinese.

Total.

cans.

}

3,207 3,841

300

1410 53

8,608 | 1,104 0,105 | 1,187

9,172

7 3

September,.

6 | 14

October, ...

November,.

December,..

2 2

1 1

চল

January,...

February,..

2..

March,.....

April, . . . . . .

-1

10 1 3

3..21

223105 24| 21

..188 62 | 33 |

4 3 122

145

ΤΟΙ

1 1

21127

207103 19 15

199

3333

29 13

1138

7 2 113

161

32 25 141

131

21 155 2

}

191 75

20 7

ونت

101 24 21 197

་་

225

37 €9

6..

29 5

180 65

39 11

101

15 67 10

•

..248118 39 23

4 177

16 31 185

191

194

87 25 25

2159

278 22 23 105 |

36 36

901

193 105

15 16

..175 96 14 19

3155

102

192

21 126

··

5193 259

ི

3. 25 96

1 28 37

213 105 28 14

2 172 08

809

26 28 165

33 43 4

··

..210116 21 14

1 114

132

1 2

1 34

121..

20 23140

268

296

676

113

730

121

162

170

80 10

428

514

3333

211

270

5 7

670

719

250

345

748

787

107

310

3.5

5 I 4

756

107

771

116

740

233

255

569 112

341

385

884 10-1 918 100

000

689

197

2 7 12.

356

23:

1 845

875

101

798

ม 25

··

383

درم

1 822

862

8.3

246

6 821

844 106

989

13 26

378

22 27

2 24

1 849

006

•

223

272

560

596

396

Cases reported.

1001.

No. of Persons convicted.

No. of Persons discharged.

Cases reported.

No. of Persons convicted.

No. of Persons discharged.

Cases reported. No. of Persons convicted.

No. of Persons discharged.

Cases reported.

No. of Persons convicted.

No. of Persons discharged.

Cases reported.

No. of Persons convicted.

No. of Persons discharged,

Cases reported.

No. of Persons convicted.

No. of Persons discharged.

Cases reported.

No. of Persons convicted.

No. of Persons discharged.

Cases reported.

No. of Persons convicted.

No. of Persons discharged.

Cases reported.

No. of Persons convicted.

No. of Persons discharged,

Cases reported.

No. of Persons convicted.

Ko. of Persons discharged.

Cases reported.

No. of Persons convicted.

No. of Persons discharged.

Cases reported.

No. of Persons convicted.

No. of Persons discharged.

Drunkenness.

Nuisances.

No l'ass or Light.

Cases reported.

No. of Persons convicted.

No. of Persons discharged.

No. of Persons convicted.

No. of Persons discharged.

No. of Persons convicted.

No. of Persons discharged.

No. of Persons convicted.

No. of Persons discharged.

No. of Persons convicted.

No. of Persons discharged.

ALL

CASES.

TOTAL

TOTAL,..

883

82 | 51 15 || 68 | 22

2 233

•

།ལྒ

[2,421|1,130| 315 |188 62 27 1,620 2,034 | 297 2031,517 42

Police Department, Hongkong, 17th February, 1902.

3 0

1388 412

ત

2 150 466

J. F. BADELEY,

Acting Captain Superintendent of Police.

107

1901.

Cases reported.

No. of Persons convicted.

No. of Persons discharged.

Cases reported.

No. of Persons convicted.

No. of Persons discharged.

Cases reported.

No. of Persons convicted.

No. of Persons discharged.

Cases reported.

No. of Persons convicted.

No. of Persons discharged.

Cases reported.

No. of Persons convicted.

No. of Persons discharged.

Cases reported.

No. of Persons convicted.

No. of Persons discharged.

Cases reported.

No. of Persons convicted.

No. of Persons discharged.

Cases reported.

No. of Persons convicted. No. of Persons discharged. Cases

reported.

No. of Persons convicted.

No. of Persons discharged.

Cases reported.

No. of Persons convicted. No. of Persons discharged. Cases reported.

No. of Persons convicted.

No. of Persons discharged.

Cases reported.

No. of Persons convicted.

No. of Persons discharged.

Cases reported. No. of

Persons convicted. No. of Persons discharged.

Cases reported.

No. of Persons convicted.

No. of Persons discharged.

Cases reported.

No. of Persons convicted.

No. of Persons discharged. Cases reported.

No. of Persons convicted.

No. of Persons discharged.

Cases reported.

No.

of Persons convicted.

No. of Persons discharged.

Cases reported.

Breach of Spirits

Ordinances. and Opium

TABLE B.

RETURN of MISCELLANEOUS OFFENCES reported to have been committed during the Year 1901, with the Results of such Reports.

Rogues

and

Vagabonds, Suspicious Characters

Breach of

Public

Vehicles

Breach

Merchant

Shipping

Emigr.

Men- Unlicensed

dicants. Hawking.

Street Cries.

Desertion, Refusal and Neglect of

Duty.

and Vagrants.

Ordinance.

Consolidation

Ordinances.

Ord.

Breach of l'olice, Gaol, Deportation

and

Prevention

of Crime

Ordinances.

Breach of Pawnbrokers,

Markots and

Weights and Measures

Ordinances.

Cutting

Trees

Bribery and

Intimidation, Extortion,

Conspiracy.

每

Earth.

Breach of Registration

Ordinance.

Spurious Coin.

Obtaining Goods

or Money by False Pretences.

Jamage to

Property.

commit

Suicide.

Attempt to

No. of Persons convicted.

No. of Persons discharged.

Cases reported.

No. of Persons convicted.

Trespass.

June,

January, ... 3 1 2 25 |

February,

Marchi,.....

April,

May,

ન

27 1 | 10

15 16 1 15 13 11 16 15

•

17 | 22

14 14.. 4 2

19 21

1 19 23

7 20 21

14 1

8 2 15 21

4.22❘ 25

1 13 14 3 25 26 1

21 56

16 18

27 59

44114

86 87 10

20 30

2 1 1.. 50 56

83 94 6

29 31

1 1

•

✔

18 | 20

..27

3 3

1 43

12 10 29 29 6

33 37

23 24

85 17

125 135

25 52

...] 92102

→

July,

70 70 2 5 4 I

18 15.

29 39 1

2 93

August, ........] 1] 1..] 58 57 2

30 47 7

42 · 42 2

26 | 61 |

ين

1.. 1

76 75

September,...........] 59] 37

October,.... 3| 1| 3| 54 55

2 7

4 | 12

22 22

40❘ 42

49 85

12.

85 92

14 | 15

29 32

197❘ 100

બ

13 13 1

1 1..

15 16

13) 26

2 16 17

1 1 1 4

281 28

1 1..

28 27 3

32 35

11.

27 1 26

1[..]

November,.

44 43

1 14 14

10❘ 20

19 17

45119

] 1

30: 27

21 1

December,.. 2] 1]

16 | 17

1 | 10 10

17 41

7 9

TOTAL,.. 13 7 7 418 410 15 75 72

ཁྐྲ

74 100

19 | 20

206 271 60311|334| 17 | 402 | 830 | 35

6 3 4 989 1,051 | 66

4 276 278

9 13 711 17

-1

Police Department, Hongkong, 17th February, 1902,

6 European Prisoners absconded from bail. 13 Chinese Prisoners absconded from bail.

ون

ст

No. of Persons discharged. Cases reported.”

No. of Persons convicted.

No. of Persons discharged.

Cases reported.

No. of Persons convicted.

No. of Persons discharged.

Cases reported.

No. of Persons convicted.

No. of Persons discharged.

Cases reported.

No. of Persons convicted.

No. of Persons discharged.

Cruelty to & Furi-)

Animals,

ous Driving.

False Charge and Perjury.

Contempt of Court,

Breach of

Dangerous

Goods and Arms Ordes.

Totals,

心

268

162

296

170

8 7

211 270 21

16 13

5 259 315

310 365

255

283

341 385 38

18 | 12

309

356 38

2 2

15 13

337

383

320

346

272

373

16 1

223

272

6100, 115 44 51 30 15 32 21 10 8 4 4 4258184056 9 3 3.150 125 443,267 8,844 390

F. J. BADELEY,

Acting Captain Superintendent of Police,

108

TABLE C.

COMPARATIVE RETURN of OFFENCES coming under the Notice of the POLICE, during the Years 1899, 1900, and 1901.

SERIOUS.

MINOR.

NUMBER OF PERSONS

NUMBER OF CASES.

DESCRIPTION.

Convicted.

Discharged.

NUMBER OF PERSONS

NUMBER OF CASES.

DESCRIPTION.

Convicted.

Discharged.

1899. 1900. 1901. 1899. 1900. 1901. 1899. | 1900. | 1901.

1899. 1900. 1901. 1899. 1900. 1901. 1899. 1900. 1901.

Murder,

Robbery,

59 82 48. 45

Assault,

****

Gambling,

1,414

199

Burglary or Larceny from Dwelling,

247

316

301

42 57

Miscellaneous,

3,170

Assault with Intent to Rob,

Drunkenness,

133

1,5311,620 | 1,5951,891 | 2,034 324 2651 6611,5641,517 3,265 3,267 3,434 3,6253,814 182 150

281 344 297 73 35 42 320 375 390

Kidnapping and Protection of Women & Girls, «

2:1

Nuisance,..

715

1,039

466

No analysis of Convictions & Discharges.

Piracy,

No Pass or Light,

...

....

Unlawful Possession,

389 434

388 384

448 412

59 80

Larcenies,..

Felonies not already given,

2,432 2,477

191

2,421 |1,023 193 182

1,142 1,130 58 56

220 277

315

Total,

3,392 3,532 3,4041,589 1,779 | 1,710

349

453

458

Total,

5,631 | 6,3415,768 5,690 7,080 | 7,395 674 754

729

Police Department, Hongkong, 17th February, 1902.

F. J. BADELEY,

Acting Captain Superintendent of Police,

109

TABLE D.

1.-RETURN of SERIOUS OFFENCES reported to the POLICE, during the 10 Years ending 1901, showing the Number of Prisoners Arrested, Convicted and Discharged.

Murder.

Robbery.

Burglary

and

Larceny in

Dwelling House.

Assault with

Intent to Rob.

Kidnapping and Protection of Women and

Felonies

Piracy.

Unlawful Possession.

Larceny.

not already given.

Girls.

1,717 1,677 3181,995 10,459 4,928 1,033 5,961 337 153|126 | 279

1892,

1893, .

Jumad

نات

1894,

1 29

1 4 11

1895,

3 3 11 1 2 3 81

1896,

8 2 3

5 8 * 3

30 12

3120 30

...

YEAR.

49 38 10 48 83

رکت

$6 81

Cases reported.

No. of l'erson's convicted.

No. of Persons discharged.

Total No. arrested.

Cases reported.

No. of Persons convicted.

No. of Persons discharged.

Total No. arrested.

Cascs reported.

No. of Persons convicted.

No. of Persons discharged.

Total No. arrested.

Cases reported.

No. of Persons convicted.

No. of Persons discharged.

Total No. arrested.

Cases reported.

No. of Persons convicted.

No. of Persons discharged.

Total No. arrested.

Cases reported.

No. of Persons convicted.

No. of Persons discharged.

Total No. arrested.

Cases reported.

No. of Persons convicted.

No. of Persons discharged.

Total No. arrested.

8 29 3

при

5 31

46 | 127

4 7 6

13 72 72

34106

48 23 31 57

255

411

375

102

327

299

361 2,156 961

298 1,477

188 1,152 78

278 272

...

42 36 78

428 433

...

62 52 47

273

298

...

317 | 2,103

503 2,126

337

878

166 1,044 67

937

242 1,179

1,770

970

139 1,109 73

477 | 2,304| 1,179

NO S & N N

29 21 53

27 18 45

39 27

ཕྱྀ། ༦ ཆ ཆེ

Cases reported.

No. of Persons convicted.

No. of Persons discharged.

Total No. arrested.

Cases reported.

No. of Persons convicted.

No. of Persons discharged.

Total No. arrested.

Total...

6 11

17 116

51 16

67 391 101

31 132 10 | 13

6 19311|270 | 197|467

1897,

1898,

1899,

1900,

1901,

4 7 11 22 9

5 14 159 82

15 15

15170

40 1

29 7

38 85 48 23

71 247

20 62 3

...

烤鸡

2 59 45

58 316

40 63

37 21 37 58

59 00 36 91

18 50 Ι

شنی

398

386

456 2,079 954

189 1,143 170

57 30 87

436

454

503 | 2,124 | 1,042 ́ 132 1,174|147

47 13 60

389

384

443 | 2,432 1,023

220|1,243|194

54 6 60

434

448

528 | 2,477 | 1,142

277|1,419 | 193 58 25 83

2 8 82 51 16

66301

10 18 28

2 2

4 388 412

487 2,421 1,130 315 1,445|182 56

25 81

Total....

Average of 1st period,... Average of 2nd period,.

23 19 12 31 |263|168

56 224 1,193 203

62265 15 6

6193 | 181 | 112 | 293

6 2 72,045 2,084

333 2,117 [11,533| 5,291| 1,133 6,424 886272

99 371

4.6 1.2 2.2 3.4 23.2 10.2 3.2 13.4 78.2 20.2 6.2 26.4 2.0 2.6 1.2 3.8 62.254.0 39.4 93.4 4.6 3.8 2.4 6.2 52.6 33.6 11.2 44.8 238.6 40.6 12.4 53.0 3.0 1.2

...

1.2 88.6 36.2 22.4 68.6 1.6 1.0 0.4 1.4 409.0 | 416.8

343.4 335.4

63.6 399.0 2091.8 985.6 206.6 1192.2 67.4 30.6 25.2 55.8 66.6 483.4 2306.6 1058.2 226.6 1284.8 177.2 54.4 19.8 74.2

110

1897,

1998,

1899,

1900,

1901,

Total,

YEAR.

Cases reported.

No. of Persons

convicted.

No. of Persons

discharged.

Total No.

arrested.

D..

2.-RETURN of MINOR OFFENCES reported to the POLICE, during the 10 Years ending 1901, showing Number of Prisoners Arrested, Convicted and Discharged.

ASSAULT.

GAMBLING.

MISCELLANEous.

DRUNKEN-

NESS.

NO LIGHT

NUISANCES.

OR PASS.

Cases

reported.

No. of Persons convicted.

No. of Persons discharged.

Total No.

arrested.

Cases reported.

1892,

1,111

1,492

255 1,747

595 1,720

141 1,861

4,341

5,033

333

5,366

221

399

1893,

1,057 1,315

219 1,534

319

1,031

109 1,140

4,328 4,749

333

5,082

192

510

1894,

1,007 1,151

250 1,401

218

843

933

3,806

4,161

428

4,589

302

538

191

1895,

1,240 1,503

360

1,863

171

676

751

5,400

5,968

551

6,519

378

1,223

1896,

2,196

1,135

1,441

219

1,660

126

732

748

4,342

5,147

343

5,490

336

1,245

3,477

Total,..

5,550

6,902 1,303

8,205

1,429

5,002

431 5,433

22,217 25,058

1,988 27,046

1,429

3,915

6,001

1,404

1,795

287

2,082

145

666

732

4,122

4,538

412

4,950

132

780

1,765

150

2,380

242

2,622

265

1,077

ᎧᎧ

1,414 1,595

1,132 4,531

5,412

307

5,719

161

939

281 1,876

199

661

3,170

1,531 1,891

344 2,235

324

1,564

1,620 2,034

297

2,331

265

1,517

731 1,599 3,265 3,625 1,559 3,267

3,434

320

3,754

133

715

375 4,000

182

1,039

3,844

390

4,234

150

466

7,734 9,695 1,451 11,146

1,198

5,485

268

5,753

18,355 20,853

1,804 22,657

758

3,939

150

Average of 1st period,

Average of 2nd period,

1110.0

1380.4 260.6 1641.0

1546.8

1939.0 290.2 2229.2

285.8 1000.4

239.6 1097.0

86.2

1086.6

4443.4 5011.6 397.6 5409.2

285.8

783.0

1200.2

53.6 1150.6 3671.0 4170.6 *360.8 4531.4

151.6

787.8

30.0

111

112

In 1892,

3. CASES REPORTED TO POLICE.

SERIOUS OFFENCES.

2,983 cases.

In 1897,

1893,

2,725

1898,

1894,

2,575

1899,

1895,

1896,

2,767 2,314

1900,

1901,

13,364 cases.

2,896 cases. 2,935

3,392

3,532 3,404

16,159 cases.

MINOR OFFENCES.

In 1892,

6,747 cases.

In 1897,

1893,

1894,

6,463. 6,062

1898,

1899,

1895,

1896,

10,608 10,661

وو

1900,

1901,

40,541 cases.

Altogether.

Increase of 20.91 per cent. in second period.

6,733 cases.

7,661

5,631 6,341 5,768

دو

32,134 cases.

Decrease of 20.73 per cent. in second period.

In 1892,

9,730 cases.

In 1897,

1893,

1894,

9,188 8,637

1898,

1899,

1895,

18,375

1900,

1896,

12,975

1901.

53,905 cases.

9,629 cases.

10,596

9,023 9,873 9,172

48,293 cases.

Decrease of 10.41 per cent. in second period.

4.-DETAIL OF CASES REPORTED TO POLICE.

SERIOUS OFFENCES.

1892 to 1896.

Yearly Average.

1897 to 1901.

Yearly Average.

1. Murder,

4.6

2. Robbery,

116

23.2

263

52.6

3. Burglaries and Larcenies in Dwellings,.

391

78.2

1,193

238.6

4. Assault with Intent to Rob,..

2.0

3.0

5. Kidnapping,

311

62.2

193

. 38.6

6. Piracy,

8. Larcenies,..

7. Unlawful Possession,

9. Felonies not already given,

..1,717

343.4

...10,459

2,091.8

2,045 11,533

1.6

409.0 2,306.6

337

67.4

886

177.2

MINOR OFFENCES.

1892 to 1896.

Yearly Average.

1897 to 1901.

Yearly Average.

10. Assault,

11. Gambling,

12. Miscellaneous,

13. Drunkenness,

14. Nuisances,

15. No Pass or Light,

5,550

1,110.0

7,734

1,546.8

.1,429

285.8

1,198

239.6

.22,217

4,443.4

18,355

3,671.0

1,429

285.8

758

151.6

.3,515

783.0

3,939

787.8

..6,001

1,200.2

150

30.0

In 1892,

1893,

1894,

وو

1895, 1896,

In 1892,

1893,

1894,

1895,

1896,

5.-NUMBER OF PERSONS ARRESTED BY POLICE.

FOR SERIOUS OFFENCES.

2,220 persons.

In 1897,

..1,707

1898,

1,498 ..1,871 ..1,641

1899,

1900,

1901,

8,937 persons.

FOR MINOR OFFENCES.

Excepting Nos. 13, 14 and 15 (See Table 2) of which no details are given.

8,974 persons.

.7,756 ..6,923 .9.133 .7,898

In 1897, 1898,

1899,

1900,

1901,

40,684 persons.

.1,842 persons. .1,858

.1,938 2,232 ..2,168

ל-

10,038 persons.

.7,764 persons. .9,473 .6,361 .7,834 ..8,124

39,556 persons.

Altogether excepting Nos. 13, 14 and 15.

In 1892, 1893,

.11,194 persons.

In 1897,

AAA

1894, 1895, 1896,

9,463 8,421

1898,

1899,

...11,004.

9,539

1900,

1901,

49,621 persons.

6.-DETAILS OF NUMBER OF PERSONS ARRESTED

FOR SERIOUS Offences.

1. Murder,

2. Robbery with Violence from Person,

3. Burglaries and Larcenies from Dwellings,

4. Assault with Intent to Rob,

5. Kidnapping,

6. Piracy,

7. Unlawful Possession,

8. Larcenies,

9. Felonies not given,

10. Assault,

11. Gambling,

12. Miscellaneous,

13. Drunkenness,

14. Nuisances,

15. No Pass or Light,

113

9,606 persons.

11,331 8,299 10,066 10,292

48,841 persons.

1892 to 1896.

1897 to 1901.

224

132

265

467

293

1,995

2,417

5,961

6,494

279

371

8,937

10,038

FOR MINOR OFFENCES.

1892 to 1896.

1897 to 1901.

8,205

11,146

5,433

5,753

27,046

22,657

1,429

758

3,915

3,939

6,001

150

52,029

44,403

7.-NUMBER OF PERSONS CONVICTED AND DISCHARGED

FOR SERIOUS OFFENCES.

Convicted.

Discharged.

Convicted.

Discharged.

In 1892,

.1,728

492

In 1897,

..1,497

345

1893,

.1,391

316

1898,

1,654

201

1894,

.1,224

274

1899,

.1,589

349

1895,

.1,478

393

1900,

.1,779

453

1896,

.1,378

263

1901,

.1,710

458

7,199

1,738

8,229

1,809

FOR MINOR OFFENCES.

Convicted.

Discharged.

Convicted.

Discharged.

In 1892,

..8,245

729

In 1897,

...6,999

765

1893,

.7,095

661

1898,

..8,869

604

1894,

.6,155

768

وو

1899,

.5,690

671

1895,

8,147

986

1900,

.7,080

754

1896,

.7,320

578

1901,

...7,395

729

36,962

3,722

36,033

3,523

Altogether excepting Nos. 13, 14 and 15.

Convicted.

Discharged.

Convicted.

Discharged.

In 1892,

9,973

1,221

In 1897,

8,496

1,110

1893,

.8,486

977

1898,

10,523

808

1894,

.7,379

1,042

1899,

7,279

1,020

1895,

.9,625

1,379

1900,

8,859

1.207

1896,

..8,698

841

1901,

9,105

1,187

44,161

5,460

44,262

5,332

114

TABLE E.

RETURN showing the STRENGTH, ENLISTMENTS and CASUALTIES in the Police Force during 1901,

Strength of the Force.

Enlistments. Deaths.

Resignation through Sickness.

Resignation through Expiry of Terms

of Service

or otherwise

Dismissal

Total

Desertions.

Number of Casualities.

European,

145

Indians,

366

Chinese,

409

177

Total,

*920

88888

156

248

131

236

* This number includes the Police paid for by other Departments and Private Firms, and also the Engineers. Coxswains and Stokers, but is exclusive of :-

1 Captain Superintendent.

1 Deputy

2 Assistant

1 Accountant.

Grand Total, 999.

1 Clerk and Hindustani Interpreter. 3 Clerks.

3 Telephone Clerk.

67 Coolies.

Police Department, Hongkong, 17th February, 1902.

F. J. BADELEY,

Acting Captain Seperintendent of Police.

No. 37.

HONGKONG.

REPORT ON THE POST OFFICE, FOR THE YEAR 1901,

Laid before the Legislative Council by Command of His Excellency the Officer· Administering the Government.

577

No. 1902

GENERAL POST OFFICE, HONGKONG, 5th April, 1902.

SIR, I have the honour to submit the Annual Report on the Hongkong Post Office for the year 1901.

DEPARTMENTAL CHANGES.

2. Captain HASTINGS, the Postmaster General, after an absence of 18 months in England, returned to the Colony and resumed his duties on the 19th September. Unfortunately he was obliged through illness to remain at home after only a month in office, and, I regret to add, never returned to duty. During his absence I was in charge of the Department.

3. Twenty-eight new appointments were made during the year, and twenty-one clerks resigned or were dismissed. The new appointments included a Deputy Superintendent of the Money Order Office, three Assistant Marine Officers, and a Correspondence Clerk-all of these Officers were very much required with the increased business in the Department as a whole. The principal cause of the resig- nations was the fact that these men alleged that they could secure more remunerative employment, and less hard work, outside the Post Office.

4. The Postmaster at Shanghai, Mr. SOLLY, obtained his long delayed leave of absence and proceeded to England in April. There was considerable difficulty experienced in arranging for his duties, and the Government were obliged to transfer Mr. DIXON, the Superintendent of the Money Order Office, to act as Postmaster at Shanghai, the latter's place being taken by the Deputy.

5. Both of the Travelling Marine Officers at Shanghai resigned during the year, after but a short period of service, on the ground of the insufficiency of the salary attached to their Office. It was with some difficulty that their places could be efficiently filled.

INTERNATIONAL AND LOCAL CORRESPONDENCE.

6. A statement of the International and Local Correspondence received and despatched during the year will be found in Table A. It shews a satisfactory increase on the business of the previous year, the totals being-Received: Letters and Postcards (including 107 Insured and 258,720 Registered) 2,453,297; Other articles 1,563,590, and-Despatched: Letters and Postcards (including 153 Insured and 196,190 Registered) 2,639,013; Other articles 789,100.

7. I attach a summary-Table B-showing the number of bags, &c., received and despatched, which also shews an increase on that of 1900. The total number actually dealt with at this Office being Bags 81,269, Packets 8,678, Parcel Post Boxes 4,926, and Loose Letter Boxes 2,258. I have this

I have this year been able to give the number of steamers conveying these Mails, viz., 5,914 Inwards and 6,626 Outwards. Included in the former are 44 United States Mail Packets, 27 English P. & O. Contract Packets, 27 Messageries Maritimes Co.'s Packets, 26 German Mail Packets, and 14 Canadian.

year

8. It may be of interest also to mention that during the year the English mails were received at this Office on 2 occasions in 26 days, on 7 occasions in 27 days, on 11 occasions in 28 days, on 18 occasions in 29 days, and on other occasions in 30 to 35 days. On the two occasions referred to, once was by the P. & O. Contract Packet and the other by a German Mail Packet. Twice during the the mail by the Messageries Maritimes Co. had to be transferred, owing to accidents to their ships,-on one occasion the transfer was made to a steamier of the Japanese European line, at Colombo, and on another to the P. & O. Mail steamer at Singapore. In the last mentioned case the Marine Officer, I am pleased to say, brought both mails sorted to Hongkong.

9. With the exception of the loss of the P. & O. Mail Steamer "Sobraon" while on her way from Shanghai to Hongkong in April, (on which occasion the mails were fortunately saved and reached Hongkong in time to be despatched by the next German Mail Packet leaving 5 days later), and also on two or three other occasions when there was a delay of a few hours, the Mail Packets left Hongkong at their regular and appointed times. These mails all reached London in good time with the exception of the mail despatched on the 3rd June by the Messageries Maritimes Co.'s steamer "Laos," when, owing to plague on board on her arrival at Marseilles and her being quarantined, the mails were some days late in arriving in London.

}

578

POSTAGE STAMPS.

10. The usual Statement of Monthly Sales of Stamps at Hongkong will be found in Table C. The total sales for the year amounted to $239,377.49, an advance on the sales of the previous year of no less a sum than $21,765.25. For comparison I may mention that the sales for the ten years pre- vious to this were as follows, and goes to prove that even with the adoption of the Penny Postage the loss sustained in 1899 is being quickly made up :-

1891, ......$ 92,275.87

1896, ..............$161,983.46

1892,

.$ 99,895.42

1893,

$108,198.09

1894,

..$121,755.27

1895, ......$151,166.48

1897, ......$181,459.50

1898,

1899,

.$233,195.77

$216,791.45

1900, ......$217,612.24

11. The sales of stamps at the Bristish Post Office at Shanghai and at the British Postal Agencies in China will be found in Table D, and amounted to $84,105.28, an increase of $6,599.12 on the previous year's receipts; the Shanghai Post Office receipts under this head being $38,749.64 in 1901 against $32,027.90 in 1900.

PARCEL POST.

12. Again this year the Parcel Post business shews a steady advance on the previous one. The total number of those received (including 3,607 Insured) amounted to 43,161, and of those despatched (including 4,424 Insured) amounted to 38,679. Details will be found in Table E.

REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE.

· 13. The Revenue and Expenditure for the year 1901 will be found in Table F. It will be seen that the Revenue received from all sources was $355,912.74, exceeding that of 1900 by $30,309.41, and the Expenditure was $273,685.51, an increase of $38,422.43 on that of previous year. The net balance to the credit of Hongkong Post Office on the year's transactions amounted to $82,227.23.

MONEY ORDers.

14. The Money Order business done during the year 1901 was again a large one and exceeded that of the previous year by the sum of $79,762.03. The total amount of Orders issued and paid amounted to $621,381.26 and $560,521.39 respectively. I attach a statement of the year's transactions -Table G.

15. The sales of Imperial and Local Postal Notes in 1901-Tables H and I-amounted to £6,918.12s. 1d. and $8,093.06 respectively, and exceeded the sales of the previous year-the former by £768.148.11d. and the latter by $1,691.56. The selling rate of the Imperial Postal Notes ruled high for the greater part of the year owing to the uncertain and frequent fluctuations in the rate of exchange.

16. As already mentioned, a Deputy Superintendent of the Money Order Office was appointed owing to the increasing work in this Branch. This Officer's principal duties consisted of Indian Orders, and the Office was fortunate in being able to transfer an old and experienced employee in the person of Mr. Moosa to this work. As will be seen the Orders drawn on India in 1901 exceeded those of the previous year by the large sum of Rs. 101,524. The additional help so much needed had hardly been given before the Superintendent, Mr. DIXON, one of the most capable and efficient officers in the Service, was removed by being transferred temporarily to Shanghai, thereby handicapping the Office in a most

serious manner.

GENERAL.

17. I think I can fairly claim that the mails were delivered in as short a time after arriving at this Office as could reasonably be expected. I may mention the following averages-delivery to Box- holders by the French Packet was effected in 1 hour and 25 minutes after receipt, by the English Mail in 20 minutes after receipt, by the American Mail in 35 minutes after receipt, and by the German Mail in 1 hour and a quarter.

During the year many improvements were made to the Shanghai Office, and I am pleased to be able to state that this Office is much more used than formerly by the public. In the past it was report- ed they did not receive the courtesy and attention to which they were entitled and consequently went elsewhere.

Many Foreign Post Offices were established in China during the year at places where none formerly existed. At some places this Office had Agencies, but, unfortunately where we had not any, no Offices or Agencies have been opened. It is necessary, I think, that Postal Agencies should be established at

579

Chefoo, Tientsin and Peking, as the large and increasing number of British residents at these places render it only a national right that, providing no appreciable loss be anticipated, they should be given the facility to post in their own offices.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your obedient Servant,

"The Honourable

THE COLONIAL SECRETARY.

Table A.

APPROXIMATE STATISTICS FOR THE YEAR 1901.

International and Local Correspondence.

E. CORNEWALL Lewis,

Acting Postmaster General.

International.

Local.

Comparison with 1900.

Description of Correspondence.

Total.

Des- patched.

Received.

Des- patched.

Received.

Total in 1900.

Increase. Decrease.

Ordinary Paid Letters,

1,906,350 1,952,160|| 90,610

53,460 | 4,002,580

3,544,430458,150

Unpaid or Short-paid Articles,.

Letters on Postal Business,

Post Cards,...

Newspapers, Books, Circulars, Patterns,

&c.,

Registered Articles,

44,020 91,310 1,920

1,010

138.260

130,410 7,850

107,220

7,510 7,070 2,600 86,550 3,720

2,030

19,210

12,910

6,300

880

198,370

173,090

25,280

716,560 1,555,970, 72,540

7,620 | 2,352,690 | 2,311,580

41.110

185,770 242,890

9,360

Do.,

with Return Receipts,

Insured Letters (Actual),.

990 6,730 153

70 107 ...

6,340 2,760

444,360

409,820

34,540

10,550

7,130

3,420

260

117

143

Local Delivery:-Letters, Circulars, &c.,

278,720

211,870

66,850

Table B.

Mail Bays, &c., Received and Despatched during the Year 1901.

for

from

Mails Hongkong.

Mails for

Mails for H. M.'s

Foreign

Men-of-

Ordinary.

Registered.

Ships.

War.

Mails sent in transit through lfongkong.

Number of Steamers bringing Mails.

Loose

Bags. Packets.

Letter Bags. Packets.

Parcel Boxes.

Bags. Bags.

Bags. Packets.

Boxes.

Arri- ! De- vals.partures.

Received,... 38,303 1,645

1,208 7,854

3,1562,391

2,472

Despatched, 25,873 1,545

1,050 9,239

2,332 2,535

810

2,448

1,722

18,211

4875,914

6,626

January,

February,.

March,..

April,

May,

June,

July,.

August, September, October,

November, December,

Table C.

Sale of Stamps at Hongkong, 1900 and 1901.

1900. .$19,767.98

1901. $21,677.56

13,762 84

16,080,79

18,297.22

21,944,98

16,495.48

19,623.88

17,741.82

21,031.83

17,722.32

16.818.91

19,272.19

17,687.60

18,993.75

20,932.43

17,940.29

17,529.89

18,561.80

20,281.21

20,024.19

23,611.28

19,032.86

22,157.13

Total,......

$217,612.24

$239,377.49

580

Amoy,

Canton,.

Foochow,

Hankow,

Hoihow,

Liu Kung Tau,

Ningpo,

Table D.

Sale of Stamps at the British Post Offices in China, 1900 and 1901.

1901. $10,379.18

1900.

.$11,077.29

13,474.42

14,966.17

6,911.58

6,567.98

4,913.39

3,662.57

1,094.54

1,217.97

1,941.26

2,371.81

287.09

302.36

Shanghai,.

Swatow,

32,027.90 5,778.69

38,749.61 5,887.60

Total,.

$77,506.16

$84,105.28

Table E.

Statistics of Parcels for the Year 1901.

Despatched to

Ordinary.

Insured.

Received from

Ordinary.

Insured.

United Kingdom,.

14,808

3,634

United Kingdom,

22,607

3,012

Do.,

(via Brindisi),

304

192

Do.,

(via Brindisi),

281

231

Do.,

(via Marseilles),

Do.,

(via Marseilles),...

1,095

India,...

1,583

582

India,

1,161

196

Germany,

310

Germany,

992

105

France,

France,.

320

59.

Australia,

580

Australia,

508

Ceylon,

Ceylon,.....

141

Malta and Gibraltar,.

Malta and Gibraltar,

102

Egypt, Canada and Mauritius,

262

Egypt, Canada and Mauritius,

1,007

Other places (approximate),

16,296

Other places (approximate),

11,340

Total,.......

34,255

4,424

Total,.......

39,554

3,607

Table F.

Revenue and Expenditure.

Receipts.

1900.

1901. Increase. Decrease.

Expenditure.

1900.

1901. Increase.

Decrease.

Sale of Stamps,

Unpaid Postage......................

Boxholders' Fees,

293,832.79324,056.96 | 30,224.17

7,757.42 8,059.88 302.46

4.263.63 4,710.39 446.76

Transit Payment to the j United Kingdom, ... i

Transit Payment to

other Countries...

46,207.88 52.304.92

6,097.04

32,827.19 39,242.49 6,415.00

Commission on Money)

Orders,

10,134.67 8,793.48

1.341.19

Commission on Money i

Orders,

1,299.46 2,260.97

961,51

Profit on Exchange on Money Order Trans- actions, ...

9,281.03 10,038.45

757.42

Interest on Money Or- ì

der Fund,

236.66

253.58

16.92

Void Money Orders and

Postal Notes,

97.13

Contribution towards

P. & O. Subsidy,

Gratuities to Shipmas- ters for the convey- ance of Mails,..

97.13 Working Expenses,

60,004.36 61,994.68 1.990.32

6,926.19 6,570.45

355.74

87,997.70|111,312.00 | 23.314.30.

Balance,

90,340.25 $2,227.23

8,113.02

Total....

| 325,603.33 | 355,912.74 31,747.73 1,438.32

Total,.........$ 325,603.33 | 355,912.74| 38,778.17

8,468.76

United Kingdom,...................

Queensland, ...

New South Wales, Victoria,

South Australia,

Tasmania,.

New Zealand,

United States of America and Hawaii,

Canada,...

Japan,

Straits Settlements,..

British North Borneo,....

Table G.

STATEMENT OF MONEY ORDER TRANSACTIONS FOR THE YEAR 1901.

IN STERLING.

IN GOLD DOLLARS.

IN GOLD YEN.

IN SILVER DOLLARS.

IN RUPEES.

Orders

Issued.

Orders

Paid.

Orders

Issued.

Orders

Paid.

Issued.

Paid.

Issued.

Paid.

Issued.

Orders

Paid.

£ s. d.

Yen sen. Yen sen.

钥

Rs. as. Rs. as.

17,022 0 2

5,893 19 5

57 3 10

17,614 611

492 4 4

4,040 15. 0

263 4 0

3,211 0 4

28 7 0

1,197 8 3

370 11 5

628 18 3

159 9 9

838 3 3

...

Siam,......

Shanghai,

Other Coast Ports,

India,

Ceylon,.

Base Post Office,.

Total for 1901,..

18,393 0 6 33,424 11 5

for 1900,..

16,242 14 5 37,742 17 10

4,524.20

1,180.06

12,926.69

1,869.81

•

...

181,446.16 8,614.14

3,644.43

30,085.46

...

56.65

276.95

11,733.93

3,407.87

1,073.06

345.85

13,350.87

...

304,613 9 141,438 13 1,577 8 4,702 7

13,270.60

...

5,704.26 | 14,796.50 | 181,446.16 8,614.14 5,076.36 | 11,504.93 11,504.93 215,304.78 13,041.96

8,458.96 68,786.71306,191 1146,141 4 7,423.30 | 59,626.44 | 204,239 9 52,676 6

581

582

Table H.

Statement of Imperial Postal Notes sold at Hongkong and the British Postal Agencies during the year 1901.

VALUES.

PLACE.

s. d. 1/03/20

s. d. 1/6/

s. d. 5/1

s. d.

10/1

s. d. 20/1

Sterling Value.

Value in Hong- kong Currency.

£ S. d.

Hongkong,

1,102

902

1,163

1,567

2,886

4,116 11

•

42,809.56

Canton,

103

144

223 16 1

2,327.02

Swatow,

131 5

1,373.80

Amoy,....

116

109

142 10

1,463.38

Foochow,

152

4층

1,591.55

Shanghai,

569

496

416

636

1,034

1,534

15,997.19

Hankow,.....

124 17

1,303.43

Ningpo,

४

27 17 I

Liu Kung Tau,

112

208

298

Hoihow,

438 13 7

25 963

289.98 4,591.27 265.50

Total in 1901,................

2,157

1,834

1,978 | 2,776 | 4,733 | 6,918 12 1

72,012.68

Total in 1900,.

Increase,

6,149 17 2

768

14 11

Table I.

Statement of Local Postal Notes sold at Hongkong and the British Postal Agencies during the year 1901.

VALUES.

25 ets. 51 cts. $1.02. $2.04. $3.06. $1.08.

$5.10.

$10.20.

Amount.

$ C.

Hongkong, Canton,

220

968.07

803.15

Swatow,.

672.13

Amoy,

926.07

Foochow,

1,827.63

Shanghai,

433.07

Hankow,

413.14

Ningpo,

168.56

Liu Kung Tau,

1,269.19*

Hoihow,......

612.05

Total in 1901,

178

226

159

201

200

195

333

417

8,093.06

Total in 1900,

6,401.50

Increase,

1,691.56

ર

HONGKONG.

PAPERS REGARDING THE NEW POST OFFICE.

437

No. 16

1902

18th March, 1898.

C.O.D. 186/98.

6th October, No. 285.

November, 1898. ·

C.S.O. 2812.

100-8.4.02.

Laid before the Legislative Council by Command of His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government.

NEW POST OFFICE BUILDING.

On this date and referring to previous correspondence, the Governor reported to the Secretary of State (No. 78) the Legislative Council's unanimous resolution of 28th February, that the new Law Courts and accessory offices should be erected on reclamation plot 2 in front of the City Hall and that the site of the present General Post Office and Supreme Court be reserved for erection of a new General Post Office which should also afford accommodation for such other Government Offices as might be decided on. The Governor proposed :-

(a) preparation of designs for the new Law Courts and accessory offices by the Consulting Architects, and on their receipt to prepare estimates locally and invite tenders; and

(b) that plans for the new G. P. O. be prepare 1 locally.

He proceeded to refer to D. P. W.'s (Mr. ORMSBY's) preliminary views as to which offices could be accommodate with the G. P. O. He stated that an esti- mate for a three storied building on the present G. P. O). and Supreme Court site was put at $130,000. The Governor then went into the question of the Colony's ability to meet the expenditure involved, and hoped that the Secretary of State would be satisfied on that heal and approve of the proposals. A report of the proceedings in Legislative Council and report by the Director of Public Works, also papers on the financial side of the question were enclosed.

On 22nd July, 1898, the Secretary of State, in reply to the Governor's despatch No. 78 of 18th March, 1898, approved of the preparation of plans locally for the new Post Office and other offices, but asked for further information as to the financial ability of the Colony to meet the expenditure involved in view of the effect on the revenue from Land Sales of the decision to limit the terms of Crown Leases.

The Governor reported to the Secretary of State as regards the financial ques- tion that he did not think the revenue from Land Sales would be seriously affected.

On the discussion of the plans of the new Supreme Court, Mr. May suggested putting the G. P. (). on the ground floor and Supreme Court above, thereby releas- ing the valuable site of the present G. P. O., but the Director of Public Works advanced objections and the Governor decided not to re-open the matter.

On 23rd November, the Director of Public Works submitted a proposal that the Government should exchange the site of the present G. P. O., etc., with Messrs. JARDINE, MATHESON & Co., for a site occupied by their offices in front of the present building at the corner of Des Voeux Road and Pedder's Street, and the Government welcomed the suggestion as providing a solution of this trouble- some matter, but the negotiations fell through, and it remained, therefore, to face the question of re-erecting the G. P. O. on its present site which involved the necessity of finding temporary accommodation.

438

The Executive Council advised the erection of a three-storied building on the present site of the G. P. O. and Law Courts to accommodate a new G. P. O., Treasury, Local Auditor's Office, Registrar General's Office, Education Depart- ment and Sanitary Board Office, and that competitive designs be invited locally. Thereupon the Director of l'ublic Works formulated particulars and conditions and suggested raising the estimate to $175,000. The matter, however, remained in abeyance owing to the impossibility of finding temporary accommodation and until the new Supreme Court came to be completed.

20th March, 1899. (C.S.O. 3812/98.)

6th October, 1899.

(C.S.O. 2921/01.)

17th October, 1901.

9th January, 1902.

In September, 1901, the matter took a fresh start when the Colonial Secretary 27th September, 1891. (Mr. STEWART LOCKHART) proposed the reclamation in front of Messrs. JARDINE, MATHESON & Co., on the Praya, as a site. The Director of Public Works was all in favour of this site as being the most convenient position possible, near present building so still central, and near the principal landing place. The new proposal came before Executive Council on 17th October, 1901, and it advised submitting the matter to the Secretary of State. This course was followed on 9th January, 1902, in a despatch No. 9 which reviewed the intricate history of the question which first came up in 1894, explained the many advantages of the proposed Praya site over all others, which advantages were held to fully compensate the Government for the additional cost involved. A telegraphic reply was asked for as Messrs. JARDINE, MATHESON & Co. were only willing to allow the Government the refusal of the offer of the land for two months. It was suggested that Sir H. A. BLAKE be consulted.

On this date the Secretary of State telegraphed approval, and on the 22nd February, the Officer Administering the Government proposed to take over the land forthwith and to invite competitive designs locally as the staff of the Public Works Department was not sufficient to undertake the work and as delay ought to be avoided.

.offer.

The Secretary of State replied that this might be done.

The Government by letter formally accepted Messrs. JARDINE, MAtheson's

Steps are now being taken to settle definitely the exact amount of accom- modation required by the various offices to be housed in the building to be erected, and the Director of Public Works is preparing the necessary notices inviting com- petitive designs.

4th April, 1902.

M. J. D.

15th February, 1902.

23rd March, 1902.

27th March, 1902.

No. 9.

SIR,

GOVERNMENT HOUSE, HONGKONG, 9th January, 1902.

I have the honour to inform you that, for some time past, this Government has had under its consideration a new scheme in connection with the proposed new Post Office, and as the scheme has now been fully matured, I have to submit it for your consideration.

2. The proposal which has hitherto been kept in view, but in connection with which no action has been taken, is that the new Post Office should be built on the site of the present Law Courts. The new proposal, which appears to me to have many advantages over the old, is to erect the Post Office on the reclamation in front of the Offices of Messrs. JARDINE, MATHESON AND COMPANY. This will ne- cessitate the purchase of an expensive site, but, on the other hand, the Government will have as an asset the valuable site upon which the present Post Office and Law Courts now stand.

439

3. Before laying before you the details of the new scheme, I will recapitulate the somewhat intricate history of the reports and negotiations which have led to its adoption, and in order to elucidate my remarks, I attach a small plan of the City on which are indicated all the various sites which have been selected or considered suitable for the new Post Office, and which are now abandoned in favour of that which I have mentioned.

4. The matter was first dealt with by the Committee appointed by Sir WIL- LIAM ROBINSON in 1894, which recommended in its report, dated November, 1896, that the Post Office should be erected on a site on the Reclamation. From the Appendix to the report, specifying the conditions of competition subject to which it was proposed to invite designs from Architects, it will be seen that the site, which I have marked "A" on the accompanying plan, was the one selected.

5. Subsequently Messrs. ASTON WEBB and INGRESS BELL, who were appointed Architects for the new Law Courts, selected site "A" as the most suitable for the Courts and recommended that the Post Office should be erected on site "B".

6. This recommendation was referred by His Excellency the Governor to the Public Works Committee, which decided that the existing site marked "C" on plan, was more central and suitable for the purpose than site "B" and would afford the desired accommodation if the area at present occupied by the Courts were added to it.

7. The Committee's proposal, though good in many respects, is open to serious objections, the principal being that excessive delay and inconvenience would be caused in the carrying out of the work.

8. To explain this, I must emphasize the fact that the new Post Office was to embrace the sites of the present Post Office and Supreme Court, and that, at the present time, practically half the ground floor of the Supreme Court is oc- cupied by the Post Office.

9. It will, therefore, be seen that before the construction of a new Post Office can be begun on the existing site, both the Courts and the Post Office must be removed.

10. The removal of the former to the building to be erected upon site "A" will not take place before 1905 at the earliest, nor will its removal render possible the commencement of the new Post Office for the reason mentioned in paragraph 8.

11. It follows, therefore, that, in order to admit of the new Post Office being begun within a reasonable period of time, both the Courts and Post Office (includ- ing the Treasury) must be removed to temporary premises. The idea of procuring suitable accommodation otherwise than by erecting temporary buildings must be dismissed because investigations have shown that no suitable buildings are avail- able.

12. Putting aside the inconvenience and expense which would be caused by the erection of temporary buildings, there is the serious risk attached to such a proposal of a fire occurring which might involve irreparable loss.

13. The only other important objection to the proposal is that all Mails arrive or are despatched by steamer and consequently the disadvantages of a Post Office which does not front on the Harbour are very great.

14. Having thus dealt with the sites hitherto recommended, I will now turn to the one (marked "D" on plan) which has recently been put forward.

15. The advantages possessed by this site are undoubtedly great, and it will be observed that its distance from the present Post Office is so inconsiderable that it may be disregarded. They are as follows:—

(1.) It is on the Harbour Front.

(2.) It is adjacent to the principal landing place of the City-Blake Pier.

•

440

(3.) It is on the route of the proposed Tramways.

(4.) It is surrounded on 3 sides by main streets all of which are 75 feet

in width.

(5.) It

possesses the further advantage that no interference will be caused

with the working of the Office, which can continue to occupy the present building until the new one has been completed.

16. The only disadvantages it possesses are that the land must be purchased from its present owner and that the cost of the foundations will be greater on this site than on the present one.

17. With regard to these disadvantages, I have ascertained from Messrs. JARDINE, MATHESON & Co. that Sir ROBERT JARDINE is prepared to sell the area, which comprises 25,414 square feet, at $20 per square foot, or at a total cost of $508,280.

18. As the site of the existing Post Office, Courts, &c., would be rendered available for sale by the transfer to site D," the Colony would be recouped for this outlay.

19. After providing for the construction of a public street in order to develop the land, for the purpose of which a certain area of private property must be ac- quired, there will remain an area of 38,942 square feet for sale, the value of which is estimated at $629,328. From this must be deducted the cost of resuming the area just mentioned, which is estimated at $80,000, leaving the net return from the sale of the land $549,323.

20. With regard to the extra cost of the foundations, this may be taken at about $60,000, as an offset against which there is the avoidance of the cost of temporary buildings and of the dislocation of the work which must inevitably result from attempting to utilize the existing site.

21. It will, therefore, be seen that the advantages of adopting the new site are very great and may be regarded as fully compensating for the additional cost which would be involved in carrying out the proposal.

22. In submitting the above scheme for your consideration, I have the honour to request that you will inform me of your decision in the matter as soon as pos- sible by telegraph, as Messrs. JARDINE, MATHESON & Co. have intimated in the letter, of which I enclose a coyy, that they will allow the Government to have the refusal of their offer for only two months, and that they desire to be in- formed as promptly as possible of its acceptance or decline.

23. As Sir HENRY BLAKE is fully acquainted with the details of the scheme, I have the honour to suggest that you should apply to him for any information or explanation you require during his absence in England.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your most obedient, humble Servant,

W. J. GASCOIGNE,

Major-General,

Administering the Government.

The Right Honourable

JOSEPH CHAMBERLAIN, M.P.,

&C.,

&c.,

&c.

میرا

661

No. 1902

HONGKONG.

ALPHABETICAL REFERENCE TABLE TO PROFESSOR SIMPSON'S

RECOMMENDATIONS.

Laid before the Legislative Council by Command of His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government.

Para. Memo.

Acquisition of insanitary property;

Albany beds-water to be stored in covered reservoirs,

Appointment of doctors,

Bacteriological examination of rats daily,

Boarding of vessels, ...

Building Ordinance revision,

...

{

Canton steamers,

doctors on,.......

Chinese doctors and nurses,

Chinese houses, type of,

Cleansing and disinfection,

Closing of blocks of houses,

Conference of Chinese doctors,...

Contacts, treatment of,

Contractors of labour,

Daily routine of Plague staff,

Danysz virus,

Disinfection,

Districts, ..

•

Dumping of bodies, ...

Emigration, control of, ...

Fines,

Flushing arrangements,

Haffkine's prophylactic, Handbills,

...

Heads of guilds,......

Hospitals, private,

...

Human Plague sanitary duties,

Inoculation,

Insanitary areas,

Insanitary property, ...

...

•

:..

.:.

...

:..

{

9-10

...

{34

N N

33-34

...

27-28

...

27-28

20-21

...

122

662

Para. Memo.

f 13

•

...

f10

...

6-7

...

Isolation of contacts,...

Land sales,

Latrines for blocks of houses,

Macao steamers,

...

:..

...

Medical inspection of passengers and ships,

M. (). H. and Plague staff-duties,...

Medical Officer to each district,

Notice to householders-notification of all sickness,

Passengers--medical inspection, ...

Plague staff,

duties, ...

Precautions-January-June,

Preventive measures,...

Private hospitals,

...

Procedure on occurrence of Plague,

Public Health Ordinance,...

:..

...

Quarantine Station-sick or suspected persons,......

Removal of sick,

Rat-catchers to be increased,

Rats-Bacteriological examination daily,

Danysz virus, ...

•

Destruction in district plague infected,

General destruction,

Landing from ships,

Methods of destruction,...

M.:.

...

ƒ 24

...

:..

...

Migration,

Runs,

Ships from China,

Reservoirs to be covered,

Sanitary Inspectors,

Sick or suspected persons,

Vacation of buildings,

Verandahs objectionable,

...

}

Weekly bulletins from Consuls, Customs,

27-28

་

PROFESSOR SIMPSON'S RECOMMENDATIONS.

FIRST MEMORANDUM.

Paragraphs in

Report.

Rats.

4.-(a.) Appointment of 2 or 3 train- ed Medical Officers to bacteriologically examine rats daily.

(b.) Rat-catchers to be increased in

number.

(c.) Concentration of efforts for des- truction of rats in districts where rats are found to be plague- infected.

(d.) Tendency of rats to migrate to be rememberel and watch kept.

5. General destruction of rats and mice to proceed as before.

6 & 7. Methods of destruction sug- gested.

8. Danysz virus to be prepared by Dr. HUNTER and systematically distribut- ebdy Sanitary Board.

9. Prevention of rats landing from ships.

Four Japanese doctors are at present employed on this duty having been en- gaged for a period of six months.

The number of rat-catchers in the em- ploy of the Board at the end of last year was twenty-two. The Board has now one hundred and thirty-two rat-catchers and rat-poisoners.

This is specially arranged for, rat-poi- soners being sent to these districts daily.

No marked migration of rats has been observed, except during the house to house cleansing when they left the disin- fected houses.

This has been prosecuted vigorously.

Rat poison and rat traps have been freely used; carbolic acid is poured into rat runs. The question of the treat- ment of ships was referred to the Cham- ber of Commerce who were not in favour of taking active steps in this direction.

No Danysz virus has been prepared owing to the loss at sea of all Dr. HUNTER'S apparatus, duplicates of which have not yet arrived in the Colony.

A special Ordinance has been passed to secure this, and it is administered by the Police.

Human Plague.

10. The measures to be adopted are:-

(a.) Early discovery of cases,

(b.) Tracing connection with for-

iner cases.

(c.) Removal of the sick.

(d.) Cleansing and disinfection.

There are seven Chinese senior students of medicine engaged in searching for Plague cases, each student being accom- panied by a British Sapper and by a Chinese Constable.

This has been done, although in many cases no reliable history is obtainable.

This is carried out by officers of the Board.

Performed by a special brigade of Sanitary Board Officers.

663

664

(e.) Inoculation in plague-infected

localities.

These duties are apart from the ordi- nary duties of the Sanitary Staff and render necessary special arrangements for their performance.

11.-(a.) Division of town into dis- tricts and appointment of a Medical man and a Sanitary Inspector to each district.

(b.) Their duty to be discovery of

cases, house to house visitation, and supervision of preventive

measures.

(c.) Zone of houses surrounding an infected house to be inspected by Medical man daily.

(d.) History of cases to be traced

out and recorded.

(e.) Whereabouts of friends who have had communication with the sick to be ascertained.

(f) Rats in zone of houses to be

destroyed.

12. Inoculation with Haffkine's pro- phylactic to be encouraged.

13. Medical inspection of incoming passengers from Canton and Macao to be carried out.

14. Establishment of Private Hospital with Chinese Doctors and Nurses may be allowed under proper safeguards.

The rat-catching and disinfecting staff of the Board have been inoculated (includ- ing the Medical Officer of Health) but the general community have not taken the matter up although it is offered free to all.

The pick of the permanent officers have been detailed for plague duty but it is hoped that next year there will be a special plague staff independent of the staff for general sanitary duties.

Endeavours were made to obtain medi- cal men from India, but as this failed, Ja- panese doctors were obtained--six being posted to the twelve health districts, but as they had no knowledge of English their services were found to be ineffective and four were sent back, two (of these six) being retained for bactereological work in connection with the examination of rats.

This is done by the Chinese students of medicine mentioned at 10 (a.)

This is done.

This is also done as far as possible.

This is done by the rat-poisoners.

The Chinese are very averse to this at present.

This is being done as regards Macao.

Several have been sanctioned.

SECOND MEMORANDUM.

Paragraphs

of. Report..

5. Building Ordinance requires com- plete revision.

These recommendations are being em- bodied in a Bill which has been prepared by Mr. CHADWICK and Prof. SIMPSON and which will be presented to Government shortly.

6.-(a.) Existing Ordinances do not ensure sanitary dwellings.

(b.) Minimum of superficial area and cubic space permitted for each person should be raised.

(c.) Cubicles without windows not

to be permitted.

7.-(a.) Sewers and small storm- water channels not to be dependent on ordinary water-supply for flushing.

(b.) Water after filtration at Albany beds to be received in covered

reservoirs.

8. Efforts to be concentrated on plague prevention while sanitary improvements in the town itself are being gradually effected.

9. Weekly bulletins as to the existence of plague to be obtained from Consuls in South China, Medical Missionaries, and the Maritime Customs.

Boarding of vessels from plague in- fected districts to be carried out.

Special precautions from January to April in each year desirable.

10. (a) Medical inspection of vessels and junks from Chinese Coast during first four months of year to be carried out by Boarding Officers and Medical Officers

of the Port.

(b.) Canton steamers to carry from January to June their own Medi- cal Officers.

12. Sick or suspected persons to be dealt with only.

Rats.

13. Systematic destruction of rats steamers and junks from plague infected ports on the Chinese Coast and which go alongside wharves or into dock,

to be undertaken.

Emigrants.

16. Registration and control of emi- grant houses: daily inspection: regular medical inspection of emigrants in emi- gration houses: compulsory notification of all sickness to be enforced.

Nothing done. The subject is dealt with more fully in Mr. CHADWICK'S Reports. Much work will be involved in carrying out any such proposal.

It has been pointed out that the cover- ing cannot be done until the leaks which exist have been made good. This will probably involve practical reconstruction of the reservoir.

This is being done.

This has not yet been arranged. Letters asking for weekly bulletins written to Consuls at ports in South China and to London Missionary Society in Hongkong.

This is done in regard only to vessels from ports declared infected by the Governor-in-Council, at present.

Not yet arranged. Question of medical inspection of Canton steamers discussed by Sanitary Board (vide" Daily Press" of 29-1-1902). Board decided to let question of inspecting Canton steamers stand over.

Not yet arranged.

Do.

Not yet arranged. See (6) and (7). Question referred to Chamber of Com- merce who are opposed to the proposal. Sanitary Board has not therefore pressed

the matter.

Everything in train for registration: notice published, but no licences yet applied for.

The Ordinance (37 of 1901) does not give any power of entry into the houses. The last two points would naturally be included in the Bye-laws, which are still under consideration. (4-6-02).

665

666

18. Appointment of medical men for districts. (See paragraph 11 of Memo- randum I.)

20. Dumping of bodies of persons dead of plague must be stopped.

21. The inhabitants to be made res- ponsible. Town to be divided into dis- tricts and sub-districts and streets.

Fines to be levied on district or street in which a dead body is dumped.

22.-(a.) Handbills explaining causes and symptoms of plague and measures to be taken on its appearance to be distri- buted.

(b.) Conference of Chinese Doctors to be held and measures for plague prevention explained to them. (c.) Contractors of labour and heads of guilds to be informed of Government's wishes.

23. Bacteriological examination of rats to be carried out daily. (See paragraph 4 of Memorandum I.)

24. Blocks of buildings in which plague infected rats have been found or human plague has occurred may be tem- porarily closed before plague becomes epidemic.

26. Filling up of rat-runs with glass and cement to be carried out.

27. Isolation of contacts

may be carried out before plague becomes epi- demic. Vacating of the whole house must be adopted and inmates allowed after disinfection to go to certain districts. Exception to be made in pneumonic plague cases.

28. Procedure to be adopted on-

(a.) Occurrence of a case of plague

in a house.

(b.) When plague infected rats are

discovered.

29.-(a.) Special plague staff to be established under the Medical Officer of Health.

(6.) Medical Officer of Health to

be relieved of clerical work.

The arrangement as regards the Japa- nese doctors did not succeed. It is sug- gested (by the Medical Officer of Health) that qualified students of the Hongkong College of Medicine would answer the purpose admirably. Not yet stopped.

Decided in Executive Council on the 3rd instant that this proposal be not adopt- ed but that a reward of $10 be offered instead for each authentic living case of plague reported by a Chinese as having occurred in any particular house occupied wholly or in part by Chinese.

ed.

Several thousands have been distribut-

Not yet done if done, little good be- yond the mere publication could be hoped

for.

Every rat found or caught in the Col- ony is now bacteriologically examined.

This has been done. A list of the houses so closed is attached to C. S. 0. 1193/02.

This is carried out by the officers of the Board in plague infected houses and by the owners on the written order of the Board in all other houses which are found to contain rat-runs.

Several large blocks of new buildings have been rented by the Government for the accommodation of persons displaced from plague infected houses and such premises are visited daily by the Assistant Medical Officer of Health and the persons inspected. These people are not kept as prisoners but allowed to proceed to work. Shop-keepers have been given ground- floors so that they can continue their business.

This has been carried out except that there has been no detention and isolation of contacts other than that described in

27 (above), and that the inspector is not a medical man.

Not yet arranged for.

A European clerk has recently been appointed who attends to a good deal of this class of work now.

(c.) All communications regarding the health of the Colony or out- breaks of disease in other coun- tries to be sent direct to the Medical Officer of Health.

30. Duties of special plague Depart- ment of Sanitary Department sum- marised.

31. Larger sanitary questions and measures of improvement require con- tinuous and detailed attention.

Construction of new buildings at the present time criticised.

32. Public Health and Building Ordi- dinances should give the necessary powers to deal with such questions and measures.

33. Present type of Chinese houses insanitary.

34. Suggestions for fresh provisions in future Ordinances or in conditions of sales of land.

667

Not yet arranged.

Not yet arranged. New Building Ordi- nance will deal with some of the points mentioned.

This will be dealt with by the new Bill.

Do.

!..

HONGKONG.

REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS, FOR THE YEAR 1901.

Laid before the Legislative Council by Command of His Excellency the Governor.

843

No. 1902

PUBLIC WORKS OFFICE,

HONGKONG, 8th December, 1902.

SIR,

I have the honour to forward you my report upon the work of the Public Works Department during the year 1901. I regret that it should be so late, but the delay has been chiefly due to the special demands made upon my time during the current year by the visit of the Sanitary Experts, the measures which had to be devised to tide the Colony over the exceptional drought, and the preparation of new Building and Water Works Ordinances and Regulations. In addition to these, there have been several important matters of an exceptional nature under consider- ation, including the Praya East Reclamation Scheme, the resumption of the site for the new Post Office, estimates for schemes proposed by the Sanitary Experts, some important schemes for road improvements at Quarry Bay and Kowloon, etc.-all of which have combined to make the past year an exceptionally busy one.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your obedient Servant,

The Honourable

F. H. MAY, C.M.G.,

Colonial Secretary.

W. CHATHAM, Director of Public Works.

other Charges,

EXPENDITURE.

1. The amounts voted, as compared with the actual expenditure by the Depart- ment, under the various headings, were as follows:-

(1.) Personal Emoluments and

Actual expenditure.

Amount voted.

$124,906.00

$104,986.35

(2.) Annually Recurrent Works, including supplementary

370,654.09

318,299.63

votes,

(3.) Extraordinary Works, includ-

868,119.35

368,069.51

ing supplementary votes,

Total,

$1,363,679.44

$791,355.49

Detailed statements of items (2) and (3) are given in Appendices A. and B.

ދ"

844

LAND SALES AND SURVEYS.

2. Land Sales, Extensions, Grants, &c.-The following tabulated statement gives particulars of these :-

ANNUAL CROWN

NO. OF LOTS.

AREA IN SQUARE FEET.

PREMIUM.

RENT.

Total.

Sales by Auction.

Island of Hongkong

Kowloon Peninsula......

222 223

665,118

827,006

161,948

{

3,656.00

5,508

1,852.00

100,106.00

94,217.00

194,323.00

Possessory Agreements ¦

issued.

Praya Reclamation Lots| taken up by Lessees...

Extensions granted.

101,936

101,936 1,876.00 1,876.00

Nil,

Nil.

Island of Hongkong

5 5

54,227

54.227

61.22

7,506.57

Grants on Short Leases.

Island of Hongkong

130,199

87.00

Kowloon l'eninsula

240,000

370,199

25.00

113.00

Nil.

New Territory

1.00

Conversions of Farm

and Garden Lots into Inland Lots,

Kowloon Peninsula......

212,843

212,843 970.00

970.00

1,057.59

Grants to Squatters.

Kowloon Peninsula

296,599

296,599 2,679.00

2,679.00 45,866.75 45,866.75

1,862,870

Totals,..

or 42.76 acres.

$11,207.22

$218,753.91

The actual amount of premium paid into the Treasury during the year was $249,828.91, or considerably less than the estimate, which amounted to $400,000.

The following are details of some of the principal land sales:-

No. of Lot.

Victoria Inland Lot 1631

Annual Rent.

Premium.

Price

per sq. foot.

$68...

$14,560..

.$3.45

1635

28.....

7,220......

..4.00

1641

48.

4,500.....

..0.64

Quarry Bay Inland Lot

1,776...........

.23,219...

0.06

Kowloon Inland Lot 1117

88......

9,200..

.1.21

1118

220....

6,035..

...0.30

1122 Hung Hom Inland Lot 230

64.....

8,100........

....1.46

82.....

5,100.....

..0.71

231

82........... 4,300..............0.60

The principal item under Extensions was that in connection with Victoria Inland Lot 703, the area amounting to 16,259 square feet, premium to $2,009.67, and Crown rent to $10.22. This was really an old encroachment, which was discovered when the construction of Conduit Road was undertaken, the lessee of the lot being called upon to take out a new lease for the correct area.

The following is a statement of the lots converted from Farm or Garden into Inland Lots:-

PREVIOUS Lot No.

NEW LOT No.

AREA.

PREMIUM. CROWN RENT.

sq. ft.

$ c.

K.G.L. 40

K.I.L. 616

49,698

248.49

228.00

1,132

40,250

201.25

184.00

1,133

57,420

287.10

264.00

1,134

65,475

320.75

294.00

The grants to squatters were as follows:-

LOT No.

LOCALITY..

AREA.

PREMIUM. CROWN RENt.

sq. ft.

$ C.

K.M.L.

Fuk Tsun Heung

43,445

9,508.10

405.00

54-56

Mong Kok Tsui

119,330

18,358.65

1,265.00

H.H.I.L. 235-241

Hung Hom

120,000

18,000.00

963.00

K.I.L. 954

Mong Kok Tsui

13,824

Nil.

46.00

3. Lease Plans. Plans and particulars (in duplicate) of 108 lots were furnished to the Land Office in connection with the issue of leases.

4. Sites for Booths at Racecourse.-A sum of $850 was realized by the letting of sites for the erection of booths and stands at Happy Valley during the Race Meeting.

5. Squatters' Licences.-The number of squatters' licences on the roll at the commencement of the year was 1,015, representing an annual rental of $2,699.23. During the

year, 23 were written off, leaving 992 still on the roll, the fees for which amounted to $2,507.30.

6. Military Lands.-Pending the settlement of various outstanding questions between the War Department and the Colonial Government, the Military Authori- ties were let into possession of sites at the junction of Bonham and Pokfulam Roads and on a spur near High West for the purpose of constructing defence works.

WORK UNDER THE BUILDING ORDINANCE.

7. Plans.-Plans were deposited during the year for the following:-

European houses,

Chinese houses,

.130

..822

Buildings and structures other than the above,....463 Alterations and Additions to existing buildings, 572

Total,...... 1,987

8. Certificates.-Certificates for 693 new buildings were issued under section 53 of Ordinance 15 of 1889.

9. Verandahs and Balconies.-Permission was granted for the erection of 209 verandahs and balconies.

845

846.

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

Crosby Store, after being for many years in a dilapidated condition, was taken down, its contents having been previously transferred to the new Store Buildings erected on Praya East, near No. 2 Police Station. No. 7 Police Station was also taken down in order to make room for the erection of a new and much larger Station on the same site. It was found necessary to take the roof off the Volunteer Head- quarters in consequence of the decayed condition of the timberwork and, pending a decision as to the erection of a new building elsewhere, a mat-shed covering was substituted. The remaining public buildings are all in a fair state of repair. Work is in progress for the erection of new buildings in place of several of the oldest and most inadequate, including the Law Courts and Land Registry Office, the

Harbour Office and the Western Market.

A decided improvement was effected, at the instance of His Excellency the Governor, in the entrance to the Ball-room at Government House, the two small doorways which formerly existed being converted into one large doorway by the removal of the intervening pier.

A number of buildings in the New Territory underwent repairs. Before the close of the year, there were five new Police Stations occupied, namely, Tai Pò, Au Tau, Ping Shan, Starling Inlet and Sai Kung, whilst two others were in course of erection at Sheung Shui and Tai O. These are the only new permanent buildings undertaken so far, with the exception of some huts for lepers near Au Tau; the Police or other officers in various other parts of the Territory being housed either in old buildings taken over from the Chinese Government or hired for the purpose, or in temporary structures.

15. Maintenance of Telegraphs.-A new annunciator was fixed at Tai Pò Police Station and an improvement in the communication with the New Territory was thereby effected. A separate wire was run from Tai Pò to Ping Shan in order to obviate the connection required at Au Tau when the last mentioned places were served by a single wire.

16. Maintenance of Public Cemetery.-New terraces were formed as found neces- sary to make room for interments. A new area has been set apart for the "Old Residents"" section, that hitherto in use having become filled. Permits in connec- tion with the erection of monuments to the number of 83 were issued, the fees for which amounted to $204.

17. Maintenance of Praya Wall and Piers.-The timber piers at Stonecutters' Island and Tim Sha Tsui Point and the stone pier at Sha Tin received special attention in the way of repairs. Nothing special was required in connection with the Praya Wall.

18. Maintenance of Lighthouses.-The lighthouses now include the one on Waglan Island, which was taken over from the Chinese Government, as it is situated within the boundaries of the New Territory. All the lighthouses were maintained in a satisfactory state of repair. Waglan is now connected with Hongkong by means of a cable, which was laid at the close of 1900. The cable lands near Cape D'Aguilar, whence a land-line extends to the Telegraph Companies' Office.

19. Dredging Foreshores.-Comparatively little work was done under this head- ing during the year, in consequence of the dredger, whilst on hire in connection with the raising of the hopper dredger "Canton River", having been sunk in the harbour on the 2nd March. The vessel and crane were successfully raised and, after undergoing thorough repairs at the hands of the Dock Company, resumed work on the 16th September. The dredger was subsequently hired to the Military Authorities for a period of four weeks in connection with the construction of a pier at Chong Lui near Devil's Peak. A commencement was made, towards the end of the

year, with the removal of detritus from the Bowrington Canal.

847

848

20. Miscellaneous Works.-The following are the principal items of expenditure under this vote, representing, in some cases, only a part of the cost of the work, in consequence of its execution extending into more than one year :-

Altering ground-floor windows of Central Market in order

to improve lighting,..

Constructing path from lower Tramway terminus to

Kennedy Road,...

.$2,983

2,045

Constructing rifle range in Tai Hang Valley,........... Constructing 12 wooden huts for lepers at Au Tau in the

New Territory,..

1,763

1,785

Constructing workshop at Wanchai store-yard in substitu-

tion for the one at No. 2 Tank, which has been closed, 1,668 Carrying on operations for ridding malarial districts of

the anopheles mosquito,

1,919

Constructing new Service Reservoir in upper part of

Glenealy,

1,444

Clearing away débris, removing bodies, &c., from Cochrane

Street collapse,

1,127

Re-arrangement of telephone lines in connection with

waterworks, &c.,

1,041

Extension of General Post Office, including electric light

installation,

1,239

Laying on gas to the Belilios Reformatory,

704

Alterations at the quarters of the Principal Civil Medical

Officer,

443

Adding verandah at the Steward's quarters, Civil Hospital, 476 Forming tennis court in Civil Hospital grounds, Providing cupboards for records in the Colonial Secre-

400

tary's Office,

439

21. Maintenance of Roads and Bridges in City.--The surfacing of macadamized roads with blue stone metalling, which was introduced in 1898, was discontinued in consequence of this material having proved to be unsatisfactory, and considerable quantities of it were taken up and replaced with grey granite. The blue stone, being exceedingly hard, appeared to resist the wear of the traffic, which is mostly of a light nature, whilst the material in the interstices between the stones wore away or was washed out by rainstorms, with the result that a very uneven surface was produced. The failure of this material, which had been laid down on most of the principal thoroughfares, caused a large expenditure in order to restore the roads to a satisfatory condition of repair. Considerable difficulty was experienced in ob- taining a sufficient supply of labour, which was doubtless due, in some measure, to the recurrence of plague during the year. Towards the close of the year an im- provement had been effected in the condition of the principal roads.

22. Maintenance of Road and Bridges outside City. The lack of labour was also felt in connection with the roads outside the City, a number of which were in an unsatisfactory state of repair for some time. This was remedied in most cases before the close of the year.

23. Maintenance of Roads and Bridges in Kowloon.-Complaints were frequent of the unsatisfactory condition of the Kowloon roads during the wet season. The development of Kowloon has been very rapid during the past two or three years, causing a large increase of traffic, which the decomposed granite surfacing hitherto in use for the roads has been found incapable of withstanding.

The only remedy appears to be to resort to macadamizing as in the case of the City roads.

24. Maintenance of Roads and Bridges in New Territory.—There is nothing special to record under this heading. The roads-taking the term in its ordinary acceptance in the New Territory are still very limited in extent.

25. Maintenance of Sewers.-The sewers were maintained in good condition, though in several instances some trouble was caused by their being penetrated and becoming filled to a considerable extent by the roots of trees. During the course of the year, it was necessary to repeatedly clear a channel in the flat portion of Albany Nullah, which runs through the Naval Yard, in order to prevent the formation of a stagnant pool adjoining some of the Military buildings on the South side of Queen's Road. This portion of the nullah is being diverted to the westward in connection with the Naval Yard Extension Works.

26. Gas Lighting, City of Victoria.-The total number of lamps in use on the 25th December was 845, only 10 of which remain fitted with ordinary burners, all the others having incandescent burners. This shows an increase in the number of lamps of 88, as compared with the preceding year, which is principally accounted for by the lighting of streets and lanes over land held under lease from the Crown. Power to introduce lighting into these places, many of which are practically public thoroughfares, was first conferred by Ordinance No. 34 of 1899, which was after- wards incorporated in the Public Health Ordinance (No. 13 of 1901). In accord- ance with the provisions of these Ordinances, the cost of providing the lamps is charged against the owners of the property abutting on the street or lane, whilst the subsequent lighting and maintenance of them is defrayed by Government.

27. Electric Lighting, City of Victoria.-No change has been made in the number of electric lamps, which remains at 75. The service has been satisfactorily main- tained by the Electric Company.

28. Gas Lighting, Kowloon.-Only one lamp was added during the year, bringing the total number to 168. The Gas Company carried out its contract for the light- ing in a satisfactory manner.

29. Maintenance of Public Recreation Grounds.—The diversion of the nullah along the West side of the Wong-nei-chong Recreation Ground from a point near the Grand Stand to where it falls into Bowrington Canal was completed early in the year, the old course being filled in. Some alterations were made in the allotment of the grounds to the various Clubs, in order to avoid, as far as possible, any over- lapping which would interfere with the enjoyment of the various games simulta- neously.

30. Maintenance of Clock Tower.-There is nothing special to record under this heading.

31. Forming and Kerbing Streets.—The principal amount of work performed under this vote was in Kowloon, where $15,243 was expended out of a total sum of $18,313. The amount was distributed principally between Hunghom, Yaumati, Mongkoktsui and Taikoktsui, at all of which building operations were in active progress. In the City the only items worth mentioning are the streets to the East of the Bowrington Canal, the formation of which was undertaken towards the close of the year, some lanes in the rear of houses at Causeway Bay and Leighton Hill, streets at Tai Hang Village, and lanes adjoining the American Mission Chapel in Taipingshan, which were concreted or channelled and drained as required by

circumstances.

849

850

32. Extension of Gas Lighting.--Three new lamps were erected in St. Francis Street, and 3 in Belcher's Street, whilst fittings were supplied for several lamp-posts erected on the Praya Reclamation and elsewhere.

33. Drainage Works, Miscellaneous.-The principal work done under this head- ing was the extension of the storm-water drains along the north and south boundaries- of Kowloon Marine Lot 49, rendered necessary by the reclamation of the lot. This work was to be carried out by the purchaser of the lot according to the Conditions of Sale, but, as it was found desirable to increase the size and alter the form of the old drains, which were to be extended, arrangements were made for a lump- sum payment by the purchaser, the work being subsequently carried out by this Department. Good progress had been made with the work by the close of the year, the expenditure amounting to $4,892.

Some storm-water culverts at Hok Ün Kok were extended at a cost of $1,511.

The remainder of the work consisted of small extensions of sewers and drains. in the City and Kowloon, of the following aggregate lengths:

City-6" pipes

City-9" pipes City-12" pipes Kowloon-6" pipes Kowloon-9" pipes

lin. yards 90 ..lin. yards 183

.lin. yards 13 ..lin. yards 43 ....lin. yards 136

34. Water Works, Miscellaneous.-The principal item of expenditure under this heading was in connection with the construction of a catchwater from Wanchai Gap along the southern slopes of Mount Cameron in order to divert the water from a couple of streams to the north side of the hill where it could be intercepted by the Tytam Conduit. The work was not completed by the end of the year. A sum of $2,000 was spent upon it.

Other considerable items were for the diversion and raising of the main in Hunghom Road, Kowloon, to the West of Hunghom, in order to suit an alteration in the road, and the laying of a main, 3" in diameter, from No. 1 Police Station for some distance along the road on the east side of Happy Valley for the supply of two considerable blocks of houses recently erected there.

The construction of small channels alongside Tytam West and Wongneichong Catchwaters to convey to the reservoirs the dry-weather flow of the streams, which has hitherto been lost through evaporation and other causes, was begun, but no expenditure had been incurred in connection with the work up to the close of

the year.

35. Maintenance of Waterworks, City and Hill District.-In-consequence of the timely advent of the rains, it was unnecessary the introduce the intermittent system of supply during the early part of the year. Arrangements had been made for curtailing the supply, commencing from the 7th April, * but the circumstances just mentioned permitted of the full supply being maintained.

The rainfall of the year, however, proved very deficient, amounting only to 55.78 inches, which is the second-lowest on record. If the months which are regarded as constituting the wet season-namely, May to September inclusive—be taken as suggested by Mr. CHADWICK, in his Report of the 10th April, 1902, the rainfall is the lowest on record, amounting to 39.91 inches as compared with an average of 65.42 inches for the past 17 years.

* Through a misunderstanding of orders, these were actually put in force for two days, the first of which was a public holiday.

The following is a comparative statement of the rainfall for the various periods of the year, as compared with the average for the years 1884-1900 inclusive, taken from the Observatory records :-

January to April inclusive,

May to September inclusive;.. October to December inclusive,

Average of 17 Years. ........11.85

...65.42

7.83

Total,...............85.10

1901.

11.75

39.91

4.12

55.78

In consequence of the deficient rainfall, Tytam and Wong-nei-chong Gap Reservoirs never became filled throughout the year. The water in Tytam reached its maximum level on the 11th September, when it was 7 feet 8 inches below the overflow, representing a storage of 322 million gallons, whilst Wong-nei-chong Gap attained its highest level on the 22nd August, the water being then 9 feet 42 inches below the overflow and the contents amounting to 19 million gallons.

At the date first mentioned (11th September), the contents of all the reser- voirs amounted to 390 million gallons, or about 120 millions less than their full capacity. Recourse was had to the intermittent system on the 11th November, when the supply to the main portion of the City was turned on for 4 hours daily, the hours being further curtailed in parts where it is necessary, under this system, to serve a limited number of houses at a time in order to ensure, as far as possible, all of them obtaining a supply.

A general cleansing of the City having been undertaken by the Sanitary Board, arrangements were made to turn on water during the greater part of the day to the various districts where operations were in progress, in addition to the hours of supply already stated. The cleansing began on the 25th November, and continued up to the close of the year and, though every effort was made to confine the supply to the areas where the cleansing gangs were at work, large portions of the City had to be traversed in many cases in order to reach the required points, with the result that the necessary economy in the consumption of the water could not be effected.

year,

The intermittent supply had been in force for 51 days up to the close of the when the quantity remaining in the reservoirs amounted to 146 million gallons.

The total quantity of water supplied during the year was 1,286,632,000 gallons filtered and 7,752,000 gallons unfiltered, making a grand total of 1,294,384,000.

The average consumption of filtered water per day was 3,525,000 gallons, which, with an estimated population of 209,000, gives an average daily consumption of 16.87 gallons per head for all purposes.

Full details of the consumption, contents of the reservoirs, &c. will be found in Appendices C, D and E. The analyses made by the Government Analyst showed that the quality of the water throughout the year was excellent.

The water pumped to the High Level District of the City amounted to 28,939,000 gallons over the whole year, equal to an average daily consumption of 79,285 gallons, whilst 24,143,000 gallons were pumped to the Hill District giving an average daily consumption of 66,150 gallons.

鷲

The grand total pumped during the whole year amounted to 53,082,000 gallons.

851

852

There still continues to be a steady increase in the consumption both of the High Level and of the Hill District (vide Appendices Fand G) and it will be neces- sary to lay down extra pumping plant in order to provide for future requirements.

The Bowen Road Motor House was completed and the new motor brought into requisition in November, when its services proved to be of great assistance in connection with the intermittent system of supply to the Hill District.

The Barker Road and Magazine Gap divisions can now be disconnected from the rest of the Hill District, and supplied through the iron tanks Nos. 1 and 5 by the new motor.

The whole of the motors and the steam pumping engine at Bonham Road were maintained in a good state of repair during the year.

The number of meters in use in the City at the end of the year was 402, and in the Hill District 145.

The quantity of water supplied by meter was :---

Filtered :-Trade,

Domestic (City),

Do. (Hill District),

Unfiltered,

Total,

Gallons. 108,437,000

65,429,000

14,698,000

9,772,000

198,336,000

During the year new services were constructed or old ones altered and im- proved in 896 instances and in addition 495 services were inspected and connected to the mains. The services of 1,832 houses were inspected, 1,495 of which were found to be in order, whilst 337 were defective. All defects were made good.

36. Maintenance of Waterworks, Kowloon.-The total consumption for the year amounts to 138,539,000 gallons or an average consumption of 379,550 per day which, with an estimated population of 50,350, gives 7.54 gallons per head per day for all purposes. Details are given in Appendix H.

It was found necessary to have recourse to the intermittent system of supply from the 1st to 9th April.

Allusion is made under Public Works Extraordinary to certain alterations and re-arrangements which were made in order to take the fullest advantage pos- sible of the supply obtainable from the Cheong Sha Wan Intakes. These improve- ments were fully completed in the beginning of December and were of the greatest value during the severe drought experienced in the latter part of the year and subsequently. Kowloon however suffered in common with Hongkong, though it was found possible to maintain a fair supply up to the close of the year.

Both sets of pumping engines underwent thorough repairs at the hands of the Dock Co.

During the year, 62 private services were constructed or repaired. The number of meters in use at the close of the year was 144.

37. Maintenance of Waterworks, Aberdeen and Shauliwan.-The water supply at both these places was maintained in a generally satisfactory manner, the total consumption amounting to 4,212,000 and 7,878,000 gallons respectively. Details are given in Appendices J and K. Aberdeen has the advantage of deriving a supply from the Paper Mills Reservoir, whilst Shaukiwan is dependent upon the delivery of the streams, there being no storage reservoir.

www.

PUBLIC WORKS, EXTRAORDINARY.

38. New Law Courts.-The contract for the construction of the foundations up to ground level was in progress during the year. In order to admit of the work being carried on, the Praya Reclamation office had to be taken down, being rebuilt on a new site to the north of the Queen's Statue. A matshed was erected as a temporary office during the reconstruction of the more permanent building. A portion of the old Praya wall, which crossed the South-east angle of the site, had also to be demolished. It had been anticipated that piling would not be required over this area, but some trials showed that a layer of soft mud occurred a few feet below the foundation of the old Praya wall and piling was accordingly resorted to. Up to the end of the year, 1,148 piles had been driven, and a large proportion of the cement concrete foundations and granite footings had been put in.

39. Governor's Peak Residence.-Good progress was made with this building and, by the end of the year, it had been completely roofed in and the plastering and internal woodwork were well advanced. The laying of the wooden floors and the construction of the ceilings, which are also of wood, had nearly been completed. The erection of an entrance lodge, chair shelter and other offices was in progress.

40. No. 7 Police Station.-The buildings were roofed in before the close of the year and the wooden floors laid. The ironwork for the concrete floors of verandahs, &c., was in position and plastering was in progress.

41. Ner Shrd, Sheep and Swine Depôt.-It was decided to afford the increased accommdation required by adding an upper storey to one of the existing sheds, as no site was available for a new shed within the boundaries of the Depôt. A contract was entered into and work begun before the close of the year.

42. Public Latrines and Urinals. Two latrines, each containing 40 seats, situ- ated respectively at Sookunpo Market and at the junction of Queen's Road West and Belcher's Lane, which were begun in 1900, were completed. Two others of the same size, situated at Hing Wan Street, Wanchai, and at Yaumati (adjoining Kowloon Inland Lot 760), were begun and completed during the year. Another, containing 50 seats, at the junction of Kennedy Street and Market Street, Yaumati, was begun before the close of the year. Urinal accommodation was provided in conjunction with several of the latrines, and a room for an attendant.

43. Fence round Cricket Ground.-A sum of $1,066 was contributed towards the cost of the new iron fence round the Cricket Ground, which was obtained and erected by the Cricket Club.

44. Completion of Gaol Officers' Quarters.—The buildings consist of 3 main blocks, with kitchens and servants' quarters adjoining each. At the close of the year, one block was practically ready for occupation, while the remaining two were in a forward condition, being roofed in and having most of the floors laid as well as the plaster- ing and other work about completed. Great delays have occurred in carrying out the work owing largely to the dilatoriness of the contractor.

45. Police Station at Tai O.—It was decided to proceed with the erection of a Police Station at Tai O, Lantao Island, in preference to the one at Tsun Wan provided for in the Estimates, the vote for the latter being applied towards it. A contract was let for the work, but, in its early stages, the contractor abandoned it and it became necessary to make other arrangements to carry it out. The contract was eventually taken over by the contractor's surety, and work was resumed, but, owing to the delay caused in this way, very little progress had been made up to the end of the year.

853

854

46. Gaol Extension. This work was fully completed and handed over to the Gaol Authorities in April. The building, designated Block B, contains 78 cells and was erected in substitution for the old radial Wing B which had been pulled down to make way for it. The surrounding yard was also covered in at the same time. The re-arrangement of the building and yard-space resulting from the carrying out of the work constitutes a marked improvement upon the arrangement previously existing.

47. Tai Pò Road.-Some delay occurred in connection with this work owing to the iron joists for the bridges being late in arriving from England. The road was however open to traffic by the end of March as far as the bridge at Fo Tan (102 miles from Tsim Sha Tsui Point), and by the end of the year other 2 miles were opened, including bridges. Work was in progress right up to Tai Pò, which is 18 miles distant from Tsim Sha Tsui Point. The causeway which was constructed for the purpose of giving access to the landing-pier has been incorporated with the road and is being widened and improved.

48. Pokfulam Conduit Road.-This road was completed in November, with the exception of a short length near its western extremity, the construction of which was, by agreement, being carried out by the owner of Inland Lot 703. The reason of this arrangement was that the lot mentioned encroached considerably on Crown land, rendering the construction of the road much more difficult and expensive and as the owner desired to retain the encroachment, the Government consented to his doing so on condition that he acquired it in the usual way and made the road, the Government contributing only the estimated cost of making it across the encroach- ment. The width of the road as originally constructed was 12 feet. In conse- quence however of a representation by the owners of the lots rendered accessible by it that the width was insufficient, it was decided to increase it to 16 feet. This work was not undertaken until 1902. In conjunction with the construction of the road, a short section of nullah at its western end was trained.

49. Western Market.-A contract for the construction of the foundations was entered into and, up to the end of the year, 214 piles out of a total of 367 had been driven. The length of the piles ranged from 15 to 45 feet. The excavation of the foundations, all of which had to be timbered, was practically completed. Much water was met with in some parts of the foundations and a portion of the old Praya wall had to be taken down.

50. Harbour Office.—A contract was also let for the construction of the founda- tions of this building. Out of a total of 730 piles, 321 had been driven up to the end of the year, the length of them ranging from 16 to 31 feet. The excavation of the foundations was practically completed, all the trenches requiring to be timbered.

51. Survey of New Territory.-The topographical survey was completed in July, when Mr. TATE, who had been in charge of the operations up till then, returned to India, the work remaining to be done in order to complete the cadastral survey being entrusted to Mr. W. J. Newland.

The following areas were traversed in connection with the cadastral survey :-

District.

Sha Tau Kok,

Kowloon,

Tung Hoi,

Lan Tao,

Mirs Bay,

Sub-Districts.

Luk Keng, Kuk Po, Nam Yeuk and

Hing Chun.

Kau Yeuk, Luk Yeuk and part of

Hap Wo.

The whole.

Tung Chung and Mui Wo.

.All cultivated Islands.

{

Two Indian Sub-Surveyors and twenty Indian chain-men were engaged upon the work, which was connected at two points with the trigonometrical survey, upon which the topographical survey is based.

The area cadastrally surveyed during the year amounted to 11,087 acres including 226,588 fields. Compared with the area surveyed during 1900, when 35,257 acres, including 226,588 fields, were dealt with, the result seems small, but the difference is accounted for by the work of demarcation being carried on simul- taneously with the survey and by the small dimensions of the fields, which neces- sitated the use of a greatly enlarged scale in order to admit of their being properly mapped. It was found necessary to increase the scale of the maps from 16 inches to 32 inches to the mile-a change which enables the villages to be shown in detail instead of being blocked in as in the case of the smaller scale.

The staff engaged upon this portion of the work consisted of one Inspector, 21 Surveyors and about 20 Indian and 40 Chinese coolies, but towards the end of the year it was reinforced by the addition of another Inspector, 28 Surveyors and 48 trained Survey coolies, who were recruited from India, whilst about 60 Chinese coolies were employed. Ten of the new Surveyors were detailed to demarcate the areas which had been surveyed during 1900.

The following were the areas surveyed

District.

Sha Tau Kok,.

Sheung Ü,

Kowloon,.

Tung Hoi,

Mirs Bay,

Sub-Districts.

The whole.

Shun Wan, Tsoi Hang, Lam Tsün, Hop Wo and portions of Lung

Yeuk Tau.

Portion of Kau Yeuk.

Lan Tao,

Cheung Muk Tau.

.Peng Chau, Kat and Double

Islands.

Tung Chung and Mui Wo.

The work of demarcating the areas surveyed during 1900 was undertaken in August, and up to the 31st December there had been completed 21,810 acres containing 128,628 fields which formed 68,148 holdings. The several areas of these holdings were all worked out and tabulated and the owners' names recorded. As already mentioned, demarcation work was carried out in conjunction with the survey during 1901.

A good deal of sickness occurred among the staff, one Inspector and 3 coolies dying during the course of the year, and one Surveyor and 2 coolies being invalided back to India. Four Surveyors were discharged on account of incompetence.

52. Byewash Reservoir, Tytam.--A contract was entered into toward the close of the year for the construction of a reservoir below the byewash of Tytam Reservoir. In addition to intercepting the overflow of the old reservoir, it will receive the overflow of the west catchwater as well as a stream which has hitherto escaped collection.

53. City and Hill District Waterworks.

(i.) Motor at Bowen Road Filter Beds.-This motor is placed between the filter beds and the service reservoir below Bowen Road, east of the Military Hospital site. It is so designed as to be capable of pumping alternatively into the service reservoirs at a level of 650 feet above Ordnance datum for the supply of the high levels of the city, or into a reservoir to be constructed on Mount Gough, 1,515 feet

855

856

above datum, for the supply of the Hill District, power being derived from the water passing from the filter beds to the service reservoir for supplying the low levels of the City. The motor was got to work in November and has run very satisfactorily since.

ii.) High Level Service Reservoir.— A covered service reservoir, having a capacity of 400,000 gallons, was constructed to the south of the Military Hospital site, above Bowen Road, at an elevation of 650 feet. The floor is of cement concrete, the walls of lime concrete faced with brickwork in cement mortar and the arching of brickwork in cement mortar. The reservoir is constructed largely below ground level and is filled by the motor above described.

(iii.) Main connecting High Level Service Reservoirs.-The laying of a wrought iron main, 6 inches in diameter, from the service reservoir above described, along Bowen Road to the foot of the Peak Road, where it joins the High Level system of mains, was undertaken and was well advanced by the end of the year. This main links up the new reservoir with the existing one above Glenealy, thus enab- ling either to be utilized in case of anything going wrong with the other. It also makes the various motors interchangeable for pumping into either of the reservoirs.

(iv.) Service Reservoir on Mount Gough.-Great delay arose in starting this work in consequence of protracted negotiations with the owner of Rural Building Lot No. 1 for the purchase of a site which had been selected for the reservoir. The price asked for the land being considered prohibitive, and the further delay which would have been caused by resorting to the Crown Lands Resumption Ordinance being undesirable, a somewhat less favourable site was selected on adjacent Crown land. A contract for the work was entered into before the close of the year.

54. Storm Water Nullah, Mongkoktsui.—The construction of this nullah, which drains the low-lying cultivated land in front of the old village of Mong Kok, was undertaken towards the end of the year.

55. Police Station at Sheung Shui.—The site of the new Station in the Sheung Ü district of the New Territory was transferred from Fu-ti-au, where it was originally intended to be, to Sheung Shui. Good progress was made with the construction of the buildings, most of the timberwork of the roofs being fixed before the end of the year.

56. Kowloon Waterworks.-In consequence of an insufficiency of staff, the carry- ing out of the new scheme for the supply of water to Kowloon by gravitation was en- trusted to Messrs DENISON, RAM & GIBBS. Previous to joining the firm of Messrs. DENISON & RAM, Mr. GIBBS, as an Assistant Engineer in the Public Works Depart- ment, with which he was connected for 9 years, had reported on the scheme which, with considerable amplification, was adopted; hence the reason for entrusting the work to this firm. The preliminary arrangements were concluded in July and, at the end of October, the amplified scheme was submitted to the Secretary of State for the Colonies (Sessional Paper No. 158). The estimated cost of the work is $835,000 as compared with an original estimate of $380,000, the principal increase being in the Storage Reservoir, which is calculated to contain 310 million gallons instead of 120 millions as originally proposed. Part of the increase is accounted for by the advance in prices which occurred between the dates of the two estimates.

Steps were taken to improve the supply obtained from the Cheung Sha Wan Intakes by relaying the line of pipes to the small dams forming the intakes and by making some rearrangements and alterations of the distributing mains, by means of which the inhabitants of Mongkoktsui and Yaumati were supplied entirely from this source, thus leaving the original waterworks free for the supply of the remaining districts. These alterations were of very great benefit during the severe drought of 1901-1902.

57. Praya East Reclamation.—A much more extensive scheme than that origin- ally proposed was submitted to Government in September by the Acting Director of Public Works. Having received the approval of His Excellency the Governor in Council, the necessary preliminary surveys, borings, &c., were undertaken, and an estimate of the cost of the scheme was forwarded to Government before the end of the year.

The area of building land to be rendered available is estimated at 3,648,000 square feet or nearly 84 acres. In the laying out of the land, wide thorough- fares are provided.

58. Quarantine Station for Dogs.-A building containing separate compartments for 10 dogs, with a small exercising yard annexed, was erected on a site adjacent to the Kowloon Cattle Depôt. The work was nearly completed by the end of the

year.

59. Sai Kung Police Station.-After great delays, arising to a considerable ex- tent from sickness among the workmen, this work was completed and the buildings handed over to the Police in December. These contain accommodation for a European Sergeant, 2 European, 8 Indian and 4 Chinese Constables and 4 Chinese boatmen. An Interpreter's room, charge-room, 2 cells, the usual kitchens, bath- rooms and out-offices are provided.

60. Perch on Rock near Lyemun.-This is for the purpose of marking a sub- merged rock, over which there is a depth of 12 feet only at low tides and which has hitherto constituted a danger to shipping. After depositing rubble stone in order to form a base, a shaft rising above the level of high water was constructed by setting hollow concrete cylinders which were afterwards filled in with concrete in mass, The shaft is surmounted by a spherical iron beacon or cage, in which a lamp is hung at night, an iron ladder being provided for giving access to it.

61. Armoury for the Police.-A new armoury was constructed at the Central Police Station by altering some stables which were erected in 1896. The necessary fittings were provided and the windows were barred in order to render the building

secure.

62. Telegraph Cable to Waglan Lighthouse.—As already mentioned under "Maintenance of Lighthouses," this cable was laid at the end of 1900, but payment for it was made in 1901.

63. Training and Diverting Nullah near Lower Tramway Terminus.-This work was undertaken in conjunction with the construction of a new pathway along the western boundary of War Department land from Kennedy Road to the old road to Kennedy's Stables beside the Tramway terminus. In order to construct the path- way, permission was obtained from the Military Authorities to cross a small portion of their land. The training work referred to consisted in the construction of a masonry channel for the nullah east of the Union Church lot from Kennedy Road to Albany Nullah, advantage being taken of a bridge underneath the Tramway to shorten and improve its course between the points mentioned. The drainage from the small valley behind the Union Church was intercepted at Kennedy Road and led in a 15′′ stoneware pipe into the nullah west of the Tramway.

857

858

64. Railing in Openings in Sheds at Animal Depôts, Kennedy Town.—-In con- sequence of several alleged thefts of pigs from the depôts, it was deemed desirable to fill in the openings round the sheds with iron bars. The work was taken in hand and completed by the end of the year.

65. Yaumati Nullah.-In accordance with the arrangement made with the owners of Kowloon M. L. No. 48 and adjoining Inland Lots, the side wall of the nullah immediately north of the Pumping Station was constructed out to the line of the new Praya. Several subsidences of the outer end took place, but these were made good and the work satisfactorily completed.

66. Leper Village near Âu Tau.-Wooden huts, 12 in number, were erected on a small hill near Au Tau Police Station for the accommodation of a number of lepers who had formerly occupied some miserable hovels on swampy ground in the neigh- bourhood. The huts were enclosed with a bamboo fence. The expenditure was defrayed out of the "Miscellaneous Works" vote.

67. Alterations to Rifle Range at Tai Lang.-A number of minor alterations were made in the butts, &c., of the new range in the valley behind Tai Hang Village. The cost of this work was also defrayed out of the "Miscellaneous Works" vote.

68. Plague Account.-On the initiative of His Excellency the Governor, tem- porary matshed bath-houses, to the number of 18 in all, were erected in various parts of the City and Kowloon. Separate structures containing fire-places and large iron pans for heating water were provided adjoining each bath-house, and wooden tubs were supplied for bathing in. These places were extensively used by the Chinese, there being a difficulty at times in maintaining the supply of hot water required. The use of them was discontinued towards the end of the year, principally on account of the scarcity of water and introduction of the intermittent system of supply and eventually all were removed, several having been accidentally destroyed by fire.

A temporary matshed hospital was established in Kowloon on a hill north of Mongkoktsui, at a cost of $1,578, including rent paid for the site during the year.

Several alterations were carried out at the Disinfecting Station in Caine Lane, including the provision of a boiler for the supply of hot water. The cost of these was $1,730.

The total expenditure under this heading was $39,398.60, which included a sum of $33,616 on account of the bath-houses, supply of fuel, attendants, &c.

69. Chair Shelter at Victoria Gap.-This building was fully completed early in the year.

It is divided in two sections, one of which is for the accommodation of public chairs, whilst the other is for private chairs. The former is entirely enclosed, large sliding doors being provided along the front, whilst the latter is left open in front. A small latrine is provided in a corner of the building. The walls are of the blue stone obtainable in the neighbourhood, with granite dressings, and the floors are laid with cement concrete, the roofs being tiled in the usual way. A space is left in front of the shed, clear of the road, on which the chairs can stand during fine weather.

70. Sewerage of Victoria.-The small expenditure under this vote, which has, now been closed, was for making drain connections to houses.

71. Typhoon Damages.-The various repairs of damages to roads, matsheds, &c., detailed in last year's report as having been caused by the typhoon of the 9th- 10th November, 1900, were carried out.

ནཱ་

72. Improve rents, Wongneichong Recreation Ground.

73. Disinfector Statim and Quarters,

74. Starling Inlet Police Station.

The expenditure under these headings was merely the balance of the contract amounts, the works having been com- pleted in 1900.

\75. Future Works and Schemes:-Estimates were called for and prepared, to- gether with drawings, for the following works :-

Gymnasium, Queen's College.

Removal of Gunpowder Magazine to Green Island.

Forming sites for Market and Police Married Quarters at Tsim Sha Tsui. Pier at West end of Wing Lok Street.

Permanent Extension of Wanchai Market.

Two Temporary Markets on sites adjoining proposed new Harbour Office

and Sailors' Home.

Road above Bowen Road.

Houses for Government Officials.

Extension of Central Police Station by adding another storey.

Convict Prison at Stonecutters' Island.

Removal of Gaol to Stonecutters' Island.

Quarters for Public Chair Coolies at Victoria Gap. Road and Pier to Lai Chi Kok Plague Cemetery. Quarters at Kennedy Town Hospital.

Public Mortuary in Kowloon.

76. Jubilee Road.-Though practically unconnected with the Public Works De- partment, it is desirable to place on record the fact that the construction of the Jubilee Road from Kennedy Town to Aberdeen was begun in May, the work being placed under the care of Messrs. DENISON, RAM & GIBBS. In accordance with the arrangement originally made, it ought to have been carried out by the Public Works Department, but, owing to insufficiency of staff, this could not be done and the Jubilee Committee therefore entrusted it to the firm mentioned. Good pro- gress had been made with the work before the close of the year. The reasons of the delay, amounting to some three years, in the starting of the work, have already been made public and it is unnecessary to recapitulate them here.

77. Jubilee Hospital.-As originally proposed, the carrying out of this work was decided by public competition and, though the proposals upon which the competi- tion was based were entirely abandoned, Messrs. PALMER & TURNER, whose design had been selected, were appointed Architects for the buildings. The formation of the site above Barker Road, which had been begun in 1900, was completed and the construction of the buildings was undertaken and had made considerable progress by the end of the year.

78. Harlech Roul.-The road from Victoria Gap to High West Gap, a portion of which had been made by the men of the Welsh Fusiliers, under the direction of the Public Works Department, was, by arrangement between the Colonial Office and War Office, taken up by the Military Authorities. Good progress was made for a time, but, before the close of the year, the work had come to a standstill.

79. Road from Wanchai Gap to Wongnrichong Gap. The construction of this road, which is in great measure what is known as "Black's Link," was also under- taken by the Military Authorities. Originally, a track was laid out by the Public Works Departinent extending between the two gaps mentioned and situated en- tirely on the southern slopes of the hills. The Military Authorities departed from

859

860

this proposal to the extent of laying out the road along the northern slope of Mount Cameron, from Wanchai Gap to Middle Gap, after passing which it followed approx- imately the original track. After making considerable progress, this work was also

abandoned.

PRAYA RECLAMATION WORKS.

80. Expenditure.-The expenditure for the year was $91,772, as compared with $150,650 in 1900, and $229,651 in 1899. The falling-off is partly accounted for by the approaching completion of the works, which are now confined within some- what narrow limits, and partly by the tardy progress made by the contractor employed on Section No. 6 West.

81. Area rendered available for Building-The total building area to be provi- ded by the Reclamation is 33 acres, of which 27 acres have been made available and 24 have been occupied. Marine Lot Owners entered into possession of 3 acres during the year.

82. Section No. 1 West. The rubble foundations of the sea wall, which had given much trouble during 1899 by repeated subsidences, were completely re-formed during 1900 and stood up in good shape at the beginning of 1901. On the con crete blocks being set free from Section No. 6 they were conveyed to Section No. 1, and placed as a test load on the rubble foundations there. When the foundations ceased to settle appreciably under a load of 22 tons per lineal foot the Concrete Block Staff commenced levelling the foundations, laying the concrete bed, and set- ting the blocks forming the first course of the sea wall. A length of 200 lineal feet of the first course, containing 450 tons of concrete, was completed by the end of the year.

83. Sections Nos. 4 & 5.-The whole of the carriageways, having a combined area of 23,288 square yards, were macadamized by Mr. TSANG KENG during the

This completed these sections.

year.

84. Section No. 6 West.-The work of levelling and concreting the rubble foundations of the sea wall and setting concrete blocks was carried on and com- pleted by the Concrete Block Staff. In all 571 lineal feet of two-course work, con- taining 2,600 tons of concrete, were set during the year.

The remainder of the works (except Water and Sewerage Works) required to complete this section, are being carried out by Mr. TSANG KENG, Contractor. Work equivalent to 15 per cent. of the value of his contract was executed during the year, leaving 40 per cent. to be done. The only item worthy of special men- tion is the Earth Filling, of which 85,000 cubic yards were deposited, including a large percentage of building rubbish and other material from outside sources. At the end of the year there remained to be done the whole of the superstructure of the sea wall, about 66,000 cubic yards of earth filling, and the whole of the form- ing and surfacing of the streets.

85. Staff and Plant.-The Concrete Block Staff was fully employed throughout the

year in temporary and permanent block-setting, and in removing blocks to and from the Block Yard for repairs. Altogether about 31,000 tons of blocks were handled.

The tug "Praya" which was overhauled in December, 1900, underwent no extensive repairs during 1901. The Pontoon Crane and Block Barges, however, got a thorough overhaul. The Hopper Barges lay in Causeway Bay throughout

year, their work on the Reclamation being ended.

the

STAFF.

86. Leave granted, Appointments, Resignations, &c.

Mr. R. D. ORMSBY, Director of Public Works, was granted 7 months' leave, commencing from the 12th March, and retired on pension at the end of that period.

Mr. W. CHATHAM, Assistant Director of Public Works, returned from 10 months' leave on the 8th March, was appointed Acting Director of Public Works on the departure of Mr. ORMSBY, and was promoted to the substantive appointment with effect from the 12th October.

Mr. J. F. BOULTON, Executive Engineer, returned from 12 months' leave on the 15th May.

The following Officers were granted leave exceeding one week's duration :-

Mr. A. H. HOLLINGSWORTH, Assistant Engineer, 6 weeks.

D. WOOD, Supt. of Accounts, Correspondence and Stores, 1 month.

J. CARROLL,

Overseer, 12 months.

E. DOUGHERTY,

Do.

6 months.

R. H. MUGFORD,

Do.

10 days.

SING QUA, Draftsman,

4 weeks.

WONG A FAT, Tracer,

1 month.

TANG NGOK WAN, Tracer,

1 month.

WONG LAI SANG, Clerk,

1 month.

regret to have to record the death of the following Officers:-

Mr. SING QUA, who had for many years filled the post of Draftsman in

this Department and was very neat and reliable in his work.

Mr. T. JACOB, Assistant Land Surveyor.

Mr. J. G. GUTIERREZ, Chief Clerk in the Accounting Branch, who was a very capable and painstaking Officer and had been in the Department for 24 years.

The following Officers left the service of this Department:-

Mr. J. Mossor, Assistant Engineer.

WONG LAI SANG, Clerk.

LEUNG LAN FAN, Clerk.

J. GRANT, Overseer.

W. F. CANNING, Custodian, Recreation Ground.

S. M. THOMPSON, Watchman, Aberdeen Waterworks.

A. PEREIRA, Tracer.

WAN CHAN IN, Clerk.

BHOLA SINGH, Watchman, Lai-chi-kok.

F. STAINTON, Overseer.

W. M. THOMSON, Overseer.

A. BROADBENT, Overseer.

AH CHEONG, Foreman.

The following appointments were made:-

Mr. L. C. REES, Principal Land Surveyor.

E. W. CARPENTER, Assistant Engineer.

A. J. NORTON-KYSHE, Draftsman.

J. W. DAVIS, Overseer.

M. TAYLOR, Overseer.

W. GODWIN, Custodian, Recreation Ground. YEUNG KUN, Clerk.

851

862

Mr. J. H. BARRINGTON, Overseer.

M. FERNANDES, Watchman, Aberdeen Waterworks.

TAI SHIU LUNG, Clerk.

WAI FONG, Clerk.

M. J. E. DE CUNHA, Clerk.

W. MCGREGOR, Overseer.

J. BAKER, Overseer.

E. J. FRANKLIN, Overseer.

U. A. FARRELL, Overseer.

H. GOODRICH, Overseer.

V. de P. PORTARIA, Foreman.

F. F. NEVES, Foreman.

AH HING, Foreman.

the

The following Officers entered and left the service of this Department within year:

Mr. P. SMITH, Overseer.

M. J. E. DA CUNHA, Clerk.

J. GIBSON, Overseer.

F. G. HANSON, Overseer.

AH SUN, Watchman, Aberdeen Waterworks.

G. FRIEND, Watchman, Aberdeen Waterworks.

87. Public Works Commission.-His Excellency the Governor appointed a Commission in October to enquire into the duties and responsibilities of the depart- ment with special reference to the constitution and sufficiency of the staff, the advis- ability of increasing it or making any changes in its personnel, what changes should be made in the working of the department and the manner in which the duties devolving upon it had been performed during the two preceding years.

The members of the Commission were:—

The Honourable J. H. STEWART LOCKHART, C.M.G., Colonial Secreta ry

(Chairman).

The Honourable H. E. POLLOCK, K.C., Acting Attorney General.

The Honourable J. THURBURN.

Colonel L. F. BROWN, Commanding Royal Engineer in China.

ROBERT GORDON SHEWAN, Esq.;

whilst Mr. E. D. C. WOLFE was appointed Secretary.

The Honourable H. E. POLLOCK being unable to sit on the Commission, his place was filled by the appointment of Mr. G. C. C. MASTER.

The Commission had held six meetings up to the close of the year and was

still engaged in taking evidence.

W. CHATHAM, M.I.C.E.,

Director of Public Works.

Appendix A.

ANNUALLY RECURRENT EXPENDITURE, 1901.

Personal Emoluments,

Other Charges,

Amounts voted 1901 including Supp. Votes. $110,867.00

14,039.00

Expenditure 190T $94,843.00 10,143.35

$124,906.00

$104,986.35

WORKS.

1. Maintenance of Buildings,

$41,700.00

$41,699.54

in New Territory,

5,614.09

5,302.16

Telegraphs,

6,000.00

4,179.88

in New Territory,

1,000.00

876.08

Public Cemetery,

2,000.00

1,422.98

Praya Wall and Piers,..

5,500.00

5,151.90

9.9

Lighthouses,

2,500.00

1,999.56

8. Dredging Foreshores,

8,000.00

2,515.92

9. Miscellaneous Works,

33,100.00

31,501.68

10. Maintenance of Macadamized Roads in Victoria,

32,000.00

31,821.43

11.

Concreted Roads in Victoria,

12,000.00

11,394.96

12.

Bridges and Culverts in Victoria,

3,000.00

268.11

13.

Main Roads out of Victoria,

10,000.00

9,961.78

14.

Bridle Paths out of Victoria,

4,500.00

3,662.62

15.

Bridges and Culverts out of

Victoria,

1,000.00

272.59

16.

Peak Roads,

1,500.00

1,253.81

17.

Roads and Bridges in Kowloon,

8,000.00

6,381.54

18.

Roads and Bridges in New

Territory,

2,500.00

927.00

19.

Sewers,

14,000.00

11,934.13

20. Miscellaneous Services,

21. Gas Lighting City of Victoria,

7,500.00

7,215.31

28,500.00

28,455.73

22. Electric Lighting City of Victoria,.

23,000.00

22,436.86

23. Gas Lighting Kowloon,

6,500.00

5,511.75

25.

24. Maintenance of Public Recreation Ground,

Clock Tower,

2,240.00

643.37

500.00

172.00

26. Forming and Kerbing Streets,

25,000.00

18,313.82

27. Extension of Gas Lighting,

1,500.00

1,026.00

28. Improvement of Gas Lighting,

1,500.00

15:00

29. Drainage Works, Miscellaneous,

14,000.00

12,274.25

30. Water Account (Meters., &c.),

8,000.00

6,908.07

31. Water Works, Miscellaneous,

16,000.00

3,901.07

32. Maintenance of Water Works, City and Hill

District,

21,000.00

20,864.38

33. Maintenance of Water Works Kowloon,

18,500.00

17,766.53

34.

27.

35.

Shaukiwan, Aberdeen,

1,500.00

78.48 189.40

$370,654.09

$318,299.63

863

864

Appendix B.

EXTRAORDINARY EXPENDITURE, 1901.

WORKS.

Amounts voted 1901

including Supp. Votes. Expenditure 1901.

1. New Law Courts,

2. The Governor's Peak Residence,

3. No. 7 Police Station,.

4. New Shed, Sheep and Swine Depôt,

5. Public Latrines,.

6. Public Urinals,

7. Contribution towards Iron Fence round

Cricket Ground...

$100,000.00

$41,820.00

90,000.00

65,442.80

16,000.00

14,802.20

11,000.00

12,000.00

6,212.49

5,000.00

1,066.00

•

8. Completion of Gaol Officers' Quarters,

36,726.00

11,127.40

9. Police Station åt Tai O,.

13,000.00

78.00

10. Gaol Extension,

3,927.07

11. Praya Reclamation,

15,000.00

12. Praya Reclamation-Government Piers,

5,000.00

13. Taipó Road,

85,000.00

74,648.86

14. Pokfulam Conduit Road,

5,000.00

2,611.08

15. Western Market,

50,000.00

6,902.35

16. Harbour Office,

17. Survey of New Territory,

18. Tytam Byewash Reservoir,

19. City and Hill District Water Works,

20. Storm-Water Nullah, Mong-Kok-Tsui,

21. District Watchmen's Quarters-Government

Share,..

22. Quarantine and Segregation Camp at Lai-

Chi-Kok,

23. Addition to Nurses' Quarters,

24. Police Station at Sheung Shui,.

25. Kowloon Water Works,

26. Praya East Reclamation,

27. Quarantine Station for Dogs,

28. Sai Kung Police Station,

29. Perch on Rock near Lyemun,

30,000.00

7,852.04

53,000.00

48,758.37

40,000.00

157.70

40,000.00

19,670.60

8,450.00

1,000.00

20,000.00

24,000.00

14,000.00

11,238.44

100,000.00

2,648.26

2,000.00

1,600.00

167.77

12,171.95

11,506.65

1.500.00

1,324.45

30. School and House at Un Long,

....

1,500.00

31. Volunteer Head Quarters, 32. Typhoon Damages,

30,000.00

6,473.52

33. Improvements

Wongneichong Recreation

Ground,

35. Yaumati Nullah,

3,132.10

3,131.10

34. Expenses in New Territory,

609.28

562.48

1,513.32

36. Chair Shelter at the Peak,

900.00

663.82

37. Disinfector Station and Quarters,.

1.957.79

1,726.26

38. Starling Inlet Police Station,

1,371.83

1,370.08

39. Causeway and Pier in Deep Water, Taipó,

2,969.28

40. Soo Kon Po, Latrine,

2,155.34

954.89

41. Public Latrine,

2,709.35

2,613.51

42. Sewerage of Victoria,

1,644.48

1,486.53

43. Armoury, Central Police Station,

721.01

44. Cable to Waglan Island Lighthouse,

9,321.03

45. Training and Diverting Nullah in Vicinity of

Tram Station,....

4,700.00

2,600.15

$868,119.35

$368,069.51

Appendix Č.

CITY AND HILL DISTRICT WATERWORKS, 1901.

Monthly Consumption and Contents of Reservoirs.

WONG-NEI-CHONG.

POKFULAM.

In reservoir 1st of month.

Delivered

over gauge.

TAI-TAM.

MINT DAM

COLLECTED

FROM

In reservoir

1st of month.

over

Delivered

gauge.

In reservoir 1st of month.

Delivered

over gauge.

STREAMS.

TOTAL

CONSUMPTION.

(Filtered.)

AND

GRAND TOTAL.

BLUE POOL. (Unfiltered.)

January,

55,500,000

18,847,000 275,260,000

87,246,000

10,160,000

February,

42,860,000

17,866,000 204,365,000

64,354,000

March,

26,300,000

19,454,000 145,480,000

92,594,000

April,

May,

8,600,000 14,929,000 64,360,000 14,140,000 24,103,000 36,900,000 46,135,000

70,319,000

June,

55,860,000 26,627,000 186,640,000

64,544,000

July,

13,040,000 27,057,000 | 189,580,000

93,585,000

August,

34,000,000 17,015,000 145,260,000

63,079,000

September,

69,640,000

October,

53,400,000

26,836,000 | 315,670,000 28,858,000 292,300,000

72,548,000

November,

38,740,000

December,

22,500,000

253,000 20,070,000 234,140,000 66,910,000 3,257,000 13,270,000 181,645,000 58,118,000 3,458,000

89,350,000

Nil.

8,418,000 9,114,000 207,000 368,000 670,000 Nil. 270,000 4,135,000 4,706,000

Nil. 19,916,000 16,024,000 8,473,000 18,832,000 1,116,000 23,000 5,437,000 2,052,000

Nil. 19,113,000 20,322,000 9,781,000 17,590,000 10,317,000

6,164,000

1,106,000 107,199,000 1,429,000 91,541,000 2,139,000 112,718,000 558,000

108,628,000

93,680,000

113,276,000

94,089,000 282,000 106,178,000 302,000 111,119,000 322,000

94,371,000

106,480,000

111,441,000

128,131,000 280,000

128,411,000

119,529,000 671,000

120,200,000

127,291,000

124,372,000 339,000

759,000

128,050,000

124,711,000

Nil.

586,000

5,511,000

87,566,000 227,000

87,793,000

76,899,000 414,000

77,343,000

254,932,000

868,782,000

94,807,000

68,111,000 1,286,632,000 7,752,000 1,294,384,000

865

Appendix D.

CITY AND HILL DISTRICT WATERWORKS, 1901.

Water Pumped to Hill District and High Levels of City. (Theoretical Displacement of Pumps,)

HILL DISTRICT.

866

HIGH LEVELS OF CITY.

TOTAL

TOTAL PUMPED

MONTH.

MOTORS.

ΤΟ

700' TANK,

650′ TANK,

ENGINE.

HILL DISTRICT.

PEAK ROAD.

GLENEALY.

650 TANK, MAGAZINE GAP.

600' TANK, WEST POINT.

TO HIGH

GRAND

TOTAL

LEVELS OF CITY.

PUMPED.

January,

367,000

1,514,000

1,881,000

827,000

933,000

673,000

2,433,000

4,314,000

February,

407,000

1,109,000

1,516,000

661,000

1,299,000

1,960,000

3,476,000

March,

· 349,000

1,225,000

1,574,000

776,000

1,409,000

2,185,000

3,759,000

April,

365,000

1,386,000

1,751,000

598,000

1,465,000

2,063,000

3,814,000

May,

333,000

1,600,000

1,933,000

559,000

1,310,000

1,869,000

3,802,000

June,

Nil.

2,001,000

906,000

1,719,000

102,000

2,727,000

4,728,000

July,

Nil.

2,041,000

936,000

1,796,000

2,732,000

4,773,000

August,

286,000

2,165,000

2,451,000:

1,113,000

1,904,000

241,000

3,258,000

5,709,000

September,

568,000

2,141,000

2,709,000

1,458,000

1,607,000

3,065,000

5,774,000

October,

353,000

2,248,000

2,601,000

2,092,000

1,684,000

3,776,000

6,377,000

November,.

476,000 1,660,000

2,136,000

662,000

859,000

318,000

1,839,000

8,975,000

December,

329,000 1,220,000

1,549,000

825,000

462,000

77,000

168,000

1,032,000

2,581,000

3,833,000

20,310,000

24,143,000

10,913,000

16,447,000

77,000

1,502,000

28,939,000

53,082,000

Appendix E.

CITY AND HILL DISTRICT WATERWORKS, 1901.

Particulars of Metered and Unmetered Supplies.

SUPPLY TO CITY AND HILL DISTRICT (FILTERED).

TOTAL SUPPLY.

SUPPLY TO

MINT DAM AND

POKFULUM

BLUE POOL

MONTH.

CITY, METERED.

HILL

GRAND TOTAL.

City,

DISTRICT

(UNFILTERED)

Filtered

Unmetered.

METERED.

metered.

Unfiltered

metered.

Trade.

Domestic.

METERED.

January,

90,768,000

7,698,000

7,509,000

1,066,000

160,000

1,429,000

16,273,000

1,589,000

108,628,000

February,

75,818,000

8,363,000

5,966,000

1,258,000

136,000

2,139,000

15,587,000

2,275,000

93,680,000

March,

89,618,000

14,955,000

6,840,000

1,120,000

185,000

558,000

22,915,000

743,000

113,276,000

April,.

73,177,000

14,710,000

5,031,000

970,000

201,000

282,000

20,711,000

483,000

94,371,000

May,

91,224,000

8,173,000

5,524,000

1,088,000

169,000

302,000

14,785,000

471,000

106,480,000

June,

94,727,000

8,901,000

6,109,000

1,193,000

189,000

322,000

16,203,000

511,000

111,441,000

July,

112,917,000

8,424,000

5,319,000

1,276,000

195,000

280,000

15,019,000

475,000

128,411,000

August,

104,370,000

8,441,000

5,088,000

1,454,000

176,000

671,000

14,983,000

847,000

120,200,000

September,

109,266,000

10,572,000

5,794,000

1,462,000

197,000

759,000

17,828,000

956,000

128,050,000

October,....

110,912,000

6,744,000

4,748,000

1,801,000

167,000

339,000

13,293,000

506,000

124,711,000

November,....

74,996,000

6,783,000

4,495,000

1,163,000

129,000

227,000

12,441,000

356,000

87,793,000

December,.

68,257,000

4,673,000

3,006,000

847,000

116,000

444,000

8,526,000

560,000

77,343,000

1,096,048,000

108,437,000

65,429,000

14.698,000

2,020,000

7,752,000

188,564,000

9,772,000

1,294,384,000

867

Appendix F.

CITY AND HILL DISTRICT WATERWORKS, 1901.

Comparative Table showing Water Pumped to Hill District since Supply commenced.

(Theoretical Displacement of Pumps.)

878

MONTH.

1892.

1893.

1894.

1895.

1896.

1897.

1898.

1899.

1900.

1901.

January,

February,

March,

April, ..........

· May,

June,

970,000

933,000 1,051,000 1,022,000

1,115,000

828,000

862,000

882,000

741,000

Not measured.

842,000

950,000

951,000

726,000

659,000

951,000

976,000

826,000 1,091,000

1,152,000 1,175,000 1,140,000

July,

1,206,000 1,324,000

1,252,000

1,397,000

1,560,000

August,

1,257,000 1,257,000 1,386,000

1,393,000

1,462,000

1,498,000

September,

1,103,000 1,270,000 1,364,000

1,380,000

1,404,000

1,421,000

735,000 1,669,000 873,000 1,434,000 1,553,000 836,000 1,138,000 993,000 992,000 1,093,000 1,373,000 1,542,000 1,613,000 1,210,000 1,316,000 1,387,000 1,769,000 1,654,000 1,176,000 1,409,000 1,553,000 1,957,000 1,939,000 2,001,000 1,618,000 1,972,000 2,127,000 2,041,000 1,808,000 2,157,000 2,323,000 2,451,000 1,995,000 2,214,000 2,182,000 2,709,000

1,641,000

1,881,000

1,347,000 1,516,000 1,730,000 1,362,000 1,574,000

1,751,000

1,933,000

October,

November,

1,239,000

1,475,000 1,082,000 1,353,000 1,172,000 1,346,000 996,000 1,210,000

1,297,000

- December,

988,000

981,000 1,194,000

1,926,000 2,185,000 2,097,000 2,601,000 953,000 1,136,000 1,134,000 1,659,000 1,760,000 2,158,000 2,136,000 976,000 1,030,000 1,464,000 1,699,000 1,800,000 2,144,000 1,549,000

6,062,000

12,261,000 13,236,000 13,217,000 13,752,000 15,318,000 18,180,000 22,308,000 22,587,000 24,143,000

Appendix G.

CITY AND HILL DISTRICT WATERWORKS, 1901.

Comparative Table showing Water Pumped to Hill Levels since Supply commenced. (Theoretical Displacement of Pumps.)

MONTH

1892.

-1893.

1894.

1895.

1896.

1897.

1898.

1899.

1900.

1901.

January,

February,

March,

April,.

May,

June,

July,

Not measured.

2,509,000 1,426,000 1,340,000 1,851,000 1,257,000 1,153,000 1,084,000 1,301,000 1,372,000

962,000

1,358,000 1,478,000

1,951,000

2,221,000

2,433,000

989,000

1,839,000

1,745,000

945,000 1,164,000 1,526,000 979,000 1,376,000 1,226,000

820,000 1,100,000 1,135,000 1,009,000 1,352,000 1,404,000 1,203,000 1,436,000

1,644,000

1,845,000

1,960,000

2,091,000

591,000 2,185,000

1,355,000

1,097,000

2,022,000 2,063,000

1,463,000

1,646,000

1,608,000

1,491,000

1,835,000 1,869,000

1,391,000

1,473,000

1,502,000

1,451,000

2,015,000 2,727,000

1,787,000 1,476,000

1,432,000

1,478,000

1,632,000

1,613,000

1,490,000

1,939,000 2,732,000

August,

3,692,000

1,755,000 1,552,000

1,496,000 1,543,000

1,638,000

1,578,000

1,569,000

2,320,000 3,258,000

September,

2,845,000

October,.....

2,536,000

November,

December,

1,703,000 1,584,000 1,758,000 1,748,000 2,631,000 1,813,000 1,646,000 1,174,000 2,304,000 1,668,000 1,619,000 1,216,000

1,585,000

1,136,000

1,600,000

1,701,000 1,704,000

1,449,000 1,505,000 1,653,000 1,699,000 2,192,000 2,383,000 3,776,000 1,425,000 1,526,000 1,641,000 1,957,000 2,158,000 1,839,000 1,394,000 1,431,000 1,722,000 2,135,000 2,190,000 1,032,000

2,173,000 3,065,000

14,008,000

20,501,000

17,456,000 15,273,000 15,642,000 17,845,000 18,436,000 20,772,000 23,692,000

28,939,000

869

870

Appendix H.

KOWLOON WATERWORKS, 1901.

Monthly Consumption.

METERED SUPPLY.

MONTH.

Trade.

Domestic. Total.

Unmetered Supply.

Total.

January,

February,

March,

April,

May,

June,

July,

August,

September,

October, November,

December,

Total,

1,527,000 810,000 2,337,000 8,703,000 11,040,000 962,000 900,000 1,862,000 9,487,000 11,349,000 664,000 916,000 1,580,000 8,859,000 10,439,000 679,000 687,000 1,366,000 10,800,000 12,166,000 1,640,000 1,145,000 2,785,000 10,242,000 13,027,000 824,000 746,000| 1,570,000 | 10,341,000 11,911,000 1,282,000 1,921,000 3,203,000 10,092,000 13,295,000 1,295,000 1,117,000 2,412,000 8,588,000 11,000,000 1,070,000 942,000 2,012,000 9,866,000 11,878,000 1,625,000 1,441,000 3,066,000

9,308,000 12,374,000

1,283,000 796,000 2,079,000 8,194,000 10,273,000 674,000 368,000 1,042,000 8,745,000 9,787,000

13,525,000 11,789,000 25,314,000 113,225,000 138,539,000

Appendix J.

ABERDEEN WATERWORKS, 1901.

Monthly Consumption.

Month.

Metered Supply. Unmetered Supply.

Total.

January,

40,000

312,000

352,000

February,

29,000

297,000

326,000

March,

85,000

291,000

376,000

April,

58,000

295,000

353,000,

May,

44,000

344,000

388,000

June,

28,000

387,000

415,000

July,

14,000

355,000

369,000

August,

27,000

310,000

337,000

September,

58,000

271,000

329,000

October,

12,000

322,000

334,000

November,

$4,000

277,000

321,000

December,

64,000

248,000

312,000

Total

503,000

3,709,000

4,212,000

Appendix K.

SHAUKIWAN WATERWORKS, 1901.

Monthly Consumption.

UNMETERED

MONTH.

METERED SUPPLY.

TOTAL.

SUPPLY.

January,

24,000

727,000

751,000

February,

128,000

756,000

884,000

March,

58,000

837,000

895,000

April,

59,000

751,000

810,000

May,.

49,000

528,000

577,000

June,

42,000

447,000

489,000

July,

73,000

545,000

618,000

August,

35,000

543,000

578,000

September,

36,000

584,000

620,000

October,..

22,000

489,000

511,000

November,

34,000

565,000

599,000

December,

66,000

478,000

546,000

Total,

628,000*

7,250,000

7,878,000

871

HONGKONG.

No. 19

REPORT OF THE COMMISSION APPOINTED BY HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR TO ENQUIRE INTO THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT..

1008

Laid before the Legislative Council by Command of His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government.

1. A Commission (see Appendix No. 1) was appointed by His Excellency the Gov- ernor to enquire into the Public Works Department on the 11th October last.

2. The Commissioners originally appointed were as follows:-

Honourable J. H. STEWART LOCKHART, C.M.G., Chairman.

Honourable H. E. POLLOCK, K.C.

· Honourable J. THURBURN.

Colonel L. F. BROWN, R.E.

ROBERT G. SHEWAN, Esq.

Owing to his having to leave the Colony, the Honourable H. E. POLLOCK resigned his seat on the Commission, and Mr. G. C. C. MASTER was appointed to fill the vacancy.

Mr. E. D. C. WOLFE was appointed Secretary.

The first meeting was held on the 18th October, 1991, and the last on the 18th March, 1902. Ten meetings were held altogether.

An unavoidable delay arose as it was deemed advisable to examine as a witness Mr. CHADWICK, the Sanitary Expert, who only arrived in the Colony on the 28th of February and did not appear before the Commission until the 13th of March.

Thirty witnesses in all were examined by the Commission including all the Senior Officers and Overseers of the Public Works Department and most of the leading Engineers and Architects engaged in private practice in the Colony, who are brought into intimate relations with that Department.

3. The Commission made a careful enquiry into the duties and responsibilities of the Public Works Department with a view to being in a position to report on the matters specially referred to it, viz. :-

a.) The constitution and sufficiency of the staff.

(b.) The advisability of increasing such staff or of making any changes in its

personnel.

(c.) Generally what changes should be made in the working of the Depart-

ment.

4. A clear and succinct statement drawn up by Mr. CHATHAM, Director of Public Works, of the Ordinances and Regulations under which the operations of the Public Works Department are carried on, of the present staff and the duties discharged by it, and of the expenditure on account of the Department from 1894-1900, will be .found in Appendix No. 2.

✓ 5. A careful perusal of the evidence taken by the Commission will show that it is clear that the staff, as at present constituted, is not sufficient to discharge efficiently the varied and important duties entrusted to it.

6. An instructive Statement (see Appendix No. 3) is attached by Mr. CHATHAM to his Report of the 25th September, 1901, in which he makes proposals for increasing the staff of his Department. That statement shows the amount of estimated and actual expenditure on account of public works from the year 1894 to 1900, and reveals the fact that during the period under review, owing to insufficiency of staff, it has not been possible to expend the money voted in the Estimates.

50-7.4.02.

126

་

Evidence.

Page 3

[ii]

The Director of Public Works states:-"From this statement it will be seen that the "estimated expenditure for 1901 is almost exactly double the actual expenditure for "1894, whilst the Estimates for 1902 show an increase of $80,000 over those of 1901. Comparing the Estimates for 1902 with the actual expenditure for 1897, when the "staff numbered 10, the increase is seen to be nearly $400,000, whilst the staff has been "increased by one solitary member, consisting at the present time of the Assistant "Director of Public Works, 3 Executive Engineers, 6 Assistant Engineers, and 1 Draftsman. It must be unnecessary for me to point out that the expenditure for this year will fall far short of the estimated amount, notwithstanding the fact that all the 'drawings required in connection with the Law Courts and the Governor's Peak Resid- ence, and the requisition for materials for the same are being supplied by outside "architectural firms. Equally, it will be impossible for the Department to overtake the programme of works drawn up for 1902, unless it be materially strengthened without "delay. In this way works which are considered of great urgency are falling into arrear, "and, if the Department is not to be rendered capable of keeping pace with the greatly "increased demands upon it, the consequences to the Colony generally will be most "serious.'

7. The Commission is of opinion that this statement shows clearly that the staff is not sufficient to carry out the works entrusted to it.

But that opinion is also supported by the evidence of Mr. CHATHAM and the other members of his staff who were examined as witnesses, and also by the evidence of the Engineers and Architects in private practice.

Mr. CHATHAM and the other members of his staff in their evidence show, beyond a doubt, that work is neglected owing to the Department being undermanned, and the En- gineers and Architects complain of unnecessary delays to which they have been subjected and which are acknowledged by Mr. CHATHAM as due to insufficiency of staff and want of time to overtake the increasing amount of work.

Mr. CHADWICK also is of opinion that the staff is not sufficient, and requires to be increased.

RECOMMENDATIONS AS TO STAFF.

8. The Commission, being satisfied not only of the advisability but of the absolute necessity in the interests of the Colony that the staff should be increased in order to overtake the work entrusted to it, begs to make the following recommendations as to in- crease and change in the personnel of the Department.

DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS.

9. It is clear from the evidence taken that the Director of Public Works is at present so overwhelmed with his duties that he is tied to his desk and has no time for the work of supervision, which, in the opinion of the Commission, is of supreme importance if the Department is to be carried on efficiently. Indeed, the Commission is unable to under- stand how the work of the Department can be performed thoroughly and effectively in the absence of such supervision."

The Commission, therefore, strongly recommends that steps be taken at once to re- lieve the Head of the Department of all routine work and other duties which can be dis- charged by the Assistant Director of Public Works. Mr. CHATHAM is of opinion that such a course will enable him to devote time to the exercise of general supervision, which, in the opinion of the Commission, is essential.

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS.

10. Owing to the promotion of Mr. CHATHAM to be Director of Public Works, this post is at present vacant. The Commission recommends that the vacancy be filled without delay and that the officer selected for the post should be one of experience and activity and possessed of powers of organisation.

127

[iii]

MAINTENANCE OF BUILDINGS, ROADS, &c.

11. Mr. CHATHAM is of opinion that an additional Assistant Engineer should be ap- Evidence. pointed to assist in maintenance work generally, including roads, and that another Eu- ropean Overseer should be appointed to supervise the roads inside the City of Victoria.

The evidence showed that the staff, as at present constituted, is not sufficient to exercise proper supervision over the roads, and the Commission is, therefore, in favour of increasing the staff as proposed.

The Commission took a great deal of evidence regarding the unsatisfactory condition of the roads, especially in the City of Victoria.

The evidence regarding roads shows that road-making in this Colony is not an easy matter, and that opinions vary as to the best mode of constructing roads, and the most suit- able materials to be used in such construction. Amidst such a variety of opinion it is difficult to arrive at a definite conclusion, but, as the present condition of the roads cannot be regarded as satisfactory, the Commission would urge the necessity of every attempt being made to bring them into a state creditable to the Colony.

In view of the evidence of Mr. CHADWICK as to the asphalt road laid under his instructions at Malta, which has worn so well, and of the evidence of other witnesses as to the desirability of giving wood pavement a trial, the Commission recommends that a portion of a road in a busy thoroughfare be laid with asphalt and another portion with wood pavement with a view to ascertaining whether roads constructed of either material are likely to prove a success in this Colony.

The attention of the Director of Public Works should also be directed to the evidence given before the Commission regarding roads, as the preponderating weight of that evidence tends to show that the present mode of constructing roads is faulty.

TELEGRAPHS AND TELEPHONES.

22-30

61-66

115-116

118-119

163-165

170-172

172-174

183-181

12. The evidence of Mr. FARRELL makes it clear that he has not time to attend to the Evidence. work involved in the laying and maintenance of telegraphs and telephones in addition to 66-70 the duties of supervising the roads outside the City of Victoria. Mr. CHATHAM is also of opinion that one Overseer should devote his entire time, to telegraphs and telephones.. The Commission endorses that opinion and recommends its adoption.

Mr. TOOKER recommends that iron poles should be substituted for the timber poles Evidence. now in use. Mr. CHATHAM also advises the same course, which the Commission thinks Page 31 should be followed.

CEMETERY.

31-32

13. In view of the shifting nature of the population of Hongkong, the Commission Evidence. strongly recommends that the care of all the monuments in the Cemetery should be un- Pages:-- dertaken by the Government-a recommendation which it has the less hesitation in making, as the estimated extra expenditure involved is trifling.

BUILDING ORDINANCE.

14. A new Building Ordinance has been drafted and is at present before the Legislative Council. It is not, therefore, necessary for the Commission to enter into details regarding that

measure, which is now being carefully considered by the public and will be fully discussed elsewhere.

The question of the staff required to carry out the Building Ordinance, so far as the Public Works Department is concerned, is. one which comes within the purview of the Commission.

The present staff consists of :-

1 Executive Engineer.

1 Assistant Engineer.

1 Overseer.

128

►

Evidence.

11-13 16-17

40-16

77-78

128-130 139

[iv]

The increase in the staff proposed by Mr. CHATHAM is two Inspectors or Overseers. The Commission is not certain whether the increase proposed will be sufficient, but it might be given a trial, and if it proves insufficient, the staff should be still further strengthened.

WATER AND DRAINAGE.

15. Mr. CHADWICK is of opinion that Water and Drainage should be reconstituted Pages as a separate Department independent of the Public Works Department, whilst Mr. CHATHAM Considers that such a separation is undesirable, but recommends that, whilst Water and Drainage remains a sub-department of the Public Works Department, it should be strengthened by appointing one Executive Engineer to be in charge of the Water only and another Executive Engineer to be in charge of the Drainage, instead of having only one Executive Engineer in charge of both Water and Drainage as at present, and by the appointment of a more responsible Clerk to take charge of the Water accounts.

142-145 175-181

184-185

Whilst fully sensible of the value of the opinion of an expert of such experience as Mr. CHADWICK, the Commission is of opinion that, with a view to concentration and to the saving of increasd expense, which almost invariably results from the creation of separate departments, it would be well to follow the advice of Mr. CHATHAM and to strengthen the staff engaged on Water and Drainage in the manner proposed by him, but not to reconstitute it as a separate department.

As to the general question of the water-supply, though it has not been directly referred to it for inquiry and report, the Commission ventures to invite attention to the evidence given regarding it by the various witnesses and to the statements printed in Appendix No. 4, No. 5, and No. 6.

The evidence and these statements show that provision for increased water-supply has not been made so rapidly as the necessity of the case demanded.

The Commission regards the question of water-supply as one of immediate and pressing urgency, and desires to record its. opinion that steps should be taken forthwith to put in hand such schemes as can be most rapidly carried out with a view to placing the Colony well ahead of its requirements instead of allowing it to lag behind in that respect.

The question is not only one of present urgency but one which concerns the future. The importance of not only providing against actual requirements but also possible future wants cannot be too strongly insisted on, as the prosperity of the Colony and the welfare of its inhabitants now and in the future are intimately connected with an ade- quate supply of water.

LIGHTING.

16. The Commission is of opinion that the lighting of the Queen's Road, between Fletcher Street and Arsenal Street, should be improved.

LAND WORK.

Evidence.

Pages:- 131-134

17. The evidence given to the Commission shows that the work of the Department as regards land has not been carried out in a manner satisfactory to the public. There have 158-159 Been numerous complaints of delay, especially recently, and Mr. CHATHAM Confesses that such complaints are justified. He, however, points out that the staff dealing with land has not been properly constituted, rendering it impossible to overtake the work. For some considerable period-about two years-the work had been conducted by the Officer who had hitherto filled the post of Land Bailiff. He is of opinion, however, that with the staff as now constituted, consisting of a Land Surveyor, an Assistant Surveyor and a Land Bailiff, there ought to be no difficulty in carrying on the work in a satisfactory

manner.

129

[v]

99-100

From the evidence of Mr. KING, Land Bailiff, it seems that the co-operation be- Evidence. tween the Public Works Department and the Police, who can give much valuable Pages assistance in the direction of preventing illegal squatting on land, has not been so close as is desirable. The Commission feels sure that it will be sufficient merely to call atten- tion to this matter to secure closer co-operation in future.

OFFICE ACCOMMODATION.

18. Mr. HUGHES, in his evidence, drew attention to the want of office accommodation. Evidence. This matter is receiving attention, and it is hoped by Mr. CHATHAM that he will be able Pages: to provide accommodation sufficient for the staff recommended by him.

ENTRUSTING GOVERNMENT WORK TO PRIVATE. FIRMS.

102-103

19. One question on which a good deal of evidence was given was whether it is Evidence. desirable to entrust the carrying out of Government work to private firms.

Pages:

10-11 $4

120-24 134-139

112-114 119-121

The evidence given does not show clearly that such a course would, as a rule, lead to either greater efficiency, better work or saving of public expenditure, whilst, as Mr. CHADWICK points out, there are objections to giving out Government work in the manner 160-163 proposed, and difficulties as to selection of firms which could not be easily met.

•

After careful consideration and in view of the fact that Mr. CHATHAM states that the staff, if increased as proposed by him, will be sufficient to carry out all works involving an expenditure equal to that for which provision is made in the Estimates for 1902, the Commission is not in favour, under ordinary circumstances, of giving out public works to private firms, and is of opinion that this should not be done except in cases of a special nature or of urgency, when the staff of the Public Works Department is not able to carry out a work.

146-147

181-182

• ARCHITECTS.

20. Mr. GALE is of opinion that two of the Assistant Engineers in the Public Works Evidene. Department should be qualified Architects. Mr. CHATHAM agrees with that opinion, Page 87 and the Commission recommends that it be adopted.

SUMMARY OF INCREASE OF STAFF AND ESTIMATED ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURE.

21. The increase in the staff of the Public Works Department recommended by the Commission beyond what is provided in the Estimates for 1902, may be summarised as follows:-

1 Executive Engineer for the supervision of Extraordinary Works.

1 Executive Engineer for Drainage or Water-works.

1 Assistant Engineer for general Maintenance Work (Government Buildings,

Roads, &c.)

1 Overseer for Roads inside the City.

1 Overseer for Telephones.

2 Overseers or Inspectors for performing the duties imposed on the Public

Works Department by the Building Ordinances.

1 Overseer for Water-works, City and Hill District.

1 Experienced Clerk to take charge of the Water accounts.

Evidence.

Page 123

130

Evidence.

Pages:-- 126-128

140 148-149 182-183

Evidence.

[vi]

The present staff is not up to the strength provided for in the 1902 Estimates, which accounts for the apparent disparity between the summary given above, and the increase of staff referred to in the evidence, which refers entirely to the staff in existence when the Commission was first appointed.

The expenditure on account of these increases in the staff beyond that provided for in the Estimates for 1902, is estimated at $29,500 (See Appendix No. 25.)

CROWN AGENT SYSTEM.

22. In view of the statements made regarding the Crown Agents, the Commission thought it only fair to all parties concerned that those statements should be thoroughly investigated, though the Crown Agent system was not referred to it for inquiry and report.

Appendix No. 22 contains a list shewing the various firms that supplied goods and materials to this Colony, during the last ten years, through the Crown Agents. The variety of firms on the list shews that the field of selection for purchases is a wide one and not too circumscribed, as has been suggested.

Mr. DENISON in his evidence stated that he knew an instance in which he was pur- Page 122 chasing iron for his clients at a much cheaper rate than that at which it was being

supplied at the same time to the Colony by the Crown Agents.

Evidence.

From the correspondence in Appendix No. 19, it appears that Mr. DENISON is mistaken and that, as a matter of fact, the Crown Agents were supplying the Colony with iron at a cheaper rate than that at which Mr. DENISON obtained it for his clients.

It was also stated by a member of the Commission that the Crown Agents had Pages:- forwarded a consignment of cement to Hongkong without having received any requisi-

tion in the usual way from the Government.

127-128

168

The documents in Appendix No. 23 shew that the cement in question was duly ordered by the Director of Public Works, Mr. ORMSBY, who appears to have forgotten that he had sent his order and to have misled others into believing that the Crown Agents had forwarded the cement without authority.

Those witnesses who have had practical experience of the Crown Agent system, including Mr. CHADWICK, all speak highly of it, and the Commission is of opinion that ✅it works well and that it would not be easy to substitute for it any other system that

would work so satisfactorily.

DISCHARGE OF DUTIES BY P. W. D. FROM 1st Ocт., 1899 TO 30TH SEPT., 1900.

23. The second subject of reference on which the Commission was appointed to report is stated in the Commission as follows:-

The manner in which the duties devolving upon the Public Works Depart- ment have been performed during the period of two years preceding the 1st day of October, 1901.

In view of the evidence given to the Commission, it is of opinion that, owing to insufficiency of staff, it was not possible for the Department to discharge its duties

thoroughly.

Through want of staff, public works, including water-works, have been delayed, and the general business of the Department has not been conducted with that promptitude which the Commission regards as most necessary and desirable.

[vii]

24. In conclusion the Commission recommends that no expenditure on account of public works should be included in the yearly Estimates, unless there is every reason to anticipate that such money's will be expended during the financial year, and that such works as are approved in those Estimates should be taken in hand without delay and not postponed unless for exceptional reasons.

/to

Hongkong, 29th March, 1902.

J. H. STEWART LOCKHART, Chairman.

JOHN THURBURN.

L. F. BROWN, Col.

GODFREY C. C. MASTER.

I agree with the above Report except that I am not of the opinion that the Crown Agent system works well. I think the Government would be better served by its own Agents, under its own orders, whom the Government could change when dissatis- fied. I do not think that the Crown Agents should be entrusted with the floating of loans. That should be done through a Bank or financial firm of first class standing.

ROBERT SHEWAN.

131

FIRST MEETING.

COUNCIL CHAMBER,

Friday, 18th October, 1901.

PRESENT:

The Honourable J. H. STEWART LOCKHART, C.M.G., (Chairman).

The Honourable JOHN THURBURN.

Colonel L. F. BROWN, R.E.

ROBERT GORDON SHEWAN, Esq.

E. D. C. WOLFE, Esq., (Secretary).

ABSENT:

The Honourable H. E. POLLOCK, K.C.

The Chairman. With your permission, we will take the notice summoning the meeting as read.

Agreed.

The Chairman.-I do not think, gentlemen, it is necessary to have the Commission, issued by His Excellency the Governor, read. The Secretary has furnished each member of the Commission with a copy. I am sorry that Mr. Pollock is not able to be here to-day. He is engaged in the Supreme Court, but seeing this is merely a prelimin- ary meeting, his absence will not be felt so much as it would otherwise have been. The object in asking you to come here to-day is to decide as to the mode of conducting the enquiry. I have a suggestion to make, and I shall be glad to know whether you agree with it or not. I propose that first of all certain papers bearing upon the Public Works Department shall be circulated among the members of the Commission, so that they may have an opportunity of reading them. When all the members of the Com- mission have read these papers, I propose that witnesses should be called.

As regards the examination of witnesses, I think the most convenient method will be for the Chair- man of the Commission to conduct what may be called the examination in chief and then for each member, after that examination is over, to ask the witness any questions. that he may wish to put. I think this plan will save a good deal of confusion. I have noticed in Commissions on which I have sat myself, that, when a witness is heckled by each member indiscriminately it leads to confusion. If we adhere to the method of examination I have suggested-there may be of course occasions when it may be necessary to depart from it-it will, I think, facilitate our enquiry.

Colonel BROWN.-The usual way with us is to submit questions to the Chairman. Mr. SHEWAN.-I think it would be better for each member to put his own question, because an answer often leads to another question.

The Chairman.-The course mentioned by Colonel BROWN would, I fear, delay matters. In my opinion it would be better to allow each member of the Commission to ask directly such questions as may occur to him without submitting them to the Chairman.

Agreed.

133

134

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The Chairman.-There is nothing else for us to do to-day. The papers are already in cireulation. I have sent them in the first instance to Mr. SHEWAN, and they will be forwarded in due course to each member. When all the members have read them, I propose to call the Acting Director of Public Works, as the first witness.

Agreed.

The Commission then adjourned sine die.

SECOND MEETING.

COUNCIL CHAMBER,

Friday, 29th November, 1901.

PRESENT:

The Honourable J. H. STEWART LOCKHART, C.M.G., (Chairman).

The Honourable JOHN THURBURN.

Colonel L. F. BROWN, R.E.

Robert GORDON SHEWAN, Esq.

G. C. C. MASTer, Esq.

E. D. C. WOLFE, Esq., (Secretary).

Honourable W. CHATHAM, sworn:—

Question-Mr. CHATHAM, you are Director of Public Works?

Answer-Yes.

Q-You have just been appointed to that position ?

A-Yes, just appointed.

Q--What was your position before that?

A-Prior to that I was Assistant Director of Public Works, and previous to that again I was Senior Executive Engineer.

Q-Then how long have you been connected with the Public Works Department? A-Eleven and a half years.

And of that period, how long were you Executive Engineer and how long Assistant Director of Public Works?

A-I was for fully seven and a half years Executive Engineer, and the remainder of the time Assistant Director of Public Works until a month ago.

Q-Whilst you were Assistant Director of Public Works, you were also Acting Director of Public Works during a part of that time?

A-During a part of the time.

Q-And whilst you had the appointment of Acting Director of Public Works, who discharged the duties of Assistant Director of Public Works?

A-Mr. TOOKER has been acting in the position of Assistant Director of Public Works, and whilst I was on leave.

(3)

Q-You have read the Commission,* appointing an enquiry into the Public Works Department?

A-Yes.

Q-With regard to the first question of enquiry as to the constitution and sufficiency of the staff of the Department, I would like you to let us know what the duties of the Public Works Department include.

A-I have drawn up a Statement, marked Notes for the Public Works Commis- sion, which gives an account of most of the duties and details the different officers who have to carry them out. But I may state, in the matter of Crown land, that I have absolutely everything to do in connection with it. The statement perhaps does not show that sufficiently.

Q-We can ascertain more details about that when we come to it. I simply ask you generally the duties of your Department. Are they generally described in the State- ment which has been handed in to the Commission and circulated among the members?

A-Yes.

Q-Then, with regard to the staff and duties, take the Director of Public Works in the first instance. I notice from the Statement that he has to look after and super- vise the staff and also to exercise some supervision over the public works going on in the Colony. Am I right in inferring from the Statement that the Director of Public Works has practically no time to exercise this power of supervision?

A-That is so.

Q-And what is the reason of that?

A-The reason is that there is such an immense amount of office work at present that it is impossible to find time to go round and look after the staff and inspect works.

Q-Then, in the absence of the Director of Public Works, who carries out this inspection?

A-The inspection of works is carried out by the Executive Engineers. I mean however that the Director of Public Works should exercise a general supervision as well, and then he would be in a position to know exactly how things were, and whenever any question about any particular work came up, he would be in a position to advise the Executive Engineer on any point.

Q-Under the present circumstances, owing to the mass of details to be attended to, the head of the Department is practically unable to exercise this general supervision?

A-That is so.

Q-Then what suggestion have you to make in order to get over what, I think,

may

.be regarded as this unsatisfactory state of affairs? What suggestion especially would make in order to enable the Director of Public Works to exercise a power

you of general supervision?

A-It could only be done by increasing the staff so that an Assistant Director of Public Works would be available to carry on all routine work and conduct in great measure the correspondence.

Q-Well, you told us that you yourself held the appointment of Assistant Director of Public Works. When you held that appointment, did you perform these duties?

A—I did to a considerable extent but, owing to the insufficiency of the staff, the duties of the appointment were never properly organized. There has also been a great

* See Appendix No. 1.

No. 2.

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increase in the work of the Department within the past two or three years. More Executive Engineers are wanted, in fact, the staff all over is insufficient.

Q-You mean that the only way to get over the difficulty is to increase the staff?

A-To increase the staff-that is so.

Q-That brings me to the question of the increase of the staff, and in connection with this I do not know whether you remember the enquiry held by the Retrenchment Committee in 1894 ?

A-I remember it, but I was never called before the Committee.

Q-In that report the Retrenchment Committee stated that, considering the size of the Island and the public works being carried on in the Colony, the staff was far too great and expensive. That was in 1894. What changes have taken place in the staff since then?

A-The only change, I think, is that there have been two additions to it since then. In 1894 the engineering staff consisted of three Executive Engineers, four Assistant Engineers, and two Draughtsmen-a total of nine. Prior to Mr. COOPER'S departure for Ceylon, he added one Assistant Engineer, bringing the total up to ten. I am confining myself purely to the engineering staff, and at the present time I think it totals eleven, comprising an Assistant Director of Public Works, three Executive Engineers, six Assistant Engineers, and one Draughtsman. That is eleven members in all.

Q-And from what you have said, I take it that you do not consider the staff of the Public Works Department sufficient at present, although the Island is small, as pointed out by the Retrenchment Committee?

Take the City of London, which occupies an It would be absurd to say that because its area

A-It is a ridiculous statement. area, I think, of about a square mile. is limited there is little work to be done in it.

Q-I see that in the Report of the Retrenchment showing the value of the works done from 1882 to 1893. report up to date? It would be useful as showing how increased.

Committee there is a return Could you furnish us with a the value of the works has

A-Yes. It is appended to the document marked "Notes for the Public Works Commission."

Q-With regard to this increase in the staff, I notice in the papers† circulated amongst the members of the Committee that your opinion and that of your predecessor, Mr. ORMSBY, seem to be different. Mr. ORMSBY, when asked-I remember the Unoffi- cial Members raised the question of the staff said it was practically sufficient with the addition of a Land Surveyor and an extra Clerk.

A-Yes, he said something of that sort. I disagree with that opinion entirely.

Q-And what increase do you consider necessary ?

A-I think, to meet the present requirements, there should be a Director of Public Works, an Assistant Director of Public Works, five Executive Engineers-Mr. HOLLINGSWORTH's appointment as such has been approved, and that makes three at present-and some Assistant Engineers as well.

Q-How many?

A-Another three, I should say, making 9 Assistant Engineers in all.

* See Appendix No. 2.

No. 3.

( 5 )

Q-On permanent or temporary agreements?

137

A-My own opinion is that they should be permanent. I may say all our officers come out from home under three years' agreements, but, as a rule, at the end of that period they become permanent members of the staff. During the past 11 years, none have ever gone home at the end of their three years, unless they themselves desired to do so.

Q-Then, from what you say, I presume that, in your opinion, the value of public works to be executed and the extent of them are likely to be maintained for some years to come ?

A-Undoubtedly-increase, I should say.

Q-So that, instead of the staff being decreased, you think it should be increased ?

A-Yes.

Q-It has been suggested more than once that the Government, instead of under- taking its own works, should engage outside architects and engineers in private practice to undertake them. What is your opinion on that subject ?

A-I am entirely opposed to that arrangement.

Q-Why?

A-Well, for one thing, it is a more expensive arraugement.

Q-In what way more expensive?

A-Take the Kowloon Waterworks, for instance, the estimated cost of which is a little over $800,000. The commission to be paid for supervising that work will be over $40,000, and that sum would go a long way in supplementing the staff at the rate of salaries paid to the members of it.

Q—And what period of time is that work likely to cover ?

A-Four

years.

Q-That is $10,000 a year for commission. Any other grounds of objection to allowing architects and engineers outside the Government to undertake the work?

A-Private firms are working purely with the intention of making as much money as they can, and if another large work comes along, they don't send the man away who brings it to them. They say certainly they will take it, and if necessary they increase their staff just as we would do in order to carry out that work. Therefore, I don't see that any gain is. to be made by placing the work in their hands. The work is carried out no more effectively, because it is in large measure relegated to an assistant just as it is with us.

When work increases and the Government wants more done, I am in a position to say it must employ more assistants. Outside firms may try to rub along with the staff they have got and the job may not receive the same attention-in all probability it will not receive so much as it does under us.

Q-With regard to the comparative cost of contracts undertaken by the Govern- ment and private individuals, what is your opinion?

A-My own opinion is that we get work done as economically as private firms, and that, if there is any difference at all, it is due to our requiring a higher class of work in many cases than they do.

Q-Discarding any prejudice that may exist in your mind, how do you think the Government work compares with the work of the private individual ?

that.

A-My opinion is that it compares very favourably. I think any one will admit

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Q-With regard to the preparing of estimates, what is the system at present in force in your Department?

A-When a work is required, we find out in the first instance as nearly as possible the actual requirements, whether it is connected with the Harbour Office or the Police or any other Department. We get the requirements as correctly as possible. The next thing is to find a site as suitable as possible. Then we have a survey made of it and levels taken and prepare a plan to suit the site. After that is done, we submit it for approval. If it is considered satisfactory, the next thing is to take out the necessary quantities and prepare an estimate. In some cases-in the case of buildings-we sim- ply cube them and estimate at so many cents per cubic foot, but that is not so satisfac- tory as a detailed estimate based upon the quantities. Then, if the estimate is approved and the work sanctioned, the next thing is to call for tenders. For that purpose speci- fications are drawn up and quantities are prepared in detail so that the contractor can fill in the prices. All contractors who apply receive these quantities. It is open to any contractor to send us a tender, but we make a practice of asking some of the best men to tender for any work. As a rule, of late, it has been difficult to get any tenders at all.

Q-Then, in carrying out the work, who supervises it?

A-The actual supervision is done by the Executive Engineer and an Assistant Engineer under him, in all probability, and an Overseer.

Q-And who secures that the work shall be carried out according to the specifi- cation ?

A-That is arrived at by close supervision on the part of the officers just men-

tioned.

Q-After the work is completed, I notice in some of the old papers, there were complaints about payment not being made at once. Have there been any complaints of that kind made recently?

A-Only in cases where the work is not progressing satisfactorily do we hold back the money. All contracts provide for the retention of a certain amount, generally 15 per cent., until after the completion of the work.

Q-Granting that the man has done his work satisfactorily, is there any delay in making payment?

A-No, there is not.

Q-How do you arrange your schedule of prices?

A-It is a schedule which was drawn up first of all by a Surveyor in the Royal Engineers Office. From time to time it has been amended.

Q-What is the purpose of having this schedule of prices?

A-The schedule forms the basis of all the annual contracts-repairs of buildings, repairs of roads and all that class of work.

Q-Coming to one or two of the specific duties performed by members of your department, there are two duties which specially come under the notice of the public and these are works connected with roads and water. As far as roads are concerned,

who is the officer responsible for looking after them?

A-Mr. TOOKER is the officer.

Q-And how many Overseers has he to help him in that duty?

A-DOUGHERTY and CARROLL-two.

Q-Is that the whole staff?

(7)

A-There are 5 Portuguese and Chinese Foremen in addition.

Q-Recently, as you are of course aware, there have been many complaints-well justified, I think-about the roads?

or,

A-Yes.

Q-

-What is the cause of this unsatisfactory state of the roads?

A-There are several causes which have contributed. One was the loss of our principal Overseer of Roads in the City (Mr. WILDEY who left the Colony in ill health about a year ago and died shortly afterwards). No steps were taken to fill his place, if it was filled, the man was diverted to other duties. He was not replaced by a man whose duty it was to look after the roads, consequently they were entirely under Mr. DOUGHERTY who had roads outside the City, as well as inside, to supervise. Then, I think Mr. WILDEY was a very capable Overseer as regards roads, and conducted his work very successfully while he was here. Another cause is the use of blue stoue, which was introduced by Mr. ORMSBY a few years ago. It is an excellent material for roadmaking where the traffic is of the ordinary kind, but here it doesn't seem to have succeeded at all. It will not wear down with the class of traffic that passes over it and there is no way of obtaining smoothness, because each stone forms a small knob and the rickshas run along making a series of concussions from stone to stone. We have now abandoned the use of the blue metal and have got the staff of Overseers and Foremen up to the proper strength for looking after the roads.

Q-Do you think the staff for looking after the roads at present is sufficient?

A-I think it is sufficient.

Q-But is the staff an effective one?

A-Taking into consideration 'the duties of Mr. TOOKER, I think he ought to be relieved of some of them to enable him to properly supervise the roads and some other

matters.

Q-By Mr. MASTER.-When was this blue stone abandoned?

A-Only about two months ago.

The Chairman. With regard to the question of water, which has also been exciting the public mind especially since the water has been cut off and there has been an intermittent supply, you have seen and heard of many complaints?

A-Yes.

Q-What are they due to chiefly ?

A-They are due to the difficulties that exist under the intermittent system of providing a supply to all houses. From the configuration of the City there is great difficulty in getting the water to rise to all houses. It is quite possible for the houses on the lower levels to draw off the supply and prevent it rising to the higher houses. That is at the bottom of a lot of these complaints.

-Have these complaints ceased now ?

A-I have not had any for the last couple of days, I think.

-What steps have you taken to meet the complaints?

A-We have done the best we can in adjusting the valves throughout the differ- ent parts of the City to avoid the extremely heavy consumption in the lower levels. We have divided the Peak up into a number of districts-as it was utterly impossible to ensure a supply to all the houses otherwise-and turn on the water for half an hour or an hour according to the extent of each district.

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Mr. MASTER. With reference to the supply, how do you account for its not being more uniformly distributed? Is it the smallness of the mains? Take, for instance, Morrison Hill, where I live, 200 feet above sea level, we get hardly any water there, whereas in Queen's Road, you get water up till one or two o'clock. That is so, is it not?

A-I have not ascertained it myself from actual observation, but I should not be surprised to know that it did happen.

Q-How can you remedy that state of things?

A-The only way in which it can be remedied is by shutting some of the valves near Morrison Hill for a certain period and then opening them to enable the supply to penetrate to the lower district.

Q-But for that the people at Morrison Hill and other places go without?

A-Not absolutely without; I understand you have had some water. Q-Certainly a little-but in Bellilios Terrace they have had none ?

A-In that case it is due to a series of terraces being supplied from one service pipe. The service pipe is of small diameter and the lower terrace draws off the water. In cases like that it is utterly impossible to give a supply to all the houses.

Q-But should something not be done to alter this state of affairs?

A-I have given instructions to provide a fountain near the upper row of houses.

By the Chairman.-What remedy could you suggest to alter this state of affairs at Morrison Hill ?

A-The only remedy is by closing the valve for a period to throw water on to these houses.

Q-With regard to this intermittent supply, what steps can be taken in the fu- ture to prevent a recurrence of it?

A-We are just commencing a reservoir at Tytam. It is not a large one, but it will admit of Tytam being shut off for a longer period during the rainy season. This reservoir ought to fill up very rapidly.

With this reservoir in existence, would the present state of things be prevented?

A-Not if we had such a series of successive dry years as we have had.

Q-What suggestions have you to make to remedy the present state of things, if possible? Is there any way of overcoming it?

A-Oh yes, there is a way out of it, and that is to construct a reservoir down in the valley, and pump all the water up.

Q-Which valley?

A-Right below Tytam near Tytam Tuk.

Q-Was that part of the scheme by Mr. COOPER ?

A-Yes, it was proposed by him in his Report.

-With regard to Mr. COOPER's water scheme, can you furnish the Commission with a copy of it, and will you kindly let the Commission know to what extent it has been carried out, and if there have been any delays in carrying it out what the reasons of the delays are ? *

A-Yes.

* See Appendix No. 4.

(9)

Q-How far it has been carried out, how far it is being carried out, and if there have been any departures from it, and the reasons?

A-Yes.

By Mr. SHEWAN.-Do you think that there is a great saving in the present system of shutting off the water?

A-Undoubtedly.

Q-Because there are a great many houses where they store the water in every available vessel in the house, and I think this leads to a great deal more waste. Is that not so?

A—That is a great evil of the system, and people are altogether absurd in their ideas in many cases. They fill a bath-tub full and in an hour they have to use the bath-tub, and have to let the water run to waste.

Q-Would it not be better to shut off the water instead, and let them go to the hydrants with buckets?

A-That would mean disconnecting the houses, and I am afraid it would involve a very large amount in compensation, because I presume you could not do that with- out paying compensation. These people have been allowed to have services laid on to all their houses.

Is it not a matter that can be compulsorily enforce l?

A-Anything is possible, I believe, by legislation.

Q-You say that the service pipe is too small; who is responsible for it being too small for the terraces? Is it the landlord or the Public Works Department?

A--It is a little difficult to answer that without enquiring. It is quite possible that it is due to our Department. We may have laid the service to that lot of houses, but then, you see everything was designed for the conditions existing at the time. The Water Authority has power to determine the sizes of service pipes, but, whether he exercised his power in the case under consideration, I am unable to say. Everything has been designed for the constant system of supply.

Q.-The people who designed the works did not look to the growth of Hongkong. The growth of Hongkong is the cause of the want of water. The proper thing would be to have more reservoirs and spend some money in making them?

A-Yes.

By the Chairman.—Could you also let us have figures showing the expenditure on the water supply during the past ten years ? *

A-Yes.

By Mr. SHEWAN.-Since 1894, you said you had only had one addition to your staff?

A-Two.

Q-Well, has the work grown much more in proportion?

A-It has doubled quite.

Q-Don't you think that, in regard to the work done, there seems to be some delay ?

A-We have to conform to a good many rules and regulations as regards proceed- ing with work, but the same thing would occur if private firms were employed. I

* See Appendix No. 5.

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mean that the Government would not go simply to an engineering firm and say we want you to build us a row of houses." They would have to conform to the same routine as we do. That is to say, plans and estimates would have to be prepared and approved, and then they would have to be submitted and authority obtained from the Secretary of State.

-But I mean, isn't the progress of the work slower under the Public Works Department than under outside firm?

A-No. Take the Governor's Peak Residence. The contract for that was let in July, 1900, and it is now nearing completion. Compare that with the late Mr. COOKE'S house in Barker Road. It was begun long before the Governor's Peak Residence and is only about completed now.

The Governor's Peak Residence is, of course, a very much larger work than Mr. CoOKE's house.

-That is not a fair comparison. About roads, Mr. CHATHAM, don't you think that the condition of some of these roads is due to the fact that contractors bribe the overseers ?

A-There may be something of the sort done, but I don't think the condition of the roads is due to that.

Q-Don't you think that the overseers are bribed to allow the use of improper materials or an insufficiency of materials, such as lime or cement?

A-Most of the roads that have given rise to complaint are simply macadamised, not concreted, and the contractor could not have used any but the proper material without its being apparent to any one.

Q-The roads lately have been in a dreadful condition and the idea I got was that the overseers did not see to the proper preparation of the stuff.

A-No, that is not so. That is the disadvantage of the grey granite which we are using now. It pulverises and in that way a moderately smooth road is obtained, but the result is that in excessively dry weather there is an immense accumulation of dust, and directly rain comes, it is converted into mud all over the place. Our roads. are not worse in that respect than some I have seen myself in cities at home. In Bristol, where lime-stone is used, I have waded through creamy stuff.

Q-But you would not call that a very good road?

A-Yes, they were good roads under normal conditions.

Q-Do you think our roads here compare favourably with the roads at home?

A-I think they do.

By Mr. THUKBURN.-Is this granite the best material you can get ?

A-Really, the blue stone ought to be splendid material for roadmaking if you had the traffic for it. If you had heavily-loaded carts passing over it all day, the blue stone is an excellent material, but it doesn't answer for our traffic. The roads in Scotland are largely made of that blue stone and I don't think there are finer roads anywhere.

Q-With regard to Government doing some of its work through a private archi- tect, of course there might be a difference when it came to a large work such as a reser- voir which is an engineering work. The officers of the Public Works Department are mainly fitted for that class of work, but when a Post Office is wanted, for instance, a fine architectural building, don't you think it would be better to give the work out to a private firin? If these matters were entrusted to private architects you could get designs and buildings which would be a credit to the Colony. I mean no disparage- ment to men who are engineers, not architects.

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A-We have at present in our Department an officer--Mr. FISHER-who is, I think, qualified to undertake any work of the kind referred to. He was the successful competitor for the Clock Tower, and anyone will say it is an excellent design, and I think he is fully qualified to undertake such works as the Post Office.

Q-This is a question for all time. Mr. FISHER may not always be here and you should invite designs from different men.

Do you think it would be a good thing for the Government to trust entirely to Mr. FISHER or invite other architects to send in designs? No architect sent in designs for the Clock Tower because they would not have got the work to carry out.

A-I thought it was because they did not receive sufficient inducement in the way of premium.

Q-I myself think it would be better for the Government to invite outside archi- tects in a case of that sort, not necessarily in the case of a new reservoir. What do you think?

A-I don't approve of the practice of giving out a lot of work. I may say that, up to the present, the Secretary of State has insisted upon the Director of Public Works being responsible for the carrying out of the work entrusted to outsiders. The giving out of the work does not relieve the Director of Public Works in any material sense.

By Mr. SHEWAN--In the case of the Law Courts, you went to Birmingham for your designs?

A-No, London. I understand the Architects designed the Birmingham Law Courts, however.

By Colonel BROWN.-In the case of a Police Station, who conducts the various surveys connected with it?

A-One of the Assistant Engineers.

Q-And who prepares the design ?

A-In all probability the same man.

Q-Who takes out quantities for it?

A-As far as possible one job is carried out by one man, only the work has to be under the guidance of an Executive Engineer.

Q-You have no special Surveyor employed to do the measuring work?.

A-No.

Q-And the Assistant Engineer measures the work

A-That is so.

And does he make any payments?

-He doesn't pay but he makes out a certificate which is sent to the Treasury for payment.

Q-With regard to the water supply, as the population increases, the area from

you can obtain water diminishes ?

which

A-Lately we have cut out one or two streams on account of the buildings on Barker Road but the area has not been curtailed to any serious extent.

Q-Could you give any idea of the number you could provide water for ?

The Chairman.-I rather think that is contained in the report by Mr. COOPER.

A-Yes, it is stated in Mr. COOPER'S Report.

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100

Q-Fifteen gallons per head

per

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diem is rather a small estimate, is it not?

A-It is considered a good allowance for ordinary purposes. If you include manufacturing purposes, of course it is not, but for domestic purposes it is considered a liberal allowance. In fact, ten gallons per head is a good allowance.

Q-In how many years in the past, has the supply of water been insufficient to meet the demand ?

A-How far back do wish to go?

you

Q-As far back as you like.

A-The information is not available for any period further back than 1890 since when regular reports have been made.

Q-Say then for the last five years?

A-I could ascertain that.

By the Chairman.-Could you give us a return showing how often we have been put on an intermittent supply, and, if possible, what the reasons were ?*

A-Yes.

By Mr. MASTER.-These pipes you say were constructed for a continuous supply and are ill adapted for an intermittent supply. Has anything been done to alter that state of things?

A-You can't do anything of a temporary nature to alter it, it would be such an enormous expense.

Q-But can it not be done?

A-New mains of large diameter can be laid but it would be an unwise thing to do unless it were intended to adopt the intermittent system perpetually.

Q-Can nothing be done by means of pumping engines to give a greater force, and so force the water higher?

A-We are using the pumping engine now for the higher levels--the Peak pump- ing engine.

Q-Is that the only pumping engine?

A-Yes.

Q-Is there any reason why that engine should not be available for pumping water to the higher levels of the City?

A--The water to the higher levels of the City is ordinarily pumped by hydraulic The engine only requires to be used in such cases as the present. All the

motors.

rest of the City is supplied by gravitation.

Q-Is the sinking of Artesian wells quite out of the question here?

A-There would be no use, I think, in attempting it owing to the geological forma- tion. That is my own opinion, but I am not a sufficient geologist to say positively.

Q-There has never been any attempt or experiment?

A-I am not aware of any.

Q-How much water is there at present? How long will it last this winter according to your present returns?

A-On 25th November the quantity in the reservoirs totalled 218,000,000 gallons as nearly as possible. The rate of consumption for the two preceding weeks on the

* See Appendix No. 6.

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110

intermittent supply was a little over 11,000,000 gallons per week. Our supply would therefore last for very nearly twenty 'weeks.

Q-Has this question of shortage of water been continually brought before the Government ?

A-All I can say is that it has been before the Government as it occurred, from time to time, but I am not aware that it has been brought before it in any special

manner.

Q-How long will it take before additional reservoirs can be completed?

A-I hope the one now in hand will be completed in about eighteen months.

Q-Do you shut the water off during the summer months at night, or does it run all the 24 hours ?

A-It runs all the 24 hours.

Q-Would it make any difference if you shut it off at night?

A-No, because, as a rule, our reservoirs overflow. This year has been exceptional because Tytam reservoir has not overflowed. This is the second season since I have been in the Colony that Tytam has not overflowed.

-With reference to your own work, you begin at nine o'clock in the morning and go on till when?

me.

A-I begin at 9 and generally go on till 6.30 and then take some work home with

Q-And you

do so much writing in the office that it is impossible for you to go about the City and take a look at the works and visit Tytam or other outlying places?

A-It is practically out of the question.

-If you do that, the office work accumulates ?

A-Yes, and as a matter of fact it has accumulated in spite of all I have done.

Q-Are your duties now so manifold that you should not have to sit here all the time but have competent men in your office who could sit down and answer a report. in such a way that you would only have to see it?

A-Yes.

Q-Have you a shorthand writer in your office?

A-No.

Q-Would one or two be a great addition?

A-Perhaps I might be able to do something with one, but there are so many minutes to be written on papers that it would be difficult to avail oneself of his services so fully as might be the case in an ordinary position.

By the Chairman.-As regards the inspection of buildings, recently there have been collapses of houses in Hongkong which have caused loss of lives and excited public attention. How many Inspectors of Buildings have you?

A-Only one.

120

Q-Do you consider that a sufficient number?

A-No, certainly not. It is a mere farce under existing conditions.

Q-This question of inspection of buildings is under consideration, is it not?

A-Yes.

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Q-It has been brought before the Public Works Committee of the Legislative Council, has it not?

A-Yes.

Q-Has their report been published?

A-Yes, it was laid on the Council table.*

Q-And are you aware that the Government intends to legislate on that point?

A-I understand the Bill is very nearly completed.

Q-And what generally will be the principles of that Bill?

A-That architects will be made responsible and that only architects can carry out works; that it won't be possible for a Chinaman to arrange with some colleague for the erection of half a dozen houses and carry out the work without any supervision as is done at present. The Chinaman will be compelled to employ a properly qualified architect, and the architect will have power to employ overseers to look after the work whenever he considers it necessary.

Q-The architects wrote in on the subject?

A-Yes.

Q-Their letter also was published?

A-Yes.

Q-And if this Ordinance becomes law how many Inspectors of Buildings would your Department require?

A-I believe I recommended four, and it was ultimately decided that three would be sufficient.

Q-What would be their duties if the law imposes on the architects the responsi- bility of seeing that everything is carried out properly?

A—Their duties will be to go round continually and pay surprise visits and see that the work is being carried out in accordance with the Building Ordinance.

Q--Then, with regard to the Building Ordinance, is there not a new Building Ordinance on the stocks?

A-Yes.

Q-And in this new Ordinance is to be embodied the new provisions making architects responsible for the house being erected by them?

A. Yes.

Q-Have you any suggestions to make in regard to the staff required for the work under the Building Ordinance ?

A-I consider that one Assistant Engineer should be available for that work- practically exclusively available for supervising the Inspectors and examining all plans submitted and doing all that is necessary in that way.

Q-The Commission has been asked to report on the manner in which the duties of your Department have been performed during the past two years. One of the duties of your Department has been the inspection of buildings?

A-That is so.

* See Appendix No. 7.

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134

Q-Are you of opinion that that duty has been performed thoroughly?

A-It is utterly impossible that it could have been. The immense amount of building work that has been carried on would have required a large staff to look after it thoroughly.

Q-That being so, how can you explain that the head of the Department quite recently gave it as his opinion that the staff of the Department did not require to be increased ? *

A-I can't say.

With regard to the members of your staff generally are you satisfied with them?

A-I think they are a very good lot of men all round.

Q-You have no suggestion to make with regard to any of them ?

140

A-It is rather a difficult subject for me to speak on.

Q-Perhaps you could let us have a confidential report on the members of your staff, showing how they discharge their duties?

A-Yes.

By Colonel BROWN.-Perhaps the Director of Public Works makes confidential reports at stated periods?

A-No.

By the Chairman.-Will you kindly give us such a report ?

A-Yes, I will endeavour to do so.

By Mr. MASTER.-Has anything been done with Mr. COOPER's water report ? A-Quite a large amount has been done.

Q-Did he recommend additional reservoirs ?

A-He recommended the Wong-nei-chong reservoir, and that has been built.

-Did he recommend anything below Tytam or any dams above Tytam ?

A-Yes, two reservoirs above Tytam and one, which we are now taking in hand, adjacent to the existing reservoir.

Q-In your opinion would it not be a good plan to dam up these various valleys so as to store above Tytam? It would have the effect of picking up a good deal more

water.

A-That is part of the programme, but I am a little doubtful how far it would have been beneficial in the present case because the conditions are very exceptional. In 1898, we had only 57 inches of rain; in 1899, 723; in 1900, 733; and in 1901, up date, 54 inches. That is an abnormal succession of low rainfall years. Whether reservoirs above the existing Tytam reservoir (which would deduct from its catch- ment area) would have been full under these conditions, had they been constructed, it is somewhat difficult to say. It is clear that, as Tytam reservoir did not fill up, none of this year's rainfall would have been saved by their construction.

Q-What is the date of Mr. COOPER's report ?

A-1896.

Q-And, supposing the work had been taken in hand at once, the reservoirs could have been made in two years?

A-Yes, about that time.

* See Appendix No. 3.

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•

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The Chairman. But you are going to give us a return showing what money has been spent, what part of the scheme has been carried out, and what part has not been carried out? *

A-Yes.

8 By Mr. SHEWAN.-Supposing you have a man on your staff with whom you are

dissatisfied, can you deal with him at once and dismiss him?

A-No, I can't dismiss him.

Q-Then you have to work with bad men?

150

A-Well, I presume, if he turned out very unsatisfactory, I could obtain pow er from Government to cancel his agreement.

Mr. MASTER.-The Crown can dismiss any servant without notice.

Mr. SHEWAN.

Yes, but do they do it?

Mr. MASTER.--As a matter of fact you find it very difficult to make out a specific charge against a man.

sion?

By Mr. THURBURN.-At the end of three years, officers are not entitled to any pen-

A-No, not till after ten years.

After ten years' service they are qualified for pension ?

A-Yes, their past service goes towards pension.

-After three years, there is no difficulty in dismissing a bad man?

A-Oh no, not at all.

By the Chairman.-Taking it all round, have you found that the staff brought out from home is satisfactory?

A-Yes.

Q-Speaking generally?

A-Yes.

By Mr. THURBURN.-Regarding the efficiency of the Public Works Department, during the past two years, I remember that there were great complaints about the water- works at Kowloon being unsatisfactory. I have heard rumours that this was due to the Public Works Department. What was the cause of Mr. ORMSBY putting off any work in connection with putting the pumping machinery in proper order ?

A-I think he ought to have taken steps to have the engines attended to before he did and to have entrusted the work to some thoroughly good firm as was done ultimately. It was ultimately put in the hands of the Dock Company and they have thoroughly overhauled the engines. But, I may say, these pumping engines are of a very special type and I know that the firm who constructed them had a man coming out to some part in this neighbourhood--I forget whether it was Japan or Shanghai-and his services could have been obtained to make an examination of the engines and see that they were put in proper working order. I know that Mr. ORMSBY pooh-poohed the idea, and considered it ridiculous. It would only have cost a few hundreds of dollars.

Q-Then the inadequate supply was not due to a real scarcity of water, it was due to the pumps being out of order?

A-I am not certain if it was due to that for the whole time, but for a great part of the time it was.

* See Appendix No. 4.

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160

By the Chairman.-They are working satisfactorily now?

A-They are. We have maintained a full supply in Kowloon since last Spring. Just now, we have been troubled with one of the syphons, but we have taken steps to get that put right.

Q-The new scheme for the Kowloon Water Supply has been sent home for approval ?

A-Yes.

By Mr. MASTER-Under this scheme, if carried out, do you think that Kowloon will have a sufficient water supply?

A-Yes.

Q-Do you think that the new reservoir in Hongkong will, for the next 6 or 7 years give the Island a full supply of water for all necessary purposes?

A-I am doubtful if it will for the period you mention. If we have an average rainfall, I have no doubt it will.

Q-Could the Kowloon scheme be enlarged in order to permit of pipes being laid across the Harbour to Hongkong?

A-The scheme projected will be required for Kowloon. The increase in the population of Kowloon during the past four years has been seventy per cent., and by the time these works are finished they will be almost fully required.

Q-So that the water supply will still be behind requirements?

A-Well, it will be up with the requirements and a little in advance.

Q-In Hongkong, there will have to be some further schemes taken in hand in addition to what you have mentioned as being undertaken now ?

A-Yes.

By Mr. THURBURN.-Would it not give a large increase if a new and much higher dam were put at Pokfulam?

A-Mr. COOPER went into the question of storage at Pokfulaın also and he had a scheme for constructing a reservoir below the present dam. It involves interference to some extent with the Dairy Farm Company's premises. As regards that scheme, unless you pump the water into the present conduit, you have to introduce another system with a new main and new filter beds.

By Mr. MASTER.-Is fresh water still used for flushing the drains? A-There is always a little being used for that purpose. His Excellency the Governor has given orders for the drains to be flushed with salt water on the lower levels.

Q-They were flushed with fresh before?

A-During the summer months, they get enough flushing by rainstorms and by small flushing tanks at the head of the various branches. These tanks fill with a dribble of water and when they are full they discharged automatically.

Q-There is no considerable flushing of the drains with fresh water?

A-No.

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THIRD MEETING.

COUNCIL CHAMBER,

Friday, 6th December, 1901.

PRESENT:

The Honourable J. H. STEWART LOCKHART, C.M.G., (Chairman).

The Honourable JOHN THurburn.

Colonel L. F. Brown, R.E.

Robert GordoN SHEWAN, Esq.

G. C. C. MASTER, Esq.

E. D. C. WOLFE, Esq., (Secretary).

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170

£2

H. P. TOOKER, sworn

Q--You are Executive Engineer in the Public Works Department?

A--Yes.

Q-How long have you been in the Public Works Department?

A--Since 15th March, 1890.

--And have you been Executive Engineer all that time?

A--I have.

Q-You have also acted in other capacities, have you not?

A--Yes, I have acted as Director of Public Works and as Assistant Director of Public Works.

Q-On how many occasions did you act as Director of Public Works, and for how long?

A-Three times I have acted, first in 1894. When Mr. COOPER was away on leave and Mr. CHATHAM became sick I acted for three months-May, June and July, and, I think, part of August. And then again in 1896, when Mr. CHATHAM was on leave and Mr. COOPER became sick. I acted for about a fortnight then, I think. Then again, when Mr. ORMSBY went on leave last year, I acted during his absence for a short period as Director of Public Works.

Q And as Assistant Director of Public Works, how long have you acted?

A--Since Mr. CHATHAM went home on leave, first in 1900, and now. CHATHAM came back, Mr. ORMSBY went on leave, and I kept on acting.

When Mr.

Q-As Assistant Director of Public Works?

A--Yes, since March, 1900.

Q-What are your duties now?

A-To take charge of all the works under maintenance-that is, works that come under the head of "Annually Recurrent Expenditure." I shall give you details of them.*

See Appendix No. 8.

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Q--You are in charge practically of the whole of the maintenance works, exclusive of water and drainage, are you not?

A--Yes, and exclusive of dredging foreshores.

Q—And you are in charge of the Building Ordinance works?

A-Yes.

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ون

Q-And also of supervising private street improvements and of clearing stream courses with a view to the abatement of fever?

A-Yes.

Q-With regard to the maintenance of buildings and miscellaneous works, how many overseers have you got under you at present ?

A-With reference to the maintenance of buildings, or including roads as well?

How many overseers have you under you for the maintenance of buildings and miscellaneous works only?

A-Three European overseers-Messrs. MUGFORD, COYLE, WOLFE, and one vacancy. Q- -There is one appointment vacant, is there?

A--That is so.

Q---And what steps have been taken to fill up

that vacancy?

A-I understand an application has been made to England to send out a man through the Colonial Office.

Q-You have two foremen, have you not?

A-Yes, Messrs. GRANT and Hü KWAI.

Q-Do you keep any books or records?

A-Yes.

Q-What books do you keep?

A--First, the contractor who is employed to carry out the work receives a written order for each work out of an order book. There is a register kept of the orders, and, as the work is measured up billed, that is recorded in the register, which is brought to me monthly. The overseer who measures up the work gives me the bill and I sign for it in the register.

Q-For instance, if I were to ask you what has been done in the case of my office during the past ten years, would your records show that exactly?

A-I could tell you for the last five years.

190

Q-And could you tell me what has been done in my own room in which I sit?

A-Yes.

Q-And does the record show the dimensions of the room?

A-No.

Q-Has not that room been measured for various work frequently? Have you not the measurement of each room recorded?

A-Yes, if it has been repaired to any large extent. If we had colour-washed the whole of the room or painted it we could give the measurements.

Q-Well, that room has been colour-washed, and you could give the measurements?

A-Yes, we keep the measurements of every Government building.

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By Mr. MASTER.-In regard to your overseer, you say he brings in the measure- ments of the work done by the contractor every month?

A-He does.

Q--Do you check these measurements yourself?

A-No.

-You are entirely dependent on the overseer?

Q-

A-Entirely dependent on him.

Q-And whether he measures right or wrong, there is none but himself to know ?

A-No one but himself.

By the Chairman.-Have you at any time ever checked the measurements ?

A-I have.

Q-And have you always found them to be satisfactory?

A-Yes.

By Mr. SHEWAN.-Is the overseer a European?

A-Yes, a European.

Q-Where did you get him?

A-From the Royal Engineers.

Q-Is he a man with small wages?

A-I think he gets $150 a month now.

200

Q-It would be to his interest to take a bribe ?

A-I don't think he would. He was a Sergeant in the Royal Engineers, and he had a very good character when he came to us.

Q-Is it not possible for him to take a bribe?

A-It might be possible.

Q-Do

Do you pay surprise visits, and go and measure off work now and then in such a way that overseers never know when you are coming and never know when it is safe to send in a wrong statement? Supposing they did?

A-Supposing they did, they are liable to be caught any moment.

You don't as a practice take their measurements as being correct without now and then checking them to see that it is correct?

A-I do that frequently.

By the Chairman.-Have you ever had any reason to suspect anything of that

sort in connection with that work?

A-No, not in connection with the present overseers.

By Mr. SHEWAN.-What would you do if a man was caught

was caught giving incorrect

measurements?

A-I would report him to the Director of Public Works.

Q-Would he be dismissed?

A-I don't know that he would be dismissed; he would be proceeded against by law, of course.

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210

حمد

By the Chairman.-He could be prosecuted?

A-There is an Ordinance.

By Colonel BROWN.-You are giving your evidence now entirely as Executive Engineer, not as Assistant Director of Public Works?

A-Yes, as Executive Engineer.

Q-Have you no assistant under you for the maintenance work?

A-None.

Q-Only overseers?

A-Yes, only overseers.

By the Chairman.-With regard to miscellaneous works, what are included in them? For instance, during the present year, what have been treated as miscellaneous works ?

A-There was the alteration to the latrine at Belilios Public School, the putting in of a new shaft for ventilation. That was one work, but there were several works during the year which I can't quite remember just at present.

Q-Would you kindly let us have a list of miscellaneous works during the last two years ? *

A-Certainly.

Q-With regard to these works, the same staff assists you in the maintenance of buildings?

A-Just the same.

By Mr. SHEWAN.--If you wanted extra staff you could ask for it?

A-I could ask for it, certainly.

By Mr. THURBURN.-That is with regard to miscellaneous works alone ?

A-Yes, I am quite at liberty to ask for assistance if I want it.

By Mr. MASTER.-With regard to the maintenance of buildings, have you suffi- cient staff?

A--Not at present. There is one vacancy.

7 Q-That will be filled up?

A-Yes.

Q--And when it is filled up, your staff will be sufficient? A-Yes, it will be.

By Mr. SHEWAN.-Is the staff the same as it was some years ago?

A-The staff is larger now than it used to be.

220

Q--Is it large enough now for present needs?

A-At present I can get on with the staff for the maintenance of buildings as it is.

Q-For five years ?

A-I would not say that it would be large enough five years hence.

By the Chairman.-We come to the next portion of your duties-maintenance of roads and telephones. What staff have you to help you in these matters ?

* See Appendix No. 9.

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A-In the matter of roads I have got two overseers--Mr. FRANKLIN and Mr. FARRELL--and under them again I have got one Chinese foreman in the City--LI SING -employed specially there, and two Portuguese foremen, and another Chinese fore- man who is employed outside the City.

Q-You have two overseers (Messrs. FRANKLIN and FARRELL), and Messrs. NEMO, PORTIERO, NEAVER, LI SING, ane U PAT?

A-Yes.

Q-What is the extent of the roads in Hongkong?

A-Exclusive of the New Territory, there are about 120 miles of roads and

streets.

Q-That is in the Island proper and old Kowloon ?

A-Yes.

Q-What extent of roads come under you in the New Territory?

A-None at present.

Q-What about the new road to Taipó ?

A-That is looked after by Mr. HUGHES.

Q-It doesn't come under ?

you

A-Not except to pass the monthly accounts.

Mr. HUGHES returns the measure-

-9

:230

ments.

Q--How many members of this staff aid you in the work of roads, and how many in looking after the telephones?

A-Mr. FARRELL alone aids me in telephone work. We do the whole work between us with four linesmen.

-And the other members of the staff?

A-They have nothing to do with telephones.

Q-They help you entirely with roads?

A-Only with the roads.

Q-Does Mr. FARRELL help with the roads at all?

A--Yes, he helps on the roads as well.

Q-In your opinion, is that staff sufficient for the roads?

A-No.

Q-What addition do consider necessary?

you

A-We want one Assistant Engineer and one European Overseer more to devote their whole attention solely to the maintenance of roads.

-With regard to the roads, you must be aware there has been a great deal of dissatisfaction expressed-and I think very properly--with regard to their condition. How do you explain the unsatisfactory state of the roads?

A-It is due to several causes.

Q-Kindly let us know the causes.

A-There are no foundations to any of the roads. They were cut out of the hill in the early days, and macadam was laid on the top without any foundation, and the consequence is that so soon as we put inacadam on now it wears into holes on account of having nothing to support it underneath. Then again we have to use very soft

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stone. This granite we are using is what is known as telepathic granite, and in rainy weather it breaks up and forms into mud, and in dry weather becomes dust. We have tried to use a harder stone which is composed to a large extent of Hornblende. We have a good deal of that stone in the Island, and we tried it, but the result was bad. The roads having no foundation and the traffic being light, of the ricksha type, the stone did not wear evenly. The soft part of the road wore away and left the hard part sticking up. The road having no bottom, the traffic pressed the stone down in one place and caused it to work up in another. Consequently a sort of knobby surface was formed which was very uncomfortable to travel over. When the road was widened in Queen's Road, between Murray Barracks and the City Hall, we took the opportunity of putting in a better foundation, and we hand-pitched the road on the South side with nine inches of stone.

Q- -What do you mean by hand-pitched?

A--Hand-packed. We put in 9 inches deep of hand-packed stone forming a rough arch under the road which is the proper way to make macadam roads. Secondly, we put hard stone on top of that, and that has never turned into a knobby surface. Conse- quently, when the rest of Queen's Road was almost impassable the other day owing to mud, this part was dry and hard. The complaints I have heard about the roads have been principally during the past twelve months. These complaints were due to the plague during the summer months. When the plague epidemic was on, all the best coolies left and we could not get any to work on the roads except very inferior workmen whom the contractor engaged. These men did not know anything about road-making, and the consequence was that the roads got into a very bad state for want of attention, and, when they did get into bad repair, it meant considerable difficulty to get them put right again. It has only been during the past three months, since the coolies came back again, that we could get the roads properly repaired. The labour we get here, too, is very inferior, and they don't understand road-making as roadmen in England do, and it is difficult to teach them, and then, when you do teach them, they go away elsewhere. We are continually getting in new men, and it is the same thing over again.

proper

Q--It has been a very common subject of comment that the roads of to-day con- trast very unfavourably with the roads that existed formerly. What is the reason of that? You have told us that the first reason is that none of the roads have foundations, and that they do not afford the means of being made good roads, but the fact remains that they were more satisfactory to the public before, without the foundations, than they are to-day.

A--The ricksha traffic is much heavier to-day than it used to be, and truck traffic has increased very much. It is only in the City lower levels that I have heard com- plaints. Outside of Victoria, I have heard it remarked that the roads are much better than they used to be.

Q--Having discovered that a good road can be made by giving it a proper foundation, why have steps not been taken to adopt this system generally?

A-It would be an enormous expense to do it right away to all the roads in Hongkong.

Q-I have noticed, for instance, that in Queen's Road, from the Barracks right along to the Race Course, you have been repairing the roads for months, I should

and

One layer is put you seem to have covered it with several layers of stone. down, the steam roller is brought along, and some bits are taken up again and other layers put down. Will

Will you kindly let us know your method?

say,

A-That road was one of the roads that got into bad repair in the summer, and the Naval authorities had it opened for the diversion of the nullah close to Murray

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Barracks, which had the effect of narrowing the road at that place to a considerable extent. Traffic was much congested as a result on one side, and that side wore very rapidly. I noticed, between Garden Road and the road leading up to Headquarter House, that that part of the road suffered considerably. The remainder of Queen's Read from the road leading to Headquarter House to Wellington Barracks was more or less widened by the Naval authorities during the past twelve months, and we had it re-macadamised. A good deal of it was widened lately, and one side of the road was macadamised while the other was not. It required a good two or three coats of stone before we could get an even surface.

Q-Have you given that road a foundation or not?

A-We have given the portion that is widened a foundation-that is the extra portion that has been taken into the road.

-But there has been an extension of this road from the City Hall?

A-We have put in a foundation, but the old portion has to remain without a foundation.

Q-Why should you give one side a foundation and not the other?

A-Because the one side was new and the other we could not excavate without incurring much expense.

Q-Why did

you, on one road, have one part with foundation and the other with- out foundation? Is that not almost certain to result disastrously?

A-No, because the opportunity will arise some day to have foundation put in all over.

We only put about four inches of macadam on the old part, whereas we would have to cut through nine inches of macadam and another nine inches below that before we could get a foundation for the old road. We will never get satisfactory roads until we have foundations for them.

--Do you not think it is a waste of time and money to go on as we have been doing?

A-Yes, I have often thought so.

Q-Have you ever made any representations on the matter?

A-Yes, I have told Mr. ORMSBY that the roads would never be satisfactory un- less we got foundations put in.

Q-Do you make these reports in writing?

A-I did not report to Mr. ORMSBY in writing, but I reported to Mr. CHATHAM the other day in writing. I reported that we should take the opportunity of putting in this hand-pitching wherever roads have been opened for gas and water purposes. Hand-pitching is formed by putting in large stones about 9 inches deep set on edge so as to form a rough arch.

With regard to the stone you are putting on the top of these roads, it has been mentioned to me that it is hand-packed in Singapore. Have you ever heard of such a system ?

A-No.

Q-And it has also been mentioned to me that the stone you put on now has no blinding. Is that so?

ably.

A-Indeed, I thought there was too much blinding. I am reducing it consider-

-What do you put on ?

A-Decomposed granite.

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Q-And what above the granite?

A-It is watered and rolled in with the steam roller. In England they use road scrapings. As a rule, when the roads are cleaned, they put that aside and let it dry and use it as blinding.

Q-And do you consider the blinding here is satisfactory?

A-Yes.

Q-What is the difference between binding and blinding ?

A-I don't think there is any difference. They are technical terms.

Q-Do you consider, Mr. ToOKER, that the roads will never be satisfactory until they have foundations?

A-As long as the main roads and streets on the lower levels are macadamised they will never give satisfaction, macadam will probably be sufficient for roads outside the City.

Q-What would you suggest?

A-I would suggest Australian hard wood paving in the centre of the town.

Q-Do you think that would be satisfactory here?

A-Oh, splendid, the very thing.

Q-What would it cost?

A-It would cost about six dollars a square yard when laid down on a concrete foundation.

Q-How many square yards are there in Hongkong, can you tell? from say the Civil Hospital to Wanchai Market?

How many

A-I could not give you the number of square yards just now.

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Q-Could you kindly give us any estimate ? *

A-Yes. I would recommend the paving at both the Praya and Queen's Road. It ought to be done where the most ricksha traffic is-Queen's Road and Des Vœux Road.

Q-At home how is wood paving laid ?

A-At home they have a foundation of concrete, then on top of that they put in square blocks, what we call sets, about six inches long, six deep and three inches wide. These are soaked in creosote before they are used and they are laid directly on top of the concrete. The joints are filled up with fine gravel or chips of stone and then boiling pitch and tar is poured into them and that makes a perfectly impervious surface.

Q-How do you think the heat would affect such a paving here ?

A-No more than in London, I think.

-Of course we have it much damper here?

A-But this hard wood is almost impervious to moisture itself.

By Mr. SHEWAN. -No white-ants?

A-It is almost indestructable by white-ants.

By Mr. MASTER.--Would a cement road not be better?

A-No. I said we are using macadam at present as the only material in some places. We are using concrete, cement concrete, and lime concrete and sometimes

* See Appendix No. 10.

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lime and cement concrete; our experience with lime concrete is not good at all. It wears into holes very quickly. Cement concrete is all very well in narrow streets where there is not much vehicular traffic, and lime and cement concrete also is all very well for streets where we want an impervious surface, but it doesn't stand vehicular traffic. They tried to a large extent in England and could never get it satisfactory.

The Chairman.-For instance, what are the roads at the Peak made of?

A--They are made mostly of lime and cement concrete.

Q-They have no vehicular traffic over them?

270

A-As long as there is no vehicular traffic, lime and cement concrete makes a good surface for a road.

Q-And you think the roads at the Peak are satisfactory?

A-Some of them are and some of them are not.

The ones that have been done

lately are satisfactory. They have been made of lime and cement concrete.

Q-And what were the old ones made of?

A-Lime concrete alone. They are not so satisfactory. They are wearing away pretty rapidly now.

Q-Take, for instance, Kennedy Road. What attention has been paid to it lately? A-It has been covered with decomposed granite during the past month.

Q-Has it been repaired quite recently? The last time I went over it, it appeared to have received no attention at all for some time.

A-Yes it is just repaired. Decomposed granite will always be unsatisfactory, more or less, after every shower of rain.

Q-Is the Kennedy Road always made of decomposed granite?

A-Always.

2 Q-How is it that always before it was very satisfactory to all appearance?

A-It was covered very frequently.

Q-How, then, did it get into this unsatisfactory state?

A--In the summer time, owing to the plague, we could get no labour.

Q--With regard to the labour, you say the quality of it is no good?

A--No good.

Q-Is it different from what you employed when the roads were more satisfactory?

A--I think we are paying them too little and that has a good deal to do with it.

Q--With regard to the busy centres near the Bank, the Hongkong Hotel and below Mr. SHEWAN'S Office, these parts are in a very unsatisfactory condition. Why?

A-The same reason applies. They got into a bad condition during the summer, and then there was a rush to get them into repair. Macadam was put down as rapidly as possible and too much blinding was put on, the consequence being that the roads. were not made properly.

Q-How many steam rollers have

A-One.

you

Q-Is that sufficient?

A-No.

There is another coming out now.

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280

Q-During the year, how often do you get over the 120 miles of roads in the Colony?

A-I don't go over it all.

Q-Why is that?

A-I have no time. That is the reason I say an Assistant Engineer is required. The Assistant and my self should be over these roads continually.

year?

Q-There ought not to be much difficulty in going over 120 miles of roads in a

A-There is a good deal of difficulty because communication is not very good. For instance, if you want to go over the roads on the other side of the Island you can't do it under a day.

Q-Supposing it tock a week in a year, why can you not go over all the roads in a year?

A-Generally speaking, I am over them all in a year, but I don't think I am over every foot of road.

Q-Don't you think it is very necessary that the officer responsible for the condi- tion of the roads should go over them?

A-I certainly think so. That is why there should be an Assistant Engineer. Q-It has been pointed out to me, and I have noticed it myself, that the roads in Kowloon are more satisfactory than on this side. Why is this?

A--Because there is nothing like the traffic in Kowloon. There is hardly a road macadamised there at all.

Q-How is that?

A-They are simply cut out of the natural soil and covered with decomposed granite. I macadamised Elgin Road.

Q-Do you think that is satisfactory for Kowloon?

A-No. I pointed out in my report last year that the roads in Kowloon should be macadamised. There is another point I should like to mention and that is that the watering of the streets by salt water destroys the roads to a large extent. The salt water contains salts which crystallize and, as soon as we have a little damp weather, the crystals break up with a certain amount of expansion and this breaks the road surface. I had the same trouble with it in England over and over again.

Q-Then you are opposed to watering with salt water?

A-If it is sparingly done it could continue, because one watering with salt water is equivalent to three waterings with fresh water for keeping the roads moist, but so soon as the weather becomes damp there is a tremendous amount of expansion in the chemical change of the salt crystals.

Mr. THURBURN.-With regard to the concreting of the roads, the Old Praya was concreted for the purpose of preventing seas and typhoons getting in and washing away the roads?

A--That was one reason.

Q-The New Praya in front of the Club up to Blake Pier was concreted, but beyond that you have been putting what you call foundation-these big stones and soil above them-now supposing a typhoon comes with a high tide, is that not likely to be washed out?

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A-I daresay it would be a good deal washed out, nearly all along the Old Praya the lime concrete wore into holes and we had to pick it up and put down macadam instead.

Q-Still it prevented the Old Praya being washed away by waves as it used to be? A--The sea undermined the concrete and formed a shell of concrete and that used to break away suddenly leaving a tremendous cavity in the road.

Q-I would like to know the exact parts you have put foundations into?

A-Where Queen's Road was widened opposite Murray Barracks and opposite the Military Parade Ground on one side. We took the opportunity of pitching as is done in England.

Q-You had a good deal of experience in road-making at home?

A-Yes, I was for seven years on road-making before I came here.

Q--And it is necessary that in a place like this, the Engineer in charge should be a man of experience ?

A-Yes.

At home it is almost a special branch.

Q-At present you don't think you have staff enough?

A-No. Hongkong is a far more troublesome place to work than at home on account of the climatical conditions. In the summer time, the men can't do as much here as they could at home.

By Mr. SHEWAN.--Supposing concrete was to be put in, you would see how it was being made?

A--Yes.

Q-And looking at it you could tell what quality it was?

A-Yes.

Q-The information that the man in the street gives is that the proper material for concrete was never put into the roads?

A--That is absolutely untrue.

Q--You yourself are sure ?

A-Yes, but the macadam is not what it should be. It is soft stone.

Q-So that you must have bad roads ?

300

A-You must have bad roads if you use soft macadam and have no foundation.

Q-When you first came here were the roads better than they are now?

A--I don't think so.

Q--They were made differently?

A-Just the same material-this soft granite.

Q-You tell us the roads were made of the same material. I thought Mr. ORMSBY introduced a new stone?

A-We have stopped using the hard stone. The material Mr. ORMSBY introduced has been stopped. During my time, the roads have been made differently, but now we have gone back to the old way.

stone.

Q--Mr. ORMSBY assured me that we would have much better roads with the blue

A-I think, Mr. Chairman, you will bear me out that that stone has been discarded.

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304

Q-I want to know if Mr. TOOKER is of opinion that it is a better inaterial or not ?

A—It is the same quality of stone as I used in England where it made good roads. I thought we were putting on a better stone than we had had before until I found it was too hard for the work.

Q--Mr. ORMSBY told me himself that it did work and that it was a great improve- ment ?

A-Take Queen's Road West for instance, where we had absolutely to cover this hard stone with soft stone.

Q--Did Mr. ORMSBY admit that it was not good stone before he left?

A-It did not show before he left.

Q-How long had that road been laid before he left?

A-Only very shortly before he left.

Q-Had he had experience of it before?

310

A--Not in this Colony.

Q-In Ceylon he had experience. Have you seen it in other parts of the world?

A-I have seen it in other parts of the world over and over again making excellent roads, but I think it would be more satisfactory to lay down hard wood pavement. is the best.

-Next to that, would blue stone be best ?

A--With a good foundation, that would be second best.

By the Chairman.-Even with this traffic?

A--Even with this traffic, the second best would be a good foundation and this blue stone on top.

By Mr. SHEWAN.--So that you are using the third best?

A-Yes. We are using the soft material which wears away so rapidly that we are continually piling on stone to try and keep the roads up to the proper level.

Q-Why don't the authorities take the second best and use blue stone with foundation?

A-Because to put in foundation over all the roads here would be an enormous thing, and I think myself it would pay better to put in timber paving on the lower levels. Now, we are paying about 15 cents per square yard per annum for maintenance, and the paving would probably not cost more than a cent per square yard per annum for maintenance.

By Mr. THURBURN. —And is it a lasting thing?

A-Before it would require to be taken up and re-laid it would probably have lasted from fifteen to twenty years.

By Colonel BROWN.-You mean only the wood, not the concrete ?

A--Only the wood. In London the macadam in Regent Street used to cost about two shillings and sixpence a square yard per annum, and I believe timber paving bas been substituted.

By Mr. MASTER.-With reference to this blue stone, I understand the road opposite Murray Barracks was laid with it, while, at the present time, you are maintaining Queen's Road near Arsenal Street with decomposed granite?

A--No, with common granite.

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Q-Now is that blue stone broken by hand?

A-No.

Q-Are the stones rather large ?

A--No, they are broken down to an inch and three-quarter, sometimes to a two inch rim.

--Do you think if they were broken half as large that they would sit closer and not have the same amount of working out?

A-That is due to bad foundations.

Q-Is it not because the stones are too large ?

A-If the stones were half the size, the steam roller would break them up.

Q-How often are you over the roads?

A-Continually.

Q With regard to FRANKLIN and FARRELL, what experience have they of road- making?

A-FRANKLIN tells me he had some experience in America.

Q-What is your experience of him?

A--He is not long enough here to judge, but he is doing a good deal at present. FARRELL, I may say,

may say, has only been here for a few days.

Q--Then with regard to steam rollers, where does the present steam roller spend the night?

A--In a shed near the Harbour Office.

Q--Why do you send it down there at night and bring it all over the roads in the morning?

A-It must be left somewhere.

Q-Why should it not remain by the side of the road?

A-It would be an obstruction.

Q-The road is an obstruction itself when it is being mended. It would not interfere with the traffic. Supposing the engine was allowed to remain there at night with a tarpaulin over it, would it be any advantage?

A-I don't think it would. I have had charge of steam rollers before and I never allowed them to remain outside overnight.

Q-I have seen steam rollers out in the fields overnight?

A-Yes, traction engines. Here it is a very damp climate and it is better for the roller to be inside.

By the Chairman.--The next portion of your duties, Mr. TOOKER, is maintenance of telephones. With regard to them, how many miles have you to look after?

A--At present we have 150 miles of line.

-And, to help you to discharge your duties in connection with these lines, you have the assistance of Mr. FARRELL and four linesmen ?

A-Yes.

Q-Is that all the staff?

A-Yes.

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Q-Is it sufficient?

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A-No, I don't think it is, because a good deal of Mr. FARRELL'S time is taken up with the roads.

Q-And what, then, do you consider necessary ?

A-Another European Overseer.

Q-Would he have enough work to do?

A-Plenty. Unfortunately, we cannot look after these lines properly just now because FARRELL has not got the time.

Q-And have you any other suggestion to make with regard to the telephone system?

A-None except in the New Territory.

Q-What suggestion have you there?

A-I think we ought to take out all the timber poles and substitute iron poles.

-Substitute iron poles ?

A-Yes. We have had some very bad experiences during lightning storms. When the timber poles were fixed in paddy fields we have had a lot of side flashing which wrecked the timber, and the consequence was that communication was cut off miles away from Hongkong.

Q-And to what extent do you inspect these lines?

A-I go out myself once or twice a year and test them.

Q-Does the telephone system work satisfactorily?

A-Yes, very satisfactorily.

340

Q-It has improved lately?

A-Yes, because we have got some new instruments from England.

Q-Your next duty is the maintenance of the Cemetery. A foreman gardener and two working gardeners are employed in addition to the men furnished by the the contractor. How many men are furnished by the contractor?

etc.

A-Sometimes 16, sometimes 20, and sometimes 12.

Q-What are they employed at ?

A-Watering flowers, cutting grass, sweeping up leaves, digging up the ground,

Q-With regard to the tomb-stones in the Cemetery, does the Government look after them?

A-Only to a very limited extent.

Q-To what extent?

A-Well, we wash them with soap and water sometimes if they are very dirty.

Q-What increase of staff would be necessary were the Government to look after

them properly?

there.

A-If we were to look after all the tomb-stones we would require a European

Q-Why?

A-Because the Chinaman who is there is only a gardener and tomb-stones are things that require a good deal of care.

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350

Q-Why could not the contractor look after them?

A-I don't think he could. I am afraid we would get into a lot of trouble.

Q-But are the stones not made by Chinese?

A-Some of them are, but some come from home. Chinese don't work in marble here. If we employed a stone mason, he would keep the granite stones in order, no doubt, but some of the tomb-stones which come out from England, etc., are of very fine workmanship-flowers cut in wreaths, etc.

Q-As you are aware, the conditions of life in Hongkong are such that people go away and they have not the same opportunity of paying attention to tomb-stones as the people at home who live in practically the same place for a lifetime. It would be satisfactory to the public to know that the tombs of relations or friends were being properly attended to.

A-I see, when they get into a dilapidated condition, that they are attended to so far as cleaning is concerned.

Q-Can you tell us what extra expenditure would be necessary to keep them in a satisfactory condition?

A-I should think another $20 a month.

Q―Then the next part of your duties refers to the Public Recreation Ground. There is a custodian there under your orders?

A-Yes.

Q-There have been some new rules passed with regard to the ground and a new portion taken in just beyond the ground of the Hongkong Football Club. It has not been properly turfed yet, has it?

A-No.

Q-When is that to be done?

A-I could not tell you, Sir, as it does not come under maintenance. That is a Public Work Extraordinary.

Q-Do you find the present custodian work very satisfactorily?

A-He is not in good health, but, so far as he is able, he works very satisfactorily.

Q-Now we come to the Building Ordinance. That is also under you, of course?

A-Yes.

Q-How many Inspectors of Buildings have you to help you ?

A-Only one-Mr. CRISP.

Q-Do you consider one sufficient ?

со

A-No.

Q-Of course you are aware that a great deal of public attention has been called to the inspection of buildings especially in view of the recent collapse in Cochrane Street?

A-Yes.

Q-Are you aware that any steps have been taken to place matters on a more satisfactory footing?

A-Yes, Mr. CHATHAM tells me that matters will be on a more satisfactory footing shortly.

}

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360

Q-When that is done, that is to say, when the proposed legislation becomes law and the responsibility is placed upon the architects, what staff would you require to carry out your duties under that Ordinance ?

A-One Assistant Engineer and two more Inspectors to enable ine to carry out things properly.

Q-When buildings are being built, how many times do you think you ought to visit them?

A-I think they ought to be inspected at least once a week.

Q-Even with the superintendence of the architects?

A-Yes, even with that.

Q-And how many buildings are in course of erection now?

A-Up to the present time we have had about 1,500 plans for about 2,000 buildings of various kinds, this year.

Q-Is that about the average for the past three years?

A-No; it has considerably increased during the past two years.

Q-How could one Assistant Engineer visit all these houses?

370

self.

A-They should be inspected by the Inspector, or Assistant Engineer, or by my-

Q-What staff would you require ?

A-At least two more Inspectors, an Assistant Engineer and myself. That would be five altogether.

Q.-Do you think you could visit 250 houses a week?

A-Oh yes, I think so. They won't require such an elaborate inspection when they are under the architect's supervision. A very casual inspection would do.

Q-The architect would be responsible for everything?

A-Yes.

Q-At present you are responsible for everything?

A-Yes.

Q-And you ought to inspect them as closely as you do your own buildings? A-We have got to go right over the buildings and see that they don't diverge from the plans, and that takes up a tremendous lot of time.

By Colonel BROWN.--I notice in the evidence about the recent collapse of buildings in Cochrane Street that you were furnished with false plans, were you not?

A-We were.

Q-And do you think, when the architect is put in charge, that won't occur again? A-I don't think so for their own sake. But, at the same time, I think the architect should be a certified man. Any man can set up in the Colony as an architect at the present time.

By Mr. THURBURN.-That is one of the recommendations?

A-That is one of the recommendations.

By Mr. MASTER.-Practically, the inspection of buildings has been mil through insufficiency of staff?

A-Practically mil. I sent in a written report to Mr. ORMSBY and implored him to take some steps, but Mr. ORMSBY said he didn't think it was necessary.

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By the Chairman.-Can you get us that report?

A-I don't know what has become of it now.

By Colonel BROWN.-You and your assistant did your best?

A-We did. I implored Mr. ORMSBY for more assistance.

By Mr. SHEWAN.-Have you any system of checking buildings in course of erection? People give notice of what they intend to build, and do you see that the Inspector, or yourself, inspects the buildings?

A-It was impossible to check every detail and there are many works never inspected at all.

Q-You have improved the system there?

A-No; there is no improvement yet.

Q-Are you not passing an Ordinance?

380

A-Oh yes, we are preparing an Ordinance.

Q-And do you think it will give you a better system?

A-Yes, I think so.

Q-Will you not then keep a list of all the houses in progress, and, when the houses are finished, won't you report to the Government?

A-Even now they have to get a certificate.

Q-You are giving certificates that the houses are built according to the Building Ordinance and you do not know whether they were built according to the plans?

A-Before a certificate of fitness for human habitation is granted, the building is always inspected, but when a building is completed, there are many things one cannot see as they are built in, such as flues.

Q-Could they not have been examined before the final inspection? Now, when the new Building Ordinance comes into effect it will do something towards enforcing the law as it at present exists. The worst feature is that Chinese have been increasing the heights of their houses and putting more weight on the old walls.

A-We can stop that now.

Q-Would it not be better that you give a certificate that the house is altered according to law?

A-If a man says he wants to open a door, he has to give a notice according to the Ordinance.

Q-As long as there is no structural alteration, of course you could pass it?

A-We could pass it as long as there was no fear of a collapse. Under the Building Ordinance, we have power to prevent a man adding to a building unless we consider it perfectly safe. We have power to stop him doing anything which would render a build- ing dangerous.

By the Chairman.-The next part of your duties is the clearing of stream courses. This work, I understand, is looked after by Sapper WILLIAMS, who has been lent for the purpose by the Military Authorities. That work is being carried out at present?

A-Yes.

Q-And, in connnection with that work, nullahs are to be drained?

A-Yes.

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Q-Will that involve much work?

A-Yes, and a lot of expense.

By Mr. THURBURN.—And no improvement?

A-I would not say that.

By Mr. MASTER.-Is not the draining of nullahs very important from a health point of view?

A-Yes, very important.

Q-According to medical experts, the draining of nullahs does away with mosquitoes? A-So they say.

Q-And doesn't that warrant the expenditure of a considerable sum of money?

A-Yes.

By the Chairman.-Have you any idea of the expenditure?

A-Practically ten dollars for every foot long.

Q-And how many feet are there ?

A-Taking all the nullahs, I could not say right off.

Q-Would you kindly let us have a return only where they are near inhabited quarters ?

A-Yes.

Q--Then in regard to private streets improvement, who work under you in con- nection with that matter?

A-I have a portion of Mr. XAVIER'S time and a Foreman named CASTRO.

Q--Is there much work in connection with this?

A-Yes; there is a tremendous amount of work.

Q--That has arisen recently?

A--It only came into force at the beginning of 1900.

400

Q-And does this work take up much of your time?

A--It does take up a considerable amount of time, because the work involves much detail, such as apportionments of cost, preparation and service of notices, etc.

Q--Are there any other matters that might be brought before the Commission which would in your opinion be of use to it?

A-I don't think so. You have got all the information I have to give to you.

By Mr. MASTER.-Who has to do with the lighting?

A-I have to do with all the electric and gas lighting.

The Chairman.-You look after the lighting of the Colony?

A-Yes.

Q-Of the whole Colony?

A-Yes.

Q-How many officers are under you?

A-None, only myself.

* See Appendix No. 11.

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405

Q-What are your duties?

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A-My duties are to carry out any extra lighting, to see that the Gas Company do all the work of fitting up lamps and burners, and I keep a register of all the gas lamps in the Colony. There are at present 839 in the Colony.

Q-You say you are the only officer under Government that has to do with this

matter?

A-I am the only one.

Q-How can you see that these 839 gas lamps are all kept right?

A-I can do it.

Q-But do you inspect ?

410

A-I do.

Q-How often do you go round in the

year

A-I don't suppose I go round once in a year; the Police report to me when lamps are not lighted, &c.

you?

Q-Then you get assistance from the Police ?

A-Yes.

Q-If a district or police beat is not properly lighted the Police refer the matter to

A-Yes, they refer it to me at once.

Q-Do

you get many reports of this kind?

A-Yes, a good many.

Q--How many electric lights are there?

A-75 or 80.

Q---Do you think it would be advisable to extend the electric lighting?

420

A-No. I think the new incandescent burner is sufficient. The present gas lighting

of the city, 839 lamps, costs only a little more than the 75 to 80 electric lights we have.

Q-Then gas is much cheaper?

A-Yes, gas is cheaper.

Q-And do you think it is as efficient ?

A-I think it is.

By Mr. THURBURN.-What area is covered by the electric lamps?

A-Very small, only the lower level and Caine Road, &c.

By Mr. SHEWAN.-How does electric light compare with the gas?

A--The electric light shows much further.

Q-Therefore, per candle

power,

A-I don't think it is per candle

the difference is not so great ?

power.

By Mr. MASTER.-You said just now that the Police report to you about the matter. Are the Police officers relegated to the duty of saying whether the lighting is done efficiently? Have you been round the streets at night time and made a mental or other note as to whether a street is properly lighted or not?

A-I have done it.

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Q-For instance, in Queen's Road before you come to Wellington Barracks and pass Arsenal Street, there are a good many trees, and the electric light is hidden a good deal by them. Don't you think there ought to be some more incandescent lamps down there? Don't you think there ought to be double the lighting power along there?

A-As long as the trees remain, I don't see how a perfectly good light can be obtained.

Q-Is that part sufficiently lighted ?

A—No, I don't think it is. I think the Praya is fairly lighted but I don't think Queen's Road is.

By the Chairman.-What increase would you suggest?

A-I think there should be a gas lamp every 60 yards.

Q-What distance are they separated by now ?

A-I could not tell you.

Q-Would

A-Yes.

you let us have your opinion in writing?

430

Q-Have you any suggestion to make as regards staff so far as lighting of the City is concerned?

take?

A-No; not as long as the Company carry out the work of the contract.

Q-Are there any other duties that we have not dealt with that you have to under-

A-There is the gas lighting of Kowloon, independent of the Island.

Q-Have you had any complaints about the lighting of Kowloon?

A-Not lately. We had complaints about six months ago and we put in extra lamps.

Q-Do you think it is sufficiently well lighted now?

A-I hear of no complaints.

Q-What is your own opinion?

A-I think it might be improved.

Q-You might let us have your views in writing as to how the lighting might be improved in Kowloon as well as in Victoria.† Are there any other duties ?

A-The maintenance of the Clock Tower, but that is a small matter. The forming and kerbing of streets is a big question. The same staff as I have for the roads have to carry it out, and the increase I have suggested-one Assistant Engineer, and, I think, I said one Overseer-would be sufficient to deal with this.

By the Chairman.-What are your duties as Assistant Director of Public Works? A-Latterly, when Mr. ORMSBY was here, I had to some extent the supervision of the staff and he referred a good many papers to me to look over, but Mr. CHATHAM does this work himself.

Q-What do you do as Assistant Director of Public Works?

A-At present the duties are not well defined. Mr. CHATHAM tells me that probably some change will be made, and, at present the thing is in a somewhat transient stage.

* See Appendix No. 12.

+ See Appendix No. 13.

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Q-You have told us that you have occupied the post of Acting Director of Public Works three times, and we have heard from the Director of Public Works that he has so much writing work that he is practically unable to exercise any supervision outside which he, himself, regards as necessary. Speaking from your own experience, how do you think the Director of Public Works might be relieved of some of this writing work?

A-I think if an Assistant Director of Public Works were appointed, he could relieve the Director of Public Works of a great deal of the supervision and detail work.

Q-And in that way enable the Director of Public Works to exercise the supervision he is unable to do at present?

A-Yes, and as regards myself, I have to spend most of my time in the office.

Q-In doing what work have you to spend your time in the office ?

A-Mostly work in connection with the Building Ordinance, scrutinising plans, etc. I have nobody to do that for me.

Q-Will this change in the law relieve you?

A-No, because plans will still have to be submitted.

How will you be relieved then?

Q-How

A-By the appointment of an Assistant Engineer.

By Mr. Shewan.-When do you begin work?

A-Some mornings at seven o'clock and never later than nine.

440

Q-As a rule?

A-Nine o'clock.

Q--And when do you finish?

A-Sometimes five, sometimes six, and sometimes seven.

Q-As a rule?

A--About five o'clock.

Q-And the earliest is seven?

A-The earliest is seven. I have started at six o'clock but not often.

-And the very latest?

A-I have worked up to ten o'clock.

Q-On Saturdays?

A-I stop at one o'clock sometimes and sometimes work until five.

Q-On Sundays?

A-I work very often on Sundays.

When do the other members of the staff generally begin work?

A-Some begin at nine o'clock and some begin at ten.

-At ten o'clock?

A-Really the office hours are from ten to four.

By the Chairman.-Where is that laid down?

A-That is what I am told, and understood since I came here.

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By Mr. Shewan. -Could that not be stopped? Mr. CHAMBERLAIN, I think, wrote out that seven hours' work a day might reasonably be required from Government clerks.*

A-I think so, and I have always maintained it should be stopped.

Q-Under whose jurisdiction should it lie?

A-I think the Government.

Q-Should not Mr. CHATHAM have power to say?

A-He could issue orders on the subject, but the reply might be that office hours are from ten to four.

Q-Could they not be ordered to come in at nine o'clock?

A-They could be ordered. The men in my office generally come in at nine o'clock.

Q-How should you complain about not having enough men if they don't, at present, come in and do a fair day's work?

first.

A-Mr. COOPER told me the office hours were from ten to four when I came here

Q-That is the shortest office hours of any office in this Colony?

A-I don't keep them myself, and I expect my men to turn out for me if I ask them to do so.

By the Chairman.-Are there many men in the office who do no work after four o'clock ?

A--Yes, a great many.

Q-Overseers and so on?

A-I think a great many Overseers.

By Mr. Shewan-Before you have any increase in the staff, I think you should get a fair day's work for a fair day's pay out of your men?

A-I may say my men never refused to work extra time either in the morning or in the evening.

Q-If these men work proper hours daily, you would not be so much undermanned as you are now?

A-It depends on how long you ask them to work.

-Nine to five?

A-That would give us two hours a day more, and even then I think the staff would not be sufficient.

By Mr. Thurburn.--The matter of hours depends a good deal on the work a man is doing?

A--Yes, if a man has finished his work at four o'clock, he goes away.

* Correspondence re Salaries of Subordinates, page 31.

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470

A. H. HOLLINGSWORTH sworn :-

By the Chairman.-You are Executive Engineer now, are you not ?

A-Yes.

Q-And how long have you been in the Public Works Department?

A-I actually arrived here at the end of January, 1897, but the appointment took place late in 1896.

Q-You were appointed in 1896 as Assistant Engineer?

A-Yes, under agreement.

Q-For how long?

A-Three years.

Q-And you

A-Yes.

have just been appointed Executive Engineer?

Q-During your first period of service in the Public Works Department, what was your work chiefly?

A-Waterworks construction.

Q-And now your work is chiefly concerned with what?

A-Water and drainage works.

With regard to your work in connection with water, you are, of course, aware that there has been a good deal of dissatisfaction lately regarding the water supply, especially since the intermittent supply was introduced?

A-Yes.

-Can you give us a reason for so much dissatisfaction?

A-The reason is probably on account of the increase of population, and possibly due to the fact that the mains in the Colony are for a constant and not for an intermittent supply of water. The pipes are of small diameter and consequently very realily de- pleted of water. The draw on the lower districts entirely depletes the upper districts of their supply. A large number of taps are left open in the lower districts and all the water is drawn off before it reaches the higher levels.

Q-How can these difficulties be best supervened?

A-By additional storage reservoirs.

Q-Are any additional storage reservoirs being constructed now?

A-The contract has been let and work will be started in a few weeks on an additional storage reservoir at the bye-wash of Tytam. The contractor is there.

-What other storage reservoirs?

A-There is another, also in the Tytam catchment, plans for which will be com- pleted next year. Plans are being prepared now. The one is high up above Tytam and the other lower down below this. There will then be three in the Tytam catchment.

Q-Will these three storage tanks overcome the difficulty?

A-I should imagine so, providing we have an average rainfall.

Q-What average rainfall would be sufficient ?

A-With a rainfall such as we have had this year, I should say no, these three reservoirs would certainly not put us ahead. This year, we have had roughly about thirty inches below the average rainfall.

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-What could be done to put us ahead of our requirements?

A-Most of the high level sites which give us our gravitation scheme in Hong- kong will be used up when these two reservoirs are completed, and low level reservoirs in Hongkong will have to be made and the aqueduct fed by pumping machinery. There is also the possibility of obtaining water from the New Territory, provided all the sites in Hongkong were utilised, and I think I am quite right in saying that these new reservoirs about to be constructed now will use up all the available high level sites. Q-Would these low level reservoirs succeed in placing us ahead of our require-

ments?

A-For the time being, I should say it would. We have an extra site which would yield, I don't know exactly, but I think it would yield 120,000,000 gallons extra. That is down in the Tytam-tuk direction.

years.

Q-That would put us ahead of our requirements, for how long?

A-Going on increasing at the rate we have lately, I should say ten or twelve

Q-When we had exhausted all the possibilities of this side of the Colony, what would happen then?

A-One could get a scheme on to bring water over from the New Territories. There is a fine reservoir site at Taimoshan. I have never taken any levels there, and I can't exactly say how the ground is there.

Q-Do you think it would be costly?

A-It would be costly, and the supply would have to be brought over or under the Harbour.

Q-Do you think there is any other way out of the difficulty?

A-No other way.

Q-You have read the report by Mr. COOPER?

A-Yes.

Q--Many of his recommendations have been carried out, have they not?

A-Have been or are being.

Q--Will all the recommendations be finally carried out?

A--There was a catch-water spoken of in his report at Pokfulain which, I doubt not, will be carried out. Speaking generally, I think his report will be carried out.

5 Q-Are you of opinion that his recommendations are being carried out with suf-

ficient celerity?

A-I think that some of these reservoirs might have been carried out earlier. I don't know the actual difficulties in the way, but probably it was on account of the in- sufficiency of the staff.

Q-Was any recommendation ever made to the Government to have these reservoirs

built?

A-I know of no such recommendation.

By Colonel Brown.-The Tytam reservoir has not overflowed this year A-No.

Q-How can you obtain more water at the bye-wash then?

A-Because this is the first year, for some time, I think, in which Tytam has not overflowed. In ordinary years, it does overflow and a large amount of water goes to

waste.

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490

Q-But none went to waste this year?

A-None.

Q-In the same way the upper reservoirs would not have assisted greatly? A-Not this year.

Q-It comes to this that, in a year of minimum rainfall, there would be no assist- ance from these reservoirs?

A-Unless, of course, they have a certain amount of water which has not been drawn in previous years.

Q-The low level reservoir system would be much more expensive?

A-It would be more expensive both in up-keep and in laying down.

Q-The water rate would increase, I suppose?

A-It would probably be necessary to raise it.

Q-For everybody?

A-Yes.

Q--And the water rate would probably go much higher had we to bring the water from the other side?

A-It probably would. The water rate of Hongkong at present is considerably less than any rate in England. It is 25 cents here, and I should say it is generally the equivalent of 50 cents at home.

By Mr. Shewan.-This year's rainfall has been the minimum for many years past?

A-Yes, I think for many years. I think it was in 1894 that we had only 45 inches of rain. It is difficult to say, in a year like this, how much rainfall is actually required to fill a reservoir. The question, of course, is to catch water wherever you can, and, if you still don't have water enough, then make up your minds to build reservoirs here, there, and everywhere, and you will have enough. The question, of course, in building a reservoir is to take the greatest area and the minimum rainfall and have sufficient actual catchment area to give you a certain yield.

Q--If

you can't get big reservoirs, you can get small ones here and there?

A-Yes, we can do that in some cases.

Q-When you cut off the water, as you have been doing lately, do you make any saving?

A-Roughly we cut down the consumption one half.

Q-In many houses you increase the consumption by the waste?

500

A--Yes, that is one of the troubles we have amongst the poorer quarters.

Q-What is the cause?

A-It is probably due to the fact that the service that was put in won't let the water through.

Q-Whose fault is this?

A-That, of course, is the fault of the landlords.

Q-What I refer to is private owners.

A-It is due to Government now to look after this. I have had several instances brought under my

notice where the first two or three tenants got water and the others That was on account of the smallness of the pipe.

none.

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503

Q-There is no doubt that in some Chinese houses they simply turn on the tap, every tap in the house, when the water is about to be cut off?

A--That is so.

Q-Would it not be better to make them go to the streets and draw the water off in buckets ?

A-Yes, but I don't see that we can do that.

Q-Why can't you do that? You surely can have an Ordinance in case of

emergency?

A-We can in the case of waste.

Q-But it is waste?

510

A--What we have been doing so far is to take individual cases where we find waste, not en bloc.

Q-If you did that, there would be a great saving?

A--Yes, and the distribution of water would be more general.

Q-I think it would be very simple to do that?

A-I think there would be a great outcry. The trouble we would get would not be with the people who waste the water so much, it would be with the owners of the property, who, to a large extent, are Europeans.

Q--What have they to do with it?

A-The tenants apply to them.

Q-The Chinese in their own country always go out to the street for water?

A--Yes, it seems to me to have been a great mistake to give them water into their own houses, at all. Personally, I should like to see the water taken out of Chinese houses.

Q-If it could be done, it would be a great gain?

A-Yes. Probably the number of street fountains would have to be increased.

By Mr. Master.--There would be no hardship if there were plenty of hydrants ? A-The only people who would grumble would be the landlords, on account of the deterioration to their property.

By the Chairman.—Is it not in human nature to prefer to have the water at hand than have to go out for it and carry it up four storeys?

A-Yes.

By Mr. Master.—If you put a great many taps on the street would it be a great hardship on the occupants? Would it prevent a great waste of water?

A-It would of course minimise the waste.

Q-How long will it take to complete these reservoirs at Tytam?

A-Two years.

Q-Then with regard to this catchment near Tytam, has anything been done at all towards the making of a reservoir there, or is it simply an idea?

A-Rough plans have been got out. It is simply a question of detail plans. are making some additions to the catch-waters now at Tytam and Wong-nai-ch'ung which ought to give us a further yield in dry weather.

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520

Q-Roughly speaking, how many weeks' water have we got?

A--The present supply will carry us through to the end of March at the present rate of consumption..

Q--Then what is going to be done if the supply is not sufficient?

A--We'll further prescribe the hours.

Q-And if there is no water in the end?

A--I think we will give you some only; we shall have to limit the actual times in which we do it.

Q-Have you no suggestion or idea as to supplementing the water from Tytam by the carriage of water from Canton by steamers?

A-Nothing has been done.

Q--It has been thought of?.

ون

A-But no proposals have been made yet.

Q--Is it going to be done?

A--I don't think so. We shall have ample water to carry us through. At the present rate, we ought to carry through.

By Mr. Shewan.--You could sink wells?

A--Oh yes, we could sink wells.

By Mr. Thurburn.--With regard to these two reservoirs you are making below Tytam, there is a certain amount of gathering space below the reservoir, would that be sufficient to fill them without any overflow from Tytam?

A--I hardly think that would be sufficient.

Q-The two reservoirs will be a great assistance during the dry season? A--They will be.

By the Chairman.-Is your staff sufficient?

530

A-It is hardly sufficient taking into consideration that the work comprises drain- age as well as water.

Q--Is your staff sufficient for the water works?

A—It is sufficient so far as the water works go, but as my duties are divided be- tween water and drainage works practically, it means that one of them suffers.

Q-What suggestion have you to make with regard to the staff?

A-I think that an Assistant Engineer should be appointed to take charge of drain- age works.

Q--To take complete charge?

A-No, as an assistant.

Q-For the drainage works, I see you have Messrs. WHEEL, BAKER, and three Chinese ?

A-Yes.

Q-Have you any other suggestion with regard to the staff?

A-I think there should be a better paid man in charge of the accounts.

Q-Who is in charge of the accounts at present?

A-I have a Chinaman who

gets $40 per month.

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Q- Doesn't he work satisfactorily?

177:

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A-I think there ought to be a better man put in.

Q-What class of man do

you mean?

A--A man of more experience. The present man is a good man as a No. 2, but not as No. 1, and he is practically in charge of these accounts.

-Would it not be possible for the Accountant in the Department to look after the supervision?

A-I think it would be far better if this man were under me, for the reason that the information he enters is directly from my office.

Q-Could the Accountant not supervise?

A--It is supervised now by the Accountant, but there is a lot of work in the collection of materials for making up these accounts which really must be done in my office.

Q--Yes, but is this man incapable of doing it?

A-He is not a good enough man for the post.. I want a more experienced man who knows the English language better and with a knowledge of book-keeping too.

--Do you have many complaints about water accounts ?

Q--

A-We have a fair number.

-What system have you of checking changes of tenaucy? I remember a case of a person who had a house for a certain time having the account of the previous occupant of the house sent to him.

A-Of course we have to rely on owners notifying us about the sale of property. We expect owners or tenants to notify us of changes.

Q--Are they bound by Ordinance to do so?

A-No.

Q-Don't you think it would save a deal of trouble if they were?

A-Yes. In many cases we are notified of changes of tenancy and, in these cases, we are able to alter the account before the change takes place. We have to find out for ourselves usually down at the Land Office.

Q--Owners are responsible for the accounts and it is desirable for you to know any change of ownership that takes place ?

A--It is very necessary on account of the many changes that take place.

By Mr. Shewan.-Do you think the thing works well now, or have you any suggestion to improve it?

A--I think the present method is quite satisfactory.

Q-And you don't have

A--Not a great number.

many complaints?

Q-What time do you generally start in the morning?

A--I generally start at nine and am frequently in my office till six o'clock.

Is it usual for the staff generally to be in the office at nine o'clock ?

A--It entirely depends on whether there is a rush of work or not.

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Q-When do the overseers start?

A--The overseers generally turn to about six o'clock in the morning and every- body that has occasion to turns up as early as necessary.

Q-Taking your staff, what would you say is the average number of hours they work each day ?

A--Taking it on an average, they work from 9.30 till about 4.30.

Q--Is that the average?

A-About the average, I should think.

Q-Have any of them the idea that they don't need to come in till 10 o'clock?

A-I don't think so. They don't do it.

Q-If the average is 9.30, some will come in after that?

A-They occasionally come in at ten o'clock and go away at four.

Q-They are apparently not overworked then?

A-I am speaking in a general way.

Q--We are under the impression that some of the Departments have a great deal of work to do and are undermanned. Your Department can't be so?

A-There are only two clerks who ever could possibly get away at four o'clock.

By the Chairman.--Why is that?

A-For the simple reason that the Inspectors can give them no further inform- ation, and their work is over and there is nothing further for them to do. Their work is principally in connection with the water service, accounts. The meter-reader gives them information and the overseer of house service construction also gives them information for house service accounts.

By Mr. Shewan -Your own average is what?

A--My average is from nine to five.

By the Chairman.-Is the custom in your Department to work from nine to five?

A-I used to work these hours at home.

Q-Is there any reason why they should not obtain here?

A--I see no reason why they should not.

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FOURTH MEETING.

COUNCIL CHAMBER.

Friday, 13th December, 1901.

PRESENT:

The Honourable J. H. STEWART LOCKHART, C.M.G., (Chairman).

The Honourable JOHN THURBURN.

Colonel L. F. Brown, r.e.

ROBERT GORDON SHEWAN, Esq.

G. C. C. MASTER, Esq.

E. D. C. WOLFE, Esq., (Secretary).

R. H. MUGFORD Sworn :-

By the Chairman. Mr. MUGFORD, what is your position? A--I am Overseer, Sir.

Q-In connection with what particular branch of the Department? A-Maintenance of buildings.

Q How long have you been in the Public Works Department?

A-Eight years on the first day of the New Year.

Q-And have you been connected with the maintenance of buildings during the whole of that period?

A-During the whole of that time, Sir.

Q-Maintenance of buildings?

A-Yes, both inside and outside the City, Sir.

Q-What salary are you drawing?

A-$125 at present, Sir.

Q-With regard to the maintenance of buildings, how many hours a day does your work occupy you?

A-That depends whether I am very busy or not. Last Sunday, I was working till half-past eleven in my own house to get contractors' bills ready by the 10th. I have to make out orders for Mr. TOOKER to sign and then I have to make out bills and I have to estimate for work when it is required. I come to the office at nine o'clock as a rule and go away about five, and many a time I have to work in the even- ing to get my bills ready, and I am particularly pressed at present as I am one assist-

ant short.

Q-On an average, how long do you work a day?

A-Nine hours, taking an hour for tiffin..

-Then with regard to the maintenance of buildings, will you give the Commis- sion some general idea of what your duties are?

A--Applications come in from different departments, it may be schools or mar- kets or hospitals, for certain work to be done. I have to go and see it myself or send one of my assistants, but, if it is anything particular, Mr. TOOKER asks me to go and

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see it. Then I have to measure it out and make an estimate and, as I have said just now, I have to make out bills for the work when it is completed and make out estimates when required.

Q-How many assistants have ?

you

A-I have one European at present, and one coloured man. The inside district has two Europeans and one coloured man.

Q-How many assistants have you at present?

A-I have two at present, but I should have three. One European ran away three months ago.

Q-You talk about an inside district and an outside district; what do you mean by the inside district?

A-The inside extends from Bay View Hotel on the East to Kennedy Town on the West, and covers all Government buildings,, alterations, etc.

-And the outside ?

A-The outside is from Tsat-tsz-mui beyond Bay View, and works right round to Pokfulam on the Island. It also comprises Hunghom, Yaumati and Kowloon.

Q-In the inside district, how many men work under yon?

A-My staff is three men, for all the districts.

Q-And

And if you had this European whom you have not got just now, would your staff be sufficient?

A-Yes, quite sufficient, but not too many. I divide this inside district into two, one assistant starts at the Central Police Station and works East as far as Wong-nai- ch'ung, and the other takes from No. 5 Station and works his way West to the Civil Hospital and out to Kennedy Town Hospital.

Q-And what is the amount expended on an average in a year on maintenance of buildings?

A-I should say about $24,000 to $25,000 on an average. It might be less one year and more another.

Q-And with regard to the contractors who do the work, what is your means of checking them?

A-By my assistants, Sir. The contractor is supposed to send a representative or be there himself, and I measure to see that everything is right. A rule laid down in the schedule is that, if a contractor does not send a representative, he has to take the measurements made by me or my assistants. We measure it up together.

Q-And does Mr. TOOKER check the measurements?

A--I don't know about the measurements, he checks all my bills and

my estimates.

Q-But with regard to the measurements, does he check them?

A-I have known him take the detail books and go through them.

Q-What was your experience before you joined the Public Works Department ?

A-I was a Sergeant in the Royal Engineers and had experience of buildings and fortifications.

Q--And, as a Sergeant of the Royal Engineers, I presume you had experience of prices and charges?

A-Yes.

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Q-Then how does the price of the Government work here compare with the prices of the Royal Engineers ?

A—When I joined this Department, we were much behind the Royal Engineers. We did not pay nearly so well, but they now have a revised schedule and, as a rule, we pay rather better than they do. But the other way to look at it, Sir, is that they give the contractor so much on when he takes on the contract.

Q-What do you mean by so much on ?

A-The contractor takes a contract to go to Lyeemun and he will put on 20 per cent. for an outside district.

Q-Speaking generally, how do the prices compare and also the nature of the

work?

A-I should say there is not much difference in prices just at present. be rather more liberal, but I don't think there is much difference to speak of.

Q-And the work-how does the work, as finished, compare?

We might

A-The contractor I have is a thoroughly good one-Ан Нок-оuly a little slack sometimes in carrying out work up to time, but, as a rule, he keeps good mechanics. He is a man who thoroughly understands the work because he, and his father before him, have been doing the work for the last twenty-six years with only one break.

Q-And do you think his prices are as cheap as we could get from any other

contractor?

A-For the class of work he does, I should say equally as cheap, because there is too much of the sub-contracting about some contractors. If you were doing brick work, you would find too many false leaders in the work. There is all sorts of schem- ing like that.

Q-Then do you think the work that АH HOк does for Government is worth the price paid for it?

A-Yes. I have no fault to find with the present contractor in any way. As regards his class of work, he is first rate, only he is sometimes slack.

Q-In what way has he been slack ?

A-In not carrying out jobs to the time allotted.

Q-Has

Has any penalty been imposed?

A-Yes, I imposed one on my last bill when he was very much behind time-fifteen days at five dollars a day, seventy-five dollars.

Q-And what is the name of the assistant who works under you?

A-The assistant is Mr. WOLFE and the coloured assistant is Mr. GRANT, a very old hand in the service.

By Mr. Thurburn.-Are you only concerned with the maintenance of build- ings, and have nothing to do with new buildings?

A-The whole of the buildings. Maintenance means keeping them in repair, or you might have an addition.

Q-You have nothing to do with new buildings?

A-No. For new work that is being carried out there is an overseer appointed by Government as a rule.

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Q-How is it that such a long time has been taken to replace the man who dis- appeared?

A-I think he went away early in October. I know we got our pay on the second day of the month and he went away on pay night.

By the Chairman.--It is only a matter of two or three months since he went ?

A-Yes, only two or three months.

By Mr. Thurburn.--Is there a difficulty in getting men of that class?

A-Yes, you can get beach-combers and old sailors, but they are no earthly use if you put them on a job and you have to depend on a Chinese foreman or contractor for a knowledge of the details of the work. They must be figure heads, but it is no use to put them on a Department like this.

Q-Then is the Public Works Department trying to get new men from home?

A-They are trying to get them from the Engineers. You can't pick them up here, as a rule. For the maintenance of buildings there should be a practical mechanic, either a mason, bricklayer, or carpenter. Smiths' work or anything of that sort he must have a general knowledge of. In taking on men as overseers in this Department there should be a test. For instance, if a man comes from home, they take him on, and he has perhaps to send drawings to Downing Street. The overseer I relieved had to send drawings to Downing Street, and had to go there himself and explain them, and that sort of thing the man who ran away from me was not able to do, and I had to show him myself.

By Colonel Brown.-You are the Foreman of Works? A-I was acting Foreman of Works.

Q-And you learnt all these things?

A-I had great experience. You see, I was brought up in the building trade, so the thing comes handy to me. The only thing was being called upon to estimate, and that I did not bargain for, and also the making out of the bills. In the Royal Engin- eers we have staff clerks for that kind of work.

Q-In addition to your salary, are you allowed quarters, or have you any other allowances ?

A-Yes, I have a small pension.

Q-Do you find your own quarters ?

A- Everything.

Q-What, find everything?

A-Yes, everything.

Q-$125 a month covers everything?

600

A-We get compensation on our salary.

By the Chairman.-You get about $160 a month with compensation. Is that what it comes to, roughly?

A-It runs about $35 a month.

Q-That makes your pay about $160?

A-Yes. There is one thing, Mr. President, if I am at liberty to speak, I am termed an Overseer. It is a misnomer altogether. My work here is beyond Clerk of Works' work. A Clerk of Works is put on a job and sees it carried out. If he is required to take out quantities, he has to do so-it is his business--but outside of that

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he does nothing at all. Here I am an Overseer called upon to make estimates and that sort of thing, and my reason for looking at it in the way I do and for speaking about it is because any European here-it doesn't matter who it is or where he is picked up- can be put on a job and is termed an Overseer.

-What you want to bring before us is that you think that your title should be changed?

A--Yes, I do.

By Mr. Shewan. --What do you think the title should be?

A-Say Foreman of Works or Clerk of Works.

Q-Where do you live?

A-In Wanchai.

Q-And you have to go pretty well over the Island?

A-All the inside district, that is from Sokunpó Market-

Q-Is that on the coast line?

A—No, down at Jardine's Bazaar. The outside district starts at Bay View Hotel.

Q-You don't do that?

A-No, another Overseer does it.

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612

Q-Then, does Mr. TOOKER inspect all these buildings?

A-No, sir.

Q-Of course, he has not got the time. Have you got the time?

A-No. Supposing I get a work finished, I start my contractors' bills about the 25th or 26th of the month.

eight.

Q-Then you have not got the time?

A-No, I spend half my time in the office.

Q-When do you begin work in the morning?

A-I come to the office about nine or half-past eight.

Q-Where is the office?

A-Downstairs.

Q-When do you arrive at the office?

A-About nine o'clock. Perhaps, if I have got anything particular on, half-past

Q-Then do you leave the office and go and inspect buildings?

A-Yes.

Q-And do you go back to Wanchai for tiffin?

A-Yes.

Q-And come back to the office?

A-Yes.

Q-And then go out to your buildings?

A—Yes. This morning I was at Kennedy Town Cattle Depôt, where I gave

orders to put up an erection.

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Q-If there is a building in course of erection, do you go and look at it ?

A-Yes, provided it is not a new work.

Q-When do you finish?

A-About five o'clock in the evening.

620

Q-From nine till five o'clock, then?

A-Yes.

Q-But you told the Chairman that you worked nine hours a day?

A-Only sometimes, Sir. Only when I am pushed for work.

-But the Chairman asked you how long you worked on an average? A-I beg pardon, Sir.

By the Chairman.-What are your average hours?

A--The real hours are about eight a day, Sir. As I said before, I work of an evening in the house, eight hours would be the truth.

By Mr. Shewan.-You say АH Hoк does not give any sub-contracts. No Go- vernment contractor is supposed to give sub-contracts ?

A-It would not be right.

Q-But as a matter of fact, the Chinese do?

630

A-I believe they do, but, unless we are absolutely sure, we can't say anything. Q-You say you charge them $5 a day for overtime beyond their contract?

A-Yes.

-But $5 a day is very little?

A-That is the sum. I don't know whether it is laid down by the Honourable the Colonial Secretary, but if you fined some of them $100 it would not be too much.

Q-Why is it A Hoк gets the business?

A--Because it appears they are good men-he and his father before him, and they have given satisfaction. Ан Hok has had it two years now.

By the Chairman.-Do they send in tenders ?

A—Yes. I am not sure whether they select. I have an idea that Government selects good men for this work-for Government House, and that class of work, it would not do to have any contractor.

By Mr. Shewan.-Do you think you are overworked?

A-Not when I have got my proper

e got my proper assistance.

Q-Do you think anyone in your Department is overworked?

A-I would rather not answer that question, if you will excuse me, because you

will have the different overseers here, and they will speak for themselves.

Q-But you must have an opinion whether they are overworked or not?

By the Chairman.-You must know whether your own men are overworked? A-I know my assistants have plenty to do sometimes, but other times they have not so much to do. A man may work an hour extra to-day, but to-morrow it is all the other way. He is not overworked on the average.

Q-Have they a full day's work on the average?

A--They have always a full day's work on the average. I have got 108 buildings.

་

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Take the Government Civil Hospital, there is the main hospital, the lower hospital, the maternity hospital, women's hospital, European and Chinese lunatic asylums, the Principal Civil Medical Officer's quarters, and staff quarters, and all the other buildings, and when you have got such buildings as that the overseer must be there to see the work and he has plenty to do.

By Mr. Shewan.-When you come to the office in the morning, do you report to anybody?

A-To Mr. ToOKER, every morning.

Q-Is that the rule?

A-Yes.

Q-It would not do for you to look at any buildings before coming to the office?

A-Not unless we make arrangements beforehand.

TOOKER what he has got for me to see.

As a rule, I go and ask Mr.

Q-Supposing you pass a bill?

A-I make them out.

Q-And you make measurements ?

640

bills.

A-Yes, it might be my assistants sometimes.

Q-Does anybody check these?

A—The pay clerk, a Portuguese, checks it. He is the clerk for the checking of

Q-In what way does he check them?

A-He merely checks the figures.

Q-He only checks the calculations ?

A-That is all; he can't check my measurements.

Q-Supposing a thing were a hundred feet, and you put it in at two hundred feet, there is no possibility of anyone knowing?

A-No, unless they went and measured it.

Q-It all depends on you, or a man in your position, whether the measurements are passed for a hundred feet or a hundred and fifty feet?

A-Yes.

Q-So that there is an opening there for a good deal of squeezing?

A-Oh yes, on my assistants.

if you like to carry it out, of course. I have to depend a good deal

By Mr. Thurburn.-Mr. TOOKER goes out and checks the measurements sometimes?

A-He sometimes goes out with me. I can say that Mr. TOOKER has too much to do, and he can't do much of that sort of work. If there is anything particular, he tells me to go and make an estimate.

By Mr. Master.-Do you often get your measurements checked?

A-I check them myself sometimes.

Q-Do you often have your own measurements checked by some superior officer your Department?

A--Not that I am aware of, Sir.

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Q-- Have you ever had your measurements checked since you have been in the Public Works Department?

A-Not that I am aware of.

Q-Never, not once?

A-No.

Q-How many jobs have you got on now? What did you do to-day?

A-I have been in the office writing, and I have also been to Kennedy town. Q-What buildings have you inspected?

A-Kennedy Town Cattle Depôt and also the Inspector's quarters.

Q-How long were you there?

A-I might have been there three-quarters of an hour, or an hour.

Q-What did you do whilst you were there?

A-I inspected the work.

Q-What other buildings did you visit?

A-None.

Q-Yesterday?

A-Yesterday I went to Government Civil Hospital and inspected the work that had been done while I was away.

Q-What work is being done there?

A-Very little. But I went to see the work that was done during the past two

or three months.

Q-What other work is then there ?

A-Colour-washing and general repairs. There are always some little repairs. At the present moment there is a lot of work at the Central Police Station.

-Give us the details.

A-Well, I shall have to make you out a list, I expect, Sir.

Q-I only want to know roughly what your daily inspection is.

A-First of all, there is a little work at Government House-Canton summer blinds, and speaking tubes; then we go from there to the Central Police Station. I have been taking up some floors where men are supposed to have died of the plague, concreting and putting down new floors there, and also altering the verandahs. Then at the Western Market I have been putting up sunshades and also tarring and white- washing the basements there. From there we go to the Civil Hospital; there we have been doing the Principal Civil Medical Officer's quarters and putting in frames in the verandahs.

Q-Then how long did you spend at Government House?

A-I have not been there to-day; I can't visit all the places in one day.

Q-Do you go to all these places every day?

A-I can't go to these places every day.

Q-How often do you go?

A-Perhaps I go twice a week to the Government Civil Hospital, perhaps only once, and perhaps I go to the Police Station one place to-day and one place to-morrow, it all depends on what I have got to do, I have got so much writing.

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664

670

Q-How long do you write?

A-For the first eight, nine or ten days of the month I am at it in the office daily from nine till five oclock.

Q-Then

you can't inspect at all?

A-Not at all.

Q-Then the rest of the month, are you going in a ricksha from one place to an- other from day to day?

A-Yes, Sir.

Q--When you go to the Civil Hospital, does that take you a day? A-Most decidedly no.

Q-Could you not visit half-a-dozen of these places in a day ?

A-If there was very little on you might visit half-a-dozen. You want to look into the work and see it is being carried out.

Q-What job is the coloured man on now?

A-He spends his time really between the Central Station and the Hospital, but as the Hospital work is finished now, he is up at the Central.

Q-And stops there?

A-He will stop there for two or three days. We are putting up a lot of iron- work there for columns.

J. COYLE sworn:-

By the Chairman.-What is your position in the Public Works Department? A—I am an Overseer in charge of buildings, in the position of Clerk of Works out- side of Victoria and in the New Territory.

Q-How long have you been in the Public Works Department?

A-Eleven years.

Q-And what was your calling before you joined the Public Works Department? A-I am a joiner and carpenter by trade.

Q-You were in the Royal Engineers ?

A-Yes, I was in the Royal Engineers for seven years.

Q-What was your rank there?

A-I was a Corporal.

Q-You are chief officer in connection with this work?

A-I am second, Mr. MUGFORD is first.

Q-But you are specially entrusted with the maintenance of buildings outside Victoria and in the New Territory?

A-Yes.

Q-How many buildings are there, roughly?

A--Eighty-nine under my charge, including latrines.

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56)

679

680

Q-On an average, how many hours' work a day do you find it requires to per- form your duties ?

A-From about 7.30 or 8 o'clock in the morning till about six o'clock at night. Often I have to sit up late at night.

Q-On an average, you say you work from what hour to what hour?

A-From about 8 o'clock till 6.

Q-And any interval for lunch?

A-An hour.

Q-And what salary do you draw?

A-$115 a month.

Q--And Exchange Compensation?

A-Yes.

Q-That comes to another $30 ?

A-Altogether, I have about $163 including conveyance allowance.

Q-Excluding conveyance?

A-About $145.

Q-Then what contractors do you employ chiefly in connection with the mainten ance of buildings within your special province ?

A-I have only one, SING YUEN. He is a new contractor.

Q-How long has he been on the work?

A-He has been only one year. He started business only two years ago.

He is

a very good man.

Q-How do you obtain the services of the contractor?

A-By tender for the

year.

Q--For the year so much?

A-There is the usual form in inviting tenders.

690

By Mr. Shewan.-How then does he tender for the year ?

A-He takes it on at certain schedule prices and the work is all paid for by mea- surement. He must take on anything that is required.

Q-How is it you say SING YUEN is your man?

A-Because he looks after the work I am in charge of.

Q-How does he get the work?

A-He has only had it one year.

Q-And who was your man before?

A-I was not outside before.

Q-Has SING YUEN done it before?

A--This is his first year; whether he will get it next year or not, I cannot tell.

Q-Do you come to the office in the morning to report ?

A-Yes always to report.

Q-And whom do you see?

A-Mr. Tooker.

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Q-And when do you see him? A-Generally about nine o'clock.

-Is he there at nine o'clock ?

A-As a rule.

Q-And, as a rule, you come at nine?

A-Yes.

Q-And you leave for tiffin?

A-Between one and two.

Q-And when do you go away for the day?

A-Sometimes five o'clock and sometimes after five.

Q-And you said you worked from eight to six?

710

A-Yes, I often have to go and look at other work.

QHow often do you look at work before you come to the office? A-I am often at the Peak before I come to the office in the morning. Q-And you leave here at five and go and look at work often?

A-Yes, very often.

Q-Yes, but it must often be dark before you get there?

A-I don't always go there.

Q-You are quite sure that you work from eight to six every day?

A-Oh yes, pretty well every day. I would not say every day to a few minutes.

Q- -And not to a few days. On Saturdays do you work from eight to six ? A-Saturday is considered a half-holiday, if I have not some important work on hand such as putting down concrete.

Q-On Sundays do you work?

A-Not supposed to work.

Q-So that there are only five days a week in which you work so long as that? A-Yes:

Q-Don't you think it is much oftener from nine to five than from eight to six ? A-No, Sir.

By Mr. Master.-Are you overworked?

A-Sometimes I am.

Q-Do you consider you are overworked, or have you a fair day's work to do?

•

A-Sometimes I have to work late at night, but I can't say I am overworked. Generally, I find I have quite enough to do.

By Colonel Brown.-If you have work some distance off in the New Terri- tory how do you manage to be here at nine o'clock ?

A-Sometimes I don't get back for two days.

Q-You warn Mr. TOOKER of that ?

A-Yes.

Q-Do you arrange it beforehand ?

A-Yes.

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720

By Mr. Master.-Could it be arranged for you and others to take your orders from Mr. TOOKER on the previous evening so that you could go straight off in the morning?

A-I don't think it could, because the contractor comes to the office in the morn- ing to get his orders too. There are things that have to be settled, measurements checked, etc., and the morning is the most convenient time.

Q-Do the contractors come up every day?

A-Yes, every day.

By Colonel Brown.-What has the contractor on or off?

A-At present it is 3 per cent. on in the outside district and 25 per cent. on in the New Territory.

By the Chairman.-Is there anything you wish to say to the Commission or any matter that would be of use to the Commission ?

A-Nothing beyond that we could do with some more assistants on buildings. The staff is not sufficient in the inside. We have been one man short for some months

now.

Q-But with that man's place filled up, that would be sufficient?

A-That part would be all right then, but if there was much more increase on my job I would require more assistance.

Q-But, at present, you can cope with the work?

A-At present, I can cope with the work. The changing of the Light at Cape D'Aguilar will cause a lot of work, and I am informed that I will have to look after it.

By Mr. Shewan.-If the work gets less, you will have too many men?

A-That is so, but the maintenance of buildings runs annually about the same. Q--On the average you do a pretty fair day's work?

A-Yes.

H. W. WOLFE sworn:-

By the Chairman.-What is your position in the Public Works Department ?

A-Assistant Overseer.

Q-How long have you been in the Public Works Department?

A-Five years and one month.

Q-And what was your profession before you joined ?

A-A joiner by trade.

-What is your salary?

A-$100 per mensem and Exchange Compensation.

Q-That comes to about $125 a month?

A-Approximately.

What are your duties as Assistant Overseer?

A-At present I am assisting Mr. MUGFORD in the maintenance of Government buildings. That is keeping them in repair. When a report is sent in, we go and look. at the work and see it carried out.

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Q-Mr. MUGFORD has told us that there are two districts, the inside and the out- side district. I understand you work in the inside district?

A-Yes.

Q-How many buildings have

under you

you

A-It is difficult to count them because in the book it is laid down that there are over 40. I make it 26, because if you take the main hospital and its dependencies and count them as one that makes a lot of difference. I count them as one.

Q-In this inside district how often do you go round all the buildings?

A—It is hard to say. When we have any building under repair, I am sent there to see the class of work required. Then I get an order transmitted to me through Mr. MUGFORD from Mr. TOOKER and I see the work carried out. I measure it, start it and make quantities.

Q—And, with regard to your measurements, what check is exercised by Mr. Muc- FORD over them?

A-Sometimes he will go on the building himself and measure it and compare the measurements. Very often he does that.

ly?

Q-Does Mr. TOOKER ever check the measurements?

A-He never checks my measurements. I don't deal directly with Mr. TOOKER. Q-And

And your measurements are checked independently by Mr. MUGFORD frequent-

A-Yes, frequently.

—And in the inside district you have one contractor-А¤ Нok?

A-Yes.

Q-Do you consider him satisfactory?

740

A-I don't.

Q-Why?

A-The last three or four months we have had great difficulty in getting the work done.

Q-Mr. MUGFORD has described him as slack.

A-Yes, I have had a lot of trouble with him. I got into trouble myself with Mr. TOOKER through him. You have to drive him.

Q-And is his work good?

A-I think a lot of it is badly done and I have shown it to Mr. TOOKER.

Q-Do you consider him a good man?

A-No.

Q-You have reported this of course?

A-I have and they know my opinion of him.

Q-What is your average day's work?

A---In the morning I have to be at the office at nine o'clock to receive any orders. Before that, I make an appointment with the contractor to meet me at a certain Gov- ernment building and show him the work. I generally start at 7.30 and finish at 5 or 6 o'clock at night, and sometimes it is 7 o'clock. Sometimes I am out all day and no chance of getting tiffin or anything. Supposing I am at Kennedy Town I could not very well travel three or four miles for the sake of an hour, could I?

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Q-What hours do you work on an average ?

A-I should think eight hours a day.

Q-Then, in addition to this maintenance of buildings, you are sometimes called upon to discharge other duties, are you not?

A-Once only.

Q-When was that ?

A-That was on the occasion of the Cochrane Street disaster.

Q-Was that the only occasion ?

A-I take stock of Government stores and take stock of the stores that come by the steamers from home.

Q-But, as a rule, your work is the maintenance of Government buildings?

A-Principally.

-And do you consider the staff is sufficient ?

A-At present I am doing two districts.

750

Q-Is that on account of the vacancy?

A-Yes, on account of the vacancy.

Q-And do you find you are overworked?

A-I am doing my best. No man can do two men's work. Something must be neglected. I try to keep the work up, but it is impossible.

Q-You consider two men are necessary for the work?

A-Absolutely necessary.

By Colonel Brown.-You said something about checking stores. Where do you get your iron work and your English stores from ?

A-I could not tell you now. They come from England.

Q-Direct?

A-Yes, direct.

Q-They are not purchased in the City?

A-No.

By Mr. Master.--Did you ever know of Mr. TOOKER or any one except Mr. MUGFORD checking your measurements?

A-Only Mr. MUGFORD checks my measurements.

760

Q-Does he often check your measurements, or it is an exception?

A-It is not an exception-very often, but, if he was to check all my measure- ments, he would not have time for his own work.

Q-How often on an average does he check you-once in half-a-dozen times, or once in ten times?

fact.

A-Once in half-a-dozen times. It is very easy to check my measurements. Q-Does Mr. TOOKER, or anybody else, ever check them ?

A-I never heard of it being done by anybody but Mr. MUGFORD, as a matter-of-

By Mr. Thurburn.-If this vacancy was filled up, the staff would be sufficient? A-Yes, for the maintenance of buildings.

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By Mr. Shewan.-What were you before?

A-I was a joiner and served seven years' apprenticeship at my trade.

-When you were a joiner, what hours did you have?

A-Ten hours a day.

--So that compared with out here you were much harder worked at home? A-There I had manual labour. Here it is different.

-And what wages did you get as a joiner?

770

--Sixpence half-penny an hour.

Q-What did that come to in a week?

A-I worked 56 hours.

Q--It comes to 29/-, that is $15 a week. So that you are getting more than double here?

A-Well, I have experience now. I am speaking now of thirteen years ago and wages can't be compared at home to-day with the wages of thirteen years ago. I worked in some of the best firms in the south of England.

Q-Do you think you are overworked?

A-Just now I am.

Q-As a rule?

A-I can't say I have been over worked as a rule. I do my day's work and I am satisfied.

Q--You say you generally go without your tiffin?

A-Occasionally.

By the Chairman.--Is there anything more that would be of use to the Com- mission, or have you any suggestion to make?

A-I am not prepared to answer that question. I know nothing of the internal work of the business. I am acting entirely under Mr. MUGFORD.

Q-Have you any suggestion to make that would be of use to the Commission? A-I cannot think of anything just now.

E. J. FRANKLIN, sworn :—

By the Chairman.--What is your position in the Public Works Department? A-Overseer of Roads in the City of Hongkong.

-And how long have you been in the Public Works Department? A-Since last September.

Q-And what was your profession before that?

A-Road-maker, railroad-maker, and general work of that kind.

Q--Where was your experience gained?

A--I have been at that work for ten years. My father was in the business before me, and I have worked in Honolulu, Denver, Colorado,

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776

780

Q-And over how many years has your experience of road-making spread ? A--About ten years, Sir.

Q-With regard to your duties in Hongkong, what is your opinion about the roads here?

A--In what way?

Q-You told us you had a good deal of experience in America and various other places. Now, what is your opinion in regard to the roads in the City of Victoria?

A-My opinion is you don't use the right kind of rock here. You can't make a road with the material you use here.

Q--Is the right kind of metal to be found in Hongkong?

A--I have not looked around yet. I have been busy at my own work.

Q--What material is being used?

A-Decomposed granite, very bad and too soft for the roads.

-Blue stone has also been used?

A-I have not had much experience of it, only a little bit when I first came here. That was very large, and it was put through the crusher, and I used some of it down in Queen's Road. It is very hard, and the granite they use now is very soft. If they got this granite in between it would make a good road.

Q-Do you mean another kind of granite, of medium quality?

A--Yes; this granite is too soft, and the roller crushes it down to powder. It is covered over with sand, and you can't see it is crushed, and when the rain comes it goes into small holes.

Q- -What kind of material did you 'use in other parts of the world?

A-Brick pavement, wood pavement, and a kind of macadam which was not so

hard as this blue stone.

Q-Do you think wood pavement would answer here?

A-Yes, Sir.

Q-Did they use it in Honolulu ?

A--No, Sir.

Q-Do you

think wood pavement would be suitable in a climate so damp and hot as that of Hongkong?

A--I don't think the heat would have any effect on the wood pavement, with asphalt it would be different.

Q-Where do you say your duties are confined to now ?

A--Inside the City of Hongkong.

Q-Are you superintending the making of Queen's Road?

A-Yes.

Q-What has been done there? I very often travel over that road, and it appears to me you are piling on first blue stone and then granite, layer upon layer.

A--The principle that has been followed is to pick up the old surface, concrete up the channel, and also pick up a little bit of street paving three or four inches, take and wet it and streak it across so as to give the granite a chance of setting, so that it won't slide, and then after you put that down, roll it with the roller. We put sand on top to bind it, and make it set, and also put water over it, and when we think it is suffi- ciently rolled we pass on and do the next place.

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Q-You have surely repeated that process once or twice? I have seen blue stone being used in Queen's Road.

holes.

That is the path in front of the Naval Yard.

A-Yes, there is blue stone. Q-And have you put granite on top?

A-Yes, it has gone down several times, and I have put granite in to fill up the

Q-And do you think the present unsatisfactory state of the roads is due to the fact that the material is not suitable?

A—The material just now is not satisfactory, and, another thing, if we had good foundations it would help them more.

Q-It is the rule, I presume, in other parts of the world of which you have had experience, to make foundations for the roads?

A-In some places they have, and in other places, no.

Q-Do you think, in Hongkong, foundations are necessary?

A-In some places they are necessary. In Queen's Road, for instance, where these buildings were torn down, any new ground like that ought to have a new foundation put in, but the other roads, I suppose, have been in existence for a long time. I don't know about them. I put in a foundation at the Cricket Ground.

Q-How many miles of road have you to look after?

A-I go from Kennedy's stables to Kennedy Town, and from Bowen Road down to the water front, except what Mr. MUDIE is in charge of.

Q-What is Mr. MUDIE in charge of?

A-He is in charge of the Praya Reclamation.

Q-How often do you go over your roads in a week?

A-I go over them every day.

Q-All the roads you are responsible for?

A-All the roads I am working on.

Q-Do you only go over what you are working on?

800

A-I only go on roads I am working on, then I run round and see if any other part of the road requires repairing.

all ?

Q-And how often do you go over the roads in a month? Do you go over them

A-I could not do it.

Q-How long have you been here?

A-I have been here since last September.

Q-Then you have not been over the roads? A-No, Sir.

Q-How many of the roads have you been over ?

A--I could not say.

Q-Have you been along Bowen Road?

A-Yes.

Q-Kennedy Road?

A-Yes.

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Queen's Road?

A-Queen's Road from end to end. Macdonell Road, Bonham Road, Hospital Road, Praya, Des Voeux Road-I could not name them all.

-You practically have been over them all, then ?

A-Pretty nearly all.

Q-Do you consider the staff as at present constituted for looking after the roads. sufficient?

A-No, Sir.

Q-In what way is it insufficient?

A-I ought to have more help myself. I have got two Portuguese boys down there, and they are not much use to me.

Q-How does the staff compare with the staffs you have been accustomed to work with in other parts of the world?

A-It is different. You don't have to have an interpreter, in one way, and when you tell a man anything he understands you.

Q-There is a difficulty in the labour?

A-- Yes.

Q-And in what way might the staff, in your opinion, be improved?

A-I want somebody to understand me when I tell him what to do, and to un- derstand it as well as I do myself.

By Mr. Thurburn.-Do you mean Chinese?

A-No-European.

Q-Do you go round and pick out the bad places?

A-Yes. I have to look after all the roads and side channels, and repair all the water and sewer trenches that are not properly filled.

Q―There are a good many bad places about the town that were complained of some months ago. How was it they got into such a bad state?

A-When I came here the roads were in a pretty bad state.

Q-They got into a bad state before you got here?

A-Yes. I have gone over all the main roads in town since I have been here.

Q-There is a small bit of road between the Hongkong Hotel and the Mercantile That was the first to be laid with blue stone. I think that is a very good piece of road, is it not?

Bank.

A-That is a good piece.

;

Q-And it has lasted pretty well. There is a very large amount of traffic there is there any particular reason for that, because we hear that blue stone is condemned here?

A-I have not had much experience here of blue stone. It is very hard, and it was broken too large and I could not do anything with it. This stone was put through the crusher, which was turned on to break it in one and a half inch cube.

This was

all that was left when I came here, and they told me to use it, and I put it in at the Naval Yard. That is the only experience I have had of it. The steam roller weighs

ten tons, and it would not break it.

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-It was broken with a hammer before that?

A-No, it was broken with the crusher, but the crusher was not set right, and therefore the stones were too large.

Q-It is a fact that that piece of road is now a good piece, and it was made with blue stone?

A-Yes.

By Colonel Brown. Might not the failure of the blue stone Yard have been caused through the hard stone being mixed with soft? would wear away and leave prominences of hard stone?

A-It was all blue stone there.

-But it was put on a quantity of soft stuff?

A-It was put on the old road.

By Mr. Shewan.-You say the blue stone was too large?

near the Naval

The soft stone

A-That particular lot, I would say, was too large. Of course you can arrange the machine to make it large or small, as you want it.

Q-Mr. TOOKER said in his evidence that it had all to go through a ring of a certain size. In your opinion, do you think that ring was too large ?

A-I say so, certainly, because knobs stick up. A ricksha wheel is a very narrow wheel, and cuts like a knife.

By the Chairman.- And do you think there is also a want of foundation ?

A-Part of that road is pretty good, but the trench was filled in before I came. I put a lot of rock in, and still it is going down. The trench could not have been filled in properly, in the first place.

By Mr. Shewan.-You have not seen a stone that is good for road making?

A. I have seen some granite.

-That would be better?

A.-I have not had a fair test of the stone.

Q.-Do you think that the blue stone would probably be better than the stuff that is now being used?

A.I know the stuff that is being used now is not very good.

By Mr. Master.-Would this stone, if crushed to a smaller size, be satisfactory?

A.-I could not say as to that. We used a great deal of it in Honolulu.

830

QOf this same nature?

A.-Very near, but not quite. This is a little harder.

By the Chairman.-And what was the nature of the traffic there?

A.-Oh, horses and carriages, carts and cars.

-It has been suggested to the Commission that the traffic here is not of a nature suitable for the blue stone.

A.-I think that is right too. That has a great deal to do with it. The ricksha has a very narrow wheel, and it cuts one stone and starts the next, and the next ricksha that comes along does the same thing, and it works into a hole, and the hole keeps spreading.

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Q.-Do you think the best plan would be to have wooden pavement ?

A.-It would be more expensive in the first outlay, but it would be cheaper in the long run.

Q. Are you in favour of it?

A.-That is for the Government to say.

By Mr. Master.-Did you come here under an engagement to the Government?

A.-No.

Q.-You came here, and were taken on?

A. Yes.

Q.-Have you noticed the state of the road between the Naval Hospital and the Race Course ?

A. Yes.

Q.-Did you notice some time ago regular strings of coolies with barrows wheel- ing earth from that chute down there, and leaving the road with a sort of mud or dust on top?

A. Yes.

Q-Is there any reason why that should not be taken away now?

A. I have taken that away twice now.

Q-There is a great deal of it still?

A.-I know it is very bad. I have spoken to the contractor in charge of the coolies about it.

By the Chairman.-Have you any suggestion to make to the Commission with regard to the roads, in addition to what you have already stated in your evidence? A-I don't know what more I have to say. If you give me good material I will try and make good roads for you, but I can't make good roads with bad material.

U. A. FARRELL, sworn:—

By the Chairman.-What is your position in the Public Works Department ? A-First, I am in charge of all telegraphs and telephones for Hongkong, Kowloon, and the New Territory, and, secondly, Overseer of Roads outside the City of Victoria.

Q-How long have you been in the Public Works Department?

A-I joined it on 1st November this year.

Q-What was your profession before you joined ?

A-I left the Royal Engineers as an electrician.

Q-For how long were you in the Royal Engineers ?

A-Nine all but a few days.

years

Q-And your special duty in the Royal Engineers was that of electrician?

A-Yes.

Q-And what was your rank?

A-I was a Sapper.

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Q-With regard to telephones, how many miles of telephones have you to look

after?

A-There are over 150 miles of line.

Q-And do you find that you yourself are able to look after all that line?

A-When I inform you that there are over 150 miles of line, and that there are 83 instruments, and that you have telephones on the north at Shataukok, on the west at Pingshan, and also at the Peak, I think you will agree that I have enough to do with the telephones, and can hardly carry it through. I have exceedingly hard work.

-There are 150 miles of telephone line. How long are the telegraph lines?

A- I could not exactly say how many miles, because the telegraph runs out to Gap Rock one way and to Green Island another.

Q-But in your opinion there is sufficient work for one man to look after the telegraph and telephone lines?

A-Yes.

Q-How many hours a day are you employed on an average?

A-I could not tell you. Last month I went over the New Territory, I found instruments were reported bad, and batteries bad, and no communication. I went over there, and it took me five days to go over the whole of the New Territory and repair lines and batteries. A day over there means from six o'clock in the morning till six o'clock in the evening.

Q-You move about the whole time?

A-Yes.

Q-The distances are from- -?

A-Start from Tsimshatsui, then to Shataukok, and right round to Pingshan, back into Taipo, and right home again.

Q-You have been in the Public Works Department since November. Roughly speaking, can you tell us how many hours a day you have worked?

A-I have been at it over eight hours a day.

Q-With regard to the question of roads outside the City, have you had any time to devote to them?

A-Yes, I have done the best I could as regards supervising the men at work and seeing what the contractor has been doing, what sort of road he has been making, and how he has repaired the roads.

Q-llave you been able to go over all the roads ?

A-I have not been able to devote the time required.

Q-And you think the staff is insufficient?

A-It is a moral impossibility to do it. I have got a ricksha and a bicycle, and I cannot do it. Pokfulam Road, Aberdeen Road, Taitam Road, Shaukiwan Road-by the time you go over all that, it is very near dark, and you want your meals. Then the telephones are neglected altogether, and you are doing nothing to them, and you can't trust the Chinese.

By Mr. Master.--Do you think one man should always be on hand for the telephones?

A-Yes. The fire alarms, for instance--I have got to keep these too.

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-Do the telephones often get out of order?

A-Frequently.

-A man is always going from one place to another and seeing things put right daily?

A-Yes, that is what I am doing now, but I have no assistance, and it is most difficult to get Chinese to assist me.

Q-As a matter of fact, the telephones have to be looked to, and the roads outside the City are left to themselves?

A-Practically speaking, that is so.

By the Chairman.- Have you any suggestions to make that would be of use to the Commission?

A-Yes. With reference to the telegraph store, there should be some system whereby the man in charge should be held directly responsible for any little discrepan- cies that may arise.

Q-You mean to say that one man should be made responsible?

A-The electrician in charge should be responsible.

Q-Who is responsible at present?

A-I suppose I am partly, and Mr. TOOKER partly.

Q-Who issues the stores?

A-I send in a requisition to Mr. TOOKER, and he makes a copy of it, and I take it to Wanchai and draw the stores, and then, while I go away, the store is locked up, but the Chinese have access to it, and I don't see anything to stop them taking what they want.

Q--Who is in charge of the stores?

A-There are two stores-one here and one at Wanchai.

Q-Is there any person left to take care of the store when you lock it up?

A-There is no one there.

By Mr. Master.-It is locked up?

A-Yes, it is locked up, and I leave the key in Mr. ToOKER's office, but when the Chinese come back they have access to it, and there is no inventory of the goods.

Q-What do you keep there?

A-Electrical appliances.

Q-And is there no stock-taking?

A-I am taking one inyself, for my own use, in case I am called upon for anything. Q-But there has been no stock handed over to you?

A-No.

Q-And

you consider the present arrangement most unsatisfactory?

A-Yes.

Q-And your suggestion is that one overseer, the man in charge of the telephones and telegraphis, should be made responsible for the store?

A-Yes.

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By Mr. Shewan.--Did you not take the store over from anybody?

A-It was handed over to me by Mr. TOOKER.

Q-Was there any man in charge of it before?

A-Yes.

Q-And did he not give you a list ?

A-I enquired about one, and was told there was no list.

By the Chairman.-And who was the overseer in charge before?

A-Mr. DOUGHERTY.

By Mr. Shewan.-Whom did you ask?

A-Mr. ToOKER.

880

Q-What did he say?

ล

201

A-He had not got one, and he told me to make one.

By Mr. Master.-What is the value of the stores?

A-Nothing less than five hundred pounds.*

Q-And at Wanchai?

A-That would be considerably more. I should say nothing less than a thousand pounds.

Q-And is there no inventory?

A-At Wanchai store there is an inventory, because there is a man in charge there.

Q-But not in this one?

A-No.

By the Chairman.-What do you call this one?

A-I should call it the Public Works Department store.

It is at the base of the

building.

By Colonel Brown.-You want a store-keeper there?

A-Yes. There are some very delicate instruments there, and they should be taken care of. In the place I left there was a qualified man in charge, but here the Chinese fish about and push things about in the shelves as they please.

By Mr. Master.-When you are away, the key is left in Mr. TOOKER'S office, and the Chinese do take the key and do go there on their own account, and may move something out?

A-Yes. I must tell you also that after my first two or three days I thought it better to keep an attendance book, because some of the Chinese I never saw. When I sent them on a job they went for four or five days on stretch, and came back and told me that they had been in the New Territory, and wanted so much extra pay. They were simply doing what they liked. There were four men from the Public Works Department and two from the contractor.

By the Chairman.-And what steps have you taken now to check the work? A-I have got three books, one detailing the work and who does it, and another the stores-how they are issued and where they go to, so that they must agree with the different stations where men are sent to repair. The third book is an attendance ⚫book.

* Mr. FARRELL when recalled corrected his statement on this point.

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Q.-And how do you check the work these men do?

A. If an instrument breaks down at Tytam or Stanley, and there is no commu- nication, I should send a man to try the line, and if he finds the line all right, then the instrument, and if that is all right, then the battery, until we find out where the defect is.

Q.-Do you find these men work satisfactorily?

A. Yes, I find they work satisfactorily after a little

Q.-And is your staff sufficient for that purpose ?

A. Yes, the staff is sufficient.

pressure.

By Mr. Shewan.-You said you had four or six men on monthly pay. How do they draw their wages? Independently of you or through you?

A.-Independently of me.

Q. Where do they get their wages ?

A.-I think through the same office.

By the Chairman.-If any of your staff is absent—

A. That only occurred the first week. When they found I was a little strict they started to turn up at nine o'clock in the morning.

Q.-Things were disorganised?

A. Yes.

By Mr. Thurburn.-You say to look after the roads is too much in addition to the telephone and telegraph work. What is your recommendation ? Is it that you should look after telephones and telegraphs alone, and that another man be appointed for the outside roads?

A.-Another man should be appointed to devote his time to the superintending of the roads.

P. T. CRISP, sworn:-

By the Chairman.-You are Inspector of Buildings in the Public Works Department?

A-I am.

ос

Q-How long have you been in the Public Works Department?

900

A-My duty here started last January.

Q-Almost a year?

A-Yes.

Q-Before you joined the Public Works Department what experience had you? A-I was for about eight years with GEORGE TROLLOP & SONS.

Q-What were your duties there ?

A—I was head draughtsman in the Grosvenor Road Works.

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902

Q-And did your work as head draughtsman give you experience of buildings?

A-I was about five years in the office and about three years outside. I have done drawings for Her Majesty's theatre. I was engaged in London as Clerk of Works and Inspector of Buildings by Mr. PoWNELL, and I understood my duties were to be quite different from what I found them on arriving here.

Q-What were you told your duties were to be?

A-I was told I was to be an Overseer and Clerk of Works. Mr. POWNELL told me that an Overseer on a Government building was equal to a Clerk of Works.

Q-Mr. PoWNELL represents the Crown Agents?

A-Yes.

Q-And what did you expect your duties would be ?

A-Those of a Clerk of Works.

Q--And what did that comprise ?

910

ลง

A-On a building itself, working for the Government.

Q-Instead of inspecting buildings ?

A-I thought my work was to be on a Government building.

Q-Under what Ordinance do you act as Inspector of Buildings?

A-Ordinance 15 of 1889.

Q--Are you the only Inspector of Buildings?

A-I am the only Inspector of Buildings, and I find it almost impossible to inspect any new building that is going on. It is very seldom that I find time to go round the new buildings in actual progress, there are so many old buildings altering and new buildings in course of erection, and I have such a lot of chits sent in by the Police and Sanitary Departments and anonymous letters sent in about different things. By the time I get over these and see Dr. CLARK, and report upon letters, etc., I have no time to look after new work.

Q-What do you mean by new work?

A-Buildings that are going up.

Q-Do you inspect alterations?

A-I do some, but I say it is not possible to do all.

Q-The fact is your staff is insufficient?

A-At the present moment there are 2,400 buildings to inspect.

Q- -And how many Inspectors of Buildings do you think would be necessary to inspect 2,400 buildings?

A-I should think four Inspectors might get through that number.

Q-And what would be the nature of the inspection?

A-One man to do new buildings, one man to do all measuring and little odd jobs, one man to attend to the chits. Here is a sample. The Police send in chits like this [sample dated November 28 produced].*

Q-These houses are reported by the Police as infringing the Building Ordinance ? A--Simply matting and baskets and pieces of wood on roofs, and I have got to go and count these. †

* See Appendix No. 14.

† Mr. CRISP when recalled corrected his statement on this point.

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Why is it necessary for you to undertake that work?

A-I don't know, but it is passed on to me so that I may take out a summons if

necessary.

Q--You have to take out summonses ?

A-Yes.

Q-That duty devolves upon you ?

920

A-Yes, and it is purely a Police matter.

Q-With regard to the question of the inspection of buildings, are you aware there is going to be a change in the law?

A-No, Sir, I was not aware of it.

Q-Have you not heard of any proposal to place the responsibility upon the engineers and architects in connection with the supervising of buildings?

A-I have heard that any architect who sends a plan in must supervise the work. Q-If that change takes place, what staff do you think would be necessary? A-Four, I think.

Q-You still think four would be necessary?

A-I don't think the architects in this country could be trusted any further than they are at home.

Q-At present do you consider the staff is absolutely inadequate to discharge the duties of the inspection of buildings?

their

A-Yes.

By Colonel Brown.-You expected to come out to inspect one building?

A-Yes, as Clerk of Works--that is to pass material, measure up, etc.

Q-You say four men would be sufficient to inspect 2,400 buildings ?

A-I think two men continually going round might keep all the new houses under eye, with nothing else to do.

Q-600 buildings each?

A-Yes. It is not necessary to go through a building every day.

7 Q-But you would be on this one building every day?

४

930

A-Yes, as Clerk of Works. He has to keep measurements, and accounts of materials used, and time, and that sort of thing.

Q-You think one man could inspect 600 buildings?

A-Oh, yes. That is just to walk on and see what is doing and then walk off again. Q-With Chinese workmen ?

A-Oh, yes, they are expected to have a foreman. With two men continually going round the new buildings alone, they could be inspected. In fact, I could under- take to do it myself, I think, and that is one man's work.

Q-Could you check all bad work going on?

A-I could stop it.

By Mr. Master.-Since you have been here, has there been any inspection of buildings, or none?

A--When I say I had no time to inspect, of course, I inspected some.

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Q-Of course,

am not suggesting that you ought to be always inspecting. I put it in this way. Since you have been here, owing to the manifold duties you have to do, there has practically been no inspection of buildings-no regular inspection- either by yourself or by Mr. TоOKER or anyone else? It has been a dead letter?

A-I have simply to wait until they are finished and then I go round. I have not got the time to really properly inspect buildings.

Q-So that there might be any amount of bad work put in, and you are none the wiser ?

A-I know there are whole blocks of buildings put up at West Point and I have not had time to look at them at all.

Q-And the plans of these houses have been passed and the houses passed? A-Oh, no, I have to pass them at the end.

So far as outward appearances go?

A-I have nothing else to go upon.

Q-But these four men, could they actually say from outward appearances that the building was erected of good material all through?

A-Yes.

Q-Would they get over 600 houses each per month? Because it seems absolu- tely impossible that they could check the materials, in my opinion.

A-I think they could each do 100 houses a day off and on.

Q-And inspect them in such a way as to satisfy themselves with the material

used?

A-Yes. Chinese houses are all the same, and, therefore, the inspection is not

difficult.

Q-Yes, but they are not all Chinese houses. Out of this 2,400 houses, how many are Chinese and how many are European?

A-I should say 2,000 are Chinese.

By Mr. Thurburn.-The Public Works Committee made a recommendation, which is supposed to be coming into force, that architects should be obliged to see that the proper work is put in the house, and that only architects with certain certificates should be allowed to practise here, and that it should be made incumbent upon every Chinaman erecting a house to employ an architect. The reason that decision was come to was that it was considered absolutely impossible for the Public Works Department to carry out the work unless they had a very large staff. You don't seem to be of that, opinion?

A-I think four men might do.

Q-How do you explain this? You have just told us a Clerk of Works has to be on one building all day long to see how the material is laid, and then you say one man can go over 100 houses a day. I want to know how one man can go over 100 build- ings a day and satisfy himself?

A-As a Clerk of Works, I pictured to myself a place like Queen's Buildings, Government House or such a place. Of course it is one man's time there to keep weights, check material and do detail drawings, etc.

By Mr. Shewan. But you don't consider that you are a Clerk of Works?

A-Simply.

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Q-And do you detect bad work ?

A-I have on several occasions detected bad work and had a piece of wall pulled down. I cannot watch every brick being laid, nor every pot of mortar being put in. Any four men, I say, could do 600 houses by just walking through.

By the Chairman.-That is, they might chance to find something that was unsatisfactory ?

A-The people would always be afraid of them walking on and, I think, they would not attempt to put any bad material in if the inspector came round often. At Aplichau, the other day, the people had a whole house erected. It had been put up in my absence. I happened to go there and found that it had hollow walls. Mr. TOOKER was there.

Q-But the inspection at the best can be only a cursory examination ?

A-Yes.

By Mr. Shewan.-When you left London, you were a draughtsman, I presume?

A-Ycs.

Q-And when you came out here you expected to get a better position?

A-Yes.

Q-What was your salary as a draughtsman ?

950

A-Must I answer that question?

Q-I will put it in another way. Are you getting a much better salary now? A-Now, I get very little more than I did then.

Q-Why did you come out here?

A-Because I was told that the dollar was sometimes 3/8, that is why I came out.

I was told it fluctuated.

By the Chairman.-Where did you get that information?

A-From Mr. PoWNELL and from some of the clerks in the office.

Q-Did you get that information from Mr. PoWNELL?

A-Yes.

By Mr. Shewan.—Did you get a written agreement when you came out?

A-Yes, and in it I was told that I was to reside where ordered, and I was told that all Government servants got quarters out here.

Q-Who told you that?

A-One of the clerks in the Crown Agents' office.

Q--Who was the clerk?

A-I don't know his name.

Q-Still you knew you could only go by the agreement. It said nothing about three and eight pence to the dollar or board and lodging?

A--It simply said that, on landing, I was to reside where ordered.

By Mr. Thurburn.-What position did Mr. PowNELL Occupy ?

A-He is an engineer in Victoria Street.

By Mr. Master.--Anything to do with the Crown Agents?

A-Yes. He painted a very beautiful picture of the place and said that, when he was here, the dollar was four shillings, and you could get servants for very little.

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By Mr. Shewan.-And was he out here?

A-Yes. I expect the dollar was three and eight when he was here.

By Mr. Master.--Was he an old man ?

A-No, he was not an old man. I had to give Mr. TROLLOP notice really before Mr. PoWNELL would take any notice of me, and I could not go back on it.

Q-What salary are you getting here?

A-$1,800 a year, and Exchange Compensation. I knew when I actually got the agreement that I fell into an error, but it was too late then. I had left GEORGE TROL-

LOP's, and I simply had to come here.

By Mr. Shewan.-And do you think you are overworked?

A-I do a day's work, and what I can't do, I can't.

Q-Do

you think more men are required?

A-I say at least another four.

Q-And do you think this is an extraordinary pressure of work, or is it likely to keep up to this figure?

A-Judging by the sites that are laid out, there should be building here for some years yet.

By the Chairman.--Have you any other suggestion to make to the Commission that might be useful to it in its enquiries?

A-I have suggestions about architects, but I hardly care to make them.

-You can make any suggestion. What is your suggestion?

A-I just wish to add that some of the architects are not practical men. They are not at all practical. Some of them act in this way: if I say anything, I get bullied on the jobs and they threaten me with all kinds of things. I think there ought to be more power given to prevent that kind of thing. I am bullied if I pick a few bricks out. They dare me to do it again, and they say they will see the Governor about me.

Q-Does this refer to architects generally?

A-Three or four have bullied me.

Q--Three or four firms of architects ?

A-Three or four architects themselves.

A-Separate firms.

Q-Belonging to the same firm ?

970

Q-What action have you taken ?

A--On one occasion I reported to Mr. CHATHAM. I wrote what the architect said and what I said.

Q-And what suggestion have you to offer?

A-The only thing is that I think I ought to have a witness round with me to hear what they say, because I make a report and I go down next day and they call me a liar and say that they never said anything of the sort.

208

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972

Q-Your duties are clearly laid down in the regulations?

A-Yes. There was a case where I saw them putting new stones on the top of old footings. I reported to Mr. TOOKER and he wrote to Mr. LEIGH and an appoint- ment was made. When I got down there he said: "Well, you see, where are the stones?" The contractor had taken them away and Mr. LEIGH said : "Now, I will report the matter to His Excellency.'

Q-You think Inspectors of Buildings should be protected in some way or other ?

A-Yes. He should have a witness to say what the Inspector saw when he ar- rived on the job.

980

J. ROSS, sworn :-

By the Chairman.—What is your position in the Public Works Departinent? A-I am Overseer of Waterworks.

Q-How long have you been in the Public Works Department?

A--I have been in Hongkong since September, 1893-Kowloon and Hongkong.

Q-Your service has always been connected with the waterworks?

A-Yes.

Q-Before you joined what was your profession?

A--I was a blacksmith by trade.

Q-And did you have any experience of waterworks before that?

A-I served my time in a country shop in the North of Scotland and did a great deal of gas fitting and waterworks work as well.

Q-So you had some practical experience before coming to Hongkong ?

A-Yes.

Q--You are senior Overseer?

A-Yes.

Q--And do you look after the pumping engines?

A-Yes.

Q--There has been a good deal of difficulty with them, has there not?

A--Twelve months ago, I had a little trouble at West Point.

Q--What was the difficulty?

A-The difficulty was that the piston rings were worn out and it was surprising the cylinder stood so well, as the engine had not been properly looked after.

Q-Had it been neglected?

A--It had been neglected.

Q-When was that?

A-The latter end of last year.

Q--Who was responsible?

A--Mr. MOLLISON and Mr. CROOK.

( 77 )

987

990

Q-Are you satisfied that the engines are satisfactory now?

A-No, they are not. We are kept so busy pumping to the Peak that I would like to have an overhaul of the engines now-some time this week.

Q-Have you have an opportunity now?

A-Yes, I have an opportunity of taking one half at a time.

Q-Are the Kowloon engines satisfactory? You were in charge of them for many years ?

A-Yes, I erected them and was in charge of them till October last year.

Q-Were they then satisfactory?

A-Yes.

Q-Who is in charge of them now?

A-Mr. KYNOCH.

Q-Speaking from your experience have you any improvement to suggest?

A-I should say we ought to get a bigger and more satisfactory pump for the Peak. It is not big enough for the consumption there.

Q-I suppose the consumption has increased very much ?

A-Yes, it has increased greatly. A large proportion of the Regiment is up there and they cause a considerable consumption and several new houses have been erected.

Q-You have heard of numerous complaints that have been made, especially with- in the last month on account of the intermittent supply. Is there any way of getting over the various difficulties that have arisen ?

A-I have been up at the Peak at six o'clock in the morning. I am trying my best to meet it and they were getting on all right, until the other day a complaint came in from Summer House, down at Mount Kellett. I was told there was no water there and I went down to see what was the matter. I ordered the water on for three- quarters of an hour to the lower house and three quarters to the higher and that is working all right now.

Q-No trouble ?

A-None, so far as I am aware.

Q-The experience is somewhat novel this year and the difficulties greater? A-Yes.

Q-Things are working smoothly now. rison Hill?

There were complaints also about Mor-

A-Yes. The first was on account of the big draw off at Wanchai, so we lessened the taps drawing off. It could not get up to Mr. MASTER'S place. Since then we are getting a valve shut so as to allow Mr. MASTER to get a supply. I have been informed that there is again no water but that is owing to the Sanitary Department. They are using a great deal of water for disinfecting Chinese houses. That is probably what is keeping it from Mr. MASTER's house.

Q-You have taken an interest, Mr. Ross, in the general question of the water supply of Hongkong?

A-I have.

Q-What, in your opinion, would be the best thing to do in order to provide against these droughts we suffer from?

A-It is a difficult thing to say.

Get more storage.

209

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210

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1000

Q-And have you any improvement to suggest with regard to the work directly under yourself?

A-I suggest that I get another overseer with me.

another overseer with me. I have got one but that is not sufficient for the work that has to be done.

Q-How many overseers have you ?

A-Mr. BARRINGTON, who has only arrived from home.

2 Q-And how many hours do you work each day?

·8

A-From daylight to daylight. At the present moment, I should be at Magazine Gap. I turn out at any time during the night and, wherever I go, I have to tell, so

that I can be found in case of fire.

Q--You live on Bowen Road?

A-Yes. I should also like to suggest that Mr. BARRINGTON be put in No. 1 Motor House instead of Mr. SIMMONS, because Mr. SIMMONS has no claim on that house.

Q-What is Mr. SIMMONS ?

A--Meter Inspector. Mr. BARRINGTON has no place in which to reside.

Q-He is staying with you now?

A-Yes.

Q-I suppose there is no room in your house for two?

A-Not two with a family. He has got a family.

Q--Do you think it would be more convenient if he lived in the house to which you refer ?

A--Yes, for fires and bursts.

By Colonel Brown.--Do you act as inspector of machinery?

A-No.

Q-There is a separate inspector for machinery?

A-There is no inspector. Mr. HOLLINGSWORTH inspects the pumping machinery.

1010

Q-Does he inspect the boiler?

A-No, the Marine Surveyor.

By Mr. Shewan.--Where you live is in close proximity to the work ?

A-I live at the filter beds.

Q-Most of the work is done there?

A--No.

We have changed our shops to Wanchai. The object of my living there is that I should be there in case of any accident or fires.

By the Chairman.-Have you any other suggestion to make to the Commis- sion ?

A--No, except to get more assistance and more pumping power for the Peak supply and also the higher levels. It should be improved by getting a larger motor. No. 3 motor which, together with the steam pumps, works on to the Peak, is hardly large enough. No. 3 motor is in good condition, but Nos. 1 and 2 are not in such good condition. Larger machines are required. The No. 1 motor pumps to the Peak Road Tank.

211

( 79 )

FIFTH MEETING.

COUNCIL CHAMBER,

Friday, 20th December, 1901.

1014

PRESENT:

The Honourable J. H. STEWART LOCKHART, C.M.G., (Chairman).

The Honourable JOHN THURBURN.

Colonel L. F. BROWN, R.E.

ROBERT GORDON SHEWAN, Esq.

G. C. C. MASTER, Esq.

E. D. C. WOLFE, Esq., (Secretary).

C. H. GALE, sworn:-

By the Chairman.--What is your position in the Public Works Department?

A--Executive Engineer in charge of Public Works Extraordinary.

Q-How long have you been in the Public Works Department?

A--Eleven years.

Q-And in what capacity did you first join?

A-As Chief Draughtsman.

Q--And how long were you Chief Draughtsman ?

A-Till January, 1900.

Q-What was your next appointment?

A-Assistant Engineer.

Q-For how long?

A--A year.

1020

Q-And after that, Executive Engineer?

A-Yes, Executive Engineer.

Q-Are your duties entirely concerned with Public Works Extraordinary?

A-Yes.

Q-What do the works actually under progress now consist of?

A--The Western Market, Harbour Office, No. 7 Police Station, new floor to No. 2 shed at Kennedy Town, Taipó Road, site for Kowloon Market, road to connect Ken- nedy Road with Garden Road, completion of Kennedy Road Nullah No. 2, construc- tion of Mong-kok-tsui Nullah, Home for quarantined dogs, Market Street Latrine, Sheong Shui Police Station, Tai O Police Station, Saikung Police Station, Gaol staff quarters.

Q--These are all the works, you say, actually in

A-In progress under me.

progress

Q-Then, in addition to the works actually in progress, are you taking steps with regard to getting out contracts for other works?

A-Yes.

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}

1025

1030

1032

Q--What other works?

( 80 )

A-I have made lately designs for the Coolie Quarters at the Peak; four urinals and a latrine at Hunghom; New Harbour Office; Crematorium for cattle and refuse destructor; Temporary Markets; Segragation Camp at Lai-chi-kok; New Lighthouse on Green Island; School at Yau-ma-ti; Married Quarters at Tsim-tsa-tsui Police Station.

Q--Anything more?

you?

A--I don't remember any more.

These I have done very lately.

Q-Then, with regard to Public Works Extraordinary, what staff works under

A--Assistant Engineers Mr. FISHER, Mr. HUGHES, Mr. XAVIER, and Mr. Car- PENTER. I have part of the time of Mr. Xavier.

Q-Does Mr. Mossop not come under you?

A-He works directly under Mr. CHATHAM now.

Q-Then are these overseers you have mentioned entirely engaged on Public Works Extraordinary ?

A--Mr. HUGHES and Mr. XAVIER do some other works.

Q--Are there any others under you?

A-I have some draughtsmen and overseers under me--Mr. KYSHE, Mr. CRUZ, and two Chinese draughtsmen, and overseers DAVIS, MCGREGOR, DELAYNEY and GOODRICH.

Q-Any Chinese?

A-Three-A TAU, A TIN, and YEONG SING.

Q-Then with regard to these Public Works Extraordinary, what supervision is exercised over them?

A-I am responsible for the amount paid to the contractor. I sign the bills.

-How do you satisfy yourself that these bills are correct?

A-For such of the works as have an Assistant Engineer, the Assistant Engineer makes the measurements.

Q-Do you check these measurements?

A-Yes.

Q-Frequently?

A-Yes, frequently, not always.

Q-How often do you check them?

A-Well, probably every fourth bill.

-The Assistant Engineer is responsible to you for the measurements? A-Yes, for the measurements.

Q-And when you have satisfied yourself that the measurements are correct, you sign the bills?

A-Then I sign the bills.

Q-With regard to the supervision of the work, you say you have Assistant En- gineers and overseers. How many works, for instance, are under supervision? Has every large work an overseer or not?

A-No.

1040

( 81 )

Q-What works are being constructed without overseers ?

A-The Gaol staff quarters have neither an Assistant Engineer nor an overseer. I have them completely in my own hands now.

Q-How often do you visit them?

A-On an average, once in two days. Just now I am visiting them once or per- haps twice a day. The work is nearing completion.

Q-Are there any other works?

A-Sheung Shui Police Station, Tai O Police Station, and Saikung Police Station have only Chinese overseers.

Q-These are in the New Territory?

A-Yes.

Q--How often do you visit them?

A--Once in three weeks I endeavour to visit them.

Q-Are they nearly completed?

A-Saikung, I handed over on Monday to the Police.

Q-And the other two?

A-The other two are going on satisfactorily now.

Q-With regard to the measurements in connection with these works, how do you check them?

A-I do them myself.

Q-And are there any other works not under overseers?

A-Some of them have an Assistant Engineer, and in some cases an Assistant Engineer and myself work without an overseer. Market Street Latrine has no overseer. 9 Q-Then in the case of works without any overseer, you yourself or an Assistant

Engineer looks after them. Do you visit them?

1050

A-Yes, we visit them frequently.

Q--I presume that the works that have no overseer are not so large as the ones that require an overseer?

A-Not as a rule.

Q-And what is the principal rule with regard to works requiring or not requir- ing an overseer?

A-The question of importance. It is very necessary to have an overseer when putting in concrete foundations.

Q-Then are overseers ever responsible for measurements?

A-No.

Q-They must come from yourself or from the Assistant Engineer?

A-Yes.

Q-Do you consider the staff working under you in connection with Public Works Extraordinary sufficient or not?

A-Scarcely. We are certainly short of overseers.

Q-How many overseers more do you think you

will require ?

A-Some of the work is put behind because we have not got the staff to overtake it. The present work would require one more overseer.

213

214

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1056

seer ?

Q-And when some work is not put in hand, that means you have not an over-

A-It is on account of not having sufficient staff to overtake it.

Q-What works have been kept back?

A-I think this Chair Coolies' Quarters at the Peak was one. undertaken now on account of the staff.

It is not being

-Was the money provided for the work in this year's estimate ?

A--Not this year.

Q-Then how could it be undertaken if you had not got the money for it?

1060

A-Tenders were asked for it. I believe it was left out on account of the staff.

I know in Mr. ORMSBY'S time I have seen a note in his writing stating that certain work could not be undertaken on account of the staff.

-What is the estimate for Public Works Extraordinary for 1902 ?

Q-

A--I cannot say just now.

Q-Would you kindly look it up

A-Yes.

Q-How long have you been in charge of Public Works Extraordinary ?

A-Since Mr. CHATHAM'S going away on leave in May, 1900.

Q-Then you have practically been responsible for the Public Works Extraor- dinary in the 1901 Estimates?

A-Yes.

Q-Well, it is a large sum. Do you consider it possible for your Department, as at present constituted, to spend all the money voted for 1901?

A-Personally, I don't think so, with efficient supervision.

Mr. Shewan:-I don't understand the witness' reply: "It is not possible for the present staff to efficiently carry out that work."

The Chairman:--I understood that he meant that it was not possible for these works to be carried out by the Public Works Department with efficient supervi sion. That is to say, that if they were to carry them out as at present constituted, the supervision would not be efficient.

By Mr. Shewan. -You mean it is not possible, then, with the present staff?

A-Yes.

By the Chairman.-Then, taking the Estimates for 1902, what extra staff would be necessary to enable you to spend the amount estimated and to have the supervision efficient ?

A-I am not prepared to answer off hand.

Q-If you are not prepared to give us an answer now, will you kindly consider the matter and let us know?

A-Yes.*

Appendix No. 15.

( 83 )

1069

1070

Q-Then if the staff as at present constituted is not capable of carrying out the work efficiently, and the sum in the 1901 Estimates is not so large as the sum in the 1902 Estimates, I take it the staff would be less capable of carrying out the works in the Estimates for 1902?

A-Quite so.

Q-Then have you ever drawn attention to that fact in any way?

A--I have applied for more overseers.

Q-Then you think it is purely a question of overseers?

A-Of course many of these works have come on quite lately, since Mr. ORMSBY went away. Just now I am doing, to some extent, overseer's work, in connection with the Gaol staff quarters; that takes up a lot of my time-time I could more use- fully employ in supervising other works.

Q-Then with regard to your time, how many hours a day do you calculate that you are employed?

A-From nine till five, on an average.

Q-Have you any suggestions, beyond what you have already stated, to make with regard to the staff that works under ?

you

A-None, except that we want more overseers. ing on, and we will require more Assistant Engineers.

We have a lot of new work com-

Q-How many overseers will you require, do you think, for the work in the new Estimates?

A-I have not seen the new Estimates.

Q-Why not, they have been published for a long time?

A-I have not seen a copy yet.

Q--But your Department receives a copy

1080

A-I know that last year there was a copy for Mr. ORMSBY's private office, and I got a loan of it when I wanted it.

Q-But it was published in the local Press. Do you mean to inform me that you, the officer entrusted with the work, have not seen the list yet?

A-I have read it in the Gazette.

-You had an opportunity of seeing it, then ?

A-Oh, yes.

Q-Then, with regard to that work, have you considered what extra staff would be necessary

A-I have not done so.

Q-Well, the Commission would like to have your views on that point.

A-Yes.

By Colonel Brown.-How do you employ your Assistant Engineers, com- mencing, now, from the design of, say, the Police Station?

A-All these Police Stations I have designed and estimated, and I sign the con- They are all nearly the same. As near as possible I have endeavoured to keep to a standard design.

tract,

Q-And you have taken out the quantities?

A--Yes.

215

216

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1083

1090

these.

Q-And the Assistant Engineers have not assisted you?

A-Not as regards preliminary design for these works. I have mostly made all

Q―Then the Assistant Engineers are employed supervising the execution of the

work?

A-At present. The Law Courts have been designed outside the Department, and the Government took the responsibility, of course. The Assistant Engineer, in that case, is supervising only.

Q-And he simply sees that the terms of the contract and specifications are ad- hered to?

A-Yes. In the case of the Harbour Office and the Western Market, Mr. FISHER has designed the building.

Q--And does he do all the measurements and bills necessary ?

A-Yes.

By Mr. Thurburn.--Do you think it would be a good thing for the Public Works Department, in building a large work such as the new Post Office, to give it to public competition instead of giving it to the officers of the Department?

A-As regards design, perhaps, but we are capable of carrying out any works. The officers of the Public Works Department are mostly engineers, more than architects.

Q-And it would be better to be designed by an architect ?

A-That is my opinion.

By the Chairman.-Is there no architect in the Public Works Department?

A-Now we have Mr. FISHER and Mr. Mossop.

Q-Is it your idea that the design should be put up to competition?

A-Not necessarily now, because we have two qualified architects. time they came here we had all been engineers.

But up till the

By Mr. Thurburn. My idea is you have an architect in the Public Works Department, which, I suppose, is essential now for ordinary works. But for a city like this, getting larger buildings, you want to have the best architect you can get. What I want to ask you is: Don't you think it would be better in the public interest to put all architectural buildings such as the Post Office up to competition by outside archi- tects ?

The Chairman:-Do you mean to confine it to the Colony or open it to the world?

Mr. Thurburn:-Not necessarily to the Colony. I presume the architects who competed for it would carry out the work, and you would have the opportunity of get- ting the best style of architecture.

ask.

A-For designing. I believe the Public Works would make better work.

Q-But still, the conditions could be laid down as to that. That is all I want to

By Mr. Shewan.-It would be dearer work ?

A-It would be dearer work, but it would be better work by the Public Works Department.

Q-Are the Public Works Extraordinary unusually heavy this year? A-They are heavier this year. They are growing every year.

1095

( 85 )

Q-Those you saw the other day in the Government Gazette-- are they still heavier ?

A-I understand it is heavier than 1901.

Q-You saw it?

A-I don't remember the figures now.

Q-Did it strike you as heavier ?

1100

A-I certainly was wondering who was going to undertake all the work, but I understand an increase of staff was considered.

Q-At present do you think that if you

hal any assistance in your Department it

would be of any use to you

A-Certainly.

Q-Of course it would lighten your work. Can you manage all the work at pre- sent ?

time.

A-Not efficiently.

-The work is suffering from a want of assistance at present?

A-Certainly.

Q-Therefore you really feel overworked?

A-I have to do work that I ought not to do-overseer work-which is a waste of

Q-If you are not overtaking all your work, you must be overworked?

A-Certainly.

Q-Do you always work from nine till five ?

1110

A-Not always. In the New Territory from six o'clock.

Q-You

You state you have got too much to do. You say you pass the accounts once in four times, so that in three out of the four cases there is a chance for the other man to squeeze ?

A-It would be corrected at the fourth month. These are payments on account. Q-But you don't check the measurements of every piece of work?

A-Yes, but in the fourth month we check the total up-to-date.

Q-I am talking about checking the measurements, not calculations. I under- stand that you check the measurements once in four, or that in the third case there is no checking?

A-That is only one month; there may be some other payments.

Q-I think there is a chance to pass measurements absolutely false ?

A-It would not help them. They might get a small sum on account.

Q--It would help them if for 100 square yards they charged for 200 square yards? A-It would go up with the contractor's account on the fourth month.

Q—I think we are misunderstanding each other. I understand you to say that once in four months you measure the works ?

A-Yes.

Q-Well, there must be three jobs you don't measure?

A-The payments are made monthly on account.

217

218

1111

(86)

-You are talking about payments, I am talking about measurements. When a man comes in and charges you for 200 square yards of work, do you check that mea- surement ?

A--If it was a single job I would check the measurement.

Q-Who has to do that?

A-The Assistant Engineer.

Q-You don't do it?

A-In cases, yes; but I have very little of that to do.

Q-Somebody told us they measured the work and they checked it.

A--That is not in the Public Works Extraordinary; these contracts are lump sum

We only check how much to pay the men on account.

contracts.

Q-There is no question of checking the measurements?

A-Only so far as checking on account. It does not affect the lump sum.

Q-Explain what you mean by checking the work once every four times.

A-Every four months I will satisfy myself as to the total amount done.

Q-In that long list of work you gave us, are there not a great many very small jobs? A-No, very few.

Q-Is there not a latrine there?

1120

A-There is only one latrine-two or three thousand dollars.

Q-How often do you visit every one of these jobs?

A-Taipo, once in three weeks, I walk down the road. The Assistant Engineer visits it often, and spends a couple of days a week there.

Q-And you are of opinion, although not overworked personally, that the work would be better done if you had more men?

A--Yes, certainly.

-And the work must be suffering at present for the want of attention?

A-To some extent.

By Mr. Master.-With regard to the new Post Office, have you prepared plans for that?

A-I have prepared in my time two plans for the Post Office.

Q-Are you going to supervise the erection of the Law Courts ?

A-I supervised part of the foundations. I don't know what other arrangements will be made.

Q-And with regard to the Post Office, you don't know ?

A-I don't know.

Q-If you had to supervise these two jobs, would it take up all your time? A-Unless I had Assistant Engineers.

Q-Could the present staff of the Public Works Extraordinary take in hand the Post Office and the Law Courts and the other work?

A-I should say no.

(87)

* 1127

1130

Q-Would you say decidedly no ?

A-Decidedly no-not efficiently.

Q-And your overseers-are they reliable men?

A-My four present overseers are.

Q--Are you quite satisfied with them quite as far as to know that you can trust them ?

A-Yes; these four I can trust.

Q-And with regard to the dismissal of an overseer, suppose an overseer proved unsatisfactory, would you recommend his removal? Is that generally carried out?

A-He sometimes gets a chance.

Q-As the head of the Department, are you vested with authority, not actually to remove him, but to recommend his removal ?

A-I should recommend that he be dismissed, and the Director of Public Works would then recommend his dismissal upstairs, if it went as far as that.

By Mr. Shewan.-Why don't you follow the custom of the other Depart- ments of paying work by measurement instead of a lump sum ?

A-I cannot say.

Q-Who decides that?

A--I don't know.

By Mr. Master.-Are these contracts confined to a few contractors, or does any man have a chance?

A-Any man who can satisfy the Government that he can do the work.

Q--And put up the necessary security? There is no class?

A-No; we are prepared to take any man if he is good enough.

By the Chairman.-Is there any suggestion, in addition to what you have already suggested to the Commission, that you can offer with regard to your work or the staff?

A--I certainly think two of the Assistant Engineers should be architects in the' office. There has been a predominance of engineers since Mr. WILLS' time. There is plenty of work for two architects in the office.

Q-How many architects are now in the Department?

A-Two-Mr. FISHER and Mr. Mossop.

Q--Then at present the supply is sufficient?

A-Mr. Mossop is leaving. Two architects will probably be enough.

By Mr. Thurburn.--Is Mr. Mossop on the staff of the Public Works or is

he a special man ?

The Chairman.-He is on a three years' agreement.

1140

By Mr. Thurburn.-Will he be kept on ?

The Chairman.-I understand he is leaving the Government service.

By Mr. Shewan.-You are not an architect ?

A-I am an engineer by profession.

Q--And there should be two architects?

A-Yes; there is a good deal of architectural work.

219

[

220

1143

P. T. CRISP, recalled:-

( 85 )

By the Chairman.-When you were last before the Commission, Mr. Crisp, you referred to a certain letter that had been received by the Public Works Department from the Police regarding baskets and other obstructions upon the roofs of buildings, and, from what you then said, you rather led the Commission to believe that it was within your province to have these obstructions removed from these buildings. Since then, you have sent in a letter showing us exactly how the matter stands. Have you to deal only with inflammable structures ?

A--Yes. I did not understand that before. I have had other chits like that. It always lay with me, and on several occasions when I have found inflammable stuff I have ordered it to be taken down off the roof; but they are no longer inflammable structures. I have also had to proceed against them. I thought baskets came under the heading of inflammable structures.

Q-Have you ever prosecuted a man?

A-No, I have never prosecuted.

Q-It is clear to you that a basket does not come under that heading?

A-I am satisfied of that. For the future I shall know what to do.

مین

1150

U. A. FARRELL, recalled:-

By the Chairman.-As Chairman of this Commission, I have received a letter from you stating that, on reading over your evidence, you noticed that there are some statements which might tend to mislead the Commission. To which statements do you refer ?

A-One relative to the price of the articles in this store and at Wanchai.

Q-You made mention that there were two stores-one here and one at Wanchai. To what part of your statement do you allude ?

A-I gave a certain price, and it is very possible I might be wrong.

Q-What price did you state?

A-I said about five hundred pounds.

Q-What do you value it at now?

A-I would not care to say what is the price of them. They contain all the new instruments and I could not very well say the price.

Q-You simply want to tell the Commission that you do not wish them to set any value upon your estimate, as it may be quite wrong?

A-Yes.

Q-Are there any other statements to which you wish to draw attention? A-There is another relative to the inventory. I said there was no inventory

of this store, but I believe I said there was one kept at the Wanchai 'store.

Q-As far as the store was concerned, you stated there was no inventory so far as you knew, and with regard to the Wanchai store, you said you thought there was an inventory kept?

A--There is an inventory kept at the Wanchai store, and the goods in that store are in that inventory. They are not kept separate. This is what I believe. I am right when I state that I never took over any inventory.

Appendix No. 16.

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1153

Q-You find there is an inventory of the goods in the store here in so far as they are contained in the inventory of the general store?

A-Yes.

Q-Is there anything else you wish to correct? A--Nothing else, Sir.

1160

By Mr. Master.-Have you seen the inventory?

A-No, I have never seen it.

Q-This is only what you have been since told?

A-Since when?

Q-Since

-Since you came here before?

A--I found it out by going down to the store and seeing the way things were issued.

are ?

Q-In that inventory, is there anything to show in which of the two stores things

The Chairman.-I do not think it is necessary to question this witness about the stores. We can have the store-keeper here as a witness if that is considered desirable.

By Mr. Master.- So far as you know, there is an inventory?

A--There is an inventory kept, and the Wanchai inventory includes the goods in the store here.

Q-You have not studied the inventory in any way?

A--I have not seen it.

H. G. FISHER, P.W.D. sworn:-

By the Chairman.-What is your position in the Public Works Department?

A-I am an Assistant Engineer.

Q--How long have you been in the Department?

A-I joined on the 23rd May of last year.

Q--You are also an Architect ?

A-Yes.

4 Q-You possess qualifications as an Architect?

A-Yes.

-What are your qualifications?

A-I am an Associate of the Royal Institute of British Architects by examination and First Class Honours Medallist for Building Construction and Design at Kensington.

Q-What are your special duties ?

A-At present with regard to works which are in progress, my duties consist of a large share of supervising, preparing detail drawings, and measuring work done by contractors in connection with the following works :-Western Market foundations, new Harbour Office foundations and No. 7 Police Station, the plans of the latter work were already prepared and all I am doing in connection with the work is to supervise, and prepare detail drawings and measure work done by the contractor for payment.

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--Do you inspect in person?

A--Yes.

Q-How often?

A-Generally every day. Sometimes I am not able to go every day and it is then every other day.

Q-What other work are you doing in addition to that which you have mentioned ?

A-A new floor to the Cattle Sheds at Kennedy Town.

Q-To the Swine Depôt ?

A--Yes, that is it. Now, as to work inside the office, I am preparing designs, specifications, quantities and details for the superstructure of the new Western Market, the new Harbour Office, the new Market at Kowloon, and the Clock Tower to the Blake Pier. I am also about to take up the new Law Courts. As to the Prison at Stonecutters' Island, I am not aware whether part of this work will be commenced next year. I prepared a design for removing the whole Prison to Stonecutters' Island.

Q-You may take it that, if there is no provision in the Estimates for a work, it is not to be commenced at once. Do you find you have a full day's work?

A--Undoubtedly.

Q-How many hours a day do you work?

A-From 9 or 9.30 in the morning till generally 6 in the evening, and frequently, may almost

say, every Saturday afternoon, I go round the works, and two Sundays out of four I generally go round the works again.

Q--Do you think there is quite sufficient work for an architect in the Public Works Department?

A-Undoubtedly there is.

Q-For how many is there sufficient work?

A-I think for one architect and an architect's assistant.

Q-Could these two officers overtake most of the work of designing? What about tracings?

A-They could be prepared by the staff downstairs.

Q-It has been suggested frequently, both here and at home, that it is a very good thing to call for designs from people outside the Government service.

What is your opinion on that point?

A-For any special work, competition is undoubtedly a good thing, but then, if you have a fairly good man in the Department, it doesn't seem hardly necessary to get

the work done outside.

Q--For instance, it has been suggested that if any large work like the new Post Office or some such building that would lend itself to architectural design were being undertaken, it would be better to get the best talent by inviting competition, and any- one in the service might compete as well as those outside. Do you think that system is better than simply adhering to the Government staff?

A--As I said before, if you have a fully qualified staff, it does't seem worth while to offer premiums to outside people.

Q--I should like you to look at this from an impersonal point of view.

A-Quite so.

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Q-You were asked a little time ago about the hours you workel. What hours have you worked during the past seven days?

A-I have been here till nine or ten o'clock every evening and also on Sundays, but that has been special work, and it had to be done.

Q-You have had a heavy spell ?

A-Yes.

By Mr. Master.-Are there any plans preparing for the Law Courts?

A-No, the designs were prepared in England by Messrs. ASTON WEBB & E. INGRESS BELL, the consulting architects.

Q-You are merely carrying them out?

A-Yes.

By the Chairman.-Is there any difficulty in carrying out designs prepared by another architect? My attention has been called to an article in The Times referring to the First Commissioner of Works, Mr. AKERS DOUGLAS, having decided to carry out departmentally a design prepared by Mr. BRYDON, a well-known architect who has just died, and I see there is a good deal of discussion with regard to that.

A-I have not seen the article in question, but that may be only with regard to the merits of the design.

Q-No, it was not in regard to the merits of the design. It was in regard to the Government carrying out the design of an architect who is dead. Do you think there would be any difficulty in the Government carrying out a design fully prepared by an architect in private business ?

A--No. It is simply a matter of carrying out the other man's ideas, which, I take it have all been placed on paper.

By Mr. Master.-With regard to the new Post Office, have any plans been prepared ?

A-Not that I am aware of.

Q-Supposing the plans for the Post Office were offered for competition, could not the architects be induced to compete by the payment of a premium ?

A-Oh, certainly.

The work to be carried out by Government?

A-Quite so.

Q-No difficulty about that?

1190

A-I suppose you refer to the local architects, Sir?

Q-It is a question of offering a certain premium to anyone who chooses to send in a fairly good plan.

A-That would be stipulated in the conditions.

Q-Would that idea not be more likely to produce a better building than if it was simply kept in the Department?

A-You would get other person's ideas and there would be variety.

Q-And there would be no difficulty ?

A-None. Of course drawings in connection with a competition are usually pre- pared in a different way to contract drawings, and it would be an easy matter to make contract drawings from competition drawings.

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Q-What was the reason that no local architects sent in any competitive drawings for the Clock Tower?

A-I don't know, unless it be that they thought the premium too low. I don't think they thought it worth their while unless they had the work to carry out.

-What was the premium ?

A-$250. Although I was successful, I may say, I am sorry there was no outside competitor.

By Mr. Thurburn.—The reason they did not go in for it was that the pre- mium was so absurdly small that, although any of them had been successful, it would not have been worth their while unless they had the construction to look after?

A-Possibly.

By the Chairman.-How many architects in practice are there in the Colony that are Members of the Institute?

A--Messrs. PALMER & TURNER, and Mr. RAM of Messrs. DENISON & RAM, Mr. A. H. OUGH of Messrs. LEIGII & ORANGE, and Mr. C. B. THOMAS with Mr. DANBY. I believe they are the only members of the Royal Institute of British Architects.

Q-So that any competition here so far as architects properly so called are con- cerned, would be practically confined to the gentlemen whom you have mentioned ?

A--Yes, as regards members of the Institute in practice.

Q-Have you ever heard, at home, of any man who is not an architect being called on to design any large building?

A-No. Life is too short for a man to be an architect and an engineer both. By Mr. Shewan.-Do you think, Mr. FISHER, that $250 was a very small premium?

A-Undoubtedly it was. It worked out at about fifteen cents an hour.

Q-It was not your suggestion that the premium should be what it was?

A-No, Sir.

-You don't think any architect would have suggested such a premium ? A-No, it was necessary to prepare drawings, details and quantities.

Q-So that there was really no inducement for an architect to go in ?

A-No.

By Mr. Master.-- You say it worked out at fifteen cents an hour?

A--Yes, according to the time that I worked upon it.

By Mr. Shewan.-Have you anything to say against employing local architects ?

A-No.

Q--Then you think that, supposing the architects in the Public Works Depart- ment knew that they had to compete with others outside, they would probably put in better work or better designs?

A-I would not say that.

Q-Generally speaking, is it not an understood thing that competition brings out a man's abilities more?

A-It depends upon whether the man looks upon the work from an artistic point

of view or not.

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Q--Speaking for yourself, would you not make it a little better?

A—No, I would not. I did not look upon my work on the Clock Tower from a financial point of view. It was from an artistic point of view.

Q.-Who are the architects for the Law Courts?

A--Messrs. ASTON WEBB & E. INGRESS BELL, the consulting architects, and the leading firm of architects in London.

Q--And what about the tropics? Can they design buildings for these climates?

A-Yes, I think so.

Q--Why do you think so?

A--Taking men of their standing, I don't think any one can say that they are not fitted for it.

here?

Q-I don't suppose they would know the requirements of the East?

A-I say they would.

Q-They would not be as well fitted to design such a building as an architect out

A-There can be no comparison between Messrs. WEBB and BELL and any archi. tect in the Colony.

Q-Surely a man out of China would not be so well fitted to design a house for China as a man resident in China?

A-I should say yes, Sir.

Q-As regards his local knowledge?

∞

1220

A-That is confined to a very few things, such as higher ceilings, verandahs, etc. Q-But there are a few things of importance?

A-Not if a man knows his business.

Q-Is it not possible that, when a man designs a building for a country he never lived in, he will design an unsuitable building?

A-No, Sir. It is not very likely, because if you take three-quarters of the work in England all the principal work is done in London.

Q-We are talking about a country under different conditions altogether?

A-As far as I am aware, Sir, it is simply a matter of individual taste.

Q-I am asking your opinion. He has never seen houses with verandahs and he doesn't know their uses or requirements?

here.

A-I think it is quite possible for such a man to design equally as well as one out

Q-Do you say you could design a house for a country you had never lived in ? A--I don't say I would succeed in pleasing every one, but I would do my best. -Don't you think it likely that the chances would not be in your favour? A---It just depends upon the man I have to deal with.

It is a question of chance. Would not your want of experience be against you?

A--I don't think so.

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By the Chairman.-With regard to that point, is it likely that architects of standing such as Messrs. ASTON WEBB & E. INGRESS BELL would undertake the design- ing of such a building without making themselves acquainted with local conditions?

A--I don't think so.

Q--Do you think that having posted themselves with full information as regards local and climatic conditions, they would be almost in as good a position to design a building as an architect with local knowledge?

A-Oh yes, I think they would be equally in as good a position.

Q--One might gather from the questions that the architects at home would be entirely ignorant of the conditions in Hongkong. Is it likely that a firm like Messrs. ASTON WEBB & E. INGRESS BELL, having such a reputation at stake, would undertake a work without acquainting themselves with the local requirements ?

A--They would not risk it.

Q-Do you know whether full information has been forwarded to these architects ?

A-I don't know.

By Mr. Shewan.-But knowledge from books or letters is not counted so good as practical knowledge. Would you not rather have a practical experience of the country?

A-If I had a book, I would go very carefully over it.

Q-It is very difficult to get you to answer my question.

A-As far as I am concerned, practical experience would be undoubtedly better, but one must take the men into question.

Q--Do you know that the plans of the Law Courts were for a building totally unsuited for this climate?

A-I do not know that.

By Mr. Master.-Have you seen the original plans prepared by this firm ?

A-Yes.

Q-In

1230

your opinion, are they satisfactory?

A-I only took the drawings over yesterday.

Q--I should like that question answered by and by?

A-Yes.

By the Chairman.—Mr. FISHER, we would like you to find out all information about the plans and communicate it to the Commission.

A--Yes, Sir.*

By Mr. Shewan.-In your opinion, it would be advisable to have these buildings open to competition to architects in England as well as in Hongkong?

A--It depends upon the nature of the building.

Q--Say, as a rule, any important building?

A-Yes, any important building.

Q-Not merely to give them to one firm in London, but to get as many designs as possible?

A-Yes.

* See Appendix No. 17.

1235

( 95 )

Q-You gave us a list of the work you are attending to including the Blake Pier. Are you busy on that work?

A-Yes. I am now making contract drawings.

Q-That is all the work you are doing on the Blake Pier ?

A--The contract is not let yet.

--We hear that the design was accepted some months ago ?

1240

A--About twelve days ago, I was asked to prepare the tenders for it.

Q-How long ago is it since your design was accepted?

A-I could not give you the exact date.

Q-Roughly, how many months?

A-Three or four months ago.

Q-Well, if that was the only work you had to attend to, would you not have gone on at once with tenders, etc.?

A--No, because there was plenty of work in the office to do.

Q--Had that been the only work, would you probably have gone on with it and completed same in a week or so?

A--No, there is at least six weeks' work.

Q-Are you overworked?

A--There is certainly a pressure of work in the office.

I have told I have told you the hours I have been working this week. I always do my best in instances of this kind.

The Chairman.-The vote for the work connected with the Blake Pier was only passed by Council when the 1902 Estimates were brought forward.

By Mr. Shewan.--Do I understand that the Commission is enquiring into why work is so much delayed?

The Chairman.-No work can be undertaken unless a vote has been passed for it.

Mr. Shewan.-It is not the Public Works Department that is to blame then. The public hear the design is accepted and they then wonder why the work is not pro- ceeded with.

By Colonel Brown.--Have you much office work?

A-Yes.

Q-As Assistant Engineer?

A--Yes.

Q-What does it come to?

A-Preparing detail drawings and supervising the work in hand. Then there is the list I have already given you. I am now preparing drawings, specifications and quantities for the new Western Market, the new Harbour Office, the Market at Kow- loon and the Law Courts. All the work in connection with these buildings will have to be done in the office.

Q-Could you not relegate some of that work to a lower paid man, taking out the quantities, for instance, and doing mechanical work?

A-No, because it is work that could not be entrusted to a lower paid man, with any degree of accuracy.

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1250

-And the specifications, could they not be done by a lower paid man ?

A-No.

Q-Or detail drawings?

A-No. A carefully prepared set of plans and specification with quantities form the essence of the contract. If errors occur it at once leads to confusion, and if a con- tractor understands his business there is trouble at once. Then it is possible that items should have been included which are essential for the due completion of work, but un- fortunately have not been include:l in the specification nor shewn on the drawings.

Q-Could it not be done by a lower paid man?

A--No, Sir.

1251

со

I. M. XAVIER, P.W.D., sworn:

By the Chairman.-What is your position in the Public Works Department?

A-I am an Assistant Engineer.

Q-How long have you been in the Department?

A-Over 14 years.

Q-In what capacity did you first join?

A-I joined as a draughtsman.

Q-And how long were you a draughtsman ?

A-I was a draughtsman for about six years.

Q-And after that what were you?

A-I became Assistant Engineer after a time.

Q-And you have been an Assistant Engineer for about five years?

A-No, I have been Assistant Engineer for eight years.

Q-And with what work are you specially concerne l?

A-Now?

1260

Q-Yes. What work are you concerned with now?

A-I have got the improvement of the lanes in Hongkong, the Pokfulam Conduit Road, the Mongkoktsui Nullah, the road at the Tramway Station, the training of nullahs, and the latrines down at Sookunpoo and down at Belcher's.

Q-How long does it take you each day to discharge your duties ?

A-I generally come down about nine o'clock and go away about five o'clock. It takes me the whole of that time-from nine till five.

That is on the average?

Q-That

A-That is the average.

Q-And there are measurements to be taken out?

A-All this work has to be measured up every month.

Q-Have you any work that is contracted for by measurement ?

A-There is the road leading to 'Kennedy Road.

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Q-You measure it up yourself?

A-Yes, myself.

Q-Not by an overseer?

A-I don't have one now.

Q-When you had an overseer, did you trust him?

A-Not in any of these measurements.

Q-Then you have an overseer for private street improvements? A-Yes, I have one for that.

Q-Who measures in that case?

A-I go myself to measure all these works.

-How many overseers have you altogether?

1270

A-I have only one man.

Q-European?

A-Yes.

Q-What diploma have you as a Civil Engineer?

A-I belong to the Institute of Civil Engineers as an Associate.

Q-Where did you study?

A-In Hongkong.

Q-And how did you become a Member of the Institute?

A-I was recommended by Mr. COOPER, when he was out here, and Mr. CHATHAM.

I was learning to become a Civil Engineer, and they recommended me. They thought

I was a fit person, and my papers went home.

Q Did you pass any examination ?

A-No, I did not pass any examination.

Q Is there any examination ?

A-Not for a studentship. Now, if anyone wants to join the Institute as a stud- ent, he has got to pass an examination.

Q-Did you join as a student?

A-Yes, I joined as a student, and was transferred to be an Associate.

Q-When were examinations introduced?

A-Last year.

Q-So you could not have passed an examination when you joined even if you had been prepared to do so?

A-Sometimes at home they had an examination, but it was not compulsory. If you served under a member of the Institute, and if that member wished you perhaps to become a student, you were generally allowed to become one.

By Mr. Shewan.-There are some in this Colony who have certificates or diplomas?

A-There are a few draughtsmen who have got nothing.

Q-Are there any who have?

A-A good many have the same certificate.

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By the Chairman.-Exactly the same?

A-Yes, the same.

By Mr. Thurburn.-What are you doing at Pokfulam Conduit ?

A-We are making a road there.

By the Chairman.-Have you any suggestion to make to the Commission that would be of use to them in their enquiries?

A-No.

G. J. W. KING, sworn :-

By the Chairman.-How long have you been in the Public Works Depart-

ment ?

A-Twelve years, or a little over; since 1888.

Q-In what capacity did you first join the Civil Service ?

A-As Clerk in the Police Office in 1881.

Q-In what capacity did you first join the Public Works Department?

A-As Land Bailiff.

Q-And you are still Land Bailiff ?

A-Yes.

Q-How long does it take you to discharge your duties every day?

A-Sometimes it varies.

Q-On an average ?

1290

A-Every day from 8.30 till 5.30, sometimes five. On an average, I would say from eight o'clock till five.

Q-What are your duties chiefly concerned with?

A-To superintend Crown lands and see there are no unauthorised encroachments; to see that squatters pay their dues, and also the discharge of the duties formerly per- formed by the Superintendent of Crown Lands.

Q-What are the details?

A- Work out the square area of Crown land, register and check plans and rent dues.

And who works with you?

Q-And

A-No one.

Q-And you can get through all your work between 8 30 and 5 o'clock ?

A-Yes.

Q-Then I

presume you consider you do not require any addition to your staff? A-We do. Formerly there was a man, as Superintendent of Crown Lands. Q-But you say you can get through all your work between 8.30 and 5 o'clock ? A-By a pinch. Sometimes times are easy, but still I manage to do it. What I can't do to-day I get at to-morrow morning early.

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Q-Do you think any assistance is necessary?

A-Yes.

Q-What assistance?

1300

A-An overseer who knows something about surveying, to make out these land plans, and keep the register posted.

Q-But

do that at present you

A-That is extra duty to me.

Q—But if you manage to do everything between 8.30 a.m. and 5 p.m., would not the addition of another overseer practically mean the dividing of work sufficient for one officer only among two officers ?

A-My ordinary duties as Land Bailiff are somewhat neglected because I have to be nearly all the time in the office.

Q-What duties are neglected?

A-There might be some encroachment going on in some outlying village which wants inspecting periodically.

Q-How often do you go round the Colony on these visits of inspection ?

A-Sometimes twice a year.

Q-And how often before when you were Land Bailiff only?

A-Sometimes two or three times.

Q-Only one time more? Do the Police not help you to check these unauthorised squatters by reporting?

A-No.

Q-Have they co-operated?

A-No.

-Do you think if the Police co-operated it would be quite sufficient?

A-Yes, it would diminish the work in Shek O and Stanley, and places where it takes a day to get at.

-Would it facilitate matters considerably?

Q-

A-It would facilitate matters as far as the Land Bailiff was concerned.

Q--And matters being facilitated in that way, do you think it would be necessary to have an overseer for the superintending of Crown lands?

A-I think so.

Q-What would he have to do ?

sary

A-He would have to check all plans and keep the register up. Q-But

you are able to do that at present, and how is it that two men are neces-

A--One man would do the office work and the Land Bailiff would be out and about and would not require so much of the co-operation of the Police.

Q-But if the Police could do this, would there be any necessity to increase the the staff?

A-That I cannot answer.

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Q-But you think if the Police did co-operate, you might carry on the duties. yourself?

A-Oh, yes.

By Mr. Master.--With regard to your Land Bailiff work, looking after these encroachments, what is the nature of it?

A-To look after the Government land I possibly might find some temporary matshed put up or sometimes a stone house. They are easily identified.

Q-How many do you find in the course of a year of these unauthorised encroach-

ments ?

A--That is a very hard question to answer; sometimes 40 or 50, sometimes none at all. If a sharp look-out is kept, there are none.

Q--Do these sort of encroachments include any one poaching a piece of ground? A-Sometimes they take a bit of ground.

Q—Would it not be patent to the Police when any one erects a matshed?

A-Yes, it would be patent to the Police.

By the Chairman.-Have you any suggestions, beyond those already made by you, to offer to the Commission?

A--I don't think I can offer any other suggestions.

1320

T. G. HUGHES, sworn:-

By the Chairman.--What is your capacity in the Public Works Depart-

ment ?

A-Assistant Engineer.

Q-How long have you been Assistant Engineer?

A-Since 1st August, 1898.

Road.

Q-What was your position before that?

A--Temporary Surveyor.

Q--To whom were you attached as temporary Surveyor ?

A-On the Public Works Department, especially for the surveying of the Jubilee

Q Did you come out from home?

A--No, I left the Royal Engineers in Hongkong.

Q-Then, Mr. HUGHES, you joined in 1898?

A-No, I joined in November, 1897.

-You are now special Assistant Engineer engaged on the Taipó Road?

A-Yes.

Q-And lately you have been employed in the construction of a new catch-water

at Mount Cameron and of a site for the Kowloon Market?

A--Yes, these are three works I am engaged on.

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1330

Are you engaged on any other works?

Q-Are

A-The estimates for the training of nullahs on the upper levels, Robinson Road, and Bowen Road, and I have some work to do with reference to the Wongnaich'ung Recreation Ground, pegging out the different sites.

Q-With regard to the Taipó Road, have you been engaged on it since it was commenced ?

A-Yes.

Q-Do

you consider that the road is being carried out expeditiously?

A-It could have been carried out quicker, but the difficulty has been with labour, and last year we had the difficulty not only of labour but of prices, which ran up to an extraordinary degree, and we had some difficulty in getting a contractor to take on the work at anything like reasonable prices.

Q-How far has the road gone now ?

A-It is actually completed, 13 miles. That leaves five miles to complete.

-When will it be completed?

There is a difficulty

A-It ought to have been completed by the end of this year. with regard to the completion of the bridges. We have not got the joists out from home. They are all steel joists, and have been on order for eight months.

Q-What is the reason of the delay?

A-I don't know.

Q-Will the 18 miles be completed by April next year ?

A-Yes, if the joists arrive early.

Q-When was the road commenced ?

A-A few weeks before the New Territory was taken over, so as to get the work in hand.

Q-The contractor began the work, then, about a fortnight after the New Territory was taken over in 1899 ?

A-In April, it began before May, 1899.

Q-Do you pay by measurement ?

A-The first section of the road up to Tai Wai was paid by measurement.

Q-And since then?

A---The next two miles were paid by contract. The two miles after that were paid by measurement, and the next four miles are on contract.

Q-Who measures?

A-I do, Sir.

Q-Do you entrust the measurements to any of the overseers ?

A-I do all the measurements myself.

Q-How long do you calculate you are engaged on your duties each day?

A-Well, for instance, I know when I was working in the New Territory I used to begin in the summer time at daylight, and as I was living in a matshed with nothing else to do, I worked up till bed time.

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Q-And on an average on this side how long do you work?

A-Now I am on this side, I work generally from nine o'clock in the morning till six.

By Mr. Shewan.-When you began at daylight, was that in the summer time?

A-Yes, in the summer time.

Q-Did you work all summer in the open air?

A-Yes.

Q-No time for tiffin?

A-I used to go out in the early morning and go home for tiffin, and then I would have an hour or so in the house.

Q-On Saturdays?

A-On Saturdays afternoon I came into Hongkong and back on Sunday.

By Mr. Thurburn.-Does your Department have plenty of assistants? Is it undermanned?

A-So far as I am concerned, up till just lately I had no assistance at all. I had to do the whole of the work myself surveying, measuring, and supervising. This last month or two I have had an assistant.

Q-And having that assistant, is that enough for all the work you have to do? A-Yes, it is quite enough for the Taipó Road.

By Colonel Brown.-Have you to supervise Chinese workmen ?

A-Yes.

Q-Do they put in bad work?

A-Yes.

Q-Are they always looking for an opportunity?

A-Yes, there is a certain class of work that I can't trust to the Chinese.

Q-Why are you not there?

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A-Because I have an European overseer.

Q-And what is the office work here?

A-In the case of this training of nullahs there is a good deal of office work, making out of quantities, work at Kowloon Market, surveying outside and coming in- side and taking out quantities, making out the bills, and squaring out measurements.

- Could you not get a clerk to square out the measurements?

A-As far as I see, none of them are able.

By the Chairman.-Have you any suggestion to make, that, in your opinion, might be of use to the Commission?

A-One suggestion I could make is that we be provided with better office accommo- dation. It is impossible to work at the drawing table unless you arrange the matter with the other Engineer in the office beforehand.

Q-Have you heard that a scheme has been sent home to the Secretary of State for increasing the accommodation of the Government offices by an addition at the end of the building ?

A-I have seen plans of the proposed extension.

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Q- -Will that relieve the present state of congestion?

A-I don't know what particular branch of the Department it will be for.

Q-It is intended to give some relief to the present congested condition of ti offices occupied by the Colonial Secretary and Director of Public Works. Will not this addition tend to remedy the condition of affairs to which you have called attention ?

A-I think it might be a temporary relief, but I don't think it will be sufficient to last any time.

Q-You think still more accommodation will be necessary?

A-I think so.

Q-Have you any other suggestion to offer?

A-No.

1360

E. W. CARPENTER, sworn:-

By the Chairman.-What is your position in the Public Works Department? A-Assistant Engineer.

Q-How long have you been in this Department?

A-Since April this year.

Q―Did you come out from home to join the Department ?

A-No, I joined locally.

Q-What were you before you joined?

A-I was Assistant Engineer with the Dock Company.

Q-I understand you are concerned with the following works :--Latrines, bath- houses, house for quarantined dogs, urinals, etc.?

A-Yes.

Q-Any other works besides these?

A-The coolie quarters at the Peak. I am in charge of the levelling instruments and of the plans.

Q-Who assists you in your duties?

A-Nobody except Mr. GALE. I am under Mr. GALE, and I have no overseers.

Q. Do you superintend directly the works with which you are connected?

A-Yes.

Q-Do you find that you have plenty of time for supervision?

A-I Lave to start about eight o'clock every morning.

Q-And when do you stop?

A-About four or a quarter past.

Q-You find that, working from eight to a quarter past four, you have time to discharge your duties?

A-Yes.

By Mr. Shewan.-You don't feel overworked, Mr. CARPENTER?

A-No, I take plenty of exercise.

By the Chairman.-Have you any suggestion to make that might be of use to the Commission in its enquiry?

A.-No.

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SIXTH MEETING.

COUNCIL CHAMBER,

Monday 30th December, 1901.

PRESENT:

The Honourable J. H. STEWART LOCKHART, C.M.G., (Chairman).

The Honourable JOHN THURBURN.

Colonel L. F. BROWN, R. E.

ROBERT GORDON SHEWAN, Esq. G. C. C. MASTER, Esq.

E. D. C. WOLFE, Esq., (Secretary).

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R. K. LEIGH, Mem. Inst. C. E., sworn:--

By the Chairman. Mr. LEIGH, this Commission, as you are no doubt aware, has been appointed by Ilis Excellency the Governor to enquire into the efficiency of the Public Works Department, and, knowing that you yourself were once a member of the Public Works Staff and have had a large experience of Hongkong and its public works, we thought that, by examining you as a witness, you would be able to help the Commission in its deliberations. You have been in Hongkong how many years?

tice ?

A-Close on 22 years.

—And you came out originally as a member of the Public Works Department?

A--I did.

Q-For how many years were you a member?

A-About three years.

Q-And after leaving the Public Works Department, you went into private prac-

A-I did. I joined the firm of DANBY & LEIGH.

Q-And you have been in that firm ever since?

A-The firm is changed, but I have been in a private firm as a Civil Engineer and Architect ever since.

Q-With regard to the Public Works Department, one suggestion has been made, and that is, that if the Government were to let out some of its public works instead of undertaking them itself, that course might lead to cheapness and efficiency. What is your opinion on that point?

A-I think it would.

Q-Why do

you think it would be cheaper?

A-Because I think we can get prices that the Government cannot get

Q-What is the reason of that? Do you think that private firms can get better prices than the Government?

A-It is acknowledged so all the world over.

for work than the Government.

Private firms can get better prices

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-What do you think is the reason of that?

A-I think they take more trouble; they conform more to the customs of the place, and there is not, to use a common expression, so much red tape in connection with the work; they can converse more freely, and get and give information quicker which is a great deal to a Chinese contractor who would not carry on a week without getting into some error if some one did not keep him straight.

Q-Then, with regard to finish, what are your views?

A-I do not say any of us get better work done than the Government, but the efficiency of the work is a matter of supervision.

Q-Then do you think that at present the Government gets better work on an average than the private firm?

A-I think so, owing to the minute supervision they are able to give it. Given the same supervision, we could get the same quality of work.

Q―Then the result is that, on the average, the Government work is better for that

reason?

A-I think, owing to the overseer supervision being more minute, and continuous that probably the class of work is better. I do not say, however, that it is always necessary to have such a fine finish and such a high class of work. work done which is absolutely unnecessary, particularly in stone work.

I have often seen

Q-Are you of opinion, then, that the same finish could be obtained at a cheaper rate if the work were done by private firms?

A-I think so.

Q-Then what alteration would be made by private firms in comparison with the present system of proceeding in order to obtain the greater efficiency?

A-I think they would have to get more supervision and procure more experienced and higher paid overseers.

take?

Q-Then that would make the work dearer than the ordinary work you under-

A-It is hard to say. I have got overseers good enough for some work at from $40 to $50 a month, and I have other overseers at $150 a month. The class of overseer depends on the class of work.

Q-It means more money?

A-Comparatively to the cost of the work, it is a very small item.

By Colonel Brown.-Is it easy to get overseers ?

A-No, you cannot get them easily.

Q-How do you obtain them?

A-Some we have had for a great number of years and have trained to efficiency. Several that we have trained are now in the Public Works Department. This is due to the higher wages paid by the Government. One man now in the Public Works Department was eleven years with us. Some we have got were trained professionally at home. One I am paying $150 a month and another $125. These men are both from home.

Q-What is your usual recruiting ground for overseers?

A--Beachcombers.

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Q--As a rule they receive no training?

A-As a rule they have no training, but we visit the works very constantly, say three times a week, and each particular day we say to the overseer-"Now, see that so and so is done; such and such a proportion of cement or lime goes in," and all he has to do is to attend to it.

Q--And the more expenditure on the overseer means a much higher degree of efficiency?

A--If you pay for a good overseer you get a much higher degree of efficiency.

How does the class of work vary?

A--Brickwork which is for Chinese houses we can get at a cheaper rate than we would get it for, say, the new Law Courts. Of course, the class of work does not compare.

Q-Then I understand the Public Works Department is more exacting than you

are ?

A-Yes, I think they are, because they seem to want the same class of work for every job. They do not discriminate.

By Mr. Shewan.-You mean that in your dealings with these people you are more pliable?

work.

A-Yes. As far as I know, there is no variety in the class of Government brick-

Q-Do you think the Government employ too many of these highly-trained over-

seers?

A-I do not.

Q-Do

you think they are overburdened with good overseers ?

A-No, I do not.

Q-Do you think it would be an improvement if the Europeans in charge gave more attention to the work?

A-Yes, I think that if whoever was looking after the work was a sufficiently cap- able architect and devoted more time to it, it would be better.

Q-Do you mean these highly-trained overseers?

A—No, I do not.

Q-Then you think they really do better?

A-I think that the class of work, taken all round, is better.

Q-Would it not be dearer bringing these trained men from home than employing

commoner overseers?

A-I think so; the difficulty is that the Director of Public Works has not the power of a private man looking after his own business. He cannot engage and discharge at a moment's notice. That is the only thing that gives us the whiphand of them. If we want a man cleared out who is not attending to his business, we say to him "You have to go." An overseer engaged on agreement from home cannot be discharged by the Director of Public Works in the way we can discharge our overseers.

Q-Do you think the Department of Public Works is an overworked Department ? A-As a Department, certainly it is. The higher officials have too much to do. Q-And is it your opinion that they overwork themselves?

A-I do not know about that. I merely judge by results.

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Q--But

do not say

you

A-I would not say so.

( 107 )

that they overwork themselves?

By Mr. Thurburn.--If the Government gave you the work instead of doing it themselves, you would be quite capable of doing it in just as good a way as they do it now?

A-From my professional experience, and I have acted as Director of Public Works pro. tem., nearly twenty years ago in this Colony, and with the additional twenty years' experience in private practice, I think I could do the work as efficiently as the Public Works Department. My office has to be worked as a department just the same as the Public Works Department. I have nearly as big a staff.

Q-It would be more expensive for the Government if they put it in your hands?

A-No, I do not think so. It is universally done with almost all works at home. One would never hear of a Waterworks or Law Courts being done departmentally; it is always given out now.

Q-But they would have to pay your commission?

A-Yes, they would have to pay my commission.

-And by that amount it would be more expensive ?

A-It would relieve the Department of that amount of work, the architect is sup- posed to get a fair remuneration for his work, but it means relieving the Public Works Department of that amount of work.

-And it must relieve the staff accordingly?

A-Yes, unless the staff is overmanned, which I do not think it is at present, as it is evident to me they cannot cope with the work--the heads of the Department cannot.

By Mr. Master.-Take the Law Courts-can you erect such a building as that at a less cost, including your commission, than the Government can?

A-I think we could.

Q--Could you give me the percentage? Say, the Government is a hundred, what

yours be ?

would

A--I do not think I could guess; it would vary with different works.

Q--What makes you say you could do that work, including your commission, at

less outlay than the Government would have to pay ?

A-I think that is the case all the world over.

Q-Would the contractors give a better rate?

A-I think they would give us a better rate; it is so even amongst our profession -that some firms can get a better rate than other firms both working on the same specification.

Q-Always ?

A-Yes.

Q-Is it your opinion that it is impossible for the Director of Public Works to attend to all the business he ought to attend to?

A-I say it is quite impossible.

Q-And the Assistant Director of Public Works, Mr. TOOKER is it impossible for him to do all that he ought to do ?

A-I really do not know the exact work Mr. TOOKER has to do. He holds the same position as I came out to. The ordinary work has increased since then, but what

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other work he has to do, I do not know. There is a great deal more formality in con- nection with permits, etc., which is unnecessary.

By the Chairman.-That brings us to the next point. You have many rela- tions with the Public Works Department. Has anything occurred to you, in your. relations with the Public Works Department, where improvement might be effected in its dealings with the public generally?

A-Of late, we must complain very seriously of delays. It is nearly impossible to get anything put through in reasonable time now. It has been getting worse and worse of late years.

Q--And to what do you attribute that?

A-To the impossibility of the Director of Public Works doing all he is called upon to do.

Q-In what class of work do delays occur?

A-All round.

Q-Could you give us instances?

A-I have made applications for somewhere between three and four lakhs worth of ground to be put up for public auction. Some of them are dated back three or four mouths, and I cannot get them put up to auction. I suggested that we should make a survey of one piece of ground in order to expedite matters. That was agreed to. We made the survey, and sent it up.

It is two months now, and yet I cannot get any reply. That is only one instance. If we send in plans, we do not get them back for three weeks or a month, or sometimes much longer. In the meantime, I have near- ly finished the ground floor before my plans are approved. I cannot wait. If we send in notice that a house is ready, we do not get the certificate that the house has been in- spected for nearly six weeks after.

Q-How long have these delays been going on?

A-For a long time. It is at a climax now. My opinion is that the Director of Public Works and his staff cannot cope with the work.

Q-Are there any other delays?

A-I think there are delays in every respect. An ordinary letter that is sent up is not replied to with expedition.

Q-Is there any other matter in addition to what you have already stated that suggests itself to you in the way of improvement?

A--That is a very big question-the re-organisation of the Public Works Depart- ment to expedite work and to conduct the work of the Department. It is a very big question indeed.

Q--But I mean, in your frequent relations with the Department, has anything occurred to you that you think requires remedying or improving?

A-Greater expedition is one of the first, of course. All the ordinances in con- nection with buildings, and everything of that sort are drawn up binding us down to give so many days' notice of this, that, or the other, but there is no clause, on the other hand, which binds the Director of Public Works to reply to our notices within a reasonable time.

Q-Then I take it your chief suggestion refers to improving matters with a view to securing more expedition?

A-Yes. I have never in my experience had any fault to find as regards the work of the Department when that work is done. I have no complaint to make in that respect.

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Q-Then, Mr. LEIGH, you signed a letter to the Government, as one of the lead- ing engineers here, with regard to the question of the inspection of buildings, and the suggestion made was that there should be only responsible men entrusted with such work?

A-Yes.

Q—In effect, that nobody should be allowed to carry on business unless properly qualified, and that responsibility should rest upon the architect?

of the Institute of

A-I think no Member of the Institute of British Architects or Civil Engineers would like to be associated with collapses or failure. He would do his best to avoid them. Accidents may happen to anybody, but when it comes to a China- man who was only a tracer in my own office making out a plan for a building, absolu- tely ignorant of all laws of construction whatever, and so long as that drawing conforms in its outlines to the Building Ordinance, it must be passed by the Public Works Department; no one looks after the building. The plans are handed over to a Chinese contractor, and the building is run up. No Government supervision, (unless the Gov- ernment are prepared to put overseers on every job) will ensure correct designing and sound building. The only way is for the architect to be responsible.

By Mr. Shewan.-What constitutes a properly qualified architect?

A-Anybody can sign C. E. to his name, or anybody can sign himself an archi- tect. In the letter we wrote to Government we suggested that any one who was a member or associate member of the Institute of Civil Engineers, or of the Institute of British Architects, should be considered duly qualified. For both of these you have now to pass an examination, and the Institution of Civil Engineers is very strict indeed as to the qualifications and abilities of a man before they admit him. We added in our letter that any one who was qualified in the opinion of a Board appointed by the Government, should be allowed to practise, in the same way as the Medical Board. We suggested the Works Committee of the Council should be the Board. There are lots of good men at home who are not members of either of these Institutions. We have no wish to shut out anybody, but we certainly do not like the way things are going on at present. The only wonder is that more houses do not tumble down.

By the Chairman.-Your idea is that the responsibility should rest upon architect or engineer entrusted with the crection of the building?

the

A-Yes, I think that two or three Government overseers of buildings should go round and supervise generally as at present, but it is utterly impossible for them to give continuous supervision and take the responsibility. So far as I know, the Department has only one Inspector of Buildings-Mr. CRISP; he cannot thoroughly inspect the work being built by my firm, let alone what anybody else is doing. Now, if he is to be responsible for seeing that there is no breach of the Ordinance, he has got to do just what we have. He has got to examine the foundation before the concrete is laid, see that the walls are properly constructed, that all the floors are properly laid, that the party walls are proper, in fact, every detail of the building, he has to see that it is all in accordance with the Building Ordinance.

Q-If the Government had only two or three inspectors, do you think they would be sufficient to see there was no infringement or breach of the law?

A-Yes, they would be sufficient for general inspection.

By Mr. Thurburn.-The staff would require to be very large to carry out the present law out here?

A-No, because the law is pretty much the same as it is at home, only at home there is not the minute inspection. If a building tumbles down and somebody is kil- led, the owner of the building is had up for manslaughter. He is the only man res-

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ponsible. If he can show that the collapse was due to the fault of his architect, it goes against the architect.

By Bolonel Brown.-In any case the architect comes in, which a man with a good reputation would desire to avoid?

A-A man would do his utmost to prevent anything of that sort. desire to kill anyone.

We have no

By Mr. Shewan.-I suppose a good deal of this work could be delegated by the Director of Public Works to somebody else to deal with, these letters and applications, without taking the trouble to do it all himself ?

A--I have no doubt he does. I do not suppose an application in connection with every little matter, say, with the water, although he is Water Authority, is answered by him. I know it is not.

Q-The delay rests, not with the Director of Public Works then, but with some- body he delegates to do the work?

all

A-Very often it must be.

Q-He need not sign it; he need not be put to the trouble of attending to it at ; many of these things a subordinate could answer?

A-My experience is that it is not satisfactory to delegate certain work to differ- ent subordinates, but the Director of Public Works could be relieved of a lot of other work, and he would then have more time for the regular Departmental work.

Q-Then you delegate the whole of that work to a subordinate who may be a good man or who be a bad man?

may

A-There are certain things, Mr. SHEWAN, as you must know in your own office, that you permit juniors to sign, but it is only routine work. I do not mean responsi- ble work.

Q-All permits and that sort of work are all signed by Mr. ToOKER, and there is still delay ?

A-There is considerable delay because, I imagine, he has got too much to do.

By the Chairman.-Your opinion is that the Department is undermanned ? A-It is my opinion that the Department is undermanned, and that is one of the chief causes of the delays. I do not suppose any member of the Department wastes his time.

By Mr. Shewan.-Would you say that any member of the Department over- worked himself?

A-No, I cannot say that I see them over-exerting themselves.

1440

C. PALMER, Architect, sworn:-

By the Chairman.- 'ow long have you been in the Colony ?

A-Since February, 1881.

Q--And all that time you have been in your present firm?

A-I have been in practice here as an architect since 1881.

Q-And during that time you have had plenty of experience of the buildings of Hongkong?

A-Yes.

( 111 )

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Q-And you are always in very intimate relations with the Public Works Depart-

ment?

A-Yes.

Q-The Commission would like to know, Mr. PALMER, whether your relations with the Department, either now or formerly, have suggested to you anything in the way of improvement that might be made in that Department?

A--Do you mean the work of the Department?

Q-Yes, so far as your own relations with the Department are concerned, or with the public generally.

A--A thing we complain a good deal of is that we can not get our plans passed. It takes a long time, and there apparently seems to be a want of something in the De- partment that we have to wait so long before we get an answer, and know whether our plans are approved or not—especially within the last year or two.

Q-In fact, you complain of delay ?

A-Of unnecessary delay, we say.

Q-Have you any idea how that arises?

A-It possibly may be that the Department is undermanned. One man has to report on all these plans, and it takes some time for him to look over them and make notes on them. Therefore our plans really don't come before the head of the Depart- ment for some weeks after we send them in, probably.

Q-That is your surmise, of course?

A-Yes.

Your surmise is that it is owing to insufficient staff?

A-Yes.

Q-You do not mean that they are keeping the plans there and not attending to

them?

A--No, except it be they have so much in hand that they have no time to look into them.

Q-During these two years, speaking from your experience, has the work increased largely?

A-1 should say it is within the last five or six years.

Q-And, during that time, there has been no increase inade in the staff with a view to meet this increase of work? You are acquainted with the personnel of the staff?

A-Yes, there has been no increase.

By Mr. Shewan.-As regards the delay, do you think yourself, knowing their work, the Department is undermanned?

A-I don't know exactly what each man has to do, of course, but I should say. certainly. The clerical department-I don't know whether it is undermanned or whe- ther it is the higher grade, but they can't get through the work. Probably it is the other department, but we never had to wait so long before as we have to do now. There are a great number of bye-laws and one thing and another, and it goes from one department to another, and we don't know which department is at fault. The Sani- tary Department get the plans, and there is delay there. When we ask for a plan, they probably say it is at the Sanitary Board.

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By Colonel Brown.-Could you give us any idea of the references per month that you have to make to the Public Works Departinent?

A--Well, it depends. Some months there are none at all. It is in connection with new jobs, as a rule, that the delay comes in. Some matters we come up per- sonally about, and the thing is practically ended.

Q--How many plans have you presented, during the last month, say?

A-I don't suppose more than four or five. Lately I have not done so much.

By Mr. Master.-Do you think the Director of Public Works has more to attend to than he can reasonably be expected to cope with?

A—I should think so, certainly, unless he has got somebo:ly to attend to the work.

Q-He sits on the Sanitary Board?

A-Well, that must take up a lot of time. most of the work, he could not possibly do it.

Unless he has got some one to do

Q-With regard to Mr. TOOKER, do you think he has got more work than he can attend to?

A-He seems to have got a great deal to do with the signing of permits, which might be done by some other body.

Q-Mr. HOLLINGSWORTH, has he got too much to do?

A-Well, of course, that is a department in which there is considerable delay, but lately there must have been a very great deal more work, owing to the short sup- ply of water.

Q-Do you think the senior members of the Public Works Department, require assistance ?

A--I should not say the Water Authority requires assistance.

-Mr. CHATHAM and Mr. TOOKER, do you think they require assistance? A-Well, I should say that they do. There should be another man correspond- ing to Mr. ToOKER.

By the Chairman.-A suggestion has been made that it might be a wise course for the Government to let out its work to private firms. Do you think the Gov- ernment, if it adopted that course, would get as good and cheap work as at present?

A-You mean their architectural work, or to let out their contract ?

Q-I mean, to give to private firms, say, your own firm or any of the other firms, the designing and carrying out of any large building?

out.

A-Well, I think as regards the designing that would be the best plan to carry it Let private firms make the plans and designs. As far as the actual superintend- ence goes, of course the staff of the Public Works Department is very good. I think they probably may carry out the job better as far as the work is concerned than we could that is to superintend the work with their staff. They have now a lot of trained men.

Q-Then your suggestion is that the Government should call for designs?

A-Yes, in the same way as is done at home.

Q-And if a firm is selected, you think that that firm should be entrusted with the work, but that the Government should superintend it whilst in progress ?

A-Well, if they have got their Clerks of Works, it would be as well to have them superintending.

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Q-Do you think that process would be as cheap as Government doing its own work?

A-I should say it would be cheaper.

Q-Why do you think it would be cheaper?

A--As a rule, Government work is naturally a little more expensive. Take the ordinary contractor, he expects bigger prices from the Government. The more super- intendence you have, the more expensive it is. That is only with Chinamen, and you know what the Chinaman is.

Q-Would the work be better done?

A- No, under the Public Works Department, it would be better done than a pri- vate work.

Q-But would it be cheaper?

A-You will get more work for your money.

Q-If you have to pay for a superintending staff and a private firm's commission in addition to the ordinary cost, how would it be cheaper?

A-Because a great deal of the Government work is done by measurement, which is generally more expensive than contract work.

Q-For erecting a building the contract is generally let, and a lump sum is tendered.

A-But I don't think the Government do a lump sum as a rule, do they? I think it is worked on schedule, and you measure the whole of it.

Q-They call for tenders for ordinary buildings.

A-You have a schedule, and it is so much for bricklaying and so much for other things.

Q-As a rule they call for tenders for a lump sum. What I want to get at is whether you think it would be as efficient and as cheap for Government to let out buildings to private firms ?

A-Yes, it would.

Q-Do you think the work would be as good as it is now?

A-I think yes, having the attention of the overseers of the Government,

But without the overseers?

A-At present we have to rely a great deal on stray men that come here-not qualified men. Our great difficulty is to get anybody that understands anything about building. He only does what we tell him. The class of man we get here is the man who is stranded here, or who has got here in some way and may have some little fail- ings. As a rule, you don't get the class of men they have at home.

Q-So that private firms are not in a position to properly supervise large works?

A-We should have to get out properly qualified Clerks of Works from home.

-And that would cost some money?

A-As you say, it would cost money to get good men out.

Q-Take a large job, would you be able with all these extras to do it cheaper than the Government ?

A-I think probably we should.

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By Mr. Master.-Is a private firm of architects or engineers able to get better tenders for big work than the Government?

A-I think we are.

Q-Take the Law Courts, for instance; supposing the Government had called for plans or competitive designs for that building, with the promise that the successful firm would have the doing of the work, do you consider that that work would be done properly for a less sum, including the overseers employed by the Government?

so.

A-Yes, I think so. I cannot explain why it should be, but I think it would be

Q-Supposing the Government were to stop its present system and give out the work to private firms, would private firms then take steps to get efficient overseers- different class of men to what you have now?

A—It is not our business; on any big job at home you employ an overseer, but it is the client's business to pay him.

Q-Put aside the question of cost as regards efficient supervision, could the pri- vate firm get as efficient supervision as Government, or not?

A-No, certainly not.

Q-Not even if you have big works and you send home?

A-The only way would be to get duly qualified men, and in the case of a job lasting several years. You have got to make an agreement with the man to come out, or two men, and it is simply for that job. No one comes out to this place unless they have some reason for coming out, and that class of man would not come out.

Q-Say, for instance, a big engineering or architectural work were placed in the hands of a private firm?

A-If they said you have got to superintend this, we should get a man out from home to do it.

Q-But as regards the tender, do you think a private firm would give a lower ten- der for the work than it could be done for by the Government?

A-Yes.

Q-A considerable saving?

A-I should say there would be.

Q-More than the difference between the Government Executive Engineer's and the architect's and overseer's ?

A-That is if the Public Works overseers were employed.

Q-And do you think the work would be done as efficiently?

A-Yes.

By the Chairman.-Mr. LEIGH has told us that, speaking generally, Govern- ment work is better than that of private firms. Is that so?

A—Yes, on account of the supervision it is generally better.

1490

Q-And may that not account for the prices being somewhat higher?

A-Yes, but leaving that apart, the Chinaman has the idea that for Government work he should be better paid-he should make more out of it.

Q-Do you think it is because Government insists upon his doing better work? A-Yes, I think that has something to do with it, but not everything.

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-As regards the question of roads, have you ever had any experience of road- making yourself in any way

A-No, it is not part of my profession.

Q-Have you any suggestion to offer with regard to the roads in Hongkong?

A-I have iny own ideas.

Q-What are your ideas?

A-One thing is that the barrel of the road is too great. The greater you get it, when heavy rains come on, the quicker they run off, and make channels. My idea is the flatter the road the less liable it is to be cut up by heavy rains.

You noticed that

the last heavy rains caused channels all over the place.

By Mr. Shewan.-Is it not the rickshas?

A-No, not these cross channels.

Q-Is it your opinion that the roads suffer from ricksha traffic?

A-No.

1500

By Mr. Master.-The Public Works Department attribute the bad state of the road to the ricksha, which keeps knocking the stones out?

These trolleys, with

A-My opinion is the rickshas have nothing to do with it. small wheels, get jammed in a rut and the coolies twist them round to get them over the rough part. The stones are made loose and they make a hole, and once a start is made it gradually goes on till it becomes a big hole.

By the Chairman.-Do these trolleys carry too heavy a weight?

A-No. The roads are not sufficiently bound together to carry a weight. They put on too much metal at one time; they put on six or eight inches, and

you see them coming up in a regular wave in front of the roller. If they put on two or three inches and finished with a finer stone on top, my idea is they would get a better road. The stones they put on are as big as the lower ones. My idea is they should be smaller, and they never really get solid. The top dressing itself should be disintegrated granite or granite chips. My own idea is that the Government should get a stone crusher.

The Chairman.-They have a stone crusher.

Witness.-They seem to me to put on too big a top dressing; the stones don't seem to hold together at all, but I am not an expert.

Q-Is there any other matter connected with the Public Works Department that you might mention to us and which might be of use to us in our enquiries?

A-I don't think so.

Q-You were one of the representatives of the architects in Hongkong who sent a letter to the Government recently in regard to the inspection of buildings. views embodied in that letter?

Are your

A-Yes.

By Mr. Shewan.-Did it ever occur to you that the work had been slurred over purposely by the overseers? Have you ever seen bad work done?

A-Do you mean road-making?

Q-I mean roads, buildings, or any other work purposely done badly?

A-I don't know. I don't go on often to Government work.

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Q-Some

Some time ago there was a talk about the roads not having a proper propor- tion of cement and other material?

A-I cannot say.

Q-You don't think it is carelessness?

A-I don't think so.

By Mr. Thurburn.—I understand you to say that you can't do such good work as the Government owing to the inferior class of supervision you have got?

A-Yes. We have difficulty in getting qualifiel men to look after the work. We have to do our own supervision as much as possible.

Q-Supposing the Government were to ask you and other architects for tenders for large buildings, but they wished to carry it out themselves by their own supervision, what remuneration would iuduce you to send in a good plan?

A-It depends a good deal on what amount of work you have got in hand, whe- ther it is worthwhile to go in for competition or not. At home, unless it is a fairly big

job, if you have got plenty of other work on hand, it is a principle not to go in for the chance of getting it. It takes a vast amount of time. Here a man has to do a great deal of work himself.

At home you can get a great deal of clerks to work it out entirely; here we have to work it out ourselves. If it is a public building, or any- thing that is a credit to carry out, then we go in for it a good deal on that score.

Q-I don't mean whether you get it. What remuneration would you do it for on chance ?

A-It all depends what we have on hand at that particular time.

You might offer us in ordinary times what we might think was ample, but sometimes our hands are full, and we would not care to take it at any price.

1510'

A. DENISON, Architect, sworn:-

By the Chairman.-How long have you been in Hongkong?

A-I have been here for twenty years.

Q-And during that time you have been entirely connected with engineering work? You are an engineer yourself and you first came out to a firm of engineers as one of their assistants ?

A--Yes-Mr. DANBY.

Q-And afterwards you set up in practice on your own account?

A-I was seven years with Mr. DANBY, and have been fourteen years on my own

account.

Q-And, in the course of your profession, you are brought into very intimate contact with the Public Works Department, are you not?

A-Yes.

Q-We should like to know whether that contact has suggested anything to you in the way of improvement so far as that Department is concerned?

A-I don't know that my relations have been such that I would have much knowledge of the work of the Department.

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-I mean that part of the work which concerns your relations with the Department. For instance, have you found that the Department has dealt with all your applications readily, or have there been delays ?

A---In some cases there have been delays, but, in the majority of cases, I have found that any applications I have made have been answered in fairly reasonable time. There are, however, cases in which there have been delays.

Q-What do you think these delays have been due to ?

A-I should say to the staff being too small.

Q-Have you sufficient knowledge of the Department to be able to say that the

staff is not sufficient?

A-You are speaking of the last fourteen or fifteen years?

Q-We want to know whether the staff at the present time is sufficient or not ?

A-I don't know the amount of work they have to do.

Q-You are not sufficiently conversant with the Department to be able to answer my question ?

A-No.

Q-Then, so far as your relations with the Public Works Department are con- cerned, are you satisfied, or have you any suggestion to make with regard to improving matters ?

A-I should like to have been more prepared. I did not know what kind of questions were to be asked and it is rather hard to answer off hand a question like that. If I had time to think I might be able to give you an answer.

Q-If you would like to put your views in writing, I am sure the members of the Commission will be very glad to see them.

A-I will do so.*

By Mr. Master.-Do you say you received prompt attention to your applica- tions in the Department?

A-In some cases.

Q-Speaking generally, do you say your applications were promptly attended to?

A-Yes. I got answers to them most promptly as a rule.

Q-And

your plans, are they returned promptly or is there delay?

A-There is no delay in returning the plans so much, but we are asked questions which we consider more or less superfluous and that causes slight delay. But, on the whole, we get our plans back quite as promptly as elsewhere. I had some experience in England, and I found that here we have not to wait anything like the time at home. I was in Leeds-a very large town-and we very seldom got our plans back in less than ten days.

By Mr. Shewan.-Do you think the Public Works Department is very hard- worked here?

A-I could not say.

By Colonel Brown.-Are your plans and applications mostly in connection with the Building Ordinance?

A-Yes, as a rule.

* Appendix No. 18.

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Q-For new buildings ?

A-For new buildings and new works in the City, and Kowloon and the Peak.

Q-Are inspections made as you report them ?

A-Yes, they are made pretty promptly as a rule. In some cases where they are long distances away they write to us: "This will take a man an afternoon or most of the day," probably to inspect a very small thing and "would we mind if they would inspect it at their convenience. In these cases they say you can occupy the buildings on the understanding that any slight alterations will be made." It is only in cases of works or buildings in the City that we get inspection carried out fairly promptly.

By Mr. Master. Do you think the Director of Public Works himself has time to attend to the manifold duties he is supposed to undertake?

A-Yes, I think so.

Q-You don't think he has got more to do than he can do properly?

A-No, I don't think so. His staff may, but I don't see how the Director of Public Works himself can be overworked. It is a matter of administration.

By Mr. Shewan.-You mean to say that he can delegate the work to his subordinates?

A-Yes.

By Mr. Thurburn.-Do your plans come back within ten days?

A—As a rule.

By the Chairman.-With regard to the roads have you had any experience of road-making?

A-I was at Bridlington for two years where I made roads on a large estate where roads were necessary.

—

What is your opinion regarding the Hongkong roads?

A-I think they are bad.

Q-What reason can you give, speaking from your experience, why they are bad?

A-I think one reason is that the material of which they are composed does not contain either clay or lime, and I think clay or lime is necessary in making good maca- damised roads. Another thing is that they put down too thick a surface at one time. They put down a layer of six or eight inches of clean broken stone and they spread a lot of sand or gravel on the top and roll it, and the fine material has no chance of getting into this layer of loose stones, and, when a heavy load passes along, the road is not strong enough and the stones all move; that is the cause of the holes in the road.

Q-What remedy would you suggest?

stone.

A—I would suggest that the roads be laid in finer layers, say a couple of inches of

Of course, if you were to carry a certain quantity of mud from Canton, I think you would improve the roads a good deal by mixing it up with the sand. I think that is the reason why they have got good roads in Macao. Their sand contains a certain amount of clay, in fact, the soil of Macao is composed of clay and sand.

Q-Take Shanghai, for instance, the roads there seem very good?

A-Shanghai certainly is a mud country. It is nearly all mud.

Q-And you think the roads here could be improved by making the layer not so thick, and by introducing clay into the binding?

A-Yes, clay.

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By Mr. Master.-How would you put on what Mr. TOOKER calls blinding- would you sprinkle a little more over the top?

A-1 think about two inches of stone would require a similar quantity of sand and gravel.

By the Chairman.-Where would you put the Canton mud?

A-With the sand, as part of the binding material. I think the main reason why the roads are not bound now is that the binding has no chance of getting into the lower part.

Q-Do you think the blue stone should make good roads here?

A-It is too hard.

Q-Do you think it is crushed small enough? Do you think these stones would wear if crushed small enough?

A—I think so, but they keep their sharp corners and keep their shape, whereas granite stones wear away to a certain extent and get fitted into each other and get better bound. I notice, in Queen's Road West, that the stones are all sticking out of the surface of the road and ricksbas are not heavy enough for them.

By the Chairman. It has been suggested that the Government, instead of undertaking its own work, should let it out to private firms. I should like to know your opinion with regard to that suggestion especially as regards its cheapness and efficiency.

A—I should say a great many of the works might be let out to private firms.

Q-And, if they were, would they be done more cheaply?

A-I think so. Take, for instance, the Jubilee Road, Mr. ORMSBY said the Jubilee Road could not be made in less than two-and-a-half years, and that it could not be made for less than $200,000, that is, the first section. We found no difficulty in mak- ing a contract for fifteen months for less than half what he said it would cost. I believe the road is now approaching completion, and the contract time is July. There have been one or two parts that have been delayed owing to having to go through private property. Mr. ORMSBY told me privately that he had gone into the question of cost very carefully.

Q-And the road has been constructed in the manner he intended when he formed his estimate?

A-The specifications and plans were all submitted to him.

Q-And it was on these that he made his estimate?

A-Well, on similar ones.

Q-How do you compare Government work with private work? Generally speak- ing, do you think that Government work is better?

A-No, I don't. In some circumstances, I don't see how there could be

any distinc- tion. In the case of public works an estimate is made of the work, and it is carried out. Tenders are got in under certain specifications, but, in the case of private property, if an owner says "Well, I don't want this class of work. I can't afford to pay $20,000 for a house; I want a house of the same size costing $15,000,"he gets it.

he gets it. There are cases where an owner wants good work put in-the best work-and he gets the best work.

Q-Then you think that the Government wants the best work, and the private owner is not so desirous of the best work?

A-Yes, I think so in these cases only.

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By Mr. Thurburn.-You mean to say that your firm are quite as capable of carrying out this good work as the Government?

A-Yes.

By the Chairman.-Whom do you employ as overseers?

A-We have as a rule five or six overseers and we always keep the best men on, and the bad men we simply send away.

Q-Where do you recruit them from?.

A-They are generally sent to us--sometimes by clergymen and benevolent socie- ties. They are men who have had similar work, and they go from place to place. Rev. Mr. FRANCE is a great man for recommending men to us.

Q-They are casual visitors to the Colony and are picked up locally?

A-They go from Colony to Colony. If they hear that Hongkong has a lot of work on, they come away from the place they are in if trade is not so brisk.

Q-We have been told that private firms find difficulty in securing efficient over- seers owing to the class of overseers they employ not being satisfactory ?

A—As a rule, we look after our own work personally to a great extent. sonally, I go around visiting it every day.

Per-

ลง

Q-If there is difficulty about efficient supervision even now in connection with the works you have to carry out, how would you get over the difficulty, supposing you had to carry out Government works?

A-In that case we should get out special men from home.

Q-And, by doing that, do you think you could get the work carried out as efficiently and as cheaply as the Government does at present?

A-I think I said we should get it at the same price.

Q-You don't think you could get it done more cheaply?

A-We might get it done more cheaply: I daresay we would.

Q-How could that be? You say you would have to get extra overseers from home, and then there would be the commission to pay to the private firm in addition to the original cost?

A-Yes, but the commission would not amount to any more than the cost of Government supervision.

Q- -You don't think it would?

A-No, I don't think so, You must also take what the rent of Government offices would be, for instance. It all counts. All these things would come into the cost of supervision by Government of the work. It is not only the pay of the engineer.

Q-But then we have a Government staff already. Can you point out where the saving would come in?

A-We might be able to get it done cheaper.

Q-You think it would be cheaper?

A-The probability is we should. I don't say it would be done cheaper.

By Colonel Brown.-Is your firm to receive the contract to carry out the new Reservoir at Kowloon ?

A-I believe so.

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Q-Your firin would plan the work?

A-Yes.

1560

Q-And prepare estimates for it ?

A-Yes.

Q-Make all the drawings?

A-Yes.

Q-Then obtain tenders for it?

A-The Government would.

Q-You will obtain the contractors?

All the tenders will be submitted to the Director

A-I shall obtain contractors.

of Public Works.

Q-But you, instead of the Director of Public Works, obtain the tenderers?

A--Yes.

Q-And you expect the work will be cheaper than if done directly under the Dir- ector of Public Works?

A--Yes, I think it will be cheaper.

Q-The prices are rising, are they not?

A-They have been rising for some years. I don't think they have risen for the last several months, but, in the last three or four years, they have risen considerably. 7 By the Chairman.-Do you think this scheme, as entrusted to your firm, will be carried out more cheaply, notwithstanding the fact that you have to receive your commission ?

1570

A-Yes, I should say so.

-Why will it be cheaper?

that time.

A-Comparing it with the Tytam works, for instance, and the prices ruling at We have gone into the estimates very fully and it struck me it would be very considerably cheaper than the same class of work at Tytam.

Q-Supposing the Director of Public Works then had called for tenders in the same way, would he have found them cheaper?

A-I think so.

Q-Is it owing to the fact that the prices are somewhat different now from what they were when the Tytam works were undertaken ?

A-I think that has something to do with it, but the tendency is to tender more cheaply for a private firm.

1 By Mr. Thurburn.-Who does the overseering? Is he a Government over-

seer or your own?

A-The overseers will be paid by Government, but they will be under our orders. They will take orders from us.

Q-But do they belong to the Government staff of supervision?

A-I think we shall have to get special men when they are recommended by the Public Works Department.

Q-You will have to get special men?

A-We will get men specially for that work.

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By Mr. Master.-Do you think, with regard to the works carried out by Government, that there is unnecessary expenditure, unnecessary cost in the way of finish? Do the Public Works Departinent put unnecessarily expensive work into buildings that would answer as well with less expensive work in them-say, any parti cular work?

A-I don't think so. All the works I know of being done by the Public Works Department, I don't think they are unnecessarily expensive. I think all Government work should be well done.

well ?

Q-Between that and throwing money away in finishing off work extraordinarily

A-No, I don't think so.

Q-Building a bridge to carry a waggon, which has only to carry a ricksha ?

A-I don't think it is unnecessarily expensive.

By the Chairman.-Is there anything else you could suggest?

A-One thing that has always struck me is that the cost of home-made material always appears to be much more than the cost of the material we get. For instance, the iron work for the Central Market. I was told the price per ton of it, and 1 was getting out similar things at the time which were far less.

time?

Q-Can Can

A-Yes.

you give us the exact figures for the iron-work you were getting at that

Because it would be very simple for us to obtain the cost of the iron-work for the Central Market and compare the prices. Will you kindly obtain the information for us ?

A-Yes. I had columns and roof work at the same time, and I asked casually what price they were paying, and it struck me, at the time, as being much more than I was paying.

By Mr. Master.-Is it paid for by the ton ?

A-Iron columns are paid for by the ton. It is made in England. Iron roof work is made by two or three firms who scarcely do anything else.

By the Chairman.-What you mean to suggest is that Government material is too costly as compared with the material supplied to private firms?

A-Yes.

Q-Have you any other instances?

A-These wrought iron steel girders. Almost any time, during the last ten or twelve years when they have been very much used in the Colony, I am nearly sure we get them out at two-thirds of the Government price.

By Mr. Master.-Do you suggest any reason why the Government pay more?

A-I don't know why, unless they go to some special firm who know they are supplying the Hongkong Government and think they have a monopoly.

By the Chairman.--The Government gets all its supplies through the Crown Agents and it would be only fair to them to compare all the figures and to have this matter thoroughly investigated. Have you any other suggestion?

A-Nothing further strikes me at the moment.

Appendix No. 19.

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586

1590

DAVID WOOD, P.W.D., sworn:-

By the Chairman.-You are the Accountant in the Public Works Depart- ment ?

A-Yes.

Q-How long have you occupied that position?

A-About ten and a half

years.

Q-You have been in the same position practically the whole time?

A-Yes.

Q-What is

your title ?

A-Superintendent of Accounts, Correspondence and Stores.

By Mr. Shewan.-Have you not been acting as Assessor?

A-Yes, I have this year.

By the Chairman.-Then, as far as the clerical staff of the Public Works Department is concerned, I presume it is directly under you?

A-Yes.

Q-All the clerical staff?

A-No. A couple of clerks in connection with the water account work under the Executive Engineer.

Q-The Executive Engineer, Mr. HOLLINGSWORTH, stated he thought it would be a good thing to have a better class of man to look after these accounts, and it occurred to me that it would be a better plan to have all these men under the Superintendent of Accounts, but he pointed out the difficulty that the information that these clerks required was directly obtained through him. What are your views on this point?

A-The clerks in connection with the water account require the supervision of a practical man because he is required to check all the labour bills in the morning and see that they are properly entered in the workshop time-book. All the work is trans- ferred hence through a certain medium into the bills which are made out by me. As far as saying a man should only occupy an hour on the job, the Executive Engineer is the only man able to say that. His clerks must receive all information from him in order that the accounts should be properly made out.

Q-But as regards the accounts?

A-As a matter of fact, I make out the water account annual balance and issue the weekly payments.

staff?

Q-If they were under your superintendence, would it be necessary to modify the

A-I don't think so.

Q-The staff could stand as at present?

A-They are fully occupied as far as I see.

Q-And, with regard to the clerical staff generally,'do you think it is sufficient?

A-It is sufficient if the work does not go on as it is going on.

Q-Is the work increasing?

A-Yes, it is increasing considerably. It has not increased so much within the last eighteen months, but within the last ten years.

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1600

Q-Have you any figures to show that?

A-Oh, yes; there is a statement to show that. There is an instance. Take t1 as correspondence branch alone, in 1894 the correspondence branch had 8 clerks, now has 9 clerks. The work in that branch has gone up in communications alone. Separate papers and references have gone up in ten years by 88, the letters despatched (Govern- ment Department) 566, and miscellaneous 547, and, on such a small staff, that is a very considerable increase.

By Mr. Master.-Is that 547 more letters ?

A-547 more miscellaneous and 566 official letters to Government Departments, and 88 dealings with separate papers and references from the Colonial Secretary's Department, and there is only one additional clerk.

By Colonel Brown. That is only about five letters a day?

A-Yes, but the references may be anything. They might occupy a clerk half a day looking up papers to get answers.

By the Chairman.-Do you find the clerical staff has a full day's work?

A—Yes, I looked up the time-book and found that, according to it, taking the Accountant's office, it varies from 9.15 and 9.45 in the morning, and some are off at about 4.30, but I find that there are from seven to ten days in each month two of the clerks are there any time from seven to eight o'clock, and another two clerks are there on the same hours for from three to four days. In connection with the stores, one of the clerks is there also from about seven to eight o'clock. That is when returns are being made up and accounts have also to be out. In the correspondence office, one clerk's average is 9.30 to 10 up till about 6, and frequently up till 8 o'clock. Taking the last two months, there have been eight times up till 8 o'clock in his case. Another clerk is in the office from 8.30 till 5, another is from 9 to 5, another one from 9 to 6 or 7 o'clock and another one from 9.30 to 5.

By Mr. Shewan.-And do they have any interval off?

A-They take half-an-hour for tiffin in the office.

By the Chairman.-Are you of opinion that the clerical staff is fully worked at present ?

A-Yes. Of course, we have two temporary men here just now, acting for Mr. JULYAN, who is transferred to the Colonial Secretary's office temporarily.

--Then with regard to the question of superintending stores, the officer in charge of telephones (Mr. FARRELL) informed us that there is a store here where certain telephonic instruments are kept and a general store, and he led the Commis- sion to understand, when he was first before it, that there is no proper check kept of the instruments in the store in this building. How does this matter stand?

A-There is only one store authorised. That is Wanchai store. There is another one temporarily authorised--a store opposite the Gas Works at East Point. It is au- thorised in order that we may store big pipes and that sort of thing. We had no room at Wanchai for them. This small store here is merely to facilitate the carrying out of orders in connection with the engineer in charge of telephones, and perhaps he might have a stock there of five or six hundred dollars occasionally.

Q--Not more?

A-I should not think so.

Q-Mr. FARRELL said he had something like £500 worth of goods there.

Mr. Shewan.-He corrected that statement afterwards.

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By the Chairman.-He said he would not like to say how much. Is a check apt on the instruments in the store in this building?

A-Yes. It is clearly traced and we know what we have issued, and for what we issue we must have issue notes in return from the engineer in charge. We make one issue for maintenance of buildings, or maintenance of telegraphs or anything like that. It is all enumerated what is issued. Then, when they come back to us, it is open at any time for the Local Auditor to find out what has been used.

Q-So

So that nothing could be lost by being temporarily housed here?

A-No, it should not be.

Q-Does the Auditor take stock himself?

A-Yes, he has just finished stock taking.

Q-He, himself ?

A-Yes, himself, and check balances are made about a dozen times a year. The total stock in hand, as a matter of fact, at the beginning of the year was $194,000, as compared with $69,000 the year before, so the amount of stock is going up rapidly.

Q-The Local Auditor checks all the issues?

A-Exactly. The Store Regulations only authorise us to keep stores at Wanchai and if we are to divide them we must have sanction from the Government, and the only sanction we have at present is that we are allowed to store pipes at the Gas Works.

Q-In the store here ?

A-These are stores already issued.

By Mr. Shewan.-Do you think your men are overworked ?

A-In the case of sickness, some of them are.

Q-Are there no hours fixed for your Department?

A-I fixed hours myself for several of them. I have fixed certain days on which they must be at the office by nine o'clock.

Q-Do they sign the book?

A-Yes.

Q-Do they sign the hour?

A-Yes.

Q-But no time has been laid down at which they must come in ?

1620

A-No. It is simply an understood thing.

The Chairman.-The Government servant has no fixed hours. He is expected to be on duty until his work is finished.

By Mr. Shewan.—If you are dissatisfied with a man, do you dismiss him? A.—If he were reported through the Department to be dismissed, he would be dismissed.

Q-But before you could do that you would not merely say you were dissatisfied with the man?

A-I could not be dissatisfied with the man and dismiss him. the man before that and show why I have been dissatisfied.

I have to report

Q-Then you run the risk of having bad men?

A-I have never had that experience.

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Q-One idea is that the good men leave you one by one, and you get the residue ?

A-I reported that as far back as 1895 that is about lightly paid clerks [read letter*]. I think that still holds good.

Q-I was told at a previous sitting of the Commission that one difficulty you had was in bringing charges against a man to get rid of him.

A-Not amongst the clerks.

Q-Are these on pension?

1630

It might apply to others.

A--Some of them eventually might be earning a pension.

Q-Do you think it is a good system to get all stores through the Crown Agents?

A-That is rather a difficult matter to answer.

Q-Do you think it would be advisable to deal direct with different people in England, or even here locally, and get goods from them?

A-As far as that goes, the whole thing would be in the nature of an experiment, it would induce competition of course. As it is competition enters into it because the Crown Agents, to begin with, give the different firms an opportunity of tendering.

Q-But if the Crown Agents are too lazy to compare different people's prices, the chances are that you are paying too dear for your stores?

A-That is possible. It would encourage competition to open it out.

Q-Is there any advantage in dealing with the Crown Agents?

A-I can't see any advantage in dealing with the Crown Agents over dealing with any private firm. The only advantage, I think, is that it saves writing to a good many firms. You get them to do it for you, it is an advantage in the saving of time.

By the Chairman.-Is it not also an advantage, that the Crown Agents having such large dealings for the various Colonies, can obtain goods much cheaper?

A-They get 1 per cent. That is how they charge in the Public Works Depart-

ment.

Q-Are they paid commission or a fixed salary?

A-They get 1 per cent. on the returns.

1 By Mr. Shewan.-Then the more you order the more they earn?

The Chairman.-The Crown Agents are salaried officers, but the Crown Co- lonies are charged 1 per cent., which fees go towards paying the salaries of the Crown Agents and their staff.

Witness.-The reason I mentioned the commission, is simply because it appears, from their accounts, taking last month, their commission at 1 per cent. was only $900.

By the Chairman.- Have you ever known a case of the Crown Agents deliber- ately sending out goods to the Colony that were never asked for by the Public Works Department ?

A-As far as . remember, there have been mistakes in consignments.

Q-It was not wanted?

A-We would not cept it.

Q-Is anything ever sent out except by requisition ?

A—That is all; we simply compare every time we get the bill of lading with our

invoice.

Appendix No. 20.

127)

-And if you have not ordered the goods you send them back to them?

A-Yes.

Q-Have you ever known a case of cement arriving in your Department without requisition ? *

A--No, never.

Q-And you were in your Department during the whole time Mr. ORMSBY was Director of Public Works ?

A-Yes. I think I made a mistake just now in talking about $900 to the Crown Agents. $90,454 was their total account, on which they got 1 per cent. In fact, I have their total account here since 1894, and it has only been beaten once, and that was in 1894.

Q-Would you kindly give us that return, please?

A—Yes, I will give it to you to-morrow-that is, the stores received from the Crown Agents from 1894 to 1901 included.†

The Chairman.-There is a good deal of misapprehension about the Crown Agents. They are Civil Servants and salaried officers, paid out of the public funds. Of course, they have a very large establishment.

By Mr. Shewan.-Would it be possible for you, when indenting for any par- ticular article to ask them to kindly tell you who the different tenderers were ?

A-They do so; they send the tenders to us.

Q-Do you notice if they particularly favour any one?

A-I have not seen a complete list of the people they deal with. We may have ten tenderers, and thirty may be on the list, but they send out the tenders received to us here. They always accept the lowest.

Q-The tendering doesn't seem confined to a few?

A-There are usually a lot of tenderers, as far as that goes-six or seven.

Q-Are they the same names always?

A-Yes, generally speaking, for the same articles.

Q-You don't get a wide range of firms?

A-No.

Q-For instance, in iron girders?

A-I should say six or seven.

Q-There should be a great many tenderers for that?

A-I don't know the conditions upon which they take these names and put them on the list.

By Mr. Master.-Can you tell from the files in your Department whether the Crown Agents are in the habit of taking tenders from the same firm?

A-Yes.

Mr. Master.-I should like to know that.

By Mr. Shewan.-Mr. Wood, do I understand you to say that the Crown Agents have a list of people from whom they invite tenders, and that they don't ask tenders from anybody not on the list?

A-No.

* Appendix No. 23. Appendix No. 21.

259

260

( 128 )

1648

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Q-So there must be some way of getting on the list?

A-You apply to get on the list.

Q-I think it would be advisable to get a list.*

A-I daresay they would send you that.

By the Chairman.-Have you anything to suggest to the Commission in ad- dition to what you have already told us?

A-The only thing I would care to draw your attention to is the shifting of small paid clerks. They are not much good to another Department if they have been work- ing for a year or two in the Public Works Department.

By Mr. Master.-Shifting to where ?

A--Say, down to the Harbour Office.

Q-And is it because there is some vacancy?

A-A few dollars more.

By the Chairman.-But does not the classification scheme that has just been drawn up get over that difficulty?

A-We have not got that office classified.

Q-What is the good of classifying officers, then?

A-I don't see much good in it. The thing would be to recommend a man to promotion to a higher class, if this higher class happens to be in another Department, you take him away from the work he has been trained to.

Mr. Shewan.-Men must be shifted.

By Mr. Thurburn.-How long has your present staff been there?

A-We have had about two changes in about fifteen months.

Q-I don't see how you can get over that? It is promotion in your own office? A-Taere is a difficulty. There is not much good in a clerk's going down as a copyist to another Department after he has been trained for a special kind of work in

ours.

N. S. P. TRIMINGHAM, P.W.D., sworn:-

By the Chairman.-You are Assistant Engineer in the Public Works De- partment, are you not?

A-Yes.

Q-How long have you been in that position ?

A-Thirteen months.

Q-And you work under Mr. HOLLINGSWORTII directly in connection with the Water Department?

A-Yes.

Q-What special branch of the Water Department have you been giving most at- tention to ?

A-More particularly to the reservoirs out at Tytam, or, I should say, to the new reservoirs at Tytam.

Appendix No. 22.

1661

570

( 129 )

-How many are you constructing there?

A-We are constructing one at the present moment, and we are getting out plans

for another.

Q-When will this one that you are constructing be ready?

A-Well, I hope it will be ready by, say, about June, 1903, but, of course, you never can tell. You may have a very, very wet season next year, which may put us back a good deal.

Q-When these two reservoirs are completed, do you think they will put us ahead of pur present water requirements?

A--No, Sir; I do not think they will.

Q--Then what other works do you think will be necessary in addition to these two reservoirs ?

A-Of course there are several schemes that have been proposed from time to time.

There is the proposal of three little reservoirs out at Tytam-in that district- and there is also the proposal of a low level reservoir below Tytam, at Tytamtuk, which would be a very much larger reservoir than either of these small ones, but in that case they would very likely have to use pumps.

be ?

Is that a costly process

A-That will be fairly costly.

More costly, of course, than if water came from gravitation?

A-Yes, because we should have to lay additional lines of pipes.

By Colonel Brown. On what level would the lower reservoir at Tytam-tuk

A-As far as I have seen from the proposed plans, I should think it is something like 200 feet above sea level, but I have not gone into that question considerably.

Q-Would that supply all the houses?

A-I would not say.

Q-Would this be larger than the reservoir at Tytam?

A-No, I don't think it would be larger; it would be much the same size.

Q-Don't you think it is time to begin it at once?

A-It is for the Government to decide as to what they are going to do-whether they are to make it, or try some other expedient. Of course there are other things they could try.

By Mr. Shewan.-In your opinion, what arrangements could the Government take at once to meet the demand for water ?

A-That is a question that covers such a lot of ground that one would have to go into it very much in detail, and one could not give it exactly. There are catch-waters on various hills, and the bringing of them into various tanks, and one would have to look at the thing from a financial point of view'as well.

Q-Putting the financial point of view aside ?

A-Well, I think the low level reservoir would be very good indeed

Q-Would that give us a supply?

A-I think it would.

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( 130 )

1674

Q-We'must

-We must build this extra reservoir and have catch-waters and get more men and we will be fairly sure of having water?

}

A-Yes, I think so.

By the Chairman.-Have you anything to suggest to the Commission that would be of use to it in its enquiries in addition to what you have told us

A-I don't think I can add anything further.

SEVENTH MEETING.

COUNCIL CHAMBER,

Monday, 6th January, 1902.

PRESENT:

The Honourable J. H. STEWART Lockhart, C.M.G., (Chairman).

The Honourable JOHN THURBURN.

Colonel L. F. BROWN, R.E.

ROBERT GORDON SHEWAN, Esq.

G. C. C. MASTER, Esq.

E. D. C. WOLFE, Esq., (Secretary).

1680 -

J. ORANGE, sworn:-

By the Chairman.-Mг. ORANGE, how long have you been in Hongkong?

A-Nineteen years.

Q-And when you first came out to Hongkong, you joined the Public Works Department?

A-Yes.

Q-How long were you in the Public Works Department?

A-I was there seven years."

Q-In what capacity were you employed in the Public Works Department ?

A-I was appointed Assistant Engineer and was detached for the construction of Tytam Waterworks.

Q-And most of your time in the Public Works Department was spent in connec- tien with these works, was it not?

́A—Entirely.

-Afterwards, you left the Public Works Department and set up in private practive in your present firm-Messrs. LEIGH & ORANGE?

A-Yes.

Q-In

course of your private practice you are brought into intimate relations with the Puc Works Department?

A-Yes

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Q-The Commission would like to know whether these relations have suggested to you in any way how improvement might be effected so far as the relations of the Public Works Department are concerned with the architects and engineers practising here in this Colony?

A-It is rather difficult to say off-hand now. The Department should be entirely re-modelled. It seems to me nothing short of that will meet the case.

Q Re-model the entire Department?

A-Yes. I consider the duties of the present Director of Public Works are such that it is impossible for any man living to do them satisfactorily.

Q-Then the Department, as at present organised, does not meet the requirements so far as the public are concerned?

A-Certainly not.

Q-In what respects do you think it is deficient in meeting the requirements of the public?

A-Delay in getting work done, answering letters, and carrying on business. Q-You have experienced these delays?

A-Certainly.

Q-Is that recently or not?

A-I think it has grown almost with the growth of the Colony; the more work they have to do, the more delay occurs.

Q-What is the nature of the delays?

A-Delays in getting permits passed, and special delays lately in getting any answer to applications for land sales. I would lay special stress on that; I think the delay is monstrous.

Q-Any other matters ?

A-Special delays in getting drains-drains in connection with new houses-and getting levels of streets fixed for new buildings.

Q-With regard to the passing of plans, what is the longest delay you have experienced in that matter ?

Q-What is the average time within which plans sent in by you are passed?

A-I cannot say.

A-I do not think we get anything in less than ten days.

Q-Is that a much longer time than is customary at home?

A-I cannot say. It is a long time since I have had to do with home.

Q-From your point of view, you think ten days too long?

A-I think it is too long.

Q-With regard to the applications for sales of land, you say there has been very long delay ?

A Yes. I specially put some dates down.

Q-Would you kindly furnish us with them ?

A-I have here an application, which first of all came from your (the Colonial Secretary's) office. After what I might call the consent for negotiations was given, I received a letter in connection with the matter from the Public Works Department

263

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}

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on 6th November last, and I answerel on the 12th and 13th November. I have got no reply yet. Then another application for land was made on the 22nd November ;

to that I have got no answer. to that I have got no answer.

to that I have got no answer.

1697

1700

time

Another application was made on the 13th December ; Another application was made on December 18th, and I have got no answer to any of them.

Q-There are four applications, and you have not received any reply ?

A-No, I have had no reply at all to these.

Q-Of course you have had numerous applications of a similar nature during the you have been in private practice?

A-Yes.

Q-Have you ever experienced such long delays before?

A-No.

Q-Never ?

A- Never.

Q-And so far as your experience goes, this is exceptional ? A-Quite exceptional.

Q-In regard to the laying of drains, you have also told us that you have experienced delays in that matter also. Can you give us an instance ?

A-There is one instance in which there were 21 houses-European houses at the Race Course going to Leighton Hill Road, the ones that are completed near Jardine's East Point entrance-these houses were occupied for four months, and had no connection with the public drains, and the reason given was that there was no vote. There was no money, and, therefore, they did not make the drain connection.

work.

Q-Who gave you that reply ?

A-Some one in the Public Works Department.

Q-Did you know him?

A-No, I cannot say who it was, because I was not personally looking after the

Q-Then your information is second-hand ?

A-Yes, second-hand. Anyway, the fact I know is that these houses were occupied in that way for four months. They were eighteen months under construction, and occupied for four months without the drains being on, and the reason given was that there was no vote to cover the necessary expenditure. The same delay occurred in connection with houses at Hunghom. There, there was no connection inale with the public drains for a long time, neither was the lane at the back, which is public property, made up for from three to four weeks after the houses were occupied. Another case I will give you. We wrote on November 18th for levels and kerb-stones for about six blocks of houses in Yaumati and I have not got an answer yet.

Q-Is this your first experience of such delays ?

A-No, it is not our first experience of these delays, but it is getting more acute.

-With regard to these two special cases of laying of drains?

A-No, these are not the only cases. I quote these only as examples.

Q-lave the cases been frequent ?

A-Latterly, yes.

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( 133 )

Q--And what, in your opinion, is the remedy for the delays?

A-An increased staff.

By Mr. Shewan.-You attribute the delay entirely to the smallness of the staff, Mr. ORANGE?

A-I can offer no other reason.

Q-When you say it has taken about two months, and you have received no answer yet, what do you consider

a proper time in which to answer?

A-Well, I wrote on November, 12th and 13th, and it is certainly too long to wait till January. I should say two or three days.

Q-And you say the houses were building for eighteen months, and it was not until four months after that the drains were made. How long would it have taken had they gone on at once with these drains ?

A-I should say a month.

Q-And they were practically 22 months?

1720

A—I would not expect connection with the drains made at the beginning of the building of the houses.

Q-With regard to your statement that the delay was monstrous," would it surprise you to know that a local architect, in giving us his opinion, said that he did not consider that there was great delay in land sales?

A-Yes, it would surprise me.

Q-You say that the Director of Public Works has too much to do. Can he not delegate some one else in the Department to do some of the work?

Is there any rea- son why he should not alter the system?

A-The law says that the Director of Public Works has got to be responsible. It is very difficult as the law stands.

Q-Can he not tell Mr. So-and-So to answer this letter, and Mr. So-and-So to attend to this application, although he is responsible?

A-It seems to me that he is responsible. He has the signing of all these things, and naturally he reads over what is done.

Q-The head man in a private firm does not pretend to do everything himself?

A-I think a Government Department is not exactly the same as a private firm.

Q-Under the present law and system, he has absolutely to do what you say ?

A--He has absolutely to do that.

By Mr. Thurburn.-Building activity in Hongkong has been accentuated only since three or four years ago. If all these delays occurred within that time-say four years the Public Works Department was doing their duty before, then ?

A-I should say they do their duty always.

Q-I don't mean their duty.

A-I should say the difficulty is accentuated with the growth of the Colony; and the delay, in my mind, becomes greater.

Q-You have to complaint to make about three or four years ago?

A-Only within the past year or eighteen months.

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(134)

By Colonel Brown.-What number of applications, on an average, of various sorts have you to make to the Director of Public Works in, say, a month?

A-I should say on an average our firm has about 120 or 150 communications a month.

By Mr. Master.-With reference to these houses in Leighton Hill Road, you said they had been four months without drains. Should these connections have been made before the houses were completed?

A-Yes.

Q-With the completion of the houses, should this have been done?

A-Yes.

Q-The drains should be connected with the sewer by the time the houses are in occupation ?

A-There is no reason why they should not be so before.

Q-And what notice was given to the Public Works Department that these houses were approaching completion?

A-Notice was given at the time of building.

Q-During the course of building?

A-Not during the course of building.

Q-Could they say they did not know?

1730

A-No, they received notice of the houses being constructed and also a notice applying for the certificate of occupation.

By the Chairman.-Is the certificate of occupation given regardless of the fact that the drains are not completed?

A-That is not the Public Works Department; it is the Sanitary Department. The Sanitary Board refuses to give the certificate, and not the Public Works Department.

-But there was no delay in the occupation?

A-We went against the law in this case.

Q-There is another point the Commission would like to ask you about. It has been suggested that it might be an improvement if more of the public works were given out to private firms instead of being undertaken by Government. What is your opinion on that subject?

A-Well, it is rather a selfish opinion, but I certainly think a great deal of Extra- ordinary Public Works might be given to local firms.

Q-Do you think, if that were done, that the work would be as well and as cheap- ly carried out?

A-Yes.

Q- -We have had it stated that local firms have a great difficulty in securing efficient supervision of works, owing to the class of overseers that they have perforce to employ in Hongkong. Have you experienced difficulties of that kind ?

A-Sometimes. It is a matter of luck if we get a good overseer.

Q-Then, supposing you are entrusted with large works by Government, how would you overcome that difficulty ?=

A-We would have to get proper men.

( 135 )

267

Q--That would be a question of greater expense

1735

A--Yes.

1740

Q-Then how do you think that, notwithstanding this extra expense, the work would be done as cheaply as it is at present by Government ?

A-There would be no more expense involved in supervision than there is at the present moment by Government. There is no reason why it should be more costly if an architect or engineer be employed.

Q-And at the same time Government would have to retain its Public Works De- partment ?

A-With a less staff, naturally. There would be less work to do.

Q-Then, your idea is that the Public Works Departinent should be reduced in numbers ?

A—Oh, no. I mean that if the Public Works Department were getting others to carry out the work of Public Works Extraordinary, they must have more time for their other work. I have no hesitation in saying that they must get a very much larger staff. Take one job like the Kowloon Water Works; if that was not given to an out- side firm they would have to get men to do it, whereas if it is given to an outside firm, it saves men to the Public Works Department, and, what is more important, it saves a great deal of the time of the Director of Public Works.

Q-Then your idea is that the staff of the Public Works Department could not be reduced by giving work to private firms?

A-I think, even for the current work going on, without the Extraordinary Works, that the staff is not big enough nor good enough.

Q- Do you think the present staff is not sufficient even to carry out the ordinary work, without even attempting the Extraordinary Public Works ?

A-Yes.

Q--You, of course, are acquainted with the Extraordinary Public Works-enum- erated in the Estimates for 1902, estimated to cost about eight lakhs, and you think the Department, as at present constituted, is not sufficient to undertake any of these works?

A-No.

Q-With regard to the question of cost, it seems to be thought that Government work-at least we have it so in evidence-costs more than private work?

A-I think it does, taking it all together.

Q-Why is that?

A-I think one reason is that private owners are more liberal in money-that is, in paying contractors. I think we, as private firms, "nurse" the contractors more. We help them more. They do not hesitate to come to us if they want to order timber, or anything of that sort-work which does not really belong to the architect or engineer. They make use of us, and we gladly do much to help them. Private firms, I think, are more liberal in payments.

Q-In what way do you mean more liberal in payınents ?

A-l'ayments in advance.

Q-Then do you think private firms are able to get work of the same quality done at a cheaper rate?

A-Yes, I fancy so.

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( 136 )

Q-Then do you think private work, as compared with Government work, is of as good quality?

A-Large works, yes; small works, no.

Q-And do you think that large works, which are of just as good quality, are executed more cheaply?

rate?

A-They are slightly cheaper.

Q-Is there much difference?

A—No, not much difference; I should say anywhere from 5 to 10 per cent.

Q-And in smaller works, how does the cost compare?

A-I should say Government work is much dearer.

Q-Do you think the quality justifies the extra cost?

A-I do.

Q-So that, taking it all round, the Government gets its work done at a reasonable

A-Yes. One thing I would like to say is that it is slow, compared with private work.

Q-What is the reason of that?

A-I do not know. I think it wants a little more push. I refer to large works generally. I have got in my mind's eye the foundations for the Law Courts, which are taking an extraordinary time.

Q-As compared with other foundations laid there?

A-As compared with foundations which we are laying alongside.

Q-Are both foundations being constructed in practically the same manner?

A-No, I would not say that.

Q-Is there any difference in construction which would warrant one taking longer than the other ?

A-No.

By Mr. Master.-Nobody's business to hurry it on?

A-Well, of course, it comes to the same thing. The Director of Public Works, either be has got a heap to do-

Q--Or no one can hurry him?

A-I don't know.

By the Chairman.-The Government contract is na le for a definite time? Is that not the rule ?

A--I do not know what the Government contracts are, as a rule, but it is so with private work.

Q-It is a rule with Government work also. If a contractor does not carry out his work in a certain time he is subject to a penalty. A contractor, knowing that he is liable to a penalty, would not be anxious to delay the work?

A-I suppose that is the hold you have over contractors.

Q--With regard to contractors, does your long experience of them lead you to think that a private engineer or architect gets cheaper work out of them?

firm.

A-I think so, slightly cheaper. I should say decidedly cheaper for a private A—I

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( 137 )

By Mr. Thurburn.-You say that in smaller works the Government gets better work. Is that on account of the supervision they have?

A--That is one reason, and I think, for their small work, they employ a better contractor than a private firm. We are at the mercy of many contractors whom we would rather not have, but their prices being the cheaper, we have got to accept them.

By Colonel Brown.-Are you ever let in by a contractor when you make advances to him?

A-I cannot recall an instance. I know we have been run very close sometimes.

Q--What would be the position of a Government official if he made an advance to a contractor ?

[No answer.]

Mr. Shewan.-It is not an advance that the man might run away with; the man gives work for it.

A-Sometimes we give close advances, but never without the consent of the prin- cipal. A man in the position of a Government official cannot take such risks. We, with the consent of our owner, do take risks, whereas the Government official never would at least, I do not think he should.

By Mr. Shewan.-Do you think that the Government could employ local architects to advantage?

A-I do.

Q-Is the Colonial Government well advised in employing architects at home?

A-No, I think it is very wrong of them.

Q-And do you think they are as well fitted to build a house out here as you are?

A-No.

Q-Do you think your

A-I do.

1770

local knowledge helps you to build a house here better?

Q-Would you be surprised to hear that an architect or civil engineer, in giving his evidence here, said they were just as well fitted to build a house out here, and that local knowledge was worth nothing?

able?

A-I am surprised to hear that.

Q-Do you know or understand that the designs of the Law Courts were unsuit-

A-I have never seen them.

Q-I ask you whether you know or understand so?

A-I have heard that.

Q-It is common report, is it not ?

A-I have heard so.

Q-Would it surprise you if the plans were unsuitable?

A-Well, there is

Q-Do you think it is possible that they can plan new Law Courts, never having been out here ?

A--No, I do not.

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By the Chairman.-With regard to the question of calling for plans at home, you say that you strongly object to this system. On what ground do you object?

A-I think the local men ought to have a chance. Why should we not have a chance if the Government thinks we are competent? It is as much as saying we are not competent-not good enough.

Q-Then you say the people at home are not competent to design a building in the tropics?

A-I did not say incompetent, but are not so well fitted-cannot do it as we can, especially a building like Law Courts, which means consultation on many points with the officials concerned. Suppose you build a new Post Office, there again I think that should be done by local men.

-Do you not think it is possible for people who are not residents of the Colony to obtain all the information necessary for the erection of such a building?

A-It may be possible, but extremely difficult.

Q-Why should it be difficult?

A-There are so many things that crop up during the building. A man sets to to work planning, and while he is planning he comes across difficulties. If the work is done here, he can run round and talk to the officials, and it is extremely convenient, while if at home it would be extremely inconvenient.

ing?

Q-How many architects are there in Hongkong competent to erect such a build-

A-I could not say that.

Q-I do not wish you to select names; I want to know how many architects there are in Hongkong-that is, trained architects?

Mr. Master. Do you draw a distinction between a member of the Institute of Civil Engineers and a member of the Institute of British Architects ?

The Chairman.-That is the distinction I ain drawing. What I want to know without being the least personal-

Witness.-I am afraid I must take it so.

Q-I am sorry. I do not wish you to take it as a personal question. I want to know how many architects there are in Hongkong?

A-I cannot tell you.

Q-I do not mean to suggest that a Civil Engineer is not capable of designing a house in Hongkong. You yourself have designed a great many houses, and, we all agree, to the credit of the Colony. Can a person who is not a member of the Institute of Architects build as good a house?

A-I think so. I myself am not a member of the Institute of Architects, and I have built many houses in the Colony that I can point to.

Q-Is there not a clear distinction between the profession of Civil Engineer and that of Architect?

A-As a rule with Architects and Civil Engineers at home, the distinction between them is very defined. You seldom get a Civil Engineer at home who practises as an Architect as they do here.

Q-Is there any real distinction between the different firms here as to capabilities of erecting houses?

A-I might say there is; we all flatter ourselves.

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Q-I only wish to bring out that at home there is a difference between the two professions, whereas, as you explain to us, that difference does not exist here in the same way, as firms, although they may be Civil Engineers, are accustomed also to carry out architectural work. And your opinion is that the local knowledge obtained here is so important with regard to the designing of buildings, and the carrying of them out, that any professional person living here must be at a great advantage as compared with those at home ?

Mr. Shewan.--Not only by his local knowledge, but by the convenience?

A-Yes.

By Mr. Shewan.--It is not only local knowledge, although that is a great thing?

A--No.

By the Chairman.-Is there any other point that would be of use to the Commission in its enquiries that you have not touched upon?

A-No, except, if I might be allowed to say so, I think there is a great deal of time-talking about plans-a great deal of time wasted. I will not say wasted, but used up, carrying the plans backward and forward to the Sanitary Board. I do think it would be a great improvement if the Public Works Department and Sanitary Board were in one building. I do not know if that comes within the scope of the Commis- sion, but you can see there is a good deal of waste of time. The Medical Officer of Health puts a minute on the notice, and it comes back to the Public Works Depart- ment, and it goes then to the firm, and comes back again from it, and from one to the other, and that is responsible for a great deal of the delays.

Q-Your remedy for that is having the two offices under one roof?

A-Yes, or a municipality.

Q-Or a municipality ?

1790

A-Yes, to take charge of all municipal work.

Q-With regard to the inspection of buildings, you, I think, signed the letter which was sent in to Government by the Engineers and Architects in the Colony, mak- ing certain proposals. Your views on the subject are, I take it, embodied in that letter?

A-Yes.

By Mr. Shewan.-You said that you attended entirely to the Waterworks during the time you were in the Public Works Department ?

A--Yes.

Q-Well, there are a great deal of complaints now about the water supply. What is your explanation?

A-A failing on the part of the Government to keep up with the increase of population.

Q-In your opinion, the Government might have kept up by building more dams and reservoirs ?

A-Certainly.

Q-Is there any reason that you know of why they did not do it?

A-No.

Q-In your opinion, they neglected this?

A-I think they have neglected it.

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1800

Q-In regard to the Crown Agents for the Colonies, do you think that that is a good system?

A-Yes.

Q-You don't think it would be better for the Government to deal directly with manufacturers and suppliers in England?

A-No.

Q-Do you think there is any other alternative ?

A-I happen to know a good deal about the Crown Agents. I think myself it is an extremely well run Department.

Q-Would you be surprised to hear that the Colony paid a great deal more for iron work than a private firm?

A-Yes.

Q-I should not. I should say you would be much more likely to get a cheaper article by going direct to the maker.

A-Even private firms would have to employ an agent.

Q-I don't see it is necessary. As it is they have a list of tenders, and the others don't get any chance of offering.

A-I do not think it is a bad system, because it means that all the people on their list are good and reliable people.

Q-That may be, but there may be a lot of good people not on that list?

A-No, I do not think so.

Q-But we know from what was exposed in connection with the War Office that there must be ?

A-I think that the Crown Colonies are better served than the War Office.

Q-Do you think it is right for the Crown Agents to send material here that was never asked for ?

A-I should be surprised to hear they had done so.

Mr. Shewan.-As a matter of fact, they have done so.

The Chairman.-I am not aware of that.

Mr. Shewan.-Well, I will clear that up for you.

The Chairman.- It is not at present before the Commission.

Mr. Shewan.-It will be before the Commission.*

By Mr. Shewan.-That would not happen if the Department ordered its own

goods?

A-I always thought it did.

By the Chairman.-Is there anything you wish to add to the evidence al- ready given by you?

A-No.

* Appendix No. 23.

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1806

1810

L. GIBBS, sworn.-

By the Chairman.—Mr. GIBBS, how long have you been in Hongkong?

A-Eleven years, Sir.

Q-And how long were you in the Public Works Department?

A-Nearly ten years.

Q-In the capacity of what?

A-Assistant Engineer.

Q-And you left the Public Works Department to join the firm of Messrs. DENISON & RAM, now the firm of Messrs. DENISON, RAM, & GIBBS?

A-Yes.

Q-During your period of service in the Public Works Department, Mr. GIBBS, with what works were you chiefly concerned?

A-I was assistant to Mr. CHATHAM for about 6 years on Extraordinary Public Works, including Waterworks extensions here and at Kowloon. Then I had a year at home, after that I was in charge of the Waterworks of the Colony for a year and final- ly I was in charge of the Land Branch for a year and was also engaged on the New Kowloon Waterworks Scheme.

Q-You have experience of outside work-non-Government work?

A-Nearly two years.

Q-Speaking from your experience, how do you think the cost of Government work and the quality of that work compares with the quality and cost of private work?

A-I don't see any chance of saying. We do largely an entirely different class of work. You cannot compare a Chinese house, for instance, with any Government work. There is no means of comparing, because it is an entirely different thing. But when we come to deal with the same class of work, for instance, Jubilee Road, I don't see there is any reason for saying it is either cheaper or dearer, if the same road had been put

in by the Public Works Department.

Q-Do you think private firms are able to get their own work more cheaply or efficiently done than the Government ?

A-I don't think they are able to get it done more cheaply. If plans and spe- cifications were handed to private architects and they were asked to get in tenders, the tenders would not differ materially from tenders obtained by the Public Works De- partment on the same plans and specifications. It is more an individual matter than a matter between the Public Works Department and outsiders. Some men are more ready to help a contractor than others, and the average Chinese contractor being almost entirely ignorant of his business, needs a lot of help. But I cannot say that the Public Works Department as a whole are less ready to help a contractor than the average outside architect is.

Q-Speaking from your experience of the Public Works Department and its staff

did the staff of that Department appear to be sufficient while you were there?

A-It certainly was not sufficient while I was there.

Q-In what way do you think it was deficient?

A-When I was in charge of Waterworks, I should have had an assistant under

me, and I should have had another overseer, and another Chinese clerk.

Q-And they were all wanting?

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142)

A-They were all wanting. I am not able to speak about the Department at present, because I do not know the officers in it, and know very little about the work. The Waterworks of the Colony should have an Executive Engineer of some expe- rience in charge, and he should have an Assistant Engineer under him, and, of course, a reasonable number of overseers and clerks. I consider the staff is sufficient to attend to the maintenance of existing works and to carry out ordinary extensions, but not sufficient to design and carry out large new schemes.

Then, speaking from your experience of Government work, do you think that the members of the Public Works Department have a sufficiently long day's work?

A-They have.

Q-And, speaking from your experience, were you under the impression that they did do their work when you were there?

A-I can only speak for myself.

Q-What impression had you yourself?

A-I should say there are always drones in any service, especially in the Govern- ment service because, in the Government service there is no incentive to hard work. An Assistant Engineer is an Assistant Engineer, and he gets paid as much whether he works ten hours a day or five. That is my view of the case.

Q-And sometimes officers are not promoted as rapidly as they might be ?

A-Some are not.

Q-Then with regard to the question of water, you had a great deal of experience in connection with the Waterworks; what do you think is the solution of the present difficulty?

A-I think they should shut off the water from Chinese houses, as is done in Kowloon.

Q-The water is not laid on to Chinese houses there?

A-No, the water is not laid on to Chinese houses in Kowloon.

Q-How do you think we can get ahead of our requirements ? to be a satisfactory solution, but irrespective of that?

That really seems

A-Irrespective of that, to begin with, by carrying out the works given in Mr. COOPER'S Report of 1896.

you think the carrying out of these works would put us ahead of our

Q-Do requirements?

A-It would give as much as four millions a day. The returns for 1900 gave the consumption at three and a half millions a day.

Q-If all Mr. COOPER'S suggestions were carried out, are you of opinion that we would be ahead of our requirements?

A-No, I am not. By the time they are carried out, we will probably be up to four millions a day, if the Colony increases as it is doing now.

-When that happens

A-When that happens you must either pump or go to the New Territory.

Q--It has been suggested that the making of a dam at Tytam-tuk and pumping there would give us a supply equal to Tytam?

A-I doubt that; it would give us a considerable supply.

•

( 143 )

143)

1828

1330

-Even if it gave us not as much as the present Tytam dam, that would put us ahead of our requirements for some time?

A-Yes.

bour?

Q--And do you think that would be preferable to conveying it across the har-

A-It would be cheaper.

Q-You say it would be cheaper than conveying it across the harbour?

A-It would be; it is not only the conveying across the harbour, but there is also the conveying from the slopes of Taimo-shan.

Q-With regard to Kowloon water supply, you have read the scheme which Mr. CHATHAM has drawn up, have

you not?

A-Yes. But the scheme is essentially my scheme modified by acceptance of the suggestions of Mr. CHADWICK and Mr. ORMSBY.

Q-And when that is carried out, have you any idea of what time that will put us ahead of our requirements in Kowloon?

A-It is really impossible to say. It depends upon the growth of Kowloon entirely, and it has grown at the rate of 70 per cent., as Mr. CHATHAM pointed out, in four years, and if it continues at that rate, you will want a new scheme entirely in another ten years.

Q--At the present rate of progress, it will supply us for ten years?

A-I have not worked it out.

Q-But speaking roughly?

1840

A-Roughly speaking, it will.

Q-It has been pointed out that there has been delay in carrying out this water scheme ?

A--Well, I don't think there is much question about that. My original report on the Kowloon gravitation scheme went in two years ago, and nothing is started yet.

Q-That is with regard to the Kowloon scheme?

A-Yes.

Q-And not only that, but Mr. COOPER'S ?

A-Mr. COOPER's report was dated May, 1896, and the works he showed to be necessary for the then requirements were only completed about two years ago, and they are only just now starting works which were shown to be necessary for what were then the future but are now the present needs.

Q-Do you know why there has been such delays?

A-I am not in a position to say.

By Colonel Brown.-You say you made a report on the Kowloon Water- works scheme. Did you design them?

A-I designed them.

Q-When you were in the Public Works Department ?

A-Yes.

Q-And you are now carrying them out as a member of the firm of DENISON, RAM & GIBBS?

A-We hope to be, soon.

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Q-And do you think they will be constructed more cheaply than they would have been under the Public Works Department?

A-No, I have no reason to think so.

Q-Do you think they will be equal in class to the other Government works? A--Certainly.

Q—And will it be more expeditiously completed under your firm than under the Government?

A-I don't think there is any reason to think it will be either the one way or the other, except that the Government have not got the men to do it.

Q- -Then you think the Government will not gain by it?

A-The Government have not got the staff now to do it.

By Mr. Shewan.-Did you say just now that you are waiting for something before you begin with the Kowloong Waterworks?

A-It has been referred to Mr. CHADWICK, who, I understand, is coming here in a fortnight.

-How long have you been waiting?

A-We had instructions to prepare plans in July, and we were ready to advertise

for tenders in October. We have been waiting since October.

Q-Then, so far as Government is concerned, there is delay?

A-Yes.

Q-So that private work in that way is better, if it is not cheaper?

A-Yes.

Q-And the same with this road-you don't think it will be cheaper?

A-The Jubilee Road-not if the Public Works Department had laid out a road on the same lines.

Q-Work for work, it would not be any cheaper?

A-No cheaper.

Q-Would it not be dcarer?

A-I don't think so.

Q-The whole thing from beginning to end-in the case of the waterworks you admit there is delay there--and the road, would there not have been some delay there if they had not had a private person as their principal?

A-Yes. In the case of the road, it had to be referred to the Government. Our principal was not the Government, so we took the thing in hand and got in tenders while they were considering it,

By the Chairman.-Did you say you were ready in July to commence the Water-works?

A-No, we were ready to begin in Octobor. We had orders to get out plans in July.

By Mr. Shewan.-But you could have been ready in July if it had been a private person to deal with?

A-No, not till October.

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1856

1860

ск

1870

Q-But then from October till now is a pretty long time.

[No answer.]

By the Chairman.-The expenditure had not been approved?

A--No, I think not.

By Mr. Shewan.-In regard to Public Waterworks, the Public Works Depart- ment have failed entirely in keeping up to public requirements ?

has.

A---I am not prepared to say the Public Works Department, but the Government

Q--Have aniy schemes been submitted for waterworks on this side?

A--Oh, yes; they have Mr. CoOPER's Report of 1896.

Q-Has anything been done?

A-They have done the works that he considered necessary for the then require-

ments.

Q-At present we want more waterworks and more men?

A-Yes, certainly.

-Your idea is that the Government should go right ahead and get more men, vote more money, and get more waterworks?

A-Ycs.

Q-Is there any reason why they should not do that?

A-As far as cutting it off from Chinese houses

Q-I will come to that, but at present the practical thing to do is to vote more money and get more waterworks?

A-Yes.

Q-Is there any reason why the water should not be cut off from Chinese houses?

A-No, none that I know of.

-One witness said it would require an Ordinance.

A-There is an Ordinance excluding Chinese houses in Kowloon. It just requires an Ordinance.

Q-In your opinion, are the Public Works Department employees overworked ? A-It is a very difficult question to answer; it depends whether they do the work or not. I believe there is one Engineer and assistant in charge of waterworks and drainage. I don't think that work can be done properly.

Q--Most of them have admitted that they can do their work, but if there is so much work left undone it seems everyone should be working at high pressure, but I understand there is no one doing so. How is it there is no one overworked? Does it mean that there is no incentive?

A-There certainly is no incentive.

Q-That practically accounts for it, because in ordinary service, if a man has a good deal to do, he works late, does he not?

A-Yes.

Q-But here, as far as I know, they don't do that?

A-I cannot say.

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1871

Q-But you were in the Department; you should know that. It is difficult to reconcile the two facts. If there is so much to do, and so much left undone, how is it they are not working night and day?

A-Probably because there is so much left undone.

By the Chairman.-Have you experienced delays in getting replies to your letters and getting your plans passed?

A-I have an application for land in now that has been in for some three or four months.

Q-You have had no reply to it?

A-I have had no reply.

Q--Any other cases of delay?

A--I have no recollection of any other delay-nothing more than I should consider inevitable.

Q-In your relations with the Department, you do not, as a rule, experience delays?

A-As a rule, I do not experience delays.

By Mr. Shewan.-Is three or four months not an extraordinary delay?

A-Yes, it is.

1880

By the Chairman-Have you ever had such a long delay before?

A-No, I have never had such a long delay.

Q-And can you account for it?

A-I believe that the reason is that the land branch is not properly manued. I understand that they are getting a new man out, and that he has only newly arrived.

By Mr. Master.-In your opinion, is it any disadvantage to the Govern- ment to let out large Public Works Extraordinary to private firms?

A-No.

Q-Do you consider private firms would do the work as well ?

A-Certainly.

Q-And at no greater expense, including private firms' commission?

You see, the

A-It might come to some greater expense, but I should doubt it. You people in private practice here have, nearly all of them, had far more experience than the officers of the Public Works Department, and would probably, therefore, be in a position to design better and cheaper work.

Q-Do you think the plans would be as good?

A-They would be as good, certainly.

Or do you think they would be better?

A-I should say they would be better.

Q-Do you think a firm of engineers or architects at home who have never been out here are as well qualified to prepare plans for a big building as a private firm out here ?

A-No, I do not.

Q-Why?

A-Because local experience in buildings here is of such great value.

་་

1886

(147)

Q-For instance, the Law Courts plans have been prepared by a firm at home. you think that that firm is as competent to prepare these plans as one here?

A—No, I don't think so. I think it was a mistake to send the work home.

Q-You have been ten years in the Public Works Department, and you are now interested in DENISON & RAM ?

A--So far as I am in a position to judge without prejudice, I should say the work should be done in the Colony.

By the Chairman.—Mr. GIBBS, is there any other matter that you think would be of use to the Commission that you think they have not asked you about?

A-I think the great point with the Public Works Department is the question of giving men an incentive to work. At present they have little or none. If you have as good men in the Public Works Department as you have outside, of course you might as well have the work done by the members of the Public Works Department, but if your men leave at the end of a few years, and you have to get new men from home, these men, I think, have not the experience of those who have left, consequently you get better work outside.

Q-And what do you suggest as an incentive?

It is a personal

A-It is very difficult to say without going into personal matters.

You should let promotion go by results, and not by seniority. If you have got a good man, treat him well.

matter.

Q-Then with regard to the inspection of buildings, Mr. GIBBS, I think your firin signed the letter that was sent to Government, signed by all the architects and engi- neers in the Colony, did they not?

A-Yes, I believe they did.

1890

Q-Did that letter contain your views also?

A-Not entirely. There is a great difficulty about these letters.

You must either

leave them unsigned, and then it appears as if you don't agree with them at all, or, if you sign them, it appears that you agree with them entirely. I don't remember the details now, but I remember I did not agree with the letter entirely.

Q-What way do you think the law should be altered by imposing the respon- sibility on the architect?

A-I think the responsibility should be on the owner.

-Is that the rule at home?

A-I do not know.

Q-That the owner should be responsible, and the owner has to engage the archi- tect or engineer?

A-Yes, but in half the cases in Hongkong, it is not the architect who is respon- sible for the divergencies. It is the owner.

Q-By telling the architect to diverge?

A-No, by telling the contractor to diverge.

Q-And is the architect not able to detect that?

A--He cannot stop it. The owner has more power with the contractor than the architect has. That is in dealing with Chinese clients. The average European client entrusts the architect to see that the work is carried out properly.

By Mr. Shewan.-A respectable architect would then throw up the work?

A-I don't see why he should.

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1900

Q- — If he deliberately alters?

A-The architect would probably write in to the Public Works Department and say he had no further responsibility in connection with the work.

By the Chairman.-What is the remedy to be then, to see that nobody but qualified architects are allowed to have connection with the work?

A-That raises a very dificult question then as to who are properly qualified ar- chitects. I think the best thing is to make owners responsible.

And throw all checking on the Public Works Department ?

A--Yes.

Q-But would they not want an enormous staff to check properly?

A-But it would be under the architects; they would require to be checked just the same if you are to make then responsible. Take, for instance, the Cochrane Street collapse, which of course raised the whole question. I do not know what the owner lost; I think he lost very little, but he should have paid, in my opinion, for clearing the streets, and damages for blocking them.

By Mr. Shewan.-But he lost his house?

A-It was all his own fault; he paid nothing to the Colony.

Q-But don't you think the man who is responsible for the building of the house should be responsible to the owner?

A-Yes, if his advice is taken, but if the owner is made responsible, he can always come down on the architect for wrongly advising him.

-The architect is supposed to notice a thing, but the owner is not. In nine out of ten cases the owner takes the architect's advice?

A-No, I don't think that is so with Chinese owners.

Q--Certainly the technical man should be responsible?

A-Yes, if he is given a free hand, but it is not so as it is now with Chinese clients.

Q-The suggestion in that letter is that the architect shoull be made responsible. That seems to me a fairer suggestion than that the owner, who has no technical know- ledge, should be made responsible. Do you not think so?

A-No. I do not, because the owner, if anything goes wrong, can always come down on his employé-the architect,

Q-How can he?

A-Well, he has the architect's account to pay.

Q-But if the owner's house collapses and he is mulcted in heavy damages for loss of life, would he get that out of the architect?

A-He would not get such heavy damages, but there are very few such cases. I am referring to the majority of cases in which an owner tells his contractor to put in a window, or something of that sort, which is not in the plan, and the contractor generally does it.

Q-What is your opinion of the systein of ordering goods through the Crown Agents? Is that a good or a bad system?

A-The only complaint that I have against them is that they are very slow. I have heard it said that goods got out through them are more expensive than those got out through our agents. But I have no means of judging, but they certainly are very slow.

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1910

►

Q-Do you think it is worth while doing away with this system? Would, it be any injury to the Colony to do away with it?

A-The Colony would have to have some similar system.

`Q-You don't think it would make very much difference if the Colony dealt di- rectly with the original firms?

A-No, I do not.

TSANG KING, declared:-

1 By the Chairman.-How long have you been a contractor in Hongkong ?

1920

A-For the last thirty years.

Q-And, during the time you have been a contractor, you have done work both for Government and private owners?

A-Yes, for Government and private owners.

Q-Do you do work cheaper for private individuals than you do for the Govern- ment ?

A-Yes, a little cheaper than for the Government.

Q-Why is that?

A-Well, the reason why I charge less for private work is because the work is not of first class quality.

Q-Then you charge the Government more because you say the work you do for Government is better?

A-Yes, a great deal.

Q-You need not be afraid to state your real opinion regarding any question I ask you.

You answer what is asked you without any fear.

Witness.-I will tell you the truth.

Q-Do you find it easier to do work for the Government, or for private individuals?

A-Well, it is like this, if I go in to see an architect, as he is a private individual, I can see him and consult him at any time.

Q--And you find it difficult to consult with Government officials?

A--Of course, it is not very difficult to see the Government officials, but the Government only pays once a month.

Q-And how often do private individuals pay?

A-Well, sometimes once in a month, and sometimes twice in a month.

Q-Do you find that you get payments more easily from private individuals?

A-Yes.

Q-Well, what difficulties do you have? Do you have any difficulty in get- ting your pay from the Government?

A-No, there is no obstacle in the way, but there is a little delay in measuring the work, and then, after the work is measured, I get my pay.

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1922

Q-But do you not think it is very necessary to measure the work?

A-Yes, that is so, quite necessary.

But then, supposing the overseer who attends to the measuring of the work has no time to wait on me, I have to wait another week,

Q-That is the delay then?

A-Yes, that is the delay.

1930'

Q-And the quality of the work done for private individuals, is it the same?

A-It is the same, but, if the owner says "I trust you," and so on, he pays me without measuring the work.

Q-And Government does not trust you?

A-The Government will not. Of course, they have to carry out the measurements.

By Colonel Brown.-Do you keep your best masons and brick-layers and so on for Government work?

A-Yes, all first-class workmen.

Q-And relegate the inferior workmen to private work?

A-Yes, inferior workmen and much cheaper.

By Mr. Shewan.-Did you ever give any bribes to any Public Works Of ficials ?

A-No.

Q─Did you ever give commissions to any of them?

A-No.

Mr. Shewan (to the Interpreter):-Would you remind him that he is on his oath, please?

Witness.-Yes.

Q-In all the work you have done in Hongkong for the Government, you have never given any cumshas to overseers of the waterworks or buildings of any kind?

A-Not to one single individual.

Q-You never sent any cumshas at China New Year?

A-Well, I have made presents in this way. At Christmas time I have sent some fruit-oranges, etc.-but nothing else.

3 Q-Nothing underneath the oranges as per nsual custom? Do you know of any

contractor ever giving cumshas or presents to Government officials?

A-I do not know.

Q—Did

you ever tell your man to put less material into his work because you had cumshawed the overseer looking after the job?

A-No.

Q-It is not the custom for contractors to give presents to Government over- seers?

A—No.

1936

1940

1950

Ü FU, declared:—

(151):

By the Chairman. Mr. Ü Fu, you are one of the members of the KUNG

ON firm of contractors?

A-Yes.

Q-How long have you been a contractor?

A-Between ten and twenty years.

Q-You have done a good deal of Government and private work, have you not?

A-Yes.

Q-How does the work you do for Government compare with that you do for private persons? Is it the same quality, or is one better than the other?

A-About the same quality.

---And how does the cost compare ?

A--The cost is the same according to my calculations.

Q-You do not charge Government more for its work than you charge private

individuals?

A-Just the same charge.

Q- -And the quality of the work is, you say, the same too?

A-Yes.

Q-You mean to say that private individuals do not get you to do cheaper work?

A-For building Chinese houses and so on the charges are much cheaper because the materials required are not of first-class quality.

Q-And if the quality is the same, then the price is the same?

A—Yes.

-Do private individuals, as a rule, insist upon having the best materials on a big job, just like the Government does?

A--Well, there are different prices. If it is first class work, it will be paid for at first class prices, and so on.

-Of what nature is the Government work? Is it first class or second class?

A-First class,

Q-Always first class?

A-Yes, always first class.

Q-And you charge first class prices, of course?

A-Certainly.

Q-Do you ever do work for a private person of the same quality as you do for the Government and charge that person less than you charge the Government?

A-Well, I would charge according to my calculations. If I was engaged to do first class work, I would charge first class rate, the same as the Government is charged. Q-Then do you do work more quickly for a private individual than you do it for the Government ?

A-It requires the same length of time to complete. Q-Is it not more quickly done?

A-No.

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Q-Do you find Government or the private work more convenient for

you A-To do work for the Government, of course, there is some delay because the Government officers are very particular and we sometimes have to wait for them and so on. Then possibly some of the work has to be pulled down. But, with regard to private work the architect who is engaged in the work sees a slight alteration, some- thing not in accordance with the plans, but he passes it.

Q-He is not so particular?

A--No, he is not so particular.

By Colonel Brown.-Over which class of work do you make most money Government work or private work?

A-About the same, but I think I can make a little more off private work.

Q-Is that by putting in worse material or employing inferior labour ? A—No, not on account of supplying bad or inferior materials or workmen. It is because the architect who looks after the work is not so particular to have everything done strictly in accordance with the plans, and, therefore, in allowing this we gain time, and that is money.

Q-That means that he passes inferior work occasionally?

A-No, I don't mean to say that the architect would pass inferior work; I mean to say that, supposing I do certain work for a private individual, strictly speaking, I have to carry it out according to the plans, but, if there is some slight alteration, the architect would overlook it.

work?

And the architect allows you then to substitute an inferior or cheaper style of

A--No, that is not it.. I do not mean to say that I substitute inferior quality of work or material. Supposing the work is not strictly in accordance with the plans and specifications, then the architect will say "Well, that is all right" and he will pass it. Supposing he says you must carry it out according to the plans, then there is a loss of time, but by not asking me to pull it down there is time gained.

Q-Then he loses more by time than by quality of work?

A-Of course, I have to supply first class materials, but then I gain time.

By Mr. Shewan. Are you the head man in the KANG ON?

A-Yes.

-llave you been a long time a contractor?

A-Between ten and twenty years.

Q-Between ten and twenty years!

That is a large margin?

A--Over ten years really.

Q-You do not speak English very well?

A-Yes, I talk English well.

Q--And why are you examined in Chinese then?

A-Well, the Chairman likes me to speak Chinese.

Q--Can you write a good letter in English, and make out the accounts?

A-Yes.

Q-Who makes out your account when you present it to the Public Works Department?

A-I do it myself.

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you?

Q-Have you always done it yourself?

A-Yes.

Q--Then you never go to the Department and get it made up by a clerk there?

A-No.

Q-Do you ever give a cumsha there to any clerk to make out your account for

A--No. I make it out myself. I give them no cumsha.

Q-Are all Kang On's bills made out you ?

A-Yes.

Q-Have you not got an English partner just now?

A-No. I have no English partner, but I engaged an Englishman some time ago.

Q-He is manager then, I suppose?

A-Yes, simply manager.

Q-Does he not make out any bills in English ?

A-One or two.

Q-You said just now that you made them all out?

A-I only engage the Englishman for a short time.

Q-You must be very careful because you said KANG ON's bills were all made out by yourself. Now, have not some of your bills been made out in the Public Works Department by a clerk there, just as a friendly favour?

A-I drafted out the bills and this Englishman, whom I engaged as manager lately, copied them.

Q-Never mind about the Englishman. Have you never, when you were busy, asked a clerk in the Public Works Department to help you?

A-No.

Q-If a bill is brought into the l'ublic Works Department by a contractor, is it not very often incorrect ? Are you not helped and put right by the clerks there?

A-No. It is like this.

The engineer measures the work and writes it down on a piece of paper and shows it to me, and he asks me if it is correct and then we copy it. That is the usual practice.

Q-Practically then, your bill is made out first by the Public Works Department, and then you copy it?

A-For instance, a piece of work is completed. The engineer and myself both go together and measure the work, and then, after measuring the work, he asks me whe- ther his figures are correct or not. If so, well and good. It is simply a question of measurement and he compares with somebody.

The Chairman.-He says the engineer goes and measures the work and he also takes a note himself, and, if the engineer's measurements agree with his, he sim- ply copies them and that is the basis of his bill.

By Mr. Shewan.-So you really make out your bill in collusion with some- body in the Public Works Department?

A-There is no collusion about the matter.

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Q-Supposing you made it out to be more than the engineer, what would you do? A-Supposing my figure was more than the architect's, he would figures are not correct."

-But what would the bill be made out for?

say:

"Your

A-We have to work together. He has got his measurements and I have got mine and, if we don't agree, we measure again.

Q-And, if they don't agree, what is the bill made out for?

A-I don't often make a mistake. Sometimes there is a mistake in calculation

or totting up the figures, and when that occurs I have to go over it again.

Q-Generally you take the figures that the engineer gives?

A-I have to take them.

Q-When you

have measured and the other man has remeasured and your ineasure- ments do not agree, one of you must give way. You can't make your bill out to both measurements ?

A-We discuss the matter and see who is right.

Q-Suppose when the bill is brought into the Public Works Department the clerk there wants to cut it, what do you do?

A-The clerk has no power to do that.

Q-But the clerk may say the Bill is incorrect?

A-If he says my bill is incorrect, then I go to see the engineer about it.

Q-But you have never had your bill questioned or cut by any clerk?

A-No, never.

1990

Q-Have you always been quite correct when you brought your bill to the Public Works Office?

A-I make my bill up and find it correct and then I present it.

Q-And has it always been found correct?

A-Yes.

Q-You have never had to go to the head of the Public Works Department?

A-No.

Q-Where do you get it paid and how is it paid?

A-At the end of each month-on the 28th of each month-I go down to the Treasury and get it paid there.

Q-You get an order from whom?

A-The clerk there asks me to sign the bill, and then after signing it, a Chinese clerk gives me a cheque.

Q-At the Treasury?

A-No, in the Public Works Department. In receiving payment, I go to the Chinese clerk in the Treasury and then he informs the Portuguese clerk about it. He then looks over my bill and asks me to sign it, and, after signing it, the Chinese clerk gives me a cheque.

Q-Do any of the Chinese or other clerks in the Treasury ever ask you for a com- mission on your bill?

A-None of them. I get a cheque. I receive no cash. a commission, I have no money to pay him.

If I was asked to pay

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Q-But

-But you can easily find money to pay him?

A-Well, I am telling you as far as I am concerned. I know nothing about others. Q-Do you ever send cumshas to any of these clerks or any of the officials ?

A-What do you mean by cumsha? I would like to know what cumsha is. At Christmas time, if he is a very good friend, I send him some cigars, but that is not only in this Department but in other Departments.

Q-There is no harm in that if that is the full extent of your presents. Do you give any diamond rings or anything of that kind?

A-Eatables and-

Q-Any jewellery ?

A-No.

Q-And can all contractors make up their bills in English as well as you can do?

A-One or two of them. I think they are able to do just the same, but there are a great many not able to do it.

Q-When they come to the Public Works Office, do they have to get assistance to do it?

A- Well, I would not venture to say too much about it, but, supposing a man is not able to do it, he may come to the Public Works Department and ask them to help him.

Q-I know it is the custom and probably the clerk would expect some remem- brance of it at Christmas or New Year?

A-Well, I do not say anything passes in that way, but of course I cannot say anything on that point.

сл

CHAN A TONG, sworn:-

By the Chairman.-How long have you been a contractor in Hongkong?

A-Over twenty years.

Q-During these twenty years, have you done Government work and private

work?

A-Yes.

Q-Do you charge Government more than private people for their work?

A-No.

Q-You do not charge more?

A No.

-The same class of work, you charge the same price for?

A-About the same-some less.

-For which? Government?

A-Government work less than private work.

Q-Why?

A-Because we do a lot of work for the Government. For small works we charge

•

a higher rate. If it is a small work, I charge more, but if it is a big contract, I charge a little cheaper.

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Q-But is that the same for private and Government work?

A-I charge the private work a higher figure than the Government work.

Q-But why do you charge private people more than the Government?

A-The reason I charge higher for private people is because I have a great deal of odds and ends to do.

Q-Do you mean to say it is not such plain-sailing with the private individual as with the Governinent?

A-There is more difficulty with private people. I wish to tell you the truth about this matter. If an architect is not a troublesome man, then I charge the work cheaper, but, if he is a troublesome man and wants me to do this and that, I have to charge higher.

Q-Do you find troublesome men both in the Government service and among private people?

A-Yes, sometimes. I want to tell you the truth about this also. The man in the Government service who is now in charge of the Waterworks-I contracted to do some work for the Government for the bungalow at the Peak, levelling the site-well, he is a very troublesome man.

Q-We don't want to descend into personalities. Do you charge more for Govern- ment work than for private work? That is what we want to get at?

A-Well, I cannot say for certain. It depends upon the quality of the work.

Q-If it is first class work, both Government and private individuals pay the same?

A-Yes, about the same. If there is some difficult work to be done, then the prices are higher.

Q-Then who generally gets the best work done?

A-Both private individuals and Government.

Q-And who keeps the best look out on you?

A-Both the same.

By Mr. Shewan.--Did you ever give a cumsha to anyone in the Public Works Department, Mr. CHAN A TONG?

A-No, never in my life.

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EIGHTH MEETING.

COUNCIL CHAMBER,

Monday, 13th January, 1902.

PRESENT:

The Honourable J. H. STEWART LOCKHART, C.M.G., (Chairman).

The Honourable JOHN THURBURN.

Colonel L. F. BROWN, R.E.

ROBERT GORDON SHEWAN, Esq.

G. C. C. MASTer, Esq.

E. D. C. WOLFE, Esq., (Secretary).

2017

2020

W. DANBY, sworn:-

By the Chairman.-How long have you been in Hongkong?

A-I arrived here in the beginning of 1874.

Q-You came out originally to Hongkong to join the Public Works Department?

A-I did.

Q-In what capacity?

A-I was like a Number 2.

Q-An Executive Engineer, I suppose?

A-They had not these titles then.

Q-How long were you in the l'ublic Works Department?

A-About seven years.

-And after leaving the Public Works Department, you set up in private prac- tice here?

A-I did.

Q--And have been here ever since ?

A-I have.

Q-As a professional gentleman in private practice here, you are, of course, brought into intimate relations with the Public Works Department?

A-I am.

ment that

Q-Have your relations with that Department suggested to you any improve-

you think might be made in the Public Works Department ? A--That is rather a difficult question.

Q--We will get at it easier in this way. We have had in evidence given before us complaints as to delays in connection with the Public Works Department. Have

had any trouble in that direction?

you

A-I have, in certain respects.

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Q-In what respects have you experienced delays ?

A--Such as getting replies to letters in reference to applications for Crown land, and other things that only crop up in a Department like the Public Works Department in a Colony such as Hongkong.

Q-Have you found these delays frequent or exceptional ?

A-Well, I should say they are rather exceptional. At the same time I should say these exceptional delays had reference rather to important matters, not to the ordi- nary routine work of the office.

-So far as the ordinary routine of the Department is concerned, have you found that it has been attended to fairly promptly?

A-I do not know that I have any fault to find with that. Of course, you are rather springing on me. I did not know what I was to be called upon to give evidence.

on.

Q-If you do not feel ready to answer, and would like time to think over it, you can of course do so.

A-I am only too glad to give you any assistance I can. I had experience of public works before I came out here. I served my articles in a large Municipal Engineer's Office, and I was in the Borough Engineer's Office at Leeds for several years before I came here.

Q-As regards delays, you think that, so far as routine work is concerned, you have not had much to complain about?

A-No.

Q-You say that in certain more important matters-unusual applications I sup- pose you refer to—that you have found delays?

A-Yes, I have found delays.

Q-What do you think these delays have been due to? Is there any special reason for these delays?

A-Well, I do not know. Such matters as I am referring to, I should say are matters that are really brought before the personal attention of the Director of Public Works. They are things that must go before him, and that he could not delegate to a subordinate officer.

Q-And do you think that the matters in which there has been delay required a great deal of consideration?

A-No doubt they have required a great deal of consideration.

Q-But do you think they could have been expedited in any way, or is it in their nature to require delay ?

A-I don't think it is necessary that long delays should have taken place, because you would certainly think that the Director of Public Works could be relieved of a lot of I will not call it exactly routine work. Take Mr. CHATHAM, the same with Mr. ORSMBY, and Mr. BROWN-they have had to give a lot of their time to the consider- ation of comparatively paltry matters that could be done by a subordinate. The time of these gentlemen is of more value to the Colony than to waste it in this way. If you had a properly qualified man as a subordinate, he could deal with these things.

Q-You think that delays that have occurred would not occur if some of the work was delegated to subordinate officers?

A-Properly qualified subordinate officers.

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Q-With regard to the passing of plans sent in by you, have you experienced delays in that direction, as a rule?

A-There have been delays, but probably, I candidly admit, in some cases it has been my fault or the fault of my office as much as the fault of the Public Works De- partment. I have never had any difficulty with the Public Works Department with regard to the passing of plans.

By Mr. Shewan.-How long are plans delayed? How long is it before you get them back ?

A-I have sent plans and applications in, and they have come back in three or four days, and in other cases five or six weeks.

Q--There would be good reasons for them being five or six weeks?

A-Yes.

Q-Have you found any delay in connection with applications for land ?

A-Yes, I have sent in applications over and over again, and never had an official reply to them.

Q-You think that delay is quite unnecessary A--I do.

Q-Would you delegate some of the work to some other man in the Department ? A-In connection with applications such as I am referring to, if you had a special land surveyor, a properly qualified, experienced man to take charge of Crown land surveys and leases, I don't think a delay like those I refer to could occur.

In my opinion there ought to be a properly qualified officer with experience of land surveying and the issuing of leases, whose sole duty would be to take charge of that department. It is becoming a very important item-a very important consideration in the Colony. I don't mean a subordinate officer; I mean a good qualified man with a very handsome salary.

Q-Do you think he ought to be independent of the Director of Public Works?

A--In the matter of land surveying, I think he ought to be. In other large colonies you will find that they have a surveying department-a land department detached quite separate from the Public Works Department.

Q-Any other delays, Mr. DANBY?

A-I can't recall any just now. The principal delays have been in the matter of applications for land. In the matter of buildings, if there has been anything wrong, probably I go up and see the Director of Public Works or his assistant, or they would probably come down and see me, and it was probably a question of six of one and half a dozen of the other. But, as regards complaints, I can't say really that I have any complaints.

By the Chairman.-Have these complaints in reference to land been recent, or have they existed for some time?

A-More or less for some time.

Q-How long would you say, roughly speaking?

A-For the last three or four years.

Q-There is another point I should like to ask you about. It has been suggested that it would be a good plan for the Government to let out its large works to private firms instead of undertaking them itself. What is your view on that subject?

A—I have never expressed an opinion except to Mr. CHADWICK, when he was here years ago.

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Q-May we ask what that view was?

A-I think public works should be handed over to private practitioners here. Mr. CHADWICK knew I came out here as a qualified hydraulic engineer. I was sent out here to make all the surveys for Tytam waterworks. I have hal public work promised me by different Governors, and why should we not do it? I do not know. Most of us come out here to spend the greater portion of our lives, and we naturally take as much interest in the Colony as the Governor.

Q-You are evidently strongly of opinion that work should be given to private firms ?

A-I think so.

Q-How do you think the results would compare as far as cost is concerned ?

A-I am certain it would result to the benefit of the Government.

Q-In what way-by its being carried out more cheaply?

A-Here we have experience, and our clients have to pay for our experience. Take the Law Courts, for instance, do you mean to say there is no architect in this Colony qualified to carry out the Law Courts ?

Q-It is not a question of qualification I want to get at; but how do you think the cost would compare?

A-I think it would be to the benefit of the Government. Private practitioners. could carry it out as cheap as the Government, if not cheaper. Of course, the Govern- ment are the paymasters. You see, that would make a very great difference.

Q-You think it would be as cheap, if not cheaper? But the Government would have to pay in addition a commission. How do you think they could make up for that commission? Would you suggest a reduction of the staff of the Public Works Department, or in what way would you make up for that commission?

A-It depends on what works the Public Works Department have in hand, and whether their staff is sufficient to carry them out.

Q-Supposing the staff was sufficient to carry out such works, I presume then you would recommend that the staff be reduced?

A-A department like the Public Works Department would have to keep a regu- lar staff that would be able to tackle or take in hand any routine regular works. Supposing you were going in for a new Town Hall, you would have to get special men out for that, or, say, a new water scheme, you would have to get an extra staff out for that. Assuming Government were to lay down tramways, you would have to get a special man out for that. These are works which, I should say, with all respect, might be placed in the hands of private professional firms in the Colony.

Q-And do you think by doing so that the tax-payer would really get cheaper

work?

A-I think so.

Q-So far as engineering is concerned, do you think it would be as efficient ?

A-Yes.

Q-You have had experience of both Government and private work. you think, as a rule, Government work compares with private work?

A-As regard quality, or price, or both?

Q-Quality.

A-I don't think it is any better than private work, properly looked after.

How do

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here ?

Is there any difficulty in securing that private work is properly looked after

A-No, I don't think so. If the job is of sufficiently large extent, we get pro- perly qualified overseers and assistants.

Q-Then you have not experienced any difficulty in the matter of overseers in Hongkong?

A-Yes, with a certain class of overseers, we have. In the case of a big job we get our own special men out from home, the same as we have for Quarry Bay, and the same as we had for the Docks-not only overseers, but assistants.

Q-So far as quality of private work is concerned, it is just as good as Govern- ment work?

A-I don't think Government work is any better, as a rule, than private work.

By Colonel Brown.-Supposing you undertake a large work in connection with the Public Works Department, under what form of agreement would you work for them? I mean to say, would you prepare the whole design? Say, it was a new water supply scheme, and they handed it over to you, would you design it and work at it and carry it out?

•

A-In that case, I am assuming that some preliminary scheine has already been prepared, you get certain instructions as to the preliminary scheme, and it is left to you entirely. We instruct you to increase our water supply. Go further afield.

How would you do it? What would you suggest?" Suppose the work is entrusted to me, I would go further afield and draw up a scheme.

Q-You would take a contract?

A-I would not take a contract.

I am not a contractor; I am a civil engineer. I should have to submit a scheme to the Government giving them all particulars as to the gathering ground and the supply, submit detailed drawings along with it which the Government would forward to the Colonial Office for approval, and then, if appro- ved, supposing everything goes off smoothly, as it probably would do, go on with it.

Q-

-Then the Public Works Department would have to examine the scheme?

A-Of course, the Director of l'ublic Works would really be the head, and we should be responsible to him.

-And they would have to examine it?

A-It is just the same with similar works at home. You get a vote of money advanced for public works, and this work, although carried out by local engineers, is all done to the satisfaction of the Local Government Board.

Q-Do you think it would relieve the Director of Public Works of a good deal of

work?

A-He would be in the same position as an inspecting engineer, the same as Sir ROBERT RAWLINSON was at home. All reports and details and drawings had to be sent to him. In this case it would simply have to be the Director of Public Works. The Government must have a responsible man.

Q-Including your commission and an extra man?

A-You must have more than one extra man.

Q-Would it be cheaper?

A-I think so.

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Q-Including everything?

(162)

A-Yes. One thing, we bave a reputation to keep up, and if anything goes wrong we would be reprimanded and called over the coals for it.

Q-Do you think would

you

get the work done quicker?

A-That is another question; I think we would get it done equally as quick. If I might be allowed to say it-it is going off at a tangent, I know-if you introduced the Secret Society Ordinance here on the same lines as the Secret Society Ordinance intro- duced in Singapore, you would get the work much quicker than now. The guilds are at the bottom of all the delays, and you want nothing more than to have the guilds registered. Governments departments as well as myself have notices posted on their works, printed on red paper, with the chop of the guild on them, telling contractors not to resume that work until the original contractors have been paid so much; and they dare not do it. At Quarry Bay, we have no difficulty in getting labour now. At the beginning of last year there were only three or four hundred men working per diem, now we have got over three thousand men.

Q-Because the men are working without a contractor ?

A-Because they know they will get their money. If a contractor owed a man a dollar, the Government would not go and pay him sixty cents.

Q-Do you think there is a guild among contractors. A-There is a very strong combination.

to?

By Mr. Thurburn.-What are these regulations in Singapore that you refer

A-It is the Secret Societies Ordinance. The principal point is that there is to be no secret society of any kind without registration, and secret societies are defined in rather a broad manner.

By the Chairman. You recommend registration of Secret Societies?

A-Yes, register them, and the names of the leading men connected with them. That is all we want here now. In this case I referred to in the matter of notices, they have a private notice stuck on the wall of the building warning any other contractor from resuming or taking up that work. The notices are all the same; they have the chop of the guild on them.

By Mr. Shewan.-Have you called the attention of the Government to these notices ?

A-The attention of the Government has been called-not lately, but years before. They are proper chops--not printed. I have ascertained that these notices emanated from the head of the guild at a house somewhere behind the joss-house in Taipingshan. When I got as far as that in the matter of information, I got no further; they i.e., my informants, seemed to have an idea what I was driving at. And they all shut up.

By Mr. Thurburn.-In Singapore this registering prevents that kind of thing and they are "down" on them?

A-Mr. GOMPERTZ can you give more information on that subject than I can. All we want is that Ordinance introduced here and it will stop all these combinations. It is a very simple thing.

Q-Of course, Singapore and Hongkong are not situated exactly the same, we being so close to Canton. Do you think it would work as well here as in Singapore?

A-I don't see why it should not. These notices emanate from the guild, and they have got the chop of the guild on. might send you one to-morrow; it would be of interest to you.

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By Mr. Shewan.-You said you asked Mr. CHADWICK why private Civil En- gineers should not have this work ?

A-No, what he asked me was, did I think I could take it on. I had been in charge of a very large water-work at home, under Mr. HAWKESLEY. He asked me if I thought I could undertake the work, i.e., the Tytam Works. At that time I had only left Government service about 2 years, and I was not in a position to take up such a large work.

By Mr. Master.-Do you think that firms of architects or civil engineers at home are in as good a position to prepare plans for buildings here as architects or civil engineers on the spot?

A-I certainly do not think they are.

Q--Do you think local knowledge is of importance?

A--I certainly think it is of the very greatest importance.

Q-Do you think the Public Works Department, as at present constituted, is sufficiently manned to undertake all the public works extraordinary?

A--I do not think so; I think they are undermanned.

Q-Do you think they are only sufficiently manned for the ordinary routine business, and that large public works extraordinary coming like that, they would necessarily have to secure additional help?

A-I should not like to say that they are fully manned for the ordinary routine work, because this Colony at the present day is only in its infancy.

Q-Does that answer mean that you will certainly say that they are not sufficiently manned for extraordinary public works?

A--Of course that follows.

By the Chairman.-Have you ever had any experience, special experience, of road-making?

A-Yes, I had at home.

Q-When you were Burough Engineer in Leeds?

A-Deputy Borough Engineer.

Q-No doubt you have noticed, what every other person seems to have noticed, that the roads here at present are not in a satisfactory condition. Do you think they are in a satisfactory condition?

A-I think not.

Q-To what is that due?

A-Due to want of economy and short-sighted policy in the first instance. Take Queen's Road, for instance. During the last twelve years the money that has been thrown away on that road, had it been spent in laying down a proper macadamised or concrete road in the first instance, it would have been as good now as when it was first laid down.

Q-Can you, as a gentleman who has had experience, tell us what is the proper way of laying a macadamised road?

A-The first layer of metal is not heavy enough, and is not rolled sufficiently. They are putting down about six or seven inches, instead of having twelve or fifteen inches, well rolled with a heavy roller. The steam rollers you have here now are little more than toys.

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Q-Do you think the metal is not put on in large enough quantities?

A-And rolled sufficiently well, and for the heavy tropical rains we have here there ought to be some sand and cement or other binding material. These roads, I have no doubt, would stand all right in many country towns at home, but then at home they have not the tropical rains to contend with. We have not only to make a road to stand the traffic, which is not very heavy, not so heavy as at Shanghai for one thing, but, in addition to that, we have to provide for these heavy tropical rain-storms. The Shanghai roads would not stand the rains we have here. I had a talk with Mr. MAIN on the subject. You want a heavy road bed, and a surface which would be impervious to these heavy rains. You also require cement concrete or cement mixed up with the top layer-something that won't work into little holes. When these holes once make their appearance then they go on increasing rapidly.

By Mr. Thurburn.-On some of the roads they have been putting foundations of large stones?

A-These are what you call crossings.

Q-No, not crossings; they are putting them down on the New Praya beyond Blake Pier.

A-These are better than they did further west-much better. But what I would particularly wish to draw the attention of the Commission to is that they put down some small stones, a little sand, and then water on it, and you see the steam roller go- ing over it. Instead of that, they ought to put it down, cement and sand, and preferably cement concrete. The present surfaces of the roads are often washed away by the heavy rains.

Q-We have been told we cannot get good roads for want of foundations.

A-They can get over that by putting in small stones to fill up the voids, and

then roll it well. The steam roller you have here is only a toy.

Q-Then you don't think a foundation is essential here ?

A--I think it is essential. If they had put good foundations down ten years ago they would not have the trouble they have now.

By Mr. Shewan.-But would it not be an enormous expense?

A-That would have been repaid by now.

By the Chairman.-It has been suggested that it would be a good thing to have wood pavement here.

A I have no experience of wood pavement. In this place and in Canton, white- ants and dry-rot are very destructive. I have never heard or read of any place in the world where white-ants are so destructive as they are here.

Q-Do you think they might affect the wood pavement ?

A-I would not say that; it is an improvement that might be given a trial.

By Mr. Shewan.-Here is an opinion we have. [Quotes from Mr. TOOKER'S evidence.]

A--That is a very funny case. The concrete they are putting down to these private streets Mr. TOOKER refers to, is not the kind I refer to. The kind I refer to is proper concrete made with stones of about half an inch or three-quarters of an inch cubes.

Q-Is the material good material ?

A-As far as I see, it is very good material.

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By the Chairman. Have the roads at Shanghai foundations?

A-They have foundations. They have put in for the road bed hard burned blue brick the same as clinkers. These are put on the bottom and a kind of concrete on the top and well rolled.

Q-

-Do you think that kind of road would be the most suitable for Hongkong?

A-I think so.

By Mr. Shewan.-One witness said the roads would never be satisfactory un- less we put in foundations. Do you approve of that and hand-packing?

A-I certainly do not. The noise of traffic over it would be sufficient to con- demn it. You would not be able to talk. Property would depreciate with the great noise of the traffic.

By Mr. Master.--But they would be covered the same as they are now?

A-We have not got sufficient traffic for that.

By Mr. Sheran.-Which would you recommend-to put in this or wood pavement?

A-I am not in a position to say. It is worth while to try it.

Q-Before going in for these expensive foundations ?

A-Yes, the same as they use in the Strand.

By the Chairman.-Is there any other suggestion that you could make to the Commission which you think would be of use to it in its enquiries?

A—Yes, there is one I thought of when coming up here this afternoon.

It is a new appointment altogether. I think that, with all respect, it should come under the Public Works Department, and that is the appointment of an electrical engineer. You have not got such an officer now, and under the Tramway Ordinance certain things have to be reported or referred to an electrical expert, as representing the Government, and there is no one in the Colony qualifie for the position. Electricity in this Colony will by and by become a very important factor, we have no one here, and who should make such an appointment except the Government? Electrical tramways are not started yet, but they will be in the near future, and telephone wires, telegraphic wires, electric lighting and especially electrolyses, will all require attention, and there is no properly qualified Government official we can refer to as an expert or authority. All kinds of electric motive power will be coming to the fore in shops and manufactories, and you should have a good man well up to date in all these subjects, and, I think, he ought to be attached to the Public Works Department and work with the Director of Public Works. There is no one here who can take it up.

you

Q-Do think there would be sufficient work now for an officer of that kind, or are you referring to the immediate future?

A-I think if he came as soon as work is commenced on the tramways there will be any amount of work for him. His experience and advice would be required by, and be of great value to, the Government, not so much after completion, but during the actual construction of the work.

Q-Do you think it is possible to obtain in Hongkong a man to fill this office? A-There is no one sufficiently qualified.

By Mr. Shewan.-Are you of opinion that the means for storing and supply- ing water in this Colony are defective?

A-I am.

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Q-What means would you suggest as a remedy?

A-I think the only remedy is to go farther afield and provide more storage. Q--And that could have been done during the last few ?

A-I think so.

years

Q-Have you any idea why it was not done? Supposing money was provided, could it have been done?

A-Yes.

Q-And you can't suggest any reason why it was not done?

A-There is plenty of water here. It is principally a question of storage.

Q-Supposing you had been still in the Public Works Department, would you

have considered it part of your duty to see it done?

A-I should have considered it part of my duty to have it recommended. Q-Supposing money was voted to you, could it have been done? A--It could easily have been done.

Q-Provided there were enough men?

A-Yes.

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H. C. FISHER, P. W. D. recalled:-

The Chairman.-This is your letter,* Mr. FISHER, dated to-day, with regard to the question of the Law Courts. Some of the members of the Commission wish to ask you some questions with reference to it.

By Mr. Shewan.-The plans that were originally prepared, have they not been vitally altered?

A-No, Sir.

Q-What is the height of the Law Courts-the Supreme Court room ?

A-It will be 48 feet from floor level to the soffite of the dome.

Q-I heard, when first the plans came out here, that the height of the Law Court was so low that nobody knowing anything of the tropics would design such a room?

A-That was one of the objections that the late Mr. FRANCIS raised that the rooms were too low, but the rooms or offices on the ground floor were shewn 19 feet in height.

Are you of opinion that a man of experience who has lived in the tropics would design such a room as is sent out?

A-Yes, it is the same as the original sketch and it appears to me to be ample.

-Take any of the rooms; were they designed in such a way as nobody out here would design them?

A-No, the rooms on the ground floor were 19 feet high, the Great Court 48 feet, the Small Court and Library are each 35 feet high.

Q-Then you think that statement was untrue?

A-Quite untrue.

Appendix No. 17.

}

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J. 1122

By Mr. Master.-From that letter you have sent in, it appears that the sketches arrived in Hongkong on 29th October, 1898, and contract drawings were laid before the Legislative Council on 23rd November, 1899. Could you tell me on what approximate date the contract drawings were received in Hongkong?

A-Yes, on 10th November, 1899.

Q-Would any of that delay between the arrival of the original sketches and the contract drawings have been avoided supposing a local firm had been entrusted with the preparation of the plans?

A-In any case there would have been the transit to and fro.

Q-It is pretty nearly a year between the date of the receipt in Hongkong of the original sketches and the receipt of the contract drawing. Supposing the plans had been entrusted to a local firm to prepare, would not a year, from the time they were first entrusted to them until they were ready, be considered a pretty long time?

A-It depends on what the Government considers a long time.

Q-It doesn't matter about that; would it not be a pretty long time? A-It appears to be a long time.

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Q--Would you say a very long time?

A-No, Sir.

Q-Say for a Post Office in Hongkong; supposing you instruct a local firm to prepare original sketches to-morrow, should you expect the contract drawings to be out before this time next year?

A-Yes, if so ordered.

Q-It doesn't matter when they were ordered for-say as quickly as possible. Would a year be a reasonable time or unreasonable time?

A-It would be a long time.

By the Chairman.-I see the firm of architects in question has had experience of tropical work?

A-Mr. CHAMBERLAIN distinctly mentions it in his despatch.

By Mr. Shewan.-Have they had experience in China or Japan?

A-I cannot say.

Q-Did you notice any

serious alterations ?

A-No. [Drawings, etc., produced.]

By Colonel Brown.-This is the drawing you are to work upon ?

A-Yes.

Q--And this is the original sketch?

A--Yes.

By Mr. Thurburn.-I suppose sketches are always liable to be altered?

A-Yes. [The members of the Commission at this stage had an opportunity of examining the original sketches and comparing them with the contract drawings.]

By Mr. Shewan-What is the height of this room? [Legislative Council Chamber.]

A-I should say about 15 feet.

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Q-And the Law Court rooms are 19 feet?

A-Yes, on the ground floor.

By Mr. Master.--Can you tell me as to the foundations, how far they have progressed?

A-They are about three-fourths done. We have about 20 more piles to drive. By the Chairman.-The foundations have been a very difficult work?

A-Yes,

Q-What have the difficulties been ?

A-There is the difficulty in piling and the difficulty in obtaining timber, but the Chinese workmen are very slow.

Q-Are the foundations of a similar nature to those adjoining where Queen's Build- ings are erected?

A-No, we are using hardwood piles which are driven to the hard bottom.

By Mr. Master.-In the case of the building on the opposite side of the road where there is to be a hotel, are not the foundations of the same nature?

A-The ground is of a similar nature, but I think I am correct in stating that China fir piles have been used and that they were not driven on to the hard.

By the Chairman.-What kind of hottom is there on the site of the New Law Courts ?

A-The piles are driven on to the hard.

By Mr. Master.-And how long has it taken to complete the foundations? A-The work has been in progress over a year.

By the Chairman.--And how long have they been at the foundations of the neighbouring site ?

A-I don't know. The foundations must have been started before I came to the Colony.

By Mr. Shewan.-They would be longer, because they have not got finished yet ?

A-Yes, these foundations have been in progress ever since I have been in the Colony.

By the Chairman.-You might give the date exactly when the foundations of the Law Courts started ?

A-The contract was dated 19th July, 1900.

THE ORDERING OF CEMENT.

The Chairman.-Gentlemen, you remember at one or two of our previous meetings the question was raised as to the Crown Agents having sent out to Hongkong a certain quantity of cement without its having been ordered here, and I promised the Members of the Commission that I would have this matter thoroughly enquired into. I also stated at the time that it seemed to be a very extraordinary proceeding on the part of the Crown Agents, if it were true, and I doubted very much whether it had ever happened. The Director of l'ublic Works, at my request, has enquired into the matter, and I will read you his report.'

* Appendix No. 23.

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Mr. Shewan.-There is evidently a misunderstanding between the two Depart- ments; the one ordered and the other did not know anything about it.

The Chairman.-I do not see how there could have been any misunderstand- ing between the two Departments. Mr. ORMSBY was head of both Departments, and he ordered the cement.

Mr. Shewan.-He said he did not know anything about it.

The Chairman.-I think this instance shows how highly desirable it is that these statements regarding the Crown Agents should be thoroughly investigated.

Mr. Shewan.-But he distinctly declared that he knew nothing about it.

The Chairman.-The facts are that this cement was ordered by the Colony as these documents show, and, I think, that this is another instance of how necessary it is that such statements should be thoroughly investigated in the interests of all concerned and especially of those against whom such accusations are brought. The statement was that the Crown Agents sent out cement that was not ordered.

Mr. Shewan.-The mistake evidently arose in this way. It says here in

this letter-book that the cement should have been ordered and recorded in the books of the Praya Reclamation, and not of the Public Works Department.

The Chairman. Mr. ORMSBY, from his long experience of the Crown Agents, ought to have been thoroughly well aware that the Crown Agents are not in the habit of sending out goods that are not ordered. It is satisfactorily shown here that the goods were ordered, and that the Crown Agents only did what they were requested to do.

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J. F. BOULTON, of the Praya Reclamation Works, sworn :-

By the Chairman.-You are specially engaged at present on the Praya Reclamation Works, I think?

A-Yes.

Q-How long have you been on these works?

A-About twelve years.

Q—Did you join the Government Service specially for the purpose of being atta- ched to that work?

A-Yes.

Q-That is to say, you have been in the Government Service for twelve years altogether?

year.

A-Yes.

Q-Is the Praya Reclamation approaching completion now?

A-It is very nearly completed; I expect it will be finished by the end of this

Q-And all the roads formed?

A-Yes.

Q---How long has it taken altogether?

A--The actual work of construction was commenced about the end of 1889.

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Q-Do you think that the work, taking everything into consideration, has been carried out expeditiously?

A--It has been rather slow, I think, but that is due to the situation of the work, of course. It has been much hampered by traffic, both land traffic and water traffic.

Q-But taking these considerations into account, would you, regard it as having been carried out slowly or fairly expeditiously?

A-I think it has been carried out fairly well as regards time.

Q--Then with regard to the roads on the New Praya, are you responsible for them ?

A - Yes.

Q-Do you find they have worn well so far as they have been used?

A--They have been much disturbed by the laying of gas and water pipes, and that sort of thing. Of course, immediately after a part of the Reclamation is completed, the erection of buildings is commenced, and they want water, drain, and gas connec- tions, and so on, and that means cutting up the streets to a very great extent.

Q-Have these New Praya roads been made with foundatious or not?

A--Some of them have.

Q- Not all of them ?

A--The greater part of them are simply laid with about six inches of macadam.

Q-Where there are foundations, how have they been made?

A-About six inches of hand-packed rubble first, and six inches of macadam on the top of that.

Q-How do the two kinds of road compare, judging from your own experience?

A--I can't see much difference of surface as regards wear. Not a great deal has been laid with the rubble foundations.

Q-You have not found the road with the rubble foundation to wear better than the other road?

A-It has not been much tested. There is only the part from Pottinger Street to Ice-house Street done in that way. Since then the part opposite the Harbour Master's office has also been laid that way, but it is only newly finished, and the part between Ice-house Street and Pottinger Street has had very little traffic over it.

By Mr. Shewan.-Why was this foundation not laid in the first instance?

A--The original plan was to lav all the streets with lime concrete, and that was done in the neighbourhood of the Club. Down there all the streets are lime concrete.

Q- And has that not been done all over?

A-No, it was given up.

Q-Why was it given up?

A-It was found that it makes a very uncomfortable road when it gets a bit out of repair, and is very difficult and expensive to repair.

Q-So that the whole plan of road-making was changed?

A-Well, it was a matter of repair.

Q--So ther, the original plan was a mistake?

A-It was thought to be a mistake.

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Q--If you were making any new roads now, what would you do?

A----I should believe in good macadam rather than concrete, because it would be more easily repaired. With concrete, you have to allow it to get considerably out of repair before it pays to repair it.

Q-So it would be better to have roads with good foundations and no lime con- crete ?

A-I should think so.

Q-What was the idea of having this little foundation and lime concrete?

it supposed to be cheaper?

Was

A-There was no foundation to the lime concrete.

Q-Was that supposed to be cheaper, then?

من

A—No, it is more expensive than macadam, to begin with.

Q-Then really the person who is responsible for this lime and concrete road made a mistake?

A-I think so.

Mr. Shewan.-He provided a dearer road and a less suitable road!

By Mr. Thurburn.—I think it was put on the old Praya originally, because the Praya used to be dug out when there was a typhoon. The old Praya was maca- damised before, and that concrete was put there originally by Mr. PRICE to prevent this. Now, that bit of road between Blake Pier and Pottinger Street, supposing there is a typhoon with high tide and waves breaking over it, is it not more liable to be dug out than the other part which is concreted?

A-Yes.

By Mr. Shewan.-That would be preferable to having a road which must be very bad before it can be repaired?

A-Yes, I think so. Where the rubble bottom is under the macadam it is not very easily dug out by the waves. As a matter of fact, a part of the macadam was washed away, but the hand-packed rubble was left.

By Mr. Master.-Have you had any experience of road-making?

A-Yes.

Q-Do you think wood pavement would be a good thing here?

A-I should think it would.

Q-Would you prefer it yourself to macadam or concrete ?

A-Yes.

By Mr. Shewan.-It would probably be still more expensive ?

A-It would last very well, I think, if it was not disturbed, but there are always so many pipes being laid down. If all these pipes were in sub-ways and could be got at without disturbing the road, then I should think that, in a busy road like Queen's Road, it would be very suitable.

By the Chairman. Do you think it would be likely to suffer from white- ants ?

A—I don't think they would have anything to do with it, owing to the constant traffic.

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Q-And the constant vibration ?

A-Yes.

could make to the Com-

Q-Is there any other suggestion, Mr. BOULTON, that you mission which would be of use to it in its enquiries-so far as your own work or the department generally is concerned ?

A-Unfortunately I am not very well acquainted with the general working of the

Department.

Q-And your own special work is approaching completion ?

A-Yes.

J. R. MUDIE, of the Praya Reclamation Works, sworn:-

By the Chairman.-You are specially engaged on the Praya Reclamation Works?

A-1 am,

Sir.

Q-How long have you been engaged on them?

A-About ten years.

Q--Did you join the Public Works Department about ten years ago?

A-About twelve and a half years ago.

Q-So that you were engaged in the general work of the Department before you were seconded for duty on the Reclamation works?

A-That is so.

Q-I understand they are nearing completion?

A-Yes.

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due ?

Q-Have you had practical experience of road-making?

A-Yes.

Q-To what, in your opinion, is the present unsatisfactory condition of the roads

A-I think the method lately adopted will turn out satisfactory-that is to put a bottoming in, with ample surfacing. That, in time, will prove entirely satisfactory, I

am sure.

Q-Do you think it is necessary to have a good foundation?

A--Most distinctly; that prevails at home, and it should prevail here.

By Mr. Master.--You mean hand-packing?

A-Yes, hand-packing-or pitching, they call it.

By the Chairman.-By adopting this method good roads can be made?

A-I think so.

By Mr. Shewan.-What depth of macadam?

A-Six inches of hand-packed rubble and six inches of metal.

Q-By the foriner system you had about three ?

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A-That is so. Of course, it accumulated in time as the roads wore down and were repaired again.

By Colonel Brown.-The roads on the Praya Reclamation, are they not partly without foundation and partly with?

A-The earlier sections were covered with lime concrete, but after Mr. ORMSBY came, he introduced the system of bottoming and surfacing with macadam.

Q-Are there not some without bottom at all?

A-I think not.

Q--We have just heard from the other witness that a part had simply broken stone and blinding?

A-That is so; Des Voeux Road has only six inches of metal on a portion of it. The greater part of this road is old and was consolidated before being re-made.

By the Chairman.-Do you think that the new Reclamation roads will prove satisfactory?

A-They will, I am sure. Of course, they are all new roads, and they want time to get thoroughly set. As we all know, the ground there is gradually subsiding, and may subside for years to come.

Q―That is a difficulty, of course ?

A-It is. The surface must be brought up every two or three years.

By Mr. Shewan.-You could not improve Queen's Road with this system without taking it all up?

A—I am not aware that it would be necessary to do Queen's Road. a bed of material on it that it wants surfacing only.

There is such

By the Chairman.--How do you account for Queen's Road being so uneven? Work has been going on there for months, metalling and re-metalling, and still it is unsatisfactory.

A-I think there has been too much done in these two or three months. The steam roller has been called upon to do twice the work it possibly could do satisfacto- rily, and I am sure, if the roads had been sufficiently rolle 1, and a little more discrimi- nation shown in the blinding, they would have been better. By putting on a much thinner coating of blinding, the roads would be better than they are. The roads were too rapidly inade, and the heavy rain showed this, as well as the excess and unsuit- ability of the blinding.

Q-Do you think there has been too much put on?

A--Yes, and the blinding is not the material it should be.

Q-What blinding would you suggest

A-The screenings of the metal are used at home, and there is nothing better. Here they use earth, practically.

Q--You think they ought to have more satisfactory blinding here?

A-That is so.

Q-Composed, you say, of the screenings?

A-Yes.

By Mr. Shewan.--You say the steam roller has had too much to do?

A-Yes.

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Q-A previous witness called it a mere toy for the work it has to do?

A-I presume he meant that it required thre? of the same class. At home they stick to the 15-ton roller as the most suitable. Anything heavier does not do the work any better and endangers water, gas and other pipes.

Q-You think we ought to have more, then?

A-Yes, certainly.

Q-How many?

A-Perhaps two more would be sufficient, making in all three, and I think it is generally accepted that the medium size (they are generally made of 10, 15, and 20 tons weight) would be considered the most satisfactory. It takes longer time to do the same work, but it does the work better.

NINTH MEETING.

COUNCIL CHAMBER,

Thursday, 13th March, 1902.

PRESENT:

The Honourable J. H. STEWART LOCKHART, C.M.G., (Chairman).

The Honourable JonN THURBURN,

Colonel L. F. BROWN, R.E.

ROBERT GORDON SHEWAN, Esq.

G. C. C. MASTER, Esq.

E. D. C. WOLFE, Esq., (Secretary).

་

OSBERT CHADWICK, sworn:--

By the Chairman.-Mr. CHADWICK, you have visited this Colony, I think, on three separate occasions?

A-This is the third occasion.

Q-How long ago is it since you were last here ?

A-I left in August, 1890.

Q--And, on each occasion, you have been sent out by the Secretary of State for the Colonies as an expert to report on the sanitation of the Colony?

A--During my first visit, I was here entirely for that purpose, and then I had no executive work to do-no actual designing work. On the second occasion. the principal object of my coming out was to arrange for the completion of the water works. It came about that Sir ROBERT RAWLINSON, who was Consulting Engineer, was asked to come out and see to the completion of the Taitam works. He was unable to do s?, and I was sent out in lieu of him and, on that occasion, I came out specially for the water-supply. When I arrived here, it appeared that sewerage scheme had been made out, and I was asked to report on it. Just now, I have been sent out to inquire into the general sanitary conditions. I was made member of the Sanitary Board and of the Executive Council, and I reported on sundry sanitary matters including sewerage.

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Q-A Commission, consisting of the gentlemen you see here present, has been appointed by the Governor to inquire into the efficiency of the staff of the Public Works Department. The members of the Commission would like to know whether, from the knowledge you have gained since you have arrive here this time, you think the staff, generally speaking, is sufficient in view of the growth of the Colony since you were last here?

A--I should say it is not. I speak chiefly from what I know of the Water and Drainage department, and in others also from what I have gathered since I have been here. I have been more in contact with the Water and Drainage department. I have also consulted with the Director of Public Works, and I should certainly say that the Engineering staff is not sufficient, and they have been undermanned for many years past, and in many cases they have not been able to do what ought to have been done.

Q--So that, generally speaking, you consider that the Department is undermanned?

A-I think so.

By Mr. Shewan.-Is there any particular branch of the Department that is undermanned?

Witness. I can hardly say. I certainly think the Water and Drainage is, and I believe that other Departments are too. Of course, I cannot speak with equal au- thority, as I have as yet had nothing to do with any other.

By the Chairman.-But you are strongly of that opinion with regard to the Water and Drainage ?

A-I am strongly of that opinion, and it has been undermanned for a great many years past. A great many things should have been done that have not been done, be- cause they have not had men to do them. As an instance, there is not a decent survey

That was so when I was here twenty years ago, and it is so now.

of the town.

By Mr. Master.-Can you mention other things? You say there are many things.

A--I find a good many records are in arrear and have been for some years past, so far as I can see. This is generally speaking. The survey work is very nach behind time--work that ought to have been done twenty years ago. The only map of the island is one on a small scale by COLLINSON. It has never been kept up to date. The town map is an old compilation. It is not a modern survey, on scientific principles. There has never been a proper survey of this town. A man has measured a plot of land here and a plot of land there, but there has never been any scientific survey of Hongkong.

By the Chairman.-With regard to the question of water, as you are awar, we are on short commons at present-the supply being an intermittent one.

You are well acquainted with the water requirements of this Colony, having come out here specially to report on this matter in connection with your first visit?

A-It came within the scope of my first visit, and so well convinced of the necessity was I, that, before the publication of my Report, I wrote a special letter, sent through the Crown Agents, to the Secretary of State for the Colonies, that one thing I was certain of was that more water was required and that the Taitam scheme was the right one to carry out.

After that, I had nothing more to say to the matter, as it passed int> Sir ROBERT RAWLINSON'S hands.

--The Taitam scheme has been carried out, and still we are behind our require- ments. What would you recommend in order that we should get ahead of our require- ments ?

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A-I am not quite prepared to give a final and definite opinion on that point at present. My impression at the present moment is that it would not be desirable to increase the storage within the Taitam present gathering-ground, for this simple reason that the reservoir never got full last year. Therefore, it is no use increasing the Taitam Reservoir if it is not to get full in years of drought unless you increase it to such an enormous extent that you can carry forward stock from one year to another, and it seems to me, therefore, that the best thing to consider at the present moment is whether you could not put a reservoir lower down the Taitam Valley, nearer to the sea, or as close to the sea as engineering will admit. I say increase your gathering- ground as much again. Yon would have to pump the water.

Q-And do you think that would be the best plan?

A-I think after going fully into the statistics, that, at the present moment, that is the thing to do, and it is the only way you can get something approaching to finality. You will remember that almost all the drainage areas in the other parts of the Island have the best of them-been granted on long leases to private owners. There is Quarry Bay and Aberdeen. Of course, they could be resumed for a sum of money, but that would be very considerable and you would probably put a stop to some more or less important industries in the Colony. The others are not favourably situated for the construction of reservoirs.

Q-Have you had time to consider the question of bringing water across from the New Territory?

A-I think it can be done, of course, either by a bridge or by a submerged pipe. Such things have been done, but I am not quite sure that the New Territory will give very much more water than it wants for itself in the future. If you glance at the map, you will see that there is not a very vast tract of country between the ridges of hills and the foreshore.

Q-And do you think it would be possible to construct reservoirs on that side which would furnish such a quantity of water as would meet all future requirements of the Island proper?

A--I think that by developing Taitam, you could get as much as would keep you out of want for a long time, but nobody can tell what the population will be in ten years, because it does not grow by increase of births over deaths. The question of what the population will be, depends on the extent to which you open up sites for houses, and I am bound to say that, as regards the water question, if the population goes on increas- ing as it has done-supposing they carry out that eastern scheme of reclamation—you will be in a very difficult position.

Q-We have had it in evidence given before the Commission that a great difficulty exists at the present time, owing to the fact that, whilst the supply is intermittent, our pipes have been made for a constant supply and not an intermittent supply. Would that be difficult to overcome?

A—There will be difficulties, no doubt. I have devised a plan by which an intermit- tent supply would be facilitated and the evils thereof mitigated. It will be at least five- years before works can be completed that would do away with the occasional necessity for an intermittent supply. The best way of restricting consumption in times of scarcity would be to shut off all houses that are not provided with meters.

Q-That brings us to the question of the water being laid on to houses. We have it in evidence that there is a great deal of waste owing to the water being laid on to Chinese houses. What would you suggest as a remedy for that? One remedy suggest- ed is to take it out of Chinese houses, but, apart from that drastic remedy, is there any other you could suggest

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A-When I was here in 1889-90, I drew up a Water Ordinance. That Water Ordinance was considered by the Sanitary Board and approved-I believe almost un- animously and was further approved by the Executive Council. It was then laid by them before the Legislative Council, of course in the usual manner, and certain clauses were objected to by the unofficial members. That is to say, there were clauses in that original Ordinance by which every house was to have a meter and that is, in my opi- nion, the only remedy for waste. These clauses were entirely objected to by the unofficial members. They said it was too much trouble and that the landlords could not look after the people. Consequently, and, I regret to say, on my advice, the Gov- ernor withdrew it and directed me to revise it. I did so and put in certain clauses which I thought would bring about the desired end, without having universal meters. I had not much time to do it in-only about ten days for re-drafting and passing. However, I believe that if these provisions for repression of waste had been strenuously enforced, there would have been very much less consumption. That they would have effected a reduction, is shown in Mr. COOPER's reports. I cannot find that they have ever been applied since then.

Q-And do you think there is any reason why they should not now introduce these meters into each house?

A-The only objection is the prime cost of the meters. This, however, is an in- terest-bearing asset, for a meter rent is paid by the householder covering interest, sinking-fund and maintenance. But before I did that, that would involve the altering of the Act, and I should see what could be done by applying the existing Act, as it stands.

Q-And your impression is, that that Act has not been applied strenuously?

A-No. Experimental attempts have been made. I see them mentioned in Mr. COOPER's reports.

Of course, lately I have not troubled my mind very much about them.

Q-Then is it your opinion that these clauses dealing with check of consumption have not been worked strenuously?

A-Not strenuously. I understand that nothing has been done owing to the want of Inspectors to do it. I have been analysing the returns of water and I am cer- tain that there is a good deal of waste. Let me tell you, that I don't suppose the Chi- nese are any worse wasters than the Europeans, The Chinese are supposed to look after their taps, and how many Europeans look after their servants? Nowadays, the Peak houses have all got meters and, on the Kowloon side, no water goes into any house without a meter.

Q-You, Mr. CHADWICK, have had great experience in various other parts of the world. How does the water rate here compare with other parts?

A-What is the rate here?

Q-Twenty-five cents a foot.

A-Twenty-five cents--five pence-is quite cheap. That is, the extra rate. I think it is very cheap. It is a ridiculously low price. In England, I should certainly not, in a case like this, sell water one penny under a shilling per thousand. In most water-works we look to getting a shilling a thousand and a total revenue equal to one shilling per thousand gallons pumped and delivered, and roughly speaking, to make a profit. Our expense of distribution and pumping will come to sixpence and you can put the other sixpence aside for dividend.

Q-So that, it would not be excessive if the rate were doubled?

A-No. I give you the instance of Malta. They have there an ascending scale. Water not exceeding three gallons a day is gratis; for the next three gallons they have to pay a rate of one shilling, the next three one and sixpence, the next three two

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shillings, and the next three two shillings and sixpence, and so on.

That is what we adopted there in order to prevent extravagance. We think a household that used twenty-seven gallons per head per day must be doing something with the water that it was not intended for.

-Do you think it would be a good thing here to introduce a differential rate to check extravagance ?

A-Certainly, I think so. You could have an ascending scale. You need not go on Malta's rate. In fact, in Malta, they would.not have got the first three gallons at all, but it was a prescriptive right they had from time immemorial. There were no house rates, and no taxes. Nothing we could go upon but this and it was considered that the Grand Master who made the old original water-works had provided a supply that amounted to about three gallons per day per head of population. It was not fixed on any sanitary basis.

By Mr. Thurburn.-I am living in a house with three other men and our surplus comes to twenty-five cents per month. The free supply here is quite enough, I think, to give people what they want.

A-The free supply-fifteen gallons per head per day-is quite enough.

[In answer to a question by Mr. SHEWAN, witness said: -I think you ought always to have a gratis allowance or minimum consumption, otherwise landlords will put the people on short rations when there is no need for them to be so.]

Q-Don't you think our system is inequitable?

A-The only equitable system is the meter system. You must however either allow something gratis or else have a minimum payment.

Q-We could always depend on getting money for our water. It will always be

wanted.

As to these

A-It will always be wanted, but the meter system is the right one. details, they affect Europeans more than they affect the Chinese, but a mere handful of Europeans won't do much harm. Probably, the minimum allowance is too great. I take it that two-thirds or even three-fourths of the Peak population are Chinese.

The Chairman.-So far as we know, the bulk of the population at the Peak is Chinese.

A-Well, 25 cents to cover all Mr. THURBURN'S. coolies, etc., is very little. There must be extravagant use of water, because these coolies, whatever they may be, don't use 15 gallons per day. He himself and the other members of the mess may use perhaps thirty gallons, but the Chinese coolies can't use it, if they try.

By Mr. Thurburn.-There is the other way of taking the water out of Chi- nese houses in the town altogether and making them go to the street hydrants.

A-Well, I am not quite sure about the equity of that. The Chinese pay rates, and I don't quite see why they should not enjoy a water-supply like other people. They have been admitted to general rights like other people. They pay rates and I think pay taxes like other people and, unless you allow them a reasonable amount of water, how are they to be kept clean?

By Mr. Shewan.-If you take it out of the houses, you could give them the option of having a meter, or else using the street hydrants?

A-That would meet the case very well. Landlords can't be troubled going to sec after the water. I am sorry that the original Bill did not pass. I have a copy of my original draft somewhere.

By Mr. Thurburn.-In the poorer districts of a large town at Home, is the hydrant system carried out, or is the water laid on to the houses, as a rule?

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A-In London, they have a universal service without control. They have no meters for domestic supply. The water is in all poor houses. It is admitted in evid- ence that the waste is very large.

By Mr. Master. Is it your opinion, having regard to our present source of supply, that we should practically be with an intermittent supply all the year round? For instance, during the summer months the supply is constant until November and then we are put on intermittent supply.

A-It is better to begin restricting in September. The Water Authority ought to know how much he has got in stock and a little experience should show him how long it will last. If it appears to be short, he should at once begin to make restrictions, either by intermittent supply or otherwise. It would be far better to begin restricting when everything is moist than to wait till this time of the year when everything is dried up.

Q-I understand that Taitam was never full this last year, but if they had given us an intermittent supply during the last summe", would it not have filled?

A-If the restrictions had begun in October, we should not be in such straits as we are now. I have just been going over the figures and see that a very fair supply has been given up till the beginning of the year. I think that was a very great mis- take. Looking back to the time when Mr. COOPER was here, he always cut the supply short in good time and then, if rain did come in the interim! he resorted to his full supply again.

By the Chairman.-There are times, according to Mr. CHATHAM's evidence, when the Taitam reservoir overflows. He says it has not overflowed on two occasions only.

A-It is true that it does not overflow every year, but as it is large enough to store all the water in a dry year it will therefore be of little use increasing the storage, unless you make it sufficiently large to carry over a store from one year to another in which case the reservoir would have to be enormous.

Q--Would that not be possible?

A-It may be, but I would not like to say how much..

Q-But you might have to make another reservoir as big as Taitam to supple- ment a bad year with a good year. At present, all we attempt to do is to equalise one year's supply.

By Mr. Master.-Do you think it would be any use making reservoirs above Taitam so that they would be filled before Taitam?

A-Unless you make these reservoirs big enough to contain enough to bring for- ward from season to season, it is not much use.

Q-There are gullies above Taitam, across which dams-I am speaking entirely unprofessionally-could be constructed, the result being that water could be backed high up in the hills, and in addition to the water in Taitam, there could be so many millions more stored above.

A-Unless you have a reserve to draw upon in the event of a bal year you can only take each year by itself. You get in so much rain and give out so much. Then there comes a big year of rain, if you want to do any good, you must take the surplus of that year to carry forward to the next, but what I contend is this, that you will require a very large reservoir indeed because, all the time that that water is lying more or less in stock, it is losing by evaporation and soakage into the ground as no reservoir is ab- solutely water-tight. It is thought in India, where they are dependent on reservoirs, that they want two years' store. I don't suppose that Taitam holds more than 200 days' supply, and that is about sufficient to equalize a bad year.

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By Mr. Thurburn.-The one below, it seems to me, would be a valuable one because even although it does not actually hold as much as Taitam, there is a stream, even at this time of the year, and there is always one running, be the weather ever so dry for ever so long.

A—I suggested that it should be put well into the valley so as to get a still larger gathering-ground.

By Mr. Master.-Having regard to this, do you think any steps could be taken with regard to the flushing of drains by sea-water?

One of the

A-I think the time is at hand when sea-water will have to be used for the flush- ing of drains. The drains are working well just now. One of the principal sources of obstruction are the Banyan trees. One of the inspectors came to me this morn- ing with a root that long-(two feet). One of these banyan trees had pushed through the drain. If there is the slightest moisture they will grow. I know myself that else- where I have had to take out the drain and put in iron pipes very frequently.

By the Chairman.--But even with the long drought we have had, do you find the drains satisfactory?

A-I think they seem to be fairly satisfactory. There doesn't seem to be more inconvenience than has come to my notice at other times.

Q--But still you think it will be necessary to consider the necessity of flushing with sea-water?

A-I don't think it is necessary just now, but it will have to be kept in view. That is, if the population is to increase on account of the reclamation at the east end, it will have to be considered.

By Mr. Thurburn.-Do you think the separate system has been a success? There has been a good deal said against it in the newspapers and elsewhere.

A-I will say this that if called upon I would do the same again. It was always attributed to Mr. COOPER that he was the cause of the separate drainage system. Mr. COOPER certainly made a design but I sanctioned it and I am responsible. I saw it in the papers that Mr. COOPER introduced it. He made the first scheme and I am quite responsible for its introduction, but I would not hesitate to do it again on the same principle.

By Mr. Shewan.-I always understood you introduced the separate system but Mr. COOPER did not carry it out fully-did not introduce the flushing properly which was part of your scheme. I understand that it is part of the scheme-the most important part that you must flush them?

A--I believe there is an abundance of flushing tanks. I have seen a list of them.

By the Chairman.-It is very interesting to have Mr. CHADWICK's views, but this is outside our enquiry. We shall have the benefit of his views on that matter in a report with which he will furnish Government.

Witness. I introduced it elsewhere, in Kingston in Jamaica, which is another tropical place. I have no reason to regret having introduced it there, and I think the Governor will also say the same thing. He was there while it was constructed and after it was opened; in fact, he opened the works.

By Colonel Brown.-I might ask you, if the collecting area was limited, would the population of the Island be also limited ?

A-I think so

What I have always urged in this place is that the water-supply is necessarily limited. We have no glaciers, or mountains or lakes to fall back upon and therefore care must be taken. The area of Hongkong is small and the number of places is limited.

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By the Chairman. -Of course, you intend to make yourself acquainted with the New Territory?

A-Yes. I intend to look round and see what suggestions should be made. Cer- tainly a reservoir ought to be made.

Q-Would it be possible to condense water for drinking and domestic purposes?

A-The cost. of coal would be prohibitive. The best condensing apparatus is said to give 40 tons of water per ton of coal consumed. That is to say, a ton of coal, costing a pound, would provide about nine thousand gallons. I must, however, say that I have never yet seen a condensing apparatus that yielded anything like 40 tons of water per ton of coal.

By the Chairman.—There is another point on which the Commission would. like to have the benefit of your opinion, and that is whether you think it is advisable that Government work should be given out to private firms ?

A—Well, I have thought about that. I must say I don't think it is advisable for various reasons.

One reason is that the Government must have a scientific adviser. It is very discouraging to a Director of Public Works or an Engineer to have all the interesting work taken out of his hands, and to be left with nothing but the mainten - ance of roads and white-washing. And again, in the present instance, the work has been given to Messrs. DENISON, RAM & GIBBS mainly because Mr. GIBBS was an old and trusted public servant. In general, there would be great difficulty in selecting the firm to whom any given work was to be allotted.

vants.

By Mr. Shewan. The bulk of the architects here are old Government ser-

A--The Government does not pay, and does not give sufficient prospects.

By the Chairman.-In this case, Mr. GIBBS was connected with the scheme. at its initiation. The Government could not carry it out as the staff of the Public Works Department was insufficient.

A—But I think the arrangement seems to me very objectionable because the Di- rector of Public Works is still held responsible.

Q-Then, as to the question of efficiency and cheapness, do you think that the giving out of work to a private firm would tend to get as good and as cheap work for the Government?

A-I don't think it would give you either as good or as cheap work. It might in some instances, such as buildings, but certainly work like this at Kowloon, which will have to be done in the very best style, I don't think the giving of it to a private firm will secure any better work. In addition to the honorarium the Government has to pay to the firm, they have to find the necessary inspection, so that that makes it somewhat more dear. And, I must say, that this class of work, in my opinion, ought not to be done by contract. I would not do it by contract if I could help it.

help it. I consider the work is far too delicate. It requires too great attention and if you are going to get it done properly you must have almost night and day inspection.

By Mr. Shewan.-Are these works at Home done under contract?

A-Many works are not now. The new Birmingham Reservoirs are now being carried out departmentally and not by contract. Mr. MANSERGH, the Engineer, would not undertake the responsibility of carrying them out by contract.

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Q-Everyone would think he had a right to a share of the work?

A-It would amount to the appointment of one firm as engineers to the Govern- ment, and everytime you give out something there would be dissatisfaction among the other architects, they feeling that they had a right to share in the work.

work.

Q-In the case of buildings, they would be asked to tender?

A-Yes, but you would get tenders so low that they could not possibly do the

By the Chairman.-Who would be judge, supposing we had competitive de- signs? How would you arrange for that?

A-Either the Director of Public Works or somebody would have to do it. Either that or send it Home to a Consulting Engineer. You would have to get somebody to guide the Government in that matter.

Q-I gather from what you say that you are of opinion that G wernment ought to do its own work?

A-I certainly think so. I have done Government work in various other parts of the world and I have never had any complaint.

Q-There is another point, Mr. CHADWICK, that has been brought up in evidence, and that is with regard to the Crown Agent system. It has been suggested that per- haps the Government could arrange terms better than those given by the Crown Agents. Have you had experience of the Crown Agents?

A-I have worked hand in hand with them now for twenty-six years, almost exclusively.

Q-And what is your opinion of the system?

A-On the whole, I think their system is exceedingly good. The occasions on which I have had to complain are very rare. I have always found them provide mate- rials of excellent quality at very reasonable prices.

Q-It has been suggested that, instead of having the Crown Agent system for the Colonies, it would be better to deal directly with manufacturers and shippers ?

A-You would require to have some one to do it for you. Every time you wanted something you could not go to the Director of Public Works. The Crown Agents have inspectors--trusted inspectors—and they inspect all the goods and, gene- rally speaking, they are very good. The system is satisfactory. I might explain what it is. The Crown Agents are appointed by the Secretary of State and their salarie are fixed. They are not paid out of the Imperial funds at all. These salaries are recovered by the percentages which are also fixed by the Secretary of State on the cost of every order and any balance there is above the salaries sanctioned is credited to an Imperial fund to provide for pensions. And I may say that, out of the percentages, they have to find their own staff.

By Mr. Shewan.-Have they special advisers too?

A-They have advisers for every

Q-Who pays for them?

branch.

A-I think that is charged to the Colony.

Q - Do you think they are fit and proper persons to be entrusted with floating a loan for this Colony? I suppose you know, Mr. CHADWICK, they did not give much satisfaction to the Colony years ago, Do you remember the question of exchange when they floated it in gold ?

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The Chairman.-It was decided locally that the loan was to be a gold loan. The Crown Agents had nothing to do with that. So far as the floating of the loan was concerned, it was very successful.

By Mr. Shewan.-Do you think they are well enough connected in the bank- ing world to settle a loan?

A-I should say so, but I have never been in contact with them financially.. Q-It was in the papers the other day about a loan floated for Ceylon. That appears to be unsatisfactory too.

The Chairman.-I observe that that was flatly contradicted in the House of Commons. Some one stated it was impossible to procure forms from the Crown Agents in time to apply for a share of the loan. It was shown that that statement was incor- rect and that applicants had been afforded every opportunity of procuring forms. It is not at all an uncommon thing for the Crown Agents to be abused. I have heard such abuses frequently during my service of twenty-two years, but, in every instance where it has been possible to investigate an accusation, the Crown Agents have always come out on the right side. As regards floating loans, I am not able to speak with au- thority but I feel sure that the Secretary of State for the Colonies would not entrust anybody with the floating of a loan if he did not think them competent to discharge such an important and responsible duty.

A-I think that local loans would be better raised locally than at Home, but whether that is the fault of the Crown Agents or of the Colony, I cannot tell. The Crown Agents are instructed by the Secretary of State as to how to raise the loan.

•

By the Chairman.-So far as our loan is concerned, they got us very good

terms.

Mr. Shewan.-There is no proof that we could not have got better.

The Chairman.-Perhaps we might have got worse.

Witness. They give guarantees, and each Agent is bound in a large sum.

Q-Do you understand whether they have experience and training to go in for the raising of loans?

A-I cannot say, I have never dealt with them financially.

By the Chairman.-Have you in the course of your varied experience, had any practical experience of making roads?

A-A little, but it is not my speciality.

Q-A good deal of attention has been paid to our roads lately with a view to get- ting them into a satisfactory condition, and I should like to ask whether you coul! give us any opinion on that subject ?

A--I have not gone deeply into the subject but, as a general matter of principle, I have always found that ashphalt has done very well for roads. At Malta, the re- pairs have been nominal for years past.

Q-It has been suggested that we might try wood pavement here?

A-I think it would do. Of course, as you have got no horse traffic here, it would be free from the objection that it gets saturated with urine and horse dung, and it would be worthy of consideration.

By Mr. Master.-Could we not try some new system by which the roads would not need to be turned up every week?

A-I should not do that until we attained some degree of finality.

Q--Could there not be some sort of tunnel constructed in which pipes could be got at easily?

A--In Malta arrangements were made which were, I believe, successful.

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By the Chairman.-Can the taking up of roads for pipes be avoided?

A-If things are done well, it is seldom that the roads require to be taken up. In London, it is not often that you see repairs being done to the pipes. It is gener- ally some new thing that causes the road to be taken up. I should say set to work at ouce. I think the thing is worth considering. I should put in some pieces of this wood blocking to test it. The ashphalt has worn well in Malta and I should say that, if you get the right class, it would do as well here. There was great alarm when it was first put down in Malta but it is there to-day. I forget when it was put down- in 1887 I should think.

Q--Of course it would not be washed away by heavy rains?

A-It would not wash away; you would have the street cleaned, etc.

Q-Are there any questions members of the Commission would like to ask Mr. CHADWICK on any other point?

Witness. I would like to point out in connection with the Water and Drainage department that, when I was here before, that department was a separate departinent and was under Mr. COOPER, and he was responsible to the Government.

He was not under the control of the Director of Public Works.

By the Chairman.-When Mr. COOPER was appointed Director of Public Works, the departments were not separated?

A-I don't know what has been done recently. but, of course, when Mr. COOPER was appinted Director of Public Works, I was referred to at Home whether I considered it would be possible and suitable for him to carry on that department and to hold the appointment of Director of Public Works. I said I thought it could be done, and Mr. COOPER became Director of Public Works, but I added a rider to my recommendation that the departments should be kept separate, although under one head, that Mr. Cooper should be Director of Public Works and Resident Engineer of the Water and Drainage Department but that the offices should be kept separate so that, in the event of Mr. COOPER's leaving and somebody else getting the appointment of Director of Public Works who was not acquainted with water and drainage matters, the offices could be again separated.

By Mr. Shewan.-Are you satisfied with the way in which your recommend- ations have been carried out, Mr. CHADWICK?

A-I should say so. With the exception of these detail matters, the work has been well done I have no reason to believe it has not been well done. Of course, you must remember that I have had but very little official communication with Hong- kong since Mr. COOPER was made Director of Public Works.

By the Chairman.-You brought up the question of the Water aud Drain- age department. Do you still adhere to your former opinion that it would be well to separate it from the Public Works Department?

A-I think so. They are much better away from the Director of Public Works, because the Director of Public Works may not be a specialist in these matters.

Q-I was looking over the correspondence to-day on that very point and I notice in the despatch sent home that it pointed out one difficulty. The Director of Public Works is in charge of the roads. The Water and Drainage Authority may want to pull the roads up, whilst the Director of Public Works wants to lay them down. If you have one Department will it not be more convenient and less expensive ?

A-I don't know. You have this same thing in England.

in England. The water company has merely to give notice to the surveyor and there is no trouble. I worked in the same independent way in Malta and it was no trouble. That was the argument of Mr. BROWN, who was always bringing that up.

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Q-Has it not worked well under the other system? Mr. COOPER was the head of the Public Works Department and also had the water and drains under him?

A-I have no doubt the thing worked very well as long as Mr. CoOPER was there, but I gather that he was succeeded by one who had no experience of water and drain- age. I don't know, of course, but am judging from the reports.

Q-Do you think there should be an expert at the head of the water and drainage who would be under the Public Works Department, or do you think that the Public Works Department and Water and Drainage should be separate departments?

A-I think they should be separate and distinct departments and, if under any department, that should really be the Sanitary Board. I am not prepared to say why or how that should be carried out, but the heads may be very willing to co-operate.

Q-But would you not then have the head of the Water and Drainage department under the Sanitary Board?

A-I think in some ways it would be a good thing, and you can see there is a certain division of authority at the present time. You might ask why were not more timely steps taken to intermit the supply? At least if you had one head of the water and drainage alone, you would know whom to drop on.

Q-Do you regard the present Director of Public Works as competent to direct the Water and Drainage Department?

A--I have very little acquaintance with him, but, as far as I understand, he has never had much to do even under Mr. COOPER with the water and drainage department. He has always been on some other branch. My acquaintance with him dates from my arrival this time, although he actually arrived in the Colony while I was here before.

TENTH MEETING.

COUNCIL CHAMBER,

Tuesday, 18th March, 1902.

PRESENT:

The Honourable J. H. STEWART LOCKHART, C.M.G., (hairman).

The Honourable JON THURBURN.

Colonel L. F. BROWN, R.E.

ROBERT GORDON SHEWAN, Esq.

E. D. C. WOLFE, I sq., (Secretary).

G. C. C. MASTER, Esq.

ABSENT:

W. CHATHAM, re-called and sworn :-

The Chairman.-Mr. CHATHAM, the Commission have re-called you as they wish to ask you a few questions in view of the evidence they have already taken, and also to offer you an opportunity of giving them any further information that may have occurred to you since you were last before them. With regard to the staff, Mr. CHAT- HAM, I observe that, in your previous evidence, you stated that, if you had a staff

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consisting of an Assistant Director of Public Works, five executive engineers and nine Assistant Engineers, so far as that portion of your staff was concerned, that would be sufficient?

A-I believe it would.

2293 Q-Do you think that staff would be sufficient to enable you to carry out all work-ordinary and extraordinary-such as appears in the Estimates this year ?

2300

A--I do not, of course, include the Kowloon Water-works which are in the hands of Messrs. DENNISON, RAM & GIBBS.

Q-Of course these works have been given to a private firm to carry out, but under your supervision. Is that not so ?

A- Yes.

Q-But, putting that aside, do you consider that the staff would be sufficient to enable you to carry out the works as laid down in the Estimates this year?

A-That is my opinion. I should like to say, however, that I do not include in the five Executive Engineers the two Engineers at present engaged on the Praya Re- clamation works.

Q-I understand that these two Engineers, when the works are finished, would be no longer required for that work?

A--That is so.

Q--We have gone into the question of roads, and we have it in evidence that it is the opinion of some of the witnesses-Mr. TOOKER particularly-that for roads the ad- dition of another Assistant Engineer and another European Overseer are necessary in order to bring the staff dealing with roads up to the proper state of sufficiency. Is that your opinion?

A-In the number of staff I have stated, I have included one Assistant Engineer for maintenance work generally of roads and buildings and similar work, and I think that one additional Overseer should be appointed for looking after the roads in the City. They have increased very largely within the last few years, and it is getting beyond the scope of one man to look after them properly.

Q -Do you recommend the addition of one European overseer?

A-Yes, one for roads in the City.

Q-We have had it in evidence with regard to telegraphs and telephones that it is considered desirable that one Overseer should devote his time and attention to that work alone?

A--I certainly agree with that.

Q-That would mean the employment of an additional Overseer for roals, leaving the present Overseer to look after the telegraphs and telephones?

A-It would be more correct to put it the other way because Mr. FARRELL is sim- ply a temporary man during Mr. DOUGHERTY's absence.

Q-But, leaving out the personal element, do you consider that, so far as telegraphs and telephones are concerned, an European Overseer should look after them and nothing else, and with regard to roads do you consider an Assistant Engineer should see to their maintenance generally?

A-There should be an European Overseer for telephone work only.

Q-What about the roads outside the City?

A-If the Overseer is relieved of looking after the telephone service he ought to be able to look after the roads outside the City.

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Q-As regards the Cemetery, I asked Mr. TOOKER whether it would not be pos- sible to arrange for all the tombs in the Cemetery to be kept in proper order by the Government in view of the shifting nature of the population which renders it impossible for people themselves to look after the tombs, and renders it necessary for them to ask friends to do so. Their friends go away too, and it ultimately results in nobody being left to take care of them. Mr. TOOKER thought that by an expenditure of $20 a month it would be possible to have that done. Do

you agree with the principle that the Gov- ernment should look after the tombs ?

A-I am quite in sympathy with it.

Q-And would the expenditure be large?

A—I don't think it would be very large.

Q-Mr. TOOKER puts it down at $20 per month. Is that a reasonable estimate?

A-I think that that is an under-estimate-only 3 coolies additional.

Q-What do you think it would be ?

A-I should say from $50 to $100 a month.

Q-As regards the Building Ordinance, what does the staff consist of at present? A-An Executive Engineer in charge, an Inspector for out-door work and an ad- ditional man whom I took on recently with the idea of making him more an office man.

Q-What addition to that staff do you propose?

A-Two additional out-door men.

Q-Mr. Ross, in his evidence, states that he thought another Overseer of water- works was necessary. Do consider that that addition is necessary?

A-I think so. looking after.

you

We do the house service work and that requires a great deal of

Q--In connection with water and drainage, Mr. HOLLINGSWORTH stated that he thought there should be an Assistant Engineer and that the accounts should be placed in the hands of a more responsible clerk. What is your opinion on that point?

A--Yes, I think that would be a wise thing to provide.

Q-At present the Water and Drainage Department is under the general supervision of the Director of Public Works and there is an Executive Engineer and under him an Assistant Engineer. Is that so?

A That is so.

Q-Do you recommend any change in that department?

A-I should like to separate the water and drainage, and put each under an Executive Engineer. It is too large a matter, the two combined, for one man to look after.

Q-What change would you recommend? Would you have an Executive En- gineer for the water and under him an Assistant Engineer, and an Executive Engineer for the drainage and under him an Assistant Engineer?

A-Yes.

Q-And is that included in the number you consider necessary to render your staff sufficient for the work?

A--Yes.

Q-Mr. GALE, in his evidence, stated that two of the Assistant Engineers should be Architects?

319

320

3316

3320

( 188 )

A-Yes, there is a great deal of architectural work in the Department, and I certainly think it is advisable to have a couple of men who are specially trained in ar- chitectural work.

Q-It has also been suggested by one of the Overseers that the title "Overseer " was objectionable and should be changed. Do you think that is so ?

A-No, I do not think so.

Q-Then with regard to the Land Surveyor's duties, Mr. DANBY, in his evidence, suggested that there should be a distinct department under a thoroughly qualified Land Surveyor. Are you in favour of having a separate and distinct department?

A--No, I am not in favour of that.

Q-What does the staff consist of at present?

A--A chief Land Surveyor, Assistant Land Surveyor and a Land Bailiff.

Q-Do you consider that staff is sufficient?

A-Yes; an additional Land Bailiff would be a desirable addition, but I don't think it is absolutely necessary.

Q-Well, from the evidence given before us by the Land Bailiff, it did not strike the Commission that he was overworked. That was the impression we derived from his evidence?

A-Of course his work has been disorganised for the last two years or more, but I do not lay any stress on having an additional Land Bailiff.

Q-We have had it in evidence that there have been great delays in deciding questions affecting land, especially recently. What have these delays been due to?

A-Principally pressure of work on myself. I have had no time to attend to them. Q-But with this staff would it not be possible for the Land Surveyor, say, to put things before you so that there should not be any delay?

A-Yes, I believe that would be so-that the staff I have mentioned would over- come the difficulty with the Assistant Director of Public Works to relieve me of much that I have to do at present.

Q-So that these delays, which you acknowledge have taken place, would be avoided?

A-Yes, I think so.

By Mr. Shewan.-Mr. ORANGE stated in his evidence that:--

"Q.-With regard to the application for sales of land, you say there has "been very long delay ?

"A-Yes, I specially put some dates down.

Q-Would you kindly furnish us with them?

"A-I have here an application, which first of all came from your (the "Colonial Secretary's) office. After what I might call the consent for nego- "tiations was given, I received a letter in connection with the matter from the Public Works Department on 6th November last, and I answered on "the 12th and 13th November. I have got no reply yet. Then another application for land was made on the 22nd November; to that I have got no answer. Another application was made on the 13th December; to that "I have got no answer. Another application was made on December 18th, "and to that I have got no answer. I have got no answer to any of them."

What is the reason of that?

( 189 )

3325

3330

A-I am overwhelined with work and cannot overtake it. There are a number of these applications that involve very serious consideration. Most of them are not in the ordinary run of things at all, such as buying a lot of land on a hillside. Some of these applications involve questions of marine rights, lines of reclamation, interference with other people's rights and so on.

The Chairman.-They would naturally take a great deal of time?

A-Yes, but they have taken a longer time than necessary.

Q-With regard to the Land Bailiff's work, it appears that the co-operation between the Land Department and the Police is not very close?

A—No.

Q-Do

close?

you not think it would be a good thing to have such co-operation made

A-It would be very advantageous if the Police reported anything they saw taking place in the outlying districts. They do something now, but they might do more.

Q-I feel certain that, if it was brought to the notice of the Captain Superintendent of Police, he would be only too ready to co-operate as far as he could. It was also mentioned by Mr. HUGHES that it was very desirable that the present accommodation in the Public Works Department should be improved. I understand that steps are being taken to have that done?

A-Yes, that is so.

Q-And will the improvement overcome the present difficulty?

A--I think it will make provision for the staff I have stated to be requisite. Really it is a difficult matter to suggest the provision of any further accommodation. If it were possible, I should like to add one more room to what I have already proposed but the difficulty is to know how to do it.

Q-But do you think you can get along with the extra accommodation you can provide?

you

A-Yes, I think I can get along with it. Q-We

e come now to a very important point, and that is the question as to how think you can be relieved of routine duties. It came out in evidence very clearly that the Director of Public Works is so much overwhelmed by routine work and details that he has no time to give that general supervision to the work of the Department, which, I believe, you yourself consider absolutely necessary and which this Commission regards as of the first importance. The Commission, therefore, would like to know how things can be arranged in such a manner that the Head of the Department, the Director of Public Works, can be relieved of duties which can be imposed upon an Assistant Director of Public Works, thereby enabling him to exercise that supervision essential in the case of the head of such a Department?

A--I consider, if the staff is increased in the manner I have recommende l, that that would be the result. It would relieve me, to a very large extent, of work that I am simply obliged to do at present. The Assistant Director of Public Works would deal with all ordinary matters, and only extraordinary matters would be dealt with by the Director of Public Works.

Q--And would that enable you to go about, inspecting all the works that are in progress, and keep in touch with everything?

A--I believe it would.

321

}

322

3333

3340

Q-

( 190 )

-Because that is what the Commission are determined, so far as lies in their power, should be done. They realise most clearly that to have an efficient head he must have time and opportunity to see everything that is going on and the evidence shows very clearly that you have not been able to do this. Are you of opinion that you can arrange with an efficient Assistant to impose on him duties which you have how to perform, and, by your being relieved of these duties, that you will be able to exercise efficient supervision over your Department and the works being carried out by it ?

A-Yes.

Q-An instance was mentioned the other day, of how people believe matters are delayed in your Department. I understand an application was made for a mat-shed erection by a gentleman in this Colony and he could not get the necessary permit because the Director of Public Works had no time to sign it. Was that possible?

A-That is incorrect. A permit was applied for,.but before the permit could be issued the application required to receive the sanction of the Governor in Council under the existing Ordinance. I sent it forward immediately marked "early" and His Ex- cellency sanctioned it and afterwards brought it before Executive Council in the ordinary course, that is the fault of the Ordinance.

Q-

-Do you not think that it is unnecessary red-tape that this permit should have to be given by the Governor in Council?

A-In the new Building Ordinance that has been amended by leaving it to the Director of Public Works.

Q-I think that is a very desirable amendment.

A-Yes.

By Mr. Shewan.-Not personally left to the Director of Public Works. Could not one of your assistants sign the chit?

A-In a case like that, the Assistant Director of Public Works would deal with it. It would not come to me at all.

By Mr. Thurburn.-Do you remember, regarding the Building Ordinance and supervision of buildings we, the Public Works Committee, made a report, which was agreed to by the Legislative Council, that no building was allowed to be built without employing an Architect and that the Architect was to be responsible for the houses being properly built? Well, I have gone over the new Ordinance, which is now before the Council, and I do not see that that is provided for?

A-I think you will find that every new building or every altered building requires to be certified by an authorised Architect before it can be occupied.

Q---That has reference to the plans?

A-No, the building itself must be certified by one of them as being in accord- ance with the Ordinance before a certificate of occupation can be issued by the Public Works Department.

Q-I must be mistaken. I have. perhaps, misread the Ordinance.

A-The owner must obtain a certificate from the Architect to the effect that his building has been erected in accordance with the Ordinance in force.

Q-I understood owners had to submit plans from an Architect in accordance with the Ordinance ?

A--That is another provision and that makes it pretty secure that owners must during the interim stages, employ an Architect.

น

3342

191)

( 191 )

By Colonel Brown.-With regard to the staff under the Building Ordinance, namely, one Executive Engineer, one outdoor Inspector and one Clerk, has that been considered in reference to the Building Ordinance before the Council, or with reference to the old Building Ordinance?

A-It was considered with reference to the provisions intended to be inserted in the new Ordinance.

Q-And you are satisfied that that staff will be sufficient if the new Ordinance is passed?

A--I recommended four out-door men, but afterwards, in discussion, the Governor in Council thought that three would be sufficient.

By Mr. Shewan.-With reference to this question of permits, Messrs. LEIGH & ORANGE wrote the other day complaining very bitterly that they could not pro- ceed with our new offices until the plans were approved. (See letter.*) Is that not a thing you would delegate to a subordinate?

A-Their plans involve a very special question. In designing the verandahs they have shown extra encroachinents beyond what are usually sanctioned, and, in a case like that, I have to supply the Governor with full particulars when submitting the plans for his approval. I have to be careful to point out the exact limits of these en- croachments and refer to any other similar case, which has been formerly dealt with, to enable him to consider the matter properly.

It is a serious matter to encroach on the public roadway, and if I simply sent the application forward for approval, as I would do in any ordinary case, I might be very severely blamed for it afterwards.

Q-Of course, if you were to go into every one of these questions personally, it seems to me you cannot get through the work. Could you not delegate that to any subordinate and ask him to report to you ?

A-That I hope to arrange for in future.

Q-In regard to this schedule you drew up-City and Hill District Water-works -the work recommended in Mr. Cooper's report is not yet carried out.

Do you pro- pose to get it carried out now with your staff or do you intend to modify it?

A-It depends on what Mr. CHADWICK recommends now.

Q-Is he going into the water question?

A-Yes.

Q-As to Kowloon Reservoir; will that when it is built be enough for the popu- lation? It will be very little more, will it not?

A-It should provide for a population, according to the method of supply over there, of about 150,000 people, and I reckon that by the time it is completed there will be about 100,000 people there, so there is a good margin.

Q-It takes such a long time to complete another scheme, had we better not start at once?

A—I don't think there is any necessity for considering that immediately. In my letter forwarding the present scheme to Government, I pointed out that, by the time it was completed, it would be necessary to take other works in hand in order to keep up with the increasing population. That was my opinion.

* -Appendix No. 24.

323

र्

324

(192)

3.350

3360

Q-Do you agree with Mr. CHADWICK as to separating the Water and Drainage Departments from the Public Works Department ?

A--No, I do not. It would give rise to a great deal of trouble here. I may say that it is common enough at home in large cities, but the conditions at home are so dif- ferent from those prevailing here, that you have to adapt arrangements of that sort to the conditions.

Q-You say you are against Mr. DANBY's suggestion to make a Land Department, but is it true there is no survey of Hongkong and the City of Victoria ?

A-There is no correct, absolutely correct, plan of the City.

Q-Would that not be attended to if you had a proper Land Department ?

A-It could be attended to equally with us.

Q-If you got an increased staff?

A--Well, it is a special matter to make a survey of the City. It would not be a thing you could take in hand with any ordinary staff. It would be necessary to have that specially done in the same way as the New Territory is being specially surveyed.

Q-If you had the necessary staff, would you recommend its being done?

A-I would be quite prepared to do so.

By the Chairman.-You would have to get a special staff?

A—Yes, I would have to get a special staff.

Q---Would that be costly?

A-It would cost a good deal of money.

By Mr. Shewan.-With regard to the price of water, is there any difference between the Peak and below?

A-None.

Q-Do you charge the same rate?

A--Yes, we charge a universal rate for water.

Q-Do you give them the same amount of water for the money at the Peak?

A-Yes, just the same.

By the Chairman.—With regard to the water, Mr. CHATHAM, do you not think it would be a good thing now, while this question is very much en evidence, to have a thorough enquiry as to whether it would be advisable to bring water at once from the other side, or do you think the reservoirs on this side would be sufficient to meet our requirements for some time to come?

A-I think Mr. CHADWIC proposes to recommend a very big scheme down in Taitam-tuk, at the outlet of the valley which contains the present reservoirs, which, of course, would involve pumping. That would give us a large supply. It is impossible to say what it would give, but that, I think, is the first thing that should be carried out. Mr. CHADWICK is also going to look at the New Territory with a view to future water supply.

Q-So you are not in a position to say whether it would be advisable to have a scheme for utilising the water on the other side by bringing it across the harbour, or to exhaust our sources on this side first ?

A-I think we should exhaust this side first and then go to the other side for water, but, before any very long period passes, it would be well to consider a scheme for conveying water from the other side.

3362

( 193 )

-The members of this Commission are all strongly of opinion that we should be ahead of our requirements instead of lagging behind. Do you recognise the import- ance of this?

A-I recognize it fully.

By Mr. Thurburn. One advantage if Taitam-tuk scheme was carried out is that it would be done quicker there than by going to the other side?

A-- Yes.

Q---And although the reservoir had not got such a holding capacity as Taitam, it would have the advantage of a running stream?

A-Yes, you get a larger yield in the low levels than in the upper levels during the dry season.

By the Chairman.—And could you give us an idea of the cost of the increase you recommend in your department?

A-I have put down some figures here. What I have put down comes to about $30,000 a year over and above what is provided in the present year's Estimates.*

By Colonel Brown.-That is at their present rates of pay for their particu-

lar rank?

A--Precisely so, taking the salaries on the same basis as salaries of present officers.

Q-Is that rate of pay sufficient to retain the men in the service?

A-Matters in that respect have been improved very considerably, even since the commencement of the present year, by the recent grant of additional exchange com- pensation. Formerly the salaries were very inadequate and did not induce any one to remain, consequently Assistants left to improve themselves elsewhere.

By the Chairman.-Is there any other information you have, Mr. CHATHAM, that you think would be useful to the Commission in its enquiries?

A-There is nothing that occurs to me at present. I have given you pretty full information with regard to all subjects now.

[This concluded the evidence.]

Appendix No. 25.

325

326

( 194 )

Appendix No. 1.

COMMISSION BY HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR OF HONGKONG.

[L.S.]

HENRY A. BLAKE,

Governor.

WHEREAS it is expedient that a Commission be appointed to enquire into and report on the following matters, viz.:-.

1. The duties and responsibilities of the Public Works Department of Hong-

kong generally, with special reference to—

(a.) The constitution and sufficiency of the staff of the Department, (b.) The advisability of increasing such staff or of making any

changes in its personnel,

and

(c.) Generally what changes should be made in the working of the

Department.

2. The manner in which the duties devolving upon the Public Works Department have been performed during the period of two years preced- ing the 1st day of October, 1901.

NOW, therefore, I, Sir HENRY ARTHUR BLAKE, Knight Grand Cross of the Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George, Governor of the Colony of Hong- kong and its Dependencies and Vice-Admiral of the same, do hereby under the powers vested in me by Ordinance 27 of 1886, entitled The Commissioners Powers Ordinance, 1886, apppoint you :--

1. The Honourable JAMES HALDANE STEWART LOCKHART, C.M.G.,

2. The Honourable HENRY EDWARD, POLLOCk, K,C.,

3. The Honourable JOHN THURBURN,

4. Colonel LEWIS FAULKNER BROWN, R.E.,

5. ROBERT GORDON SHEWAN, Esquire,

to be a Commission for the purpose of instituting, making, and conducting such enquiry; And I do hereby appoint you the said JAMES HALDANE STEWART LOCKHART to be Chairman of such Commission; And I do hereby appoint EDWARD DUDLEY CORSCADEN WOLFE to be Secretary to such Commission; And I do hereby order and direct that for all or any of the purposes of this Commission three Members thereof inclusive of the Chairman shall be and constitute a quorum.

AND I do further hereby order and direct that the said Commission shall, for the purpose of making the said enquiry, have all such powers as are vested in the Supreme Court of this Colony or in any Judge thereof on the occasion of any suit or action in respect of the following matters, viz. :-

(a.) The enforcing the attendance of witnesses and examining them on oath, affirmation or otherwise, as the Commissioners or any of them may think fit.

(b.) The compelling the production of documents.

(c.) The punishing persons guilty of contempt.

(d.) The ordering an inspection of any property.

AND also the power, for the purposes of this Commission, to enter and view any premises.

( 195 ).

AND I do hereby further direct that every examination of witnesses shall be held in private; AND I do further direct that any person examined as a witness in the enquiry aforesaid' who in the opinion of the Commissioners makes a full and true dis- closure touching all the matters in respect of which he is examined shall receive a certificate under the hand of the Chairman or presiding Member of the Commission, countersigned by the Secretary, stating that the witness has upon his examination made a full and true disclosure as aforesaid, as provided by Section 4 of the before mentioned Ordinance; AND I do further require you to report to me the evidence and your opinion thereon; AND I hereby charge all persons in the Public Service to assist you herein.

GIVEN under my hand and the Public Seal of the Colony in Executive Council, this 11th day of October A.D. 1901.

By Command,

Council Chamber, Hongkong, 11th October, 1901.

C. CLEMENTI,

Acting Clerk of Councils.

Appendix No. 2.

NOTES FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS COMMISSION.

November, 1901.

The following are the Ordinances and Regulations, arranged under headings, under which certain of the operations of the Public Works Department are conducted :—

Ordinances.

Building Work.

No. 15 of 1889,-Principal Building Ordinance.

25 of 1891,-Amending Ordinance, dealing principally with thickness

of walls, &c.

7 of 1895,-Amending Ordinance, as to notices to commence work.

Do.,.

Do.,

5 of 1896,-

as to wells on private land.

11 of 1898,-

as to drain connections.

4 of 1888,-Verandah Enclosure Ordinance.

15 of 1894,-Closed Houses and Insanitary Dwellings-deals with height

of buildings.

13 of 1901,--Public Health Ordinance-deals with back-yards, &c. Regulations.

Government Notification No. 416 of 1895,-Verandah Regulations.

528 of 1897,-

Do.

25 of 1897,-Matsheds.

538 of 1900,-Regulations for obtaining stone,

earth, &c. from Crown land.

327

328

( 196 )

Water Supply.

Ordinances.

No. 16 of 1890,-Principal Waterworks Ordinance.

6 of 1895,-Amending Principal Waterworks Ordinance, as to meters.

19 of 1897,-Amending Principal Waterworks Ordinance, as to with-

holding services from Chinese houses outside the City of Victoria.

30 of 1898,-Amending Principal Waterworks Ordinance, as to entering

private premises to shut off water.

Regulations.

Government Notification No. 144 of 1899,--General Regulations affecting the

supply of water.

Ordinances.

Drainage Work.

No. 15 of 1889,-Building Ordinance.

13 of 1901,—Public Health Ordinance.

Miscellaneous.

Ordinances.

No. 8 of 1870,-Maintenance of order in Public Places-applies to Recrea-

tion Grounds.

13 of 1888,-Regulation of Chinese--issue of permits for matsheds for

theatrical purposes, &c.

16 of 1888,-European District Reservation.

16 of 1889,-Praya Reclamation.

27 of 1890,-Squatters.

18 of 1897,-Kowloon Godown Tramways.

9 of 1898,-

23 of 1900,-

Do.

do.,

Do.

do.,

(Amendinent).

( do. ).

15 of 1898,-Queen's Recreation Ground.

3 of 1899,-Sung Wong Toi Reservation.

37 of 1899,-Piers.

17 of 1900,--Piers, (Amendment).

32 of 1900,-Crown Lands Resumption.

21 of 1901,-Foreshores and Sea-bed.

Regulations.

Government Notification No. 179 of 1891,-Monument fees in Cemetery.

461 of 1897,-Wongneich'ung Recreation

Ground.

"" -

164 of 1896,-Colonial Cemetery.

In addition to the foregoing, there are Instructions regarding the disposal of Crown Land, the exchange or transfer of Military Lands and other matters.

}

( 197 )

STAFF AND DUTIES.

The staff consists of the Director, Assistant Director, 3 Executive Engineers, 6 Assistant Engineers, 2 Land Surveyors, an English Draftsman, a Superintendent of the Clerical and Accounting Branch, a Land Bailiff, 20 European Overseers, and 124 Clerks, Foremen and others.

The staff on the Praya Reclamation consists of two Executive Engineers, a Chief Clerk, two Overseers and 46 Divers, Bargemen and others.

•

The total number of these two establishments is, therefore, 206, the monthly salaries and wages amounting to over $12,000.

In addition to these, the Survey Party, engaged upon the New Territory, which consists of an English Officer in charge and 152 Indians, &c., is under the Director of Public Works. There is also a sum of about $350 per week expended in wages for labour employed departmentally on house service work for Water Supply.

The Director of Public Works is a Member of the Executive and Legislative Councils and is also Chairman of the Public Works Committee, Chairman of the Queen's and Wongneich'ung Recreation Grounds Committee, a Member of the Sanitary Board and Member of the Squatters' Board. He is frequently appointed to serve on Com- mittees. During the past 8 months, Committees of which he was a member have dealt with the following subjects:-

Additional Market accommodation; Removal of Explosives Magazine; Removal

of the Gaol to Stonecutters; Housing of Officials; Taxation of Land in the New Territory; and Provision of a Quarantine Station.

For the four first mentioned subjects, plans and estimates had to be prepared. The ordinary work of his office includes all transactions in Crown Land, appli- cations for extensions or conversions of lots, valuations of land, compensation to squat- ters, laying out of roads and lots, reporting non-fulfilment of building covenants, ad- vising Government as to all public works, revising specifications for important works, obtaining and submitting estimates, referring to Government matters connected with the Building and Waterworks administration, directing the staff of the Department, making arrangements to fill vacancies and other matters connected with the staff, and reporting on the staff and numerous other subjects. Besides all this, many important matters came up for consideration. The following which have been dealt with during the past 8 months will serve as examples :--

(1.) The Electric Tramways Ordinance.

(2.) The Kowloon Water Supply Scheme, estimated to cost $835,000.

(3.) The Praya East Reclamation Scheme, estimated to cost about $5,000,000. (4.) The abolition of the Quarry Farm and introduction of a new system of

letting the Granite Quarries.

(5.) The devising of an improved type of Chinese houses.

6.) The reply to the Petition on the Sanitary Condition of the Colony. Of the entire correspondence which reaches the Colonial Secretary's Office, fully one-fourth emanates from the Director of Public Works, the remaining three-fourths coming from the other Government Departments (15 in number) and the general pub- lic. Of the latter portion more than one-fourth of the documents are referred to the Director of Public Works on account of their raising subjects which come within his scope.

The Director ought also to exercise some supervision over the execution of works, but, under existing conditions, this is quite impossible.

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(198)

The Assistant Director of Public Works.-This office was only revived in 1898, and, owing to the inadequacy of the Staff, it has never been possible to organize its duties properly. The duties of the Assistant Director ought to be to deal with the routine work and to assist in exercising supervision over the preparation and execution of contracts and the operations of the Staff generally. He is also entrusted with the general supervision of the Praya Reclamation Works.

From the statement given of the Director's duties, it will be plainly seen that there is amply sufficient for the Assistant Direct or to do, without any risk of unduly curtailing the work of the former.

Mr. Tooker, Executive Engineer, has charge of the Maintenance Works, exclusive of Water and Drainage items, Dredging Foreshores, Miscellaneous Services and por- tion of Miscellaneous Works. He is also in charge of the Building Ordinance Works and supervises Private Streets Improvements and the clearing of stream courses with a view to the abatement of fever.

He has the following staff of overseers and foremen to assist in carrying on the above work.

Maintenance of Buildings and Miscellaneous Works:-Messrs. MUGFORD, COYLE, WOLFE and another. The last mentioned appointment is vacant on account of the overseer having decamped and no one having been obtained to fill his place. Application has been made to the Colonial Office to appoint a suitable man. There are also two foremen, C. GRANT and HUI KWAI, employed on this work.

Maintenance of Roads and Telephones:-Messrs. DOUGHERTY and CARROL. These two officers are both on leave at present and their places have been temporarily filled by Messrs. FRANKLIN and FARRELL. The latter supervises the telephone work. There are also engaged on roads, the following foremen :-NIMMO, PORTARIA, NEVES, LI SING and U PAT.

Maintenance of Cemetery.-A foreman gardener, named HUI SZE, and two working gardeners are employed in addition to men furnished by a Contractor. The extension of the Cemetery from time to time by forming new terraces is carried out by Contractors.

Maintenance of Public Recreation Ground.-A custodian named GODWIN is employed in looking after the Happy Valley and supervising the coolies employed in grass- cutting, &c.

Building Ordinance Work.-Mr. CRISP is the only overseer employed on this work. He devotes the whole of his time to it.

Clearing of Stream Courses.-This work is looked after by Sapper WILLIAMS who has been lent for the purpose by the Military Authorities.

Private Streets Improvements.Mr. XAVIER, Assistant Engineer, conducts the work, and a foreman named L. CASTRO is employed in looking after it. Apart from the operations of surfacing, &c., the names of all the owners concerned in each lane have to be ascertained, the cost apportioned among them and bills sent out to them.

•

Mr. Gale, Executive Engineer, has charge of all Public Works Extraordinary with

the exception of the Praya Reclamation and Waterworks.

The works at present actually in progress are the following

Law Courts Foundations; Governor's Peak Residence; No. 7 Police Station; three Police Stations in New Territory; Gaol Officers' Quarters; Tái Pó Road; Pokfulum. Conduit Road; Western Market Foundations; Harbour Office Foundations; Home for Quarantined Dogs; Training and Diverting Nullah near Tram Station and Catch- water at Mount Cameron.

331

( 199 )

Contracts are being let for the following:-

Cattle Crematorium; Site for Kowloon Market; Public Bath-house; three Public Urinals; a Public Latrine; Nullah at Mongkoktsui; Coolie-house at Victoria Gap; two Temporary Markets; Extension of Wanchai Market.

The following Assistant Engineers are engaged in connection with the above:-

Mr. Mossop, .............Law Court Foundations and Governor's Peak Resi-

Mr. FISHER,...

Mr. XAVIER,

Mr. HUGHES,

Mr. CARPENTER,

dence.

No. 7 Police Station, Shed at Swine Depôt, Western Market Foundations, Harbour Office Foundations. Pokfulum Conduit Road, Training and Diverting Nullah near Tram Station, Nullah at Mongkoktsui.

Tái Pó Road, Catchwater at Mount Cameron, Site for

Kowloon Market.

Latrines, Bath-house, Home for Quarantined Dogs,

Urinals, &c.

These Officers are also employed in preparing Drawings and Estimates for numerous other works.

The remaining staff employed principally in connection with Extraordinary Works includes:-

Mr. A. J. KYSHE, ....... Draftsman-engaged almost entirely upon Office work.

WANG KWONG YIU,

J. M. CRUZ, and Tracers-engaged exclusively in making tracings. TANG YAM HING, .

The following Overseers and Foremen are employed on the works:-

J. DELANEY,

J. M. DAVIS,

..........Law Courts Foundations.

..........Governor's Peak Residence.

Tải

W. MCGREGOR, .........Tái Pó Road.

H. GOODRICH,

A-TAU,

A-LIU,

YOUNG SING,

Western Market Foundations and Harbour Office

Foundations.

..No. 7 Police Station.

Sheung Shui and Sai Kung Police Stations in the.

New Territory.

The remainder of the works are being carried on without overseers, as there is no one available for looking after them. One man, who was engaged locally, decamped short time since. Application has been made to the Colonial Office to appoint a substitute. Application has also been made for a qualified man to supervise the erection of the Law Courts.

Mr. Hollingsworth, Executive Engineer, is in charge of Maintenance of Water- works, Sewers and Storm Water Drains. The construction of House Services is included in his duties and forms a very considerable item.

In addition to ordinary maintenance, there are numerous extensions to be carried out from time to time, of water mains, sewers and drains, to provide for new buildings. There are also the following works in hand or about to be undertaken :—

Covered Service Reservoir above Bowen Road; Reservoir on Mount Gough; Storage Reservoir at Tytam; Extensions of Storm Water Drains across Reclamations at Hunghom and Yaumati; Extension of Water Main at Happy Valley; Main for High Level Supply; Sewer in Conduit Road, &c.

332

( 200 )

An Assistant Engineer, Mr. TRIMMINGHAM, assists Mr. HOLLINGSWORTH, being principally employed on the New Reservoir at Tytam.

The following overseers and foremen, &c., are employed in connection with the works:

W. TAYLOR,

J. Ross,

Waterworks.

Tytam New Reservoir.

Maintenance of City and Hill District Waterworks.

J. H. BARRINGTON,......Assists Mr. Ross and supervises House Service Work.

G. W. KYNOCH, .........Maintenance of Kowloon Waterworks.

Inspector of Services.

...........Meter Reader and Inspector of Services.

A. W. SIMMONS, ...

C. LEY KUM,

R. WITCHEL,

C. N. SOLOMON,

Do.

do.

...Inspector for Peak District.

do.

J. A. BOWEN,

..Watchman, Tytam Reservoir.

F. J. ABRAHAM,

Do.,

Pokfulum.

N. E. THOMPSON,

Do.,

Shaukiwan.

G. FRIEND,

Do.,

Aberdeen.

YAM SIU,

...Foreman, Service Reservoir above Bowen Road.

CHENG HON CHEUNG, ...Clerk-prepares water accounts, keeps meter books,

house service accounts, etc.

YEUNG KUN,

Do.,

do.,

do.

J. A. WHEAL,

J. BAKER,

Drainage Works.

.........City and Peak District, Aberdeen and Shaukiwan.

.Kowloon.

AH CHEONG and YIP City and Peak District and Aberdeen and Shaukiwan.

SHANG,.....

IP CHUN,

...........Kowloon.

Land Branch.-Application has been made to the Colonial Office for a properly qualified Surveyor to conduct the work of this branch. At present, the duties are carried on by Mr. KING, Land Bailiff.

The work is of a responsible nature, involving at times troublesome questions, and it is necessary that it should be under qualified supervision. Mr. KING's duties are, of course, confined purely to office work, as he has no knowledge of surveying.

The surveying is performed by Mr. JACOB, who appears to be a capable man, but, as he is a native of India and has not full command of the English language, he is not qualified to assume charge of the work. I consider him fitted to act as an assistant.

Mr. GREY, a surveyor who was appointed locally, is at present exclusively enga- ged in surveys connected with the New Territory for the Land Court.

Two tracers, TANG NGOK WAN and WENG A FAT, are employed in connection with land survey work, preparing sale and lease plans, and keeping the plans and records up to date.

{

( 201 )

A clerk, TAI SHIU LUNG, is engaged principally in connection with the issue of squatters' licences, translating Chinese documents relative to land, etc.

The Land Bailiff's duties are at present neglected, as there is no one to perform them.

Mr. Wood, Superintendent of Accounts, Correspondence and Stores.-The title is descriptive of the duties of this office.

The following staff is engaged upon the work :-

Accounts:-A. M. DE SOUZA, LO FUK LAM, J. B. GUTIERREZ and Miss A. DE

Souza.

Correspondence:-P. JULYAN (temporarily transferred to Colonial Secretary's Department), Lo Tsz Lam, F. M. FRANCO and Lo KAI HONG. During Mr. JULYAN's absence H. GOLDENBERG and WAI FONG are temporarily employed to fill his place. One clerk, CHAK SAM, is engaged almost exclusively upon the preparation of permits and notices, etc., under the Building Ordinance.

Stores:-CHENG HAU (Head Storekeeper), NG SZE and LEUNG SOO PING, (Clerks), besides CHU A MAN, CHENG FUN, HO KIU and Li Fook, (Store Boys).

The value of the Stores at 31st December, 1900, was $194,000. They include water and drainage pipes and fittings, telegraph materials, bolts, hinges and other fit- tings, gutters and down-pipes, etc., for buildings and numerous other articles.

I attach a return showing particulars of the expenditure and correspondence of the Department and other details for the years 1894 to 1900 inclusive.

W. CHATHAM, Director of Public Works.

333

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.

Statement of Salaries, Expenditure, &c., for the Years 1894, 1895, 1896, 1897, 1898, 1899 and 1900.

Salaries charged in

YEARS.

Total.

Expenditure on Public Works.

334

Government Build-

Total.

ings exclusive of Gaol and Police Stations.

Cost of

Repair of

Roads.

Communications from Colonial

Secretary.

Letters despatched ex- clusive of Notices, Permits, Certificates, &c., issued under Build- ing and Water-works Ordinances, &c.

Cost

No.

of Repair.

Separate

Paper.

References. Govt. Dept.

Official to Miscella-

neous.

( 202 )

Pay Sheets.

Pay List.

Recurrent.

Extraordinary.

1894,

70,616.00

Nil.

70,616.00

177,277.00

271,553.00

448,830.00

108

21,371.00 39,758.00 782

1,201

551

655

1895,

* 73,518.00

1,538.00

75,056.00

213,510.00

201,536.00415,046.00

110

29,991.00 36,216.00 1,022

1,779

649

655

1896,

69,041.00

1,909.00

70,950.00

238,786.00

186,979.00 |† 422,765.00

108

42,969.00 | 40,953.00 844

1,471

761

705

1897,

* 70,954.21

4,188.67

1898,

* 74,907.64 5,127.62

75,142.88 |(b) 238,653.85 |(a) 388,894.70 |† 627,548.55 80,035.26 215,281.72 (c) 234,920.41 † 450,202.13

113

41,981.57 51,262.60 855

1,498

800

767

113

29,369.98 45,551.67

577

1,284

672

928

1899,

1900,

77,382.55 (d) 5,272.98 * 82,827.63 (d) 36,493.71

82,655.53

119,321.34

345,361.00 (c) 189,816.28† 535,177.28

125

244,219.91 (c) 405,170.82 649,390.73

126

33,998.53 44,095.49 867 29,938.25 44,074.55 525

1,347

904

898

1,546

1,127

1,202

* Exclusive of Exchange Compensation $19,017.41 (1895); $8,341.98 (1896); $10,245.84 (1897); $12,581.76 (1898); $12,161.69 (1899); $13,182.69 (1890). † Exclusive of Crown Agents' Accounts.

(a) Inclusive of $50,000 for the purchase of Inland Lot 144 vide C.S.O. 1654/97.

(b) Inclusive of Stores Account.

(d) Including $979.86 and $23,928.12 being Salaries of the Survey Party for 1899 & 1900 respectively.

( 203 )

Appendix No. 3.

No. 222.

GOVERNMENT HOUSE, HONGKONG, 12th June, 1901.

SIR,I have the honour to transmit for your consideration the enclosed copy of a letter from the Acting Director of Public Works, respecting the urgent necessity for increasing the Staff of his Department.

2. Having considered the demands upon the Public Works Department, I agree with Mr CHATHAM that, in view of the rapid increase of the Colony, the proposed in- crease of Staff is necessary.

3. I accordingly submit Mr. CHATHAM's proposals for your approval, and propose to embody them in the Estimates for 1902 unless I hear to the contrary from you by telegram.

4. I shall also be glad to learn by cable whether the appointment of Principal Land Surveyor, proposed in my Despatch No. 167 of 30th April, 1901, can be included in the Estimates for 1902 which are now in hand.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your most obedient, humble Servant,

The Right Honourable

JOSEPH CHAMBERLAIN, M. P.,

(Copy.) No. 841.

etc.,

etc.

HENRY A. BLAKE,

Governor.

(Enclosure.)

PUBLIC WORKS OFFICE,

HONGKONG, 5th June, 1901.

SIR,In forwarding the Establishment Estimates of this Department for 1902, I desire to point out the urgent necessity for increasing the Staff in order to render it capable of carrying out efficiently the numerous and important Public Works in pro- gress or about to be undertaken.

I feel somewhat diffident in putting forward my proposals, as I am only a locum tenens, but the necessity for increased staff is so palpable that I would fail in my duty if I did not point it out. It is with the Engineering Staff alone that I propose to deal.

I find that in C.S.O. 2359/1900, Mr. ORMSBY gave it as his opinion that the staff, with the addition of one Assistant Engineer, (referred to as "Special Engineer" in his minute), would be sufficient to carry out the works included in this year's Estimates, provided certain Officers returned from leave and no resignation or casualties occurred.

All the Officers returned from leave, with the exception of Mr. DRURY, who was transferred to the Imperial Service. To fill the vacancy thus created, several promo- tions were made, and a new Assistant Engineer was appointed locally at a salary of $1,800 per annum.

335

336

( 204 )

The Department is, therefore, up to the full strength contemplated by Mr. ORMSBY when writing his minute. There have been no resignations or casualties among the Officers.

The staff is, however, in my opinion, inadequate for carrying on the large works in progress or in contemplation, and for complying with the continual demand for plans and estimates of new projects.

In order to support my opinion, I would point out that, notwithstanding the tak- ing over of the New Territory and the enormous development now going on in the Colony, no addition whatever has been made to the Engineering Staff.

I give below a statement of it as it existed in 1892 and in 1898, selecting these years because the former saw the Department put on a proper footing to cope with the work of that period, and the latter was the year prior to the taking over of the New Territory.

1892.

3 Executive Engineers.

6 Assistant

Comparative Statement of Staff.

1898.

1 Asst. Director of Pub. Works.

•

do.

2 Executive Engineers.

1 Chief Draftsman.

1 Draftsman.

11 Total.

6 Asst. Engineers.

1 Chief Draftsman.

1 Draftsman.

11 Total.

1901.

1 Asst. Director P. W.

2 Executive Engineers.

7 Asst. Engineers.

... Chief Draftsman.

1 Draftsman.

11 Total.

I have omitted Officers engaged on the Praya Reclamation Scheme from the state- ment, as that work stands by itself.

From the comparative statement I have given, it will be seen that there has been absolutely no increase and, to any one acquainted with the Colony for the past 10 years, it will be obvious that a staff which was sufficient in 1892 must be wholly in- adequate now. At that time the Engineers charged with the supervision of the Build- ing Ordinance and ordinary Water and Drainage Works had an opportunity of devoting a portion of their time to special undertakings forming part of the programme of Ex- traordinary Public Works. Now, however, that is practically out of the question, as building work throughout the Colony is so active that it is with difficulty the extensions of roads, water mains and sewers can be overtaken in time to meet the requirements.

In the same way, the demands for Extraordinary Public Works, including Water- works, Markets, l'olice Stations, Sanitary Works, etc., are far in excess of what they were. Finally the New Territory, where 7 Police Stations and 14 miles of road have been constructed or are in progress, makes considerable inroads upon the time of the Engineering Staff.

I have, therefore, to submit for the consideration of His Excellency the Governor the following recommendations :-

(1.) Mr. A. H. HOLLINGSWORTH to be an Executive Engineer, thus restoring the number of Officers of this class to 3 as in 1892. Mr. HOLLINGS- WORTH has been an Assistant Engineer for the past 4 years and has been carrying on the Water and Drainage Works since Mr. CROOK'S departure for Gibraltrar.

2.) The additional Assistant Engineers to be obtained from England, each with a salary of $2,400, and Exchange Compensation, and Travelling Allowance of $360.

糖

( 205 )

The only other matters to which it is necessary for me to call attention are the appointment of the Principal Land Surveyor, sanctioned in C.S.O. 1114/1901, and the proposal to add one or two more Land Bailiffs to the Land Survey Branch, C.S.O. 608/1901.

In accordance with His Excellency's minute of the 15th October last, in C.S.O. 2359/1900, I have not included in the Estimates the provision required for the former appointment, as the approval of the Secretary of State has not yet been received.

The Squatters Board have recommended the appointment of two additional Land Bailiffs, and I have reporte:1 that I consider one will be sufficient. In the event of either proposal being approved, provision will require to be made in next year's Esti- mates in addition to the staff appearing in the Estimates as submitted.

The Honourable

THE COLONIAL SECRETARY.

No. 265.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your obedient Servant,

W. CHATHAM,

Acting Director of Public Works.

DOWNING STREET,

337

13th August, 1901.

SIR, I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch No. 222 of the 12th June last, submitting Mr. CHATHAM's proposals for the increase of the staff of the Public Works Department.

2. I caused a copy of your despatch, with its enclosure, to be transmitted to Mr. ORMSBY for any observations that might occur to him, and I enclose a copy of his reply.

3. I approve of the promotion of Mr. HOLLINGSWORTH to the rank of Executive Engineer, and I see no objection to provision being made on the Estimates for 1902 for the appointment of an additional Assistant Engineer, to fill the vacancy caused by Mr. HOLLINGSWORTH's promotion, and an additional Land Bailiff.

4. In view of your telegram of the 6th instant, I am not prepared to press Mr. ORMSBY'S suggestion in regard to the post of Principal Land Surveyor. The Crown Agents for the Colonies will accordingly be asked to select a candidate from this country for the appointment. They will also be asked to engage an additional Assistant En- gineer, who will, of course, not leave this country before 1st January next at the earliest.

་

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your most obedient, humble Servant,

Governor

Sir HENRY A. BLAKE, G.C.M.G.,

etc., etc.,

etc.

J. CHAMBERLAIN.

338

( 206 )

(Enclosure.)

Hk. 256.

ST. ANNS, KILLINEY, IRELAND, August 3rd, 1901.

SIR, I have the honour, acknowledge receipt of your letter No. 25364/1901 of the 30th ultimo and to return as directed the enclosure therewith received.

2. I note that Mr. CHATHAM proposes (a) the promotion of Mr. HOLLINGSWORTH. to the rank of Executive Engineer; (b) the appointment of two additional Assistant Engineers from England; (c) the appointment of a Principal Land Surveyor (also I presume from England) and one additional Land Bailiff.

3. With regard to (a) I agree with Mr. CHATHAM. Mr. HOLLINGSWORTH, since Mr. CROOK's transfer to Gibraltar, has been in full charge of the Water Works and Drainage Works of the Colony, a distinct branch of the Department, which, I believe, was always in charge of an Executive Engineer. It would practically cause no change except in Mr. HOLLINGSWORTH'S title, as he has been for a year carrying on the duties of an Executive Engineer, directly under the Head of the Department.

4. I do not agree that two additional Assistant Engineers are now required. Last year, Mr. CROOK's transfer to Gibraltar and Mr. GIBBS' resignation occurring within a few months and thus weakening the Department by the loss of two of the most ex- perienced and efficient officers, caused a great strain on the staff, while not much help could be expected from the three newly appointed officers-Messrs. Mossop, FISHER, and TRIMMINGHAM. But now it may be assumed that these officers have acquired the needful experience of local conditions and methods of work, and become useful and efficient members of the staff.

5. It must be borne in mind that in Hongkong there is little or no Departmental work, but that all work is done by contract, also that all payments are made in the Treasury, and thus the Engineering Staff spared duties which take up fully half of the time of officers holding similar appointments in Ceylon, while it is always possible to obtain, for special works, the services of private Engineering Firms, as has been done lately in regard to the New Kowloon Water Supply, the Victoria Jubilee Road and Hospital and other works.

6. Five large permanent Police Stations have been built in the New Territory, two more have been contracted for, which completes all the buildings required in that district for a long time to come. If no special loan for the more rapid development of the Territory is contemplated, the construction of the main road to Taipó and Sam-chun must necessarily go on slowly, at, say, the rate of three or four miles annually, and this only takes up the time of au Assistant Engineer (Mr. HUGHES) who has been on this special work since its commencement. The whole of the construction and maintenance- work in the New Territory would be considered a small charge for one District Engin- eer in Ceylon.

•

7. Keeping in mind the comparatively small area of the Colony, I think great care- should be taken not to unduly increase the permanent and pensionable establishment. I am therefore of opinion that one additional Assistant Engineer will be sufficient.

8. I see no necessity for the appointment of a Land Surveyor from England. Owing to the very limited area of the Colony, and the smallness of the lots put up for sale, surveys are of the simplest nature. The Department have in Mr. B. W. GREY an officer fully qualified to do the work of Land Surveyor, with Mr. JACOB as Assist- Mr. GREY was trained in the Ceylon Survey Department and holds a licence, obtained after examination by the Surveyor General of that Colony, to practise as a Land Surveyor.

( 207 )

9. The Government having gone to the great expense of a complete cadastral survey of the New Territory by a special staff lent by the Government of India, the addition of the New Territory will add little, if anything, to the work of the Surveyor of the Department.

10. An additional Land Bailiff is certainly necessary owing to the extension of the area of the Colony. This appointment should be filled locally, as a knowledge of Colloquial Chinese is absolutely essential.

11. I regret that I have been unable to endorse the views of the Acting Director of Public Works, supported as they are by His Excellency the Governor, but possibly some of the reasons I have advanced against such a large permanent increase in the staff have not been fully considered.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your most obedient Servant,

R. D. ORMSBY,

Director of Public Works, Hongkong.

The UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE,

Colonial Office.

No. 843.

PUBLIC WORKS OFFICE,

HONGKONG, 25th September, 1901.

SIR,I have the honour to submit the following report with regard to my pro- posals for increasing the Engineering Staff of this Department.

In June last, when forwarding the Establishment Estimates for 1902, I reported that I considered the appointment of two additional Assistant Engineers necessary in order to render the Department capable of carrying on the works in progress and of complying with the continual demand for plans and estimates of new projects (C.S.O. 1786 of 1901).

On the 11th instant, having been asked what further increase of staff I considered

necessary

in view of the programme of works drawn up for 1902, I stated that I con- sidered that two more Assistant Engineers would be required to carry it out in addition to the two already asked for, making four in all (C.S.O. 2219 of 1901).

Both these recommendations received the approval of His Excellency the Governor, but before the latter were forwarded to the Secretary of State, a despatch No. 265 dated the 13th August was received from the Secretary of State forwarding a communication from Mr. ORMSBY and stating that one Assistant Engineer would be appointed in the beginning of January next.

From this it appears to be necessary for me to justify my recommendations by comparing the staff of a few years ago and its capabilities with the staff of to-day and the demands which are made upon it.

339

340

( 208 )

In Mr. COOPER's Annual Report for 1894, Appendix J, will be found the follow- ing note:-

Fair Average Yearly Expenditure is-

on Annual Recurrent Works

on Extraordinary Public Works

Total,.....

$150,000

300,000

..$450,000

The Engineering Staff in that year consisted of 3 Executive Engineers, 4 Assist- ant Engineers and 2 Draftsmen-a total of 9. Mr. COOPER, prior to his appointment to Ceylon, considered it advisable to strengthen the staff by the addition of one Assist- ant Engineer, and this increase was made in the beginning of 1897, bringing the total up to 10.

I attach a statement showing the amounts provided in the Estimates and actually expended during the respective years from 1894 to 1900, after eliminating the expend- iture on Praya Reclamation, Resumptions of Property for public purposes, Survey of New Territory, and Works not actually carried out by the staff of this Department. It also shows the amounts provided in this and next year's Estimates.

From this statement it will be seen that the estimated expenditure for 1901 is almost exactly double the actual expenditure for 1894, whilst the Estimates for 1902 show an increase of $80,000 over those of 1901. Comparing the Estimates for 1902 with the actual expenditure for 1897, when the staff numbered 10, the increase is seen to be nearly $400,000, whilst the staff has been increased by one solitary member, consisting at the present time of the Assistant Director of Public Works, 3 Executive Engineers, 6 Assistant Engineers and I Draftsman.

It must be unnecessary for me to point out that the expenditure for this year will fall far short of the estimated amount, notwithstanding the fact that all the drawings required in connection with the Law Courts and the Governor's Peak Residence and the requisitions for materials for the same are being supplied by outside Architectural Firms. Equally, it will be impossible for the Department to overtake the programme of Works drawn up for 1902, unless it be materially strengthened without delay. In this way works which are considered of great urgency are falling into arrear and, if the Department is not to be rendered capable of keeping pace with the greatly in- creased demands made upon it, the consequences to the Colony generally will be most serious.

I have confined my remarks so far to the carrying out of the works for which provision is made in the Estimates. There are also to be considered the continually increasing duties and responsibilities which are added to the Department by various Ordinances and the enormously increased demand for plans and estimates of Works which are rendered necessary by the great expansion of the Colony.

That great expansion is in progress is, I think, sufficiently proved by the fact that in 1894 the land sales amounted to $72,852, beáring an annual rental of $2,304, whilst in 1900 the amounts were $810,614 and $26,308 respectively.

I do not propose to refer to the Building Ordinance Work, for the carrying out of which recommendations have been submitted by the Public Works Committee in a separate report.

Mr. ORMSBY's remarks in paragraph 5 of his letter are not to the point. The practice followed now as regards the carrying out of work and the making of payments is exactly the same as in former years. I cannot recommend the practice of employing private Engineering Firms, except in emergencies or where some special reasons exist. It is, in my opinion, expensive and, as a rule, unsatisfactory.

( 209 )

I beg to conclude by stating that I an fully convinced that, unless immediate steps are taken to increase the staff of this Department by adding four Assistant Eu- gineers, very serious consequences are likely to arise. Mr. ORMSBY has fallen into the too common error of regarding this Colony as small because its area is somewhat limited, but it must be borne in mind that it contains the fourth largest City in point of popu lation in the Colonial Empire (vide p. XXIV of the Colonial Office List) and that it ranks third amongst the Shipping ports of the world.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your obedient Servant,

W. CHATHAM,

Acting Director of Public Works.

Statement of Amounts appearing in Estimates and Actual Expenditure on Works supervised by the

Engineering Staff of the Public Works Department from 1894 to 1900.

AMOUNTS PROVIDED IN ESTIMATES.

AMOUNTS ACTUALLY EXPENDED.

YEAR.

Recurrent.

Extra- ordinary.

Total.

Recurrent.

Extra- ordinary.

Total.

1894,

162,500

334,500

497,000

155,437

271,492

426,929

1895,

164,500

303,170

467,670

170,218

201,710

371,928

1896,

179,700

245,500

425,200

184,342

204,434

388,776

1897,

203,000

346,600

549,600

207,175 (2) 325,445

532,620

1898,

199,000

258,416

457,416

203,621

233,781

437,402

1899,

207,000

424,200

631,200 (3) 333,403

192,587

525,990

1900,

207,200

291,100

498,300

237,851 (4) 327,678

565,529

1901,

(1) 281,740

566,338

849,078

1902,

(1) 316,500

612,650

929,150

(1) Includes items for "Forming and Kerbing Streets," &c., which had hitherto appeared under

Public Works Extraordinary.

(2) Includes a sum of $104,539 spent in "City of Victoria and Hill District Waterworks" alone,-

Wongneichong Reservoir then in full progress.

(3) Includes a sum of $111,156 spent under the heading "New Territory," which should more properly have been included under Public Works Extraordinary. The sum of $39,786 was for matsheds, &c., which required practically no supervision.

(4) Includes a sum of $16,208 spent on matsheds, &c., in the New Territory, and $60,755 spent on

the Taipó Road.

341

342

See Gov- ernment

No. 1018.

( 210 )

Appendix No. 4.

PUBLIC WORKS OFFICE, HONGKONG, 6th December, 1901.

SIR, I have the honour to forward, for the information of the Public Works Com- mission, a copy of Mr. Cooper's Report on the Water Supply of the City of Victoria and Hill District and to subjoin the following remarks with regard to what has been done in order to give effect to the recommendations contained in it.

On page 11 will be found particulars of a project for increasing the capacity of Notifica Tytam Reservoir which included the raising of the dam and the extension of the tion, No. catchment area by the construction of a catchwater to the East a little over one and a 11th July half miles long. These works were completed early in 1897.

260 of

1898.

Ibid.

The estimated capacity of Tytam Reservoir is now 384,800,000 gallons to over- flow level and can be increased to 407,000,000 gallons by inserting sluice boards 2 feet in height on top of the overflow dam.

On page 14, under the heading "Distribution of Water within the City and Hill Districts," reference is made to certain works which were in progress at the time the Report was written and to the necessity of laying new mains in certain roads. These works have been carried out, as has also the construction of the covered service reservoir at the Peak referred to in paragraph 120.

The repairs to No. 2 Tank have not been carried out however, the tank having been disconnected from the distribution system since the date of the Report. I consi- der that it will be necessary to reconstruct this tank entirely and that it will be advisable to move the position of it at the same time, as its present site cannot be regarded as a satisfactory one.

On page 17, under the heading "Particulars of Proposed Works to meet Present Requirements" are detailed certain works, which include a reservoir at Wongneich'ung Gap, catchwaters to increase the catchment areas of this reservoir and of that at Tytam and certain additional Filter Beds.

These works have all been carried out and the only modifications which were made in the proposals were the substitution of thin stcel for cast iron pipes for conveying the water across the ravine below Tytam Reservoir and the omission of the 5" cast iron main from Wongneich'ung Reservoir to the Tytam Conduit.

With regard to the

The former modification was made by Mr. Cooper himself. latter the provision of the 5" main was considered unnecessary in carrying out the work, as the natural stream course was available for conveying the water the greater part of the distance, a small dam and pipe being provided to lead it into the conduit.

Of the works referred to in the tabulated statement on page 17, all have been carried out with the exception of the first item and the repairs to No. 2 Tank, already mentioned.

With regard to the Improvements of Pokfulam Conduit, there is no definite information on the subject as to what Mr. Cooper's intentions were. I have no doubt, however, that he meant to improve or alter the syphons which convey the water flow- ing through the conduit across several deep valleys occurring along the route.

I am of opinion that the best method of carrying out the improvements will be to bridge the valleys in the same manner as has been done in the case of the Tytam Conduit.

The object of the work is to enable a larger proportion of the supply to be drawn from Pokfulam Reservoir during the summer months, as that Reservoir fills up and is liable to overflow at a much earlier period than Tytam.

Ibid.

In the Estimates for appears opposite the item

( 211 )

the year 1897 it will be found that the sum of $267,000 "City and Hill District Waterworks

City and Hill District Waterworks" under the heading "Estimated Cost," instead of $260,000 as given in the Report. The additional sum of $7,000 was to cover the cost of extending the City mains to North Point and Wongnei- ch'ung, a work which has been carried out.

The only other item described in Mr. Cooper's Report, towards the carrying out of which steps have been taken, is the Reservoir referred to on page 20 as that on Site No. 3, paragraph 159, a contract for which has just been let.

I consider it desirable to proceed. as early as possible with the construction of the Reservoir on Site No. 1, page 19, and have given instructions for the necessary plans, &c., to be prepared.

It has been found necessary to carry out certain works in connection with the City and Hill District Waterworks, which do not appear in Mr. Cooper's Report, beyond the mere mention of the fact that the construction of the filter beds below Bowen Road would furnish facilities for actuating a small hydraulic motor in the event of a supply being required above Bowen Road.

This motor has been established and has been so constructed as to be capable of pumping alternatively into a service reservoir above Bowen Road for the supply of the High Level District, or into one at Mount Gough for the supply of the Hill District. The former reservoir is nearing completion and the latter is being begun. Meanwhile, the motor is being used to pump into small iron tanks on Mount Gough, which supply the houses on Barker Road and at Magazine Gap.

In consequence of the formation of Conduit Road and the erection of numerous houses above it, a new service reservoir has been constructed some distance above Belilios Terrace and the necessary mains in connection with it have been laid. A main is now being laid along Bowen Road to connect this reservoir with the one referred to in the preceding paragraph as being nearly completed above Bowen Road.

Two new filter beds have been constructed at West Point for the purpose of enabling the additional quantity of water drawn from Pokfulam Reservoir to be dealt with.

A 3" additional rising main to the Peak has been laid and a 5" inain has been laid in substitution for the 3" formerly existing from the Peak Reservoir to Victoria Gap. The pipes obtained by dispensing with the latter have been utilized for the main required in Barker Road, which connects through to the Magazine Gap Road main.

The following is a statement of the expenditure incurred under the heading, "City and Hill District Waterworks" in carrying out the above works, commencing with the programme contained in the tabulated statement on page 17 of Mr. Cooper's Report:-

1897,

1898.

.$104,539.93

78,363.77

1899,

29,452.90

1900,

39,046.42

1901 (to end of October),

13,908.06

Total $265,311.08

Several of the smaller items referred to, such as the reservoir behind Belilios

Terrace, were charged to other votes.

343

}

344

( 212 )

It will be gathered from the foregoing remarks that very considerable works have been carried out during the past 5 years for improving and extending the water supply of the City and Hill District but that the addition of Storage Reservoirs has been allowed to lag behind somewhat. The principal causes of this have, I think, been the pressure of other necessary public works and the inadequacy of the staff to undertake more. It can safely be asserted, at all events, that the existing staff has been kept fully employed in connection with the works which have been carried out during recent years.

I append a tabular statement of Mr. Cooper's recommendations with notes as to what has been done towards carrying them out.

I have the honour to be,

E. D. C. WOLFE, Esq.,

Secretary to the Public Works Commissiou.

Page.

Sir,

Your obedient Servant,

W. CHATHAM, Director of Public Works.

CITY AND HILL DISTRICT WATERWORKS.

Tabular Statement of Works referred to in Mr. Cooper's Report, dated 9th May, 1896,

with notes as to whether they have been carried out or not.

Description of Work.

Remarks.

Raising Tytam Dam 10 feet,

Catchwater to East of Tytam Reservoir,.

New Mains in Caine, Robinson and Bonham

Roads,

Repairs to No. 2 Tank,

Peak Service Reservoir,

Improvement of Pokfulam Conduit,

Catchwater West of Tytam Valley,

Reservoir and Catchwater Wongneich'ung

Gap,.........

Filter Beds and Service Reservoirs below

Bowen Road,

Reservoir in Tytam Valley-Site No. I......

No. 2......

2.2

No. 3.......

Reservoir below Pokfulam Reservoir, main

to City and new Filter Beds,

Raising existing Dam at Pokfulam,

Reservoirs below Tytam Dam-Sites No. 4

and 5,

Completed early in 1897.

Do.

Not carried out yet. Tank disused meanwhile.

Completed in December, 1897.

Not carried out yet.

Completed in December, 1897.

Completed in April, 1899.

Completed in 1898.

Not carried out yet.

Do.

Not carried out yet.

paration: Not carried out yet.

paration.

In progress.

Plans in course of pre-

Not carried out yet. These reservoirs involve pumping and are merely referred to by Mr. Cooper as possible sources of Water Supply-vide para. 167.

Appendix No. 5.

EXPENDITURE ON WATER WORKS FOR THE LAST TEN YEARS.

Statement showing Expenditure on Construction of Water Works from 1st January, 1892, to 31st December, 1901, inclusive.

Year.

Kowloon Water Works.

Peak Water

Supply.

New Water Mains City of Victoria.

Tytam Water Works Extension.

City of Victoria

Hill District Water Works.

Water Works, Miscellaneous including items under Water and

Drainage Works

Miscellaneous.

Water Works, Items included

under Miscel- laneous Works.

Water Account.

Totals.

( 213 )

1892,

$ 3,167.52

3,692.71

$18,005.62

1893,

15,573.14

2,018.66 ́

235.07

$ 2,446.89

1,832.22

$ 27,312.74

19,659.09

1894,

60,926.05

1,134.15

ཚ

15.07

2,702,18

64,777.45

1893,

27,291.09

3,362.57

$37,590.09

42.34

2,288.12

8,033.73

78,607.94

1896,

9,292.85

22,684.65

19,153.21

15,047.02

530.80

6,188.38

72,896.91

1897,

2,930.94

4,607.92

8,962.55

$104,539.93

24,856.39

4,590.39

150,488.12

1898,

3,817.92

21.23

78,363.77

13,704.83

3,277.58

99,185.33

1899,

16,385.00

29,452.90

9,858.01

6,877.99

62,573.90

1900,

3,988.33

80.50

39,028.42

1,730.99

4,652.73

10,987.61

60,468.61

1901,

2,648.26

157.70

19,670.60

3,911.07

1,608.77

6,919.35

34,915,75

Totals,...

$146,021.10

3,692.71

$51,813.57

$65,965.28

$271,055.62

$69,165.72

$9,315.49

HONGKONG, 4th January, 1902.

$53,856.35

$670,885.8 £

W. CHATHAM,

Director of Public Works,

345

346

( 214 )

EXPENDITURE ON WATER WORKS FOR THE LAST TEN YEARS.

Statement showing Expenditure on Maintenance of Water Works from 1st January, 1892, to 31st December, 1901, inclusive.

Year.

City and Hill District.

Kowloon.

Aberdeen.

Shaukiwan.

Totals.

1892,

1893,

$ 7,957.17

1894,

7,910.94

1895,

10,136.95

......

10,136.95

1896,

6,565.76

$ 5,788.43

12,354.19

1897,

7,878.93

5,880.74

$1,007.54

$1,088.69

15,855.90

1898,

11,758.13

6,298.58

890.51

968.77

19,915.99

1899,

14,556.41

9,175.11

920.64

1,117.00

25,769.16

1900,

20,496.50

11,995.03

578.96

1,186.45

34,256.94

1901,

20,864.38

17,766.53

189.40

78.48

38,898.79

{

Totals,

$108,125.17

$56,904.42

$3,587.05

$4,439.39

$173,056.03

4th January, 1902.

Year.

Appendix No. 6.

W. CHATHAM, Director of Public Works.

CITY AND HILL DISTRICT WATER WORKS.

Statement of Periods of Intermittent Supply from and including 1896.

Period.

1896,

1st January to 29th March,

1st to 14th June,

1897,

1898,

TO..

1899,

1st April to 10th May,.

26th May to 7th June,

1900,

1st to 13th May,

1901,

Full supply maintained during the Spring. Intermittent supply introduced on 11th November in consequence of rainfall amounting to only 54.18 inches to end of Octo- ber,

Number of

Days.

Rainfall of Preceding Year.

103

45.81

72.78

.100-03

333

57.02

72.70

73.71

Note.-The rainfall of the preceding year is given opposite each year, as it is only in exceptional cases, such as the present, that the intermittent supply is introduced before Spring, and its introduction is therefore due as a rule to deficiency in the preceding year's rainfall.

21st December, 1901.

W. CHATHAM, Director of Public Works.

( 215 )

Appendix No. 7.

REPORT OF PROCEEDINGS OF THE PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE

at a Meeting held on the 27th August, 1901.

Present: The Honourable the Acting Director of Public Works (William) Chatham), Chairman; the Honourable the Acting Colonial Treasurer (Charles McIlvaine Messer); the Honourable Catchick Paul Chater, C.M.G.; the Honourable Dr. Ho Kai ; the Honourable John Thurburn.

1. Supervision of Building Operations in the Colony. (C.S.O. 187)

The Chairman explained that this question, which had arisen out of the collapse of houses in Cochrane Street, had been referred to the Committee by direction of His Ex- cellency the Governor in Council. He then read a report by Mr. Tooker, dated 23rd. July, on the subject of the recent collapse, and a lengthy minute by the Honourable Acting Attorney General on the same subject, which was contained in C.S.O. 2518.

1901.

The following recommendations were unanimously adopted by the Committee :-- (1.) The duties of the Public Works Department to be confined to general super- vision as regards the construction of new buildings, the staff being increased in order to render such general supervision effective.

(2.) In the case of alterations or additions to existing buildings, the duty of inspec- tion in order to ascertain the structural capability of such buildings to undergo such alterations or additions to devolve upon the Public Works Department.

(3.) The Director of Public Works to have full discretion in the matter of sanc- tioning or refusing to sanction any alterations or additions to existing buildings. His decision shall, however, be subject to appeal to the Governor in Council as provided by Section 87 of Ordinance 15 of 1889.

(4.) The staff of the Public Works Department for the supervision of work under the Building Ordinances to consist of at least one Assistant Engineer at a commencing salary of £300 and travelling allowance of $360 per annum, and four thoroughly com- petent Overseers at commencing salaries of £200 each with travelling allowances of $270 each per annum.

(5.) All Architects or Engineers, in order to be admitted as competent to submit plans or proposals under the Building Ordinances, must hold the certificate of some Body or Incorporated Society, recognized by the Government, as a guarantee of their fitness to practise as Architects or Engineers.. This stipulation to come into force upon the passing of the Ordinance.

(6.) All works carried out under the Building Ordinances to be supervised until their completion by an Architect or Engineer of the standing specified in clause (5), who must have power to employ, at the expense of the party on whose behalf the work is being executed, such amount of skilled supervision as he may consider necessary.

(7.) Any party not possessed of the qualification specified in clause (5), who may attempt to submit plans or carry out work, falling within the scope of the Building Ordinances, to be punishable by law.

(8.) All buildings hereafter erected of the type known as Chinese tenement houses to have courses of hoop iron bond built into the walls at the level of the foundations, each floor and the eaves of roof. The hoop iron to measure 14" wide by 34" thick and to consist of two bonds in each course in 14" walls and three bonds in each course in 18" walls and foundations. The bonds to be continuous, whenever practicable, and to be lap-jointed. Where continuous bonds are impracticable such bonds to be arranged as required by the Director of Public Works.

347

348

( 216 )

2. Surface Overcrowding. (C.S.O. 2011.)

The Chairman mentioned that this matter had also been referred to the Committee by His Excellency the Governor in Council. He then read a letter from the Secretary of the Sanitary Board, dated the 28th June, 1901, forwarding certain resolutions with regard to the height of buildings and other matters, and a minute by himself arising out of the letter referred to.

The following recommendations were unanimously adopted by the Committee:-

(1.) No building shall be hereafter erected or raised to a height exceeding one-and- a-half times the width of the street upon which it fronts. Provided always that no domestic building shall be of more than four storeys in height including a ground floor and three upper floors. For the purposes of this section, the width of street and height of building shall be measured in accordance with Section 6 of Ordinance 34 of 1899. This section shall not apply, however, to the re-erection of buildings which have already been erected in excess of the height specified.

Exceptions to the above rule inay be granted by the Governor in Council.

(2.) No balcony shall, except with the sanction of the Governor in Council, here- after be permitted in any street, whether public or private, which measures less than 25 feet in width.

(3.) No verandah shall, except with the sanction of the Governor in Council, hereafter be permitted in any street, whether public or private, which measures less than 50 feet in width.

(4.) No verandah shall, except with the sanction of the Governor in Council, hereafter exceed three storeys in height, including a ground floor and two upper floors, except in streets of 60 feet in width and upwards.

The Committee strongly recommend the immediate enactment of their recommend- ations under the heading "Surface Overcrowding," as some time will probably elapse bofore the new Building Ordinance can be passed.

Appendix No. 8.

PUBLIC WORKS OFFICE, HONGKONG, 7th January, 1902.

SIR, I have the honour to report, for the information of the Public Works Com- mission, that the following works included in Annual Recurrent Expenditure are under my charge:-

Maintenance of Buildings.

Do.,

Maintenance of Telegraphs.

New Territory.

Do.,

Public Cemetery.

Do.,

Praya Wall and Piers.

Do.,

Lighthouses.

(217)

Miscellaneous Works (partly.)

Maintenance of Roads and Bridges in City.

Do.

Do..

outside City.

Kowloon.

Maintenance of Public Recreation Ground.

Maintenance of Clock Tower.

Forming and Kerbing Streets. Extension of Gas Lighting. Miscellaneous Services, (partly.)

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your obedient Servant,

H. P. TOOKER,

Hon. J. II. STEWART LOCKHART, C.M.G,

Acting Assistant Director of Public Works.

Chairman, Public Works Commission.

Appendix No. 9.

PRINCIPAL WORKS UNDER HEADING MITCELLANEOUS WORKS DURING THE YEARS 1900 AND 1901,

SUPERVISED BY MR. TOOKER.

Cash.

Issues.

Receipts.

$35

5 Gaol Hot Water....

7 Reformatory-Sundry additions,

Extension),

11 Civil Hospital-Sundry additions,

8899

60 23 704 00

122 54

Disinfector Shed,

Sub Head 1 General.

9 Post Office (including $971.93 under C 30/98

14 Street Name-plates fixing,

15 Police Telephone Service-Alterations to, 18 Cochrane Street Collapse-Various Works,

Removing Latrines,

Constructing Platforms &c., Cricket Ground, Scalding Pains at Sheep and Swine Depôt, Draining Pools in Nullahs."

1,550 89

6 43

1,096 93

310 09 661 76

1,713 87

711

1,127 41

31015

400 00

154 28

100 97

247 21

Sentry Box--Tsim Sha Tsui Station,

100

Do.. Blake Pier,

Stalls at Yaumati Market,

456

Stall at Saiyingpun Market,

30 00

Hongkong Observatory Sundry Works,

170 00

Telephone to Pumping Station,

379 69

Crosby Store-Pulling down,

210 48

Mt. Gough Station--Erecting Matshed,

252 00

Lyeemun Lamp Support,

25 85

Lightning Conductor, Stonecutters' Island,

Public Well, Hung Hom--Closing one and im-

proving one,

16 71

*40

3832 =

349

·350

(218)

Appendix No. 10.

PUBLIC WORKS OFFICE, HONGKONG, 23rd December, 1901.

SIR, In accordance with your instructions, I have the honour to submit a report upon the suggestion which I made before the Public Works Commission on the 6th instant, viz., to lay down Australian Hardwood Block paving in Queen's Road from the Government Civil Hospital to Wanchai Market and in Des Voeux Road, say, from the Harbour Office to the City Hall.

2. Two of the many kinds of wood which grow in the forests of Western Australia have recently come to the front as eminently suitable for street paving, these are known as Jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata), aud Karri (Eucalyptus diversicolor). A full description of these woods is given in a report by Mr. J. Edine Brown, Conservator of Forests for Western Australia, dated 1899.

3. Jarrah is without doubt the principal timber tree in the Western Australian forests, for general constructive works, necessitating contact with soil and water, the timber of this tree stands foremost. The late Baron Sir F. Von Meueller, the great and well known botanist of Victoria said: "the Jarrah is famed for its indestructible wood, which is neither attacked by the borings of the chelura, teredo, or ternute." The wood when thoroughly seasoned weighs about 60 lbs. per cube foot, and the prin- cipal uses to which it is as yet applied, are street paving, piles, jetties, bridges, boat- building and railway sleepers.

4. Karri is not so well known as Jarrah owing to the somewhat limited field of its growth, and at present comparative inaccessibility of its haunts, it is very like Jarrah in its appearance, indeed so like, that it takes a good judge of the two to distinguish each. It is hard, heavy, elastic and tough. It is said that for underground or water- works this timber is inferior to Jarrah, and still instances have been known of the timber having been in the ground for 30 or 40 years with only an ordinary amount of decay. For street paving it is most valuable and perhaps superior to its colleague, the Jarrah, inasmuch that its surface does not get so slippery by wear. This timber is now largely used in London for street paving.

5. The method of paving I would recommend is as follows:-

A cement concrete foundation at least 6" thick to be laid first formed smooth on the surface and to the shape of the finished road, upon this foundation the paving, formed of blocks soaked in creosote 6" x 6" x 3" to be laid, the joints between the blocks to be racked with fine gravel, and subsequently granted with a mixture of boiling tar and pitch.

6. As I stated before the Commission, I am convinced that macadam roads as they exist here at present are no longer suited for the main thorough fare in the centre of the City.

Doubtless the weight of ricksha traffic is little more than cwt. per inch width of tyre, which is small compared with that of an ordinary loaded two-wheeled cart esti- mated at 9 cwt. per inch width of tyre, but it is the amount of the ricksha traffic which tells.

In 1890, there were 500 ricksha licences issued, and up to date of the current year as many as 1,200,

In 1895, 615 trucks and carriages were licensed, and up to date of this year the number has reached 1,255.

351

( 219 )

7. Speaking of macadamised roadways, Mr. H. Percy Boulnais (now City Engin- eer of Liverpool) in his book on Municipal Engineering, says: "Telford's object was the complete separation of the road metal from the subsoil by a firm and regular foundation, and this system has ever since held its ground.'

The advantages to be gained by constructing a roadway in this manner may be summed up as follows:-

(1) Economy of construction, as a considerable quantity of metalling is saved.

(2) The prevention of the rising up or "spewing" of the clay or other soft

material on which the roadway rests.

(3) A solid foundation is secured which will successfully resist the weight

and precussions of the traffic.

(4) The increased facility for the drainage of the roadway, water being

ruinous to it.

No. 3 of the above advantages helps to explain why it is that, with a proper foundation hard stone can be used advantageously, as, having a good support, the traffic is enabled to wear the surface evenly.

8. In connection with the subject herein treated, the following statement by Mr. Boulnais is interesting. The great objections to macadamised roadways, are as

follows:-

(1) They manufacture too much mud and dust.

(2) They are too absorbent.

(3) They are very noisy, and damaging to vehicles.

(4) They constantly require mending but never seem quite sound.

(5) They are frequently encumbered by men and carts engaged in either re-

pairs, cleansing or watering.

(6) They are very expensive to maintain and cleanse.

I would call special

attention to No. 2 of the above. Sanitarians are now agreed that in centres of population it is most desirable to have the thoroughfares non-absorbent.

9. Turning now to wood paving, its principal advantages. may be stated as follows:-

(1) It is the quietest of all known pavements.

(2) It is much safer than eitlier asphaltic or granite paving for horses travel-

ling upon it.

(3) It offers very little resistance to traction.

(4) It is very clean.

(5) Absorbes very little moisture.

(6) It is inexpensive to maintain. Its chief disadvantage is that it is not easy to open for the purpose of laying gas and water pipes etc., and it has to be left a little time after repairs before traffic is again allowed upon it.

This difficulty might, however, largely be met by a notice in the Gazette that parties wishing to lay gas pipes etc., in certain roads could do so before a certain date, as the roadway would not be allowed to be opened afterwards except for a very special purpose.

352

( 220 )

10. The question of cost must, of course, as in most matters, be a considerable factor in the choice of a road pavement, but the old saying that “a bad article is dear at any price" holds good.

For the purpose of comparing the annual cost of hardwood paving and of macadam it will be expedient to take the first cost of the former and that of a properly. laid macadam roadway, viz., a roadway with a good foundation covered with durable metal. The subjoined table gives the comparison in respect of Queen's Road from the Civil Hospital to Wanchai Market and Des Voeux Road from the Harbour Office to the City Hall.

11. Through the courtesy of Mr. Henry Blake, son of Sir Henry Blake, G.C.M.G., I obtained the price of Australian hardwood (Jarrah or Karri) direct from Australia, since I was before the Commission. It is more than I anticipated, so that the cost of paving formed of these timbers would be $9.50 per square yard instead of $6.00 as I stated in evidence, thus the first cost of such pavement would be very expensive, but I am convinced, and Mr. Blake, who knows the timber well, agrees with me, that it would be practically indestructible under ricksha traffic. The figures in the table show that this paving, over the area suggested to be paved, would cost about $1,000 per annum more than what a good macadam road would cost, but for general superior qualities there would be no comparison, and it should not be lost sight of that the tendency is for the traffic to increase in Hongkong and for prices to go up, so much so that I would not be surprised if the cost of maintaining main macadamised roads here went up to $1.00 per square yard in a few years.

12. However the high price of Australian hardwood induced me to enquire if one of the many excellent Borneo hardwoods would not suit our purpose equally as well at a much less cost, and I believe that Borneo camphor would fulfil the requirements. It is a good sound hardwood and seems in every way suited for street paving, and of a very reasonable cost. The table shows that its annual cost including interest on original outlay, would be much less than the cost of a good macadam road, of course the use of this wood for street paving would be quite a new departure, but I would strongly recommend that a small portion be laid down in Queen's Road, say, opposite the Post Office, as an experiment, as soon as possible.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your most obe-lient Servant,

The Honourable J. H. STEWART LOCKHART, C.M.G.,

Chairman, Public Works Commission.

H. P. TOOKER.

་

TABLE SHOWING THE COST OF WOOD PAVING AND OF MACADAM.

DESCRIPTION OF PAVING.

No. or SQUARE; YARD.

COST PER SQUARE YARD.

TOTAL COST.

COST OF MAIN- TOTAL COST

TENANCE PER

INTEREST AT 5 PER ANNUM. SQUARE YARD MAINTENANCE

PER ANNUM.

PER ANNUM,

SANDING PER SQUARE YARD

PER ANNUM.

TOTAL COST OF SANDING

PER SQUARE

YARD.

TOTAL COST

PER ANNUM.

$33,250

$0.02

$1,400

$0.02

$1,400

$36,050

( 221 )

Borneo Camphor Wood,

70,000

6.00

120,000

21,000

0.03

2,100

0.02

1,400

24,500

Australian Hardwood,

70,000

$9.50

$665,000

Macadam,

70,000

2.00

140,000

7,000

0.40

28,000

Nil.

35,000

353

354

No. 70.

( 222 )

Appendix No. 11.

PUBLIC WORKS OFFICE, HONGKONG, 21st January, 1902.

SIR,I herewith forward you, for the information of the Public Works Commis- sion, an Extract from C.S.O. 2382, relating to the cost of Training Nullahs in the built areas of the City.

I enclose a copy of the plan of the City showing the positions of the nullahs referred to.

I have the honour to be,

E. D. C. WOLFE, Esq.,

Secretary to the Public Works Commission.

Sir,

Your obedient Servant,

W. CHATHAM, Director of Public Works.

TRAINING NULLAHS WITHIN OR ADJOINING THE BUILT AREAS OF THE CITY.

Hon. ('olonial Secretary,

2382

(EXTRACT FROM C.S.O. 7387.)

I now submit an estimate and plan of the City showing the various streams covered by the estimate.

The estimate shows the cost of dealing with each of the streams and the total amounts to $26,300. This provides for the whole of the built area in the higher levels of the City.

Reference letter on plan.

Locality.

Length Estd.

Total

Cost

Estd.

fect.

per foot.

Cost..

Stream A.

West of Merton Lodge" and "Inglewood,' South of "Merton Lodge,'

1,100

8.00

8,800

600

4.50

2,700

"Terre Verte,'

600

Varies.

2,300

West of I. L. 1,544, Conduit Road,

400

6.00

2,400

Between I. Ls. 1,548 and 1,624, Conduit Road,

400

6.00

2.400

1,529 and 1,549,

450

4.50

2,025

West of I. L. 1,523, Macdonnell Road,

120

3.00

360

East of I. Ls. 1,523 and 1,453, Macdonnell Road,... West of Nethersole Hospital,

670

6.00

4,020

350

3.70

1,295

Grand Total, S 26.300

(Sd.) W. CHATHAM,

HONGKONG, 9th January, 1902.

Director of Public Works.

(223)

Appendix No. 12.

PUBLIC WORKS OFFICE, HONGKONG, 1st January, 1902.

SIR-I have the honour to submit a report upon the lighting of Queen's Road East between Arsenal Street and the Wanchai Market, for the information of the Public Works Commission.

This road is at present lighted by 8 Electric lamps of 2,000 candle power each, there is, however, no denying that the trees in this neighbourhood greatly obscure the light from these lamps, shadows are cast and dark places are formed, so that it becomes a question of either removing the trees or supplementing the light by some means.

The latter could be done by erecting a few gas lamps with incandescent burners "S" pattern.

I submit a plan B showing the proposed positions.

The cost would be as follows:-5 lamps at $50-$250.00.

The annual cost of lighting the same would be $165.00.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your obedient Servant,

H. P. TOOKER,

Acting Assistant Director of Public Works.

The Honourable J. H. STEWART LOCKHART, C.M.G., Chairman, Public Works Commission.

PUBLIC WORks Office, HONGKONG, 23rd January, 1902.

SIR, With reference to Mr. MASTER'S letter of the 16th instant, in connection with my report upon the lighting of Queen's Road East between Arsenal Street and the Wanchai Market, I regret the mistake on my part as to the exact portion of Queen's Road referred to by Mr. MASTER when I was before the Public Works Commission.

I admit that the bend in the road opposite Victoria Barracks is badly lighted owing to the trees obstructing the rays from the adjacent electric lamp.

One gas lamp fitted with an "S" pattern Incandescent burner would, however, surmount the difficulty, and I show upon plan B the position I would suggest.

The lighting of the road opposite the Arsenal Yard is also somewhat shaded by trees at present, but until the roadway here is widened, which will shortly be done, when it may be found desirable to alter the positions of some of the electric lamps, I cannot recommend that any additional lamps be provided at this place. The total num- ber of additional lamps, I suggest should be fixed in Queen's Road East, is therefore 6, the initial cost of which would be $300.00 and the annual cost of lighting $198.00.

355

356

(224)

I here take the opportunity of correcting in red the Annual cost of lighting the additional lamps suggested in my two previous reports the figures previously given were the monthly cost in each case.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your obedient Servant,

H. P. TOOKER,

Acting Assistant Director of Public Works.

The Honourable J. H. STEWART LOCKHART, C.M.G.,

Colonial Secretary.

Appendix No. 13.

PUBLIC WORKS OFFICE, HONGKONG, 11th January, 1902.

Sir, I have the honour to submit the following report upon the gas lighting of Kowloon for the information of the Public Works Commission.

Kowloon was first lighted with gas in 1892 when lamps were fixed in the Public streets of Tsim Sha Tsui and Yaumati and subsequently in Hung Hom and Mongkok.

The total number of Public Street lamps in Kowloon at present is 167. The dis- tricts of Hung Hom, Yaumati and Mongkok have largely developed of late years. Land has been sold, houses built and streets laid out, so that while the older portions of Kowloon are sufficiently lighted at present the districts just mentioned require some further consideration in this respect. After careful inspection on the ground I think it would be desirable to erect 8 more lamps in Hung Hom, 17 in Yaumati and 18 in Mongkok, the cost of which would be as follows:-

43 lamps at $50

Annual cost of lighting...

$2,150.00

1,393.20

I attach a plan A showing proposed positions of lamps.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your obedient Servant,

H. P. TOOKER.

Acting Assistant Director of Public Works.

The Honourable J. H. STEWART LOCKHART, C.M.G.,

Chairman, Public Works Commission.

357

(Copy.)

( 225 )

Appendix No. 14.

CENTRAL POLICE STATION,

6th December, 1901.

SIR,-I have the honour to report that between the 3rd and 5th instant, I visited the roofs of twenty-eight houses, the addresses and particulars of which are attached.

I have, &c.,

Το

F. J. Badeley, Esq.,

A. C. S. of Police.

(S.) II. GARRod, P.S. 33.

Hon. D. P. W.,

Some at least of these cases appear to be infringements of Ord. 15/89, Sec. 29. I send you the information in case you desire to take action in the matter.

(Sd) F. J. B.

6.12.01.

Mr. Tooker,

Please take necessary action where possible.

(Sd.) W. C.

7.12.01.

Mr. Crisp,

Please inspect the inflammable structures herein reported so that you can take out summons if necessary.

(Sd.) H. P. T.

10.12.01.

Nos. 369, 371 & 373, Queen's Road Central.

3rd December, 1901.

I visited the above numbered houses at 7.45 A.M. and found the following articles stored on their roofs :----

120 baskets of preserves;

222 empty baskets;

137 large stone jars filled with liquid;

12 wooden tubs.

Found articles he mentioned.

(S.) H. GARROD, P.S. 33.

(Sd.) P. C.

11.12.01.

358

(226)

3rd December, 1901.

Nos. 256 & 258, Hollywood Road.

I visited the above numbered houses at 6.45 A.M. and found 38 empty boxes and a large quantity of old beams and timber stored on the roofs.

(Sd.) H. GARROD, P.S. 33.

3rd December, 1901.

No. 13, New Street.

I visited the above numbered house at 6.35 a.m. and found a shed 8 feet by 6 feet made of canvas, matting and boards erected on the roof, there were also several baskets of orange peel laid out for the purpose of drying, the roof of this house is in a very· broken up condition.

(Sd.) H. GARROD, P.S. 33.

Appendix No. 15.

List of Public Works Extraordinary likely to be proceeded with at once, and the staff I consider necessary to efficiently supervise the works and at the same time under- take the usual office routine work:-

No. 1 New Law Courts,

....

$50,000

2 Government Peak Residence,

40,000

3 No. 7 Police Station,

10,000

4 Public Latrines,

12,000

5 Public Urinals,

10,000

8 Taipo Road-16 miles in length,

20,000

9 Western Market,

40,000

10 Harbour Master's Office,

35,000

14 Quarantine and Segregation Camp,

10,000

17 Volunteer Head Quarters,

....

30,000

18 Police Station-Sheung Shui,

21 Market at Kowloon Point,

8,000

Tai 0,

8,000

35,000

22 Two temporary Markets,

3,000

23 Extension of Wanchai Market,

....

4,000

25 Disinfecting Station at Kowloon,

9,000

26 Quarters at Kowloon for Inspector,

4,000

27 New Shed at City Disinfecting Station,

8,000

28 Clock Tower,

25,000

31 Extension of Mount Gough Police Station,

9,000

35 Married Quarters at Tsim Sha Tsui Station,

10,000

37 Widening Conduit Road,

8,000

41 Resuming and reclaiming land at Starling Inlet,

44 Boat Slips at Sai Kung and Tai 0,

...

8,000

1,500

$397,500

(227)

Work already in hand and not included in the Estimates for 1902:- Tai Po Road-work to be finished on contracts already let..................

Gaol Staff Quarters

Quarantine Station for Dogs

Floor to No. 2 Shed at Kennedy Town

Diverting Road connecting Garden Road and Kennedy Road and completing Nullah No. 2

Mong Kok Tsui Nullah

}

$30,000

25,000

1,500

14,600

2,200

9,000

$82,300

altogether a total amount of $479,800 and to undertake this the present staff consists of:-

Executive Engineer, Mr. Gale,...............

$250 per month

Assistant Engineer, Mr. Fisher,

200

Part of time only

Mr. Xavier

200

Mr. Hughes,

150

Mr. Carpenter.........

150

European Overseers

Chinese Foremen

The following new officers are required at least :-

2 Assistant Engineers (one to be Architect) at $200

2 European Overseers

1 Chinese Foreman.

HONGKONG, 24th December, 1901.

Appendix No. 16.

C. H. GALE.

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.

18th December, 1901.

be-

SIR,-I herewith beg for permission to offer an explanation re the papers I put fore the Commission on Friday last. In reading Mr. Tooker's minute :-" Please inspect these inflammable structures," I was quite under the impression, (and always have been) that piles of empty baskets, plunks, and old boxes on roofs came under the head- ing of inflammable structures.

As I misconstrued the meaning of above minute, I hope an humble apology will be accepted from me.

I beg to remain,

Your obedient Servant,

The Hon. STEWART LOCKHART, C.M.G.

Chairman, Public Works Commission.

P. CRISP, Inspector of Buildings.

359

360

(228)

Appendix No. 17.

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, HONGKONG, 13th January 1902.

Proposed Law Courts.

SIR, With reference to the two questions that were raised on the 20th December last, when I was examined before, the Public Works Commission, I have the honour to report as follows:-

1. The Choice of Architects.

With regard to the question raised by one of the members, I beg to refer to Mr. CHAMBERLAIN'S Despatch No. 132 of the 16th June, 1896, (see Sessional Papers for 1896 No. 31/96, page 487), which was published and in which he states the objections to local architects being employed, and that, in his opinion, it will be desirable to employ the Con- sulting Architects, Messrs. WEBB & BELL, who designed the Birmingham Law Courts and other notable buildings and who also have considerable experience in making designs for buildings in the Tropics.

2. Deviations from Original Sketches.

The original sketches were received on the 29th October, 1898, the Secretary of State in forwarding these sketches stated as follows:-

"The Architects have prepared these sketches with a view to ascertaining that the arrangements of the buildings are generally suited to local requirements, before the expense of detailed designs is incurred," and Mr. ORMSBY reported on the 16th November, 1898, that the sketches had been laid before the Chief Justice, Mr. Justice WISE, the Acting Attorney General, the Crown Solicitor and the Registrar, and were generally approved, a few alterations being suggested. The alterations suggested and which have been adopted are as follows:-

The Judges do not require a special room for their clerks.

"The Chief Justice prefers that his private room should adjoin that of the Puisne "Judge.

"The Jury Room and Robing Room should be transposed.

"Accommodation on ground floor (one room) should be provided for Custodian.

"A special entrance for the clerical staff as suggested by the architects is considered "advisable.

"The Store Room should be on the ground floor.

"Additional room for records.

"A Lift to be provided; and

"Hoods should be provided to all windows on the West."

The late Mr. FRANCIS was the only person who raised any objections to which the Director of Public Works replied.

( 229 )

The Sketch Plans were duly transmitted to the Colonial Office and Contract Draw- ings prepared at home were forwarded to the Hongkong Government. These drawings were considered by His Excellency the Governor Sir HENRY A. BLAKE, and were laid before the Legislative Council on the 23rd November, 1899, (Hansard see Extract at- tached, page 30), by the Director of Public Works, Mr. ORMSBY.

Subsequently Mr. ORMSBY suggested that the plan should be modified so as to make the principal entrance face West instead of East.

A Committee consisting of the Acting Chief Justice (Mr. GOODMAN), the Puisne Judge, (Mr. WISE), the Acting Attorney General (Mr. POLLOCK), the Acting Land Officer and Registrar (Mr. SETH), the Crown Solicitor (Mr. BowLEY) and the Director of Public Works, (Mr. ORMSBY) was appointed to consider the suggestion which it adopted.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your most obedient Servant,

The Honourable J. H. STEWART LOCKHART, C.M.G.,

Chairman, Public Works Commission.

H. G. FISHER.

Extract from the "Hongkong Hansard" for 1899.

Dated 23rd November, 1899.

Page 30.

The Plans of the New Law Courts.

"The Director of Public Works:-By Your Excellency's direction I beg to lay on the table the plans of the proposed New Law Courts. The architects require some further information before completing certain architectural details, which information will be forwarded in due course. The general arrangement of the courts was approved by the Chief Justice and the other officials concerned some time ago, to whom the original sketches were, at Your Excellency's suggestion, submitted. Certain alterations and improvements were suggested by the officials who have to occupy the buildings, and these have all been attended to, I think, in a satisfactory manner by the architect. The ground plan has been approved, and consequently there is no reason why there should be any delay in proceeding with the foundations, which, I think, can be com- menced early in the coming year."

361

362

(230).

Appendix No. 18.

HONGKONG, 16th January, 1902.

DEAR SIR,-With reference to the question whether the Public Works Department Staff is overworked or not, I should say not.

No doubt they do as much work as can reasonably be required of them, and if they got through all the work required of the Department, they would be, to a certain extent, overworked, but the works they are unable to do without being overworked are left until there is time to do them.

In many of the branches I consider the supply equal to the demand, as, for ins- tance, the Praya Reclamation.

The following is my idea of the Staff necessary to carry out the works set forth in the Estimates for 1902, and any small additional works that may be required:-

1. The Director of Public Works.

2. Praya and all other reclaination works, except in the New Territory, 2 Executive Engineers.

3. Waterworks, except New Kowloon Waterworks, one Executive and one Assistant Engineer.

4. New Government, buildings, including the New Territory, one Executive and two Assistant Engineers.

5. Building Ordinances, (private buildings) one Executive Engineer and two "Building Inspectors.

6. New Roads and Bridges, one Assistant Engineer, and one Surveyor (Indian).

7. Maintenance of existing roads and buildings, one Assistant Engineer.

8. Crown Lands, one Superintendent, (Assistant Engineer) and one European Land Surveyor.

I should think an Assistant Engineer, one European and one Indian Land Surveyor and a Building Inspector in addition to the present staff, would be sufficient.

It must be borne in mind that the work for 1902 is exceptional, but on the other hand it would be as well to provide for future works. The staff of the P. W. D. should be in proportion to the size of the city and towns of the Colony..

I should point out that I have not included the Survey of the New Territory in my estimate, as I understand this is being done by a special staff, and, with reference to surveys, I think there should be a survey of the city and suburbs of Victoria, and a permanent Surveyor to keep pace with the alterations continually being made. He should have a record of all new buildings, &c., and as soon as they are completed, plot them on a plan of the city.

E. D. C. WOLFE, Esq.,

Secretary of the Public Works Commission.

Yours faithfully,

A. DENISON.

( 231 )

Appendix No. 19.

HONGKONG, 3rd January, 1901.

DEAR SIR,-With reference to my remarks about the cost of materials supplied to the Public Works Department and the cost of similar materials supplied to us from England, I send you the following list of building materials sent out to us from time to time and the cost thereof F. O. B. in English ports:-

Cast iron columns, lengths from 10 feet to 15 feet, 6 feet to 7 feet diameter,

5 to 8 cwt., each 6s. per cwt. f.o.b.

Wrought iron roof principals, 50 feet and 20 feet spans, 16s. 4d. per cwt. f.o.b. Freight on above 30/- per ton, 1" diameter wrought iron bolts and nuts, 13s.

per cwt. f.o.b.

Belgian steel rolled beams, 5′′ × 2′′, in 17 feet lengths, £4 17s. 6d. per ton

f.o.b. December, 1895.

Best English steel beams, 12" x 5", in 17 to 20 feet lengths, £6 17s. 6d. per

ton, f.o.b.-June, 1897.

Best English steel beams, 12" x 6", in 24 feet lengths, £7 7s. 6d. per ton-

January, 1899.

Best English steel beams, 8" x 4" to 14" x 6" in 11 to 15 feet lengths, £9 5s. 6d.

in December, 1900.

Belgian steel beams from 5" x 3" to 14" x 6" at £5 15s. 6d. per ton.-July,

1901.

Do.

do.

lish steel beams from 8" x 4", £8 2s. 6d. per ton.-July, 1901.

12" x 5", £71 2s. 6d. per ton-September, 1901.

Yours faithfully,

A. DENISON.

E. D. C. WOLFE, Esq.,

Secretary to the Public Works Commission.

No. 145.

PUBLIC WORKS OFFICE, HONGKONG, 4th February, 1902.

SIR, I herewith return you Mr. DENISON'S letter of the 3rd ultimo, and send

you

for the information of the Public Works Commission 6 copies of a Comparative Statement which I have had prepared showing the costs furnished by Mr. DENISON in parallel column with the costs of similar materials obtained by this Department through the Crown Agents.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

E. D. C. WOLFE, Esq.,

Secretary to the Public Works Commission.

Your obedient Servant,

W. CHATHAM,

Director of Public Works.

364

SONGA NRKETIN

232)

COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF COST OF MATERIALS OBTAINED FROM ENGLAND BY PRIVATE FIRMS IN THE COLONY AND BY THE Government.

Prices supplied by Mr. A. Denison.

F.O.B. IN ENGLISH PORTS.

August, 1892, Cast iron columns; 10 to 15 ft. long; 6" to 7" diameter; 5 to 8 cwts. each.

6/- per cwt.

August, 1892, Wrought iron roof principals 50

and 20 ft. spans.

16/4 per cwt.

August, 1892, Wrought iron bolts and nuts 1′′

diameter.

13/- per cwt.

August, 1892, Freight on above.

30/- per ton.

July, 1901, Belgian steel joists 5" x 3" to

14" x 6".

£5. 15s. 6d. per ton.

July, 1901, English steel joists 8′′ × 4′′.

£8. 2s. 6d. per ton.

September, 1901, English steel joists 12" x 5".

£7. 12s. 6d. per ton.

December, 1895, Belgian steel joists.5′′ × 2′′,

in 17 ft. lengths.

£4. 17s. 6d. per ton.

June, 1897, English steel joists 12′′ × 5′′, in

17 to 20 ft. lengths.

£6. 17s. 6d. per ton.

January, 1899, English steel joists 12′′ × 6′′, in

24 ft. lengths.

£7. 78. 6d. per ton.

December, 1900, English steel joists 8" x 4" to

14" x 6", in 11 to 15 ft. lengths.

£9. 5s. 6d. per ton.

Prices of goods obtained through Crown Agents.

F.O.B. IN ENGLISH Ports.

July, 1892, Cast iron columns; 19 ft. long; 101" to 12" diameter; 214 cwts. each.

7/3 per cwt.

July, 1892, Wrought iron roof principals 51

ft. spans.

13.9 per cwt.

July, 1892, Wrought iron bolts and nuts

varying sizes, 8′′ × 1" to 21′′ × 1′′:

22/- per cwt.

July, 1892, Freight on above.

13/- to 25/ per ton.

November, 1901, English steel joists 18" x 7",

in 33 ft. lengths.

£7 per ton.

November, 1901, English steel joists 5" x 3" to

15" x 6", in 17 to 35 ft. lengths.

£6 per ton.

May, 1898, English steel joists 3" x 3" to

15" x 6", in 16 to 36 ft. lengths.

£5. 16s. 6d. per ton.

February, 1900, English steel joists 5′′ × 3′′ to

13" x 5", in 20 to 36 ft. lengths.

£8. 9s. 9d. per ton.

March, 1900, English steel joists 15′′ × 6′′, :

24 to 28 ft. lengths.

£8. 2s. 6d. per ton.

November, 1900, English steel joists 173′′ ×

64′′, in 33 ft. lengths.

£7. 15s. Od. per ton.

November, 1900, English steel joists 8" x 5",

in 13 ft. lengths.

Appendix No. 20.

HONOURABLE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS,

£7. 12s. 6d. per ton.

Since 24th June. 1895, we have lost two clerks from the book-keeping and account office (viz., Messrs. Chan Fan and Chan Kam To) and Mr. Leung Lau Fan's departure will make the third.

During his twelve months' connection with the Department, he has been receiving instructions in work much of which, as far as I can learn, is suitable for this Office only, and cannot be applied generally in another.

He has no sooner arrived at a really useful stage than he is to depart. His and similar departures involve a re-arrangement of the work which is for a time weakening, besides working discontent amongst others, giving them an idea that this office is only a convenient way to something better.

So far as this office is concerned, and I believe the Government, the time given to instructing these men has been practically thrown away, as in any other Department, there is little chance of their being able to apply what they have been taught here.

For the sake of the officers themselves it would be unfair to prevent their transfer, but looking at the case from a purely business point of view, I consider it would be to the advantage of the Government to pay these men a salary sufficient to keep them at the posts they have been specially trained to work in. In the event of Mr. Leung Lau Fan's transfer I have the honour to submit the following for your consideration.

(Sd.). DAVID Woon.

30. 6. 96.

Appendix No. 21.

1894.

1895.

1896.

1897.

1898.

1899.

1900.

1901.

STATEMENT MADE BY ME BEFORE THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT COMMISSION REGARDING PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT STORE TRANSACTIONS.

( 233 )

Stock on hand on 1st January

$69,027

$79,333 $127,904

$125,352

$141,876

$196,861

$160,342

$194,364

Stores issues to works during

108,784

41,204

53,155

89,661

71,450

104,382

110,950

Stores receipts from works during

21,016

10,827

9,679

22,314

12,537

16,385

. 17,617

Stores purchased locally

8,892

16,371

17,099

16,109

37,308

· 30,994

38,295

MAAKT, O

Stores received from Crown Agents

94,176

31,112

40,816

57,660

58,794

35,339

90,454

......

Stores sold to Public

5,369

2,250

4,937

4,952

7,518

7,379

11,465

€9

307,264

181,097

253,590

316,048

329,483

391,340

429,123

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT,

Hongkong, 30th December, 1901.

DAVID WOOD,

Superintendent of Accounts, Correspondence and Stores.

365

366

(234)

Appendix No. 22.

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, HONGKONG, 30th December, 1901.

SIR, I have the honour to supply as requested a list showing the different firms who have supplied the Public Works Department through the Crown Agents for the Colonies. The list covers approximately the last ten years, and shows that the Crown Agents have carried out for this Department the delivery of 379 orders. The 379 orders were placed with 101 different firms as follows:-

1 Firm was successful on 27 occasions

•

- 50

་་

101

379

In 1894, the purchase of stores locally amounted to $8,892, and had risen in 1900 to $38,295. In 1894, the purchase of stores through the Crown Agents for the Colonies was $94,176, and in 1900 had fallen to $90,454.

E. D. C. WOLFE, ESQ.

Secretary, Public Works Commission.

DAVID WOOD,

Superintendent of Accounts, Correspondence and Stores..

Appendix No. 23.

HONOURABLE DIRECTOR PUBLIC WORKS,

Mr. Ormsby, by Public Works Office letter No. 59 of 26th January, 1898, and ac- companying Indent No. 2 of 1898, requisitioned for three hundred (300) tons of Port- land Cement. Copy of letter and indent herewith.

It would appear that when the advice arrived in the Colony it was forwarded to the Praya Reclamation where they knew nothing about it, as no record of the order was in that office.

(235)

The cement should have been ordered by and recorded in the letter book &c., of the Praya Reclamation, and not the Public Works Department. The cement arrived in the months of June and September, 1898, and was taken delivery of by the Praya Re- clamation.

This was the only consignment of Cement ordered or received by the Praya Reclamation or the Public Works Department during Mr. Ormsby's term of office in the Colony,—i.e., 19th October, 1897-12th March, 1901.

Herewith copies of letter and indent.

DAVID WOOD.

13.1.02.

CHAIRMAN, PUBLIC WORKS COMMISSION,

With reference to your enquiries regarding a consignment of cement, which the Crown Agents are reported to have sent to this Department without having received any order to do so, the facts of the case are as stated in the above minute. As only one consignment of cement was ordered or received during Mr. ORMSBY'S term of office, there is no room for any doubt on the subject.

W. CHATHAM. Director Public Works.

13.1.02.

No. 59.

(Copy.)

Cement for 1898.

26th January, 1898.

Sir, I have the honour to represent that our probable requirements in Cement this year, over and above the quantity now contracted for with the Green Island Cement Company, will be about 1,200 tons. I am somewhat doubtful as to their being able to supply this, at least with cement fit for immediate use.

I therefore recommend that at least 300 tons be ordered from England through the Crown Agents and submit an indent accordingly.—I have, &c.,

The Honourable The Colonial Secretary.

R.'D. ORMSBY, Director of Public Works.

Indent No. 2 of 1898.

GOVERNMENT OF HONGKONG.

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.

REQUISITION ON THE CROWN AGENTS FOR THE COLONIES.

Amount.

Description of Articles.

Quantity Probable required. Rates.

Remarks.

Tons.

Cement. Portland,...............

300

£1. 15. 0. per ton

525

HONGKONG, 26th January, 1898.

(Sd.) R. D. ORMSBY, Director of Public Works.

367

INDEX.

Part I.-A DESCRIPTION OF THE EXISTING SYSTEM,

Queen's College,

District Schools,

Anglo-Chinese District Schools,

Vernacular District Schools,

Belilios Public School,

Grant Schools,

Section.

English Grant Schools,

Anglo-Chinese Grant Schools,

Vernacular Grant Schools,

Summary,

99 1,0

Fart II. THE CLASSES OF CHILDREN REQUIRING EDUCATION,

Children of British Parentage,

Children of Chinese Parentage,

Anglo-Chinese Schools, Vernacular Schools,

Children of Portuguese Extraction,

Eurasian Children,

FEMALE EDUCATION,

Girls of British Parentage,

Girls of Chinese Parentage

Anglo-Chinese Girl Schools,

Vernacular Girl Schools,

Portuguese and Eurasian Girls,

***

Part III.-RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF EXISTING SCHOOLS,

...

$11 12

13-15

163-17

...

1.9-22

2*3-26

2:7-28

Queen's College,

36-39

Grant Schools,

District Schools,

...

English Grant Schools,

Anglo-Chinese Grant Schools,

40-44

45-46

47-48

49-52

Vernacular Grant Schools,

53-54

Grants in Aid of Rent,

Building Grants,...

The Code,

•

Part IV.-ADDITIONS NEEDED TO COMPLETE THE EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM,...

British Schools,

59-62

A High School for Chinese, ...

63-65

Part V. FINANCE,...

The New Territory,

Queen's College,...

District Schools,

Grant Schools,

British Schools,

66-69

71-77

78-80

81-83

Chinese High School,

86-87

The New Territory,

Total Increased Expenditure,

Ratio of Expenditure to Revenue,

School Fees,

Part VI. MISCELLANEOUS RECOMMENDATIONS :——

Higher Education,

Normal Schools,

Organization,

Conclusion,

Appendices.

A. Correspondence relating to the proposed Establishment of (1) a British

School; (2) a Chinese High School,

...

B. The Existing Grant-in-Aid Code,

!... 88-89

90-91

94-95

Page

HONGKONG.

REPORT OF THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, FOR THE YEAR 1901.

589 No. 25

Laid before the Legislative Council by Command of His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government,

1902

REGISTRAR GENERAL'S OFFICE,

HONGKONG, 27th March, 1902.

SIR, I have the honour to make the following Report on the work of this Department for the year 1901.

REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE,

The revenue collected during the year amounted to $127,566.16, as against $132,729.63 collected in 1900. The decrease is due to the large falling off in the number of certificates of identity issued to Chinese entering the United States. The revenue derived from this source is $9,350 less than last year. On the other hand, the revenue from cargo-boat licences shews an increase of $1,481 and that from markets an increase of $1,361.

The expenditure during the year was $16,429.62, compared with $13,058.53 in 1900. The increase is caused by the separation of the posts of Registrar General and Colonial Secretary.

It is now ten years since the Registrar-General's first annual report on the work of his department, and the short comparison which is given below between the years 1891 and 1901 will not be out of place.

Total Revenue,

Revenue from Markets,

1901.

Revenue from Boat Licences,.

Revenue from Hawkers,

Expenditure,

Hawkers' Licences,

Other Licences, Certificates, &c..

Permits,

Female Emigrants examined,

Women and Girls detained,

1891.

$76,177

$127,566

.$53,415

$ 84,718

$11,804

$ 23,832

.$ 4,341

$ 10,990

.$22,766

$ 16,430

2,171

11,098

4,599

7,772

241

575

6.227

9,762

330

335

140

Marriages,

The revenue derived from the lease of market premises shews an increase of $31,300. More than half of this comes from the Central Market but the rents of all the markets have advanced naturally and inevitably with the increase of population. As a rule, market premises are let by sealed tender, and any other method would, I think, prove unsatisfactory. It is certain that whenever the rent paid to the Government falls much below the rack-rent, the lessee sublets the premises and pockets the difference. Instances of this being done are always coming to light, but it is impossible to put a stop to the practice. The number of shops and stalls occupied has risen from 634 to 824. The Taipingshan Market was closed in 1894 and one at Taikoktsui was opened in 1899. The erection of temporary markets on the Praya Reclamation has been approved and will relieve the pressure on the Saiyingpun and Western Markets, and the extension of the Wanchai Market will most probably prove remunerative.

Exceptional circumstances account for the small revenue derived from hawkers' licences in 1891, but the figures since the year 1894, in which the present system of paying the fees quarterly was reverted to, shew a steady and remarkable increase.

Year,

1894,

1895,

1896,

1897.

• 9

1898,

1899,.

1900,.

1901.

▾

Revenue. .$ 4,497

5,842

5,537

6,787

7,907

9,538

10,130

10,990

590

Pó LEUNG KUK INCORPORATION ORDINANCE.

(No. 18 of 1893.)

WOMEN AND GIRLS PROTECTION ORDINANCE.

(No. 9 of 1897 as amended by No. 14 of 1900.)

The report of the Pó Leung Kuk Society for the year 1901 has been forwarded to you. The present financial position of the Society reflects credit on all concerned. The subscriptions for the year amounted to $6,823.50, and the total revenue to $7,873.50. The expenditure was $7,656.31. There were 50 persons in the Pó Leung Kuk on the 1st January and 389 were admitted during the year. Of these, 187 were restored direct to parents or relatives or were sent to some Benevolent Society in China, 3 were adopted, 5 placed at school, and 50 were married. Investigation into the cases of 116 shewed that no action was desirable or necessary. The work entailed by investigation into so many cases is very onerous, and it is not infrequently tedious and disagreeable, but there has never been any difficulty in finding gentlemen willing to undertake the task.

Thirty-eight girls, of whom 14 were eventually found again, were reported to the Society as missing in Hongkong.

Three hundred and thirty-five women and girls were detained under Part II of Ordinance 9 of 1897, as compared with 298 in 1900. Table II (4.) shews what action was taken in each case, and Table II (B.) gives particulars as to girls who have been handed back to their guardians under security and on condition that they reported themselves at stated times to the Registrar General.

EMIGRATION.

Nine thousand seven hundred and sixty-two female passengers and boys were examined at the Harbour Office in 1901, as compared with 9,943 in the previous year. Of this number, 82 women were detained for enquiries, 73 of whom were found to have been persuaded to go abroad under false pretences. The usual arrangements were made to restore them to their relatives and friends. Emigration to the Straits Settlements was suspended for nearly four months during the prevalence of plague in this Colony.

CONTRACT CHINESE LABOUR IN BRITISH NORTH BORNEO.

The negotiations with the British North Borneo Government relative to the advance of wages made to coolies proceeding to British North Borneo have resulted in the following arrangement. In future, the cost of bringing the coolie to Hongkong, housing him there, and providing him with a small outfit, will be reckoned as $10. $5 will be handed to him on board the steamer before leaving and $10 will be paid to him on his signing the contract on his arrival in British North Borneo. This secures the coolie $15 in cash out of a nominal advance of $25 and will, I hope, put an end to all difficulties.

CERTIFICATES OF IDENTITY TO CHINESE ENTERING THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, &c.

The revenue under this head was $1,750, as compared with $11,100 in 1900. This large decrease is due to a much more rigid interpretation of the rules governing the immigration of Chinese, by the American Authorities. The wives and children of Chinese now resident in the States and of Chinese proceeding there with certificates, are no longer required to take out certificates themselves.

The number of certificates issued during the year was :-

To the United States,

To the Hawaian Islands,.

To the Philippines,..

POPULATION.

..17

The following is the estimate of the population of the Colony on the 30th June, 1901 :—

British and Foreign Community.

20.096

Chinese. 280,564

Total.

300,660

MARRIAGES.

(Ordinance No. 14 of 1875.

The number of Marriages solemnized during the year was 140, as compared with 125 in 1900.

BIRTHS AND DEATHS.

(Ordinance No. 16 of 1896.)

Table IV A. gives the number of Births and Deaths registered during the year.

591

The death-rates at various ages and the causes of death will be found in Table IV B and IV ('. The Births among the British and Foreign Community numbered 240, as compared with 261 in 1900; of this number, 124 were males and 116 females.

The Births registered as having occurred in the Chinese Community were 848, as

against 678 in

1900.

The subjoined Table shews the number of Births of Chinese registerel during the years 1891- 1901 inclusive:-

{

Year.

Number of Births.

1891.

.1,529

1892.

..1.660

1893,

..1,575

1894,

..1,250.

1895,

•

1896,

..1.195 978

Year.

Number of Births.

1897,

.1.125

1898.

963

1899,

852

1900,

678

1901

848

The decrease is very striking, and on the suggestion of the Sanitary Board directions have been given by the Government for special efforts to be made to secure the registration of all births. During the last eleven years three Censuses of the Colony have been taken and the following information was obtained regarding the number of females and the number of families in the Chinese Community

Number of females over 15 in the Colony, Number of females over 15 in Victoria,. Number of families in Victoria,

1891.

......

.40,492 .26,762 ..14,120

1897.

46,247

31,385

21,740

1901.

51,489

32,930

25,123

There is apparently an increased reluctance to register births and very probably an increased reluctance among Chinese women to being confined in Hongkong.

On the 15th July, the Kowloon City Police Station was declared a District Register Office and up to the end of the year 29 births and 52 deaths were registered.

There were 9 prosecutions under the Ordinance in 1901 under the following headings

Failing to report death,

Unlawful removal of dead bodies,

.1 case. ...6 cases.

The number of Deaths in the British and Foreign Community was 412, as compared with 302 in 1900. Of these, 99 died from Plague. The number of deaths among the Chinese was 6,670, as com- pared with 6,471 in 1900. 1,513 died from Plague. 367 of the deaths among the British and Foreign Community and 3,043 among the Chinese were certified to by a registered Medical Practitioner or were the subject of a Coroner's Enquiry. The following table shows the number of deaths and the death-rate per 1,000 during the last eight years:—

Estimated Population.

British and Foreign.

Chinese.

Total.

1894,

10,782

235,224

246,006

1895,.

10,828

237.670

248,498

1896..

12,709

226,710

239,419

1897,....

13,700

235,010

248,710

1898..

15,190

239,210

254,400

1899,

15,822

243,490

259,312

1900,

14,778

247,900

262,678

1901,.

20,096

280,564

300,660

Deaths.

1894,

.7,407

1895,

..5,400

1896,

..5,860

1897,

.4,688

1898,

.5,674

1899,

.6,181

1900,

.6,773

1901,

.7,082

Death-rate per 1,000.

British and Foreign.

Chinese.

Total.

1894,

23.28

30.42

30.11

1895,

17.64

21.92

21.73

1896,

19.91

24.75

24.48

1897,

14.89

19.08

18.85

1898,

19.15

22.50

22.30

•

1899,

15.23

24.4

23.84

1900, 1901,

20.44

26.10

25.78

20.50

23.77

23.55

Four hundred and sixty-nine certificates were granted by the Police for the removal of dead bodies from the Colony, as compared with 735 in 1900.

592

EXHUMATIONS.

Two hundred and seventy-two permits were issued to exhume human remains for removal to China or for re-burial in the Colony.

HOSPITAL DEATHS,

Table IV D contains a return of the number of deaths in hospital. They amount to 1,880 of 26.54 per cent. of the total number of deaths registered during the year.

Table IV E gives particulars regarding the Tung Wa Hospital. The number of patients under treatment during the year was 3,116, as compared with 3,135 in the year 1900. Of these, 1,900 were discharged and 1,072 died. The percentage of deaths compared with admissions during the year was 34.40 In 1900 the percentage was 40.41 and in 1899, 33.52.

The number of out-patients during the year was :—

Males, Females,

.57,005

.22,837

..79,842

Total,..

REGISTRATION OF BOOKS.

(Ordinance No. 10 of 1888.)

Forty-four books were registered during the year, as compared with 39 in 1900. Of these, 24 were published at the Nazareth Printing Press, which is maintained by the Missions Etrangères.

VACCINATION ORDINANCE. (No. 5 of 1890.)

Special attention is now being paid to the enforcement of this Ordinance. In future a return showing the number of notices issued and the number of certificates of successful vaccination received, will be attached to the annual report. The Tung Wa Hospital vaccinators have visited the villages as usual during the cold season.

REGISTRATION OF HOUSEHOLDERS.

(Ordinance No. 13 of 1888, Chap. III.)

Table V gives particulars regarding the issue of householders' certificates.

PERMITS.

(Ordinance No. 3 of 1888, Chap. V.)

The nature and number of permits issued during the year were as follows:-

To fire crackers......

To hold processions,

To perform theatricals,

To hold religious ceremonies, .

Total,.

SURETIES REFERRED FOR REPORT.

The number of sureties referred to this Department for report during the imately to 1,688, and were from the following Departments :—

Botanical and Afforestation Department,

Harbour Department,..

Magistracy,....

Police Department,.

Post Office,..

Total,.....

.501

575

year amounted

approx-

.1.545

..1,688

INTERPRETATION DEPARTMENT.

The institution of an Interpretation Department which was recommended by a Committee appointed by His Excellency Sir HENRY BLAKE in October, 1899, has been approved, and regulations fixing the salaries of the various classes of interpreters and translators and other details, have been drawn up and were published in Government Notification No. 581 of 1901. Under these regulations six student-interpreters were appointed on the 1st of December and are making satisfactory progress with their studies.

593

DISTRICT WATCHMEN.

A full statement of the Revenue and Expenditure for the year is given in Table VI A, and the state of the Force on the 31st December, and other particulars will be found in Table VI B. The District Watchmen were instrumental in bringing 175 cases before the Police Magistrate, and the Committee is again indebted to the Chinese newspapers-the Tsun Wan Yat Pò and the Wai San Yat Pò-for continuing to publish weekly lists of these cases for the information of subscribers.

The contributions to the Fund for the year were $12,647.96, as compared with $10,598.29 in 1900. The expenditure was $12,697.44, as compared with $12,804.12 in the preceding year. The balance to the credit of the Fund on the 31st December was $6,970.71.

Although the pay of the District Watchmen was increased in 1897, it is found that the present rate of pay is insufficient to attract or retain the services of good men. In a Force of 70 men there were 8 dismissals and 11 resignations in the year.

A contract has been entered into for the building of the Central Watch-house on the Taipingshan Resumption Area at a cost of $12,000; the building is to be completed by the 31st July next.

Three vacancies in the District Watchmen Committee have been caused by the resignation of Mr. WEI A YUK, and the deaths of Mr. IP CHUK-KAI and Mr. Tsor Tsz-MEI, all three members of the Committee since its foundation in 1891. The vacancies have been filled by the appointment of Mr. CHAU TỪNG-SHANG. NÚT. U Hor-CHAU and Mr. LAU CHÜ-TÁN.

CHINESE RECREATION GROUND.

A statement of Revenue and Expenditure is given in Table VII. The total expenditure for the year is $1,416.17. This includes a sum of $756.55 which had to be spent on repairing the buildings and seats damaged by the typhoon of November, 1900. A revenue of $1,090.52 was obtained from the rent of shops, letter-writers' tables, &c. There is a balance of $2,993.64 to the credit of the Fund.

CHARITABLE FUNDS.

Tables VIII and IX give statements of account of the two Funds administered by this Office. The calls upon the charity of the Registrar General are very numerous and these funds are employed by him to meet them as far as possible.

TUNG WA HOSPITAL.

During the year a subscription of $40,000 was raised towards the cost of erecting a Branch Hospital for the treatment of contagious diseases at Kennedytown. The foundation stone was laid by His Excellency the Governor on the 18th November.

The financial position of the hospital is now receiving the serious attention of the Chinese. For some years the expenditure has exceeded the ordinary revenue and it is generally recognised that the time has come to re-establish the hospital on a sound financial basis.

Subjoined is a Table shewing the number of patients admitted for treatment and the number of out-patients for each of the last eleven years. Whilst the number of in-patients has increased by 24 per cent., the number of out-patients has decreased by as much as 47 per cent. Attention was drawn to the decrease in the number of out-patients in the Departmental Annual Report for 1898 and the causes to which the Directors of the hospital attributed it, were mentioned :—

Your.

l'atients admitted.

Out-patients.

1891.

.2,514

150,594

1892.

.2,454

229,471

1893.

.2,857

135,608

1894,

.2,354

124,094

1895,

.2.732

163,292

1896,

.2,041

129,695

1897.

2,764

116,626

•

1898,

.2,898

90,880

1899,

.2,542

90,082

1900,

2.981

94,755,

1901,

.3,116

79,842

LEGISLATION.

The following are the Ordinances passed in 1901 which more particularly affect the Chinese and this Office:-

No. 20 of 1901.-Gunpowder and Fireworks Ordinance.

No. 30 of 1901.-Buildings Amendment Ordinance.

No. 37 of 1901.-Chinese Emigration Amendment Ordinance.

By Ordinance No. 20 of 1901 the manufacture of gunpowder and fireworks can only be carried on under licence.

594

Ordinance No. 30 of 1901 restricts the height of buildings and limits the erection of verandahs. Under Ordinance No. 37 of 1901 boarding-houses for Chinese emigrants must be licensed and intending emigrants must lodge in them previous to embarkation.

Two Orders in Council dated the 9th October, 1901, place Chinese music and public processions under the same restrictions in the southern part of the Kowloon Peninsula as in Victoria. Rules dated the 9th and 19th November, respectively, prescribe for the licensing of Fishing Stakes and Stations in the New Territory and for the issue of Liquor Licences in those parts of the New Territory outside New Kowloon.

MISCELLANEOUS.

There have been several labour disputes during the year though none has forced itself on public attention. In each case that came to my notice the employés obtained a rise of wages.

No attempt has been made to collect accurate statistics, as the object of the enquiries might have been misunderstood.

STAFF.

On the 15th March, I was appointed Registrar General. On the 1st August. Mr. CLEMENTI was appointed Assistant Registrar General, but Mr. BALL continued to act in the post until the end of year. Mr. SUNG SING was appointed First Clerk on the 11th November. Six student interpreters were appointed on the 1st December.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your most obedient Servant.

The Honourable

J. H. STEWART LOCKHART, C.M.G.,

Colonial Secretary.

A. W. BREWIN,

Registrar-General.

Table I.

(4.)-Comparative Statement of the Revenue received in the Registrar General's Department, during the Years 1900 and 1901, respectively.

Ordinance under which received.

Description.

Revenue in Revenue in

1900.

Increase.

Decrease.

1901.

Hawkers,

10,129.50

10,989.50

Ordinance No. 9 of 1867, Ordinance No. 21 of 1887,

Ordinance 21 of 1887,

Ordinance 8 of 1895,.

Ordinances 13 and 28 of 1898,........... Regulations under Ordinance No. 8

of 1879,

Ordinance No. 13 of 1888,

Householders, Re-registration, Removals, Extracts,

Money Changers,

Chinese Undertakers,

150.00

190.00

860.00 40.00

Arms Licences,

46.50

Certificates to Chinese enter-|}

11,100.00

ing Manila and the U.S.A., |}

1,750.00

9,350.00

Boats,..

10,172.55

10,683.30

Cargo Boats,

11,667.30

13,148.60

417.00

561.00

510.75 1,481.30 144.00

1,790.00

1,591.00

29.25

20.50

199.00 8.75

26.00

26.25

.25

560.00

575.00

15.00

Ordinance No. 7 of 1872, Ordinance No. 14 of 1875, Ordinance No. 17 of 1887,

Miscellaneous..........

Chinese Gazette, Fruit Licences, Refunds, &c.,..

Births and Deaths, Marriages, Markets,. Laundries.

319.90

394.75

74.85

1,050.00

628.00

422.00

83,356.35

84,717.96

-1,210.00

1,200.00

52.00

53.00

452.00

841.00

1.361.61

· 1.00 359.00

10.00

201.28

196.30

1.98

Totals,..

132,729.63

127,566.16

4,877.76

10,041,23

Deduct Increase,

..$

4,877.76

Total Decrease in 1901,.

5,163.47

Cargo boats, Lighters,

Other boats,

Rowing boats,

Water boats,

Fish-drying hulks,

(B.)—Fees from Boats.

.$13,148.60

Cinder boats, bumboats, and hawker boats,

Total,...

1,310.00

1,683.80

6,018.60

530.50

400.00

700.40

$23,791.90

Markets.

(C.)—Revenue from the Markets, and the number of Shops and Stalls Occupied and Unoccupied

at the end of 1901.

Recenue.

Occupied.

Shops and Stalls. Unoccupied.

Central,

$41,440.16

292

Western,

23,795.24

157

Saiyingpuu,

9,541.72

Wanchai,

2,305.40

Sukunpo,

660.40

Shaukiwan,

759.00

Shektongsui,

265.90

Yaumati,

3,874.86

Hunghom,

1,355.84

Taikoktsui,

719.14

Total,

.$84,717.96

824

Table II.-(A.)

Return showing how Women and Girls who came under the protection of the Registrar General

Permitted to leave,

were provided for during the year 1901.

Restored direct to parents or relatives,

Restored to husbands,

Restored to guardians,

Restored to native place or otherwise disposed of through charitable institutions

in China,

Sent to Leper Asylum, Pakhoi,

Sent to Victoria Home and Orphanage,

Sent to Miss Eyre's School,,

Adopted,

Married,

Died,

Sent to Canton by the Principal Civil Medical Officer,

.113

Sent to Japanese Consul to be restored to native place,

Sent to British Consul, Swatow, to be restored to native place, Sent to Protector of Chinese, Singapore, to be restored to her husband,.

Total,.......

.335

Table II.-(B.)

Return giving particulars regarding Girls who are required to report themselves

to the Registrar General.

Required to report themselves quarterly,

Required to report themselves less than 4 times a year,..

Required to report themselves when married,

Married during the year,

Absconded,

Total,.......

595

596

Table II.-(C.)

Return showing the Number of Persons reported to the Pò Leung Kuk as missing and of those who have been reported as recovered, for the year 1901.

DISAPPEARED IN HONGKONG.

Men,.. Bors,

RECOVERED.

Men,.

Boys,

Women, Girls,

邻器

80.

Women,

Girls,

DISAPPEARED IN CHINA.

Women,

Girls,

Men,.. Boys.

51 20

RECOVERED.

Men,.

Boys,

Womeu, Girls,

DISAPPEARED IN MACAO.

Men,.

Boys.

Women, Girls,

Meu......

RECOVERED.

Women,

Table III.

Return showing the number of Female Passengers and Boys examined and passed at the Emigration Office under “The Chinese Emigration Consolidation Ordinance, 1889,” during the year 1901.

An Officer from the Registrar General's Office was present at each examination.

Whither bound.

Women.

Boys.

Girls.

Total.

Honolulu,

Japan Ports,.....

Mauritius,

San Francisco, U.S.A.,

144

Straits Settlements,

7,463

1,380

708

9,551

Vancouver, B.C.,

Victoria, B.C.,

Total,....

7,550

1,478

731

9,762

DISTRICTS.

Table IV. (A.)

RETURN OF BIRTHS AND DEATHS, FOR THE YEAR 1901.

BRITISH AND FOREIGN COMMUNITY.

CHINESE.

GRAND TOTAL.

Victoria,

100

196

237

Kaulung,

Shaukiwán,.

Aberdeen,

Stanley,

BIRTHS.

DEATHS.

BIRTHS.

DEATHS.

BIRTHS.

DEATHS.

Sex.

Sex

Boys.

Girls. Total. Males. Females.

Total.

Unknown.

Boys. Girls.

Total.

Males.

Females. Unknown.

Total.

332

445

218

663

3,030

2,189

5,226

859

5,548

573

329

903

990

حت

228

107

335

338

114

176

:..

TOTAL..

124

116

240

320

412

552

296

848

3,969 2,693

6,670 1,088

7,082

DEATHS.

DEATHS IN PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS.

BRITISH & FOREIGN COMMUNITY.

ESTIMATED POPULATION.

Annual Birth-Rate Annual Death-Rate per 1,000. per 1,000.

Europeans, exclusive of Portuguese,...150

Of the Deaths in Victoria, Males. Females. there were in the-

Sex.

Unknown.

Total.

British and Foreign Community,...... 20,096

11.45

20.50

Portuguese,

Tung Wa Hospital,......

1,132

281

1,413

Italian Convent,

309

407

Chinese,

280,564

3.02

23.77

Indians, &c.,

176

Asile de la Ste. Enfance,.

327

664

991

Whole Population,

.300,660

3.62

23.55

TOTAL,..

.412

TOTAL, ·

1,557

1,254

2,811

597

598

Table IV. (C.)-RETURN SHEWING THE NUMBER AND CAUSES OF DEATHS REGISTERED

CHINESE COMMUNITY.

BRITISH

AND

FOREIGN COMMUNITY.

CAUSES.

VICTORIA.

HEALTH DISTRICT.

Civil.

Army.

Navy.

I. General Diseases.

A.-Specific Febrile Diseases.

a Zymotic.

Small-pox,

Diphtheria,

Fever, Typhoid (Enteric),

2 11 2

5 1

Simple, Continued,

Cholera,

Diarrhoea,

Dysentery,

1 5

1 1

Bubonic Fever (Plague),

47 160

34 175

141 100 105

Dengue Fever,

...

16 133

:::

22-38:

2 1 1

: - Z∞: -: -

No. 1.

No. 2.

No. 3.

No. 4.

No. 5.

No. 6.

No. 7.

No. 8.

No. 9.

No. 10.

Unknown.

Peak.

Harbour.

7 11 13 21 11

8 2

85 194 100

81 15

B Malarial.

Malarial Fevers,

Beri-beri,

H 20

12:

66 309

16 101 23 15

46 193 154 111 126 102 233 129

12 40 9 19

8828

อง

22 16

4 16 36 18 17 2 12 11 26 53 33

1 52

28 141 32 34

50 23

89 51

...

9986

2122232

x Septic.

Erysipelas,

Pyæmia,

Septicæmia,

Puerperal Fever,

8 Venereal.

Syphilis (Acquired),

(Congenital),..

Total Group A.................104 32

B.-Diseases dependent on Specific

External Agents.

a Parasites.

Worms,

B Poisons. Opium,

Vegetable,

(Suicide),

Alcoholic,

Fish Poisoning,

x Effects of Injuries.

...

2121d

-:::

...

2 2

像

64 7 1

1 | 1

4 2

8 156

95 520 86 229 209 138 146 147 332 187 82

Burus,

Scalds,

Heat-apoplexy,

Drowning,

Fracture of Skull,

of Ribs,

of Jaw (Compound),

of Spine,

of Leg,

Rupture of Heart,

of Spleen,

of Liver,

...

3 3

249 9 3 21 7

95 520 86 229 209 138 146 147 332 187 82

1 5 3

8 156

Hanging (Execution),.

of Intestine,

(Suicide),

Carried forward, (Effects of Injuries), 18

Group B........ 2

Carried forward, Group A.,...... 104

DURING THE YEAR ENDED THE 31ST DAY OF DECEMBER, 1901.

CHINESE COMMUNITY.

TOTAL AT THE DIFFERENT AGE PERIODS.

599

Unknown.

60 years

and over.

Age

Chinese.

Non-Chinese.

45 years and

Chinese.

under 60

years.

month.

Non-Chinese.

Under 1

Chinese.

Non-Chinese.

Chinese.

Non-Chinese.

Chinese.

Non-Chinese.

Chinese.

Non-Chinese.

Chinese.

Non-Chinese.

1 month and

under 12

months.

under 5

years.

1 year and

5 years and under 15

years.

15 years and under 25

years.

25 years and under 45

ycars.

Kow- SHÁUKI- ABER-

STANLEY

LOON DIS-

WÁN DEEN Dis-

DIS-

TRICT.

Land

Population.

Boat

Population.

Land

Population.

Boat

Population.

Land

Population.

Boat

Population.

Land

Population.

Boat

Population.

..:

221

...

275

114

22 11

+++

1 4

26 12

331

153

433

69 115

เง

♡ to

Non-Chinese.

GRAND

TOTAL.

Non-Chinese.

Chinese.

рацион

...

∞ N

21...

...

1133... 52 127...

115

3151

...

1 70

་་་

6322 18 365 18519 3158

...

9360 28 402 43 621 7204

56 3 33... 71 7 73 18 183

1...

2 5

1 59... 13 17

36 2 35

2-N

372

2 61...

1,562

...

4 98... 218 ...

5100 2

2 52

45... 10...

2,106

574

381

3 33

76 11 171 18401 3117 2 62...

955

...

-J

...

1 1

...

1 2

...

ว

5...

2 4

...

7164

...

11 4273

...

2 4

•

...

7195 9436 41 534 61 1,048 10329

...

433

699

•

...

•

...

•

...

—

...

4273 7195

......

...

30 ***

حيم

3.187

•

- Į

---

- 20 N N

...

157

3,187

لر

110

5 30 15 58

10 T

2 17

7164

9436 41 584 61 1,048 10329

il 1...

2 1

600

RETURN SHEWING THE NUMBER AND CAUSES OF DEATHS REGISTERED

CHINESE COMMUNITY.

CAUSES.

BRITISH

AND

FOREIGN COMMUNITY.

Civil.

Army.

12-

Navy.

No. 1.

No. 2.

No. 3.

No. 4.

VICTORIA.

HEALTH District.

No. 5.

Nc. 6.

No. 7.

No. 8.

No. 9.

No. 10.

Unknown.

Peak.

Harbour.

10:

5 95 520

86 229 209 138 146 147 332 187

རྒྱལ

2 1

82 8 156

18 6

3 21 1

5 3

Brought forward, Group A.,... 104

Group B.,...

General Diseases. Continued.

B.-Effects of Injuries,— Continued.

Strangulation (Suicide),

Brought forward,..

Bullet wound (Murder),

of Head (Suicide),

(Suicide),

Gunshot wound of Liver,

Wounds (Murder),

Injuries (Collapse of buildings),

Suffocation (Collapse of buildings),

in a Fire,

Injuries from Landslip,

Concussion of Brain,

Injuries from fall,

Broken Neck from fall,

Compression of Neck (Accident),

Lacerated wound of Thigh,

Multiple Injuries,

7 13 3 63 12

Hæmorrhage,

Dynamite Injuries (Shock),

Asphyxia (Overlying),

Peritonitis (Injury),

Shock (Accident),

& Errors of Diet.

Alcoholism,

Total Group B., 26

C-Developmental Diseases.

Premature Birth,

Debility,

Old Age,

Marasmus and Atrophy,

Tabes Mesenterica,

Inanition,

Congenital Malformation of Heart,

Haemorrhage from Cord,................

3201

سم ها

Total Group C.,..............] 16

D.-Miscellaneous Diseases.

Rheumatic Fever,

Chronic Rheumatism,

Cancer of Lower Jaw,

13 4 63

1-31 2010

8 5

•

744

22 112 115

...

631:

292

13 36 17

of Breast,

of Stomach,

of Liver,

of Siguoid Flexure (Operation),

of Penis,

of Uterus,

of Vagina,

Sarcoma of Orbit,

of Neck,

Tuberculosis,

Anæmia,

•

4 35

18.

.10

2 3

...

Diabetes,

Carried forward, ( Miscellaneous Diseases), 15 11

Carried forward, Groups A., B. & C.,... 146 49

...

50 15

3 4 7

...

8 224

7 125 645 205 299 242 156 170 167 381 216 88

DURING THE YEAR ENDED THE 31ST DAY OF DECEMBER, 1901,-Continued.

CHINESE COMMUNITY.

TOTAL AT THE DIFFERENT AGE PERIODS.

601

GRAND

TOTAL.

Non-Chinese.

Under 1

Chinese.

month.

Non-Chinese.

1 month and

Chinese.

Non-Chinese.

Chinese.

Non-Chinese.

Chinese.

under 12

months.

1 year and under 5

years.

under 15

5 years and

years.

15 years and under 25

years.

25 years and under 45

years.

Non-Chinese.

Chinese.

Non-Chinese.

Chinese.

Non-Chinese.

Chinese.

45 years and

under 60

years.

Non-Chinese.

Chinese.

years 60

and over.

Non-Chinese.

Age

Chinese.

Unknown.

Kow- SHAUKI- ABER-

LOON DIS-

WÁN DIS-

DEEN DIS-

STANLEY DIS-

TRICT.

Population.

Boat

Population.

Land

Population.

Boat

Population.

Land

Population.

Boat

Population.

Land

Population.

Boal

Population.

Land

ན

•

20 21

69 115

333

...

-1

...

9436 41 584 61 1,048 10329 7164

1 1...

∞ co

3...

11 4273 7195

...

549 116 148

...

3,187

5 30 15 58

2 17 1 6

COI

...

422

...

- 30

...

•

CC -

157

112 - HQ 0 21 ∞ ∞ 4 12 10 − − ✪ ∞ I

14 8 46 16102

2 25

2 10

3 13

254

...

2 15

8 53 19103 3 28 2 10

4 13

274

31... 10

1 83

- CO

...

00 00

143

...

1131

1 61...

...

•

13 2

...

551

-J

لسر

3 10

11 00

3 10

6283

SO LO

117

...

in a

...

9 19

2 10

100

CO 10

5...

1 00

1 3

فسر

184

207

·146

629

•

1 38

1 20

4 15 2 5

9105 5407 8266 11 458 51 638 83 1,161 14377 15457

...

159

4,090

602

RETURN SHEWING THE NUMBER AND CAUSES OF DEATHS REGISTERED

CHINESE COMMUNITY.

CAUSES.

BRITISH

AND

FOREIGN COMMUNITY.

| Civil.

Army.

Brought forward, (Groups A, B & C),... 146

General Diseases,—Continued.

D.-Miscellaneous Diseases,--Contd.

VICTORIA.

HEALTH DISTRICT.

Navy.

No. 1.

No. 2.

No. 3.

No. 4.

No. 5.

No. 6.

No. 7.

No. 8.

No. 9.

No. 10.

Unknown.

Peak.

Harbour.

7 125 645 205 299 242 156 170 167 381 216

Brought forward,..

Epistaxis,

...

Hodgkin's Disease,

Gangrene of Leg,

of Foot,

Total Group D., 16

II.-Local Diseases.

E.-The Nervous System.

Meningitis,

(Tubercular),

Abscess of Brain,

Apoplexy,

Paralysis (Undefined),

(Bulbar),

50 15

1. 10

7 9

: 10-

тарайт

- J

88.

8 224

a. Hemiplegia,

b. Paraplegia,

Convulsions,.....

Tetanus (Traumatic),

175 47

(Idiopathic),

63 6

Trismus,

1257 133

Epilepsy,

Mania,

Eclampsia,

Imbecility,

Dementia,..

:༢༩

Acute Myelitis,

Spinal Sclerosis,

Cerebral Softening,

Total Group E., 26

2 513 190 12 16 13

14 3

F.—The Circulatory System.

Heart Disease,

5 11 4

(Congenital),

866

10 17 10

Aneurism (Aortic),

Pericarditis,

Endocarditis,

Thrombosis (Phlegmasia Doleus),

:༄། :— :

2 I

I-

Total Group F.,.....

14 1

T-

11 7 6 10 18 | 11

G.—The Respiratory System.

Bronchitis,

Pneumonia,

Phthisis,

Pleurisy,

Empyema,

36 10

1 28 60 43

232-

10009 :

Asthma,

Homoptysis,

23 67 5

19 13 42 22

10 8 9

46 30 39 50

2=8

ཝེ་:

Pulmonary Embolism,

Gangrene of Lung, Emphysema of Lung, Tubercular Laryngitis, Laryngeal Obstruction, Laryngismus Stridulus,

Total Group G.,...... 62 24

Carried forward, (Groups A to G),

264 87

62 173 63 63 86 45 69 74 131 61

12 200 1,393 480 391 364 225 257 270 551 296 135

100

i14

1365

DURING THE YEAR ENDED THE 31ST DAY OF DECEMBER, 1901,-Continued.

CHINESE COMMUNITY.

TOTAL AT THE DIFFERENT AGE PERIODS.

603

549 116 148 60

2 9105

Land

Population.

Boat

Population.

Land

Population.

Boat

Population.

Land

Population.

Boat

Population.

Land

Non-Chinese.

Population.

Boat

Population.

S ! Chinese.

5407

8 266 11 458 51 638 83 1,161 14377 15457 6 19

1,090

Non-Chinese.

Chinese.

Kow-

LOON DIS-

SHÁUKI-!

WÁN DIS-

ABER-

DEEN

STANLEY DIS-

DIS-

TRICT.

Under 1

mouth.

I month and

under 12

months.

Non-Chinese. 1 year and

Chinese.

under 5

years.

Non-Chinese. 5 years and

Chinese.

Non-Chinese.

Chinese.

Non-Chinese. 25 years and

Chinese.

Non-Chinese. 45 years and

under 60

Chinese.

years.

Non-Chinese.

60 years

Chinese.

and over.

Non-Chinese.

Chinese.

osv

Unknown.

GRAND

TOTAL.

111

་་་

་

32 1 38

32 138

1 20

8260

415

159

}

со

5 10 20 4 15 2

163

4 11

266

396

2 91 2:144

387

467

5111 3160

32 2

5 20 5 15

} 1

451

8 40 421

༥A]

I 2

57 24

42 3

109

61 25

32 54

694 144 226 95

85 84

5 18 357

121

4 46 8

181

871

131

2 2

6 756

3 13

153

10 14

20 2 73

1127 2111

392

12 12 35

ལ༤

202

124 10 71 29345

5158

171

742

1 1

心

886

7 92

1 49 11105 47465|

8298

6189

]

9577 18640 19559 14561 74762155 1,732 34753 32687 8 19

640 19.559

1,376

6,653

604

RETURN SHEWING THE NUMBER AND CAUSES OF DEATHS REGISTERED

CHINESE COMMUNITY.

CAUSES.

BRITISII

AND

FOREIGN COMMUNITY.

Civil.

VICTORIA.

HEALTH DIstrict.

Army.

Navy.

No. 1.

-No. 2.

No. 3.

No. 4.

No. 5.

No. 6.

No. 7.

No. 8.

No. 9.

No.

10.

Unknown.

Peak.

Harbour.

87 12 200 1,393 480 391 364 225 257 270 551 296 135 8 365

Brought forward, (Groups A to G), ...264

Local Diseases.-Continued.

H.-The Digestive System.

Dentition,

1 1

Necrosis of Lower Jaw,

Cancrum Oris,

Stomatitis,

Tonsillitis,

Gastritis,

Gastric Ulcer,

Enteritis,

•

Gastro-Enteritis,

Colic,

(Biliary),

Hepatitis,

Hepatic Abscess,.

Cirrhosis of Liver,

Gallstone,

...

Ascites,.

Chronic Pancreatitis,

Appendicitis,

Peritonitis,

(Tubercular),

Hoemorroids,

Strangulated Hernia,

Jaundice,

Cystic Disease of Omentum,

Sprue,

Stricture of Rectum,

Total Group H.,..... 19

I.--The Urinary System.

Nephritis (Acute),

Bright's Disease,

Calculus (Vesical),

(Renal),

Rupture of Bladder, (Extravasation of

Urine),

Uræmia,

Total Group I.,................ 10

J.—The Generative System.

Pyometra,......

Total Group J.......

K-Affections connected with Pregnancy.

Abortion,

Extra-Uterine Pregnancy,

Ruptured Pregnant Uterus,

...

:..

2 29 11

ลง

2 1

Total Group K.,.................

L.-Affections connected with

Parturition.

Post-Partum Hemorrhage,

Ante-Partum Hemorrhage,

Placenta Provia,.

Child-birth,

Total Group L.,......

Carried forward, (Groups A to L), ...... 296 94

...

เด

:::

4 2 6

3 4

:: co

110 1

5 5

:: 0 :

...

2 1

5 1

6 1 2

3 3

2 3

14 204 1,433 496 399 375 232 269 283 565 304 |137

9 379

♡

: :

لمجر

...

4İ

...

713 150 232 101

87 88

...

•

...

•

DURING THE YEAR ENDED THE 31sT DAY OF DECEMBER, 1901,—Continued.

CHINESE COMMUNITY.

TOTAL AT THE DIFFERENT AGE Periods.

Land

Population.

Boat

Population.

Land

Population.

Boat

Population.

Land

Population.

Boat

Population.

Land

Population.

Boat

Population.

Non-Chinese.

Chinese.

TRICT.

LOON Kow-

SHAUKI-

WÁN

DEEN ABER-

STANLEY

DIS-

TRICT.

Under 1

month.

Non-Chinese. 1 month and

694 144 226

...

under 12

Chinese.

months.

Non-Chinese.

Chinese.

1 year and under 5

years.

Non-Chinese.

5 years and under 15

Chinese.

Non-Chinese.

Chinese.

Non-Chinese.

Chinese.

years.

15 years and under 25

years.

25 years and under 45

years.

Non-Chinese.

Chinese.

45 years and under 60

years.

Non-Chinese.

Chinese.

60 years

and over.

Non-Chinese.

Age

Chinese.

Unknown.

5 9577 18640 19559 14561 747621551,732 34753 32687

8 19

6,653

•

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

1 1

3 23...

W 1

S 14

126...

...

113

131...

15 567

9588 21663 20572 15567; 797871701,799 42781 40706

8 20

...

101

2 2

31 11 21

4 14 3

...

་..

210

...

2 12

3 12

412

5 16...

613

212-

...

CON

3 16

...

110

心

←& 10 00 1-

TOTAL.

GRAND

605

606

RETURN SHEWING THE NUMBER AND CAUSES OF DEATHS REGISTERED

CHINESE COMMUNITY.

CAUSES.

BRITISH

AND

FOREIGN COMMUNITY.

Civil.

Brought forward, (Groups A to L.)...296

Local Diseases,-Continued.

M.-The Skin.

VICTORIA.

HEALTH DISTRICT.

Army.

Navy.

No. 1.

No. 2.

No. 3.

No. 4.

No. 5.

No. 6.

No. 7.

No. 8.

No. 9.

No. 10.

Unknown.

Peak.

Harbour.

94 14 204 1,433 496 399 375 232 269 283 565 304 137 9 379

Carbuncle,

Boils,

Scurvy,.

Myxædema,

Ulcers (Gangrenous),

Sloughing Ulceration of Foot,

Total Group M....... 2

N-Diseases of Organs of Locomotion.

Hip-joint Disease,

Caries of Spine,

Suppurative Synovitis,

Total Group N.,

III.--Undefined.

Dropsy,..

Tumour of Brain,.

, Rectum,

Mediastinal,

Abscess of Throat,

Neck,.

,, Leg,

Gluteal,

Intercostal, Alveolar,

...

Scrotal, Chronic,

...

Undiagnosed,

3 4

Total Undefined & Undiagnosed,........ 3 1

10 4

...

1 I 2 3 6 9 1 1 80

TOTAL, ALL CAUSES,...

302 96

14 213

|1,450 500 399 378 233 273 287 572 313 138

11 459

SUMMARY.

CLASSIFICATION OF CAUSES OF DEATHS.

(In Groups).

I.-General Diseases.

A.-Specific Febrile Diseases,

B.-Diseases dependent on Specific Ex-

ternal Agents,

C-Developmental Diseases,

D.-Miscellaneous Diseases,

104

1212

16 7 16 11

95 520 86 229 209 138 146 147 332 187

0.19 0

1213

36 17

27-2

104

5 4

8 156

8 202

13 4 63 18 5 9 7 13 12

112 115

50 15

co ai co

774

2 513 190

1613

14 1 62

6 12 7

62173 63 63

2 29 11

3 5

031-10-20

II.-Local Diseases.

E. The Nervous System, F. The Circulatory System, G.-The Respiratory System, H.-The Digestive System, I. The Urinary System, J.-The Generative System, K.-Affections connected with Preg-

nancy,

L.-Affections connected with Partu-

rition,

M.-The Skin,

N.-Diseases of Organs of Locomotion,.......

19 5 10 2

...

227

III.-Undefined & Undiagnosed,.

TOTAL, ALC LAUSES,................

1302

•

94696

131

ས ོ2

61 29

1-18

114

5 6

52449

10 4

૧૭

1 1

: 1000

1: 10

...

**:

...

2 3 6 9 1 1

14 213 1,450 500 399 378 233 273 287 572 313 138

...

11 459

DURING THE YEAR ENDED THE 31sT DAY OF DECEMBER,

CHINESE COMMUNITY.

Kow- SHÁUKI- ABER-

LOON DIS-

TRICT.

WÁN Dis-

TRICT.

DEEN

DIS-

STANLEY DIS-

TRICT.

Population.

Under 1

month.

1 month and

under 12

months.

1901,—Continued.

TOTAL AT THE DIFFERENT AGE PERIODS.

1 year and

under 5

years.

Non-Chinese.

Chinese.

Non-Chinese.

Chinese.

Non-Chinese.

Chinese.

under 15

Non-Chinese. 5 years and

Chinese.

years.

Non-Chinese.

Chinese.

under 45

years.

under 60

years.

45 years and

60 years

and over.

Age

Unknown.

Non-Chinese.

Chinese.

15 years and under 25

years.

Non-Chinese.

25 years and

Chinese.

Non-Chinese.

Chinese.

Non-Chinese.

Chinese.

Land

713

150 232 101 87 88 22

•

...

..་

...

9588 21663. 20572 15567 797871701,799 42781 40706

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

...

:::

...

•

...

750 153 233 102 87

89 25

❤

1 2...

3 1

607

GRAND

TOTAL.

8 20

6,887

4 2

•

Jumad

...

15,

bad Jnd C

-་

...

•

...

}

...

1 14

1 37

151

12 1 15

116

2 42

173

9600 22 684 20619 16590 80803173 1,846 44793|

40710

8 25

7,082

4331

115 37 37

11 4273

7195 9436 41 584 611,048 10329

7.164

2 6

3,187

...

27 23

18:

9 93

1 131

10 1 61 32 1 38

215 8 53 19103]

3 28

1 3

1 20

2 10 6283

4 13

274

629

***

...

120 8

5 10

4 15

163

2286

109 25 61 25 32

...

3 1

467

5111

1..3/160

1 2 2 61

•

8 86

7921

...

4 1

149 11105 47 465

8 1 2 2 311 21

8 3

1 5

...

}

...

5 1

750 153

3 11

...

233 102 87

} 3

89 25

...

871 153

1,376

110

...

]...

113 1

:::

...

1 41

3 1

115...

21 1 16

2 42

173

...

9600 22684 20619 16590 80803173 1,846 44793 40 710

20619 16590

9600

1731,916

8 25

7,082

8 8

-100

5 20

5 15

7 56

3 43

4 21

...

8298 6189

3 4 14

4 12

5 16

608

Causes.

No.

Small-pox,

Concussion of Brain,..

Diphtheria,..

Rupture of Spleen,

RETURN SHEWING THE NUMBER OF DEATHS THAT OCCURRED IN THE UNDERMENTIONED INSTITUTIONS,

During the Year ended the 31st day of December, 1901.

The Government Civil Hospitals.

Tung Wa Hospital,-Contd.

No.

Brought forward,...... 932

Tung Wa Hospital Mortuary, Contd.

Causes.

Syphilis (Acquired),..

No.

Brought forward,.

249

Typhoid Fever (Enteric),..

Shock,

Opium Poisoning,

Dysentery,

Lacerated Wound of Thigh,...

Scalds,

Diarrhoea,

Debility,

Babonic Fever (Plague),

160

Old Age.

Concussion of Brain, Fracture of Skull,..

Cholera,

Cancer of Penis,

Ribs,

Malarial Fever,

Uterus,

Broken neck from fall,

Beri-beri,

Vagina,.

Rupture of Spleen,

Pyæmia,

Septicemia,

Puerperal Fever,

Liver,

Multiple Injuries,

Sarcoma of Orbit,

Premature Birth,.

Tuberculosis,

Debility,

Syphilis (Congenital),

Burns,...

Anaemia,

Cancer of Breast,

Gangrene of Foot,..

Tuberculosis,

Heat Apoplexy,.

Fracture of Skull,

Bullet Wound (Murder),

Rupture of Intestine,

Epistaxis,

Anæmia,...

Meningitis,

Meningitis,.

Compound Fracture of Jaw,.

Tubercular,

(Tubercular),.

Apoplexy,

Hemiplegia,

Alchoholism,

Paraplegia,..

Convulsions,

Premature Birth,

Paralysis (Undefined),

Tetanus,

Debility,

Epilepsy,

Trismus,...

Congenital Malformation of Heart

Tetanus,

Bronchitis,

Cancer of Liver,

Traumatic,

Pneumonia,

Tuberculosis,

Spinal Sclerosis,

Phthisis,..

Auæmia,

Heart Disease,.

Empyema,

Gangrene of Leg,

Aneurism,

Heart Disease,

Meningitis,.

Thrombosis (Phlegmasia Dolens),

Endocarditis,

Tubercular,..

Bronchitis,

Pericarditis,

Apoplexy,

Pneumonia,

Peritonitis,.

Tetanus, (Traumatic),

Phthisis,

237

Jaundice,

Mania,

Pleurisy,...

Strangulated Hernia,

Dementia,

Empyema,

Bright's Disease,

Cerebral Softening,

Enteritis,

Vesical Calculus,

Acute Myelitis,

Necrosis of Jaw,

Gallstone,

Heart Disease,

Ascites,

Post Partum Haemorrhage,

Acute Endocarditis,

Jaundice,

Phthisis,

Strangulated Hernia,.

Total,............469

Pneumonia,

Peritonitis,

Empyema,

Cirrhosis of Liver,..

Laryngismus Stridulus,

Bright's Disease,

Enteritis,

Rupture of Bladder, Extra- |

Cirrhosis of Liver,.

vasation of Urine,

Peritonitis,....

Carbuncle,

Alice Memorial and

Chronic Pancreatitis,.

Ulcers of Leg,

Nethersole Hospitals.

Jaundice,

Gangrenons Ulcers,

Stricture of Rectum,

Sloughing Ulceration of Foot,

Causes.

No.

Acute Nephritis,

Hip Joint Disease,

Small-pox,

Bright's Disease,

Suppurative Synovitis,

Dysentery,

Renal Calculus,

Gluteal Abscess,

Typhoid Fever (Enteric),....

Scrotal Abscess,

Diarrhoea,

Total,.

314

Abscess of Leg,.

Malarial Fever,

Alveolar Abscess,

Beri-beri,

Puerperal Fever,

Total,................................1,413

Syphilis (Acquired),

The Tung Wa Hospital.

Causes.

Typhoid Fever (Enteric),...... Diarrhoea,

Dysentery,

Bubonic Fever (Plague),

Malarial Fever,

Beri-beri,

Erysipelas,.

Septicæmia, Puerperal Fever,

Syphilis (Acquired),.

Scalds,

Fracture of Skull,

Spine

Carried forward,......... 932

Worms,

Burns,...

218

ཱÊ སྒྲ སྐྲུ ༠1- ༠ ༠ ༠མ 1ཁུ འ

Sarcoma of Neck,

Tung Wa Hospital

Mortuary.

Tuberculosis,

Anemia,

Heart Disease,

Causes.

No.

Bronchitis,

Small-pox, Diarrhoea,

Dysentery,

Bubonic Fever (Plague),

•

Malarial Fever, Beri-beri, Pyemia,... Septicemia, Puerperal Fever,.

Carried forward,...... 249

Pneumonia,

Phthisis,..

Empyemna of Lung,

134

Cancrum Oris,

Peritonitis,

Bright's Disease,

Placenta Prævia,

Childbirth,

-་

RETURN OF DEATHS,-Continued.

609

L'Asile de la Ste. Enfance.

Causes.

No.

Diarrhoea,

123

Dysentery,

Malarial Fever,

Beri-beri,

Erysipelas,......

Syphilis (Congenital),

Premature Birth,

Debility,

Old Age,

Marasmus and Atrophy,

Cancer of Breast,

Tuberculosis,...

Anæmia,

Meningitis, ....

Abscess of Brain,......

Convulsions,

Tetanus,...

Trismus,

14.

Heart Disease,

Pericarditis,

Bronchitis,

Pneumonia,

Stomach,

The Italian Convent.

Causes.

Diarrhoea,

...

Bubonic Fever (Plague), Malarial Fever,

Beri-beri,

Syphilis (Congenital), Worms,

Rupture of Heart,....

Old Age,

Debility,

Liver,

Marasmus and Atrophy,

Tabes Mesenterica,

Inanition, ...

Tuberculosis,.....

Anæmia,

•

......

Meningitis,

176

Tubercular,

Apoplexy,

252

Imbecility,

Convulsions,

Tetanus,...

Trismus,

Pericarditis,

Phthisis,

Enteritis,

Bronchitis,

Pneumonia,

Jaundice,

Tubercular Peritonitis,...

Nephritis,

Pleurisy,

No.

127

Phthisis,

Gastric Ulcer,

Boils,

......

Caries of Spine,

Jaundice,...

Stomatitis,

Tumour of Brain,

Abscess of Throat,

Abscess Intercostal,

Peritonitis,

Nephritis,

Dropsy,

Chronic,

Total,......

407

Total,.

991

Registrar General's Office, Hongkong, 30th January, 1902.

A. W. BREWIN, Registrar General.

FRANCIS W. CLARK, Superintendent of Statistics.

ป

610

Table IV. (B.)

Return showing Death-Rates in Different Groups of Ages, for the year 1901.

Ages.

British and Foreign.

Chinese.

Deaths,

Per cent. of whole.

Deaths.

Per cent. of whole.

Under 1 month,

2.2

600

9.0

1 month and under 12 months,

5.3

684

10.3

1 year and under 5 years,

1.9

619

9.3

5 years and under 15 years,

3.9

590

8.9

15 years and under 25 years,

19.4

803

12.0

25 years and under 45 years,

173

42.0

1,846

27.7

45 years and under 60 years,

10.7

793

11.9.

60 years and over,

9.7

710

10.6

Age unknown,

1.9

Total,......

412

100.00

6,670

100.00

Table IV. (D.) Hospital Deaths.

Government Civil Hospitals,

Alice Memorial and Nethersole Hospitals,

Royal Naval Hospital,.

Military Hospitals,

Peak Hospital,

Tung Wa Hospital,

Total......

British and Foreign.

Chinese.

Total.

129

185

314

1,413

234

1,646

1,880

Table IV. (E.)

Return of the Number of Patients under Treatment and other Statistics concerning the Tung Wa Hospital, during the year ended 31st December, 1901.

Dead

Patients.

[Remaining in Hospital on 31st Dec., 1900.

Ad- mitted.

Total under Dis- treat- charged.

Deaths.

Remaining in Hospital Out-Pa- Vaccina-

on 31st Dec., 1901.

Bodies brought tol

Desti-

tients.

tions.

Hospital Mortuary

tutes sent

home.

ment.

for burial.

Male,

110 2,460

2,570 1,548

898

124

57,005

781

327

449

Female,

531

546

352

174

22,837

793

156

Total,...... 125 2,991 3,116

1,900 1,072

144 79,842 1,574

483

449

Table V.

Return relating to the Registration of Householders under Ordinance 13 of 1888, during the year 1901.

First Registration of Householders, Re-registration of Householders, Extract from Householders' Register, Removal of Householders,

Duplicates of Householders' Certificates,

District Nos.

Total.

77 493 12

219

129

2298*

187

440

126

1,591

...

Total,.......

580

232

234

509 104 166

1,965

611

Table VI. (A.).

Statement of the Receipts and Expenditure relative to the Hongkong District Watchmen's Fund, for the year 1901.

RECEIPTS.

EXPENDITURE.

To Balance of previous year,

$6,223.20

Disbursements in

Contributions by different Shops,

12,647.96

Districts Nos. 1 and 2.

Payments of Special Services,

585.00

Wages of Head District Watchman,

280.00

Wages of Watchmen,

675.00

Interest,

200.14

Wages of Cook,.

72.00

Oil,.

17.61

Fines,

11.85

Rent of Station,

360.00

-$1,434.64

District No. 3.

Wages of Head District Watchman,

204.00

Wages of Watchmen,

1,359.87

Wages of Cook,.

72.00

Oil,

61.80

Rent of Station,

276.00

2,033.67

District No. 4.

Wages of Head District Watchman,

264.00

Wages of Watchmen.

1.292.16

Wages of Cook,..

72.00

Oil,

66.69.

Rent of Station,

312.00

2,006.76

District No. 5.

Wages of Head District Watchman.

264.00

Wages of Watchmen,

1.254.32

Wages of Cook,

72.00

Oil,

61.80

Rent of Station,

616.00

2,268.12

District No. 6.

Wages of Head District Watchman,

264.00

Wages of Watchmen.

1,313.63

Wages of Cook,

72.00

Oil,

66.60

Rent of Station,

276.00

1,992.23

Districts Nos. 7 and 8.

Wages of Head District Watchman,

264.00

Wages of Watchmen,

658.02

Wages of Cook,

72.00

Oil,

38.04

Rent of Station,..

120.00

1.152.96

Miscellaneous Expenses.

Collector's Wages,

204.00

Manager's Wages,

96.00

Chinese Writer's Wages,

60.00

Uniforms. Equipment, &c.,

822.56

Coolie and Jinricksha Hire,..

34.51

Stationery and Printing,

119.62

Night Coolie,

36.00

Loss on Exchange,

208.54

Gratuities,

11.00

Premium on Fire Policies for 6 Watch-

houses,

126.16

Jeyes finid,

24.60

Sundries,

36.07

1,809.06

Total Expenditure,

12,697.44

Balance,

6,970.71

Total,....

.$19,668.15

Total,..

$19,668.15

Disposal of Balance :-

On Fixed Deposit,

.$3,000.00

At Current Account,

8,970.71

$ 6,970.71

612

Table VI. (B.)

State of District Watchmen Force on 31st December, 1901.

The Force consists at present of 70 men :-

6 Head Watchmen at..

4 Assistant Head Watchmen at

8 Watchmen at

17 Watchmen at

35 Watchmen at

1 Watchman receives

2 Watchmen receive.....

11 Watchmen resigned.

8 were dismissed.

1 died.

18 entered the Force.

$240 a year.

$120

.$96

.$ 90 "" $84

$4.00 a month extra pay. .$1.00

Dr.

Table VII.

Statement of the Receipts and Expenditure relative to the Chinese Recreation Ground, for the Year 1901. Cr.

RECEIPTS.

To Balance,

Rent,

EXPENDITURE,

3,319.29 By Wages to Collector,..

C..

24.00-

1,090.52

3 Watchmen,

291.00

Scavenger,

74.00

Uniforms for Watchmen,

24.00

Rent of Watchmen's Quarters,.

120.00

Oil, ...

23.52

Water used at the cooking stalls,

60.00

Extra pay to Watchmen,

36.00

Premium on Fire Insurance Policy,

5.84

Repairs,

.......

756.55

Sundries,.

1.26

Balance,

2,993.64

$4,409.81

Dr.

1901.

Jan. 1

To Amount on Fixed Deposit,

Table VIII.

Statement of Account of the Market Charitable Fund, for the Year 1901.

Cr.

1901.

Dec. 31

وو

at Current Account, Balance in Collector's hands,. Interest,.

700.00 Jan. 227.72

9 By Chan Ting, Hawker licence and

Photo.,

0.78

•

71.94

12 30.20 Feb. 5

Alice Memorial Hospital,................. Commission and Premium on Money

Order to Singapore,

50.00

0.28

Balance of five Extracts of Births

(England),

0.04

Apr. 4

Li Fat, Hawker Licence and Photos.,

0.73

Fung San-chi, Shipwrecked Sailor,

10.00

May 9 20

102 Destitutes at 75 cents each,

76.50

Chu Kan, (one-legged man) photos.,

&C.......

0.50

Chu Kan, Hawker's Licence,

0.53

8 Shipwrecked Seamen,

8.00

Chan Cheung, (12 months' allow-

ance),

24.00

5.7

Oct. 24

Nov. 29

Dec. 20

2222222222

وو

Chan Shap, (12 mouths' allowance,)

18.00

Ching Ma-shi,

Do.,

60.00

Kwong Ho,

Do.,

24.00

Pang Wa,

36.00

Li On, for Photos.,

0.20

Shipwrecked Seamen Leung Tong

and Leung Fuk, $2 each,....

4.00

27 Shipwrecked Seamen, $1 each, Amount on Fixed Deposit,

27.00

400.00

Do. at Current Account,

275.92

Balance in Collector's hands,

31.43

Total,.............$ 1,029.86

Total,...

1,029.86

Dr.

Table IX.

Statement of the Passage Money Fund, 1901.

613

Cr.

1901.

$ c.

Jan.

To Balance in Savings Bank,

Collector's hands,

Passage Money of Chan Mui,

2,283.40 331.50 11.00

Jan.

By Ho Ho on being married

3.00

Ch'an Ho $2, Chan Sze Mui $3 on their

being married,

5.00

of Ho Yau $9, and Wong

Kam $12,

21.00

of Li Luk, Li Yau, Chan

Lin Mui, Lo Sze Mui, Chan Loi Li, Wong Sze, Lo Ngan Kew, Leung

29 272

་་

Ip Luk Mui and Mak Lin Kwan $3 each,. Su Ng and Li Fung Ngo $3 cach on their

being married,

6.00

Wong Kwai Fung on being married,

2.00

Li Mui $2, Ho Yau $3 on being married,. Wong Mui and Li Yuk $3 each on being

5.00

Mui and Cheong Ngan

married,

6.00

$5 each,

45.00

Lam Shing Tsan on being married,

3.00

of Wong Ha, and Wong

Feb.

Mak Tsoi $2, and Li Luk $3 on being

Kut $9 each,

18.00

married,

5.00

་་

of Chian Mi Ho,

11.00

Chan Mi Ho and l'ang Lin Fung $3 each

of Chan Sam and Chan

on being married...

6.00

San Ho $9 each.

18.00

Cheung Ngan on being married,

3.00

Feb.

of Li Chii and Lum Shun

Sham Mui on being married...

3.00

Ho $ĩ cach,

14.00

Ch'an Loi Hi on being married,

3.00

of Chan 1 Mui, Wong Ha. Cheung Sain Mui, Lo

Mar.

Chan Ngan Yuk on being married,

2.00

Tam Tai Tsoi on being married,

2.00

Sze. Wong Kam, Leung

ན,

Ch'an Hi on being married,

3.00

Yut and Ch'an Kwai

Heung $11 each.

77.00

April 19

Leung Ho on leaving the Kuk,. Telegram to Singapore,

5.00

3.00

April

of Leung Tsat and Chian

Li Kwai Hi on being married,

3.00

Fung Sẽ each,

10.00

Lo Sze Mui on being married,

3.00

of Leung Ho,

11.00

Chan Fung, passage money,

5.00

May

of Li Sze,

8.00

May

Ch'an Sam, passage money,

2.00

of Chan Lin Ho,

9.00

Ch'an Ngan Yuk, passage money,

30.00

of Cheung Ut Kwai, Chan

Chan Wo, on being married,

3.00

Mui and Tang Lin Chün

Wong San Yau on being married.

3.00

$11 cach,

33.00

Ch'an Luk, passage money,

7.00

of Chan Luk and Wong

Tang Un Chun, passage money,

11.00

Mui $7 each,

14.00

June 10

Commission ou Money Order to Singa-

of Chan Tai Yau and Ho

0.25

pore,

Wong Li $5 each...

10.00

June 23

***

of Tam Tung Tsoi,

8.00

Mr. and Mrs. Teaguer and child, passage tickets to Singapore and $10 for pocket

多多

of Leung Po Wan,

7.00

65.00

money,

of Lam Kam, Lau Sup,

Hung On Chan (Mr. and Mrs. Teaguer's

Sin Tsoi, Ho Mui, Cho

lodging bill),

13.50

Tung He $5 each,.

25.00

Wong Mui $3 and Wong San Tsoi $2 on

Sept. 19

33 338 NN

of Chan Ut Kwai,

5.00

their being married,

5.00

Refund by the Benevolent Society on

July 22

Wong Chan on being married,

3.00

behalf of Mr. and Mrs. Teaguer,

20.00

Sin Tsoi, passage money,

5.00

Interest......

39.10

Chan Chiin (Leper girl to Pakhoi),

5.00

l'assage Money of Ip Tai,

5.00

Lo Sze on being married,

3.00

of Lun Tai, Wong Ngan

Cheung Ut Kwai $2, Chan Lin Ho $3 on

and Ho Yee $11 cach,..

33.00

their being married,

5.00

of Chan Sun Hi,

10.00

Aug. 28

Chung Yuk Kwai $3, Kwok Tsau $2 on

Oct.

བ་

步步

of Li Sam $8, Wong Lai $9, Tse Shun Ho $9 and Lam Ngan Yuk $11................. of Lo Tsan Li and Wong

Shing Kam $7 each...... of Leung Ngan Yau, Chan Wong Fa, Li Ngan So, Leung Kam Yuk, Chan Lin Kam and Ch'an Kwan, $9 each...

their being married.......

5.00

Sept. 2

Wong Hi and Chan Tai Yau $3 each on

37.00

their being married,

6.00

Chan San Ho on being married,

3.00

14.00

Cheung Tsoi on being married,.

2.00

Oct.

;;

Pang Lai and Chui Sze $2 each on their

being married,

4.00

Tam Tung Tsoi on being married,

3.00

Li Tsung He on being married,

2.00

54.00

Chan San Li on being married,

3.00

of Chan Tsat Mui, Lau

Cheung Sik Kong $5 for passage money

Kam He, Wong

Sze

Mui and Wong Kam $5

and $2.25 for personal expenditure,. Refund of Tse Shun Ho's passage money,.

7.25

9.60

each.

20.00

Ch'an Kwai Kui's

passage

27 22 2

of Si Yuk,..

5.00

Nov.

: *

of Ch'an Kwai Kew and

Nov.

money. Chan Ho Pau on being married,

7.00

2.00

Lau Tsoi $7 each,.

14.00

Rev. W. Banister, cost of sending the leper

of Wong Siu Wan,

$.00

of Lam Mui and Chan

girl Ch'an Chun to Pakhoi, Refund of Ch'an Wa Fa's passage money,.-

23.00

9.00

Man $9 each...

18.00

Chan Kwai's passage money,

9.00

of Lai Luk, Chan Tsoi

Kam, Li Ho,

Kam $5 cach,

Ch'an

Leung Ngan Yau on being married, Refund of Chan Lin Kam's passage money,

3.00

9.00

Yut-ming and Wong

of Su Se Mui $5, Leung

Ngan He and Chan

Leung Kam Yuk's passage

25.00

money.

9.00

Leung Ngan Ho on being married,

3.00

Wong I on being married,

2.00

Dec.

*92*

Kwai Fa $9 each,..

of Chian Ut Wa,

23.00

Dec.

Li Ngan So's passage money,

9.00

5.00

Ch'an Tsoi Kam on being married,

3.00

:::

of Chun Tim Tsoi,

9.00

4 Shipwrecked Sailors $2 each,

8.00

of Yeung Chan Heung $9

Shipwrecked woman Lo Sam.

2.00

Lai Yut Kew $5,

of Yeung Su..

14.00 5.00

10 11

Lau Tsoi Ngan on being married,.

3.00

Li Ho, Hung Tsau and Leung Po Wan $3

of Tsang Ng Mui, Leung

on being married........

9.00

Sam $11 each, Li Tsoi Fuk $9.

Lam Ngan Ho on being married,.

2.00

31.00

Refund of Wong Kam's passage money,

5.00

of Wong Ut Yau..

7.00

Fixed Deposit,

2.000.00

of Chan Tại Hi, Tang Sau

Savings Bank,

972.20

Wan and Chan Moy

Amount in Collector's hands,

61.50

$11 each,

33.00

of Wong So,

Interest,.

9.00 29.70

Total....

3,437.70

Total,..

3,437.70

HONGKONG.

521

No. 1902

REPORTS OF THE MEDICAL OFFICER OF HEALTH, THE SANITARY SURVEYOR, AND THE COLONIAL VETERINARY SURGEON, FOR THE YEAR 1901.

Laid before the Legislative Council by Command of His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government.

SANITARY BOARD.

Members.

J. MITFORD ATKINSON, M.B., D.P.H., Principal Civil Medical Officer (President). Hon. A. W. BREWIN, Registrar General (Vice-President).

Hon. W. CHATHAM, Director of Public Works.

FRANCIS W. CLARK, M.D., D.P.H., Medical Officer of Health.

F. J. BADELEY, J.P., Acting Captain Superintendent of Police. EDWARD OSBORNE, J.P.

Lieutenant-Colonel G. A. HUGHES, D.S.O., R.A.M.C.

FUNG WA CHÜN, J.P.

LAU CHU PAK, J.P.

SANITARY BOARD OFFICES, March 17th, 1902.

SIR,I have the honour to submit, for the information of the Board, the following Report upon the health of the Colony for the year 1901.

AREA.

The portion of the Colony within the jurisdiction of the Sanitary Board comprises (1) the island of Hongkong which has an area of 29 square miles and on which are situated the City of Victoria and the villages of Shaukiwan, Quarry Bay, Aberdeen and Stanley; and (2) that portion of territory on the mainland between the shore and the first range of the Kowloon Hills-extending from Lyeemoon Pass on the east to Laichikok on the west,-with a sea-frontage of about ten miles and an area of 18 square miles. The City of Victoria is built on the northern shore of the island, while the Harbour, which separates it from Kowloon on the mainland, is about a mile and a third wide at its narrowest part.

The domestic buildings of the City of Victoria number 9,016 (exclusive of Barracks and Police Stations) of which, 872 are non-Chinese dwellings while there are also some 130 European dwellings in the Hill District,

This shows an increase of 134 non-Chinese dwellings as compared with the previous year, and an increase of 312 Chinese dwellings. The plans of 1,369 new buildings and of alterations to 1,497 existing buildings have passed through my hands during the year, with a view to seeing that they complied with the Public Health Ordinances of the Colony. During the previous year plans of 1,319 new buildings and of alterations to 3,186 existing buildings were received, so that the records of the past year show a slight increase in the number of new

increase in the number of new buildings planned, and a large decrease in the number of alterations to existing buildings. This latter results from the very considerable number of alterations in regard to open spaces, which followed the passing of the Insanitary Properties Ordinance No. 34 of 1899, for in 1899 plans of alterations to but 772 existing buildings passed through my hands. The number of new houses completed during the year has been 796.

CLIMATE.

The average monthly temperature throughout the year has been 72.1° F. as compared with 71.6° F. during 1900; the maximum monthly temperature was attained in July when it reached 82.2° F. and the minimum monthly temperature was recorded in the month of February being 54.8° F.

The highest recorded temperature during the year was 92.7° F. on August 3rd and the lowest was 38.4° F. on February 4th.

}

522

The total rainfall for the year was 55.78 inches as compared with 73.73 inches in 1900 and an average of 77.2 inches during the past ten years. The wettest month was May with 14.10 inches, while there were also 14 inches of rain in the month of August; the driest month was January with only 0.685 inch. The greatest amount of rain which fell on any one day was 1.23 inches on April 7th, while no rain fell on 213 days of the year; the relative humidity of the atmosphere throughout the year was 75 per cent. as compared with 77 per cent. in the previous year. The average daily amount of sunshine throughout the year was 5.5 hours and on 35 days only was no sunshine recorded.

The above figures have been calculated from the monthly Reports issued by the Director of the Hongkong Observatory; the temperatures are taken at 108 feet above mean sea-level and at 4 feet above the grass.

The following table shows how uncertain has been the rain fall during the past twenty years :—

Inches.

1882,

73.36

1892,

90.97

1883,

.120.66

1893,

.. 99.95

1884,

.. 75.42

1894,

...104.25

1885,

..108.92

1895,

1886,

69.17

1896,

45.83

71.78

1887,

66.29

1897,

....100.03

1888,

....104.58

1898,

57.02

•

1889,

.119.72

1899,

72.70

1890,

.. 70.93

1900,

73.73

1891,

117.12

1901,

55.78

Average,......92.617

Average.......77.204

In my Annual Report for 1899 I showed that the average rainfall during the decade ending that year was eleven and a half inches less than the average rainfall during the preceding decade. The above figures show that the average has fallen still further, for during the past decade it has been nearly fifteen and a half inches less than during that ending 1891. Any estimates of water-supply, therefore, based on previous records of rainfall are subject to a very considerable discount from this cause, while a continuons supply can only be assured by taking, as the basis of calculation, the lowest annual rain- fall of, say, the last twenty years.

GENERAL SANITARY CONDITION.

The Colony was again visited during the year by an epidemic of Bubonic Plague and in conse- quence it was decided to obtain from England the services of two distinguished experts in sanitation to report on its general sanitary condition; Professor SIMPSON, M.D., F.R.C.P., and Mr. OSBERT CHADWICK, M. INST. C.E., C.M.G., were accordingly appointed and are to visit the Colony early in 1902 and, it is hoped that the adoption of their recommendations will do much to free the Colony from these annual visitations of Bubonic Plague.

During the year the various existing Public Health Ordinances were consolidated, with but verbal amendments; with a view to prevent the raising of existing buildings to an inordinate height a short Ordinance was passed (No. 30 of 1901) providing that no existing building which does not at present exceed in height one and a half times the width of the street on which it fronts shall be so raised as to exceed that limit of height, and that no new building shall be erected to a greater height than one and a half times the width of the street on which it fronts, unless the building at present occupying such site exceeds that height, in which case the new building may be carried up as high as the existing one so long as the scale contained in Ordinance 15 of 1894 is not exceeded.

In other words an attempt has been made to check any further increase in the excessive surface crowding of the City, but it yet remains for some measure to be introduced which shall reduce this surface crowding to within more reasonable limits.

The question of the resumption of insanitary or obstructive buildings has been left in abeyance pending the Report of the experts, but it is essential that many of these buildings should be removed in order to open up, and admit light and air, to the many enclosed courts and alleys which abound in the City of Victoria.

There is still most urgent need for additional urinals throughout the Colony, only two or three new ones having been erected in connection with Chinese public latrines during the year 1901, while many more public latrines are also needed, to supply the wants of the Chinese community.

523

POPULATION.

The population of the Colony at the Census taken in January, 1897, was 248.880, while at the Census taken in January, 1901, it was (exclusive of the New Territories) 283,975. This represents an increase of 35,095 within a period of four years and affords a remarkable proof of the rapid pro- gress of the Colony.

The increase is, of course, very largely Chinese and is to be found mainly in Kowloon, where the population has risen from 26,442 to 42,976, and in the City of Victoria, where it has risen from 160,273 to 175,056.

The increase in the non-Chinese Civil population during the four years amounted to 951. The following is the estimated population to the middle of 1901 :-

Non-Chinese Civil Population,..

City of Victoria including Peak and Stonecutters, Villages of Hongkong,

Chinese Population,

Kowloon...

Army, Navy.....

Floating Population,

Total Chinese Population,

Total Population of the Colony,.

9,560

.178,810

13,680

45.666

42,408

280,564

5,462

5,074

.300,660

The total strength of Troops in Garrison on June 30th, 1901, was 87 British Officers and 2,035 British Warrant Officers, N.C.O.'s and men, with 51 Indian Officers and 2,603 Indian Warrant Officers, N.C.O.'s and men. There were also 169 British women and children, 202 Indian women and children and 315 camp followers, making a total of 5,462. At the Census taken in January, 1901, there were 5,501 Officers and men and 2.139 camp followers resident in the Colony, making a total of 7,640.

The total strength of the British Fleet on the China Station on June 30th, 1901, was 11,598, as compared with 7,110 in the previous year and 7,738 in 1899. At the Census taken in January, 1901, the actual number of Officers and men of His Majesty's Navy present in the Colony was 5,597, and the estimated average number resident here (ashore and afloat) throughout the year 1901 is put at 5,074.

The Chinese boat population of the Colony (including 1,180 Chinese on the merchant ships in the Harbour) numbered 41,280 at the Census taken in January, 1901, and has been estimated at 42,408 to the middle of the year 1901.

The following is the number of registered boats belonging to the Port:-

Fishing and Trading Junks,

Cargo-boats, Lighters, Sampans, etc.,

Total,....

5,118

7,281

.12,399

The number of boats licensed in 1900 was 12,367, and in 1899 it was 10,885.

These figures do not include 1,393 fishing junks licensed for Cheung Chau, 1,018 for Tai (), 1,357 for Tai Pò and 166 for Deep Bay, as these villages on the New Territory do not come within the jurisdiction of the Sanitary Board nor are they included in the estimates of population.

The population of the Colony is classified primarily into Chinese and non-Chinese, the former being greatly in the majority. The non-Chinese comprise a white population of 11,923 of whom 4,558 are civilians and the remainder belong either to the Army or the Navy. The coloured races (non-Chinese) number 5,002 and include East Indians, Malays, Filipinos. Eurasians and a few Africans and Japanese, while the Asiatic Portuguese alone number 1,983.

The Civil population is essentially a male adult one as no less than 72.9 per cent. of the Chinese population and 62.5 per cent. of the non-Chinese Civil population arc males while more than half the Civil population (50.2 per cent. of the Chinese and 56.4 per cent. of the non-Chinese) are between the ages of 20 and 45. The proportion of the population in Great Britain between these ages is only 33.8 per cent. The proportion of males at the Census taken in 1897 was among the Chinese 70.9 per cent., and among the non-Chinese 58.6 per cent. and the reduction in the proportion of women both among Chinese and non-Chinese is, I consider, the direct result of the greatly enhanced cost of living of late years, and the increasing difficulty in obtaining suitable accommodation for families.

524

The City of Victoria is divided into ten Health Districts with an Inspector of Nuisances in charge of each District; there are also five Senior Inspectors for the City, each of whom has the general supervision of two Districts while there are also special Inspectors for the work of disinfection, for prosecutions, for the control of the Chinese cemeteries, for drainage work and other matters. Kow- loon is similarly divided into two Health Districts, with an Inspector of Nuisances in charge of each, but has already become so important a suburb-the population having doubled in the last five years— that I think there is now ample scope there for at least three Inspectors and the district should be sub- divided accordingly.

The following table gives the number of Chinese houses and floors (i.e., separate Chinese dwellings in most cases) and the number of inmates per house and per floor in the City of Victoria :-

One- Two-

HEALTH DISTRICT.

storey storey Dwell- Dwell-

ings.

Three- Four- Five- storey storev storey Dwell- Dwell- Dwell-

ings. ings.

Total Dwell-

Total

Floors.

ings.

Average Number of Floors per

Number

ings.

Persons

Dwelling. per House. per Floor.

of Persons

205

412

208

856

1,777

2.07

11.7

6.8

363

505

976

2,544

2.60

23.7

9.1

Most of the Chinese in this Dis-

140

2.45

trict occupy quarters attached to European Offices and Dwell-

ings.

565

283

932

3,004

3.23

25.6

7.9

146

550

227

965

2,984

3.09

22.9

7.4

461

262

879

2,778

3.16

21.7

6.8

-1

458

284

785

2,604

3.31

17.4

5.2

30. a

616

220

928

2,914

3.14

22.2

7.1

495

452

1,049

2,712

2.58

23.4

9.1

360

312

747

1,803

2.41

16.3

6.7

Totals and {

382

2,094 4,153

1,484

8,174

23,260

2.81

21.6

7.6

streets.)

Averages

The following table gives the acreage and total population of each Health District of the City of Victoria and the number of persons per acre :——

Built-over

Health Total Area Chinese Non-Chinese District. Acreage. (including Houses. Houses.*

Non-Chinese

Chinese

Population.

Population (approximate)

Persons per

acre on built-

including

over areas.

Troops.

531

124

856

189

12,100

1,340

108.4

243

139

976

101†

23,130

(1,463 Troops

181.9

700

164.

134

325

5,640

2,610

61.6

932

141

23,910

1,200

465.0

965

22,090

250

827.4

879

19,104

660.8

785

13,656

403.7

928

20,610

448.7

1,049

24,590

170

562.7

252

101

747

12,180

522

125.8

1,434

732

8,174

872

177,010

8,415

253.3

There are also some 1,800 Chinese servants, etc., resident at the Peak.

*Exclusive of Barracks.

† A certain number of upper floors of Chinese houses are also occupied by non-Chinese in this District.

525

I have in previous Reports called attention to the acute surface crowding which exists in the more central districts of the City. District No. 5 shows more than 800 persons to the acre while Districts 6, 9, 4, 8 and 7 are also far too densely packed with human beings, and it is essential to the welfare of this Colony that a remedy should be speedily found and put into operation for this insani- tary condition. So far as I have been able to ascertain, there is no other City in the world which has 129 persons to the acre and yet this is the density of population of the City of Victoria as a whole, that is to say including all the outlying vacant lands, and the villages, Race Course and Cemeteries in No. 1 Health District, the Public Gardens and all the vacant Military land in Nos. 2 and 3 Health Districts, and all the unoccupied hill-side below the upper limit of the City Health Districts (i.e., about 450 feet above high water mark). Glasgow which is the most densely crowded of the large cities of the United Kingdom has but 61 persons to the acre.

It will also be seen from the first table that Health Districts 2 and 9, in which districts the outbreaks of Bubonic Plague almost invariably commence and are the most severe, show the greatest number of occupants per floor, namely 9.1 as compared with an average for the City of 7.6; this, in itself, is ex- cessive, although well within the limit of thirty square feet of floor space per head, which is all that is, at present, legally required in any dwelling in the Colony, except within the European District Reser- vation area, where each person must be allowed one thousand cubic feet of air space-thus necessitating a larger floor area.

The following table gives a comparative statement of the number of persons per acre in each of the Health Districts of the City in 1897 (when a provisional Census was taken) and in 1901 (when the decennial Census was taken) and shows that during the past four years the number of persons per acre has increased from 117.4 to 129.3, and that almost all the central Health Districts of the City are daily becoming more crowded:-

CITY OF VICTORIA.

No. of Persons

per

Health Districts.

1897

1901

.15.3 95.6 37.1

.25.3 104.1 50.3

Acre.

10 Average. 447.6 761.1 569.3 449.7 381.0 545.9 30.4 117.4

448.4 770.4 638.8 381.1 421.2 562.7 50.4 129.3

BIRTHS.

The births registered during the year were as follows:-

Chinese, Non-Chinese,

Males.

Females.

Total.

..552

296

848

.124

116

240

676

412

1,088

This is equal to a general birth-rate of 3.6 per 1,000 as compared with 3.3 in 1900, 4.3 in

1899 and 4.7 in 1898.

The birth-rate among the non-Chinese community alone was 11.9 per 1,000 as compared with 15.1 per 1,000 in 1900.

The nationalities of the non-Chinese parents were as follows:-British 104, Portuguese 72, Indian 37, German 13, Eurasian 4, French 4, Jew 2, American, Russian, Philipino and Malay one each.

The preponderance of inale births over female births is still very marked among the Chinese com- munity, being in the proportion of 186 male births to every 100 female births. The proportion among the non-Chinese community was 107 to 100 as compared with 137 to 100 in the previous year.

The number of the Chinese births registered does not give an accurate record of the total number of births of Chinese that have occurred in the Colony, for many of the infants that die during the first month or so of life remain unregistered, although their deaths must be registered to obtain the necessary burial orders. It has been customary, therefore, to add to the registered births the number of in- fants of one month old and under that die in the various Convents, or are found by the Police in the streets or in the Harbour. The number during 1901 was 128 males and 194 females making a total of 322, and the addition of these figures to the registered Chinese births gives a total of 1,410 as compared with 1,485 during the previous year. The corrected birth-rate is, therefore, 4.7 per 1,000, while among the Chinese alone the rate becomes 4.2 per 1,000. The total Chinese births as calculated in the above manner show a proportion of only 139 male births to every 100 female births, while the dead bodies of infants found in the streets or left at the doors of the Convents show 66 males to every 100 females, the explanation being that the Chinese have very little regard for the value of the lives of female children.

526

DEATHS.

The total number of deaths registered during the year was 7,082, as compared with 6,773 during the previous year. The death-rate for 1901 was, therefore, 23.5 per 1,000 as compared with 23.9 in 1900, 23.8 for 1899 and an average of 22.5 per 1,000 during the past five years. These deaths in- clude 1,562 from Bubonic Plague.

The following table gives the death-rates during the past twenty years, inclusive and exclusive of deaths from Bubonic Plague and exclusive in every case of the Naval and Military populations and deaths, as until the last seven years these latter populations were not recorded:-

1882,

1883,.

.26.111 .30.04

1892.

...20.70)

1893,

..22.70

1884,. 1885.

1886,....

.26.91

1894,

..30.37

..32.36

....

1895,....

..21.89

..31.79

1887.

.28.59

Average 27.81

1896,

..24.25

1897.

..19.13

Average 23.42

1888,.

.31.72

1898,

1889,.

.23.64

1890.

.23.19

1891,..

.23.80 J

1899,....

1900, 1901,

....

..22.71 ...24.33 .24.12

24.03 J

Excluding Plague.

1894,

.19.85

1895,

.21.74

1896,

..19.79

1897,

..19.05

1898,

...17.98

1899,

..18.65

1900, 1901,

.21.10

....19.03

It is satisfactory to find that, in spite of the persistence of Bubonic Plague, the death-rate shows a considerable reduction during the past ten years as compared with the previous decade, but there can be no question that this rate is still exceedingly high, having regard to the fact that the population is so largely composed of young adults. Much yet remains to be done in the matter of the improvement of the sanitary surroundings of the inhabitants, and every substantial step in that direction must result in a reduction in the general death-rate.

The total number of deaths among the Chinese community was 6,670 which is equal to a death- rate of 23.77 per 1,000 as compared with 24.1 per 1,000 during the previous year. It is important to note that the death-rate among Chinese women is very much higher than among Chinese men; the total deaths of Chinese women amounted to 2,693 which gives a death-rate of 35.42 per 1,000, while the deaths among Chinese men totalled 3,969, equal to a rate of 19.40 per 1,000; in eight of the deaths the sex was not recorded the most probable explanation of this great discrepancy in the death-rates for the two sexes is that the men are more readily able to leave the Colony when sick, and it may be assumed therefore that were it not for this circumstance the general death-rate among the Chinese would not be less than 35 to 36 per 1,000.

The deaths registered among the non-Chinese numbered 412 of which 302 were from the Civil population, 96 from the Army, and 14 from the Navy; this is equal to a death-rate of 20.5 per 1,000.

The nationalities of the deaths were as follows:-Indian and Malay 160, British 116, Portuguese 86, Japanese 10, German 9, American 8, French 7, Spanish 5, Jews 3, and Italian, Danish, Austrian, Swede, Chilian, American Negro and Eurasian, one each.

The following table gives the causes of the 96 deaths occurring in the Army:

British Soldiers.

Enteric Fever,............

Dysentery,

Bubonic Plague,

Malarial Fever,

Heat Apoplexy,.

British Wives and Children.

Malarial Fever,

Premature Birth,.

Marasmus,

Convulsions,

Total,.....

.20

Total,.....

Fracture of Skull,

Concussion of Brain, (accident),

Multiple Injuries,

General Tuberculosis,

Dementia,

Bronchitis,

...

'Indian Wives and Children.

Indian Soldiers.

Dysentery,

Inanition,..

Diarrhoea,..

Malarial Fever,

.....

Bronchitis,

..10

Dentition,

•

Syphilis,.

Alcoholic Poisoning,

Gunshot Wound, (Suicide),

Enteritis,

Debility,

Anæmia,

Pericarditis,

Bronchitis,

•

Pneumonia,

Phthisis,

.10

..10

Asthma,

Pulmonary Embolism,

....

Enteritis, Hepatitis,...

Bright's Disease,

Acute Nephritis,

Scurvy,

Tumour of Brain,

68*

527

The fourteen deaths occurring in the China Squadron which were registered in this Colony were as follows:-

Enteric Fever,

Drowning,

Heart Disease,.

Aneurysm, (Aortic),

Pneumonia,

Phthisis,

Nephritis, (Acute),...........

N brand N

The deaths occurring in persons employed in the Mercantile Marine or in Foreign Navies were 31 in number and the causes of death were as follows:

Enteric Fever,

Small-pox, Diarrhoea, Dysentery,. Beri-Beri,

Heat Apoplexy,.. Fracture of Skull,

Peritonitis, (Injury),..

Apoplexy,

Tetanus, (Traumatic),

Paralysis (Bulbar),

Forward,

.20

Heart Disease,

Pneumonia,

Phthisis,

Empyæma,

Gastric Ulcer,

..3

Enteritis, Pancreatitis,..

•

Hepatic Abscess,. Jaundice, Debility,.

Carried forward,............20

The death from Beri-Beri occurred in a Japanese.

The total number of deaths, therefore, which occurred among the non-Chinese resident Civil community was 270; allowing 1,016 for the non-Chinese floating population, this is equal to a death-rate among the resident non-Chinese population of 31.6 per 1,000.

The principal causes of death among the non-Chinese resident Civil community were as follows:-

Bubonic Fever, (Plague),

Phthisis,

Malarial Fever,

.....

Pneumonia,

Injuries,

Heart Disease,

•

..47 ..34

....18

.13

..12

.11

Dysentery, Enteric Fever, General Tuberculosis, Apoplexy, Bright's Disease, Old Age,

UNCERTIFIED DEATHS.

....

97776

During the year there were 563 deaths registered in the City of Victoria, of Chinese who had not been attended by a medical man, as compared with 533 during the previous year and 463 in 1899; in every such case the relatives of the deceased are interviewed and the dead bodies inspected

528

and where necessary sent to the Government Mortuary for further examination, with the result that no less than 43 cases of Bubonic Plague were thus discovered and the premises dealt with in the usual manner. In previous Annual Reports I have urged that this work should be done by a duly qualified Licentiate of the Hongkong College of Medicine, attached to the Sanitary Staff, and I am still of the opinion that a native practitioner, whether Chinese, Japanese or Indian, should be permanently attached to the staff for such duties as these, which are really outside the scope of an Inspector of Nuisances.

I append a statement of the actual causes of death in the above-mentioned 563 cases :-

Forward,..........

..191

..198

..125

....

Enteric Fever,

Diarrhoea,.

Dysentery,

Bubonic Fever,

....

Malarial Fever, Beri-Beri,. Puerperal Fever,

Syphilis, Debility,.

Old Age, Inanition,

Rheumatism, (Chronic), Cancer of lower Jaw, Cancer of Breast,

Cancer of Stomach,.

Aneurysm,. Bronchitis, Pneumonia,

•

Pleurisy,

Phthisis,

...

NN CO CO

Gastritis, Enteritis,

Peritonitis,. Jaundice,

Bright's Disease,

Abortion,

•

Placenta Prævia,

Epilepsy,

Postpartum Hæmorrhage,. Child-birth,

Ulcers of Leg,

Convulsions,

Hæmorrhage from Wound,

Heart Disease,

Carried forward,........

191

563

AGE DISTRIBUTION OF DEATHS.

The number of deaths of infants under one year of age was 1,315, or 18.6 per cent. of the total deaths, a rate which is far too high even for a tropical climate. The infant death-rate among the non-Chinese community during the year has been 129.2 per 1,000 as compared with 122.6 per 1,000 in the previous year, but among the Chinese population the number of deaths of infants under one year of age exceeds the total number of births, even when all deaths under one month are assumed to have been unregistered; this means either that a very large number of births remain unregistered or else that a large number of infants are brought into the Colony from the mainland and die here. In either case the condition is a most unsatisfactory one and calls for some remedial measure.

The great bulk of these deaths of Chinese infants are attributed to diseases of a convulsive type, but I am inclined to think that further investigation might show that not a few of these deaths from convulsions are due to malarial infection, and it was on those grounds that I urged the Board during the past year (and on several previous occasions) to obtain authority to make the fullest investigation into the many deaths of infants which are returned from the various Convents in the City. Should the bulk of these deaths prove to be directly or indirectly due to malaria, we would have the strongest grounds for urging the immediate adoption of a comprehensive scheme for dealing with all Anopheles pools in in the vicinity of domestic dwellings, for it must be borne in mind that by such means not only would the infant death-rate be materially reduced, but the incidence of malaria among the European residents of the Colony would be proportionately minimized, as it has been found in other Colonies that it is mostly the native infants that furnish the necessary malarial organisms to the Anopheles mosquito.

DEATHS AMONG THE CHINESE.

CHEST DISEASES.

The total number of deaths among the Chinese from respiratory diseases was 1,287, or 19.3 per cent. of the total Chinese deaths. This represents a death-rate from these diseases of 4.6 per 1,000 as compared with 5.1 in 1900. As in former years the death-rate from these causes was heavier among the boat population than among the land population, having been 5.2 per 1,000 among the former as against 4.5 per 1,000 among the latter.

The number of deaths of Chinese from Phthisis alone was 695, or 54 per cent. of the total deaths from the respiratory diseases. Phthisis is intimately associated with overcrowded and insanitary dwellings, and it is a significant fact that while the Phthisis death-rate in the City of Victoria is 2.5 per 1,000, in Kowloon, where the evils of surface crowding have fortunately not yet arisen to any great extent this rate is only 1.3 per 1,000, or very little more than half the City death-rate.

529

NERVOUS DISEASES.

The deaths of Chinese recorded under this heading number 843, and no less than 583 of these or 69.1 per cent, occurred in infants under one year of age, the alleged causes of death being Tetanus, Trismus and allied disorders of a convulsive type.

The number of deaths from these diseases during the past five years has been as follows:-

1897.

1898,

1899,

1900,.

1901,.......

...655

...572

...709

..816

.743

No less than 674 of these deaths or 90.7 per cent. are returned from one or other of the two Convents, the infants having been left there in a moribund condition. A further reference to these deaths will be found under the heading of "Age Distribution of Deaths.”

MALARIAL FEVERS.

The total number of deaths among the Chinese from the Malarial Fevers was 541, as compared with 887 during the previous year, 532 during 1899, and 506 during 1898; this is equal to a death-rate of 1.9 per 1,000.

The death-rate among the boat population alone, from this cause, was also 1.9 per 1,000.

The training of the nullahs on the outskirts of the City, as recommended in my Report for 1900, is the only practicable means of reducing the death-rate from this cause, while no time should be lost in securing an extensive European reservation in New Kowloon, within which the native

popu- lation, other than a small number of personal servants, should not be permitted to reside, for it has been abundantly proved that the native population, and especially native children, constitute the main source of infection of this disease, the poison being conveyed by the Anopheles mosquito.

Fifteen deaths from Malarial Fevers are recorded as having occurred among the troops, and it would appear, therefore, to be especially necessary that all Barracks should be well isolated from the native population and that the sites should be most carefully selected and maintaine I free from mosquito breeding pools.

BERI-BERI.

There were 377 deaths from Beri-Beri among the Chinese during last year, as compared with 361 in 1900, and 197 only in 1899.

The following table shows the distribution of the disease throughout the

January,

February,

March,

April,

May,

June,

July, August, September,.

October,.

November,

December,

138

year:-

243

As stated in previous Reports, I incline to the opinion that this disease is attributable to infected food, and most probably to damaged rice or other grain which has been attacked by some fungoid growth.

ACCIDENTS.

Among the accidental deaths of Chinese will be found 47 as the result of the collapse of buildings-a matter to which I drew attention in my Report for 1900, during which year twenty deaths were so caused. There can be very little doubt that this is a preventible cause of death, and the obvious remedy is a very much greater amount of supervision over the actual work both of build- ing construction and of the repair of buildings, combined with a greater degree of legal respon- sibility imposed upon those who design and carry out such alterations or additions.

INFECTIOUS DISEASES.

The total number of cases of infectious disease reported by registered medical practitioners during the year was 1,847 of which no less than 1,651 were Bubonic Fever (Plague); I have dealt with the outbreak of Bubonic Plague in a special report, and I also attach a tabular statement of the incidence of this disease throughout the year (Appendix A.) The following table shews the number of cases of the other infectious diseases reported during each quarter of the year:-

530

Infectious Disease.

1st Quarter. 2nd Quarter. 3rd Quarter. 4th Quarter.

Total.

European,

Enteric Fever Chinese,

Other Asiatics,

NNN

European,

Small-pox

Chinese,

Other Asiatics,.

...

Cholera-Chinese,

Diphtheria-Other Asiatics,

...

Puerperal Fever-Chinese,.

Total,.

196

Of these 196 cases no less than 49 are known to have been imported, while in many other cases the source of infection could not be traced as the bodies were found in the streets or in deserted houses. Twenty-five of the imported cases were Enteric Fever, seventeen were Cholera and eight were Small-

pox.

I have no doubt that the question of the medical inspection of vessels, immediately on their entering the Harbour, which has been urged by me year after year, will receive the most careful attention of the sanitary experts, as there can be no doubt that such a provision would protect the Colony from the importation of many cases of infectious disease which are now unrecognized until after landing, or even escape detection altogether.

ENTERIC FEVER.

The total number of cases of Enteric Fever reported during the year was 75 as compared with 85 during the previous year; there has been, however, a large increase in the number of European cases, which totalled 47 during last year as compared with 34 in 1900. It is important to record, however, that no less than 22 of these European cases were imported from neighbouring ports, while one Chinese case and one "other Asiatic" case are also known to have been imported. Most of the Chinese cases are, however, not discovered until after death, and it is then often impossible to obtain any information as to their length of residence in the Colony.

The number of deaths among the Europeans was 14, which gives a case mortality of 29.8 per cent. Four of these Europeans deaths occurred in men from His Majesty's Navy, one from the Army, and five from the Mercantile Marine, leaving four only among the resident civil community. There were four deaths among the "other Asiatics" (all of whom were resident civilians) and sixteen among the Chinese.

age,

There were 20 Chinese cases reported and 6 of these were in children at or under three years of while a seventh was in a child of eight years.

The ages of the non-Chinese cases may be classified as follows:-

Years.

Years. 10-15.

Years. 15-20.

Years. 20-30.

Years. 30-40.

Years. 40-50.

Years. 50-60.

60 and upwards.

Total.

Six out of the eight "other Asiatics" cases occurred among Japanese adults, and the case mortality among these "other Asiatics" was 50 per cent.

SMALL-POX.

There was an outbreak of Small-pox in the early part of the year, 42 cases being reported in March and 28 in April; the total number of cases reported during the year being 91. Eleven of these cases occurred in Europeans, of whom one died; there were eight imported cases, two of whom were Europeans, five were Chinese and one other Asiatic.

In consequence of this outbreak a notification was issued by the Government on the representation of the Sanitary Board to the effect that persons could be vaccinated free of cost at the Government

531

Civil Hospital, the Tung Wah Hospital, the Alice Memorial Hospital and the Nethersole Hospital while hand-bills were issued urging the Chinese to get vaccinated. Additional vaccinators were also appointed to go from house to house and offer vaccination to the inmates, while, moreover, a large stock of vaccine was obtained from Saigon to supplement the local supply.

The total number of deaths from this disease during the year was 59, while in 1900 it was 17, and in 1899 it was 35.

The total number of vaccinations recorded last year was 5,937 as compared with 4,406 in 1900, 6,529 in 1899, and 7,051 in 1898. In my Report for last year, I called attention to the consider- able falling off in the number of vaccinations recorded, and in view of the rapid increase in the population the returns for last year cannot be regarded as satisfactory.

The recommendation made by me in 1897 has been approved during the past year, that a small bonus should be awarded to the Chinese House Surgeons at the Native Hospitals (Tung Wah, Alice Memorial and Nethersole) for all successful vaccinations, with a view to increasing the number of well- vaccinated persons in the Colony and thereby reducing the mortality from Small-pox.

In March of last year, I took over the duties of Director of the Vaccine Institute tempora- rily from the Colonial Veterinary Surgeon, who was proceeding on leave, and who has since retired from the service through ill-health, and in view of the fact that the lymph issued from that Institution has not always given the best results, I devoted considerable care and attention to this most important work, and am glad to be able to record that all the practitioners who have used the lymph prepared by me have reported that it has been of excellent quality. The number of tubes of vaccine prepared during the year was 8,445, of which I personally prepared 6,707, and the value of this lymph was $4,222.50. Small quantities have been supplied (on payment) to the Military and Naval authorities, to the private practitioners in this Colony and in Canton, and to the American Government at Manila, but the bulk of it has been used in the local Hospitals and the Gaol, while at the end of the year there was a reserve stock of considerably over 3,000 tubes, in anticipation of any outbreak of Small-pox which might occur during the Spring of 1902. In the Spring of 1901, it was found necessary to telegraph to Saigon for $500 worth of vaccine, but this should not, under ordinary circumstances, be necessary as it is quite possible to prepare sufficient lymph at our own Institution to meet all ordinary eventualities. The total number of tubes prepared during 1900 was 3,651.

CHOLERA.

Seventeen cases of Cholera were imported from Singapore on board the S.S. “ Cheung Chow in the month of February, but the disease spread no further. Twelve of the patients died.

DIPHTHERIA.

Six cases of Diphtheria were reported during the year-the patients all being Asiatic Portuguese. Five of them occurred during the last six weeks of the year and the most probable cause of this was the drought, with the consequent lack of water, and the foul condition of the sewers and storm drains resulting therefrom. Two of the patients died.

PUERPERAL FEVER.

Seven cases of Puerperal Fever were notified during the year, but fifteen deaths were recorded from this disease-all of them among the Chinese community-while no less than 47 deaths were registered as due to Child-birth, and to morbid conditions incident to parturition. This represents a very serious loss of young adult lives and is undoubtedly due to want of proper attention, and to uncleanly surroundings.

In previous Reports for 1898, 1899 and 1900, I have called attention to the great want there is in this Colony for some maternity charity, in addition to the wards which are used for this purpose at the Government Civil Hospital, and some attempt will, I hope, be made to meet this want when the new extension to the Tung Wah Hospital is complete. It is possible also that the scheme for the provision of Dispensaries for the Chinese will do something to reduce this very considerable item in our Bills of mortality.

INTERMENTS.

The following number of interments in the various Cemeteries of the Colony have been recorded during the year :-

Non-Chinese.-Colonial Cemetery,

Roman Catholic Cemetery,

Mahommedan

Jewish

Parsee

111 .1,378

1,585

532

Chinese.-Mount Caroline Cemetery.

Mount Davis

Tung Wah Hospital

Infectious Diseases

Protestant

294

478

.1,744 ..1,692

Eurasian

Roman Catholic

Shaukiwan

Aberdeen

Stanley

Shek-O

な

Ma-tau Wai

•

.1,267

230

147

273

6,171

Fifteen cremations of the bodies of Hindoos also occurred during the year.

PROSECUTIONS.

The following is a return of the prosecutions that were instituted during the year by myself or by the Prosecuting Inspectors-Inspector L. E. BRETT and Inspector F. FISHER-acting under my

instructions:-

Offence.

Sum-

monses.

Con- victions.

Penalties.

Remarks.

545.00 2 absconded, 2 cautioned, 6 withdrawn. 1,148.00 5 granted time to make legal, 3 withdrawn. 2,263.00 4 absconded, 2 dismissed, I withdrawn,

26 granted time to make legal. 221.00 1 withdrawn, 9 absconded. 3,365.00 7 absconded, 4 withdrawn.

200.00

665.50 4 withdrawn, 20 given time to complete,

9 dismissed.

Occupation of Basements,

Illegal Cocklofts,

328

71 320

Illegal Cubicles,...

537

504

Unlicensed Common Lodging-houses,

Dirty Premises,

820

809

Nuisances in Public Streets,.....

Failing to cleanse and limewash,

140

107

Sleeping in Common Kitchens,

141.50

Sleeping on Cocklofis,

19.00

Overcrowding Tenements,

Overcrowding Commen Lodging-houses,..

Overcrowding Opium Divans,

Failing to concrete Ground Surfaces,

Nuisances on Private Premises,

Breaches of Bye-laws:-

Cattle and Swine,

51.00 2 absconded, I dismissed.

45.00 1 absconded, I withdrawn. 317.00

255.00 1 withdrawn, 2 dismissed, 2 given time to

complete work.

426.50 3 withdrawn, 3 granted time to abate,

2 Magistrate's orders of Prohibition.

90 00

Bake-house,

Offensive Trades,

Verandab,

Matsheds,

Latrines and Privies,

Public Laundries,

Marker,

110.00

15 00

44 00

410.00

3 withdrawn.

39.00 1 withdrawn.

119.00

30.00

Dairies,

60.00

Unwholesome Butter,

Failing to notify Infectious Disease,

Wilfully damaging Property on Crown

Land,

Occupying New Buildings without Permit,

Obstructing Backyards,

Obstructing Windows,

Failing to provide Backyards,

54 235

154

1000000

2.00 100.00

Dismissed.

1 one mouth, and I three weeks' imprison-

ment, I dismissed.

2 dismissed.

499.00 2 withdrawn, 1 given time to

1 absconded.

remove,

227.00 1 given time to remove, 2 withdrawn: 1,536.00 11 withdrawn, 60 given time to complete, 1 dismissed, 9 Magistrate's order of Prohibition.

Total,

2,654

2,435

$12,943.50

533

DISINFECTING STATION.

The Disinfecting Station buildings and staff have been under the control of Inspector REIDIE throughout the year and the work has been carried out in a most satisfactory manner. Perchloride of mercury sprays have been in use now for a number of years for the disinfection of buildings and in the hands of trained men they have been found to give every satisfaction.

The following is a return of the number of articles which have passed through the steam disin- fecting apparatus during the year:---

Articles removed from private houses in City,.

.181,000

in Kowloon,

5,421

Kennedy Town Hospital,.

9,541

Tung Wah Hospital,.

4,210

Government Civil Hospital,

3,958

"",

Station Hospital and Military Barracks, Victoria Gaol,

975

Government clothing used by persons exposed to infection,

8,424

and bedding of Disinfecting staff,.

7,815

221,388

The apparatus was in use on 315 days of the year, and for sixteen hours a day during the pre- valence of the epidemic of Bubonic Plague.

STAFF.

Dr. WILFRID W. PEARSE, the newly appointed Assistant Medical Officer of Health, arrived from England early in August.

During the year Chief Inspector DANDY unfortunately broke down in health and had to retire from the service; Inspector MACEWEN joined the Department and two of the five new Senior Inspect- ors-Messrs. GRICE and CARTER-arrived from England. Inspector L. E. BRETT was granted a year's leave in England and Inspector KNIGHT was absent on leave for three months, while Inspectors HOGGARTH and MILLS left the Department.

A number of temporary Inspectors were engaged by the Government during the epidemic of Bubonic Plague.

The whole staff has worked exceptionally well during the year and much good work has been done.

The following is a list of the Inspectors of Nuisances in the employ of the Board, on the fixed establishment, at the end of the year:-

Senior Inspectors.

Mr. M. GRICE.

A. CARTER.

First Class Inspectors.

Mr. JOHN REIDIE.

The Secretary of the

SANITARY BOARD.

L. E. BRETT.

F. FISHER.

District Inspectors.

Mr. W. FINCHER.

Mr. F. ALLen.

D. MCKENZIE.

P. O'DONNELL.

D. O'KIEFFE.

H. BROWN.

J. MCMICHAEL.

H. KNIGHT.

A. WOOLLEY. J. HOOD.

C. W. BRETT.

E. ROGERS.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your obedient Servant,

FRANCIS W. CLARK,

Medical Officer of Health.

Health

District.

WEEK

1st.

2nd.

3rd.

4th.

5th.

6th.

7th.

8th.

9th.

10th.

| 11th.

12th.

13th.

14th.

| 15th.

16th.

17th.

18th.

19th.

20th.

21st.

22nd.

23rd.

24th.

Appendix A.

HONGKONG, 1901.

BUBONIC PLAGUE:

WEEKLY DISTRIBUTION.

25tb.

26th.

27th.

28th.

29th.

30th.

31st.

32nd.

33rd.

City of Victoria.

II.,

III.,

IV.

V..

VI.,

VII,

VIII.,

IX.

X.,

Villages, Kow- loon,-

XI.,

XII.,

XIII.,

ני

XIV.

Peak,

Harbour,

New Territory.

Unknown,

...

Totals,.. 2 1

...

***

...

D 2

1 3 6 14 28 14 26 33 20 6 12

1 5 10 2 3 13 6

9 19 17 38 24 17 21 19 11

9 21 25 22| 14| 13|

41 7 8 12 17 12 15 20

4 14 18 14 13 14 &

4 T 7 U 91 20 7

16 15 15 12 16 17 16) 11| 12| 3 12 7

LO GO TO — 10 10 10 20 10 -

13 13

...

ལུ་ཆ

10 00 01 01 aaa

:- ོ

29 24 30 16 10 3]

]

...

130

...

•

2 3 5 7 14 14 8 14 17 18 24-65 93 128 12220

8 14 17 18 24-65 93|128|122'200'215|161 151|155 62 47 26 13] 19]

13 10 4 3 3 6 11 2 3

3.9

193

7.6

}

7.1

206

8.2

143

6.4

109

5.7

110

8.0

4.6

189

7.6

102

8.0

168

. 36

1,650

}

5.7

Note. The weekly Returns are made up to noon of each Saturday, so that the 52nd week in the above Table ends on December 28th. One case was reported on December 31st, thus making the total cases for the year, 1,651,

The Cases occurring during the year were reported as follows :--

Do.

dlo.

do.

Taken to the Tung Wa Hospital (alive),...

Reported from the Government Mortuary (ie., found dead),

(dead) with addresses,....

(dead) without addresses,

512

.....

117

910

Reported by registered Medical Practitioners (including all those found sick and taken to the Government Hospitals),

102

Total,

.1,651

34th.

35th.

36th.

37th.

38th.

| 39th.

40th.

41st.

42nd.

B3rd.

44th.

45th.

46tb.

47th.

48th.

49th.

¦ 50th.

51st.

'puze!

Total.

per 1,000 of Population.

No. of Cases

534

•

METHOD OF DEALING WITH OUTBREAKS OF BUBONIC FEVER (PLAGUE).

535

1. Notification. Cases of infectious disease are required to be reported at once to the nearest Police Station (Telephone No. 15) or to the Medical Officer of Health (Telephone No. 120) or to the Sanitary Board (Telephone No. 257). This is compulsory on "all persons knowing or having reason to believe that any person has been attacked by or is suffering from" Bubonic Plague, Cholera or Small-pox (Bye-law 5 of the Bye-laws governing Notification of Infectious disease contained in Sche- dule B. of Ordinance 13 of 1901); but it is almost universally evaded by the Chinese and even by the Chinese "Doctors." The penalty for its evasion is $50.

2. Detection of the Sick.-In the absence of notification this can only be effected by means of house to house visits. The Sanitary Board has power to institute, in addition to the visits of the District Inspectors, such special house to house visits in any district in which either of the abovenamed diseases may prevail, and must define the limits of such district (Bye-law 8 of the Bye-laws governing "Disinfection of Infected Premises" contained in Schedule B. of Ordinance 13 of 1901).

3. Removal of the Sick and Dead.—Ambulances for the removal of the sick are kept at the various Police Stations, at the Canton Wharf, at the Board's matsheds at Praya East, Praya West, Yaumati and Hunghom, and at the Steam Disinfecting Station in Taipingshan, and sick Chinese are removed in these ambulances to the Tung Wah Hospital on application to the Sanitary Board, the Medical Officer of Health, or the Police, and are there examined by a Chinese Doctor trained in Western medicine and are either drafted at once by him to the Plague Hospital or detained under observation in case of doubt. Non-Chinese cases are almost invariably reported, in the first instance, by a registered medical practitioner and such cases are, on the certificate of the medical attendant, removed direct to the Kennedy Town Hospital. Should such medical attendant certify, however, that the patient "is being lodged and cared for without danger to the public health," he is not removed to. Hospital. In making any application for removal, care should be taken to state distinctly whether the patient is alive or dead, for in the case of dead bodies, a coffin or a dead-box is forwarded for the removal. The ambulance is attended by a Chinese constable, or a coloured foreman, who conveys the details concerning the case to the Hospital Authorities. Light well made coffins, contained in closed hand-carts, are now used for the removal of dead bodies to the Government Mortuary; these are kept at the various Police Stations, at the Board's matsheds and at the Steam Disinfecting Station, and information concerning the death is forwarded on a card attached to the body.

4. Treatment of the Sick.-This is entirely in the hands of the Medical Department. The Govern- ment Hospital at Kennedy Town is supplemented by a series of Matshed Hospitals, also at Kennedy Town and by a Matshed Hospital at Mongkoksui (Kowloon), which are managed by the authorities of the Tung Wah Hospital but are under the supervision of the Medical Department.

5. Disinfection of infected premises.-This is carried out by European officers assisted by coloured foremen, Chinese foremen, trained coolies and a varying number of carrying coolies. As soon as it is known that a case of the disease has occurred at any house, a Chinese constable is sent from the nearest Police Station to detain all persons found therein (Bye-law 3 of the Bye-laws governing disinfection of infected premises contained in Schedule B. of Ordinance 13 of 1901), and the officer in charge of the disinfection proceeds to the house and having provided these persons with Government clothing (if they are unable to provide un-infected clothing for themselves) he removes their own clothing, bedding, curtains, and carpets, to the Steam Disinfecting Station, the clothing being tied up in coarse unbleached calico sheets soaked in a solution of chloride of mercury, and conveyed through the streets in closed baskets. New goods, silk clothing which has not been recently worn, furs and leather goods are not removed to the Steam Disinfector, but must as a general rule remain on the premises until they have been fumi- gated. When the clothing, etc., is returned (in the course of some two hours) from the Disinfecting Station, it is handed to the owners who have already vacated the premises, and the Government clothing is returned to the Disinfecting Station to be steamed before it is again used. The people displaced from their homes during the disinfection and cleansing of the premises, (which usually occupies some 5 or 6 hours in all) are at liberty to make use of the Board's matshed shelters until this is complete, but usually proceed with their ordinary avocations or seek shelter in the street or in a neighbour's house. The disinfection of the premises consists in the spraying of the walls with a solution of perchloride of mercury (1 in 1,000) followed by fumigation with free chlorine, obtained by the addition of diluted sulphuric acid to chlorinated lime (1 pint of a 1 in 5 solution of the crude acid to each lb of the chlo- rinated lime). Floors and furniture are then scrubbed with a solution of one of the coal tar preparations of carbolic acid, and the walls are then lime-washed, chlorinated lime being added to the lime-wash in the proportion of 1 lb. to the gallon.

6. Burial of the dead. This is carried out under the superintendence of one of the Board's European Officers, all bodies being buried at the Kennedy Town Plague Cemetery, unless a special permit has been granted for burial elsewhere.

7. General sanitary precautions.-Chlorinated lime is supplied to all the public latrines for use in the buckets, and the officers of the Board are instructed to see that it is freely used.

A staff of Chinese rat-catchers is maintained who receive a monthly wage of five dollars and a reward of 3 cents for every rat brought in by them; they are supplied with rat-traps and all the ne- cessary apparatus, and towards the end of the year they were bringing in as many as 1,800 rats a week in the city of Victoria alone the total number of rats paid for during the year 1901 was 77,301.

FRANCIS W. CLARK,

Medical Officer of Health.

January, 1902.

536

Appendix B.-RETURN SHEWING THE NUMBER AND CAUSES OF DEATHS REGISTERED

CHINESE COMMUNITY.

CAUSES.

I.-General Diseases.

A.-Specific Febrile Diseases.

BRITISH

AND

FOREIGN COMMUNITY.

Civil.

Army.

VICTORIA.

HEALTH DISTRICT.

Navy.

No. 1.

No. 2.

No. 3.

No. 4.

No. 5.

No. 6.

No. 7.

No. 8.

No. 9.

No. 10.

Unknown.

Peak.

Harbour.

Zymotic.

Small-pox,

سر

Diphtheria,

Fever, Typhoid (Enteric),

5 6

Simple, Continued,

Cholera,

Diarrhoea,

16 133

Dysentery,

Bubonic Fever (Plague),

47 160

Dengue Fever,

:::

13 21 11

1 1

1 8 2

34 175 141

100 105

85 194 100

29 4 68

81 15

B Malarial.

Malarial Fevers,

18 15

Beri-beri,

12:

223

66 309

16 101

15 28

28 141

828

46 193 154 111 126 102 233 129 43

12 40 9 19 22 16 11 26 53 33 21 1

32 34 50 23 15

Y Septic.

Erysipelas,

42 89

51 38

***

4 16 36 18 17

2 12

22+

Pyæmia,

Septicemia,

Puerperal Fever,

& Venereal.

Syphilis (Acquired),

(Congenital),

2 12 1

...

1 1

...

Total Group 4....... 104 32

B.-Diseases dependent on Specific

External Agents.

a Parasites.

Wormis,

B Poisons. Opium,

Vegetable,

(Suicide),

Alcoholic,

1 64 7 1 1 1

8 156

5 95 52 0 86 229 209 138 146 147 332 187 82

...

Fish Poisoning,

x Effects of Injuries.

Burus, Scalds,

Heat-apoplexy,

Drowning,

Fracture of Skull,

of Ribs,

of Jaw (Compound),

of Spine,

of Leg,

12 1

Rupture of Heart,

}

݂ܕ

of Spleen,

of Liver,

of Intestine,

Hanging (Execution)

(Suicide),

3 3

Carried forward, (Effects of Injuries), 18 6 2

3 21

Carried forward, Group A.,... 104 32

Group B........

2 1

เว

]

1 5 3 7 7 1

95 520 86 229 209 138 146 147 332 187

2 1

82 8 156

22:32

16.

DURING THE YEAR ENDED THE 31ST DAY OF DECEMBER, 1901.

CHINESE COMMUNITY.

TOTAL AT THE DIFFERENT AGE PERIODS.

Kow- SHAUKI- ABER-

STANLEY

LOON DIS-

WÁN Dis-

DEEN

DIS-

TRICT.

Land

Population.

Boat

Population.

Land

Population.

Boat

Population.

Land

Population.

Boat

Population.

Land

Population.

35 6

221

Boat

Population.

Non-Chinese.

Under 1

Chinese.

month.

275

...

114 43 39 1

16 22

1 4

153

26 12

433

69 115

433

ུཡ

N CO

•

69 115

699

and

***

...

•

قسم

...

་ ....

...

Non-Chinese. 1 month and

under 12

months.

Chinese.

Non-Chinese. 1 year and

under 5

years.

Chinese.

Non-Chinese. 5 years and

under 15

years.

Chinese.

Non-Chinese. 15 years and

under 25

years.

Chinese.

Non-Chinese. | 25 years and

under 45

Chinese.

years.

Non-Chinese.

45 years and

| Chinese.

under 60

years.

Non-Chinese.

Chinese.

60 years

and over.

Non-Chinese.

Age

Chinese.

Unknown.

537

GRAND

TOTAL.

2 127

...

115 1 70

133...

1 27...

6322 18 365

13 17 18519

4 10

1- 10

7 1 59...

∞ N

198

3158

2 35

372

...

2 61...

...

1,562

...

***

...

3151

7204 4155 9360 28 402 43 621)

5100

10 1

2,106

3 33

...

773 18183 3 72 2 52 4 98... 218 ... 45...

10..

574 381

...

57 3 33

76 11171 18401 3117 2 62

955

•

...

21...

...

***

...

12...

...

16...

101...

...

633

63...

...

10...

...

4273 7195 9436 41 534 61 1,048 10 329

...

4273

∞ -

1 1...

...

7 1 1

00 p

10...

444T

I-

...

་་་

•

Janak

•

10:00

...

7164

6 1

5 30 15 58

2 17

9436 41 584 61 1,048 10329| 7164

7195 9436 4159461101...

3...

•

...

388

3,187

157

3,187 17

538

RETURN SHEWING THE NUMBER AND CAUSES OF DEATHS REGISTERED

CHINESE COMMUNITY.

CAUSES.

BRITISH

AND

FOREIGN COMMUNITY.

Civil.

Army.

Brought forward, Group A.,... 104

Group B......

General Diseases.—Continued.

B.-Effects of Injuries,—Continued.

Brought forward,...

Strangulation (Suicide),

Bullet wound (Murder),

of Head (Suicide),

(Suicide),

Gunshot wound of Liver,

Wounds (Murder),

Injuries (Collapse of buildings),

Suffocation (Collapse of buildings),

in a Fire,

Injuries from Landslip,

Concussion of Brain,

Injuries from fall,

Broken Neck from fall,

Compression of Neck (Accident),

Lacerated wound of Thigh,

Multiple Injuries,

Hæmorrhage,

Dynamite Injuries (Shock),

Asphyxia (Overlying),

Peritonitis (Injury),

Navy.

No. 1.

No. 2.

No. 3.

No. 4.

VICTORIA.

HEALTH DISTRICT.

No. 5.

Nc. 6.

No. 7.

No. 8.

No. 9.

No. 10.

Unknown.

Peak.

Harbour.

5 95 520 86 229 209 138 146 147 332 187

10:

3 21

...

7 1 5

I-

8 156

12242

Shock (Accident),

127

9 2

3 63 12

& Errors of Diet.

Alcoholism,

...

Total Group B.,.............. 26

8 13 4

183

13 12

C-Developmental Diseases.

Premature Birth,

Debility,

Old Age,

Marasmus and Atrophy,

Tabes Mesenterica,

Inanition,

Congenital Malformation of Heart,

Hæmorrbage from Cord,......

∞261:3

0 19

8 5 3 7

21 17

13 18 2

441

371

6O2

67 73

1 1

: 05

10 411

Total Group C 16 7

22 112 115

15 13 15

36 17

D.-Miscellaneous Diseases.

Rheumatic Fever,

Chronic Rheumatism,

Cancer of Lower Jaw,

of Breast,

of Stomach,

of Liver,

of Signoid Flexure (Operation),

of Penis,

of Uterus,

of Vagina,

Sarcoma of Orbit,

of Neck,

Tuberculosis,

Anæmia,

}

35 13

...

Diabetes,

to 3:

Carried forward, (Miscellaneous Diseases), 15

50 15

7 8 4 3 4 7

5 2

Curried forward, Groups A., B. & C.,... 146

7 125 645 205 299 242 156 170 167 381 216 88

8 224

DURING THE YEAR ENDED THE 31ST DAY OF DECEMBER, 1901,—Continued.

CHINESE COMMUNITY.

TOTAL AT THE DIFFERENT AGE PERIODS.

539

GRAND

TOTAL.

6 3,187

433

699

69 115

་

...

11 4273

7195

9436 41 584 61 1,048 10329 7164

2 1

1...

Land

Population.

Boat

Population.

Land

Population.

Boat

Population.

*Land

Population.

Boat

Population.

Land

Population.

Boat

Population.

Non-Chinese.

Chinese.

Non-Chinese.

Chinese.

Non-Chinese.

Chinese.

Non-Chinese.

Chinese.

Non-Chinese.

Chinese.

Non-Chinese.

DIS-

Kow- SHÁUKI- ABER- LOON WÁN DEEN

DIS-

STANLEY

DIS-

TRICT.

Under 1

month.

1 month and

under 12

months.

1 year and under 5

years.

under 15

years.

5 years and

15 years and under 25

years.

25 years and

Chinese.

Non-Chinese.

Chinese.

Non-Chinese.

! Chinese.

Non-Chinese.

Chinese.

under 45

years.

45 years and

under 60

years.

years

and over.

Unknown. Age

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

•

258

∞ —

...

9 5 30 15 58 2 17

...

•

157

::ཀ ::::

...

31...

8 1 14

...

pred 30

•

...

8 46 16 102

2 25

2 10 3 13

254

...

853 19103| 3 28

210

4 13

274

...

1 ...

2 15

310

84...

6199

...

•

184

207

...

146

•

9 93 1131 1 61...

310 120

6283...

629

461

11 1 83

·00 -

...

•

549 116

148

•

...

CO 40

...

2 10

...

1...

32 138

1 20

9105

9 19 4 15

2 5 1...

159

5407 8266 11 458 51638 831,161 14377 15457 6 19

1,090

TO I

133

540

RETURN SHEWING THE NUMBER AND CAUSES OF DEATHS REGISTERED

CHINESE COMMUNITY.

CAUSES.

Civil.

Brought forward, (Groups A, B & C),... 146

General Diseases,-Continued.

D.-Miscellaneous Diseases,-- Cont.

Brought forward,..

Epistaxis,...

•

Hodgkin's Disease,

Gangrene of Leg,

of Foot,

BRITISH

AND

FOREIGN COMMUNITY.

VICTORIA.

HEALTH DISTRICT.

Army.

Navy.

No. 1.

No. 2.

No. 3.

No. 4.

No. 5.

No. 6.

No. 7.

No. 8.

No. 9.

No. 10.

Unknown.

Peak.

Harbour.

49 7 125645 205 |299 242 156 170 167 381 216 88 8 224

...

50 15 7 8

3 4

་

Total Group D.,...... 16 | 11

II.-Local Diseases.

E.-The Nervous System.

Meningitis,

多多

(Tubercular),

Abscess of Brain,

Apoplexy,

Paralysis (Undefined),

(Bulbar),

a. Hemiplegia,

b. Paraplegia, Convulsions,.....

Tetanus (Traumatic),

:ཝེ་

50 | 15

4 3 4 7

་་་

co:

127

...

: : : :

3 1

(Idiopathic),

:EB

175 47

63 6 1

Trismus,

1257 133

Epilepsy,

Mania,

Eclampsia,

Imbecility,

Dementia,..

...

Acute Myelitis,

Spinal Sclerosis,

Cerebral Softening,.

...

Total Group E., 26

2513 190

F-The Circulatory System.

Heart Disease,

(Congenital),

242

1 5 11 4

Aneurism (Aortic),

12 16 13 9 15 14

9 8 6 6 10 17 10 7

Pericarditis,

...

Endocarditis,

Thrombosis (Phlegmasia Dolens),

Total Group F........ 14 1

༞་

10 11 7

10 18 11

G.-The Respiratory System.

Bronchitis,

Pneumonia,

Phthisis,

Pleurisy,

748-2

1 .28 60 43

Empyema,

Asthma,

Homoptysis,

Pulmonary Embolism,..........

Gangrene of Lung,

Emphysema of Lung,

Tubercular Laryngitis,

Laryngeal Obstruction,

Laryngismus Stridulus,

...

Total Group G.,..... 62

Carried forward, (Groups A to G),

264 87

12 200 1,393 480 391 364 225 257 270 551 296 135

62 | 173 | 63 | 63 86 45 69 74 131 61 29

1200

08:00

+ to or

299-

708 ::

23 67 2-10

5 15 26

43 12

21 14

40 46 30

39 50 64

1108:

} 3

***

...

2=8:

19 13 42 22

...

114

8 365

DURING THE YEAR ENDED THE 31ST DAY OF DECEMBER, 1901,-Continued.

CHINESE COMMUNITY.

TOTAL AT THE DIFFERENT AGE PERIODS.

Kow- SHACKI- ABER-

LOON

WÁN

DEEN

STANLEY Dis-

DIS-

Dis-

TRICT.

TRUCT.

TRICT.

Land

Population.

Boat

Population.

541

under 12

Chinese.

months.

Non-Chinese.

1 year and

Chinese.

Non-Chinese.

Chinese.

Non-Chinese.

Chinese

Chinese.

Non-Chinese.

Chinese.

Non-Chinese.

Chinese.

Non-Chinese.

Chinese.

under 5

years.

under 15

years.

5 years and

under 25

years.

15 years and

under 45

years.

25 years and

under 60

years. 45 years and

and over. 60 years

Age

Unknown.

Chinese.

Non-Chinese. | 1 month and

Non-Chinese.

Under 1

month.

Population.

Boat

Population.

Land

Population.

Boat

Population.

549

116 148 60

::::

に

9105

5107 8266 11458 51638

831,161 14377 15457

32 1385 1 20

9 19

4 15 2

38 120

5 10 20 4 15 2

61 2 91

2;144

731

387

57 24

25 42

0193

ΟΙ

}

心

ཟ༤

GRAND

TOTAL.

6 19

4,090

5 10

159

163

1 266

396

...

467 5111 31601

32 2. 8

8 30

20 5 15

451

40 4 21

2 21

871

131

•

7 56

4*21

153

2 73

1 46

112 12 35

1127 19

2111

392

31 3

202

1 24 10 71| 29345

5158 171

742

[

...

109

25 61 25

32 54

8 3

8: 86 7 92 149 11105) 47465| 8298 6189

694 144 226 95

9577 18640] 19559】 14561 74762155 1,732 34753 32687

1,376

6,653

542

RETURN SHEWING THE NUMBER AND CAUSES OF DEATHS. REGISTERED

CHINESE COMMUNITY.

CAUSES.

BRITISH

AND

FOREIGN

COMMUNITY.

Civil.

Army.

Navy.

Brought forward, (Groups A to G), ...264

Local Diseases.--Continued.

H.-The Digestive System.

Dentition,

Necrosis of Lower Jaw,

Cancrum Oris,

Stomatitis,

Tonsillitis,

Gastritis,

Gastric Ulcer,

Enteritis,

Gastro-Enteritis,

Colic,

(Biliary),

VICTORIA.

HEALTH DISTRICT.

No. 7.

No. 8.

No. 9.

No. 10.

Unknown.

Peak.

Harbour.

12 200 1,393 480 391 364 225 257 270 551 296 135 8 365

Hepatitis,

Hepatic Abscess,

Cirrhosis of Liver,

Gallstone,

Ascites,.....

Chronic Pancreatitis,

Appendicitis,

Peritonitis,

(Tubercular),

Hæmorroids,

Strangulated Hernia,

Jaundice,

Cystic Disease of Omentum,

Sprue,

}

:::

Stricture of Rectum,

Total Group II, 19

I--The Urinary System.

Nephritis (Acute),

Bright's Disease,

0.0

Calculus (Vesical},

(Renal),

Rupture of Bladder, (Extravasation of

Urine),

Uræmia,

Total Group I.,.............. 10

J.-The Generative System.

Pyometra.......

Total Group J.,......

K-Affections connected with Pregnancy.

Abortion,

Extra-Uterine Pregnancy,

Ruptured Pregnant Uterus,

Total Group K......

L.-Affections connected with

Parturition.

Post-Partum Hæmorrhage,

Ante-Partum Hemorrhage,

Placenta Provia,..

Child-birth,

Total Group L.,................ 2

Carried forward, (Groups A to Z),

29 11 3

21 21

G 3

-1

: :2】

3 3

2 3

296 94 14204 1.433 496 399 375 232 269 283 565 304 137

2223

9 379

نت

: :

Gand

•

心

...

pred

•

713 150 232 101 87

323

DURING THE YEAR ENDED THE 31st DAY OF DECEMBER, 1901,—Continued.

CHINESE COMMUNITY.

TOTAL AT THE DIFFERENT AGE PERIODS.

Land

Population.

Boat

Population.

Land

Population.

Boat

Population.

Land

Population.

Boat

Population.

Land

Population.

Boat

Population.

| Non-Chinese.

Chinese.

Non-Chinese.

Chinese.

Non-Chinese.

TRICT.

WAX

Kow-

SHÁUKI-

Dis- LOON

DEEN ABER-

STANLEY

DIS-

Dis-

Under I

month.

I month and

under 12

months.

694 144 226

OC 1

3 12

I w

...

心

ات

心

Chinese.

1 year and under 5

years.

5 years and under 15

Non-Chinese.

Chinese.

years.

Non-Chinese.

Chinese.

15 years and under 25

years.

Non-Chinese.

25 years and under 45

Chinese.

years.

Non-Chinese.

45 years and

Chinese.

under 60

years.

Non-Chinese.

Chinese.

60 years

and over.

Non-Chinese.

Chinese.

Age

Unknown, «

9577 18640 19559 14561 74762‍155 1,732 34753 32687

: :

Or 20

3 11 21

4 14 3

0 เง

3 16

40706

4 12

5. 16

30 1

9588 21663 20572 15567 797871701799 42,78

21663 20572

201...

8 20

•

110

8: 191

6,653

TOTAL.

GRAND

543

544

RETURN SHEWING THE NUMBER AND CAUSES OF DEATHS REGISTERED

CHINESE COMMUNITY.

CAUSES.

BRITISH

AND

FOREIGN COMMUNITY.

Civil.

Brought forward, (Groups A to L.) ... 296

Local Diseases,—Continued,

M.- -The Skin.

Carbuncle,

Boils,

Scurvy.

Myxædema,

Ulcers (Gangrenous),

Sloughing Ulceration of Foot,

VICTORIA.

HEALTH DISTRICT.

Army.

Navy.

No. 1.

No. 2.

No. 3.

No. 4.

No. 5.

No. 6.

No. 7.

No. 8.

| No. 9.

No. 10.

Unknown.

Peak.

Harbour.

Total Group M.,.....

N-Diseases of Organs of Locomotion.

Hip-joint Disease,

Caries of Spine,

Suppurative Synovitis,

Total Group N.,

III.-Undefined.

Dropsy,..

Tumour of Brain,

Rectum,

Mediastinal,

Abscess of Throat,

Neck,...

Leg,

Gluteal,

ور

Intercostal,

Alveolar,.

Scrotal, Chronic,

14 (204

1,433 496 399 375 232 269 283 565 304 137

سو

}

9 879

Undiagnosed,

Total Undefined & Undiagnosed,... 3 1

ན་

8 10 4

2 3 6 9

TOTAL, ALL CAUSES,..... 302 96

14 213 1,450 500 399 378 233 273 287 572 313 138

11 459

SUMMARY.

CLASSIFICATION OF CAUSES OF DEATHS,

(In Groups).

I.-General Diseases.

A.-Specific Febrile Diseases,

B.-Diseases dependent on Specific Ex-

ternal Agents,

C.-Developmental Diseases,.

D.-Miscellaneous Diseases,

II.-Local Diseases.

E. The Nervous System, F. The Circulatory System, G.-The Respiratory System, H.-The Digestive System, I. Tne Urinary System, J-The Generative System, K-Affections connected with Preg-

nancy,

L.-Affections connected with Partu-

rition,

M.-The Skin,

N-Diseases of Organs of Locomotion,..

III.-Undefined & Undiagnosed,.

104

2223

520 96 229 209 138 146 147 332 187

8 156

3995

26 10 2

13 4 63 18

16 11

22 112 115 5 50 15

30 100

10 $3

အာာ

9 7 13

13 36

4 3 4

2142

513

190

2622-:

ལ:

12 7

173 63 63

29 11

5 4

208321

16 13 9 15

6 10 13

♡ c 1 -

ཁ ི ོ2

ગણ

292

14 3

86 45

69 74 131

12 114

com

6 5

5 4

221

TOTAL, ALL CAUSES,..... 302

10 4

: : co

3 3

10.00

...

1 1

1 1 2

3 6 9 1

14 213 1,450 500 399 378 233 273 287 572 313 138

11 459

545

DURING THE YEAR ENDED THE 31ST DAY OF DECEMBER, 1901,—Continued.

CHINESE COMMUNITY.

Kow- SHAUKI- ABER-

LOON DIS-

TRICT.

WÁN

DIS-

TRICT.

DEEN DIS-

TRICT.

STANLEY DIS-

TRICT.

Land

Population.

Under 1

month.

1 month and

under 12

months.

TOTAL AT THE DIFFERENT AGE Periods.

1 year and

under 5

years.

Boat

Non-Chinese. Population.

Chinese.

Non-Chinese.

Chinese.

Non-Chinese.

Chinese.

Non-Chinese. 5 years and

under 15

Chinese.

years.

Non-Chinese.

Chinese.

15 years and

under 25

years.

Unknown. Age

Chinese.

Non-Chinese.

Chinese.

under 60 45 years and

years.

Non-Chinesc.

Chinese.

and over. 60 years

Non-Chinesc.

Non-Chinese. 25 years and

under 45

years.

Chinese.

713 150 232 101 87

}

110

9588 21663 20572 15567 797871701,79 42781 40706

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀

...

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀

:::

...

心

750

750 153

233

102 87 89 25

...

❤

2 1

GRAND TOTAL.

8 20

6,887

15,

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

...

]

1 14

137

1 15

211

1 16 2 42

151

173

9600 22 684 20619 16590 80803173 1,846

44793 40710]

8 25

7,082

433

69 115 37 37

-1

47 27

11:

4273

7195

9:436 41584 611,048 10329;

2 7 164

3,187

2 15

9 93

161 1131

•

138

120

∞ ∞ ∞

8 33 19103} 3| 28] 310 5 10 20

2 10

4 13

274

1 20

6283

629

...

4 15

163

9 14

467

3160

8 30

5 20

109

25 32

co::

1 2 2

7 561

3| 43)

5 15 4 21

871

153

8 86 3 23...

792

149 11

105 47 465

8298

6189

...

1,376

8 1

23 11 21}

4 14

3 3

110

10.

1 8 312

4 12

5 16

3 1 4

750

153 233 102 87

89 25

113

131 1

4 2

115

1 16

2-42

173

9600 22684 20619 16 590 808031731,846 44793

44793

40710 8 25 7,082

546

RETURN SHEWING THE NUMBER OF DEATHS THAT OCCURRED IN THE UNDERMENTIONED INSTITUTIONS,

During the Year ended the 31st day of December, 1901.

The Government Civil Hospitals.

Tung Wa Hospital,-Cont.

•

Tung Wa Hospital Mortuary, Cont.

Causes,

No.

Causes.

Small-pox,

ུལ་

No.

Brought forward,...... 932

Causes.

No.

Concussion of Brain,...

Brought forward,.

249

Diphtheria,.

Rupture of Spleen,

Syphilis (Acquired)

Typhoid Fever (Enteric),..

Shock,

Opium Poisoning,

Dysentery,

Lacerated Wound of Thigh,.-

Scalds,

Diarrhoea,

Debility,

Concussion of Brain,

Bubonic Fever (Plague),

160

Old Age,

Fracture of Skull,

Cholera,

Cancer of Penis,

Ribs,

Malarial Fever,

14.

Uterus,

Broken neck from fall,

Beri-beri,

Vagina,.

Rupture of Spleen,

Præmia,

Septicemia,

Puerperal Fever,

Burns,.....

Liver,

Multiple Injuries,

Sarcoma of Orbit,

Premature Birth,.

Tuberculosis,

Debility,...

Syphilis (Congenital),

Anæmia,

Cancer of Breast,

Gangrene of Foot,..

Tuberculosis,

Heat Apoplexy,.

Epistaxis,

Anæmia,......

Fracture of Skull,

Meningitis,

Meningitis,..

Compound Fracture of .Jaw,.

Tubercular,

(Tubercular),.

Bullet Wound (Murder),

Rupture of Intestine,

Apoplexy,

Hemiplegia,

Alchoholism,

Paraplegia,...

Convulsions,

Premature Birth,

Paralysis (Undefined),

Tetanus,

Debility,

Epilepsy,

Trismus,..

Congenital Malformation of Heart

Tetanus,

Bronchitis,

Cancer of Liver,

Traumatic;

Pneumonia,

Tuberculosis,

Spinal Sclerosis,

Phthisis,..

Anæmia,

Heart Disease,.

Empyema,

Gangrene of Leg,

Aneurism,

Heart Disease,

Meningitis,...

Thrombosis (Phlegmasia Dolens)

Endocarditis,

Tubercular,.

Bronchitis,

Pericarditis,

Apoplexy.

Pneumonia,

Peritonitis,.

Tetanus, (Traumatic),

Phthisis,

237

Jaundice,

Mania,

Pleurisy,...

Strangulated Hernia,

Dementia,

Empyema,

Bright's Disease,

Cerebral Softening,

Enteritis,

Vesical Calculus,

Acute Myelitis,

Necrosis of Jaw,

Gallstone,

Heart Disease,

Ascites,

Post Partum Hæmorrhage,

Acute Endocarditis,

Jaundice,

Phthisis,

Strangulated Hernia,

Total,.......

.469

Pneumonia,

Peritonitis,

Empyema,

Cirrhosis of Liver,..

Laryngismus Stridulus,....

Bright's Disease,

Enteritis,

Rupture of Bladder, Extra-

Cirrhosis of Liver,..........

vasation of Urine,

Peritonitis,

Carbuncle,

Chronic Pancreatitis,.

Ulcers of Leg,

Alice Memorial and Nethersole Hospitals.

Jaundice,

Gangrenous Ulcers,

Stricture of Rectum,

Sloughing Ulceration of Foot,

Causes.

No.

Acute Nephritis,

Hip Joint Disease,

Small-pox,..

Bright's Disease,

Suppurative Synovitis,...

Dysentery,

Renal Calculus,

Gluteal Abscess,

Typhoid Fever (Enteric),..

Scrotal Abscess,

Diarrhoea,

Total,........

314

Abscess of Leg,.

Malarial Fever,

Alveolar Abscess,

Beri-beri,

Puerperal Fever,

Total,............1,413

Syphilis (Acquired),

The Tung Wa Hospital.

Worms,

Burus,...

Causes.

No,

Sarcoma of Neck,

Typhoid Fever (Euteric),..

Tung Wa Hospital

Tuberculosis,

Diarrhoea,

Mortuary.

Auæmia,

Dysentery,

Heart Disease,

Bubonic Fever (Plague).

459

Causes.

No.

Bronchitis,

Malarial Fever,

124

Sinall-pox,

Pneumonia,

Beri-beri,

218

Diarrhoea,

Phthisis,...

Erysipelas,

Dysentery,

Empyema of Lung,

Septicæmia,

Puerperal Fever,

Syphilis (Acquired),..........

Scalds,

Fracture of Skull,

Spine

Carried forward,.....

Bubonic Fever (Plague),

134

Cancrum Oris,

427

Malarial Fever, Beri-beri, Pyæmia,

Peritonitis.

Bright's Disease,

Placenta Prævia,

Septicæmia,

P'uerperal Fever,.

932

Carried forward,...... 249

Childbirth,

Total,......

Diarrhoea,

RETURN OF DEATHS,-Continued.

L'Asile de la Ste. Enfance.

Dysentery,

Malarial Fever,

Beri-beri,

Erysipelas,......

Syphilis (Congenital),

Premature Birth, Debility,

Old Age,

Marasmus and Atrophy,

Cancer of Breast,

Stomach,

Tuberculosis,...

Anæmia,

ན

Meningitis,

Abscess of Brain,....... Convulsions, ...

Tetanus,...

Trismus,

Heart Disease,

Pericarditis,

Bronchitis,

Pneumonia,

Phthisis,

Enteritis,

Causes.

......

•

Jaundice,

Tubercular Peritonitis,...

Nephritis,

Boils,

Caries of Spine,

Tumour of Brain,

Abscess of Throat, Abscess Intercostal,

Chronic,

•

Total,

The Italian Convent.

547

No.

Causes.

No.

......

123

Diarrhoea,

Bubonic Fever (Plague),

Malarial Fever,

ROSA F

Beri-beri,

......

176

Rupture of Heart,......

Old Age,

Liver,

Marasmus and Atrophy,

Tabes Mesenterica,

Inanition,

Tuberculosis,..................

Anæmia, Meningitis,

Syphilis (Congenital), -Worms,

.....

Debility,

Tubercular,

Apoplexy,

252

Imbecility,

Convulsions,

Tetanus,...

Trismus,

Pericarditis, Bronchitis,

Pneumonia, Pleurisy,

-།--

Phthisis,

......

Gastric Ulcer,

Jaundice,....

Stomatitis,

Peritonitis,

Nephritis,

Dropsy,

166.

Registrar General's Office, Hongkong, 30th January, 1902.

FRANCIS W. CLARK,

Superintendent of Statistics.

......

127

...

Total,.

.407

A. W. BREWIN,

Registrar General.

548

Report of the Sanitary Surveyor, for the

year 1901.

SANITARY BOARD OFFICES, HONGKONG, 17th February, 1902.

SIR,-I have the honour to forward herewith my Annual Report for the year 1901.

NEW HOUSE DRAINS.

1. Plans have been deposited and passed by me during the year for the drainage of 1,051 houses. The plans of 741 houses were carried forward from 1900, making a total of 1,792 in hand during the

year.

2. The drainage of 715 houses has been completed, and the plans for 56 have been cancelled, leaving 1,021 to carry forward to 1902.

3. In addition to the above, notices for repairs or additions to the drainage arrangements of 147 houses were carried forward from 1900, and new notices were received for 363, making a total of 510 for the year.

Of these, 308 have been completed, leaving 202 to be carried forward to 1902.

4. A summary of the above is appended in tables A, B and C.

INSPECTION OF PRIVATE DRAINS.

5. The drains and sanitary fittings of 54 buildings have been tested and reported on; of this number, 9 required reconstructing and 45 amending.

Notices were served on the owners of the above 54 buildings, calling upon them to execute the necessary work, which in each case has been complied with. In addition to the above, 21,482 houses have been inspected by myself or the Drainage Inspector, with the result that minor drainage defects have been discovered in 2,017 instances. Notices have been served on the owner or occupier in each case to carry out the necessary work. Six hundred and sixty-one (661) nuisances have been reported to the Medical Officer of Health, and 417 to the Director of Public Works to be dealt with by them. The drains of 1,181 private houses have been cleansed by the Drainage Overseer.

WATER-CLOSETS AND URINALS.

6. No new Water-closets have been erected during the year. Urinals with automatic flushing tanks have been erected in the following licensed public houses, by order of the Board:-

No.

2 Queen's Road, Central,.

148

184

242

266

304

318

332

West,

28 Praya East,

1 Jubilee Street,

Thomas' Grill Room. .Stag Hotel.

..Globe Hotel.

..Central Hotel.

.German Tavern.

.Rose, Shamrock and Thistle.

International Hotel.

Land-we-live-in Hotel.

Western Hotel.

.Praya East Hotel.

Colonial Hotel.

12 Victoria Street,

21 Pottinger Street,

NEW BUILDINGS.

Traveller's Hotel. ..Criterion Hotel.

7. Certificates have been granted during the year for 796 new houses and two additions, cer- tifying that they have been built in accordance with the entire provisions of the Public Health Ordinance of 1901. This is the largest number of new buildings certified in any one year since the records have been kept, viz., 1889. (See Table B.)

CEMETERIES.

8. The Plague Cemetery at Kennedy Town is nearly full, there being room for about 50 more bodies. As an extension could not be very well made, owing to the nature of the ground, a valley at Cheung Sha Wan has been selected for future burials, and the work of laying out this cemetery is now being proceeded with.

549

PROSECUTIONS.

9. The following is a return of the Prosecutions instituted by me during the past year :-

Offences.

Summonses. Convictions.

Penalties.

Drainage nuisances on private premises, Failure to comply with order of Magistrate,... Contravention of Sec. 84 of Ord. 13 of 1901,

$185

Remarks. Five withdrawn.

$250

This is an improvement on last year, when there were 175 summonses with penalties amounting to $1,635.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your obedient Servant,

}

The Secretary,

THE SANITARY BOARD.

Table A.

(Drainage and Re-drainage.)

J. J. BRYAN,

Sanitary Surveyor.

Year.

No. of Houses drained.

Cancelled.

Total.

Plans received.

In hand.

1st Quarter,

106

2nd

1900,

3rd

4th

8958

106

117

741

390

298

351

1st Quarter,

2nd

1901,

3rd

招租尚

333

364

224

4th.

230

233

130

417

420

1,051

631

Total,...

715

771

1,792

1,021

Table B.

(Drainage and Re-drainage.)

Year.

No. of Plaus No. of Houses

received.

Cancelled.

drained.

Houses carried forward.

New Houses granted Certificates.

1889,

1890,

1891,

1892,

1893,

1894,

1895,

1896,

1897,

1898,

1899,

1900,

1901,

799

573

226

175

500

529

190

409

681

643

..30

198

475

693

577

106

208

228

847

699

104

252

219

878

555

267

2,815

1,889

1,449

131

1,786

2,128

1,023

425

803

1,201

590

400

738

768

463

367

416

395

464

310

613

323

741

320

1,051

715

1,021

796

Total,.......

12,650

10,995

634

4,301

560

Table C.

(Repairs and Additions.)

Year.

No. completed.

Cancelled.

Total.

No. received.

In hand.

1st Quarter

2nd

1900,

3rd

4th

107

1st Quarter,

2nd

1901,

3rd

4th

OC OF CON

$གལུས།༔ཚེ་

147

123

142

178

185

363

178

Total,..

285

308

510

202

Report of the Acting Colonial Veterinary Surgeon, for the year 1901.

SANITARY BOARD Offices,

HONGKONG, March 20th, 1902.

SIR,-I have the honour to submit, for the information of the Board, the following Report for the year 1901.

IMPORTATION OF LIVE STOCK.

Occasional cases of Foot-and-mouth Disease have been brought into the Colony to the Depôts during the year from the neighbouring mainland where the disease appears to be more or less endemic, but, by prompt isolation, a liberal use of disinfectants and frequent cleansing of the watering tanks, it has been possible to prevent any spread of the disease.

The quality of the animals brought into the Colony for slaughter has been much above the average during the past year, and this is probably due in part to the greater demand occasioned by the fact that Hongkong now supplies the Manila market.

ANIMAL DEPÔTS.

The total number of cattle admitted into the depôts at Kennedy Town during the year was 23,555, as compared with 20,801 during the previous year, while at the Hung Hom Depot the admissions were 5,688, as compared with 5,348 during 1900. Five hundred and seventy-nine cattle were rejected as unfit for slaughtering purposes at Kennedy Town and 380 were rejected at Hung Hom.

The number of sheep and goats admitted to the Kennedy Town Depôts during the year was 28,818 while 180,377 swine were admitted, as compared with 153,765 during the previous year.

During the year, arrangements were made to close in all the sheep and swine depôts with iron-bars between the roofs and the top of the seven-foot enclosing walls thus preventing any possibility of theft. The accommodation for cattle is still very inadequate and provision should be made in the Estimates the ensuing year, for at least two additional cattle sheds, while a further shed for pigs will also be eded to keep pace with the rapid increase in the number of animals imported for slaughter.

It has also been proposed to build a Depôt and Slaughter House between Shaukiwan and Quarry Bay, and a site has already been selected, but the matter has, so far as I am aware, gone no further at present.

SLAUGHTER HOUSES.

Arrangements were made during the year for the Board to take over the entire control and man- agement of the Slaughter Houses at Kennedy Town from the first day of January, 1902, in lieu of the previous arrangement of leasing the collection of fees to a contractor, and an additional Inspector was also appointed from that date to assist the Inspector in charge in this work. I have every reason to believe that the new arrangement will work smoothly and will result in a considerable increase of revenue to the Government.

551

The Hung Hom Slaughter House will continue to be leased for the present and also the slaughter- ing of animals in the various villages.

The total number of animals slaughtered at Kennedy Town, Hung Hom, Shaukiwan and Aber- deen during the year was as follows:-

District of Slaughter House.

Cattle.

Sheep and Goats.

Swine.

Kennedy Town,

....

Hung Hom,

Shaukiwan.............

Aberdeen,

Total,...

19,250

15,973

142,806

5,688

2,571

21,346

3,842

4,211

24,938

18,544

172,205

The following table shows the number of animals slaughtered during the past ten years :—

1892, 1893,.

1894, 1895, 1896. 1897.

1898, 1899. 1900, 1901,.

•

...

Year.

Cattle.

Sheep and Goats.

Swine..

18,180

11,571

126,766

17,866

11,770

131,298

16,898

10,937

125,725

19,218

12,592

129,035

19,546

14,693

129,103

20,094

14,226

137,748

21,541

15,956

153,485

23,582

17,353

156,292

23,939

18,364

165,760

24,938

18,544

172,205

DAIRIES AND CATTLE SHEDS.

Early in March an outbreak of Rinderpest occurred in one of the sheds belonging to the Dairy Farm at Pokfulam. The shed contained thirty-three head of cattle and twenty-eight of them con- tracted the disease, of which fifteen died. Mr. LADDS reported that the general type of the disease was of a very mild character owing to the fact that he had inoculated the whole of the herd some time previously. The disease did not spread to the remainder of the herd, all of which were re-inoculated at this time as a protective measure, and the outbreak was at an end within three weeks.

In November a small outbreak of Foot-and-mouth disease occurred in the Wong-nei-cheong Dairy -Farm ;

there were twenty-three cows and three calves on the farm, and twelve cows and one calf contracted the disease; the calf died from the disease and one cow died of injuries contracted by breaking loose when convalescent.

With the exception of these small outbreaks, nothing of importance occurred in any of the dairy farms of the Colony during the year. The farms and cattle sheds have been regularly inspected by the Inspector of Markets and have been found to be kept in a clean and airy condition and in accordanc with the Bye-laws.

MARKETS.

Central Market.-The lighting of this market was considerably improved by an increase in the height of the windows and by the re-arrangement of the electric light pendants, and may now be regarded as satisfactory so long as the place is kept regularly painted and lime-washed, as this latter is a most important factor in the lighting of such a building.

Western Market.-A start has been made in the matter of the crection of a new Western Market on the Reclamation in front of the Harbour Office and as soon as the building is complete I hope that we shall see the present market, which is not in a sanitary condition, and can hardly be made so, swept away and the space utilized in part for the improvement of the sanitary condition of the neigh-

bourhood.

552

In January of last year the Board called the attention of the Government to the deficiency in the market accommodation of the City of Victoria, and recommended the erection of temporary markets on vacant sites of Crown land. I understand that this matter is now receiving the attention of the Public Works Department.

The market accommodation at Shaukiwan is still very inadequate and a new market is certainly required in that village. An extension of the Wanchai Market, which is far too small to meet the needs of the population of that district, has been planned, but had not been put in hand at the end of the year.

There is still but one Inspector of Markets for the whole Colony, and his duty also comprises the supervision of the Cattle Depôts and Slaughter House in Kowloon. I think the time has come for the Board to strongly urge the appointment of a special Inspector for Kowloon, so that the present Inspector of Markets can devote the whole of his time to the markets in the City and in the villages of Shauki- wan and Aberdeen and to the cattle sheds and dairies on the Hongkong side of the water.

STAFF:

Inspector WATSON remains in charge of the animal depôts and Slaughter Houses at Kennedy Town, and Inspector COTTON carried out the duties of Inspector of Markets during the year, but was appointed to the Depôts and Slaughter Houses from January 1st, 1902, when the new scheme for the management of the latter by the Board came into force. Inspector MACEWEN was appointed Inspector of Markets from the same date.

Mr. JOHANNSEN has continued to perform the duties of Overseer of the Central Market and has occasionally assisted at the Depôts at Kennedy Town when one or other of the Inspectors has been on the sick list.

The Government has decided to improve the quarters provided for the Inspector in charge of the Kennedy Town Depôts by the addition of a two-storied wing to the building-thus enabling this officer to have a bed room on an upper floor, which is most desirable in this climate.

The Secretary,

TARY BOARD.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your obedient Servant,

FRANCIS W. CLARK..

12223242

763

No. 1903

HONGKONG.

REPORT ON THE HEALTH AND SANITARY CONDITION OF THE COLONY

OF HONGKONG, FOR THE YEAR 1901.

Laid before the Legislative Council by Command of His Excellency

the Officer Administering the Government.

GOVERNMENT CIVIL HOSPITAL,

HONGKONG, June 28th, 1902.

SIR,-I have the honour to submit, for the information of His Excellency the Governor and for transmission to the Right Honourable the Secretary of State, the Medical Report on the health and sanitary condition of the Colony of Hongkong for the year 1901, together with the returns, &c., appended thereto.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

You obedient Servant,

The Honourable

THE COLONIAL SECRETARY.

J. M. ATKINSON,

Principal Civil Medical Officer.

POPULATION.

The estimated population of the Colony for 1901 was 300,660. There were 1,088 births and 7,082 deaths, of the latter 1,562 were from plague.

The birth-rate was 3.6 per 1,000 as against 3.3 per 1,000 in 1900.

The death-rate was 23.5 per 1,000 as compared with 23.9 in 1900. Excluding the deaths from plague the death-rate would have been 19.03 per 1,000.

The following figures will show the comparison of the death-rate in the Chinese and non-Chinese during the past two years:-

Non-Chinese,

Chinese,

1900.

1901.

20.4 per 1,000

.24.1

20.5 per 1,000

23.77

وو

PREVALENCE OF SICKNESS IN DIFFERENT SEASONS OF THE YEAR, AND GENERAL CHARACTER

AS TO THE MILDNESS OR SEVERITY OF THE DISEASES PREVAILING.

Small-pox.-This disease was much more prevalent than in 1900; 91 cases being notified during the year as against 27 in 1900; most of these cases occurred in the early part of the year, 42 being reported in March and 28 in April.

Cholera. Seventeen cases were imported from Singapore on board the S.S. Cheung Chew in the month of February.

50-5.8.02.

764

In all 1,651 cases of plague were

Plague. This disease was again epidemic during the year. notified with 1,562 deaths. The following Table gives the number of cases reported in each month of the years 1900 and 1901:-

January,

1900.

1901.

February,

March,

April,

160

May,.

.326

701

June,

.325

551

July,

.209

109

August,

September,

October,

November,

December,

1,087

1,651

This is the fourth year in succession that this disease has been epidemic in the Colony, more Europeans were attacked last year than is generally the case, the number being 30, although in 1898, 26 were attacked.

Most of them were living on the Queen's Road level and were hence more evident to the European Community.

Many of these cases were associated with the finding of rats in the dwellings of those attacked, but whether these rats were themselves the subject of plague was not ascertained. During the first six months of 1901, 48,000 rats were destroyed.

As is usually the case, a large number of the Chinese were dead bodies found lying in the streets or boats in the harbour, in 1902, 308 such cases occurred, these, to a great extent, account for the annual recurrence of this disease, as of necessity the houses from which they come are not disinfected. As long as this deposition of dead bodies in the streets occurs so long will plague continue in our

midst.

To try to some extent to prevent the yearly onset of the disease, in 1902 in the winter months a systematic cleansing and disinfection of every Chinese house in the City was instituted.

This was commenced in November and continued during the following four months, the magnitude of the operations undertaken will be understood when I state that over 8,000 Chinese houses were thus dealt with in Hongkong, and in addition to this the Chinese houses in Kowloon were cleansed and disinfected.

Enteric Fever-There were 75 cases as compared with 85 in the previous year.

More Europeans were, however, attacked by the disease than in the previous year, the number being 47 as compared with 34 in 1900.

Twenty-two of these cases were however imported.

Malarial Fevers.-Extensive operations have been undertaken during the year in the way of remo- val of undergrowth, training of nullahs and draining of stagnant pools of water with the object of diminishing the number of mosquitoes.

As far as we can judge by statistics these appear to have been successful, the total number of deaths amongst the Chinese from malarial fever being returned as 541 in 1901 as compared with 887 in 1900.

Beri-beri.-There were 377 deaths from beri-beri as compared with 361 in 1890. The following Table gives the number of cases of infectious diseases notified during the

year 1901:-

Disease.

Bubonic Fever,

Small-pox,

Enteric Fever,...

. Diphtheria,

Puerperal Fever,....

Scarlet Fever,........

Cholera,

January.

February.

March.

April.

May.

June.

July.

August.

September.

October.

November

December.

Total.

24 1

1,651

10:1

54 160 701 551 109

ཤ་

28 6

12 10

2 4

15 2

1,847

RELATIVE MORTALITY IN THE DIFFERENT SEASONS.

765

From the following Table it will be seen that the months of May and June were the most fatal ; excluding plague and small-pox September, October and December were the most fatal months.

1901.

Population:-Non-Chinese 20,096, Chinese 280,564.

January, February,. March,

April, May, June,... July, August,

September, October, November,

December,

Deaths.

Month.

Non-Chinese. Rate

per

1000. Chinese.

Rate per 1000. Total Deaths.

Total,..

Total Deaths excluding Plague and Small-pox,

369

396

390

16.92

443

17.57

469

450

421

453

379

474

507

373

26.07

963

34.06

1,010

449

952

1,003

427

559

591

304

20.13

475

30.97

514

469

522

552

530

541

272

571

18.91

408

21.27

442

441

543

573

571

412

6,670

7,082

5,354

GENERAL SANITARY CONDITION OF THE COLONY.

The presence of plague in an epidemic form for the fourth year in succession shows that more radical measures must be taken to improve the sanitary state of the Colony.

With this object in view a cleansing and disinfection of all the Chinese houses in Victoria and Kowloon was commenced in November and was systematically carried through during the four following months.

The Government also decided to obtain from England the services of two experts in sanitation; Professor SIMPSON, M.D., F.R.C.P., and Mr. ROBERT CHADWICK, M.I.C.E., C.M.G., were appointed to advise as to what further steps should be taken to improve the sanitary condition of the Colony.

During the year the various existing Public Health Ordinances were consolidated in Ordinance No. 13 of 1901.

Ordinance No. 30 of 1901 was passed with a view to limiting the erection of new buildings to a greater height than one and a half times the width of the street on which they front unless the building at present occupying such site exceeds that height, in which case the new building may be carried up as high as the existing one so long as the scale contained in Ordinance No. 15 of 1894 is not exceeded.

It also provides that no existing building which does not at present exceed in height one and a half times the width of the street on which it fronts shall be so raised as to exceed that limit of height. It is evident, that resumption of insanitary buildings and of areas will be necessary before there can be much improvement in many of the crowded parts of the Colony.

More public latrines and urinals are also needed.

VACCINATIONS.

The following vaccinations were performed during the year:---

Government Civil Hospital,

Victoria Goal,

Alice Memorial Hospital,

Tung Wah :-

Victoria,

Aberdeen,

Stanley,

Shaukiwan,

Hung Hom,

Yaumati,

....

644 .2,880

771

.1,826

....

1,952

6,247

766

Attached are the:-

RETURNS ACCOMPANYING THIS REPORT.

Statistics of Population.

Meteorological Return.

Monthly Return of Diseases and Deaths at the Government Civil Hospital.

J. M. ATKINSON, M.B., (London), Principal Civil Medical Officer.

June 28th, 1902.

RETURN OF THE STATISTICS OF POPULATION FOR THE YEAR 1901.

Europeans and Africans, East Whites including Indians and

Portuguese and Malays including Army and Navy. Indian Troops.

Chinese.

Total.

Number of Inhabitants in 1901,...........

13,906

6,190

280,564

300,660

of Births during the year 1901,

201

848

1,088

of Deaths

1901,

238

174

6,670

7,082

of Immigrants,,

1901,

129,030

of Emigrants

1901,

69,774

of Inhabitants in 1900,.

10,777

4,031

268,610

283,418

Increase,

Decrease,

3,129

2,159

11,954

17,242

METEOROLOGICAL RETURN FOR THE YEAR 1901.

BARO-

METER

TEMPERATURE.

HUMIDITY.

WIND.

CLOUDI- SUN-

RAIN.

NESS.

SHINE.

M.S.L. Max. Mean. Min.

Rel.

Abs.

Dir.

Vel.

ins.

p. c.

ins.

p. c.

hrs.

ins.

Points.

Miles.

p. b.

January,

30.11 68.5 64.9 62.2

0.51

ΤΟ

94.2

0.685

E by N

15.6

February,

30.25 59.5 54.8 50.5

0.21

98.6

0.765 NE by N

11.6

March,

30.14 67.9 63.7

60.4

0.46

152.6

1.275

15.6

April,

29.93 75.4 71.9

69.1

0.69

81.6

9.035

E by S

14.6

May,

29.87 81.8 77.1 73.7

0.80

142.7

14.105 E by S

11.7

June,

29.75 85.9 81.5

78.2

0.86

173.7

2.335 SE by S

13.2

July,

29.76 87.0 82.2

78.5

0.89

ΤΟ

243.4

5.585 SE by S

10.2

August,....

29.70 85.7 80.6 76.9

0.88

176.7

14.000

ESE

11.2

September,

29.88 86.0 80.3 76.4

0.78

208.2 3.890

6.9

October,

November,

29.94 82.6

77.4 73.6

0.64

240.0 2.505 ENE

12.7

30.13 75.4

69.5 64.9

0.46

227.7 0.770

E by N

12.3

December,

30.18 66 9

61.6 57.5

0.37

མ་

176.3 0.835 ENE

11.8

GENERAL DISEASES.

Mean Temperature,

Mean Humidity,.

RETURN OF DISEASES AND DEATHS IN 1901 AT THE GOVERNMENT CIVIL HOSPITAL.

MONTHS.

JAN.

FEB.

MAR. APRIL. MAY. JUNE. JULY.

AUG. SEPT.

Ост.

Nov.

DEC.

YEARLY

REMARKS.

64.9

54.8

63.7

71.9

77.1

$1.5

82.2

80.6

80.3

77.4

69.5

616

TOTAL

DISEASES.

Small-pox,

Measles,

German Measles,

Plague,

Dengue,

Cases.

Deaths.

Cases.

Deaths.

Cases.

Deaths.

Cases.

Deaths.

Cases.

Deaths.

Cases.

Deaths.

Cases.

Deaths.

Cases.

Deaths.

مصر

Influenza,

Diphtheria,

Febricula,

Enteric Fever,

Cholera,

Dysentery,

Beri-beri,...

Malarial Fever (a) Simple Tertian, 4

(b) Quartan,

(d)Mixed Infection, 5

Malarial Cachexia,.

Pyæmia,

Septicæmia,..

Tetanus,

Tubercle,..

Leprosy-

(a) Tubercular,...

Erysipelas,

Sloughing Phagedœna,

~ ::

...

Carried forward,..... 62

45 3

Cases.

Deaths.

Cases.

Deaths.

Cases.

Deaths.

Cares.

Deaths.

Cases.

6 1 6

1 4 3 2

1 1

ลง

:22

潔

7} 1

103

1 [108

සයි සු −1

NONA CO

29 1 637

...

1 1

111

~::

2 47 3 90

: :

112

...

7 81

102

6106

4124 5 | 138

4 178

90 00 00

5 69

ગ

1 1,085 44

Deaths.

707

MONTHS.

Meau Temperature,

Mean Humidity,

GENERAL DISEASES,- Continued.

DISEASES.

RETURN OF DISEASES AND DEATHS IN 1901 AT THE GOVERNMENT CIVIL HOSPITAL, Continued.

JAN.

FEB.

MAR.

APRIL. MAY. JUNE. JULY. AUG. SEPT.

Ост.

Νον.

DEC.

64.9

54.8

63.7

71.9

77.1

81.5

82.2

80.6

80.3

77.4

69.5

61.6

YEARLY

TOTAL.

REMARKS.

Cases.

Deaths.

Cases.

Brought forward,...... 62

133333

Cases.

Deaths.

Cases.

Deaths.

Cases.

Deaths.

Cases.

Deaths.

Cases.

Deaths.

Cases.

Deaths.

3 90

102. 6 106 4 124

5 133

4 178

[ Syphilis :-

(a) Primary,

(b) Secondary, (c) Inherited,...

Gonorrhoea,

Hydrophobia,

Scurvy,

Alcoholism,

Delirium Tremens, .................. Rheumatism,

Rheumatic Fever,

Gout,

.....

New Growth, non-malignant, . New Growth, maliguant,

Anæmia,

Diabetes mellitus,

Diabetes insipidus,

Debility,

...

Carried forward,...... 91

co:

•

:: 2

...

: 7-

714

...

| 6 | 70 3 40 391 3

co:

•

: 1-

3 119

7 114

ය :

:. :

5 69

11,085

co :

ܗ :

ය :

co:

:..

: 21

7 137 6 145

5 170

6 208 6 97

11,454

1,454 53

MONTHS.

Mean Temperature,

Mean Humidity,

DISEASES.

RETURN OF DISEASES AND DEATHS IN 1901 AT THE GOVERNMENT CIVIL HOSPITAL,- Continued.

JAN.

FEB.

MAR. APRIL. MAY. JUNE. JULY. AUGUST. SEPT.

Ост.

Nov.

DEC.

64.9

54.8

63.7

71.9

77.1

81.5

82.2

80.6

80.3

77.4

69.5

61.6

YEARLY

TOTAL.

REMARKS.

[ 1,454

Cases.

Deaths.

Cases.

Deaths.

Cases.

Deaths.

Cases.

Deaths.

Cases.

Deaths.

Cases.

Deaths.

Cases.

Deaths.

Cases.

Deaths.

Cases.

Deaths.

Cases.

Deaths.

Cases.

Deaths.

Cases.

Deaths.

Cases.

Deaths.

Brought forward,...... 91 Diseases of the Nerves

Neuritis,

Meningitis,

Myelitis,

Hydrocephalus, Encephalitis, Abscess of Brain, Congestion of Brain,

Functional

Nervous

Disorders-

Apoplexy

Paralysis,

Chorea,

Epilepsy,

Neuralgia,

Hysteria,

LOCAL DISEASES.

DISEASES OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM.

Sub-section 2.

Sub-section 3.

Sub-section 1.

Mental Diseases-

Idiotey,

Mania,

Melancholia,

Dementia.

Delusional Insanity,

91 3 119

7 114

132 7 137 6 145

5 170

6 208

: ܟ: :

: co

•

}

neco:

}

Carried forward,

101

3 94 5 103

5 130

7 123

•

22-

1 140 8 144 6 157

គ

181

7 220 6 107 3 1,578

769

MONTHS.

Mean Temperature,

Mean Humidity,..

RETURN OF DISEASES AND DEATHS IN 1901 AT THE GOVERNMENT CIVIL HOSPITAL,—Continued.

DISEASES.

Deaths.

JAN.

FEB.

MAR.

APRIL. ΜΛΥ. JUNE. JULY.

AUG. SEPT.

Ocr.

Nov.

DEC.

YEARLY

REMARKS.

64.9

54.8

13.7

71.9

77.1

81.5

82.2

80.6

80.3

77.4

69.5

61.6

TOTAL.

Cases.

Deaths.

770

178

182

7 78

5 103

5 130

7 123

1 140 8 144 6 157

5 181

7 220

6 107

31,578

بي

}

་

...

Brought forward,...... 101

Diseases of the Eye,

Ear,

Nose,

Xxx 100

1 1

16 3 24

20 1 14

15 1 24

102

2 1 1

12 1 18

5 15

2 Circulatory System,

Respiratory System,

༣༠

Digestive System, ..

Lymphatic System,

Urinary System,

Generative System,-

LOCAL DISEASES,—Continued.

Male Organs,

Female

Organs of Locomotion,

со

止

ล

Carried forward,.............. 160

17 132

6 144

7 174

7 189

12 189

;

Cellular Tissue,.......

Skin,

སྐྱུ

心

ૐ

تت

7 214

12 209 9 221 8 252 14 273 13 163 3 2,320 114

ここ

MONTHS.

Mean Temperature,

Mean Humidity,

Injuries,

DISEASE.

RETURN OF DISEASES AND DEATHS IN 1901 AT THE GOVERNMENT CIVIL HOSPITAL,-Continued.

JAN.

FEB. MAR. APRIL. MAY. JUNE. JULY.

AUG.

SEPT.

Ост.

Nov.

DEC.

YEARLY

REMARKS.

64.9

54.8

63.7

71.9

77.1

81.5

82.2

80.6

80.3

77.4

69.5

61.6

TOTAL.

Cases.

Deaths.

Cases.

Deaths.

Cases.

Deaths.

Cases.

Deaths.

Cases.

Deaths.

Cases.

Deaths.

Cases..

Cases.

Deaths.

Cases.

Deaths.

1 38

5 31

4 431

Brougnt forward,.......

160

17 132 5144

174 7 189 12 189 7 214

12209

9|221

8 252

14 273 13163

3 2,320

114

Effects of Heat,

Malformations,

Poisons,

Parasites,

Under Observation,

......

}

2 24 2 39 5 38 2 47 1 36

1 8

TOTAL,

211 21 157

6 191

7 219 9 235

15226

:..

...

15 259 17 255 12286 9297 15322

19206 9 2,864

153

771

441

HONGKONG.

PRELIMINARY REPORT ON THE SANITARY CONDITION OF HONGKONG.

Laid before the Legislative Council by Command of Iis Excellency the Officer Administering the Government.

PUBLIC WORKS OFFICE, HONGKONG, 10th April, 1902.

No. 17

1902

SIR,-In accordance with instructions, received through the Crown Agents for Report- the Colonies, from the Secretary of State for the Colonies, I have made a prelimi- preliminary. nary examination into the sanitary condition of Hongkong, from an engineering

point of view, and I have the honour to submit the following preliminary report thereon.

works on

2. In the various despatches which have been sent to me for my instruction Reference to and guidance, mention is made of the possible connection between the epidemic of effect of Plague and its recurrence, and the sanitary works, which have been carried out Plague. since my last visit, more especially the sewerage-works.

Plague being

SIMPSON,

will be made

to it in this

3. Inasmuch as Professor SIMPSON, M.D., F.R.C.P., has been appointed to investigate Cause of the question of Plague, it seems to me to be unnecessary for me to enter into this ques- referred to tion; for it belongs rather to the province of the Medical man, than to that of the Professor Engineer. Suffice it, therefore, to say that, up to the present, no evidence has no reference reached me which leads to the belief that any engineering work, which has been carried out, has occasioned or even contributed to, the outbreak of plague, or to its periodical recurrence. Some recommendations, which I made in 1882, have not indeed been carried out, and the result of this inaction will be better described by Professor SIMPSON, than by myself. The reasons for the non-compliance with the said recommendations, will be discussed later on.

report.

of works

in this

4. In this preliminary report, I propose to confine myself mainly to statement Present, state of fact, discussing briefly the work that has been carried out since I left Hongkong only treated in August, 1890. It will, I think, be better to relegate nearly entirely detailed re- commendations as to the works to be constructed, and measures to be adopted in future, to a second report, to be written after I have had time to investigate and con- sider the subject, thoroughly.

Detailed recommend- ations as to future

programme defined.

5. The branches of the sanitary question which come within my province may Division of be arranged under the following heads:-

(1.) Water-supply.

(2.) Sewerage, including House-sewers.

(3.) Drainage or removal of rain-water.

(4.) Scavenging and cleansing.

(5.) House-construction and abatement of overcrowding.

I propose to treat these questions seriatim. Perhaps, however, before so doing, it will be well, in order to avoid repetition, to give a brief account of my professional connection with this Colony.

subject inte beads.

pro-

6. In 1881, I was directed by, the Secretary of State for the Colonies to proceed Past history to Hongkong and report to him, and "not to the Governor of the Colony," as of my pr to the sanitary condition of Hongkong. This report was printed and presented to connection both Houses of Parliament, in 1882. An appendix was also printed, but was not 1881-82. laid before Parliament.

with Colony,

to 1889

7. From 1882 to 1889 I had no further relations with this Colony. The late From 1882 Sir ROBERT RAWLINSON, K.C.B., Past President, Inst. C.E., was Consulting Engineer origin of for the Taitam Water-works, the construction of which I had strongly recom- visit in 1889. mended in 1882. In 1889, the Taitam reservoir, the filter-beds and service-re- servoir were finished; but, no provision had been made for the improvement of the distributary system of pipes, to meet the largely increased water-supply. Sir ROBERT RAWLINSON was requested to visit Hongkong, and report on the water-supply, and

50-9.4.02.

442

Completion of water- works com- menced in

1889.

Water and Sewerage

as an inde-

other matters. On account of his advanced years and his other avocations, he - felt it impossible so to do, and I was appointed in his stead, to go out and arrange for the completion of the water-supply system, the necessary pipes for which had already been indented for from England. During my absence, however, Mr. PRICE had submitted a sewerage-scheme, prepared by Mr. F. COOPER, C.E., C.M.G.

I was

also instructed to thoroughly investigate the same and prepare a final scheme for adoption.

8. On my arrival in 1889, I found that Mr. PRICE had retired and had been succeeded by Mr. S. BROWN, as Director of Public Works. Mr. COOPER, though originally appointed for sanitary works, was acting as Assistant to the Director of Public Works. My first work was to make arrangements for laying the distributary pipes, which were shortly to arrive from England, so that the benefits of the new water-supply might be realised as soon as possible.

9. The Government decided, for reasons that I need not now state, that the Departments water and sewerage works were to be a separate and independent Department, under constituted Mr. F. COOPER, as Resident Engineer. It became, therefore, my duty to organise this newly-created Department. Stores and workshops were provided and a com- plete system of accounts was inaugurated. Mr. A. M. QUILL and afterwards Mr. CROOK were appointed Assistant Engineers in the new Department.

pendent department.

Pipe-laying commenced

in 1889.

Sewerage scheme considered.

Appointment of Mr. COOPER as Director of Public

Recommend-

and Sewerage

10. The work of laying the new mains, and of improving the old distributary system was carried on with vigour. Arrangements were also made for extending the water-supply to the Peak District, and to other districts above the level of the conduits. The water-supply of Kowloon was also studied.

11. At the same time, I examined the sewerage scheme, which had been pre- pared by Mr. COOPER. Whilst approving in general terms Mr. COOPER's design, I made, after consultation with him, certain modifications, tending to simplification and economy. The revised Scheme was described in three reports which I sub- mitted to Government, doubtless after consideration and approval by the Sanitary Board, of which I was then a member. I believe that the plans of the whole sewerage system were not actually completed and submitted, during my stay in Hongkong, but all the leading lines of main sewers, such as those in Queen's Road, were studied by Mr. COOPER, and by myself. Mr. XAVIER, the only Officer of the Public Works Department, now in the service, who was with me in 1890, states that the sewerage of the High Level District was commenced during my visit of 1890. Diameters, levels and gradients were determined, and the positions of the out-falls were fixed, in accordance with the Praya Reclamation, then commenced The complete plans were subsequently submitted to, and approved by me after my return to England. Practically little or no sewerage-work was carried out, during my stay in Hongkong. I was appointed Consulting Engineer to the Water and Drainage Department.

12. On the death of Mr. S. BROWN in 1891, the appointment of Director of Public Works was offered to Mr. COOPER.. I was asked by the Colonial Office whether this arrangement was consistent with the efficient construction of the water- Works. and drainage-works, for which I was responsible as Consulting Engineer. Consider- ation to keep ing that the works had made good progress, and that the services of two expert the Water assistants were available, I replied that I saw no cause for withholding so important Departments promotion, from Mr. COOPER. I recommended, however, that the Water and Drainage Departments should continue to be an Independent Department, Mr. COOPER being Director of Public Works and Resident Engineer, in order that, should Mr. COOPER be succeeded by an Engineer, not having the special qualifications, which he possessed in so eminent a degree, the Department might be again rendered inde- pendent, and placed under the direction of a competent Specialist.

separate.

443

of my ap-

13. Shortly after Mr. COOPER'S appointment as Director of Public Works. Resignation feeling that the work, which I was called upon to perform, no longer justified the pointment of payment of an annual salary, I resigned the post of Consulting Engineer.

Since that time, I have had no regular communication with this Colony. One or two matters have indeed been referred to and reported on by me, notably a pro-· ject for increasing the water-supply, the new water-supply for Kowloon, with requisitions for stores, appointments and other minor matters. Ї may here add that the question of insanitary dwellings did not come before me, in 1899-1900. I was fully occupied with other matters.

WATER SUPPLY.

Consulting Engineer.

for a final

14. The present scarcity of water, which according to all rules of probabilities, Proposals may be expected to be prolonged for some time, renders it obvious that prompt project to steps should be taken to augment the present supply, and,' what is yet more im- be deferred. portant, to take measures to prevent waste and extravagance. It would unduly delay the submission of this report, were I to attempt to make herein, any definite proposal, as to the works to be undertaken, for the definite augmentation of the water-supply, so as to meet the requirements of an increasing population. Before any reliable scheme can be submitted, surveys and other investigations must be made, which will occupy more time than I can now place at the disposal of the Colony. In this report, therefore, I will limit myself to suggesting works and operations which can be carried out promptly, and I shall merely indicate the general lines on which future extensions should be carried out, according to the evidence now before

me.

have been

15. In a report, dated 9th May, 1896, Mr. F. CoOPER, C.E., C.M.G., recom- Works that mended the immediate execution of certain works. He also described certain other carried out works, the execution of which might be deferred to some future date. In a report dated 17th September, 1896, I supported Mr. COOPER's recommendations.

since 1900.

16. In his report of 9th May, 1896, Mr. COOPER made the following recom- Mr.COOPER'S mendations, as to the works required to meet present requirements :--

recommend. ations in 1896.

134-138,

(a.) Catch-water channels, in connection with Taitam Reservoir, bringing P. 17, paras.

in water from adjacent Gathering-grounds, not draining directly to the reservoir.

(b.) A reservoir to contain 33 million gallons, with a long catch-water

channel, at Wong-nei-chong Gap.

(c.) Additional filter-beds at Bowen Road; with a service-reservoir, so designed as to afford an additional supply, by pumping, to the Hill District.

(d.) A service-reservoir at the Peak.

17. The whole of these works are now completed. The hydraulic motor and pumps, at Bowen Road, have been erected, and the rising-pipes have been laid. A second service-reservoir is under construction, near to the summit of Mount Gough, A service-reservoir has also been constructed, at an elevation of 650 feet, to supply the upper zone of the City. This reservoir replaces that originally constructed, near Belilios Terrace, a site now occupied by buildings.

Report of

1896.

Proposed works have

been ex-

ecuted with

additions.

18. The Taitam dam has also been raised, so as to give an additional depth of Increased 12' 6", thus increasing its capacity from 305 millions of gallons to 406 millions. This capacity of work was in hand, when Mr. COOPER reported, and was finished in 1897.

Taitam Reservoir.

19. Table I shews the effect of these works. The total supply for the year Effect of from all sources-Pokfoolum, Taitam, from collection from the streams, intercepted new works. by the conduits, and from all other sources-has been increased from 1,109 millions of gallons in 1892, to 1,287 millions in 1901. The consumption per head per day

444

has varied between 12.2 and 17 gallons per head per day, on the average of the whole year. Only on three occasions, namely, in 1892, (when the distributar system was hardly complete), and in 1897 and 1898, has it been found practicable t、 continue the supply, without resorting to restriction.

TABLE I.

Shewing Annual Supply afforded by Water-works compared with Rainfall arranged by Calendar Years.

Year.

1892

90.97

1,109

180,000

16.8

366

16.8

1893

99.95

1,098

185,000

16.3

304

17.6

9.8

1894 104.25

1,042

190,000

15.0

273

16.3

11.1

1895

45.83

864

195,000

12.2

151

14.6

10.5

1896

72.79

949

180,000

14.4

263

16.7

8.7

1897 100.03

1,042

187,000

15.3

365

15.3

1898

57.02

1,133

196,000

15.8

365

15.8

1899

72.71

1,162

201,000

15.8

313

16.4

10.9

1900

73.71

1,281

207,000

17.0

352

17.0

1901

55.25

1,287

210,000

16.8

313

17.6

11.8

The effect of the new works has been to increase the gathering-ground by 54 per cent., the Reservoir accommodation by 36 per cent., and the effective water- supply by 26 per cent., whilst the population of the City and Hill Districts has increased by about 17 per cent.

The following statement shows the increase of storage and gathering-ground which has been made since 1892:-

Gathering-ground and Storage in 1892 and 1901 compared.

1892.

1901.

Gathering- ground in

Storage in

millions of

Gathering- ground in

acres..

gallons.

acres.

Storage in millions of gallons.

Pokfoolum,

416

Haitam,

690

305

406.

403

103

Wongneicheong,

1,106

375

1,701

510

NOTE.-The upper leaded figures give the areas contributing direct, the lower are those intercepted by

catch-water channels.

The supply has not, therefore, increased in proportion to the extension of the gathering-ground. The reason for this is that the waters of certain areas do not flow direct to the reservoirs, but are collected by catch-drains, which do not inter- cept the full quantity, during violent rain-storms.

A further reason is that, the total supply, given in the text, includes a large quantity of water picked up, along the course of the conduits, and which therefore is only affected indirectly, by the storage. The area of these intercepted gathering- grounds is not included in the areas, given in the statement, because the supply from them, is only partially developed.

works pro-

445

20. In addition to the works proposed by Mr. CoOPER, for meeting the immediate Further wants of the City, works which have, as aforesaid, been fully carried out, he pro- posed by posed other deferred works, for meeting the future wants of the Colony. These Mr. COOPER.

are:

(4.) The construction of three new reservoirs within, and fed from, the existing Taitam gathering-ground. These are shewn on Drawing No. 7, accompanying Mr. COOPER's Report of 1896. Sites Nos. 1 and 2, are on one of the tributary streams, above the existing reservoir and have a joint capacity of 110 millions of gallons, whilst that at site No. 3, is situated immediately below the by-wash of the same, and has a capacity of 20 millions of gallons.

•

(b.) The construction of a reservoir, below Taitam, at site No. 4, having a capacity of 100 millions of gallons, and a new gathering-ground of 375 acres of which 128 acres is intercepted by the Taitam catch- water. As the level of this reservoir is but 180 feet, above (). D., the water, stored in it, would have to be pumped into Taitam. (.) The construction of a small reservoir, in the bed of the Taitam stream, at a level of 108, having a capacity of 4 millions of gallons. This is to be merely a store-pond, to collect the dry-weather flow of the main Taitam stream, so that it may be pumped, with the water of Reservoir No. 4, into Taitam.

(d.) The construction of a large storage-reservoir, in the Pokfoolum valley, below the existing dam. The waters of this were to be con- ducted to the lower zone of the City, by a special pipe. The capacity of this reservoir was to be 78 millions, and special filter-beds were to be constructed, in connection therewith.

(e.) Raising the existing Pokfoolum dam, so as to increase its capacity by

23 millions of gallons.

None of these works are yet completed, and the small reservoir at No. 3 site. alone, is in hand.

deferred

Taitam Dis-

21. The following would be the probable effect of the proposed works. The reser- Effect of voirs, at sites Nos. 1, 2 and 3,* are, practically, within the existing gathering-ground works as of Taitam reservoir. Their construction would not add to the total water-supply, due proposed, to the rain falling on, and flowing off from, the gathering-ground, but merely would trict. render a greater proportion thereof available for use, by storing water that would flow to waste. The effect of these works would be practically the same as that which would be produced by increasing the capacity of the Taitam Reservoir, by further raising the dam, were it safe so to do.

of augment-

22. When Mr. COOPER wrote his Report in 1896, he calculated, in accordance with As to the previous experience, that the reservoirs on sites Nos. 1, 2 and 3, as well as the advisability augmented Taitam dam would fill, even in a very dry season.† Subsequent events, however, have shewn that such is not the case.

ing storage

without in- creasing the gathering-

* No. 3 indeed will receive the water from a small additional catchment area, which now escapes the Taitam ground.

Reservoirs.

† On closer examination of Mr. COOPER's report, it does not appear clear whether he considered that all these reservoirs would fill in a very dry season.

446

Summary of conclusions

to Taitam system.

The Taitam Reservoir never filled in 1901. Consequently, the additional reser- voirs would not have filled, and the water-supply for the water-year 1901-2, would not have been increased, by their construction, by a single gallon.

If, however, the new reservoirs had been filled during the water-year 1900-1 and kept full, up to the end of that water-year, then their contents would be a most valuable addition to the supply at the present season. But would they have been filled? I find from the Log-book that, although the rainfall for 1900-1901 was 75 inches, the Taitam Reservoir did not overflow, or at least, if it did, the quantity which escaped could not have been great. Unfor- tunately, there is no means of estimating, with even an approach to accuracy, the amount of water overflowing during any season. The only plan, there- fore, is to ascertain the probable quantity which may be collected from a given area, with a given rainfall, from the results obtained during years in which there was no overflow. Again, the rainfall recorded at the Observatory has hitherto been assumed as the basis of all calculations, as to water-supply. Now, observations have been made at Taitam and Pokfoolum for a number of years, and

appears that the rainfall at Taitam is not always equal to that at the Observatory, · but often greater. One has, therefore, to fall back on the assumption, not wholly scientifically warranted, that the rainfall at Taitam and at the Observatory, though not equal, are at least proportional. In other words, when a deficiency is recorded . at the Observatory, there will be a proportional deficiency both at Taitam and Pok- foolum. Again, supposing that the rainfall observations, taken at the Taitam and Pokfoolum stations, are absolutely exact, it does not follow that they represent the rainfall, over the whole of the gathering-ground. The rainfall on the heights may be more or less than that on the relatively low ground, where the gauges are situa-` ted. Therefore all calculations based on rainfall observations, made at any one sta- tion, are, to say the least, open to doubt. The only facts that we can rely upon are that, during recent years, unusual droughts have occurred, and that during these droughts, a certain supply has been collected from given gathering-grounds.

23. I have come, therefore, to the preliminary conclusion that, as regards the Tai- with regard tani system, the construction of additional reservoirs, within and fed by the existing Taitam gathering-ground, will not appreciably augment the water-supply, simply because there was no overflow in the two successive water-years, 1899-1900 and 1900-1901. The only way in which additional storage could effect any improve- ment, would be to make it so large as to make it possible to carry forward a reserve- stock, from some previous year or years of superabundance.

Arrangement

of statistics

years misleading.

24. The arrangement of rainfall statistics and water-supply by calendar years, is by calendar misleading. The principal quantity of rain falls in May, June, July, August vide Table 1). In September, also, welcome rain may be expected, filling up reservoirs that may be already falling, and replenishing the streams that are inter- cepted, along the lines of conduit. September, therefore, may be included as a water- giving month. In the five months, May to September inclusive, water has to be stored, in order to maintain the supply, through the ensuing seven dry months, during which but little rain is to be expected. Most of the water, reaching the water-works, during the dry months, is rain that has been absorbed and stored by the soil, and which is percolating through it, to the various streams, which form the feeders of the reservoirs. Some also may come in the form of violent showers, when a large per- centage of the rain-water runs off from the surface.

YEAR.

Observatory.

Taitam.

Pokfulam.

Observatory,

Taitam.

Pokfulam.

Observatory.

MAY.

JUNE.

JULY.

AUGUST.

SEPTEMBER,

Taitam.

Pokfulam.

Observatory.

Taitam.

Pokfulam.

Observatory.

Taitam.

Pokfulam.

Observatory.

Taitam.

Pokfulam.

ΤΟΤΑΙ..

Observatory.

Taitam.

OCTOBER.

Pokfulam.

Observatory.

Taitam.

Pokfulam,

TABLE II.

NOVEMBER.

DECEMBER.

4.86

84-85,

85-86,

9.04

9.44 11.03

4.24 31.36

86-87,

1.78

87-88,

2.05

88-89,

19.53

89-90,

48.84

ΝΟ

GAUGE

0.15 10.62

NO GAUGE.

90-91,

11.23

4.57

22.60

91-92,

92-93,

93-94,

16.13 23.95 21.86 7.09 10.57 7.74 21.22 29.25 23.26 8.73 14.52 9.15 15.04 18.82

3.10 5.47

16.76 23.86

9.72

14.84

11.80

1.94

28.00 13.97 31.86|| 21.32 30.37 22.82 23.10 25.02 18.05 16.79 13.45 12.90 11.43 12.37 12.60 100.64 95.18 98.23

8.57 6.81 10.54 34-37 35-41 35.94 10.79 12,35 12.66 12.09 12.54 15.32 7.01 9.94

9.54 13.08

32.70 13.54

9.73 28.24

4.27 12.08

34.92 10.55

NO GAUGE.

14.95 10.81

14.12 27.87

24.63

9.08

15.24 13.15

10.13 13.32

NO GAUGE.

10.21

31.25

12.37

5.84

9.15

3.00

15.08 10.96

19.45

6.41

GAUGE.

14.10 56.33

5.46 83.47

3.63 52.72

10.79 43.71

7.93 73.67

NO GAUGE.

58.24

3.09

87.77 2.51

47.29

2.81

48.48

2.03

89.19

GAUGE.

18.14

8.95

93.07

39.56

4.52

8.72

0.01

ΟΝ

94-95,

95-96,

96-97,

97-98,

92-99,

99-00,

00-01,

0.00 I.37

6.21 7.73 5.67 2.30 3.50 3.25 1.96 1.60 0.02

0.64 1.5 0.93 1.16

10.61 72.83 77.05 85.07 0.02 0.05 0.00 0.34 0.42

0.07 0.52 0.59 0.36 1.53 1.22 1.52 0.46 0.50 0.48 3.39 3.70 3.44 8.43

14.54 68.21 97.11 76.55 17.87 17.65 21.36

0.00 0.00 0.04 0.00 0.00 0.89 0.94 0.69 0:58 0.62 0.73 0.27 0.17 0.46

20.01 22.88 16.24 16.54 22.87 14.87 9.47 10.13 9.98 16.53 20.80 15.52 19.11 18.53 8.28 81.66 95.21 64.89 17.57 16.10 5.34 0.03

0.09 0.02 0.76 0.68 0.34 0.41 0.52 0.09 0.83 0.64 0.29

1.39 1.21 0.60

5.64 6.72 3.63 4.97 8.24 4.44 18.87 18.39 18.46 6.13 7.75 7.06 3.96 6.56 5.52 39-57 47.66 39.11 0.50 0.60 0.47 0.32 0.64 0.18

0.20 0.20 0.35 1.73 1.09 1.23 7995 6.24 4.78 1.45 1.44 0.35 2.10 1.94

1.15 1.35 0.65 18.63 18.00 13.67 12.42 11.67 10.80 5.20 5.57 3.62

9.99 12.51 9.7 47.39 49.10 38.45 7.91 7.10 5.92 2.97 2.63 1.00 1.29 2.76 1.28 2.26: 3.74 0.41 1.82 1.23! 1.59 0.82 0.66 0.61 3.24 2.45

14.86 16.68 17.02 23.35 25.20 22.05 5-57 4.45 8.45 25-55 33.19 19.87 8.34 9.25 2.75 77.67 88.77 70.14 6.42 8.32 4.39 7.32 7.57 5-31 0.48 0.38 0.27

1.16 Ι.ΣΙ 0.72 2.52 1.72 2.26 0.17 0.23 0.08 3.44 5.14

5.70 6.18 3.72 14.25 15.87 17.31) 7.05 7.05 9.40

8.81 12.85 9.90

5.30 6.19 7.65 42.20 44.10 50.93

6.72 10.12 8.48 0.79 1.01 0.55 0.02 0.02 0.00 0.19 0.12 0.05 2.20 2.06 1.67 0.32 0.15 0.14. 3.14 3.75

7.16 9.66 5.76 18.98 19.40 17.06 10.13 13.61 11.31 19.98 24.54 23.41 6.30 9.47 7.45 62.55 76.68 64.99 0.88 0.08 0.26 1.64 2.66 1.76 1.79 1.75 2.14 0.77 0.98 0.74 2.54 2.27 1.89 3.02 3-30 2.92 2.78 1.43

9.31 14.53 9.41 26.52 34.25 26.94 10.13 17.00 12.70 6.69 6.72 4.91 4.31 6.85 4.85 56.96 79.35 58.81

5.78 13.08 7.65 0.15 0.03 0.16 0.68 0.66 0.29 0.77 0.41 0.69 1.27 1.35 0.94

0.00

0.01

2.32 1.49

1.53 0.76

1.70 0.05

3.20 0.79

0.77

1.54

GAUGE.

1.35 0.00

1.50

0.00

1.25

1.78

0.85

4.09

0.55

0.18*

GAUGE.

0.00 0.87.

2.01

1.50

8.43

2.47

1.45

0.18

0.73

2.39

GAUGE.

0.60

1.50 1.54

8.70 1.89

0.10 3.97

2.70

2.35 2.47

2.37 14.89

16.50 25.51

25.49 81.84

83.73

0.72

NO GAUGE.

3.14 2.59

2.19 2.95

4.11

10.43

2.49

GAUGE

1.78

5.67

3.57 5.64

11.71

6.95

GAUGE.

1.65 16.33

4.34 23.55

7.74 25.20

GAUGE

12.60 99.80

22.97 76.27

28.86 68.91

ΟΝ

12.27

ΟΝ

25.59

ΝΟ

99.26

NO GAUGE.

100.37

70.26

77.34

89.19

1.48

4.15

1.96

20.42

―

113.49

1.11 0.04

0.00 I 0.84

0.18 2.58

2.42

3.15

1.02

7.40

4-73 66.96

4.73

0.52

0.30

3.90 3.34 5.02 11.59

---

11.30 14.00 27.73, 28.70 30.66 128.37 123.88 128.89

11.85 16.11 14.69 18.33 21.98 87.52 | 95.38 |107.05

0.03

2.49

3-32

2.61

2.98

3.12 22.17 22.70 26.36 90.38 119.81 102.91

0.66 23.60 22.22 7.34 105.26 117.43 72.23

1.58 14.25 12.15 8.94 53.82 59.81 48.05

2.15 20.31 20.57 12.96 67.70 69.67 51.41 1.63 21.51 24.47 14.66 99.18 113.24| 84.80 3.32 13.38 17.23: 14.21 55.58 61.33 65.14

2.41 13.52 12.47 12.12 76.07 89.15 77.11

1.61 3.84 1.31

9.03 12.07

7.03 19.29 31.44. 18.07

76.25 110.79 76.88

Observatory:

Total 17 years,

213.86

|292.92

Average over 17 years, 12.58

17.231

233.41

13.73

Taitam:

Total 10 years,

122.73

220.18

Average over 10 years,

12.27

22.02

148.92'

14.89

wwwcm

14.79

Pokfulam :

Total 15 years,

154.38

―

274.00

214.14

209.75

Average over 15 years,

Gauge removed during this period.

10.29

18.26

14.28

13.99

228.91

13.46

143.II

8.42

147.89

110.49

11.05

125.87

8.39

1112.21

65.42

750.21

75.02

978.14

-7

71.59

7.16

89.40

26.93

16.73

5.26

www.cam

1.59

0.98

31.60

3.16

24.79

1.46

33.56

1.97

43.66

99.38

334.45

2.57

5.85

19.68

1446.66

85.10

8.01

10.68

16.62

15.55

56.23

210.28

960.49

0.80

1.07

1.66

1.56

5.62

61.95

23.19

12.35

17.28

27.51

36.41

83.26

261.95

1240.09

65.21

4.13

1.55

0.82

1.15

1.83

2.43

5.55

17.46

82.67

21.03

96.05

Observatory.

Taitam.

Pokfulam.

Observatory.

Taitam.

Pokfulam.

Observatory.

Taitam.

Pokfulam.

Observatory.

Taitam.

JANUARY.

FEBRUARY.

MARCH.

APRIL,

TOTAL.

GRAND TOTAL,

Pokfulam.

Observatory.

Taitam.

Pokfulam.

Observatory.

Taitam.

Pokfulam.

Observatory.

Taitam.

Pokfulam.

447

of statistics

25. I therefore recommend that, for the future, water-supply statistics be Arrangement arranged by the "water-year" extending from 1st May to 30th April inclusive. by the Table III gives the statistics of the years 1895-96 to 1900-01 arranged in this

manner.

water-

33 years re- commended.

Year.

TABLE III. ·

Shewing Annual Supply afforded by Water-works compared with Rainfall.

Arranged

by Water-year.

Rainfall at

Observatory

for water-year,

Total nett supply given during

year in millions · of gallons.

Average Estimated

Population in City

and

Hill Districts.

Consumption of

Water per

head

per day as

average of whole year.

Number of Days during which

Millions.

a full supply

was given.

Consumption of Water per head per day during constant supply.

Consumption of Water per head

per day during intermittent

supply.

1895-6

53.84 805.5

190,000

11.6

139

15.5

1896-7

67.70 1,004.3

187,000

14.7

351

14.9

1897-8 99.18 1,087.9

190,000

15.7

365

15.7

1898-9 55.58 1,121.9

198,000

15.5

335

16.1

9.5

1899-0 76.07 1,203.5

204,000

16.2

343

16.4

10.8

1900-1 76.25 1,309.4 209,000

17.1

352

17.3

་

Remarks.

made in

years.

26. The Water Authority therefore should, in future, report to Government Return to be annually, on two dates, namely, as soon as practicable after 1st October, and again mordance at or after 1st May. The first report should state the stock in hand, on 1st October, with water- and the maximum stock, in the reservoirs, during the wet season and at its conclusion. The measures of restriction, which should be taken, during the coming dry season, should also be set forth.

The report, rendered as soon as practicable after 1st April, should set forth, in full, the operations which have taken place during the elapsed water-year, namely, the quantity of water collected from various sources, during the past water-year, and the total supply given to the City and Hill Districts with the balance, carried forward. In short, all the information, which is now given in the (calendar) annual reports of the Water Authority, should be recorded, but it should be arranged by the water-year and not by the calendar-year. The annual report of the Water Authority may contain a resumé of the results of the calendar-year, but this return will only be of use with regard to financial matters.

these reports.

27. The regular submission of these two reports, will call the attention of the object of Water Authority and of the Government, to the situation, as regards water-supply. It will be seen whether the stock in hand will probably suffice to carry on the supply unrestricted, during the coming dry season, or whether restriction will be necessary, and if so, when and how it should be applied.

For example, if the reservoirs have not filled, by the end of September, and if their level is falling, at that date, it will be well to apply severe restriction and continue it until they are full, or until sufficient water is in stock, to maintain an unrestricted supply with safety, during the coming dry season. If welcome rain should fall, during the dry season, then the constant supply may be re-established, forthwith. It will be better to apply restriction, during the wet season, when, even in dry years, the natural moisture is abundant, than to defer it until the winter months, when the greatest commercial activity prevails in the City, and when the demand for water is greatest. In short, at the end of September the Water Authority should submit a budget, setting forth the stock of water in hand, with

448

478

Estimate of amount of storage

10-

an estimate of the probable receipts from rain and the estimated expenditure, during the coming dry months, and at the end of the water-year he should submit a balance-sheet, shewing the actual transactions of the past water-year.

28. The following statement, arranged in debtor and creditor form, serves to give a general idea of the amount of storage which must be provided in order to maintain a uniform supply equal to that due to the average rainfall of a long cycle. supply equal Or, in other words, to carry forward, from years of abundance, to supplement

required to maintain a

to average

of a cycle.

deficiencies during years of drought. It is evident that the maximum supply that can be maintained, at a constant rate, over a given cycle of years, is that due to the average rainfall, during the said cycle. To do this there must be sufficient storage in order that there shall be no overflow, even in the wettest year.

Now, the

average to 85 inches, nearly.

rainfall at the Observatory, for 17 consecutive years,

amounted ·

To ascertain the amount of storage the account has been made out for One Acre only, so as to avoid inconveniently large figures, and, for the same reason, the observed rainfalls have been taken, to the nearest inch only. It has been also assumed that 60 per cent. of the rainfall is available for collection.

Then the average supply that one acre would given is :-

Gallons

22,635 × 85′′ × 0.6—1,154,385 gallons per annum.

3,162 gallons a day.

The problem, therefore, is to see how many days' stock there must be in hand at the end of each water-year.

Water-works in Account with Rain for One Acre, 60% being assumed as available.

Gallons.

1884-85

Dr. to stock in hand, assumed, 250,000

Cr. by Consumption,

Gallons. ...1,154,385

to Rain 82",

...1,113,642

by Balance,

209,257

1,363,642

1885-86

Dr. to Balance,

to Rain 100",

...

209,257 .....1,358,100

Cr. by Consumption,

.1,154,385

by Balance,

412,972

1,567,357

1886-87

Dr. to Brought forward,

to Rain 76",

412,972 ...1,032,156

Cr. by Consumption,

...1,154,385

by Balance,

290,743

1,445,128

1887-88

Dr. to Brought forward,

290,743

Cr. by Consumption,

...1,154,385

to Rain 69",

937,089

by Balance,

...

1,227,832

1888-89 - Dr. to Brought forward,

to Rain 99",..

73,447 ...1,344,519

Cr. by Consumption,

by Balance

73,447

1,227,832

...1,154,385

263,581

1,417,966

1889-90

Dr. to Brought forward,

to Rain 103",

263,581 ...1,534,653

Cr. by Consumption,

...1,154,385

by Balance,

643,849

1,798,234

1890-91

Dr. to Brought forward,

to Rain 67", ...

643,849 909,927

Cr. by Consumption.

...1,154,385

by Balance,

399,391

1,553,776

1891-92

Dr. to Brought forward,

to Rain 128",

399,391 ...1,738,368

Cr. by Consumption,

,, by Balance,

...1,154,385

983,374

2,137,759

1892-93

Dr. to Brought forward,

to Rain 88",

983,374 ...1,195,128

Cr. by Consumption,

...

...1,154,385

by Balance,

"".

...1,024,117

2,178,502

1893-94

Dr. to Brought forward,

...1,024,117

Cr. by Consumption,

...1,154,385

to Rain 90",

...1,222,290

by Balance,

...1,092,022

2,246,407

1894-95 Dr. to Brought forward,

...1,092,022

Cr. by Consumption,

...1,154,385

to Rain 105", ..

...1,426,005

by Balance,

...1,363,642

2,518,027

1895-96

Dr. to Brought forward,

to Rain 54",

....1,363,642

733,374

Cr. by Consumption,

...1,154,385

by Balance,

942,631

2,097,016

1896-97

Dr. to Brought forward,

942,631

Cr. by Consumption,

...1,154,385

to Rain 68",

923,508

by Balance,

711,754

1,866,139

1897-98

Dr. to Brought forward,

...

to Rain 99",

...

711,754

...1,344,519

Cr. by Consumption,

by Balance,

2,056,273

1898-99

Dr. to Brought forward,

to Rain 56", ...

901,888 760,536

Cr. by Consumption,

...1,154,385

901,888

2,056,273

...1,154,385

by Balance,

508,039

1,662,424

1899-900 Dr. to Brought forward,

to Rain 76",

... 508,039 ...1,032,156

Cr. by Consumption,

...1,154,385

by Balance,

385,810

1,540,195

1900-01

Dr. to Brought forward,

•

to Rain 75",

385,810

.1,018,575

Cr. by Consumption,

...1,154,385

by Balance,

250,500

1,404,385

1,404,315

449

Detailed Monthly Account for Rainy Season of 1894.

Dr. to Stock, 1st May, 1894,...1,092,022

Cr. by Consumption during 6 months, 577,194 by Total Stock at end of season, 1,872,928

to 100" received-May to

October inclusive,... ...1,353,100

2,450,122

Total water in stock at end of season,

Less original stock,

•

2,450,122

...1,872,928 ...1,092,022

Therefore the quantity to be stocked in addition to that originally in stoek was... 780,906

29. It is assumed that there was a stock in hand of 250,000 gallons, at the Deduction. commencement of the first year. Had there been much less than this amount in hand, then there would have been a deficiency in 1887-88; for there would have been only 73,447 gallons, or about 23 days' supply in hand, at the end of the water-* year. There is, of course, a balance of 250,000 gallons, at the end of the period, to carry forward to the next year.

•

450

Additional gathering- ground as well as storage

required.

Lower part of Taitam-

tuk valley to

It will be observed that, at the end of the water-year 1894-95, there was a balance of 1,363,642 gallons, to carry forward, at the end of April, to the next year, or rather more than a whole year's supply. But even this would not suffice, because there must, in addition, be space in the reservoir to receive the excess of rain over consumption, in the subsequent wet months. As it happened, the next year was one of low rainfall-54 inches. Therefore it will be more instructive to see what happened during the water-years 1893-94 and 1894-95. Here the balance brought forward on 1st May, 1894, was 1,092,022 gallons. From May to October, 1894, inclusive, 100 inches fell, as shewn in the statement given, and at the end of October there was a stock in hand of 1,872,928 gallons, or 780,906 gallons more than the stock at the commencement.

It is, therefore, evident that events may take place, which will necessitate carry- ing forward a balance of 1,368,642 at the end of the year and we might require room for 778,906 more, in all 2,147,548 storage capacity, or 675 days' supply would be the amount of storage required, to equalise the supply for a long cycle of years, and bring it up to the amount due to the average rainfall of the period in question.

In a recent paper, before the Institution of Civil Engineers, it was stated that in India two full years' supply was found to be necessary in the case of Town supplies. Applying these figures to Taitam the gathering-ground of which is 1,093 acres, then the daily supply, due to 85 inches of rain, is 3,456,000 gallons, and the storage to maintain it would be 3,456,000 × 675=2,332,800,000 gallons. These figures are not given as absolute but only to indicate the order of magni- tude of the storage requisite for full development of a given area.

Suffice it, therefore, for the present to say that the proposed reservoirs, within the existing Taitam gathering-ground, will add but little to the available supply.

30. Therefore, within the Taitam District, additional gathering-ground, with appropriate storage, is required, rather than an extra storage with the same gathering-ground. Now additional gathering-ground can only be obtained by going lower down the valley, and pumping the water collected, up into the Taitam Reser- voir. The construction of reservoirs, at sites Nos. 4 and 5 should, in my opinion, take precedence of any works at sites Nos. 1, 2 and 3. Indeed, I am of opinion that it would be well to go further in this direction, and construct a reservoir or reservoirs still lower down, of ample capacity, so as to collect the rainfall of the whole gather- ing-ground, down nearly to sea level. Mr. COOPER does not give any particulars of his Nos. 4 and 5 reservoir-schemes, and I have difficulty in ascertaining the reasons why he limited himself to a small portion only, of the lower gathering-ground.

31. I recommend, therefore, that the Taitam-tuk valley, with its various ramifica- tions be surveyed from about high-water mark, up to about 250 feet O. D. be carefully be surveyed surveyed, with a view of ascertaining what storage accommodation can be obtained, by the construction of one or more reservoirs, so as ultimately to develop, to the utmost possible extent, the full gathering-ground. Gauges should also be erected, to measure the flow of the main Taitam stream, as low down as possible.

for reservoir sites.

Advantages of a low-

32. One of the advantages of the low-level pumping scheme is that considerable level supply relief could be obtained, almost immediately. A gauge has been erected, at or near by pumping. the site No. 5. This gauge has been recorded for some time past. Taking last season's record, it appears that at least 30 millions of gallons passed this gauge, during September last, and about half that amount in October. I am convinced, by personal inspection, that this gauge is not measuring the full flow of the stream, and, moreover, it is not sufficiently large to measure, even an ordinary flood-discharge, so that the recorded flow is considerably below the truth. If, therefore, a small re- servoir had been in existence, at site No. 5, and a steam-engine and pipe had been provided, about 45 millions of gallons could have been pumped into the Taitam tunnel, or about the stock in hand at the moment of writing this Report.

451

the proposed

nection with

33. The results to be obtained from the provision of additional storage, at Pok- The effect of foolum, are more promising of success than those to be obtained from similar works in con- works, within the existing Taitam gathering-ground. The present proportion of Pokfoolum. storage to gathering-ground is far less in the case of Pokfoolum than it is at Taitam. At Pokfoolum there is, at present, 70 millions of gallons storage to a gathering-ground of 416 acres, or 168,000 gallons storage per acre, whilst at Taitam there is 406 millions of gallons storage to 1,093 acres or 371,000 gallons storage per acre. Consequently, by augmenting storage at Pokfoolum, an increase of supply may be anticipated; if it be safe to assume that the proportion of available rainfall is the same in both cases. This, however, seems to be doubtful, for, according to the evidence before me, it appears that the overflow at Pokfoolum, last year, was not great.

foolum as a

34. There are, however, sentimental if not real objections to Pokfoolum as a Disadvan- source of supply. The crests of the hills, forming the boundary of the gathering-tages of Pok- ground, are crowned with houses. These do not indeed drain into the gathering-source ground, but there will always be a suspicion that filth may be washed down from them,

into the reservoir. There is also more traffic, through the Pokfoolum gathering Tai Tam before

ground, than in the case of Taitam. immediate margin of the site of the proposed reservoir, so that there would be

Lastly, the buildings of the Convent are on the

Therefore, I consider that works at Taitam

suspicion of contamination from them. should have precedence over those at Pokfoolum.

Peh pool

preferable to

Pokfoolum.

35.. If, however, the proposed low-level reservoir is to be constructed at Pokfoo- Pumping lum, then I beg to record my opinion that it will be more convenient, if not more econo- gravitation mical, to pump its contents into the existing conduit, than to lay a new main and supply from construct new filter-beds, as proposed by Mr. COOPER. The creation of a third zone of supply, within the City area, will further complicate a system that is already sufficiently intricate. Pumping will only be wanted, for a portion of each year, when the supply from the old reservoir is less than that which the existing filters can treat.

intermittent

36. In a report, dated 7th August, 1894, I discussed the disadvantages of the as to the intermittent system of supply, in any case, and I further pointed out that, in the system. case of Hongkong, the well-known evils of this system were aggravated, by the fact that the distributary system was designed for a constant supply, and, therefore, houses were not provided with cisterns, ball-valves, and other appliances, essential to the proper conduct of an intermittent supply. The evils of an intermittent supply were thus summarised:-"The intermittent supply, even in its most perfect cf. cit.

form, has a radical defect.

The water must be stored, in or near the dwelling, paras. 31-32. "and is, therefore, liable to contamination, of the most serious nature. *

Disadvantage

* *

Istem,

“In addition to this defect, which is inseparable from the intermittent system, it presents, as carried out in Hongkong, the following disadvantages

(a.) The entrance of foul air, foul liquids, and possibly disease-germs,

into the public water-inains.

(b.) The growth of fungoids and corrosion in the pipes.

(c.) The undue wear and tear of the distributary system.

(7.) The difficulty of equitable distribution of water, throughout the

water-works area.

(e.) The waste of water.

(f.) The failure to provide efficient fire-service.

These evils are fully discussed, in the subsequent pages of this report. I must, however, record my opinion that the intermittent system is, at the present moment, being carried out with great skill, and as efficiently as the existing conditions permit.

452

As to the times at

which the intermittent system should be applied.

Shutting off house-ser- vices as a means of

restriction.

Improved arrange- ments for giving an intermittent supply.

37. In the 41st paragraph of the said report, I stated that:-

It seems clear that intermission should be postponed to the last moment, "and that, if it has to be adopted, then the water should be shut off for at least "15 hours a day."

In writing this, I had principally before my mind, the relatively small reduction in consumption, that intermission brings about. In paragraph 14, of the said report, it is shewn that the consumption is not reduced, in direct proportion to the hours of daily intermission. By giving a supply for half the day, only, the consumption is not reduced by one-half, but almost inappreciably. Indeed, in order to bring about a reduction of one-half, the hours of supply must be limited to three hours or one-eighth of a day. This condition exists, even now.

What I decided to emphasise was, that it was better to have a short period of severe intermission, than a long period of slight intermission. Whatever may have been my views in 1894 as to the time at which restriction of consumption, by intermission or otherwise should be introduced, subsequent events shew clearly that, if the reservoirs are not full in September, restriction should be resorted to, and continued until at least sufficient stock is accumulated, to carry on the unrestricted supply, until the end of the water-year.

38. In the 41st paragraph of the report cited, the following suggestion is made :— Indeed, it is worthy of consideration whether, if restriction has to be adopted, the "best plan would be to shut off all house-services, leaving the people to obtain "their water from public taps, temporarily erected, if necessary, in the manner 'adopted in England during frosts." I still consider that this would be the best course to pursue, especially if, at the termination of the wet season, the reservoirs were not full. Only houses provided with meter would be allowed to retain a con- stant supply, and then a proper price for water would bring about the required economy. If this measure did not produce the desired reduction in consumption, then intermission might be resorted to. There is, however, a slight practical difficulty in shutting off all house-services, owing to the easy accessibility of the service stop- cocks. They can easily be opened again, by unauthorised persons. This, however, would be obviated by the adoption of the arrangement, which I will now describe, as a means of improving and facilitating the intermittent system of supply.

39. Inasmuch as many years must elapse before works of sufficient magni- tude, materially augmenting the general supply, can be carried out, and, there- fore, before the occasional introduction of the intermittent supply can be avoided, it is proper to consider the arrangements that can be made in order to render this system as efficient, and as little objectionable, as possible.

40. The following arrangement would greatly improve matters.

At present, house-services are connected, directly, to the street mains. I suggest that subsidiary mains, wrought iron pipes, of small diameter, should be laid parallel to the principal mains ("Rider-mains"), on one or both sides of the street, thus:-

House-services.

Rider-main.

Principal main.

Rider-main.

F F House-services.

The house services should be disconnected from the principal main, and connected to the rider-mains. In this way, the Town would be divided into blocks

}

453

mains" and

of convenient size, the water-supply to which could be turned on and off, independ- "Rider ently, and in rotation. The water could then be turned on to and shut off from Block" a large group of blocks, in rotation. No. 1 block would receive water from 3 a.m. to 4 a.m., No. 2 from 4 to 5; and so on.

In short, the Town would be supplied just as London was, when the intermit- tent system was in force. The principal mains would always be changed, under full pressure. No pollution could enter, through open ball-hydrants--rather an important point, at the present moment especially.

system.

Block"

41. I recommend this arrangement, not merely because it will improve and Advantages facilitate the management of an intermittent supply, and mitigate its evils, but also of proposed because it will be a permanent improvement. It will facilitate the shutting-off of system. house-services, because the valves, on the rider-mains, may be so arranged, as to be practically inaccessible to unauthorised persons. Such is not the case with the house-service cocks, now in use.

It will greatly facilitate the application of the existing law, with regard to the prevention of waste. Arrangements may be made, whereby the test-meters may

easily be applied, when required.

The detection of waste will also be facilitated. The Inspector need only apply the "stethescope," to one of the valves, commanding the whole block. If there be no sound of flowing water, he can pass on to another block. He need only examine, house by house, if he finds symptoms of leakage, within the given block.

Lastly, it will be most advantageous, if the streets are asphalted, or otherwise improved. The Rider-mains may be laid along the side-walks, so that if a house- service requires renewal, re-construction or repair, the street-surface need not be disturbed.

its necessity.

42. The consumption of water per head per day, for all purposes, about 17 Waste gallons, is not extravagant. Nevertheless, there is ample evidence to shew that prevention- much waste occurs in houses of every description, both European and Chinese. Indeed, I have reason to believe that, in the matter of waste and extravagance, there is little to choose, between these two classes of houses; for, after all, the taps in Euro- pean houses, are in the hands of Chinese servants.

Now, the fact must be realised that the water-supply, derivable from and within the Island of Hongkong is finite. The area of the island is small. There are not many available gathering-grounds or reservoir-sites remaining, especially if they are to be at a sufficient altitude to supply by gravitation. Two important gathering- grounds, or rather the water-rights appertaining thereunto-those of Quarry Bay and Aberdeen-have been granted to private individuals, and their resumption would disturb important industries. It is clear, therefore, that economy in the use of water is absolutely necessary.

waste classi-

43. Waste of water may be classified under two heads-"Negligent" and causes of "Wanton." Negligent waste may be defined as that caused by imperfection of taps ned. and fittings, leaky taps and pipes. This may be due, either to the use of imperfect materials, in the first instance, or by neglect in maintenance and repair, or to both.

Wanton waste is almost wholly due to neglect to close taps, and also, to some extent, to extravagance in the use of water, owing to the existence of baths of unnecessary size, watering gardens and the like.

waste.

44. Negligent waste, which elsewhere as a rule, is the most important cause Prevention of excessive consumption, is to be prevented by the use of good materials and by of negligent good workmanship, in the first instance, and by assiduous house-to-house inspection followed by prompt execution of repairs. As all house-service materials have been provided and fixed or approved by Government, there can be no doubt that the house-services are good, in the first instance. House-to-house inspection is

454

Prevention

of wanton

waste.

Original draft Ordi-

nance of 1890

Draft 10th

also practised, as far as the available staff will permit, so that there can be little doubt that the house-services are maintained in as good a condition, as in any other well-regulated town.

45. Though the gross consumption of water is not great, especially for a tropical town, and though there may be but little negligent waste, there is evidence to shew that there is much wanton waste. Now, inspection, no matter how perfect, is practically impotent to check wanton waste. The law may make it penal to leave a tap open, but it is usually impossible to bring the offence home to an indivi- dual, and so secure a conviction. I learn however that prosecutions have, not infrequently, led to convictions. One may, indeed, shut off the service, but to do.. so is to punish many, for the offence of one. The only way to check wanton waste is to measure the consumption of water, in each tenement, by means of meters, and to charge an adequate price for all water consumed, over and above a prescribed quantity

46. It is to be regretted that the Water Ordinance of 1890 was not passed, as Originally drafted. The said draft Ordinance was discussed and approved by the not passed Sanitary Board and by the Executive Council. It contained the following clause:✔ June, 1890. (16.) The Water Authority may direct that the supply of water taken or used by. "or through any service shall be measured or regulated by means of a meter or "otherwise as may be provided by any Regulations made hereunder :

thus, con- templating the general use of meters. The word "may" was probably used be- cause, at the time that the Ordinance. was drafted, the water-works were not in full operation, and, therefore, it was hoped that the ordinary precautions against negli- gent waste would suffice to keep the consumption within bounds. Be this as it may, the clause in question was strongly objected to, by the Unofficial members of Council, on the ground that it would be most inconvenient to owners of house property, who would have to control their tenants, or pay for the water which the latter wasted. The Ordinance was re-drafted, I will not say amended, and passed, in the form in which it now stands. Clauses 10 to 13, inclusive, (Ordinance 16 of 1890), were inserted in lieu of the objected to clause, which permitted the general use of meters. It was hoped that these clauses would suffice to keep consumption within reasonable bounds. I venture to believe that if meters were introduced together with a proper scale of charges, the consumption of water would be so reduced, that the necessity for restriction would never recur, or at least be a rare, instead of a normal, occurrence.

Application of powers given by existing Ordinance.

The pre scribed

method of of waste

prevention compared with meterage.

47. The powers, given by Ordinance 16 of 1890, have been several times applied by Mr. COOPER, and from his various reports, it appears that in every instance a most marked reduction has been brought about by its application (ride Annual Reports of Director of Public Works.) I find, however, that of recent years, these provisions have not been enforced, partly on account of inadequate staff, partly because of the prevalence of intermittent supply, during which the system is inapplicable. The powers of the Ordinance do not appear to have ever been applied, on a comprehensive scale, but rather as an experiment to demonstrate the existence of waste.

48. The method of waste prevention, prescribed by the existing Ordinance is, to say the least, cumbrous, and somewhat difficult of application. If applied generally, a large staff of Inspectors would be required. The construction of rider-mains, as herein before described, would much facilitate the application of these clauses. The test-meters might be left in place permanently, and read occasionally, and if waste existed in any block of tenements, the supply to them might be shut off, as the law directs. The numerous test meters would, however, have to be provided and maintained by the Government, instead of at the expense of the individual as would be the case, if the general use of meters, provided for in the Draft Ordinance, were adopted. The actual maintenance is performed by Government, but the cost thereof is covered by the meter-rent, which covers also interest and sinking-fund.

455

A very large staff would be required for examining the test-meters. The in- convenience to the consumer would be great, because the penalty for wanton waste. is to discontinue the supply for a month. It would be out of the question to provide each house with a test-meter. The system must be applied by blocks or groups. It may happen that the waste takes place in one or two houses out of a large block of tenements, in which case inmates of all the houses in 'the block would be punished, by shutting off the supply, on account of the misdeeds of a few.

meterage

recom-

49. The general introduction of meters, in connection with every house-service, Universal would, I am convinced, be far more effective and cause less inconvenience to the rec general public. The cost of the necessary stock of meters would be considerable, mended. but it would be an interest-bearing asset, as the meter-rent would be so fixed as to cover maintenance, interest, depreciation and sinking-fund. I therefore unhesita- tingly recommend the introduction of meters, in every case in which there is an internal house-service.

The landlord might be empowered to add meter-rent and extra water charge to any existing house-rent. He might also have the option of having the service, dis- connected if he did not care for the responsibility connected with a meter. Tenants might enter into direct agreements with Government as to payment for water and of meter-rent. I may mention that the Municipal Council of Singapore have, as I am informed, decided to introduce meters generally.

50. In accordance with Ordinance 19 of 1897 meters are used, in the case of all house-services in Kowloon and in the Hill District. The quantity allowed-15 gallons per head per day-is so large, and the price,, namely, twenty-five cents per 1,000 gallons, is far too small to exercise any deterrent effect. The price should be at least fifty cents per thousand, as recommended by a Committee of the Sanitary Board, appointed 18th April, 1890, and composed of N. J. EDE, Esquire, the late J. J. FRANCIS, K.C., and myself. I think, moreover, that it would be well to provide. ascending scale of charges, the details of which may be considered, when the meter principle is adopted or otherwise.

Meters in

Kowloon and

in the Hill effect of

Districts-

price of

water,

51. I have inspected the Kowloon water-works and find that they have been Kowloon carried out in a thoroughly satisfactory manner. Naturally, water is a scarce com- water supply. modity in Kowloon, owing to the great increase of population, and small area of gathering-ground that was available, at the time these works were undertaken. It is satisfactory to note that the supply is holding out as well as could be expected, considering the drought that has hitherto prevailed during the current water-year.

52. I have not yet inspected the site of the proposed Kowloon Water-works, Proposed or have I examined the plans. When I have had the opportunity of going into new Kowloon this question, any remarks that I have to make, will be submitted in a special report.

supply.

obtaining a from the

possibility of

water supply

New Terri-

tory.

33. It has been suggested that a supply of water, from the New Territory, could as to the be brought over to Hongkong. Such is doubtless the case, but it would certainly be a very costly work. The area of gathering-ground, on the slopes of the hills im mediately facing Hongkong, is not great and there do not appear to be any good reservoir sites, at the necessary elevation, on this face. Indeed, the proposed reser- voir, about to be constructed for the supply of Kowloon, is close to the ridge-line and will derive most of its water by means of catch-water drains, from the North slopes of the hills, that is to say, on the sides furthest from Kowloon. Further North again, there appears to be another available site. This will, however, necessitate a Conduit nearly 20 miles long. Then, conducting the water across the harbour, by a submerged syphon, will be difficult, though by no means impossible. It will, how- ever, certainly be costly. If a bridge or tunnel be made for general communication purposes, then the problem would be simplified.

to report.

Since the above was written, I have made a preliminary inspection of the site, but am not yet in a position

456

Gathering-

grounds and

reservoir sites to be

reserved on New Terri-

tory.

Conclusion.

54. I do not, therefore, consider that the scheme of bringing water, across the har- bour from the New Territory, is one that should be contemplated at present, or until all the resources of the Island have been fully developed. I am, however, decidedly of opinion that all available sources of water-supply, within the New Territory, should be carefully studied, not only as regards Hongkong, but with regard to the territory itself. When settling the land, gathering-grounds and reservoir sites should be reserved, so that they may not be found to be occupied, when they are wanted.

55. The conclusions which I have arrived at may be summarised as follows :- (a) The works recommended by Mr. CooFER, as urgently required, have

been carried out, with good results.

(b) The works suggested by Mr. COOPER, as future or deferred exten- sions, have not been constructed. In one sense this is well, for sub- sequent experience has indicated that some of the works that he proposed in 1896, would not have realised the results which he anticipated. Mr. COOPER based his calculations on but four years' observations. Now there are ten years of records to guide one. (e) I have come to the conclusion that increased storage, alone, that is with the existing gathering-grounds, will not effect any material increase in the supply. What is required is an increase of gathering- ground, with an appropriate proportion of additional storage.

(d) The must suitable site for future extension is the Taitam-tuk valley

below the present Taitam dam.

) The water, collected below the Taitanı damn, will be at a low level and

must be pumped up, into the Taitam tunnel.

(f) One great advantage is presented by the adoption of pumping, and that is that an appreciable relief may be attained, in a short time. Had pumping works existed, last September, below Taitam, at least 30 millions of gallons could have been pumped into the tunnel, during that month, and about half as much in October.

(g) The present supply is, were it properly distributed, sufficient for the wants of the existing population. There is, however, no margin for any material increase.

(h) The time has, therefore, arrived for preparing a comprehensive scheme for the ultimate and full development of the sources of supply in Hongkong, commencing with the Taitam-tuk valley.

(i) The necessity for the introduction of an intermittent supply, with all its evils, would be obviated or at least rendered much less frequent were waste and extravagance repressed.

(j) In my opinion, universal meterage is, in the present case, the only efficient and equitable means of preventing waste and extravagance. I, therefore, recommend that the law be altered to the form in which it was originally drafted, and that meters be introduced, in every case in which there is an internal service.

(4) The price of water, supplied by meter should be increased. () As some years must elapse before works of sufficient capacity can be constructed to obviate, entirely, the occasional necessity for an inter- mittent supply, I recommend that the arrangements be made as described for improving that system, and reducing its evils to a minimum.

(m) As a means of restriction, rather than to introduce intermission, it would be better to shut off all house-services, other than those provided with meter, leaving the people to obtain water from the public fountains.

457

(n) All water-supply statistics should, in the future, be arranged by the water-year, commencing 1st May, and not by the calendar year. (0) The project for supplying Hongkong with water from the New,

Territory need not be contemplated at present...

(p) The newly acquired territory should be carefully examined as regards gathering-grounds and reservoir sites. These when settling the land should be reserved forthwith so that, when required for Hongkong, for the New Territory or Kowloon, they may not be found in occupation.

SEWERAGE.

INCLUDING HOUSE-SEWERS.

56. The Separate System of sewerage has been greatly criticised; but I have The separate never as yet seen or heard any serious and logical objection to it. Suffice it, there- system. fore, to say that, were I to design the sewerage works of Victoria again, I should, in all matters of principle, introduce the identical system. I have introduced the separate system, in two tropical towns, namely, Kingston, Jamaica, and Port Louis, Mauritius, and I have never had any reason to regret so doing. Works on the same principle are now well advanced at Port of Spain, Trinidad. Before these works were commenced, the Hon. WALCH WRIGHTSON, C.M.G., M. Inst. C.E., the Director of Public Works, Trinidad, was, at my suggestion, sent to Jamaica to inspect the Kingston works and make enquiry as to their working. He consulted, not only the persons in charge, but also unofficial medical practitioners, many of whom were much opposed to sewerage of any kind, and on his return, he adopted, without modification, the plans that I had prepared.

which my

ations have

57. It is alleged that the Government have neglected to carry out my recom- As to tho mendations with regard to the sewerage works. From conversations which I have extent to had with various persons, I have come to the conclusion that this allegation recommend- is due to the fact that my Report of 1882 was published as a Parliamentary been carried Blue-Book and has been largely circulated. On the other hand, Reports, written in 1889-90, have not received so much publicity.

out.

58. In a Report on the Drainage* (Sewerage) of the Lower Western and Central Recom- Districts of Victoria, addressed to the Honourable W. M. DEANE, C.M.G., then Acting Colonial Secretary, I find the following words (para. 5):-

"The methods for the improvement of the drainage (sewerage) of this "and other districts, suggested in my report of 1882, have not been "tried. This is fortunate, för my subsequent experience leads to "the conclusion that they would not have remedied the evils which

"existed then; and which exist still."

This report, therefore, and others of the same date (1890), virtually cancel all the recommendations, as to Drainage and Sewerage, which I made in 1882.

mendations as to sewerage

made in 1882

cancelled by subsequent reports.

the degree

can be

in practiee.

59. In the next paragraph (para. 6), of the same report, I indicate the "Separate separate System," as it has been called, in the following words :-"It will now be necessary to system and "re-sewer the whole district, with earthenware pipes; and to divert the sewage proper, to which it "or dry-weather flow of the sewers, from the storm-water channels, which are not, introduced "and cannot be made suitable for its reception. The existing stone channels, therefore, should revert to their legitimate use, the conveyance of storin-water, "from the surface of the district, and from the hills above it." This sentence sums up in short the principles upon which the whole Sewerage System has been designed and constructed. It expresses, in a few words, the difference between the present system, and that which I suggested in 1882, by which the existing Storm- water Drains would have continued to serve as Sewers, as well as drains; an arrangement which I and, I believe, the majority of engineers, now utterly condemn.

*The word sewerage should be substituted as more in accordance with modern nomenclature.

458

Definition of terms.

Sewage.

Surface water.

Sub-soil water.

Sewer.

Street-sewer.

House-sewer.

Drain or

It is to be observed that I do not make use of the word "Separate System" in these reports. My reasons for avoiding these words were, doubtless, that it had become, even then, a powerful irritant; but more so, because it is not practicable or desirable to introduce an absolute Separate System. A great deal of dry weather surface-water, such as the washings of back-yards, is, to all intents and purposes, Sewage, and must, therefore, be admitted to the sewers. With it, some rain-water must also enter. The quantity of rain-water, thus admitted to the sewers, can, by proper arrangements, be reduced to an almost negligible quantity, so much so, that it is scarcely necessary to increase, materially, the size of the sewer-pipes to enable them to convey it, in addition to the sewage-proper.

60. I find that, in the discussion of Sewerage and Drainage matters, confusion often arises, through the lax use of terms. People often speak of "sewers' when they mean "storm-water drains," and vice versa. Again, the word "sewage" is often taken to mean human excrement, in contradiction to domestic slop-water, which is often but erroneously supposed to be an innocuous fluid, which, excreta being excluded, may be neglected, or dealt with in some elementary manner. Whereas it is a fact that only in a limited number of diseases, do fœces and urine contain pathogenic organisms, whereas slop-water may, and often does, contain not only those found in the excreta, but also those of almost every other zymotic disease. The but too current idea that, if excreta are removed, no more need be done, is therefore, the reverse of the truth.

In recent writings, I have found it desirable to define these expressions, and to give technical meanings to the several terms, perhaps not in strict accordance with the Dictionary or with English Acts of Parliament, but in accordance with the sense in which they are to be used, in discussing the subject. *

Sewage" means water, sullied, foul or contaminated with matter, in solution or suspension, derived from the use of water in the daily avocations of man, whether it contains fœces or urine, or not.

"Surface water means rain-water, flowing off from the surface of the ground or from those of yards, roofs, and the like.

"Sub-soil water" is water which has been absorbed by the soil, and which is retained by, or percolating through its pores.

A "Sewer" is a pipe or conduit, used or intended to be used, for the reception and conveyance of Sewage as defined.

A "Street-sewer" is a sewer situated on Crown land, and which is the property of the Crown.

A "House-sewer" is a sewer situated within a private tenement, which is the property of the owner of the tenement in question.

A "Drain or Storin-water channel" is a channel or conduit open or covered, storm-water used or intended to be used to receive and convey surface-water. Here the word

drain will include a "nullah.'

channel.

Sub-soil drain.

A "Sub-soil drain" is a channel, conduit or pipe, used or intended to be used for the reception and conveyance of sub-soil water.

The meanings of "Private drain" and "Private sub-soil drain" are obvious..

I shall use these terms throughout this report and any others that I may

write, strictly in the sense of these definitions. used in the same sense, in all future documents.

strongly recommend that they be On reading over my On reading over my old reports, terminology, as is desirable.

If,

I find that I have not always been as strict in my therefore, any are to be re-published, I should like to make the necessary corrections therein.

*According to a decision of an English Court, "Sewage" is anything which gets into a sewer. A silver spoon if it gets into the sewer is sewage, which is absurd."

459

between Mr.

project of

that of 1890.

Western and

61. The leading differences between the Sewerage Project of 1888 and that of Difference 1890 occur in the number, position and levels of the out-falls. Designing before COOPER'S the Reclamation works were commenced, when the fore-shore was relatively shallow, 1888 and and irregular on plan, Mr. COOPER proposed three principal out-falls, namely, at Belcher's Point, Possession Point, and a third, near to the Bowrington Canal. This, however, he regarded as temporary only, and suggested the ultimate prolong- ation of this section of sewer to North Point; where a pumping-station was to be provided.

The gravitation out-falls were to be laid at about Low-water mark, Spring Tides. As, however, the new Praya was to be, constructed in deep water, and with a regular alignment, along which there would be a strong tidal current, I proposed to provide five out-falls, for the Western and Central Districts, constructed in the face of the new Praya wall, sewerage being carried out into deep water. By increasing the number of out-falls, it became possible to increase the gradients of the sewers. The out-fall levels were raised. The centre-line of the out-fall was to be fixed at mean sea level, instead of low-water-mark, Spring tides, so that the sewer would be free from tide-water, for one-half the year, instead of for a short time only as would be the case with an out-fall at extreme low-water mark. As regards the street sewers, there is no difference, in principle, between the two projects.

Central Distri ts.

schemes for

District.

62. As regards the Eastern District, Mr. COOPER proposed a temporary out-fall, Differences at the Bowrington Canal; but ultimalely to intercept the sewage of the whole dis- between trict from the harbour. I proposed also to effect interception, by a different arrange- Eastern ment however. In lieu of a deep sewer, I proposed to use a cast-iron syphon pipe. As regards this section of the town also, there was no difference, in principle, as regards street-sewers.

tricts.

63. As far as can be ascertained, in the absence of complete and distinct record- The works as drawings, the works of the Western and Central Districts have been carried out, executed.

in Western and accordance with the report of 1890. I may here say that much difficulty and Central Dis- delay has been caused, with regard to my present work, and that great inconvenience is caused to the several Departments concerned with Sewerage and Drainage, by the absence of complete, up-to-date, record-drawings. This want is, doubtless, due to insufficiency of Staff, for Mr. COOPER is far too careful a man to neglect to have proper records, if he had the means of making them.

It may be safely asserted however that such is the case, in all matters of prin- ciple. Some slight alterations in detail may have been made. The whole of the out-falls and some sewers on the Reclamation have not yet been completed, on account of the non-completion of the Praya Reclamation works.

Eastern

64. The proposed arrangement for the interception of the sewage of the Works Eastern District, has not been carried out. The sewage is admitted to the har- executed in bour, by numerous out-falls not extending to low-water mark. The reason why District. interception was not carried out was, I believe, as follows. Then, as now, the reclamation of this fore-shore was contemplated. It was therefore considered that, if out-falls on the New Praya wall were permissible, they could also be adopted, in the case of the Eastern Reclamation, thus saving the cost of the intercepting- syphon, as well as that of pumping: at any rate, it was not thought well to attempt inter-ception, until something had been settled concerning the future of the foreshore. As regards the street-sewers of this district, they have been executed in virtual accordance with the project of 1890.

65. I am of opinion that the Sewerage System is working well, especially wher the scarcity of water is considered.* All the sewers in the higher districts h excellent gradients and, with the normal flow of sewage, even now, keep themselve.

* Saving and excepting the defects hereinafter set forth; some of which are due to improper use rather than to defective design or construction.

tory.

་་་་་ག་་

460

As to the nature of the deposit in

sewers.

As to the manner in which the

- 22

free from obstruction or deposit. There is, however, a tendency to deposit in the flatter sewers, those running along Queen's Road, and across and along Des Vœux Road and new Praya; so much so that it is thought necessary to pass a scraper through them, periodically, as a matter of routine. Such is also the case in the sewers along Garden, Robinson and other Roads, but there the obstruction is chiefly due to the entrance of roots, generally of the Banyan tree.

The only way to remedy this is either to do away with the trees, or put in cast-iron pipes. Trees in a town are a nuisance and should not be permitted. Of all trees for such purposes the Banyan is one of the worst. The roots of plants of the fig tribe grow with surprising rapidity, and have great power of penetration.

The occurrence of deposit in the low-level sewers is not as it should be. The gradients of the sewers in Queen's Road and Des Voeux Road are good, and there is an abundant flow of sewage through them. Those on the new Reclamation must be regarded as temporary only. Levels recently taken by Mr. XAVIER, give evidence of considerable settlement. The centre lines of the sewers, at the outlets, are materially lower than originally projected (mean sea level or 3.70 O.D.), appar- ently owing to settlement. Consequently, these sewers are tide-locked for a larger proportion of the year, than was intended, and therefore there are longer periods of stagnation than is perhaps desirable. The sewers on the Reclamation will therefore require re-construction. It does not seem desirable however to do so forthwith. It will be better to wait until the Reclamation works are not only completed, but also fully occupied by buildings; when the soil will be so far consolidated, that fur- ther movement will be improbable. For reasons which I shall give in the next paragraph, the accumulation of deposit in the low-level sewers, is a cause of rather than a danger to health.

expense,

66. I have examined the deposit, which was being removed from a sewer on the Des Voeux Road. It certainly was not sewage deposit, which is a black, fœtid, semi-fluid substance. It was composed of coarse sand or grit, broken glass, small bottles, bits of joss-sticks, and the like, stained black by sewage. It was moreover nearly inodorous. Moreover there was little smell, from the manhole. Clearly, the deposit is not due to the sewage proper, but to solid matter, which ought not to have found its way into the sewers. I am informed that the sample which I saw, was typical in character.

67. It is not easy, to discoyer, exactly, the manner in which so much detritus finds its way into the sewers. Some, doubtless, is put in by the inhabitants, to save themselves the trouble of removing it from their back-yards, through the to the sewers. house, often through a well-furnished shop.

solid matter finds its way

There is also evidence to show that the scavengers occasionally open sewer- manholes and throw dry refuse into them and into the gulleys. This is aggravated by the improper construction of the gulleys, both sewer and storm-water. The scavengers also, when washing down the gutters sweep much detritus into the gulleys, which ought to have been removed by dry scavenging. It is obviously to the interest of the scavenging-contractor to dispose of as much refuse, in this way, as he can, and so to save the expense of removing it by boat, the more so, because, unlike excreta, the refuse has no market value.

These inconveniences are seriously aggravated by the division of authority *hich exists. The sewers are under the control of the Public Works Department, whilst the scavenging is directed by the Medical Officer of Health. I shall revert to this matter later on. It seems certain therefore that Mr. COOPER was right in stating, as he always did, that the accumulation of deposit in the low-level sewers was due to the introduction of matter which should never find its way, in any quantity, into a sewer, and which no sewer could, under the circumstance, be expected to carry off.

461

low-level

68. Mr. COOPER always held that no amount of flushing would suffice to remove Flushing such deposit as now finds its way to the sewers, and that it would accumulate, sewers. whatever were the gradient of the sewers. I cannot quite agree with this opinion, for unless the deposit only comes from the immediate vicinity of the low-level sewers, a supposition that is hardly tenable, then it must find its way down the higher level sewers, which have superabundant gradients, and in which no appre- ciable deposit is found. Therefore, there must be some velocity which will sweep forward even the deposit complained of.

Therefore, it is desirable to provide means of flushing the low-level sewers, with great vigour, using sea-water for the purpose. The flush-tanks must be filled by pumping, for the tides are both insufficient in lunge and too irregular, to fill a flush-tank at high water. The flushing must, moreover, take place at the time of low water or, at least when the water is below mean-sea level. Therefore no automatic arrangement can be used. I hope, before leaving, to submit a project for flushing one set of low-level sewers at least.

69. The following statement shows the number and position of the automatic Flushing

that have been constructed, in connection with the street-sewers.

flush-tanks

street sewers.

ན་

JS. .Stream.

M.Main.

Size of Syphon.

in inches.

FLUSHING TANKS.

LIST OF FLUSHING TANKS IN HONGKONG.

Gallons.

1 S.

d d d d å få vå

co co

Davis Street, Top, near Rope Works,

430

6 Smith Field, Cattle Depôt,.....

500

Whitty Street, Top,

250

Bonham Road, near the bridge, near No. 754,

350

1 S.

S. 6

M. 6

1 M. 4

Near St. Paul's College, Wyndham Street, Kennedy Road, 1,379 and 1390,..

Nethersole Hospital,

Near French Street, opposite to No. 198, Stone Nullah Lane, No. 79,

Rutter Street, near Tung Hing Theatre,

Robinson Road, near Cringleford, No. 719,.

opposite Excelsior, No. 703,

near Eureka, No. 707,.................

.... 287

300

337

2,454

600

M. 4

1 M. 4

I M. 4

above St. Joseph's College,...

M. 4

Peak Road, between Nos. 1,146 and 1093,

188

225

250

1 M. 4

Junction of Peel Street and Caine Road, Nos. 1,086, 1,405 and 122,

Caine Road and Arbuthnot Road, near Roman Catholic Cathedral, 374

...... 250

M. 6

Stanley and Pottinger Streets, No. 34,

225

1 M. 6

·Garden Road and Upper Albert Road near No. 580,

250

2 M.. 4

I M. 6

Macdonell Road, near the Peak Tramway, right and left of bridge, @ 188, 376 Government Wharf, Murray Pier

225

2 M. 4 Government House, @ 186,

372

1 M. 6

S.W. Corner of Naval Yard,

300

2 M. 4

Lung On Street, near the Public Laundries, @ 78,

156

1 M. 4

1 M. 6

1 M. 4

Tunglawan,

1 M. 4

First Street, opposite to No. 6,

1 M. 4

How Fong Lane, end Ship Street,

I M.

Russel Street, Bowrington Canal, No. 746,..........

Matheson and Bridges Streets Junction,

Yee Wo Street, Causeway Bay,

Jardine Bazaar,

312

250

300

218

300

Wongneicheong, near Black Rock and F.L. 52, Holland Street, Des Voeux Road West,..

300

225

6,775

Forward,

9,229

. לו

462

S, = Streamı. {M. — Main.

Size of Syphon in inches.

1 S.

M. 4

Barker Road,

Near Mountain Lodge,

M. 4

No. 6 Police Station,

ン

M. 4

Des Vœux Villas,

}

M. 4

Government Pavillious,

M. 4

Rural Building Lot No. 7, Taikoo,.....

1 M. 4

No. 14, Plantation Road,

M. 4

Peak Church,

Magazine Gap. in Plantation Road,

HILL DISTRICT.

Gallons.

Brought forward,

9,229

112

110

125

110

250

943

GRAND TOTAL,

10,284

As to the necessity of

flushing. Sea-water.

The total capacity, of those which are fed from the water-works, amounts to 7,718 gallons. Supose that these discharge twice a day (some usually discharge but once), then the total consumption of potable water will be 15,436 gallons a day.

The remainder are supplied from nullahs, or streams, and their joint capacity amounts to 2,566 gallons. I am decidedly of opinion that more use might be made of the water of nullahs and streams but I should be inclined to reserve it for

the Drains.

70. It has been suggested that more flushing is desirable, and that sea-water additional might be used for this purpose. I am, however, of opinion that the Street Sewers (saving and excepting those low level sewers, already referred to) require little or no more flushing, than they get at present. It is the House Sewers that require flushing. If these are kept clean, by adequate flushing, then the street-sewers will take care of themselves; if they have proper gradients, as they certainly have, in all the upper parts of the town, I do not consider that it would be well to go to the expense of introducing a supply of sea water throughout the town, merely to flush the Street Sewers. Chinese houses, if properly constructed, with scavenging- passages in rear, practically, have no house sewers. In European houses, the consumption of water is sufficient to keep both House and Street-Sewers clean. Of course, it would be a great improvement, if every house Chinese or otherwise was provided with a water-closet or flushing tank. To provide a complete network of distributary pipes, for salt water, all over the town, so as to reach every tenement, would be exceedingly costly. Again, there is little information as to the durability of cast and wrought-iron piping, when used in connection with sea-water. conceivable that some relatively costly material, such as lead or copper, might be required, for service-pipes at least. Altogether I do not consider that the advantages of intro- ducing a duplicate supply, universally, as regards House and Street Sewers, would justify the great cost of such a work. I do, however, consider that, in some cases at least, salt-water might be provided for scouring gutters and flushing storm-water drains as well as for flushing the low-level sewers. I will revert to this subject when discussing the Drainage question (Storm-water Drains and Nullahs).

Gulleys and traps.

It is

71. I learn with surprise that many gulleys in the public streets, connected with the street-sewers are untrapped. I am unable to say why this omission has been made. The only explanation which I have heard, is that it was considered better to ventilate the street-sewers, through untrapped gulleys at the sides of the street, than by gratings in the manhole-covers in the centre thereof. I can, however, scarcely conceive that this was the reason. Certainly, all gulleys and other inlets to the street-sewers, ought to be trapped. I must however say that I have not noticed many nuisances from the untrapped sewer gulleys. Probably this is due to

463

the fact that the opening, from the gulley to the sewer, is greatly restricted. The state of the weather may have some influence in this matter, for sewer air does not always ascend.

The original idea was to provide two traps, in the side-channels of the street, one (in case of junctions, two) was to have been small, and with a closely-barred grating, destined to take any 'dry-weather flow to the street-sewer.

The second, placed lower down, was to have a large and open-barred grating, was to have been connected to the storm-water Drain, and was intended to take flood water, during heavy rain.

This arrangement has been found to present the difficulty that when the side- channels are washed down an undue amount of road detritus, vegetable matter and the like, is swept into the sewers through the Street Sewer gulley. This inconvenience has been greatly aggravated by the improper use of the gulley-gratings, that have been provided. Large open-barred gratings with sloping bars, were to have been provided solely for use in the inlets to storm-water drains. They were made large and open-barred, to admit rain-water freely. The sewer-gratings were to have been small and close-barred, so as to admit as little surface water as possible to the sewers. But I find that the Drain-gratings have often been used as Sewer-gratings.

Much dry-refuse, also, is but too often thrown into the gulleys, both of the Street Sewers and of the Drains. To remedy this evil, the Honourable the Director of Public Works has devised a special form of trapped gulley, common to both sewer and drain, trapping both. It is provided with a locked cover, so that it is inaccessible to unauthorised persons. One of these is in use at the foot of Icehouse Lane. Some minor modifications may be desirable. I am, however, of opinion that this arrangement might be tried, on a larger scale, when doubtless, some thoroughly satisfactory type will be evolved. The radical remedy for this trouble will, however, be found in an improvement of the scavenging system, a question to which I will return later on.

sewer gulleys

72. I am of opinion that more trapped sewer-gulleys are desirable, in some parts More of the town. The side-channels of the streets in many cases, are very nearly level. trapped Now the side-channels receive the effluent from down-pipes from verandahs, required. the washings of which are practically sewage. Indeed, I believe that chamber-slops are, in some cases, poured down the rain-water pipes. The effluent from the down-pipes has often a long distance to travel, before reaching a gulley, and owing to the flatness of side-channel and its small fall, stagnation results. In such cases, it would be well to provide additional gulleys, near to the foot of the down-pipe. This, moreover, would have the effect of diminishing at least, the necessity for washing the side-channels, an operation which tends to introduce into the sewer road-detritus, and other solids.

control and

73. At the present moment, street scavenging and the cleansing of gulleys is Duality of directed by the Sanitary Board. House sewers are also constructed and supervised division of by the Board. The management of the Sewers, below ground, is directed by the authority. Public Works Department. Consequently, there is a division of authority. If the street-sewers become choked, then the Sewerage Authority attributes the blame to the scavengers, and so forth.

entrusted to

74. I therefore recommend that the maintenance of the Street Sewers be cleansing of entrusted to that department of the Sanitary Board, which has the control of sewers to be scavenging, namely, the Medical Officer of Health. I may here state that with the Sanitary sewers, drains including nullahs, open or covered, should be included.

By the word "maintenance" I mean the scavenging of the Sewers, namely, flushing, removal of obstructions, and all operations which do not involve breaking- up the surface of the ground. Extensions alterations, and new works generally, should, as heretofore, be executed by the Director of Public Works, and when complete, handed over by the Sanitary Board.

Board.

ง

464

Ventilation

of sewers.

Vents not Ventilators

required.

I have conferred with the Medical Officer of Health on this subject, and he states that he is quite prepared to take over the administration of the street sewers as well as drains, nullahs, etc. He will not require the services of an Engineer for this purpose.

At most, it will be only necessary to increase the number of Sanitary Forcmen. The Foremen, now in charge of the Street Sewers, should be transferred, for in the absense of Record Drawings, they possess the necessary knowledge of the Sewerage System. As the Director of Public Works is a member of the Sanitary Board, he would be able to give advice upon any engineering points, that might

arise.

75. I have fully set forth my views, as to the Ventilation of Sewers, in a report of 1890 and I have little to add to what I then wrote. The main point to be remembered is that it is impracticable to establish a constant current of air in a given direction through a sewer, by means of ventilating shafts. Sewage, unless it be stagnant, evolves an inappreciable amount of gas, though it is capable of tainting a vast quantity of air. Personally, therefore, I have never been able to recognise the advantage of sewer-ventilation, in the sense of drawing a current of air through sewers, and thus contaminating more air than necessary, with sewage emanations. It always appeared to me that the best place for contaminated air, was the sewer itself. My impression is that the idea of ventilation has, to a great extent survived from the days of large combined sewers and drains, not self-cleansing, into which men have to enter, for the purpose of cleaning them. What is wanted are Vents, not Ventilators, in order to prevent an accumulation of pressure, when there is

· a sudden rush of sewage. Much may be done, in this direction, by connecting across the summits of sewers, by means of pipes, laid so high as to be dry.

•

Ventilation

by house ventilators.

Let A.B. and C.D. be two branch-sewers, flowing to some main sewer, B.D. If the heads were connected across, by a dry pipe C.A; then, supposing that there were a sudden rush of sewage down, say, A.B., the air displaced would enter B.D., rise up again through D.C., and flow through the dry pipe C.A.; to replace the air dis- placed from A.B. If the heads of a large network of sewers, are connected in this manner, there can be no prejudical accumulation of pressure. It is not essential that the connecting-pipe should be dry. It may serve as a Sewer, for the houses along its length. Thus, A.C. might flow from A. to C., but it should open into a manhole at A., at a higher level than the outlet of the sewer A.B. An inspection of the sewerage plans, shews that there are many places in which the suggested arrange- ment could be carried out, at very small cost. I am of opinion that it would be desirable so to do.

76. My views as to the necessity or otherwise for the ventilation of Street-Sewers are not, I admit, universally shared by the profession; I am not now referring to House-Sewers, where very different conditions prevail. Ventilation, by gratings, in the manholecovers, situated in the middle of the street, is certainly objectionable ; though in accordance with very general practice. Ventilation, by means of un- trapped gulleys, is still more so.

465

Assuming that, in accordance with common opinion, street sewers have to be ventilated, the most efficient way of so doing has to be considered. In my opinion, the best way is to make every house-sewer and ventilating-pipe a sewer- vent or ventilator, by omitting the intercepting-trap of the house-sewers. Mr. CROOK, when I last met him, informed me that he had done so, in several cases. This system is common, indeed, almost universal, in America. Several local Autho- rities, in England, have adopted this plan, and a large number of experts are in favour of it. I have adopted it, in the case of Kingston, Jamaica, and Port Louis, Mauritius, and further, have decided to do so, in the case of Port of Spain, Trini- dad. In the two first-named places, the works have been in operation for some years, and I have heard no complaints concerning this manner of ventilation, or more properly, Venting.

of combined

77. In the case of Hongkong, an objection may be raised to this system of application combined House and Street Sewer ventilation, on account of the great differences of ventilation level, which exist, between contiguous dwellings. The mouth of a given ventilat- ing pipe will often be near to, and at the same level as, a neighbouring dwelling-

room.

ance.

I do not, however, consider that this is an objection, of great practical import- The number of ventilating-pipes would be so great, that the nuisance, from each, would be inappreciable. It is to be remembered that sewer-air will not be continually pouring out of all and sundry ventilators, like smoke from a chimney. The air will be going down some, up others, according to wind, temperature and various other conditions. The diffusion and dilution will be so great as to prevent any appreciable nuisance. At any rate, the nuisance will be less than that due to the untrapped gulleys or gratings in a street or lane; often narrow and surrounded by lofty houses. Again, every house-sewer of any length is, or ought to be, provided with a ventilating-pipe, which will, from time to time, emit stenches, and which, I maintain, will generally be quite as offensive as if the house-sewer were one in uninterrupted communication with the street-sewer, possibly more so, on account of inadequate flushing of the house-sewers.

The main point to be considered is whether there are sufficient house-venti- lators, to bring about the desired end. In the case of new Chinese houses, erected according to the laws now in force, or which, it is to be hoped, will shortly be in force, there will be practically no house-sewers. The sewage flows from the back- yards, into an open channel, in the back-lane, which discharges into a trapped-gulley, connected with the street-sewer direct. As there is no house-sewer, there is no ventilating-pipe. To carry out the idea, in such cases, it would be necessary to take power to erect ventilating pipes, against the houses, or elsewhere.

of house and

street sewer

to Hong-

kong.

ation, as to

78. The question of Sewer Ventilation is one of the utmost difficulty, and con- Recommend- cerning which no two authorities agree. Probably no one system is capable of ventilation. universal application. Therefore, I recommend tentative procedure. The City of Victoria is sub-divided into several districts, each having its special outfall. Let one district be taken in hand. Let the sewer-gulleys be trapped; using improved traps, as suggested by the Director of Public Works. Let the gratings of the manhole- covers be stopped up, and above all, let the heads of the sewers be connected-up, as described in paragraph 75, then see what happens.

If any inconvenience occurs, owing to traps being forced, or otherwise, then let arrangements be made for the provision of Vents. My opinion is that these should be numerous and small, and above all, as inconspicuous as possible. Cast- iron pipes, of from four to six inches in diameter, carried up the sides of houses, just above the roof-gable, will in most cases be best.

A conspicuous ventilating-shaft is always assumed to vomit forth stenches, whether it does so or not. I remember a case in Malta, where a ventilating-shaft,

466

Construction of house

sewers

vested in Sanitary Board.

Quality of pipes and materials.

The objec-

use of indifferent materials.

like a mill-chimney, was the subject of prolonged and heated correspondence, between the Admiral Superintendent, and the Sewerage Authority, the former reiterating complaints of the stenches which it emitted, and demanding that it should be raised. During the whole of this time, this ventilator was absolutely disconnected from the

sewer.

On account of the great differences in level, which obtain in Victoria, it may be well to divide the sundry districts into zones of equal level, by introducing properly-formed traps in the street-sewers. Each zone might be separately vented, thus preventing a great out-pouring at any one group of vents. do not recommend that this be done, until the necessity for so doing has been established by experience. Any attempt to produce a definite current, in some fixed direction up or down, is to be deprecated. It will not succeed, on account of the wind-eddies which prevail in Hongkong. It is moreover undesirable.

79. The construction, renewal, alteration and repair of House-sewers is now supervised by the Sanitary Board, who are provided with a Sanitary Surveyor, for this purpose. The construction is performed, only by certain contractors, licensed by the Board. No unauthorised person is allowed to do any work, in connection with house-sewers. The Architect designs the house-sewers and the plan is sub- mitted to the Sanitary Surveyor, for his approval. If the contractor for the con- struction of the house, is not one of the licensed contractors, he must arrange with one of them, to carry out this part of the work. The house-sewer contractor, finds the pipes and other appliances, obtaining them wherever he pleases. After com- pletion, but before the ground is filled in, the work is inspected and tested for water- tightness, by the Sanitary Surveyor.

•

80. The pipes and other materials are procured locally, and are, doubtless, the best that are at present available.

I am, however, of opinion that they are not of the pattern and quality that is now considered essential. I see pipes, apparently of Chinese make, that are not fit to be used, for any sanitary purpose, whatsoever. Speaking from memory, neither the Chinese pipes, nor those manufactured by the Aberdeen Company, are as good as they used to be.

81. The use of indifferent pipes and fittings is a serious evil. The Sanitary tions to the Surveyor, in order to get work done at all, has to pass house-sewers, constructed, not as he thinks they ought to be, but in the best way that he can get them done, under the circumstances, and with the available pipes. If crooked or deformed pipes are used, it is impossible to construct a true and accurate sewer. Then house- sewers are indeed tested, after construction, with water under pressure. If, on testing, one or more pipes prove to be leaky, then the only satisfactory plan is to take out the whole length and re-lay it. It is difficult, almost impossible to break out one pipe and replace it, with another so as to make a satisfactory job.

Pipes should

and tested

before use.

82. It is therefore desirable, in the interest of all concerned, including Owners be inspected and Architects, that all sewer-pipes should be tested and inspected, before they are used. The Contractor would then know that he is using materials with which he can make good work, and that will pass the final inspection and test provided that he lays and joints properly. Under this arrangement, much less will be left to the individual judgment of the Inspector. He will not be called upon to decide whether the work is good enough, in his opinion, or as good as can be made with the materials available, but whether it is in accordance with the general Specification, a document which should be accessible, both to Architects and to Contractors.

Tests to be applied to

sewer pipes.

•

83. Every Sewer-pipe should be tested with an Hydraulic Pressure, of one at- mosphere. Few pipes will actually burst under this pressure, this test is mainly of use for detecting cracks or porosity; of course, occasionally, a very bad pipe will burst. A test may indeed be effected by placing the pipes upright, with their spigots embedded

467

in a mass of clay-puddle. To test in this manner, will occupy twenty-four hours or more, whilst, given a proper testing-press and appliances, the hydraulic test is usually effected in one or two minutes.

In addition to the hydraulic test, pipes should be callipered and examined for straightness, and no pipe deviating, more than some specified amount from the standard dimensions, must be accepted. I shall be happy to furnish, when I return to England, a copy of the Standard Specification, which has been used for some time past, for sewer-pipes manufactured for works, carried out under my direction. The standard regulations concerning house-sewer construction, though not textually applicable to Hongkong, might also be of use.

84. It is perhaps now too late to introduce the system which has been adopted elsewhere, under which all pipes and appliances are imported by the Sewer- age Authority.

use.

I am of opinion, therefore, that all pipes should be inspected and tested before There would be difficulty in testing at the works of the manufacturer, as .many of them are at a great distance. Probably, the best plan would be to provide a depôt, at which testing could be effected. This might be worked, on the lines of a Bonded Ware-house, contractors stacking pipes there, and taking them away after testing as they required them. It would not be necessary that each individual contractor should take away the identical pipe that he brought in. He might merely obtain a receipt for so many approved pipes, and be entiled to draw against the

same.

as to the ments for

arrange-

inspection and testing.

of standard

and appliances.

85. To establish a Standard of Quality, it will be well to import a small con- Importation signment of pipes, bends, junctions, traps and hoppers, made to the specification, pipes, traps and of the standard pattern, which has been adopted elsewhere. I have adopted a five-inch pipe, as the universal size for house-sewers. I am of opinion that a four- inch pipe is too small, and a six-inch too large. A five-inch house-sewer suffices for almost every class of tenement. Formerly there was difficulty in obtaining five- inch pipes. Now this is not so. Thousands have been supplied to works abroad; and numerous Local Authorities now specify five-inch house-sewers.

I have largely employed this size for street-sewers.

86. I find that even Licenced Contractors do not pay sufficient attention to house- Fee for

inspection. sewer construction. The Sanitary Surveyor is often called upon to inspect house- sewers, that are obviously imperfect, and which should never have been reported as ready for inspection, frequently he has to pay two, three, or more visits, before he can finally pass the work. These repeated inspections, not merely waste the time of the Government Officers, but cause inconvenience to the owner, as they delay construction, and postpone the occupation of the tenement. If the pipes and material, were inspected and tested, before use, there is no reason why a house- sewer should not be passed, at the first inspection. Failure so to do, must be due to want of care, on the part of the contractor, for which he should suffer. I therefore recommend that a fee of $10 be paid by the contractor, to the Government, for every inspection, after the first.

houses to be

87. House-sewers, running under houses should be made of cast-iron pipes, Drains under properly coated with Dr. ANGUS SMITH'S composition. The present practice in of Cast-iron. such cases, is to bed the ordinary sewer-pipes in limé and red earth concrete. This is not good enough. If cement were used, the cost of bedding in concrete, would be nearly if not quite equal to the extra cost of the iron pipe. Again, bedding in concrete necessitates or ought to necessitate two inspections, one before the concrete is put in, and a second after so doing to see if the pipes have been dislocated by ramming in the concrete.

1468

Cast iron

ting pipes.

88. I am glad to see that the use of cast iron is becoming more general than it down pipes used to be, for rain-water pipes, ventilating-pipes and the like. It would be good

to make the use of cast-iron compulsory for all such purposes.

Cast-iron pipes offer such facilities for construction and fixing, that they will probably cost little more than stoneware pipes properly jointed and fixed.

Ventilation

of house-

sewer.

Details of house-sewer construction.

Objections

to covered drains.

The existing drains of Victoria.

89. In the case of House Sewers, efficient "Venting" is more necessary, than in the case of Street Sewers. Indeed I am prepared to admit, that even Ventilation, in the sense of the establishment of a current of air, or the permission of a current of air to flow through the system, is in the case of House Sewers, desirable. But the arrangements which will secure effective Venting will effect Ventilation also, if properly constructed. A house-sewer, especially that of a lofty building, must, in order to be efficiently vented, be open at both ends. If it were not, then a sudden rush of sewage, such as the flush of a water-closet would either force or un-seal traps.

The present arrangement of House-sewer ventilation is one that is common elsewhere; though not now universal. The ventilating pipe terminates in an open outlet above the roof. At or near ground-level there is an opening, on the house side of the disconnecting-trap, called a ventilating inlet. This, here as elsewhere, quite as often serves as an outlet, and causes a nuisance. To get over this difficulty, it is common in England to use a flap-valve of talc, opening inwards, so as to close when there is a down-draft.. Now in the first place this tale valve generally gets out of order; and either never opens or never shuts. It seems, however, to have escaped the notice of those who devised this arrangement that when the Talc valve is closed, on account of a down draft, the house-sewer is unventilated or un-vented, for it is open only at one end.

By abolishing the Intercepting Trap, this difficulty is obviated, another great advantage of the system of common ventilation of House and Street-sewers. If there be an intercepting trap, then the only way of properly ventilating a House- sewer efficiently, is to place the so-called inlet in some unobjectionable place, either by carrying up a pipe or otherwise.

90. The construction of house-sewers might be improved in many matters of detail, greater ease of access, for the purpose of removal of obstructions, might be given. All these arrangements are, however, fully described and figured in the Instructions for the construction of House-Sewers, a copy of which I propose to provide. I will, therefore, not pursue this subject further at present.

•

DRAINS, STORM-WATER CHANNELS AND NULLAHS.

•

91. No Drain, Surface-water Channel, or Nullah should be covered or closed in, if this can possibly be avoided. A Drain must necessarily receive some filth or garbage, which is practically sewage, or rats and other animals will die in it. The dry-weather flow through it, will be negligible, certainly insufficient to flush it efficiently; on account of the large size, necessary for conveying storm-water. I have invariably observed that covered storm-water Drains are productive of greater nuisances than decently-constructed Sewers. Storm-water Drains should, whenever practicable, be open, so that they may be scavenged, like a street. If they must be covered, then they should be large enough for men to. go through them, with ease. Unfortunately, it is not possible to re-open all the storm-water drains in Victoria. * At Kowloon, and on the New Territory generally,

covered drains should be avoided.

92. The want of complete Records, again prevents me from making any definite recommendation as to the course to be adopted with regard to the Drains in Victoria and the Hill-District. There can be no doubt that the Drains now receive more filth and sewage than they ought to do. This appears to be due, partly to

Some, in the Hill-District might be opened.

469

defective scavenging, whereby much dirt and even excreta are thrown into the drains through the gulleys; and partly to overflows or leakages from the Street Sewers. The first evil may be cured by improved scavenging, a question which will be dealt with in a subsequent section, and the second, by more efficient inspection of Sewers. I can cite a case, in support of the latter statement, which came to my personal knowledge. On visiting one of the open storm-water Drains, which had been constructed, from my designs, in 1890, I found that a stream of unmistakable sewage was flowing down its floor. This had been evidently going on for a considerable time, unknown to the officer in charge of the sewers. On examination, it was found that a manhole of a sewer above was blocked with dry-refuse, and that the sewage was overflowing into the nullah or drain. The trap, leading to the sewer-pipe, under the floor of the drain, was also plugged up with refuse. This incident supports the recommendations which I have made, to the effect that the maintenance of Sewers and Drains should be handed over to the Sanitary Board. An Engineer and one Inspector cannot possibly inspect a spread-out town, like this City, in an efficient manner. The Board, on the other hand, have numerous Inspectors, who are continually circulating, through the town, and who therefore could not fail to detect and report such an obvious nuisance, were it their duty to do so. At present it is not their duty, and, naturally, they confine themselves to their business.

system of

drainage to

be revised.

93. I understand that the amendment of the Drainage System has never been The whole considered, in a comprehensive manner. Probably this is due to the insufficiency of staff. Deviations and re-constructions have taken place, from time to time, and some improvement has doubtless taken place. From such plans as exist, it would appear that numerous Drains exist that are obsolete and useless; or at least could be made so, by some re-arrangement of the side-channels of the street. They were originally put in to serve as sewers, a purpose for which they are no longer required, on account of the construction of Sewers. It appears that, up to 1894, and even later, little was done to re-construct House Sewers. It was obviously impos- sible to connect an old House Sewer, one foot or more square, to a pipe. Therefore, some of the old Drain Sewers were allowed to remain, and still exist, notwithstanding the fact that they are no longer needed. I am, therefore, of opinion that the whole Drainage System should now be examined and surveyed and levels taken. This done, a comprehensive scheme of reform should be drawn up.

94. I can, with the information available, only describe the general principles Principles which should guide the design of drains or storm-water channels.

The most important point is to keep storm or surface-water on the surface. that is in the side-channels, to the utmost extent possible. So long as side chan- nels can carry the waters of a heavy storm, no covered drain should be permitted. It would be better to risk occasional inundation, than to have the permanent nuisance of a covered drain. At any rate, the covered Drains should be reduced to a minimum length. Some covered storm-water drains must always exist, notably those which traverse the City, from South to North, bringing down rain-water, from the hills above; the covered Nullahs, in short. These are fairly numerous, so that there should be no difficulty in bringing surface-water into them, by short lengths of covered drain. Some of the South-and North-running Drains might, in places be un- covered, even now. In cases where insanitary areas are resumed by the Crown open channels should, wherever practicable, be substituted for covered.

A proper arrangement of street will permit this to be done.

These covered Nullah drains, those running down through the town have, for the greater part of their length, ample gradients and keep clear of deposit, even with the normal dry-weather flow through them. From about Queen's Road to the Praya, they have necessarily flat gradients, and their inverts, though higher than they were, are considerably below high water mark. Consequently, the dry-weather flow is

on which drains should be designed.

470

Recommend- ation that the main-

tenance and

scavenging

of drains he

entrusted to

the Sanitary

Board.

یسے

wholly insufficient to flush them, in the tide-locked parts, and stagnation takes place. In addition to the filth, brought down by the drain from above, some is doubtless washed in by the tide. I venture to believe that the nuisances complained of, with regard to the Drains, are due to stagnation in their flat parts; and I am convinced that many nuisances, attributed to the Sewers, are really due to the Drains. From time to time, up-currents occur and stenches issue from the open mouths of these drains, or from the untrapped storm-water gulleys, leading to them. To prevent up-cur- rents of air, tide-flaps were forined, tried and failed. I believe that they were wrecked during typhoons.

To flush the lower, flatter and tide-locked parts of the drains, a perfect tor- rent of water would be required; far more than could ever be afforded by any water-works. It may even be impracticable to supply a sufficiency of salt-water for this purpose. It would be somewhat dangerous to trap the mouths of the drains, with cast-iron plates dipping below low-water level. An obstruction might be caused, which might bring about the bursting of the drain, during a rain-storm. This actually happened in 1889.

I am free to admit that both the flushing of the lower part of the existing Drains and their ventilation throughout, are problems of the greatest difficulty.

'It seems, therefore, that the best programme, for present adoption, may be summed up as follows :-

(a) Abolish all unnecessary Drains, and reduce the lengths of any that

cannot be dispensed with, to a minimum.

(b) Whenever practicable, open any Drains that are at present covered. (c) By careful scavenging and management of the Sewers, minimise the

amount of filth that finds its way to the storm-water Drains.

(d) Flush the branch Drains with the water of the streams above. When a complete plan of the Drains is before me. I shall be glad to further consider this difficult subject.*

95. I recommend that the maintenance of all sewers, drains, storm-water chan-- nels and nullahs, covered or open, be handed over to that Department of the Sanitary Board, which is charged with street scavenging and cleansing, namely, to the Depart- ment of the Medical Officer of Health. By "maintenance" I mean scavenging, cleansing, flushing, removal of obstructions and all operations, which do not involve breaking up the surface. New works should be carried out, as heretofore by the Public Works Department, and then handed over to the Sanitary Board. There would then be no division of authority. If a Sewer or Drain were obstructed, then at least, the responsible person would be known. The Medical Officer of Health now commands the services of a numerous and well organised scavengers' staff. The Public Works Department has one Engineer, two European and three Chinese foremen, to supervise the City of Victoria, the Peak, Aberdeen, Shauki- wan, and the whole of the Kowloon Peninsula, an absurdly inadequate staff.

The Medical Officer of Health-I speak after conference with him—would hardly require any addition to his staff, other than the transference of the Overseers and Foremen, now in charge of the Sewers and Drains.

To carry this arrangement into effect, he must be provided with correct record- drawings of the existing Sewers and Drains. He should, moreover, have the services of a Chinese or Eurasian draftsman to keep the plans up to date.

The existence of such plans is absolutely essential to the proper administration of the Sewerage and Drainage works, whatever be the nature and constitution of the Authority to whom they are entrusted.

* This plan is now being prepared.

471

SCAVENGING AND REMOVAL OF EXCRETA.

of scaveng-

ment.

96. The Scavenging of the City is carried on, under the direct supervision of Organization the Medical Officer of Health, and is now performed in a far more complete and ing depart- efficient manner, than in times past. Formerly there were Depôts for dry-refuse, scattered about the town, in rather insufficient numbers. Householders were supposed to cause their dry-refuse to be conveyed to these depôts, which were, from time to time, emptied by a Contractor who removed the rubbish in boats. As the distances to the Depôts were, in many cases, great, the inhabitants, not unnaturally, did not do so completely, but either stored it in back-yards, stuffed it down the sewers, or got rid of it, in some irregular manner. As the dry-refuse is worthless, the Contractor had no interest in seeing that the rubbish was fully collected and removed. The less refuse collected, the better was it for him.

The City is now devided into ten Districts. Every two Districts are pre- sided over by a Senior Sanitary Inspector Under him, again, in each several District, there is a European Sanitary Inspector, as well as a Portuguese` or Indian Foreman. The Contractor merely furnishes baskets, brooms, and gangs of labour- ers, with Chinese Foremen, who work under the direction of the aforesaid Inspectors, who, again, are under the supervision of the Medical Officer of Health

The Contractor also provides junks, of approved pattern, with which he removes the rubbish and throws it into the sea, at specified places. The Con- tractor is responsible that no refuse is thrown into the harbour, and if this takes place, he has to pay the cost of dredging out any accumulation, near to the stations of the receiving-junks. The whole system appears to work well. The only defect seems to be that, despite the stringent provisions of the contract to the contrary, too much dry-refuse finds its way into the Drains and Sewers. I suspect that this is due to want of care in completely removing the dry refuse, before wash- ing down the side-channels in the streets. This evil is undoubtedly aggravated by the improper construction of the gulleys. The gulleys are now cleansed by the scavengers. I believe that, when the scavenging of the Sewers and Drains is under the Scavenging Authority, more care will be taken, by all concerned to prevent matter from entering which will have to be removed by the same Authority, or rather by the Contractor under him.

97. Removal of excreta is now performed by an independent Contractor; who Removal of pays the sum of $73,000 annually, with respect to the manurial value of the excreta. excreta. It is to his interest, therefore, to remove as much as he can, provided that it is worth carrying. As heretofore, no doubt some excreta, too dilute to be worth carrying, such as the washings of the pots, finds its way to the sewers.

As long as it goes to the Sewers, and not to the Drains no harm will result. It will only necessitate a little additional care in the cleansing and washing-out of gulleys.

HOUSE CONSTRUCTION AND OVERCROWDING.

of present

conditions of

98. I have no hesitation in stating, that as regards overcrowding, the present con- Comparison ditions of Victoria are, generally, rather worse than better, than they were in 1882. state with As regards cubic capacity, per individual, they are about the same; but, as regards 1882. ground-area, the conditions are worse, owing to the great number of lofty houses that have been built, during the past twenty years; or less. Many of the old rookeries, the centre of the town exist, in a state little different to that which I described in 1882. Even the new buildings on the Praya Reclamation are, as regards construction, scarcely less insanitary than the old. I do not propose here to go into details, with regard to house-construction and overcrowding.

This matter has received the attention of Professor SIMPSON, and he will no doubt deal with it in his final report; and I know that my views and his, are in complete agreement.

472

As to re- sumption of insanitary

areas.

Resumption of Taiping- shan.

In this matter, the recommendations, made from tinie to time, during the past twenty years by the Professional Advisers of Government have been practically set aside. The reason for this is simple. If the number of people, which can be packed on a given plot of ground is reduced by limiting height, and by reserving open spaces, obviously the value of that plot, is reduced also. Now land is costly in Hongkong, either it has to be excavated in the hill-side, or reclaimed from the sea. Naturally, the land-owner desires to get the best rental for his land, by crowding as many tenants upon it as possible. Consequently, during the past twenty years, numerous Building Ordinances, drawn up by the Professional Advisers of the Government, have been brought before the Legislative Council, but in each case, many salutary provisions have been withdrawn or emasculated at the request of the Unofficial Members of Council, representing the landed interest. The Government has hesitated to use its official majority. Since the outbreak of plague, the mercantile section of the community have realised that their interests are not quite independent of the health of the Chinese population. Hence the Commerce is disturbed by quarantine in other ports and otherwise. Petition, which was sent to the Secretary of State for the Colonies.

The Commercial and Land-owning interests are opposed. The former desire freedom from epidemic or pandemic disease. The latter, the majority of whom are Chinese, and not British subjects, desire to get the greatest possible rents, which connotes overcrowding and insanitary dwellings. The two objects are absolutely incompatible, one or other must go to the wall. Which is to yield, the European who founded the Colony, or the Chinese who comes to it for his own purposes?

99. One thing is certain, and that is so long as dwellings are overcrowded and insanitary, no amount of external sanitation will give immunity from epidemics of disease. The water-supply, sewerage, drainage, scavenging-all may be perfect, but there will be no complete security, so long as dwellings are over-crowded and filthy. Vigorous measures, such as those now enforced by the Sanitary Board, will no doubt mend matters and tend to prevent an epidemic, but they cannot be depended upon to prevent one certainly and entirely.

The Government in short have to face the problem, which is still awaiting complete solution elsewhere; namely the housing of the working classes. London and other towns, it is found almost impossible, on account of the high price of land, to buy up insanitary properties and replace them with proper dwellings at a remunerative price. That is to say, it is not, as a rule, practicable to buy up insanitary areas, and rebuild the dwellings, so that they can be let at a rent that the displaced population can pay; and at the same time pay interest and sinking-fund, on the capital expended, in purchase and reconstruction. So much rack- is this the case, that many hold the opinion that full value, computed upon rental, and with consideration for compulsory sale, should not be paid, in the case of insanitary building. I am further of opinion that nothing short of the general resumption of insanitary tenements, and their entire re-construction, will bring about any thorough improvement in the sanitary condition of Hongkong. Unless some drastic legislation be adopted, limiting the purchasing price, resumption and reconstruction will prove unremunerative and the loss will have to be paid for by some one. Is the loss to be borne by the community at large, or by the owners of the insanitary property, or how is it to be proportioned? The Housing of the Working Classes Act, 1890, lays down precise instructions, as to the valuation of insanitary property, and enjoins that deductions be made with respect to its improper use or condition. It further enjoins that the usual allowance of 10 per cent. for compul- sory purchase, shall not be added.

.100. The resumption of Taipingshan affords an example of the non-remunera- tive character of insanitary districts, under existing conditions, as to the purchase of There are on it only a property. The greater part of Taipingshan is still vacant.

•

472 a

few dwellings, by no means too sanitary in character. The non-occupation of this district is, I understand, due to the fact that the Government cannot find tenants who are prepared to pay the price per square foot that the Government paid for this district. It is said that the tenants are not forthcoming because of the very moderate, I may say insufficient, restrictions as to height and open space that the existing law requires.

tion of Tai-

101. It seems to be undesirable that so valuable a site as Taipingshan, should Re-occupa- remain so long unoccupied. It is of course out of the question to allow buildings pingshan. of the old and insanitary type to be erected thereon. Rather than allow it to be unoccupied, it would be better to build sanitary buildings and let them for what they would fetch. It has however been suggested to me that Taipingshan affords an excellent site for much-needed public buildings. It would, I am informed, be the best possible place for the Proposed Medical School, owing to its propinquity to the Civil Hospital, the Alice Hospital and the Tung-Wa Hospital.

Again, it would be an excellent spot for some dwellings of the subordinate staff of Government officials. These persons now have the greatest difficulty in obtaining quarters, at rents that they can afford to pay, that are consistent with decency, self-respect and health. Having had some experience in selecting subordi- nate officers for Hongkong and elsewhere, I am prepared to say that I feel certain that competent well-conducted men cannot be obtained far less retained for the salaries now offered, as long as house-rent and living is as costly as it is. If good quarters were provided, similar to Married Sergeants' quarters, it would greatly facilitate matters. One of the first questions asked by candidates is whether quarters are provided, and what is the cost of living. If I could assure them that free quarters are provided, and describe their character, I could often secure the services of competent men who now refuse to accept employment.

of staff.

102. Most of the defects which I have described are due to the insufficiency of Insufficiency the Public Works staff and to repeated changes which take place there. Much diffi- culty has been experienced in the preparation of this report, by the absence of proper record-drawings and surveys. I am sure that none of the Engineers, who have held the post of Director of Public Works, failed to appreciate the necessity for proper surveys and records, and the fact that they are wanting is, to my mind, proof positive that the Department has for years past been undermanned. I have, however, expressed my opinion fully on this matter in another place. I shall hope to make some further suggestions on this point in a special report.

103. The following is a brief resumé of the conclusions which I have arrived Summary. at, with regard to sewerage, drainage, scavenging and house-construction :—

(a) The Sewerage System has been carried out, in general accordance with

the principles laid down by myself in 1890.

(b) On the whole the system is working well, though there are some

defects, not however difficult to remedy.

This is not sewage,

(r) Deposit accumulates in the low-level sewers.

but road detritùs and other solid substances, which ought not to

enter the sewerage system.

(d) The entrance of improper solids into the sewers is principally due to two causes-want of care in scavenging, and improper construction of the sewer-gulleys.

(e) Sewer-gulleys ought to be trapped, and provided with close-barred

gratings.

(ƒ) Flushing is sufficient in the upper and steeper parts of the Sewerage

system.

(4) More use should be made of the water of Nullahs for flushing purposes,

but this should be reserved mainly for the Drains.

472 b

i) It is probable that salt-water flushing is desirable for the low-level sewers. This is, however, a question, upon which I must reserve my opinion, pending further investigation.

(i) The materials and appliances now used for house-sewers are of in- different quality. Pipes should be inspected and tested at a depôt, before use. A supply of standard goods should be imported.

(j) The whole Drainage system requires careful reform. All unnecessary

covered Drains should be abolished.

(k) To avoid division of authority, bringing about to some extent the evils described under (c), it is desirable that the maintenance, that is, cleansing and flushing of the Sewerage System and Drainage System be transferred from the Public Works Department, which has a miserably insufficient staff, to that department of the Sanitary Board, which has the supervision of the scavenging (the Medical Officer of Health.) Under the expression Drain I mean and include all storm- water channels and nullahs whether covered or open, within the urban area.

(1) The transfer of the maintenance of sewers and drains from the Public Works Department to the Sanitary Board will not necessitate any material augmentation of the staff.

(m) New work and structural alterations in connection with sewers and drains, should be carried out by the Public Works Department, as heretofore.

(n) Scavenging is efficiently performed, saving as regards the matter

referred to under (7.).

(0) As regards surface crowding and insanitary dwellings, the state of the

town is rather worse than it was twenty years ago.

(p) No amount of external sanitation will absolutely avoid the recur- rence of epidemics, so long as a large proportion of the dwellings are insanitary and over-crowded.

(9) To improve insanitary dwellings extensive resumption and re-con-

struction will be necessary.

(") Resumption and re-construction cannot be remunerative, so long as

full market prices are paid for insanitary property.

(s) If on new areas, only sanitary buildings are to be erected, the value of

the land will be decreased.

(t) The Public Works staff is much undermanned in every branch, both

technical and clerical.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your obedient Servant.

The Hon. The COLONIAL SECRETARY.

OSBERT CHADWICK.

789

No. 1902

HONGKONG.

SANITATION.

Laid before the Legislative Council by Command of His Excellency

the Officer Administering the Government.

STATEMENT SHOWING ACTION TAKEN TO GIVE EFFECT TO THE RECOMMENDATIONS IN

MR. O. CHADWICK'S REPORT OF 10TH APRIL, 1902.

Pura. of Report.

Water Supply.

Will be adopted.

25. Arrangement of water statistics by the

water-year," 1st May to 30th April.

26. Water Authority to report to Government

soon after 1st October in each year as to stock in hand on 1st of October and max- imum stock in the reservoirs during the wet season and at its conclusion; and the measures of restriction which should be taken during the coming dry season.

Another report should be furnished soon after 1st May shewing the quantity of water collected and the total supply given during the elapsed water-year with balance carried forward.

30. Taitam District.-Additional gathering ground with appropriate storage required below existing reservoir.

31. Survey of Taitam-tuk Valley and its rami- fications, from about high-water mark up to about 250 ft. O.D. to ascertain what storage accommodation can be obtained by the construction of one or more reser- voirs.

Gauges required to measure flow of main Taitam stream.

32. Immediate relief can be gained by pump- ing from the low-level into the Taitam Tunnel.

34. Taitam Works to have precedence over

those at Pokfulum.

35. If low-level reservoir constructed at Pok- fulam its contents should be pumped into existing conduit..

37. Intermittent System of Supply. If resorted to, hours of supply should be limited to 3 hours in 24 in order to bring about a reduction of one-half of the consumption. If reservoirs not full in September res- triction advised till sufficient stock ac- cumulated to carry on unrestricted supply till end of water-year.

100-28.8.02.

Will be done.

Recommendation adopted.

Work in progress up to 200 ft. O.D.

Work in progress.

Steps being taken to carry out.

This is recognised.

Noted for guidance.

790

40. Intermittent System.—Subsidiary (“Ri- der") mains to be laid alongside walks and parallel to principal mains to lessen evils resulting from the intermittent system, and enable houses to be supplied in blocks.

41. Streets to be asphalted or otherwise im-

proved.

It having been decided to disconnect the house- services in tenement houses, this system will hardly be required.

Enquiries being made regarding the success of this in Malta.

PREVENTION OF WASTE.

45. Universal Meterage recommended; 49. and an adequate charge for water consum-

ed beyond a prescribed quantity.

50. Charge of 50 cents instead of 25 cents per 1,000 gallons and an ascending scale advised.

54. New Territory gathering grounds 55.(p.) and reservoir sites to be reserved when settling the land, so that when required for Hongkong, the New Territory or Kow- loon they may not be found to be in occupation.

55.(h.) Preparation of a comprehensive scheme for the ultimate and full development of the sources of supply in Hongkong,

55.(j.) Amendment of the law.

55.(m.) Proposal to shut off all house services

where meters not provided.

It has been decided to disconnect the house services with tenement houses and to apply the meterage system to all other houses.

Power has been taken to charge up to $1 per 1,000 gallons for excess consumption.

This has been noted.

See Ordinance No. 29 of 1902.

Provision made in Water Ordinance for neces- sary powers.

Pillars and taps being obtained and their fixing in position will begin at once.

Sewerage.

63. Record drawings.

Great inconvenience

Noted.

caused by the want of.

Noted.

65. Trees in towns are a nuisance and should be removed or cast-iron sewer pipes will have to be laid.

65. Occurrence of deposit in low-level sewers. Reconstruction of sewers on the Reclama- tion, necessary when reclamation works completed, site fully occupied by build- ings, and soil consolidated.

66. Deposit in low-level sewers composed of

solid foreign matter.

68. Flushing low-level sewers with great vigour by use of sea-water from tanks filled by pumping.

69. Flushing by means of water of nullahs and streams. More use might be made of it preferably for the Drains.

Flushing by sea-water of high-level street sewers unnecessary and of house sewers impracticable.

70. Salt-water flushing of gutters, storm-water drains and low-level sewers, in some cases at least desirable.

Noted.

Proposed to adopt improved gulleys to remedy

this.

Awaiting consideration of another report by Mr. CHADWICK.

No great difficulty, but sites for tanks will have to be found. No staff at present available, but may be taken up in about 18 months' time.

See paragraph 68.

}

71. Traps for gulleys connected with the street A suitable type of trap- ped gulley to be evolved.

sewers wanted.

72. More trapped sewer-gulleys required near the foot of downpipes where side channels are nearly level.

74.) Scavenging of street sewers, drains and nul- 92.Jlahs to be under direction of Medical Officer

of Health.

Extensions, alterations and new works to be executed as now by Public Works Department.

75.. Sewer-vents, not ventilation desirable in

many places.

Ventilation of Sewers.-Ventilation by grating in man-hole-covers or by untrap- ped gulleys, objectionable.

77. Application of combined ventilation of

house and street sewer to Hongkong.

78. Sewer-ventilation.-Tentative procedure re- commended. Suggests nature of experi- ment that might be tried in one district.

Advisable

82. Sewer Pipes for house sewers.

to inspect and test them before use.

83. Tests required explained.

84. Tests to be made at a depôt.

85. Standard of quality to be established.

86. Fee for inspection of house-sewers.-Re- commends $10 for every inspection ne- cessary beyond the first.

87. Cast iron house-sewers recommended.-

They should be coated with Dr. ANGUS SMITH'S composition.

88. Cast iron down-pipes and ventilating pipes

to be made compulsory.

89. Ventilation of house-sewers.

90. House-sewer construction.-Improvement

required.

791

Type devised by the Director of Public Works is suitable. 1,400 required. Proposed to insert $42.000 on 1903 Estimates.

Adoption of new gulleys will probably render this unnecessary.

Being arranged.

New gulleys will all be trapped.

Will be adopted wherever practicable.

Noted for guidance.

When Standard Specification received from Mr. CHADWICK it is proposed to refer it to the Green Island Company asking if they are pre- pared to guarantee to turn out goods in accordance with it. A small consignment of Standard goods will be imported.

Provision made under the new Buildings and Health Bill.

Adopted in new Buildings and Public Health Bill.

Drainage Bye-law No. 25 requires ventilating pipes to be of iron; proviso to Bye-law 28 re- quires down-pipes abutting on streets to be of iron but allows down-pipes in private yards to be of glazed stone-ware. This is considered to meet the requirements of the case.

Dealt with in No. 77.

Awaiting the "Instructions for construction of House-sewers" referred to therein.

Drains, Storm-water Channels and Nullahs.

91. Covered-drains, surface water channels or nullahs objectionable, but if covered should easy of access for a inan. They should be avoided at Kowloon and in the New Territory.

93. Drainage System to be completely revised.

Noted for future guidance.

It may be possible to take this up in about 18 months' time.

792

94. Designing of drains.-Guiding principles

laid down-

(a.) Abolish all unnecessary drains and reduce lengths of any that cannot be dispensed with to a minimum. (b.) Covered drains to be opened where

practicable.

(c.) Careful scavenging and manage- ment of sewers required to keep filth out of drains.

(d.) Flush branch drains with water of

streams above.

95. Maintenance and Scavenging to be entrust-

ed to Medical Officer of Health.

New Works to be carried out as now by Public Works Department.

Record drawings to be first supplied to Medical Officer of Health and a Draughts- man appointed to keep plans up to date.

Involves a good deal of preliminary work. Im- possible to estimate cost.

Being arranged.

Scavenging and Removal of Excreta.

96. Dry refuse in sewers and drains. Too

much finds its way into them.

Already referred to.

House Construction and Overcrowding.

99. Insanitary Properties.--General resump- tion and reconstruction will have to be faced.

Noted.

101. Taipingshan.-Suggests advantage of locat- ing Medical School and dwellings for subordinate officials here.

102. Public Works Staff.-Refers to its inade-

quacy for work to be performed.

Suggestion noted.

Recommendations made for increasing the staff.

STATEMENT SHOWING ACTION TAKEN TO GIVE EFFECT TO MR. CHADWICK'S REPORT OF 18TH APRIL, 1902, ON THE WATER SUPPLY.

Taitam.

1. Taitam gathering-ground to be immediately

developed.

2. Pumping necessary.

3. Position of Pumping Station indicated.

5.)

Plant recommended.

6. Reservoirs.Whatever others may be found necessary, one as near sea-level as possible should be first constructed.

7. Rising-main.-Diameter and length required. 8. Staff for Pumping Works.

9. Gathering-ground East of Taitam-tuk Vil- lage. Small subsidiary reservoir suggest- ed.

9. Catchwater channels.-Surrounding Taitam

Bay suggested.

10. Further pumping engines to be decided on according to the additional supply obtained.

This is guiding the action of the Government.

Being arranged.

Surveys in progress.

Requisition already forwarded.

Must wait result of surveys and borings now

in progress.

Survey in progress.

Will be considered when time arrives for do-

ing so.

Survey in progress.

Noted for future guidance.

No action necessary at present.

}

793

12. Preliminary expenditure.-Recommends

$20,000 be provided for surveys, gauging streams, etc.

13. Programme of operations.

(a.) Accurate survey of the whole

Taitam gathering-ground. (b.) Demarcation and reservation of gathering-grounds to be attended to. Leading survey points to be permanently recorded.

(c.) Erection of two gaugeweirs on main Taitam-tuk Stream, provided with a self-recording instrument. (d.) First pumping engine. Steps to

be at once taken to obtain it. (e.) Preliminary design and estimate to be submitted later as the survey progresses.

(f.) Pipes of nature indicated to be ordered with the first pumping engine.

14. Pumping-plant to be erected and pipes laid.

14. Temporary expedients.

Small dam and conduit.

15. Water question pressing and should take precedence of all other sanitary improve-

ments.

16. Saiwan and other gathering-grounds to be

surveyed and reserved.

17. Population of Island must be kept within

bounds by restricting issue of leases.

17. Industrial Establishments should in future only be permitted on mainland, and minor establishments which do not possess inde- pendent water supplies should be pressed to remove there.

17. Waste of water must be prevented and con- sumption reduced, by universal meterage coupled with an appropriate water charge. 17. Water Ordinance to be amended.

19. Measuring apparatus at Reservoirs and

Filter-beds.

Improvements necessary, Venturi meter recommended.

Vote taken for $20,000.

Proposed to provide $150,000 on 1903 Esti- mates for carrying out Taitam proposals.

Noted for guidance.

In hand.

Necessary particulars to enable tenders to be called for already sent to England.

Requisition will be prepared when scheme is further advanced.

Will follow in due course.

Arrangements will be made.

Action being taken accordingly.

Noted for guidance.

Impolitic.

Noted,

Amending Ordinance now passed.-No. 29 of

1902.

Will not be lost sight of.

Peak Water

Supply.

20.1

22. 24.!

Reserve pumping-plant required at Bonham

Road.

21. No. 2 Tank to be promptly reconstructed.

26. Bonham Road.-New steam engine and

boiler recommended.

27. Rising-main from Bonham Road to Peak. New and longer one recommended.` Old one to be removed, and cleaned and re- coated for use elsewhere.

Proposed to insert $70,000 on 1903 Estimates for these works.

See para. 26.

Will be undertaken as early as possible. Plans in course of preparation.

Requisition being prepared.

No. 343.

HONGKONG.

No. 1902

SCHOOL FOR EUROPEAN CHILDREN, AND ENGLISH SCHOOL FOR CHINESE OF THE UPPER CLASSES.

Laid before the Legislative Council by Command of IIis Excellency the Officer Administering the Government.

SIR,

Governor to Secretary of State.

GOVERNMENT HOUSE, HONGKONG, 3rd September, 1901.

I have the honour to forward a copy of a petition received by me and signed by over one hundred of the principal British inhabitants of the Colony.

3. Putting aside the deteriorating moral effects of the mixture of the two races in school—a deterioration I venture to say not confined to European boys- it is evident that European scholars who are obliged to regulate their progress by that of their Chinese classmates, who are painfully endeavouring to assimilate West- ern education taught to them in a foreign language, are placed at a serious disad- vantage. Under such a system I can understand the failure of the scheme of Government Scholarships adopted during the administration of Sir GEORGE BOWEN, and abandoned in 1893.

6. In the same way Chinese-at least colloquial Chinese-could be taught as a subject to English boys, for whom it would be necessary if the sphere of their future labours were to be in the Far East.

The Right Honourable

J. CHAMBERLAIN, M.P.,

His Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for the Colonies,

&c.,

&C.,

&c.

Already published in the Government Gazette.

(2)

8. I enclose a copy of the observations of the Inspector of Schools upon the petition. Mr. IRVING roughly calculates the cost of a school such as that pray- ed for at $4,000 a year over and above the fees. This amount is not large. It might be reduced by increasing the fees, but having regard to the exceptional cost of living for Europeans of the class for whom the school is desired, I question if higher fees could be paid without serious inconvenience.

consideration.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your most obedient, humble Servant,

Enclosure No. 1.

To His Excellency

Sir HENRY BLAKE, G.C.M.G.,

Governor, etc., etc.

HENRY A. BLAKE,

Governor.

SIR,

1. The need of suitable Education for European children in the Colony is now very great. The European population is steadily increasing. The number of European children in the Colony between the ages of 5 to 16 (inclusive), as shown by the recent Census, is 175 males and 202 females. Of these a very large proportion are the children of parents of small means, including many em- ployés of the Government, who cannot afford either a private education, or to send their children to Europe for schooling. To these a school in the Colony where a suitable education can be obtained is an absolute necessity.

(3)

Government in which "a European education" is said to be "given in a Euro- pean language." We venture, however, to think that the following considerations will show that our statement is not inaccurate :-

(a.) The schools in the Colony assisted by Government are 96 in number. Of these, 70 schools are in Class I, "in which a Chinese education is given"; 3 schools are in Class II, in which "a European education is given in the Chinese language." The schools in these two classes are obviously not available for European children. The schools in Class III, "in which a European education is given in any European language," are 23 in number. But in the great majority of these schools the masters are Chinese only; and these Chinese masters are not only incompetent to give a European education to European children, but also habitually use their own language as the medium of instruction in explaining the English books, which they teach, to their pupils. Such schools are. therefore, also not available for Europeans. There are only two Grant-in-aid Schools in Class III which have English teachers, and are open to Europeans. In addition to the schools in these three Classes, there are the Queen's College and the Belilios Public School maintained by the Government, in which there are English teachers; and also eleven schools maintained by the Government, in which there are only Chinese teachers. Thus of a total of 109 schools there are only 4 available for English children.

As regards the acquirement of knowledge, this mixture of races operates very injuriously upon the European. The Chinese come to these schools to learn English, not to acquire general knowledge. In his report for 1866, Mr. STEWART who was the Headmaster at the Central School and Inspector of the Government Schools, wrote: "Nothing seems to find favour with the Chinese which does not bear a market value. Hence the comparative success of the Central School, English being convertible into dollars."() The following year "the Principal of of St. Saviour's College dwelled especially on proving the difficulties one meets here in educating Chinese. They don't study for the sake of acquiring know- ledge, but for the sake of dollars and to enable them to earn money, and the Very Rev. Father anticipated that with very few exceptions we would never succeed in having Chinese conversant with our Sciences, but we must content ourselves with forming clerks and compradores."(2) In his Report for 1899, the late Inspector of Schools explains the more regular attendance at the schools in which English is taught, as compared with the Chinese schools, by the fact that "the education given is a special one having a distinct

a distinct money value." do not wish to call in question the wisdom of the Chinese in this matter; but we would point out that in a school in which the majority of boys are Chinese, who come to learn English and not for the sake of acquiring knowledge, the European boy, who comes to acquire knowledge and not to learn English, must be at a very serious disadvantage. That the Chinese boys often do better than

(1) See "Dates and Events connected with the History of Education in Hongkong," p. 13. (2) Ibid, p. 21.

(4)

European boys in the examinations at such schools does not militate, as it might at first sight seem to do, against this statement; for the Chinese boys have undoubted ability, and, moreover, they far outnumber the English boys, and are of much more advanced age than their European class-mates. The methods of education, moreover, have to be adapted to the instruction of the Chinese, and many an English boy is of necessity kept back whilst instruction is laboriously imparted to those who have a very inferior knowledge of the medium of instruc- tion. The above remarks apply also to the so-called “ Foreign Classes in the Queen's College, where Europeans and non-Chinese Asiatics are mixed. (1)

As regards the formation of character, it is not easy to write without the risk of giving offence to our Chinese neighbours. It is not our wish to do this, for we gladly recognise the worth, and high character, of many of our Chinese fellow-residents in the Colony. But the Chinese boys in the schools are numbered by thousands, large numbers of whom, be it noticed, come from the mainland, and are in no way connected with the Colony; and the ordinary standards of truth, honour, and morality amongst the masses of the Chinese people undeniably differ very widely from our European standards. Chinese children are fully conversant with many matters which are purposely kept from the knowledge of European children. Constant contact with Chinese, both in class-room and play-ground(2) must affect the formation of the character of the European boy; more especially as the average age of the European boy is much below that of the Chinese, and the younger are always apt to follow the older. It is note- worthy fact that some of our most respected Chinese fellow-residents have recently started a school for their own children, because they do not think it desirable that they should be thrown into constant contact with the boys in the Queen's College. What is not desirable for Chinese boys in this respect is not desirable for Europeans; but the Europeans who have to send their children to the existing mixed schools, have not the wealth to enable them to imitate the Chinese in this matter of starting a school for themselves.

•

3. "Perhaps," said Mr. STEWART in his Report for 1870, "the greatest educational want in Hongkong is that of a school or schools for European and American children of both sexes.

The school need not be a free one. After the preliminary expenses of site and building, with which the Government might fairly charge itself, the fees would go far to make the school self-supporting Under whatever regulations it might ultimately be placed, such a school very much wanted, and it is a matter of astonishment that parents have not long ago made a strenuous movement in this direction.”(3) If the want existed in 1870, much more does it exist in 1901, when the number of European children has greatly increased. Efforts have been made to meet the want, notably in the case of the Hongkong Public School," which was commenced in 1880. school was started by an influential committee; it had the advantage of good school-rooms provided free of rent in St. Paul's College; but it failed. The chief reasons of its failure were as follows:-First, The Government Grant-in- aid being calculated for schools with large numbers of Chinese pupils and with Chinese teachers, was wholly inadequate to help a school with a smaller number of pupils and with European teachers: Secondly, The fees that could be charged were necessarily low. For these two reasons it was necessary to raise a large annual subscription in the Colony for the support of the school. Then, in the third place, it was a matter of very great difficulty for the managers, who of

This

(3) "Dates and Events," p. 18.

( 5 )

course had not the control of a large staff of teachers, as the Government has, to retain a teacher permanently at the school; the attractions of Governinent posts, and other causes, leading to frequent vacancies in the post of teacher. The same cases would operate now on any private endeavour. They simply confirm the fact, now well recognised at home, that for the effective carrying on of education the State must undertake the work. The Public School in Shanghai, with 230 pupils, of whom 80 per cent. are European, the rest being Eurasian and quarter- Eurasian, could not be carried on without an Annual Grant from the Municipal Government of Tis. 4,000 with certain special grants in addition. In Hongkong, as in Shanghai, low fees could be charged; but experience has proved that Mr. STEWART'S anticipation that such a school might be nearly supported by the fees was too sanguine; and in these days it is useless to argue that necessary education should be provided by charitable contributions and not by the rates.

4. It has been urged against the proposal to found a school for Europeans only, at the cost of the rate-payers, that it would be "Class Legislation." As a matter of fact the present system is one "Class Legislation" in favour of the Chinese as against the Europeans. All the schools in Class I and Class II and almost all the schools in Class III are available for the Chinese only. The Government has just voted $9,000 to build a school in Yaumati, and that in spite of the fact that others wished to establish such a school, asking for nothing more than a Government Grant-in-aid. It is idle to say that that school and scores of other schools maintained or supported by Government are available for Chinese and Europeans alike. Even the schools in which English is taught, wherǝ they have Chinese teachers, and instruction carried on in the Chinese language, are no more available for Europeans for the purpose of education, than the sea is available for them as a place of residence. It is true that a large proportion of the rates is paid by the Chinese. It is equally true that no inconsiderable proportion is paid by Europeans. The Chinese are bountifully provided by the Government with an education such as they desire. The Europeans are not. We do not grudge the Chinese the advantages given to them: we only ask for similar advantages for Europeans. This Colony is a composite one. Both Europeans and Chinese are absolutely essential for its very existence. By all ineans let the Chinese have the advantage of a good education; but we cannot believe that it is wisdom or justice on the part of the Government to make it impossible for Europeans of small means to remain in the Colony unless they are prepared to forego a proper education for their children.

(a) In view of the fact that there are many Europeans in Hongkong who require something more than a Primary Education for their children, we think that a school for Europeans ought to combine both Primary and Secondary Education. The scale of fees might easily be adjusted in such a way, that those who desired a higher education should pay higher fees. It must be remembered that the Queen's College provides the Chinese with more than a Primary Education.

(b.) We consider that it should be possible for the children to obtain Christian teaching in the school. At present the only religion. taught in the Government Schools is Confucianism! Europeans may justly claim that their children should have the opportunity of Christian teaching. Some arrangement such as exists in Board Schools in England, by which teaching in the Christian Scrip-

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tures should be given by the Ministers of various Denominations to the children of such parents as might wish for it, would in our opinion be essential.

(c.) In view of the manner in which the European population is scatter- ed, and the difficulty of locomotion, especially in the sumniner, we consider that it would be necessary to make some arrangement for the boarding of some of the children. This is very largely done in Government Schools in India.

J. C. VICTORIA.

W. J. GASCOIGNE,

We have the honour to remain,

Sir,

Your Excellency's most obedient Servants.

Major-General,

Commanding in China & Ilongkong.

F. POWELL,

Commodore.

T. JACKSON.

J. J. KESWICK.

JOIN THURBurn. H. A. RITCHIE.

F. H. MAY.

T. SERCOMBE SMITH.

C. P. CHATER.

BASIL TAYLOR.

W. POATE.

•

H. E. TOMKINS.

ROBERT SHEWAN.

ARTHUR W. COLLARD, Colonel. G. A. IlUGHES, Lieut.-Colonel. THE O'GORMAN, Colonel. JOHN A. MACKAY. HENRY W. SLADE, R. L. RICHARDSON.

A. G. WOOD.

D. E. BROWN.

G. H. MEDHurst.

G. W. F. PLAYFAIR.

J. M. BEATTIE.

HONGKONG DAILY PRESS,

ALFRED CUNNINGHAM,

R. COOKE.

J. R. CRAIK.

G. SMITH.

W. WILSON.

W. F. FORD.

•

W. NICHOLLS.

N. C. JACK. THOMAS NEAVE.

JAMES H. Cox. J. M. HENDERSON. JAMES D. LOGAN.

G. WHITE.

E. C. WILKS.

A. G. EWING.

EDWARD OSBORNE.

GEO. L. TOMLIN. WILLIAM HARTIGAN.

G. MONTAGU HARSTON. F. O. STEDMAN.

H. P. WHITE.

W. PARFITT.

HENRY HUMPHREYS.

A. H. MANCELL.

V. A. CÆSAR HAWKINS.

J. C. PETER.

H. W. ROBERTSON.

•

E. J. LIBEAUD.

JAMES THOMPSON.

J. M. R. TAYLOR. S. R. GRIEVE.

Manager.

D. MCNEILL.

H. SCHOENFELDER.

D. CURRIE.

J. J. BELL IRVING.

A. C. MORE.

J. DICKIE.

J. RODGER.

J. CROMBIE.

THOS. BLAIR.

THOS. H. REID.

A. W. LAVERTON.

T. PETRIE.

J. M. KINLAY.

J. S. HAGEN.

J. McIVER. WILLIAM DAVIES.

W. H. CLEASBY.

W. D. SUTTON.

ETH. F. SKERTCHLY.

A. E. SIMPSON.

J. C. KERSHAW.

J. ASSUMPÇÃO.

H. A. BURKE.

PHILIP W. SERGEANT. HERBERT PRICE.

J. W. POLLOCK.

W. BREWER & Co. A. N. HUKE.

G. RICHARDSON.

DUNCAN CLark.

W. STUART HARRISON.

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S. J. GODWIN. U. J. MAYSON.

T. E. RAYNER.

G. WALLACE COSTER.

E. H. GOOD,

Chaplain, H. M. Naval Yard.

W. BANISTER,

Secretary, Church Missionary Society.

F. T. JOHNSON,

Chaplain, St. John's Cathedral.

J. H. FRANCE,

Seamen's Chaplain, Missions to Seamen.

M. STEWART.

A. MACKIE.

H. G. BAKER. WM. L. FORd.

J. D. HANSON. D. MCDONALld. WM. ROBERTSON.

D. D. CUTHBERT.

P. MCNAB.

E. H. SHARP.

VICTOR H. DEACON. ED. ROBINSON. JNO. J. FRANCIS. CLEMENT PALMER. F. B. L. Bowley. J. SCOTT HARSTON.

H. F. R. BRAYNE. F. MAITLAND.

A. TURNER.

Enclosure No. 2.

Notes on the attached Petition of the Residents of Hongkong, praying for the establishment of a School for the Use of the Childern

of European Residents exclusively.

With reference to the question whether such a school should be established by the Government of Hongkong, the following three points must be settled :-

A. Is there any inherent objections to such a school on the ground that, while supported by general taxation, it would be for the benefit

of one class only?

B. If justifiable in principle, is it necessary?

C. If necessary, what kind of school should it be?

A.-As I understand the matter, public funds may be devoted to any object that will add to the strength or wealth of the Colony: such objects are, the erec- tion of batteries and forts, public works, and the equipment of the rising genera- tion with knowledge and character enabling them to subserve the general welfare.

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Now, as to this last object, there is one section of the community perhaps of more vital importance than any other, and that is the members of the mechanical and engineering trades, the skilled British labour in the dockyards and manufac- tories, the engineers on local steamers and steam-tramways. They are the back- bone of the Colony in time of peace, and their professional knowledge would be a potent factor in its defence in war time. Many of them are already members of the Engineer and other Companies of the Volunteer Force.

I base my justification of such a school as is proposed principally on the good it would do the Colony by strengthening this vitally important class. To justify its creation, such a school must shew itself an addition to the local and imperial armoury it is no question of granting a compassionate allowance to one section of the community, however deserving.

B.-There are in the Colony, according to the recent Census, 175 boys and 202 girls between the ages of 5 and 16. Few of these are children of the comparatively wealthy classes who can afford to live at the Peak. Most of them have parents of the professions above enumerated. To such parents there are three courses open. Either they can send their children home to be educated; or they can avail them- selves of the existing schools; or they can let their children grow up with- out instruction. As regards the first alternative, it is simply out of the question on the score of expense in most cases, the expense not only of sending them home but of the maintenance of two establishments out of one income. But in the few cases where they can be so sent home, they are probably lost to the Colony it is at least as likely as not they will never return. The second alter- native before them is to send their children to Queen's College or some other of the local schools. Apart from the educational question, and speaking of the climate, there seems no particular reason why children should not grow up in Hongkong. And it is hard to exaggerate the value to the Colony and the Empire's Far- Eastern interests which there would be in a thoroughly acclimatised, technically trained, well educated nucleus of mechanicians and engineers, who having lost nothing of the natural characteristics added thereto a knowledge of the Chinese language (such as they could hardly fail to pick up) and a full understanding of Chinese methods of business. At present this dream is unrealisable in part. One of two characteristics must be absent: the education must go or the character must suffer, though probably the requisite education is not attainable by any exist- ing means.

The character must suffer. I have the greatest respect for the many good qualities of the Chinese, and I feel that I can say without offence, that I should strongly object to send children of my own to attend a mixed school.

The Right Reverend the Bishop of Victoria, who was for 20 years (I believe) Head of a Chinese Missionary College in Ning Po, and should know, if anyone does, is a signatory of the Petition, para. 2 of which expresses my meaning very clearly.

So universally is this opinion held that the second alternative is in practice hardly an alternative at all. The children are brought up, or allowed to grow up, ignorant. Their sons will be more ignorant still. When we might have had a strong full-blooded British community born to the soil, to carry on our commerce against American, German, and French competition in the Far East, we are lay- ing up for ourselves an unlearned, unskilful, unpatriotic generation of “mean whites" to be the standing disgrace of the Colony.

C.- Assuming the school to be unobjectionable and necessary, it remains to consider what its nature should be. The Petition asks for both Primary and Secondary Education. The necessity for the latter must be conceded if my view of the matter is a correct one, and it should be carefully arranged to suit the prac- tical requirements of the Colony.

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What the cost to the Colony would be can hardly be estimated at present.

There would be considerable difficulty in finding a site. Unless it develops into a success, perhaps the Belilios Reformatory might be adapted to this use.

EDWARD A. IRVING, Inspector of Schools.

Governor to Secretary of State.

No. 380.

SIR,

GOVERNMENT HOUSE, HONGKONG, 24th September, 1991.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your most obedient, humble Servant,

The Right Honourable,

JOSEPH CHAMBERLAIN, M.P.,

&c..

&c,.

&c.

HENRY A. BLAKE, Governor.

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Enclosure No. 3.

PETITION FROM LEADING CHINESE GENTLEMEN OF THE COLONY

FOR AN ENGLISH SCHOOL FOR THE EDUCATION OF THE

SIR,

CHILDREN OF THE CHINESE UPPER CLASSES.

HONGKONG, 2nd March, 1901.

On behalf of an important and influential section of the Chinese Community we desire respectfully to draw the attention of His Excellency the Governor to the urgent need for a suitable English School for the education of the children—both boys and girls of the upper classes of the Chinese resident in this Colony.

3. The Queen's College and the Belilios Public School are excellent Govern- ment institutions in their way, but the exceedingly large number of pupils attend- ing these schools and the paucity of English teachers, and the indiscriminate and intimate intermingling of children from families of the most various social and moral standing, render them absolutely undesirable as well as unsuitable for the sons and daughters of respectable Chinese families.

5. At present, Chinese, who wish to give their sons a good English education, have either to send them to England or the United States for a long period or to engage at great expense a private tutor, who after all may not be a trained teacher. In the first case the children are parted from their parents at a most impression- able age and incur a very great risk of finding themselves unable on their return to resume their proper position in the family.

The Honourable

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canse for such complaint. Such an education will not only endow our young men and women with more open minds and greater public spirit, but will result in the more cordial co-operation of the British and Chinese nations and closer intercourse. between them.

9. It is well said that "large outlay on education is, if wisely directed, far "from being necessarily open to the charge of extravagance. On the contrary, "an excellent system of public education is one of the best forms of national in- vestment. In commercial and industrial efficiency, in a higher level of civic duty, "and above all, in the wider diffusion of moral culture and religious feeling, the "nation is amply repaid for what it spends."

10. We beg to subjoin a scheme which roughly represents our proposals. Should His Excellency deem them worthy of consideration, we shall be happy to discuss them more fully in a personal interview at any time that His Excellency may desire.

We have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your most obedient Servants,

Ho KAI.

WEI AYUK.

FUNG WA CHUN.

CHAN TUNG SHANG.

UEN LAI CRÜN.

Lò KUN TENG.

S. W. Tso.

WEI ON.

J. H. STEWART LOCKHART, C.M.G.,

Colonial Secretary.

HONGKONG. No. 408.

SIR

Secretary of State to Governor.

DOWNING STREET,

6th December, 1901.

I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch No. 343 of the 3rd September, enclosing a memorial from certain British inhabitants of Hongkong, asking that a Government School may be established for European children; and of your despatch No. 380 of the 24th September, enclosing a letter from certain Chinese residents asking that a suitable English School may be established, with the assistance of Government, for the education of the boys and girls of the Chinese upper classes.

2. In view of your strong recommendation, and the arguments with which it is supported, I am prepared generally to approve of the adoption of both these proposals.

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4. I think that it will be necessary for the Colonial Government to limit the amount of its building grant in the case of the proposed Chinese Higher School. I am very doubtful whether Government could afford to contribute a sum equal to or not much below $100,000, if so much were raised by private contributions.

5. You will doubtless also consider and report in due course how the estab lishment of these two new schools will affect the Queen's College, and whether it will be possible to effect any reduction of the expenditure on the latter school.

6. I observe from the account of the system of education in Hongkong, which has been drawn up by Mr. IRVING for the Board of Education, that there is a school for sons of the troops in the Colony. If this is in any way controlled or supported by the military authorities, I presume that it will cease to exist on the opening of a Government School for European Children. I also assume that the British and American pupils at the Belilios Public School are likely to be trans- ferred to the new school.

7. It is of course understood that the new schools will be placed under the supervision of the Inspector of Schools.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your most obedient, humble Servant,

J. CHAMBERLAIN.

Governor

Sir HENRY A. BLAKE, G.C.M.G.,

&c.,

&c.

←

777.

No.

1902

HONGKONG.

SEWERAGE AND DRAINAGE OF HONGKONG.

Laid before the Legislative Council by Command of His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government.

50-25.8.02.

PUBLIC WORKS OFFICE, HONGKONG, 13th May, 1902.

SIR,

scope of this

1. Since the publication of a report dated 10th April, 1902, I have made as to the further enquiries concerning the Sewerage and Drainage of the City of Victoria, Report. which, on the whole, tend to confirm the remarks and observations which I have made in the aforesaid report. In this report I accepted full responsibility for the general system of sewerage. In criticising it I am, therefore, sitting in judgment on my own project. I shall endeavour to be impartial and I hope I shall succeed in being so, for I trust I am not yet so senile as to believe that I attained finality of knowledge, twelve years ago, or that my views have not undergone modification, in accordance with increasing experience.

Scuerage.

difficult to

2. The scarcity of water, which has prevailed during my visit, renders it most The prevail- ing drought difficult to judge as to the normal condition of the sewers. No sewers could be renders it expected to work well with a consumption of water not exceeding 7 gallons per judge of the head per day for all purposes, and in many parts of the town, doubtless, less. This the sewers. remark applies with even greater force to the House Sewers, which, I am sorry to say, are not so well constructed as they should be.

working of

3. The prevailing drought is an argument in favour of the Separate System. The present The only arguments of any weight which have ever been brought forward against the Separate System are:-

(4.) That the sewers are not flushed by the rain-water.

(b.) That covered storm-water drains being required to carry off rain-

water, they may as well carry sewage also.

(c.) That the Separate System is not in use in London and many towns

in England.

As regards (a.), I beg to point out that no rain of importance has fallen since August last. Since that month had the sewers or drains been dependent on rain for flushing, their condition would now have been deplorable. Sewers, large enough to carry off rain-water would have only received during all these months the paltry quantity of sewage which now flows, an amount wholly inadequate to flush such large pipes or conduits.

•

As regards (.), I would point out that covered storm-water drains should be avoided to the greatest extent possible. They are sure to be at least as great a nuisance as properly constructed sewers. Some must indeed be covered, but covered lengths should be reduced to a minimum. Certainly the condition of the drains whether as they exist or even when re-modelled would not be improved by allowing a mere dribble of sewage to flow through them during the prolonged dry season or even during the intervals between rain-storms. They would merely be vast magazines of sewage tainted air.

As regards (c.), I merely say that the climate of Hongkong is dissimilar to that of England; that most English sewers were made long ago, and that many towns have adopted the Separate System, at least so far as ancient custom and law permit them to do so.

drought is an argument in favour of the Separate System.

778

Drains as

often sources

of nuisance

as sewers.

As to the

low-level and

outfall

sewers- their gra- dients.

4. All observations made, during my visit, tend to a belief that nuisances are as often, even more often, traceable to drain gulleys and openings as to sewer gulleys or manholes. The drain and sewer gulleys are normally close to each other and the one gets blamed for what is due to the other.

5. The gradients of the low-level sewers-those below Queen's Road—are indeed somewhat flat, but not so flat that they could not keep themselves free from deposit if there were a copious flow through them, and if road-detritus and other improper substances were excluded from them. Indeed they do actually keep free from sewage-deposit, properly so called.

}

The levels of the outfalls are lower than I intended them to be. I proposed that the centre line of the sewer, at its outlet on the Praya, should be at mean sea level, so that each sewer would be only filled to one-half its diameter for one-half of the year and during the remaining half there would be a free and unchecked flow of sewage through it, sufficient to remove any deposit which might precipitate, during the times at which the flow was checked by the rise of the tide.

The following are the levels of the inverts of the sewers at the several outfalls:-

Outfall No.

Locality.

Invert Level at Outfall (or near it) above Ordnance

Datum.

Diameter

of Pipes in Inches.

Centre Line below Mean Sea Level

in Feet.

123H

Belchers Point, French Street,.

2.10

0.98

1.66

1.67

Eastern Street,

0.67

2.41

Wing Lok Street,

0.98

1.85

Hillier Street,

1.71

1.12

Queen Victoria Street,

2.43

0.52

The levels of outfalls too low, and

The annexed plans Nos. 1 to 6 show the extent to which the various low-level sewers are tide-locked at mean high-water and mean sea level, lines being drawn to show respectively the distance to which the pipes are entirely filled and half filled by tidal water.

It is but right to say that the outfall sewers laid on the Praya Reclamation are temporary only, pending consolidation of the ground. In one or more cases, a 9′′ pipe receives the flow of one or more 18′′ or 21". This cannot fail to check the flow of sewage, and thus promote deposit. Under these circumstances the low- level sewers cannot be said to have had fair play up to the present, and will not until the Praya Reclamation is finally completed and consolidated.

6. I will freely admit that, were I to design the sewerage system over again, I should make the outfalls more numerous, place them at a higher level and give, if ents too flat. possible, steeper gradients to the low-level sewers. I do not, however, consider that

sewer gradi-

Flushing the low-level

sewers.

it is necessary to make any alteration at present, certainly not until the Praya Reclamation is completed and consolidated.. The sewers on the New Praya Re- clamation will for the most part surely require re-laying, and when the time comes for so doing, the question may be re-opened. By that time, the effect of copious flushing at low-water will have been settled by experiment.

7. As soon as pipes of the full diameter have been laid, temporarily or otherwise, across the Reclamation, the effect of vigorous flushing should be tried. This experi- mencing ment should be made on the sewers along Des Voeux and Connaught Roads running

from the eastward to the outfall at Queen Victoria Street.

Point of com-

work.

A flushing tank containing say 3,000 gallons should be constructed beneath the Parade Ground near to the urinal now under construction. This should be filled, daily during the dry season, from a well, or from the sea by pumping. In the case of a well, a centrifugal pump driven by an electric motor would probably be the most economical means of pumping. Possibly the electric motor

779

would, in all cases, be the most economical source of power. This flushing tank might indeed be filled with the sewage from the Peak. I am not, however, in favour of flushing sewers with sewage. The tank is apt to be a nuisance, as it requires occasional cleaning, but the system is often resorted to and might, if con- sidered advisable, be tried.

The contents of this tank should be discharged, alternately, down the two low- level sewers, a 12" pipe, leading to each head, being provided. The flush should be discharged at or about low-water. The lowest of the two low-waters during the day should be selected, for one is often much lower than the other.

Flushing cannot be effective until the outfall sewers across the New Praya Reclamation are of full diameter and free from obstruction. It may also be necessary to provide a sluice in the diaphragm which is in the outfall manhole, to allow the flush to escape more freely than the actual submerged pipe will permit. When not flushing, this sluice should be closed.

8. To thoroughly flush a sewer, a quantity of water should be provided sufficient to fill it half-full, or to the depth producing a self-cleansing velocity, for about one-third of its length.

The quantity required for flushing depends not merely on the diameter and length of the pipe, but on its inclination. If a pipe has a good self-cleansing gradient, but deposit occurs owing to insufficiency of the normal sewage flow, then it will suffice to fill it to one-half or such depth as will give up a self-cleansing velocity for say one-fourth of its length. If, however, the pipe has a somewhat paltry gra dient then the flush should be equal to its full contents for half its length. The bottom of the flush tank should be as high as possible above the head of the pipe and the outlet should be large enough to make the mean rate of discharge equal to the rate of discharge of the pipe to be flushed.

Rule as to the water requir-

volume of

ed for flushing.

flushing

9. If the experimental flushing already described proves successful, and if the Extension of necessity for flushing be not obviated by improvement in scavenging and in the system. construction of sewer gullies, then let it be extended to other outfall areas. In some, namely Nos. 3 and 4 outfall areas, (vide plans 3 and 4), the sewers are so low that flushing may always be necessary or at least desirable. These should be the first to be taken in hand. In all cases, it would be easy to flush with sewage from above. It must, however, be remembered that automatic flushing tanks can- not be used for the low-level system. A flush discharged when the tide is above the level of the invert of the sewer is useless. Flushing, in the case of tide-locked sewers, must always take place at or about low-water.

dragging

10. I have reason to believe that chains and scrapers are dragged through Necessity for sewers, probably to their detriment, more often than is necessary. The operation sewers. has become a matter of routine perpetuated owing to inadequate supervisory staff. Want

supervision. A single European Overseer cannot be expected to inspect all the sewers in the City, and also look after construction work. He cannot possibly supervise all the gangs of coolies, nor can he satisfy himself, by personal inspection, that the sewers of any one district or street are in such condition as to require dragging. Consequently gangs of coolies are told off to drag in a certain district, and they do so, whether this operation is required or not. I have suggested a means, whereby the inside of a sewer may be inspected by the aid of a lamp and mirrors, without going down the manhole. Whether this arrangement will materially mend matters or not the true remedy is more skilled supervision.

tide-locked

sewers.

11. A sewer, partially or wholly tide-locked, is, according to modern experience, Objections to objectionable. Such a sewer, of necessity, violates one of the fundamental principles of sewer-design, namely, continuous onward flow, from the gully or inlet at the house, to the outfall, or place of final disposal, without stoppage or stagnation.

Though the gradient of a sewer may be sufficient, when its outlet is free, to establish a self-cleansing velocity, whenever the outlet becomes tide-locked, this condition is disturbed, the hydraulic gradient being reduced by the rise of the tide.

780

The sub-joined sketch shows a section of the 12" main sewer in Queen's Road West to its outfall:-

GROUND LEVEL

M.H.W

Methods of preventing

CO.D.

MEAN SEA LEVEL

12" SEWER

7 MEAN HIGH WATER

I IN 130

Running half full, with a free with a velocity of 246 feet

The pipe, 12" in diameter, has a gradient of 13. outlet, it would discharge 101 cubic feet per minute per minute, or more than is necessary to prevent deposit.

When, however, the same volume of water fills the whole pipe the velocity will be reduced to 123 feet per minute, or barely sufficient to prevent deposit. A flow of only 3.6 cubic feet per minute filling the pipe to a depth of about 11 inch would give a velocity of 120 feet per minute. But the velocity of this stream would, when in consequence of the outlet being tide-locked it filled the whole pipe, be reduced to 10 feet per minute, which is wholly non-self-cleansing. Hence this sewer which receives a large quantity of sewage, would be self-cleansing, all the day through, if it discharged above high-water mark, but as it is, it is a sewer of deposit for the greater part of the day though, doubtless, it cleanses itself when the tide is below the level of the outfall.

12. The level of the Praya is so low that it is impracticable to place all outlets tide-locking. above high-water mark. The sewers would have to be so near to the surface that they would be liable to damage by traffic, and they would be too high to receive the sewage discharged from the house-sewers of tenements on the Praya.

The sewers on the Praya must be, for a great part of their length, below even mean sea level. The only way to prevent tide-locking is to exclude the sea water altogether, and to do so and at the same time prevent stagnation, will involve pumping. In many towns tanks are constructed to collect the sewage which is then discharged at or near the hour of low-water. This plan, always objectionable as it involves stagnation, cannot be adopted here on account of the great variation. in the range of the tide at neaps and springs, and of the diurnal variation in range. At certain periods one tide in the day almost disappears. The sudden discharge of the sewage stored during say 18 hours out of the 24 could not fail to produce an insufferable nuisance. Pumping must therefore be resorted to. If there is to be pumping then it will be well to pump to some distant outfall, and to intercept all sewage from the harbour frontage.

It would be most expensive and almost impracticable to conduct all sewage to one pumping station. There must, therefore, be two intercepting sewers, with their respective heads near to Murray Road, one flowing eastward and one flowing westward to two pumping stations. The ultimate outfall at which the sewage from the Eastern District should be discharged should be at North Point and that from the Western District in Sulphur Channel facing Green Island. I have already suggested in a Report of 1890 such an arrangement for the Eastern District. The syphon arrangement therein described would be most economical, but an ordinary sewer, flowing partly full, would be most satisfactory though probably considerably more expensive. I am leaving on record a plan and section of the Western intercepting sewer in order to show how interception might be effected, if at any time it is considered desirable to carry it out.

The intercepting sewer when below mean sea level should be of cast iron. This is really the most economical material, for the difficulty of making a water- tight sewer of brick or stone-ware in wet ground is very great.

•

781

•

I find that the maximum depth of the Western intercepting sewer at the pumping station just behind Kennedy Town would be about 10 feet below O.D. or 22 feet below ground. This is by no means an extravagant depth.

intercepting

recommend-

as an

13. I have brought forward the question of complete interception mainly The cons- because I contemplated the possibility of its having to be adopted in Reports made inction of in 1890, and arranged the design of sewers in a manner that would permit of its sewers not adoption. I look upon the construction of intercepting sewers as a counsel of per- immediate fection. I do not recommend even the consideration of this project at the present work.

There are many other costly works, notably those for the augmentation of the water-supply, that must take precedence of any radical alteration of.the sewerage system. I maintain that if matters remain in statu quo, no danger to the public health is involved.

moment.

There may be occasional nuisance, and, undoubtedly, the necessity for pe- riodical cleansing by means of chains and drags is a source of expense. But this is the worst that can result from the defects that I have noted. The said nuisance will not give rise to epidemics of disease and is of little moment, compared with the water famines which occur almost annually necessitating the introduction of the intermittent system.

connection

level sewers.

14. The only works that need be contemplated for some years to come, in The works connection with the low-level sewers, are the re-laying of the sewers on the New required in Praya Reclamation in all cases in which settlement has caused detrimental distortion with the low- and alteration of the originally projected level. This work should, however, be deferred until the New Reclamation has thoroughly settled, so that no further movement need be anticipated. Some sewers on even the Old Reclamation will require re-laying, notably those leading to the No. 1 outfall at Belcher's Point. Notwithstanding the fact that the Praya Wall in this locality was constructed many years ago, there is evidence to shew that settlement has taken place relatively recently, and that it may be going on even at present.

15. The recommendations which I have made, with regard to street sewers, Summary of in this and a previous report, may be summed up as follows:-

recommend- ations with regard to street

(a.) Complete the outfall sewers across the New Reclamation. (b.) Prevent by means of additional care in scavenging the introduction sewers.

of improper solids into the street sewer.

(c.) Trap all street sewer gulleys with improved traps and gratings. (d.) Make an experiment as to the effect of vigorous flushing at low

tides with well or sea water, on one section of the low-level sewers. If this experiment is successful, and leads to saving in working expenses, extend the same system to other sections.

(e.) Close the ventilating openings in the sewer manholes. (f) If, contrary to expectation, ventilating openings or rather vents prove necessary let them be provided, either by means of the house sewer ventilating pipes, removing the intercepting traps, or by providing separate elevated vent-pipes carried up above the neighbouring buildings as suggested in a previous report.

(9.) Whenever the roots of trees cause obstructions, cut down the trees; or substitute cast iron pipes, with lead and yarn joints for stone- ware pipes.

HOUSE SEWERS.

It has come to my knowledge that considerable inconvenience has been experi- enced in the case of European houses in the upper levels of the City. These tene- ments are provided with a drain, as defined in my former report, as well as a house sewer, and it frequently happens that the grating over the inlet to the house sewer becomes obstructed and, in consequence, the sewage, properly so called, flows into the nullahs, causing a nuisance. It is difficult to suggest a compléte remedy for this, for the arrangement must vary in each individual case. After all, the

782

Classification of drains.

Tidal section of nullahs.

Levels of

inverts.

matter is one that the Sanitary Board and the occupier should decide. The Board has doubtless powers to compel owners to abate nuisances. Matters would be simplified if, as recommended, the Sanitary Board has charge of the scavenging of nullahs. In the case of new houses, this difficulty will practically disappear if the rules set forth in the Standard Instructions which I propose to send out are observed.

DRAINAGE.

I have little to add to what I have said in my previous Report concerning the Drainage of the City. Before anything can be finally suggested a complete plan must be prepared of the drains and nullahs as they exist.

The following suggestions may, however, be of use in the future consideration of this subject.

16. Drains may be classified as follows:-

(7.) Main drains or nullahs running direct down to the sea and carrying

water from the hills above.

(b.) Branch drains which run usually more or less in an East and West direction and convey water into the main drains or nullahs above defined.

The aforesaid main drains or nullahs may be further sub-divided into two portions, namely, the flat or tidal portion which extends perhaps to Des Voeux Road or further inland and the hill portion which has an abundant gradient.

17. The following statement gives the levels of the several nullahs at their outfalls as determined by Mr. XAVIER, Assistant Engineer, and the attached plan No. 7 shows the distances to which the sea-water backs up along the inverts at mean high-water and mean sea level respectively. It will be seen that the nullah- outlets have their inverts well below mean sea level and those of many are below ordinary low-water mark. Consequently these nullahs contain at their lower end, where they cross the Praya Reclamation, stagnant water contaminated by filth brought down from above as well as matter washed in by the tide.

City of Victoria, Hongkong.—Out-falls of Nullahs.

Locality.

Size.

Invert of Out- falls referred to

Ordnance

Remarks.

Datum.

Belcher's Point,

2′ 6′′ × 2′ 6′′

1.37

Whitty Street,

1' 9" x 1' 6"

0.35

West of Marine Lot 205,

1' 6" × 2′ 6′′

0.41

Near outfall still in-

complete.

French Street,..

2′ 0′′ × 1′ 6′′

0.45

Western Street,

4′ 6′′ x 4' 0"

1.70

Centre Street,

4' 6" x 4' 0"

1.28

Eastern Street,

2′ 0′′ × 3′ 7′′

0.39

Wilmer Street,

2' 0" x 3' 7"

0.35

Sutherland Street,

2' 0" x 3' 6"

1,21

Queen Street,

6' 6" x 4' 6"

0.27

Wing Lok Street,

dia: 18"

0.16

West of Marine Lot 225,

dia: 15"

0.98

Cleverly Street,

7' 6" x 5' 4"

0.07

Hillier Street,

dia: 15"

0.65

Toong Kai,

dia: 18"

0.57

Wing Wo Street,

3′ 5′′ x 2′ 3′′

1.14

Gilman Street,

7′ 6′′ × 4′ 3′′

1:56

Jubilee Street,.

7' 6" x 4' 3"

1.11

Pottinger Street,

3' 6" x 1' 6"

1.00

Douglas Street,

2′ 6′′ × 1′ 6′′

2.63

Pedder Street,..

5' 0" x 3' 6"

0.62

5' 3" x 4' 0"

0.09

Invert-level

of nullahs

been fixed

Ice House Street,

18. There can be no doubt that it would have been better to have fixed the should have inverts of the nullah outlets at or about mean sea level, so that they could be dry- scavenged daily. Why this was not done cannot now be ascertained. I fear that it is now fully late to effect any radical cure of the undoubted evils of the tide- locked nullahs. Some abatement might be effected by diverting the ordinary dry-

higher.

783

weather flow, at or above high-water mark spring tides, and conveying it into the If this were done the nuisance would be mainly that due to filth washed in by the tide and the wind.

sewers.

of drains.

19. Without having a complete record plan of drains and nullahs it is impos- Record plan sible to make any definite and finite recommendations as to the amelioration of the drainage system. When the scavenging of both sewerage and drainage systems is under one and the same Authority, a material improvement will probably result.

20. I will now briefly recapitulate the recommendations which have been made Recapitula- with regard to drainage in this and previous reports.

(a.) Let covered drains or nullahs be avoided to the utmost extent

possible.

(b.) Let the inverts of drains, at their outlets to the sea, be at mean

sea level or higher if possible.

(r.) In the case of flat areas near to the sea, whenever covered drains are necessary, as in the case of the Praya Reclamation and other Reclamations, let them run by the shortest possible route to special outlets to the sea, and do not attempt to connect them to main drains or nullahs which are tide-locked.

(d.) In laying out new districts let the alignment and levels of streets be so planned as to minimise the length and size of underground drains. («.) Let it be remembered that the main object of sewers is to keep sewage out of the drains. It is more important to exclude sewage from the drain than rain-water from the sewer. With the gradients which obtain in Hongkong it is almost always possible to provide storm overflows should any sewer become gorged with rain-water. (f.) Let a complete Record Plan be prepared of the drains of Hongkong, covered or otherwise; this being in existence a definite scheme may be prepared.

tion of recom- mendations.

Kowloon.

21. I have not in this and other reports concerning the sewerage referred to Sewerage at Kowloon. I have altogether refrained from so doing because I look

upon the sewerage system of Kowloon as provisional or temporary only. It may not be necessary to carry out a complete scheme of sewerage for some years to come. Nevertheless, I am of opinion that a definite scheme should be prepared and adopted so that all work done may ultimately fall in with the sanctioned scheme and so that nothing done, or to be done in future, will require to be undone.

surface drains.

22. I have recommended that surface water be carried off to the utmost extent Arrange- possible by means of the side-channels of the streets, or other open drains. There ment of is a little difficulty in so doing in the matter of intersections of streets.

One way of dealing with the matter is shewn in the following sketch :-

784

The channels of C D are carried across the street A B in a channel very much flattened, so as to cause the minimum inconvenience to vehicular traffic. Any dry- weather flow is intercepted by sewer gulleys G G G and G. Still this arrangement is far from satisfactory. The depression at the intersection of the two streets is an impediment to traffic, especially in the case of tramways. Should the gulleys get stopped, a stagnant mess is the result. To make this arrangement work well it is practically necessary to concrete or asphalt the whole area at the intersection of the crossing streets.

Assuming that scavenging-lanes are recognised, as a necessity, then the difficulty may be got over, by accepting them as the main storm-water drains.

The area to be drained should be sub-divided into alternate streets and narrow scavenging-lanes. The alignment of these should follow, approximately, the greatest slope of the ground. These would be intersected at right angles by other streets. Then all that is necessary to make the said scavenging-lanes serve as storm-water drains, is to lower their surface some 2 to 4 feet below the level of the floors of the adjacent buildings, and of the streets. The following diagram gives 'an idea of this arrangement :—

200.0′

-7010" 8010"-

80.0 7010

When the combined scavenging-lane and drain passes under a cross street, it would obviously take the form of a bridge or culvert, which would, however, be large enough to admit a man for the purpose of scavenging, access to each length of lane being gained by a flight of steps. The lane would have a channel or chan- nels formed at its centre or sides. These channels would conduct the sewage to trapped sewer gulleys, communicating with a sewer laid under the scavenging-lane. Thus in dry weather or even during moderate rain, the scavenging passage would serve its normal purpose, namely, the removal of excreta and dry refuse, and could always be scavenged and kept clean. In heavy rain it would serve as a storm- water channel. Care, however, must be taken to proportion the width of the scaveng- ing passage and its depth, below the adjacent building lots to the maximum quantity of water that it may have to carry during heavy rain. This arrangement has the great merit that it reduces the lengths of covered drains to mere bridges or culverts. At the same time all street obstructions at crossings are avoided. Such arrange- ment has been adopted in the case of some land recently laid out for building purposes in Trinidad. It is, I am aware, one that cannot be carried out everywhere; but I give it as a suggestion, for it may be applicable to the Eastern Reclamation, Kow- loon, and in, the New Territory. Where applicable, it will offer many advantages over the present system of covered drains,

་

785

arrange-

23. Before concluding this report, I may be permitted to record an arrange- Serpentine ment of sewers which has been found advantageous in many places, and which may ment of be applicable to drains, especially when they have to be covered. It is best des- cribed by considering a portion of a town laid out in regular squares.

sewers.

JUI

COMMON

SYSTEM

Assume that the general inclination of the land is in the direction of the arrow. Then a common arrangement would be to lay main sewers in the direc- tions shown in full lines, following the streets having the greatest slope, and to provide branches as shewn in dotted lines, to provide for the effluent of the houses in the lateral streets. These branches run right and left, from heads marked thus Now these lateral branches receive, individually, but little sewage. Consequently they must be small in diameter and laid at a steep slope in order to be self-cleans- ing. This necessitates an augmented depth in the main sewers. At the best, these branch sewers are but indifferently flushed, for they are indeed only pro- longations of the house-sewers of houses on the cross streets. The following ar- rangement wherever applicable is an improvement

Ар

SYSTEM RECOMMENDED.

786

Application

The sewer starting from F turns to the right on reaching the cross street A B, follows it as far as the street H I, runs down the latter to its intersection with the cross street C D, then along this cross street to K L, and so on. The merit of this arrangement is that each length of sewer in the cross streets A B and C D, presumably those having the least natural fall, is fully flushed, not merely by the sewage from the abutting houses, but from the whole district above.

It may happen that the formation of the ground will permit of a continuous self-cleansing gradient along the streets A B and C D. If such is the case, then it is convenient to make the change of direction of the two sewers, namely, those in the main and cross streets in a common manhole, placing the inverts of the semi- circular channels at the same level. This arrangement offers the additional advantage that, should a stoppage occur in any one street, the overflow will escape by another. Perfect venting, and circulation is moreover secured. A common flush tank, of considerable capacity, may flush the whole system, for by a little arrangement in the manholes a flush say at A might be shunted down any one street or series of

streets.

Obviously this arrangement is not universally applicable but it is one which I introduce whenever practicable.

24. It seems possible that this serpentine arrangement might in many cases of serpentine be applied for flushing covered branch drains whenever such are absolutely neces-

system to

covered

sary.

The perennial flow of water from one nullah might be intercepted and passed down through a branch drain to a second nullah and so on.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your obedient Servant,

OSBERT CHADWICK.

HONGKONG.

815 No. 45

1902

PAPERS ON THE SUBJECT OF THE INTRODUCTION OF STERLING SALARIES INTO THE GOVERNMENT SERVICE OF HONGKONG.

Laid before the Legislative Council by Command of His Excellency the Governor,

Secretary of State to the Officer Administering the Government.

HONGKONG. No. 171.

DOWNING STREET,

13th June, 1902.

SIR,-I have had under my consideration Sir HENRY BLAKE's despatches of the 25th of October and the 11th of December last on the subject of the introduction of sterling salaries into the Government service of Hongkong.

2. In paragraph 3 of my despatch No. 426 of the 19th December last I in- formed Sir HENRY BLAKE of my desire that the same principles should as far as possible be adopted in regard to the preparation of a sterling scheme for future appointments to the Hongkong Government service as had been already laid down in the case of the Straits Settlements. That despatch was crossed by Sir HENRY BLAKE'S despatch of the 11th December, in which he submitted a scheme of sterling salaries.

November.

3. In despatches to Sir F. SWETTENHAM the numbers and dates of which are No. 341-1st noted in the margin, and of which you have no doubt already received copies from No. 73-10t!. him, I have explained my views as to how far and in what way officers who entered March. the service before last August should be affected by the introduction of the sterling scheme. The decision at which I have arrived may be summed up by saying that within six months from the publication of the sterling scheme officers will be allowed, without any discrimination on the part of Government, a free choice between coming under the scheme or continuing to receive, during the rest of their service in Hongkong, salaries fixed in dollars, as at present, with the addition of double exchange compensation. The choice will be final, except that an officer who elects to remain on a dollar salary, and who is hereafter transferred to the Straits Settlements or the Federated Malay States, may be allowed to elect to come under the sterling scheme when so transferred. This answers the second paragraph of Sir H. BLAKE'S despatch of the 11th of December last.

4. Information on some other general questions not disposed of by previous correspondence is contained in the despatch to the Straits Settlements of which a copy is enclosed. I also forward a copy of another despatch on the subject of the rate at which sterling salaries should be converted into dollars for purposes of local payments.

The final decision on this point will, of course, await Sir F. SWETTENHAM's reply; in the meantime the arrangement proposed in paragraph 10 of Sir H. BLAKE's despatch of 11th December should remain in force.

5. As regards those recommendations of the Sterling Salaries Committee which affect the calculation of pensions, I am addressing you in a separate despatch. The question of the contribution to the Widows and Orphans' Fund of officers whose salaries are fixed in sterling has been dealt with in my despatch No. 53 of the 24th February last.

50-19.9.02,

816

6. Turning to details and taking the highest appointments first, I agree to the salary of the Chief Justice being fixed at £2,000 a year. The salary of the Colonial Secretary should be fixed at £1,600 as in the Straits Settlements. The post of Attorney General has been offered to and accepted by Sir H. BERKELEY on £1,500 a year: and, I think the Puisne Judge should receive the same salary as the Senior Puisne Judge of the Straits, viz., £1,300 per annum.

7. I have followed the system adopted in the Eastern Colonies, by classifying separately the appointments for which cadets are eligible.

This arrangement proved to be exceptionally difficult in the case of Hongkong, owing to the smallness of the cadet service and the fact that there are very few appointments in the lower classes of the Government service, as classified by Sir H. BLAKE, which are usually held by cadets. I have, in fact, been compelled to abandon any attempt to arrange the cadet posts into the same number of classes as in the Straits Settlements; and I have, instead, divided them into three classes, which are made to cover the same range of salaries as in the Straits Settlements by providing in each class more in- crements and larger in amount.

8. I propose, in short, that the cadet service shall be classified as follows:-

Class I.

Colonial Treasurer, £800 rising to £1,000 by two triennial increments of £100.

Registrar General,

First Magistrate,

Captain Superintendent of Police,

do.

Class II.

* Registrar of the Supreme Court,....................................

£600 rising to £720 by three triennial increments of £40.

do.

*Postmaster General,

Inspector of Schools,

* Second Magistrate,

Assistant Colonial Secretary,

Deputy Superintendent of Police,

Class III.

Assistant Registrar General,.....

triennial increments of £40.

£540 three

do.

do.,

do.

* Deputy Registrar & Accountant,

Do. & Appraiser,

Secretary to the Sanitary Board,

* Assistant Postmaster General,

* Assistant Superintendent of Police,

Do.

[The appointments marked thus are not at present held by cadets, but should for the future be generally given to cadets if any are qualified for them.]

9. I am aware that the majority of the posts in Class III have not, hitherto, been considered to belong to the cadet service. They are, however, posts which cadets can fairly be called upon to occupy, and the duties of which they will in all probability be qualified to fulfil. On this point Sir HENRY BLAKE, whom I have had the advantage of consulting, is inclined to agree.

In future, therefore, a vacancy in one of these posts should preferably be filled by the selection of a cadet, if a cadet can be found who is qualified to hold it.

10. The Director of Public Works should receive £1,000 rising to £1,200 per annum (triennial increments of £100). The rest of the Department might be graded as follows:-

Assistant Director,

Executive Engineers and Superin-

tendent of Accounts,

Assistant Engineers and Principal

Land Surveyor,

(Junior) Assistant Engineers (en-

gaged locally),...

{

£600 per annum rising to £720 by

triennial increments of £60.

£480 per annum rising to £600 by

triennial increments of £40.

£360 per annum rising to £480 by

triennial increments of £40.

£270 per annum rising to £330 by

triennial increments of £30.

11. I agree to the Principal Civil Medical Officer being given a salary of £800 per annum rising to £1,000 by triennial increments of £100.

As there is only one grade of medical officer (Assistant Surgeon) and oppor- tunities of promotion are consequently very few, I think it will be best to place the salary of the Assistant Surgeons (including the Medical Officer of Health and the Health Officers of the Port, if not allowed private practice), on a scale of £480 per annum rising to £720 by triennial increments of £40, so as to give them a wider range of increments than in other Departments. The sterling salary of the present Port Health Officer, so long as he enjoys private practice, should only be £360.

The salary of the Veterinary Surgeon and Superintendent of the Vaccine Institute might be placed on a scale of £480 per annum, rising to £600 by triennial increments of £40.

The salaries proposed for the European Nurses should, as at the Straits Settle- ments, begin at £110 per annum, and rise by increments of £20 to £150. The same rates should be adopted for the Wardmasters and the Matron of the Venereal Ward.

12. I agree to the salary proposed for the Apothecary and Analyst, and as you have been informed an Assistant Apothecary has been appointed on the terms proposed in your despatch No. 107 of 21st March, viz., £250 a year rising to £275 if he is placed on the permanent establishment at the end of three years, with a further increment of £25 after three years' service on the permanent establishment.

13. I agree to the Harbour Master's salary being fixed at £780 per annum rising to £900 by two triennial increments of £60; and I think that the Assistant Harbour Master might be given the same salary as the Deputy Master Attendant, Singapore, viz., £480 per annum rising to £540 by two increments of £30. Similarly, the Government Marine Surveyor's salary should correspond with that of the similar official at Singapore, viz., £540 per annum rising to £660 by four increments of £30. For the Assistant Government Marine Surveyors and the remaining appointments in the Harbour Master's Department, I accept the rates which Sir H. BLAKE proposes.

14. I am prepared to agree to the salary suggested for the Headmaster of Queen's College, viz., £660 per annum rising to £720 by two increments of £30. * I agree to the salary proposed for the Second Master, viz., £540 per annum to £600 by £30. The increments of the Senior Masters might ibe carried up to a maximum salary of £480 per annum, and those of the Junior Masters to a maximum of £360 per annum.

15. The Headmistress of the Belilios Public School might similarly be allowed ncrements of salary up to a maximum of £480 per annum, and the same scale should be granted to the Head of the Kowloon School. Mr. JAMES would then on

817

818

the completion of his probationary period, be placed on a scale of £360 per annum rising to £480 by triennial increments of £30. The salary to be assigned to the Headmistress of Kowloon School may remain on the scale proposed in your despatch No. 25 of 18th January last. The Master of the Belilios Reformatory might be given the same salary as a Third Grade Master in the Straits Settlements, viz., £225 per annum rising to £285 by two triennial increments of £30; and his Assistant should receive a salary of £150 per annum rising to £200 by two triennial incre- ments of £25.

16. The salary proposed for the Postmaster at Shanghai seems adequate, except that I am inclined to think that the increments attached to the post should continue up to a maximum of £480 a year, in view of the desirability of retaining in the appointment an experienced postal official. Similarly I am doubtful whether the maximum salary provided for the Accountant and the Superintendent of the Money Order Office is quite enough: and I incline to think that a further increment of £25 should be given. The Examining Supervisors have, as you are aware, been appointed on salaries of £200 per annum rising to £245, but I do not object to their being placed on the scale now proposed, viz., £230 per annum rising to £280 by triennial increments of £25.

17. In agreeing to the salaries of the various postal appointments referred to in paragraph 7 of the despatch being fixed in sterling, I must not be understood to express any opinion as to whether or not these positions should hereafter be filled by officers selected from this country. No definite proposal to that effect has as yet been submitted.

18. As regards the Police appointments, I propose to adopt for Hongkong rates similar mutatis mutandis to those which I have approved for the Straits Set- tlements, viz. :-

One Chief Inspector, £300 per annum rising to £360 by triennial incre-

ments of £30.

One Chief Inspector, £240 per annum rising to £300 by similar incre-

ments.

First Class Inspectors, £220 per annum rising to £240 after three years

service in that grade.

Second Class Inspectors, £180 a year.

Third Class Inspectors, £170 a year.

Sergeants, £140 per annum rising by triennial increments of £10 to

£160.

Lance Sergeants. £120 per annum rising after three years' service in that

grade to £130.

Constables, £100 per annum rising to £120 by triennial increments of

£10.

These rates have been promised to candidates for the post of Constable, who are being selected by the Crown Agents in accordance with the Colonial Secretary's letter of the 6th February last.

You are aware that the Armourer Sergeant has been engaged on a salary of £225 a year.

19. I accept the salary proposed for the Assistant Superintendent of the Gaol. In order to assimilate the remaining salaries to those in the Straits Settlements the Chief Warder should be given £240 a year, rising to £300 by triennial increments of £30; the Principal Warders £168 rising to £204 by triennial increments of £6; the Warders £96, rising to £144 by four annual increments of £12.

་

20. The salary of the Land Officer should begin at £600 per annum and rise to £780, in order to compensate for the few opportunities for promotion which are likely to fall to the holder of the post. Moreover the existing salary, converted into sterling at 3/-, is as much as £810 per annum.

21. The Director of the Observatory might be placed on the same level as Class III of the cadet service. The importance of the Botanical and Afforestation Department is increasing and I am not sure that the scale of salary which Sir H. BLAKE proposes is sufficient to secure an officer of high scientific attainments.

22. I would allow the First Assistant in the Observatory and the Assistant Superintendent in the Botanical and Afforestation Department, a further increment of £30 to a maximum salary of £360 per annum.

23. The salaries of the Sanitary Officers seem to me to be rather low, in view of the importance of obtaining and keeping the services of well-qualified and ex- perienced men for this work; and I would suggest that at any rate the sterling rates might be not less than the existing dollar salaries converted at 3/- the dollar.

24. I do not see any objection to the other salaries proposed by Sir HENRY BLAKE,

25. It is of importance that the introduction of the sterling scheme should not be delayed; and I shall therefore be glad if any representations that you may wish to make with a view to the reconsideration of any part of the proposals contained in this despatch can be made at the earliest possible date. If, however, you are of opinion that the scheme may be accepted, with the amendments which I have proposed, I would suggest that the scheme, as amended, should be published forth- with; and that officers who are now serving on dollar salaries should be given a period of six months, during which they may elect to come under its provisions. This period should be extended in the case of officers on leave by so much time as is necessary to permit of the scheme being communicated to them from the Colonial Secretary's Office.

I have, etc.,

J. CHAMBERLAIN.

The Officer Administering the Government of

HONGKONG.

819

820

SIR,

The Officer Administering the Government to the Secretary of State.

GOVERNMENT HOUSE, HONGKONG, 4th September, 1902.

I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch No. 171 of the 13th June on the subject of the introduction of sterling salaries into the Government service of this Colony, and I forward herewith the enclosed copies of the sterling scheme which has been revised in accordance with the instructions contained in your despatch.

2. This scheme is now being promulgated in the Colony under cover of a Circular, copy of which is enclosed.

3. Copies of the Circular and of the schedule of sterling salaries and instruc- tions enclosed are being sent to officers who are on leave of absence with a request that if they desire to join the scheme they will send their acceptances to the Crown Agents for the Colonies who will be communicated with at the same time and asked to pay such officers at the new rates.

4. With regard to the scheme itself I have to make the following remarks :- In the scheme of sterling salaries forwarded in Sir H. BLAKE's despatch of the 11th of December last the remark "No quarters" was set against the Principal Civil Medical Officer and all the Assistant Surgeons in the Medical Department, although the Principal Civil Medical Officer and Dr. BELL have quarters at the Government Civil Hospital and Dr. THOMSON draws a house allowance of $720 per

annum.

It appears that the reason was that it was intended that these officers when they came on the sterling basis should pay rent for the quarters they enjoy. This principle has not, however, been adopted in this Colony.

5. In addition to the quarters occupied by Drs. ATKINSON and BELL there will be, when the Victoria Hospital for Women and Children is completed, a third set of quarters available attached to that Hospital.

It will depend in the future, as it has in the past, on the nature of the duties --whether in immediate connection with one or other of these two hospitals or otherwise—that a Medical Officer is engaged on, whether he will have free quarters allocated to him or not.

6. I suggest therefore that the salaries as fixed by you be left as they stand, and that the quarters be regarded as available for such officers as may be assigned to purely Hospital work.

Dr. THOMSON who is in charge of the Gaol and has therefore to live close to that institution and his successors in office should continue to draw the house allow- ance of $720 until such time as quarters near the Goal are provided.

7. In the case of the Inspectors of Nuisances I have caused their salaries to be set down in the scheme at approximately the equivalents of their salaries in dollars with double exchange compensation, with their house allowances of $360 per annum thrown into salary at approximately 1s. 9d. to the dollar. I consider these salaries large enough. The rates of increment have been altered from £10 to £5 a year in the case of the members of the Sanitary staff below the rank of Senior Inspector as the increments they at present enjoy are annual ones.

{

A note has been added that officers who occupy free quarters (as some of these men do, and as more of them hereafter may) will draw £32 a year less.

8. In the case of the Principal Warder, Victoria Gaol, I have made the £6 increments annual instead of triennial. With triennial increments it would take 18 years to reach the maximum.

9. I shall inform you in due course of acceptances of the scheme.

821

The Right Honourable

I have, etc.,

W. J. GASCOIGNE,

Officer Administering the Government.

JOSEPH CHAMBERLAIN,

His Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for the Colonies.

STERLING SALARY SCHEME AS APPROVED BY C.O.D. 171 OF 1902.

300 Non-pensionable.

300

Do.

PRESENT SALARY.

PRESENT SALARY AT 3- THE DOLLAR,

PROPOSED SALARY IN STERLING.

OFFICE.

REMARKS.

Minimum.

Increase.

Maximum.

Minimum.

Maximum.

Minimum.

Increase

Triennial.

Maximum.

પો

GOVERNOR AND LEGISLATURE,—

Private Secretary,

Aide-de-Camp,

COLONIAL SECRETARY'S DEPARTMENT,—

Colonial Secretary,

Assistant Colonial Secretary,

Chief Clerk,

Passed Cadet,

Unpassed Cadet;.....

AUDIT DEPARTMENT,—

2,400

4,800

300 II

10,800

5,400

1,800

1,500

360

822

1,620

1,600

720

810

600

720

500 20 (annually)

600

C.O.D. 413 of 1901.

270

300

350

لا

225

4,800

300 THE

5,400

720

810

660

720

1,500

225

200

6,000

600 III

7,200

900

1,080

800

100

1,000

3,600

300 III

4,200

540

630

540

600

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT,—

Director of Public Works,.

7,200

600 III

7,800 ·

1,080

1,170

1,000

100

1,200

Assistant Director of Public Works,

4,800

300 III

5,400

720

810

600

720

Executive Engineer,

4,200

300 ILL

4,800

630

720

480

600

Local Anditor,

Clerk,

TREASURY,-

Colonial Treasurer,

Assessor of Rates,

STERLING SALARY SCHEME,-Co› tinued.

PRESENT SALARY.

PRESENT SALARY AT 3/- THE DOLLAR.

PROPOSED SALARY IN STERLING.

OFFICE.

REMARKS.

Minimum.

Increase. Maximum.

Minimum.

Maximum. Minimum.

Increase

Triennial.

Maximum.

到

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT,—Coutd,

Executive Engineer,

3,000

300 IU

3,600

450

540

480

600

Assistant Engineer,

2,400

300 III

3,000

360

450

360

480

Junior

(Local),.

1,800

300 III

2,400

270

360

270

330

Principal Land Surveyor,

2,400

360

480

Land Surveyor,

2,400

360

300

360

Land Bailiff,

2,100

315

260

300

Superintendent of Accounts and Stores, .

3,000

30) 114

3,600

450

540

480

600

Clerk of Works,

First Class Overseers (2),

330

C.O.D. 173 of 1902.

(2),

}}

(2),

Second

(6)..

1,800

1,680

1,500

1,440

1,200

270

252

210

250

225

216

160

200

180

Postmaster General,

4,800

300

III

5,400

720

810

600

720

Assistant

3,000

450

420

.540

Superintendent Money Order Office,

2,160

60 II

2,400

324

360

280

Postmaster, Shanghai,

3,000

450

360

23 10556

355

480

Senior Clerk,

1,800

60 11

2,100

270

315

230

280

POST OFFICE,—

Free quarters.

[ 6 ]

823

STERLING SALARY SCHEME,-Continued.

824

[ 10 ]

PRESENT SALARY.

PRESENT SALARY AT 3- THE DOLLAR.

PROPOSED SALARY IN STERLING,

OFFICE.

REMARKS.

Minimunn.

Increase. Maximum.

Minimum.

Maximum.

Minimum.

Increase

Triennial,

Maximum.

POST OFFICE,—Contd.

Examining Supervisors,.

1,800

120 I

2,160

270

324

230

280

Accountant,

2,160

60 II

2,400

324

360

280

355

Superintendent Registration Branch,

1,800

60 I

2,100

270

315

230

280

Senior Clerk,

1,800

60 II

2,100

270

315

230

280

REGISTRAR GENERAL'S DEPARTMENT :--

Registrar General,

6,000

600 TIL

7,200

900

1,080

800

100

1,000

Assistant Registrar General,

3,600

300 III

4,200

540

630

420

540

HARBOUR MASTER'S DEPARTMENT,-

Harbour Master,......

4,800

300 II

6,000

720

900

780

900

Assistant Harbour Master,

3,000

300 JI

3,600

450

540

480

540

First Boarding Officer,

2,220

333

800

Second

2,040

306

240

280

Marine Surveyor,

3,600

300 ш

4,200

540

630

540

660

Assistant Marine Surveyor,

Second

2,400

300 UI

3,000

360

450

360

2,700

405

360

$⇨

420

Light Keeper, Green Island,.

Gap Rock,

Assistant Light Keeper, Gap Rock,

Second

1,500

225

1,800

270

.:..

250

1,740

261

220

1,680

...

252

220

10 10

240

STERLING SALARY SCHEME,-Continued.

PRESENT SALARY.

PRESENT SALARY AT 3/ THE DOLLAR.

PROPOSED SALARY IN STERLING.

REMARKS.

OFFICE.

Minimum.

Increase. Maximum.

Minimum.

Maximum.

Minimum.

Increase

Triennial.

Maximum.

HARBOUR MASTER'S DEPT.,—Contd.

Light Keeper, Waglan,

Assistant Light Keeper, Waglan,........

Second

Master of "Stanley",

Officer in Charge Gunpowder Depôt,

Inspector of Junks,

OBSERVATORY,-

Director,

Chief Assistant,

First

1,620

1,560

1,500

1,800

2,040

1,320

243

250

234

220

240

225

220

240

270

200

250

306

240

280

198

168

180

3,000

300 Ill

3,600

450

540

420

540

Free quarters.

2,100

300 II

2,700

315

405

360

420

1,800

300 III

2,400

270

360

270

360

BOTANICAL & AFFORESTATION DEPT.,——

Superintendent,

Assistant Superintendent, .

2,000

1,300

[ 11 ]

3,000

300 III

3,600

450

540

500

620

Free quarters.

1,920

288

270

360

No house allowance.

1,200

180

210

250

Do.

Chief Justice,.

Puisuc Judge,

13,500

8,400

2,025

1,260

Registrar, .........***********

4,800

300 111

5,400

720

810

Assistant for New Territory,

LEGAL DEPARTMENTS,-

600 }

720

825

STERLING SALARY SCHEME,--Continued.

PRESENT SALARY.

PRESENT SALARY AT 3/- THE DOLLAR.

PROPOSED SALARY IN STERLING.

OFFICE.

REMARKS.

Minimum.

Increase.

Maximum.

Minimum.

Maximum,

Minimum.

Increase

Triennial.

Maximum.

LEGAL DEPARTMENTS, -Contd.

Deputy Registrar and Appraiser,....

826

[ 12 ]

4,536

680/8

420

540

Accountant,

3,600

300 III

4,200

540

630

420

540

Chief Interpreter,

3,600

540

440

500

Personal Allowance,

480

First Bailiff,

Second

Land Officer,

Assistant Land Officer,

Attorney General,

Crown Solicitor,.

Third Bailiff,

1,800

60 TI

2,100

270

315

240

1,200.

60 a

1,500

180

225

160

320

300

200

5,400

810

600

780

3,600

540

440

500

1,500

4,200

630

840

60 τι

1,080

126

162

600

Non-pensionable.

100

140

On appointment of a Europeau.

EDUCATION DEPARTMENT,—

Inspector of Schools,.......

4,800

300 m

5,400

720

810

600

720

Head Mistress, Belilios Public School,

2,400

300 II

3,000

360

450

360

480

First Assistant,

1,620

240 TIT

2,100

243

315

220

280

Second

1,380

240 UT

1,860

207

279

180

240

Master, Kowloon School,

360

480

Mistress, Kowloon School,

120

160

On completion of probation of years at £330 per annum.

On completion of probation of

years at £90 per annum.

STERLING SALARY SCHEME.--Continued.

PRESENT SALARY.

PRESENT SALARY AT 3/- THE DOLLAR.

PROPOSED SALARY IN STERLING,

REMARKS.

OFFICE.

Minimum.

Increase. Maximum.

Minimum.

Maximum. Minimum.

Increase

Triennial.

Maximum.

225

285

150

200

Head Master,

1.800

300.000

5.400

720

810

660

720

Second

3,600

300 III

1,200

540

630

540

600

Senior Assistant Masters,

2,400

800 In

3.000

360

450

360

480

Junior

1,800

300 III

2,400

270

360

270

360

QUEEN'S COLLEGE,—

BELILIOS REFORMATORY,-

Master,

[ 13 ]

Principal Civil Medical Officer,

4,800

600 π

6,000

720

900

800

100

1,000

Free quarters if available.

Health Officer of Port,

3,600

300 I

4,200

540

630

360

Private practice allowed.

3,600

300 TII

4,200

540

630

480

720

No private practice.

Assistant Surgeon,.......

3,600

300 III

4,200

540

630

480

720

Free quarters if available.

450

520

Apothecary and Analyst,

2,400

300

101

3,000

360

450

360

Assistant

288

250

Accountant, &C.,.

1,800

60 n

2,100

270

315

240

Matron,

1,200

1201

1,380

180

207

150

European Sister,.

810

60 L

1,080

126

162

110

Ward Master,

866

601

1,046

129/18

156/18

110

Ward Master, Lunatic. Asylum,

960

144

110

12 No to 1 0 1 0

420

300

House allowance of $720

per annum.

of 1902.

C.O.D. 138

Free quarters.

New appointment.

Free quarters.

200

Do.

150

Do.

150

Do.

150

Do.

These salaries include all

allowances

for ratious, light and fuel.

Assistant Master,

MEDICAL DEPARTMENT,-

827.

STERLING SALARY SCHEME,-Continued.

PRESENT SALARY.

PRESENT SALARY AT 3/- THE DOLLAR.

PROPOSED SALARY IN STERLING.

OFFICE.

REMARKS.

Minimum.

Increase. Maximum.

Minimum.

Maximum.

Minimuni.

Increase

Triennial.

Maximuni.

MEDICAL DEPARTMENT,--Contd.

Medical Officer of Health,

Assistant Medical Officer of Health,

Enropean Probationers,

480

601

600

મ

起

480

720

480

720

.65

No house allowance.'

Do.

No allowance for ration, light or fuel.

Police Magistrate,

6,000

600 III

7,200

900

1,080

800

100

1,000

Second Police Magistrate,..

4,800

300 II

5,400

720

810

600

720

First Clerk,

2,160

60 II

2,400

324

360

420

Free quarters.

. MAGISTRACY,

828

[14]

Free quarters or allowance in lien.

Free quarters.

200 C.O.D. 216 of 1902.

Do.

POLICE,-

Captain Superintendent,

6,000

600 III

7,200

900

1,080

800

100

1,000

Deputy

3,600

300 III

4,200

540

630

600

720

Assistant

2,400

300 III

3,000

360

450

420

540

Chief Inspector,

Chief Detective Inspector,..

Inspector First Class,

Second

Third

Sergeant,.....

Lance Sergeant,

2,016

302

300

360

240

300

1,632

1,320

241

220

240

...

198

1,152

864

762

172

180

129

140

160

114

120

130

{

OFFICE.

STERLING SALARY SCHEME,—Continued.

PRESENT SALARY.

PRESENT SALARY AT 3/- THE DOLLAR.

PROPOSED SALARY IN STERLING.

REMARKS.

Minimum.

Increase. Maximum.

Minimum.

Maximum.

Minimum.

Increase

Triennial.

Maximum.

€

POLICE,--Contd.

Constable,

Assistant Engineer, Fire Brigade,

Armourer Sergeant,

GAOL,-~

720

1,296

108

...

194

:..

100

120

170

225

[ 15 ]

Assistant Superintendent,.

2,400

300 III

3,000

360

450

360

420

Free quarters.

Chief Warder,.

1,680

1,820

252

273

240

300

Do.

Clerk and Storekeeper,

1,200

60 II

1,800

180

270

160

-20

200

Do.

Principal Warder, ........

1,140

48 I

1,380

171

207

168

6 ́ (annually)

204

Do.

Warder,

840

481

1,180

126

177

12 (annually)

144

Do.

SANITARY DEPARTMENT,~

Secretary,

3,300

120 1

3,600

495

540

420

540

Colonial Veterinary Surgeon,

3,600

300 TIL

4,200

540

630

480

600

Sanitary Surveyor,...

3,000

300 III

3,300

450

495

360

420

Chief Inspector of Nuisances,

1,800

120

2,400

270

360

Senior

1,800

120 III

2,040

270

306

300

340*

First Class Inspector of Nuisances, ·

.1,440

60 T

1,560

216

234

250

5 (annually)

270*

Officers who

occupy

free

Second

Third

1,080

60 I

quarters will draw £32

1,320

162

198

200

230*

per annum less.

900

60 T

1,200

135

180

170

215*

829

STERLING SALARY SCHEME,-Continued.

PRESENT SALARY.

PRESENT SALARY AT 3/- THE DOLLAR.

PROPOSED SALARY IN STERLING.

OFFICE.

REMARKS.

Minimum.

Increase. Maximum.

Minimum.

Maximum.

Minimum.

Increase

Triennial.

Maximum.

明

SANITARY DEPARTMENT,—Contd. Inspector of Markets,

1,080

1,320

162

198

195 5 (annually)

230*

Overseer, Central Market,.

720

Protestant Cemetery,

Drainage Works,

:. :

108

540

110

Free quarters.

Do.

840

126

130

- Senior Inspector of Depôts,

1,800

120 m

2,010

270

301/10

270

300

Free quarters,

First Class Inspector of Depêts,

1,440

60 I

1,560

216

234

250

5 (annually)

270*

European Assistant,

360

240 II

600

Inspector for New Territory,

1,440

216

VOLUNTEERS,—

Commandaut,

750

Non-pensionable.

Corps Sergeant-Major,

2,100

1001

2,400

315

360

280

10 (annually)

320

* Officers who occupy free quarters will dr ww £32 per annum less.

830

[ 16 ]

[ 17 ]

NOTES TO ACCOMPANY STERLING SALARY SCHEME.

831

1.—Officers on dollar salaries in Hongkong will be allowed to join the Sterling Scheme on transfer to Straits or Malay

States.

2.--Continued service on Maximum of a class to count practically towards increment in case of promotion to higher class. 3.--Dollar officers acting in a Sterling post will draw half their own pay and half pay of that post in dollars at present rates.

4.-Sterling officers will draw half their own pay and half the Sterling pay of the acting appointment.

5.-Acting officers draw half the initial pay of posts but not so as to suffer loss on that account.

6.—Officers are allowed 6 months after publication, to join the scheme. If they elect to stay on a dollar salary they must abide by such at present rates during the rest of their service in Hongkong, and so far as they are concerned the salaries of all appointments to which they are promoted will continue to be fixed in dollars.

7.-Offiers can join the Sterling scheme at the stage they would have reached if increments had been fixed at the dates of

their respective appointments to their present posts.

8. An example of the effect on contribution to the Widows and Orphans' Fund is as follows:

Officers on $1,200 per annum would pay to Widows and Orphans' Fund $48 per annum.

At 18 this £4 per

annum.

Officers on £180 (equivalent of above at 3-) would have to pay £7.4.0 per annum-a difference of £3.4s.

would be affected proportionately. The 4%

The 4 % on Sterling salary would be 4% of the exact amount of dollars paid as full salary.

Others

9.—Officers on dollar salaries who entered the service before 1st July, 1897, get leave pay at 4- and pension at 38.

Officers who entered thereafter get 3- for both.

At pre-

10.—The system of rate of exchange for payment of Sterling salaries is not yet fixed by the Secretary of State.

sent it is the average from 1st July, two years before, to 30th June of the year before. It is suggested that the monthly rate be taken as in the case of Exchange Compensation.

11.-Officers who are allowed the privilege of occupying Government quarters have no personal claim to such quarters nor will they be allowed after their next promotion or on acceptance of Sterling salary to count the value of such quarters for pension purposes. No officer appointed on an original Sterling salary will be allowed to count the value of free quarters for pension purposes.

12.—Officers at present serving under agreements have the option of coming under the Sterling Scheme and will be required

to accept Sterling salaries on re-engagement.

{

HONGKONG.

RETURNS

RETURNS OF THE SUBORDINATE COURT, FOR THE YEAR 1901.

583

No. 24

1902

Laid before the Legislative Council by Command of His Excellency

the Officer Administering the Government.

584

TOTAL

UMBERĮ

ASIS

NUMBER

PRISON..

ERS.

To answer any Charge.

ABSTRACT of CASES under COGNIZANCE of the POLICE MAGISTRATES' COURT during the Year 1901.

CASES, HOW DISPOSED OF, AND THE NUMBER OF MALE and FEMALE PRISONERS UNDER EACH HEAD.

Committed to l'rison, or Detained

pending Orders| of H. E. the

Governor.

Ordered to find Security.*

To keep the

Peace.

To be

of good

Beha- viour.

WRITS ISSUED BY THE POLICE MAGISTRATES DURING THE YEAR 1901,

Warrants.

TOTAL.

TOTAL

NUMBER

OF FIRE

ENQUIRIES

HELD

DURING THE YEAR 1901.

14,531

17,067 13,689

536

M, A P.

2,129 147 121

J. F.

M. | P.

M. F.

F. M. F. M. F. M. F.

267 24

105 | 18 | 16,339 728

5,918

162

1,475

236

7,863

TOTAL MALES AND FEMALES,

17,067

F. A. HAZELAND,

* Consisting of Offenders not sentenced to Imprisonment.

Police Magistrate.

The Magistracy Hongkong, 8th March, 1902.

THE CASES CONSISTED OF:-

OFFENCES.

No. of CASES.

NO. OF PRI-

SONERS.

Arms Consolidation Ordinances, 8 of 1895 and 14 of 1895,

9 of 1900, and 35 of 1900.-- Ammunition-Being in possession of,

Arms-Carrying or having possession of, without a

•

licence.

-Dealers neglecting to keep Register of, -Dealing in, without a licence,

110

--Removing without a Permit,

and Ammunition for removal-Not labelling

of-(Sec. 19.),

-Sale Book, Failing to enter the names, &c. of

purchaser in-(Sec. 14),

•

found in buildings, vessel or place without

OFFENCES.

Brought forward.......

Dangerous Goods, —Continued.

Dangerous Goods--Junk-Lighting on board while

laden with Kerosene,

--Ships, &c. lying alongside Wharf

or landing place to land or ship, for more than 15 minutes.

-Ships, &c., neglecting to hoist a

Red Flag when laden with, -Ships &c. neglecting to go into the

D. G. Anchorage,

-Storing more than the quantity

allowed by licence,

-Storing without a licence,

585

KO. OF

NO. OF

CASES,

PRI-

SONERS.

3,063

3.111

any apparent owner. .

Storing of-in unregistered place,

Bribery and Certain other Misdemeanors Punishment

Ordinance. 3 of 1898,-

Offering or accepting a bribe by a public servant, Banishment and Conditional Pardons Ordinance, 8 of

-Selling without a licence,

-Storing of. contrary to licence.

-Unlicensed possession of,

-Refusing to deliver sample of--for

analysis.

}

1882,-

Banishment Returning after,

Building Ordinances. 15 of 1889, 25 of 1891, 7 of 1895, and

11 of 1898,-

Dogs-Unlicensed, keeping of,

Breach of Regulations made under-By allowing

matsbed latrine in a dirty condition, Blasting stones to the danger of Persons and Pro-

perty,

Building ruinous and dangerous condition of-

(Sec. 77 Sub-sec. 4.).

Cutting earth, or turf, and extracting stones from

Crown Land.

Desertion in His Majesty's Forces Ordinance, 2 of 1852,

Aiding and assisting in the,

Dogs Ordinance, 9 of 1893,—

-Importing into the Colony without a certificate.

Eating House Ordinance, 24 of 1898,

Unlicensed keeping of,

Forgery Ordinance, 6 of 1865,

Forged instruments--Obtaining goods or money by........ Forged documents-Uttering, with intent to defraud,

Forts Protection Ordinance. 10 of 1891.—

To or

ེས རྩ འ

100

Drain-Connecting, with the Government Main

Sewer without obtaining a permit,

Battery, Ficklwork, or Fortification-Entering with-

out a written permit.

Fugitive Offenders Act, 1881,-

Ground Surface-Failing to concrete,

Offences under.....

Hoardings and Scaffoldings-Neglecting to ercet

during repair of Buildings,

Gambling Ordinance, 7 of 1891.—

Encroachment on Crown Lan:1,

Inflammable Structures-Erecting, without permis-

sion of the Director of Public Works,

Common Gaming House-Keeping, or playing in, Lotteries - Dealing in.

1,187

—Announcing the result of.

سات

Street Gambling,

271

Plans of Building-Neglecting to submit, to the

Director of Public Works,

Watchmen to Street Gamblers--Acting as.

Notice-Failing to comply with-of Director of l'u-

Good Order and Cleanliness Ordinance, 14 of 1845,-

Animals-Cruelty to.

blic Works,

Bonfire Making.

Pier or Whart -Erection of-without permission,

Ordinance No. 37 of 1899,

Building-Commencing works without giving notice

to Director of Public Works.

Cattle Diseases Ordinances, 17 of 1887, 11, 17, and 25 of

1895,-

Carcase of Animal,- Digging after burial, Pigs-Keeping, for the purpose of being slaughtered in a place other than a properly constructed Government Depôt,

-Keeping, in a way which caused needless or avoidable suffering to them,

Chinese Emigration Consolidation Ordinance, 25 of 1889,-

Decoying Men or Boys into or away from the Colony,. Chinese Extradition Ordinance. 24 of 1889,-

Chinesc Territory-Crimes and Offences committed

in,

Closed Houses and Insanitary Dwellings Ordinance, 15 of

1894, and 13 of 1901.-

The o

♡

نت

Nuisances Throwing rabbish, &c., into the Streets,. Nuisances in thoroughfare,

233

Obstruction of Roads and Streets by Hawkers, and

Shopkeepers,

1,347

Stones Throwing to danger of the public,..

Unlawful possession of property,

393

465

Backyards--Neglecting to keep, clear of obstruction,.. Basement floors--Inhabiting.

108

of trees, shrubs, &c.,

Wantonly or unnecessarily making noises calculated

Cocklofts and Mezzanine floor-Erecting, without

permission from the Sanitary Board,

322

to annoy, or alarm persons in or near or adjoin- ing any public road or thoroughfare.

Cubicles-Breach of Regulations for,

585

Land Mark Removing, ..

Ground Surface, &c.-Domestic buildings-Offence

Gunpowder Ordinance, 20 of 1901,

as to.

Breach of, Manufacture and Storage of,

Houses-Neglecting to cleanse and limewash,

Kellet Island Ordinance, 12 of 1893.-

Open space-Neglecting to provide an-in the rear

of building.

230

Vessels not to anchor or loiter within 50 yards of, Larceny and Other Similar Offences Ordinance, 7 of

Premises-Neglecting to keep in clean and whole-

1865,-

some condition,

948

Burglary,

Windows, &c. Obstruction.

Embezzlement,

Coinage Offences Ordinance, 10 of 1865.—

Counterfeit Coins-Uttering, or being in possession of, Common Law,—

False pretences – Obtaining, or attempting to obtain,

goods or money bv.

Felony-Attempting to commit.

Conspiracy to accuse of crime,

Suicide Attempting to commit.

-Breaking into a house and committing a-

therein,

Contagious Disease Ürdinance, 14 of 1900,-

-Found in Dwelling house, &c., by night,

Contagious Disease-Permitting women suffering

with intent to commit,

from-to remain in brothel,

Housebreaking,

Brothel or Lodging house for prostitute---Closing of, Dangerous Goods Ordinances, 8 of 1873 and 8 of 1892,—

Fraudulently converting money entrusted to, Larceny-Accessory before the fact,

-Master of ship entering Harbour and neglecting to report,..

-as a bailee,

-by servants.

}

-"arrying, uncovered in boat, -Conveying or exposing for Sale,

-Common,

911

1.235

-from a dwelling house,

without attaching labels to cases or vessels containing the same,

Curried forward,..

-from the person,

-from ships or boats in the Harbour, Menaces-Demanding money by..........

3,063 3,111

Carried forward,

7,555

9,635

Breach of the Peace,

Disorderly behaviour,

Dogs-Allowing unmuzzled ferocious, to be at large..

-Inciting, to attack persons, &c..

Domestic Servants-Misconduct as,...

Firearms- Discharging, to the danger of the Public,. Furious driving,

Indecent exposure of person by bathing, or other-

wise,

Nuisances-Discharging sewage water and offensive

matter into the public side channel. Nuisances-Hanging wet clothes, &c., over Public

ways,

སྐ སྐྱསྐྱུ ic | ཤ 2

472

930

586

OFFENCES.

CASES, Continued.

No. of CASES.

No. of

PRI-

SONERS.

OFFENCES.

No. of No. of CASES.

PRI- SONERS.

Money Changers-Unlicensed,

Brought forward.......

Larceny and Other Similar Offences,-Continued.

Robbery from the person,

Stolen goods--Receiving,

with violence,

Licensing Consolidation Ordinance, 21 of 1887,-

Billiard Tables-Keeping unlicensed,

Hawking within the prescribed limits of Market..

--Unlicensed,

Public Vehicles-Breach of Regulations, not having

7,555 9,635

292

132

470

a scale of fare attached to the Licence Board,

-Not properly equipped,

-Demanding more than legal fare,

-Carrying no lights between sunset

and sunrise.

-Not keeping Rule of the Road,

84 84

,་

•

--Obstruction of Streets by,

817

317

-Negligence or Misbehaviour of

drivers,

-Plying for hire withina prohibited

District,

-Refusing to accept hire when un-

>>>

employed.

-Refusing to complete journey,

Refusing to pay fare of,

-Stand-Taking up-unauthorised

by C. S. P.....

-Unlicensed, plying with,

22 322

Brought forward,

Merchant Shipping Consolidation Ordinance, 26 of 1891,

9 of 1892 and 21 of 1895,--Continued. Boats, &c.-Unlicensed,

Boat Licences-Breach of conditions of.

...

Fishing Boat,

Cargo-boat Licence-Breach of conditions of,

Fairways-Obstructing,

Goods unlawfully obtained-Throwing into water, Junk-Anchoring in probibited place, Nuisances in Harbour,

Quarantine Regulations-Breach of,

Seamen-Absenting from duty, from British or

Foreign Ships,

- Desertion of, from British or Foreign Ships,. - Remaining behind Ships after having signed

the Articles.

-Boarding House, Chinese-Keeping, un-

licensed,

Ships, &c.-Anchorage or Harbour-Leaving without Clearance or during prohibited hours,. -Gunpowder-Possession of more than

15 tbs. on......

-Lights-Neglecting to exhibit at night,... -Not having certificated Master or En-

gineer,

10,184 12,361

85.

58.

223.

223

ི ི ་ མྦྷ – ས མ ཀྐ སྶ

ཨ

10 00

రా

* Q

208

208-

--Passengers-Carrying, in excess,..

63.

Steam Launch-Anchoring, without an Anchorage

pass.

-Exhibiting side lights not fitted with

-Using, for conveyance of merchan-

dise, or dead bodies of persons suffering from infectious diseases,.

inboard screens between sunset and sunrise.

-Drivers of-Unlicensed,

188

-Neglecting to paint the number of

passengers in the bow.

using insulting language or

misbehaviour,

Steam Whistles-Unnecessarily blowing.

refusing to proceed at a rea-

sonable speed,

Telegraph Cables-Anchoring within the limits of

area of.

Wharves- Obstruction of, by boat people.

10.

Liquor Licences Ordinance, 24 of 1898,-

Chinese Restaurant-Breach of,

Chinese Spirit Shop Regulations-Breach of,.

Intoxicating Liquors-Selling without licence.

-Distilling without licence,...

Public House-Intoxicating Liquor, selling during

prohibited hours in,

-Permitting disorder in.

Maintenance of Order Ordinance, 10 of 1869.

Breach of,

Naval Stores Ordinance, 9 of 1875.–

Anchorage of Ships-of-War-Dredging or searching

stores.

35.

Marine and Naval Stores-Dealing in, without a

licence,

Nuisances Ordinance, 10 of 1872,-

Magistrate's Ordinance, 10 of 1890,-

Chai Mui-Night noises by playing at the Game

Disorderly behaviour while drunk,

208

known as,

214

Drunkenness,

135

Street Cries by Hawkers.

False Charge-Preferring-or wilfully giving false

evidence,

Falsification of Accounts, &c. with intent to defraud Recognizances—Breach of,

-Common,

- Destructive

Malicious injuries to property Ordinance, 8 of 1865,—

Arson,

Injuries to property,

104

115

•

Injuries to trees or vegetable productions in Garden..

Markets Ordinances, 17 of 1887 and 23 of 1890,-

Articles of food for man-Exposing for Sale, in a

place other than a Public Market,

Fish, &c.-Selling in Markets, not being holders of

stalls.

Market-Selling flesh meat in-Other than slaught-

ered in Slaughter House, and not inspected by an Inspector of Market and marked by him as being fit for human food...... Unwholesome provisions-Exposing for Sale, or bring-

ing, into the Colony,.

Breach of,

Merchant Shipping Act, 1894.—

British Ships,

Seamen-Neglect or refusal of duty by, in British

Ships,

Surreptitious Passage--Obtaining,

Merchant Shipping Consolidation Ordinance, 26 of 1891,

9 of 1892 and 21 of 1895,-

Boarding Ship without permit..

Boats-Concealing the number of.

250

Offences against the Person Ordinance, 4 of 1865,-

Assault-Causing grievous bodily harm..

Substance-Throwing with

-On boys and females under 14 years of age, Child Stealing,

-Abandoning,

Cutting and wounding with intent to do grievous

bodily harm,

746

990-

intent to do grievous bodily, barm.... -Indecent.

135 135

Cutting and wounding with intent to commit murder, Manslaughter,

Murder,

Raw po co

•

Merchandise Marks Ordinance, 15 of 1890,-

Bigamy,

Shooting with intent to do grievous bodily harm.

Stupefying drug, &c.,—Administering.

Workman, &c.-Intimidating,

Opium Ordinance (Prepared), 21 of 1891 and ± of

1894.-

Excise Officer-Assault on,

Assuming the designation of....

627

Scamen-Disobeying lawful orders of Masters in

Prepared Opium-Being in possession of, without

having valid certificates,

1,007 1,007

Prepared Opium-Landing of smuggled opium. (sec.

33.)

Opium Ordinances, 22 of 1887 and 22 of 1891.—

Breach of Raw..

20-

Opium Divan Keeping, Breach of (Ordinance. 15 of 1897,) Passenger Ship Ordinance, 22 of 1890,—

- Demanding more than legal fare,.

-Obstructing or impeding the Harbour Office, -Making fast to ship under way,

-Mooring within the limits of Men-of-War

Anchorage,

-Mooring inshore between the hours of 9

o'clock at night and gun-fire in the morning, -Passengers, landing after hours at prohibited

wharf,

-Refusing to accept hire, when disengaged, --Refusing to show Licences to Police,.....

2 40*8

Pawnbrokers-Failing to make proper entries.

-Failing to give up articles when producing the ticket described therein.

26 Peace and Quiet Ordinance, 17 of 1814,

Breach of,

-Refusing to stop or go alongside Wharf when

called upon by Police,...........

|10,184|12,361

Curried forward..............

Piers and Wharves Ordinance, 18 of 1894.- Private Wharves-Trespass on.......

Carried forward...................

→

Persons found on board-with intent to obtain a

passage without the consent of owners, &c., Pawnbrokers Ordinances, 3 of 1860 and 20 of 1896,

Breach of, for not giving true accounts by applicant, Pawning goods, without being duly authorized or

employed in that behalf,

20 50

的

|13,184 | 15,641

CASES, Continued.

587

+228

~726

OFFENCES.

No. of CASES.

No. of

PRI- SONERS.

OFFENCES.

No. of

CASES.

No. of PRI-

SONERS,

Brought forward,..

13,184 15,641

Brought forward.............

13,928 16,458

Police Force Consolidation Ordinance, 33 of 1900,-

Police Constables-Misconduct as,

Police Force Regulation Ordinance, 9 of 1862,-

Police Constables-Assault on, in execution of duty,. -Obstructing, or resisting, in the

discharge of their duties,

Post Office Ordnance, 24 of 1900,--

Regulations of transmission of Chinese correspon-

dence, Breach of,..

Letters, &c.-Stealing, forging stamps and other fel-

onies,

Post Office-Neglecting to deliver to-Letter bags

and correspondence, on arrival,. Postmaster General-Infringing privileges of,

Private Vehicle Ordinance, 13 of 1895, and

of 1899,-

Private Vehicles-Breach of Regulations for,

-Unlicensed,

Carrying no lights between sunset and sunrise,... Truck or cart-Driving of-during prohibited hours, Public Buildings, Gardens, &c.-Regulations for main-

tenance of good order and preservation of pro- perty in. Ordinance 8 of 1870, and 2 of 1899,- Public Gardens-Breach of Regulations for,

Prison Ordinance, 7 of 1899,-

Breach of,

Public Health Ordinance, 13 of 1901,——

Bakehouse Bye-laws-Breach of,

Regulation of Chinese Burials, and Prvention of certain

-Designation of a, (Ordinance 2 of

1862),

Nuisance Ordinance, 12 of 1856,—Continued. Roads and Streets-Injury to,

Trespass on Crown Land,

under lease from the Crown,.

Mendicancy,

Regulation of Chinese People Ordinance, 8 of 1858, 6 of

1897, and 12 of 1900,—

Building-Occupying or erecting, on land not being

Drums and Gongs-Night noises by beating, Fireworks-Discharging, without permits,.

River Steamers Ordinance, 18 of 1895,-

Passage Obtaining, or attempting to obtain, without

payment, in River Steamer,

Rogues and Vagabonds, 5th of Geo. IV. Chapter 83, s.4,— Rogues and Vagabonds-As suspicious characters,

203

-Being in possession of house-

breaking implements, -Found in dwelling house, &C.

for an unlawful purpose,. -Wandering abroad and lodg-

ing in the open air,

Slaughter-Houses Ordinances, 17 of 1887 and 25 of 1895,-

Slaughter-Houses Regulation-Bye-laws, Breach of, Removing meat to market other than in a covered

vehicle,

3 Stamp Ordinance, 22 of 1901,-

Breach of,

Stowaways Ordinance, 7 of 1897,–

Common Kitchen-Using, as sleeping room, Common Lodging Houses Regulations-Breach of, Common Lodging Houses-Unlicensed keeping of, Cow Shed-Using for human habitation, Drain, &c.-Leaving open and unprotected, Domestic buildings-Occupying, without a certifi

cate from Sanitary Board,

Stowaways,

The Small Tenements Recovery Ordinance, 27 of 1897.... The Triad and Unlawful Societies Ordinance, 8 of 1887,-

Breach of,

ها

The Uniform Ordinance, 10 of 1895,-

Excretal matters-Irrigating land with, near Public

Road,

Factories, &c.-Not providing proper privy accommo- dation for persons employed therein,

Military Uniform-Wearing,.

5 Vagrancy Ordinance, 25 of 1897,-

Verandahs erected over Crown Lands, Ordinance 4 of

Vagrants,

-Failing to return to House of Detention,

1888,-

Laundries-Unregistered,

Enclosure of,..

-Overcrowding,

•

Waterworks Ordinance, 16 of 1890, (amended by 6 of

Magistrates' Order-Failing to comply,

1895, and 30 of 1898),—

Night Soil or noxious waters-Carrying, during pro- hibited hours, or depositing in the Streets,.

Wasting Water,

Waterworks-Breach of,.

Nuisances-Neglecting to abate, after notice served

by the Sanitary Board,

Weights and Measures Ordinance, 8 of 1885,

146

Breach of,

525

Offensive Trade Establishment-Breach of Bye-Laws

made under.

Duty of Examiners of Weights and Measures-Ob-

structing,

-In Opium Divan,

report cases of,

Dead Bodies-Unlawful removal of,

Overcrowding-In tenement house...

Bedding, &c.-Removal of, before fumigation,

Pigs, &c.--Keeping, without licence,

Plague and other infectious diseases-Neglecting to

Dairy-Unregistered,

-Used as sleeping room,

Registration of Births and Deaths Ordinance, 14 of 1901,

Death-Failing to report,

Wild Birds and Game Ordinances, 15 of 1885, and 4 of

1892, -

42.

Birds and Game-Unlicensed taking of,

Women and Girls Protection Ordinances, 6 of 1894, 9 of

1897, 81 of 1899 and 14 of 1900,-

2+2

Abduction of girls under the age of 16 years,. Decoying women or girls into or away from the

Colony,

∞

Detaining, harbouring, or receiving women or girls

for the purpose of prostitution,....

7་

Regulation of Chinese Burials, and Prevention of certain

Disorderly House-Not complying with Magistrate's

Order to discontinue the use of.....

Nuisances Ordinance, 12 of 1856,-

Grave-Violating,

Procuration of Girls under 16 to have carnal con-

nexion,

Obeying calls of nature in the streets or in improper

places.....

Purchasing, pledging, or selling women or girls for

the purpose of prostitution,

Carried forward,..

13,928 16,458

TOTAL,.....

14,531 17,067

588

ABSTRACT of CASES brought under COGNIZANCE of the POLICE MAGISTRATES' COURT during a period of Ten Years, from 1st January, 1892, to 31st December, 1901, inclusive.

CASES, HOW DISPOSED OF, AND THE NUMBER OF MALE AND FEMALE PRISONERS UNDER EACH HEAD.

Committed

Commit- to Prison or

Ordered to find Security

To keep the

Did not appear

and

absconded

Escaped

before being

brought for trial at

the Ma- gistracy

Escaped.

TOTAL NUMBER

YEARS.

ted for

CASES.

Convicted and Punished.

Discharged.

Trial at

Supreme Court.

detained pending Or- der of His

Punished for Preferring

Total

False Charge Undecided.

Number

Peace, to be of Good Beha-

or giving

Excellency

viour, and to

False

of Defendants.

the

Governor.

answer any Charge.

Testimony.

ลง

M. F.

M. M. | F.

M. M.

1892,

11,920

11,771

327

1,927

151 40

1893,

10,727

10,049

306

1,532

75 102

9.8

191

242

1894,

10,447

9,465

302

1,716

1895,..

17,016 15,058

725

2,345

196

63 2

255

51 3

232

1896,..

17,767

16,659

797

1,371

203

62 21

232

ེབ

Total,..... 67.877

63,002 2,457

8,891

720318: 32

2 1,152 228

Average per

Year,

13,575.4 12,600.4491.4

1,778.2

144.0 63.6 C.4

3.6 0.4 230.4 45.6

---

69 180

13,969

502

11,972

420

11,530

423

199

17,897 1,001

115

18,468 1,100

⠀

1897,

11,185

10,237

548

1,481

151

73 12

Sund

183

1898,.

13,341 12,663

834

1,196

209

1899,.

10,158 9,007

511

1,527

114 128

1900,

14,081 13,149

501

2,416

235131

مد

211

20 1

1901,.

14,531 13,689

536 2,129

147 121

287

Total,..... 63,296 58,745 2,930

8,749

740 518 25

22 1

980 188

381

73,836 3,446

14.8

1.2

76.2

0.6

14,767.2 689.2

12,079

807

142

14,304 985

28 3

10,800

646

15,932

764

เง

105 18

16,339

728

431

69,454 3,930

Average per

Year,

Grand Total “

for the 10 Years,

Average per

Year,

12,659.2 11,749.0586.0 1,749.8 148.0 108.6 5.0

4.40.2196.0 37.6 0.4 0.2

0.2 16.4

3.4

86.2

7.4

13,890.8 786.0

131,173 121,747 5,387 17,640 1,460 | 836 57

32,132 416

156

812

143,290 7.376

13,117.3 12,174.7538.7 1,764.0 146.0 83.6 5.7

4.0 0.8 213.2 41.6 0.2 (0.1

***

0.115.6

2.3

81.2

4.0

14,329.0 737,6

The Magistracy, Hongkong, 8th March, 1902.

•

HONGKONG.

RETURNS OF THE SUPERIOR COURT FOR THE YEAR 1901.

No.

1902

Laid before the Legislative Council by Command of His Excellency, the Officer Administering the Government.

SUPREME COUrt, HONGKONG, 7th January, 1902.

SIR, I have the honour to forward the following Annual Returns:-

1. Return of all sums received as Revenue in the Registry of the Supreme Court during

the year 1901.

2. Return of all sums collected in the Registry of the Supreme Court for 1901, and paid

into the Treasury.

3. Comparative table showing the number of offences, apprehensions, convictions and

acquittals for the last four years.

4. Return of Criminal cases that have been brought under the cognizance of the Supreme-

Court during the last ten years.

5. Indictments and Informations in the Supreme Court for 1901.

6. Return of Criminal cases tried in the Supreme Court during 1901.

7. Return of Estates of Intestates for the second half year ending 31st December, 1901.

I have the honour to be.

The Honourable

THE COLONIAL SECRETARY.

Sir,

Your most obedient Servant,

J. W. NORTON Kyshe, Registrar.

RETURN of all SUMS RECEIVED as REVENUE in the Registry of the Supreme Court during the Year 1901.

Original Jurisdiction,

Summary Jurisdiction,

Bankruptcy Jurisdiction,

Probate Jurisdiction,

Admiralty Jurisdiction,

Official Administrator's Commission,

Official Trustee's Commission,

Sheriff's Fees,

..$ 4,075.90 4,389.65

443.20 3,391,85

648.50

2,667.08

78.40

172.00

819.00

Bailiff's Fees,

Fees on Distraints,

Registrar of Companies,..................

Fines and Forfeitures,...

Miscellaneous Receipts,

Official Receiver in Bankruptcy,

Land Office Fces (including $145 account New Territory),

1,320.00

6.434.50

514.00

3.74

241.40

$ 25,259.22 14,645.50

$ 39,904.72

J. W. NORTON KYSHE,

Registrar.

Registry, Supreme Court, Hongkong, 7th day of January, 1902.

RETURN of all SUMS COLLECTED in the Registry of the Supreme Court for the Year 1901, and paid into the Treasury.

REGISTRAR.--Court Fees paid by Stamps,

1900. $ 13,271.04

1901. $14,269.10

OFFICIAL ADMINISTRATOR.--% on amounts encashed and paid into the

Treasury,

3,384.38

2,667.08

OFFICIAL TRUSTEE.--2 % on amount of Trust on taking over up to $10,000,

above $10,000 commission 1 %, 1% commission on income,

120.17

78.40

BAILIFF,...

684.00

819.00

SHERIFF,

REGISTRAR OF COMPANIES,

FINES AND FORFEITURES,

MISCELLANEOUS RECEIPTS,

OFFICIAL RECEIVER IN BANKRUPTCY,

LAND OFFICE FEES (including $145 account New Territory for 1901),

$ 23,535.66

16,699.25

$ 40,234.91

100.50

172.00

4,581.00

6,494.50

510,00

514.00

0.95

883.62

3.74

241.40

$ 25,259.22 14,645.50

$ 39,904.72

J. W. NORTON KYSHE,

Registrar.

Registry, Supreme Court, Hongkong, 7th day of January, 1902.

COMPARATIVE TABLE showing the NUMBER of OFFENCES, APPREHENSIONS, CONVICTIONS, and ACQUITTALS for the last Four Years.

The Number of Convictions in the Superior Courts--

1. For Offences against the Person,

2. For Offences against Property, 3. For other Offences,

The Number of Persons acquitted--

2. In the Superior Courts,

Registry, Supreme Court, Hongkong, 7th day of January, 1902.

1998.

1899.

1900.

1901.

472

J. W. NORTOn Krshe,

Registrar.

RETURN of CRIMINAL CASES that have been brought under the COGNIZANCE of the SUPREME Court, during the last Ten Years.

Charges Abandoned.

Postponed.

YEAR.

Number of

Number

Convicted. Acquitted.

Cases. Persons.

No. of

Cases.

No. of Persons.

No. of Cases.

No. of Persons.

1892.

1893,

1894,

1895,

1896,

AGGA IN.

2861-6

Total,.......

199

244

122

23.

36.

ลง

་

(a) 1897,

(b) 1898,

1899,

14.

(d) 1901,

5942

4442

Total,...

256

408

310

Average of 1st Period,.

394

213/

7/1/

Average of 2nd Period, ..

511

813

13%

هرين

0(19

a. In one case the recognizance estreated. b. In two cases the recognizance estreated. c. In two cases the recognizance estreated. d. In one case the prisoner was fined $500.

Registry, Supreme Court, Hongkong, 7th day of January, 1902.

J. W. NORTON KYSHE,

Registrar.

INDICTMENTS and INFORMATIONS in the SUPREME COURT of HONGKONG for the Year 1901.

Including Attempts and Conspiracies to commit the several offences.

Showing how the cases tried in

the Superior Courts ended.

(Each Prisoner tried counts as a separate case; where a large number of Prisoners have been convicted together, the fact is mentioned in a note.)

Total.

Manslaughter.

Attempt at Murder.

Concealment of Birth.

Murder.

1 1

Judgment for the Crown,.

Judgment for the Prisoner,...

Prisoner found Insane,

Cases which fell through for want of prosecution or ab- sence of accused, and cases thrown out by the Grand

Jury (Attorney General),...

Cases postponed,....

:..

...

Abortion.

Rape.

Robbery with Violence.

Other Offences against the Person.

Offences against Property.

Miscellaneous Offences.

Unnatural Crimes.

...

Registry, Supreme Court, Hongkong, 7th day of January, 1902.

223

J. W. NORTON KYSHE,

Registrar.

RETURN of CRIMINAL CASES tried in the SUPREME COURT of HONGKONG during the Year 1901.

Number of Cases tried.

Number of Persons tried.

CRIME.

Administering poison with intent to murder, Altering a stamp,

Arson,

Assault with intent to rob,

Attempt at Larceny,

Attempt at Murder,

Being a member of an unlawful society,

Bringing counterfeit coins into the Colony,.

Counselling, procuring &c., a third party to throw

corrosive fluid,

Disobeying order of banishment,

Forgery,

Giving a bribe to a public servant with a view to

influence his conduct...

Larceny,

Larceny in a dwelling house with menaces,

Manslaughter,

Murder,

Convicted.

Acquitted.

Death.

Death Recorded.

Hard Labour

over One Year.

Hard Labour One

Year and under.

SENTENCE.

Solitary Confinement-

Number of Persons.

Number of Persons. Privately Flogged-

No. of Cases.

No. of Persons.

No. of Cases.

No. of Persons. ·

Charges

Cases

Abandoned. Postponed.

Obtaining goods by false pretences,

Obtaining bribe with a view to influence his conduct

as a public servant,

Obtaining money by false pretences,.

22 Robbery being armed,

Robbery and wounding,

Perjury,

Piracy,

Robbery,

1221

121O5 20–~ ~--~

1a Selling counterfeit King's coin,

Shop breaking,

Stealing letter,

Throwing corrosive fluid with intent to burn,.

Uttering a forged will and testament,

Uttering a forged Bank note,

Uttering a forged request for delivery of goods with

intent to defraud,

Uttering counterfeit coins,

Wounding with intent to murder,

22224-322 -

2 10

∞ 18

213

-Hi Hi Ni mi i

:::

...

•

2 2

Of 98 Persons

.96 were indicted.

Two were not indicted which are included under the heading of "Charges Abandoned," 2

98 Persons.

a. In this case the Prisoner was fined $500,

Registry, Supreme Court, Hongkong, 7th day of January, 1902.

...

J. W. NORTON KYSHE, Registrar.

RETURN of ESTATES of INTESTATES for the Second Half-year ending 31st December, 1901. (Ordinance 3 of 1897, Section 28.)

Amount received on Account ef Estate.

Deductions for Disburse-

ments.

Balance on closing Account.

Disposal of Balance.

Ng Sin,

James William Hill, Darass,

Roar Singh,

Carl Ernst Thonert,

P. A. W. Ottomier,

0.57 326.65

319.67

0.57 6.98

Paid into the Government Treasury.

Do.

9.60

29.40

18.72

2,565.10

165.01

10.68 2,400.09

Paid into the Government Treasury.

Do.

84.00

4.20

79.80

Do.

B. Adar Eranee,...

0.73

Do.

F. W. Wood,

105.57

39.50

H. E. Hammon,

142.56

25.75

Chan Wan Fong,

1.00

0.05

Sing Qua,

88.00

4.40

66.07 116.81 0.95 83.60

Paid to A. P. Wood, the brother. Paid into the Government Treasury.

Do.

Paid to Tang Cheung Shi, the admi-

nistratrix.

Tora Khan,..

6.45

John Grant,

98.94

8.70

90.24

Paid to Gazi Khan, the brother. Paid into the Goverment Treasury.

Chung Ting,

12.52

0.63

11.89

Do.

Din Mahomed,

13.47

0.67

12.80

Do.

J. Garner,

6.50

0.33

6.17

Do.

Alexander W. R. Cobban,..

11,422.11

1,107.55

10,314.56

Do.

Lo Sing alias Lo King Cheuug,.

2,400.00

Paid to C. Ewens, Solicitor for the

Administratrix.

Fatty Din,

86.15

Paid into the Government Treasury.

Barain Singh,

5.12

0.26

4.86

Do.

Lau Man Che,

0.78

Do.

H. Williams,

200.00

79.70

120.30

Do.

D. B. Adamson,

1,063.38

226.67

836.71

Do.

William D. Richards,.

415.78

106.50

309.28

Do.

Thomas Jacob,

141.60

Do.

George Howard,.

1.40

Do.

Registry, Supreme Court, Hongkong, 7th day of January, 1902.

J. W. NORTON KYSHE, Official Administrator.

697

No. 1902

HONGKONG.

SUPREME COURT RETURNS, FOR THE YEAR 1901.

Laid before the Legislative Council by Command of His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government.

RETURN of CIVIL and APPEAL CASES brought under the cognizance of the Supreme Court of Hongkong during the Year 1901.

CASES TRIED.

In Number Depend- of

Debt

with-

JURISDICTION. ency Cases

Total.

and

drawn

in 1900.

Damages.

before

1901.

Trial.

Settled

Judgment.

Plaintiff.

Defendant.

Original,

Summary,

125

175

*$802,961.35

76 1,267 1,343

$226,748.32

517

486

73.

Non-Suit.

Struck out, Dis- missed, and lapsed Writs.

In Dependency.

ос

Debt and

Damages recovered.

$92,463.34

179

$88,702.13

* Exclusive of two cases wherein the amounts claimed were respectively Tls. 2,800 and Tls. 14,000.

Registry, Supreme Court, Hongkong, 12th March, 1902.

APPEALS COMMENCED.

APPEALS.

1901.

APPEALS TRIED.

J. W. NORTOn-Kyshe,

Registrar.

Judgment.

No. of Cases.

Appellant.

Respondent.

Pending.

Withdrawn.

Registry, Supreme Court, Hongkong, 12th March, 1902.

J. W. NORTON-KYSHE,

Registrar.

698

CALENDAR of PROBATE and ADMINISTRATION granted by the SUPREME COURT of HONGKONG during the Year 1901.

No.

Date of

Name of Testator or Intestate.

Time and Place of Death.

Grant.

Probate, Administration with the Will annexed, or Administration.

Value

Name and Description of the Executor or Administrator.

sworn under

1901.

11 Jan. 9 Richard Morris,

7500

172 1900 "

178 1900

Mathew Boyd Bredon,

16 Cornelia Laucbangco y Jo-

sefa,

(Time of death unknown),

at Doncaster, England,

19th Apr., 1900, Swatow,

Probate,

Do.,

13th Aug., 1900, Binondo,

Manila,

Letters of Adm. with the Will annexed,

1901.

1 Jan.

7 Daniel Haywood,

19th Nov., 1900, Hongkong,

Probate,

Gertrude Morris, Harry Morris, Morris Dalton Holmes and Percy Richard Neale, the Executors... Mary Kerron Bredon, sole Executrix,

Ramon Soriano y Lichanco, attorney of Eugenia Lichanco y Lichangco, Clara Lichanco y Lichangco, Catalino Are- valo, Julita Lichanco y Lichangco, Doroteo Revilla, Luisa Lichanco y Lichangco, Galo Lichanco y Santos, Zacarias Lichanco y Santos, Timotea Lichanco y Santos and Crisanto Li- chanco y Santos, residuary legatees,... Edward Thompson, the Executor.-Let- ters of Administration granted to the Official Administrator on the 8th December, 1900, having been revoked, Ho Ting Yan, the Exccutor,

1.200.00 3,000.00

65,700.00

1,600.00

7 Ho Lau Shi,

3rd Dec., 1899, Canton,

China,

Do.,

2,500.00

8 Tang Tun Cheung,

10 Koo Tee,

20th Sept., 1900, Hongkong,

Do.,

Tang Hon Leung, the Executor,.....

2,400.00

4th Aug., 1900, Hongkong,

Do.,

Ismail Pillay Madar and Tsoi Yau Kam,

the Executor and Executrix,

12,500.00

22 Tang Cheong Choi,.

22nd Nov., 1900, Sam Shui,

China.

Do.,

Li Shi, the Excentrix,

1,800.00

→

G Mar. 6 Chan Yuk Kai,

7 Jan. 14 Tang Mo (bau,

22 Joseph Robert Grimble,.

23 Yu Yam otherwise U Yik Sam otherwise Yu Chan Fan,

10 Feb. 8 Won Ah Hee,

16th Mar., 1887, Canton,

China,

5th Aug., 1900, Canton,

China,

31st Dec., 1900, Hongkong,

1st July, 1900, San Ning,

China,

Letters of Adm., Chan Lun Kai, one of the lawful and

natural sons.....................

2,500.00

Probate,

Tang Ling I, sole Executor,

2,000.00

Do.,

Albert William James Simmons, Exe-

cutor.

100.00

Do.,

Ya Wo Ngai and Yu Wo Fong, the Exe-

cutors,

44,800.00

10th Nov., 1900, Hongkong, Letters of Adm.

with the Will

Leung Kam, guardian of Kwok Kam

Sui, the only next of kin.

18,000.00

annexed,

11 June 6 Leopold Suidter,...

9th Dec., 1900, Hongkong,

Letters of Adm., | Paul Witkowski, one of the creditors,

200.00

15 Mar.

12 Feb. 21 Hu Nai Kan,

21: Chan Hoi Chau,

28 David McGlashan,

Hur Libertas Mackenzie,

16 Feb. 25 Filomeno Maria Lopes,

25 J. R. Hall,.

26 Elizabeth Pirkis,.

19 Mar.

6 Kwok Lo,

19 Francis Cass,

Sing,

Paul Jordan,

29th June, 1900. Kwong Nam Village. China, 19th Nov., 1898, Canton,

China,

3rd Oct., 1899, Hongkong, 26th Dec., 1899, Swatow,

China,

5th Jan.. 1901, Hongkong, 27th Aug., 1900, at sea,

17th Feb, 1900, Bayswater,

England,

23rd Nov., 1900, Hokshan,

China,

14th Nov., 1900, Amoy,

China,

Li Fung Shan alias Li Chat | 27th July, 1900, Hongkong.

Do.,

Letters of Adm. | The Reverend John Campbell-Gibson,

with the Will annexed,

Probate, Letters of Adm.,

Probate,

attorney of Theodore Charles Mac- kenzie, Thomas Alexander Macken- zie, Mary Lina Mackenzie and Grace Margaret Mackenzie, the Executors and Executrixes.

Eufemia Felomino Lopes, the Executrix,. James William Norton-Kyshe, Official

Admini-trator,

George Jamie-on, attorney of Josiah Levesque and Anny Naomi Levesque Pirkis, the Executor and Executrix,. Letters of Adm., Kwok Tseung, the next of kin,

Probate,

Letters of Adm.,

Probate,

Hu Fung Shan, the Executor......

3,000.00

Do.,

Leong Shi, sole Executrix,

Elizabeth McGlashan, Executrix.

1,500.00

7,700.00

9,700.00 1,900.00

600.00

28,900.00

1,100.00

Florence Annie Cass, sole Executrix,.

8,100.00

Li Cheong Shi, the lawful widow and

relict,

15,000.00

9th Feb., 1901, Hongkong,

22nd Feb., 1901, at sea, near

San Francisco,

Do.,

Probate,

Gregory Paul Jordan, one of the Exe-

cutors,

9,400.00

1st Nov., 1900, Nam Hoi,

China,

2235

27 Apr.

20 Rounsevelle Wildman,

20 Lititia Aldrich Wildman, 25 Lo Choh Ping.......

25 | Ching A-wai,

1 Thomas Herbert Glover,

12 Chan Ho alias Lai Kam,

17 James Fowler,........

25 Thomas Blamey,

Yik Ming Shek,

31 May 16

32 Apr. 26

34 May

João María Ignacio de Car-

valho,

William Butt Rosemberg,

1 Edmund Evers Dear,

1 Edward Abbott,

1 John Dupree,

11th Mar., 1901, Nam Tau,

China,

13th Feb., 1901, Hongkong,

18th May, 1900, Canton,

China,

7th Apr., 1901, Hongkong,

20th Nov., 1900, Melbourne,

Australia,

16th Aug., 1899, Canton,

China,

| 16th Feb., 1901, Macao,

17th Feb., 1901, Hongkong, 30th Apr., 1900, Melbourne,

Australia,

22nd Apr., 1901. Hongkong, Letters of Adm.,

25th Apr., 1901, Hongkong,

James William Norton-Kyshe, Official

Administrator,

James William Norton-Kyshe, Official

Administrator,

Do.,

Do., Letters of Adm.,

William Foote Aldrich, sole Executor.

16,900.00

William Foote Aldrich. sole Executor, Shek Tsz Ling, the lawful widow and

relict,

25,500.00

150.00

Do.,

Ching Fong Shi, the lawful widow and

relict,.

250.00

Do.,

Elizabeth Long, the lawful and natural

sister,

200.00

Probate,

Chan Tung, one of the Executors,

22,500.00

Letters of Adm., James William Norton-Kyshe, Official

Administrator,

20,600.00

Probate,

Letters of Adm.,

James Arthur Delay, one of the Exe-

cutors,

11,400.00

Yip Wing Cho, one of the lawful and

natural sons,..

600.00

Do.,

Probate, Do.,

Julio Augusto de Carvalho, one of the

lawful and natural brothers,.. James Crombie, one of the Executors, Helen Dear, sole Executrix,

1,000.00

500.00 6,200.00

600.00

Do.,

1,800.00

CALENDAR of PROBATE and ADMINISTRATION,

Continued.

699

No.

Date of

Name of Testator or Intestate.

Time and Place of Death.

Grant.

Probate, Administration with the Will annexed, or Administration.

Name and Description of the Executor or Administrator.

Value

sworn

under

1901.

37 May

2 Dorabjee Burjorjee Avasia 17th Aug., 1900, Hongkong, Letters of Adm., Dorabjee Naorojee Mithaiwalla and

otherwise Dorabjee Bur- jorjce Tata,

Edalji Dorabjee Kotwal, the attor- neys of Kewarbai, the lawful widow and relict,

9.700.00

I am A-Sz,

Henry Tod,

5th Sept., 1900, Hongkong, 8th May, 1900, London,

Probate,

Do.,

Lo Wing and Lo Choom, the Executors,.. James Bruce and Nelson Briggs Cons-

5,000.00

England,

table, the Executors,

1,200.00

John Smalridge Knowles....

8th Jan, 1901, Shanghai,

China,

Blanche Knowles and Heinrich von

Rucker, the Executors,

2,900.00

16 Wong King Tong,

24th Feb., 1901, Canton,

China,

Do.,

Wong Hon Chiu, the Executor,

10,500.00

11 Kong Pak Cheong, .

5th Mar., 1901, Shanghai,

China,

};

4th Feb., 1891, Fatshan,

China,

21 Maurie Chilton Cole Lewis, 30th Apr., 1901, Hongkong,

11 Li Poo,

Letters of Adm., Godfrey Cornewall Chester Master, at-

torney of Kong Tu Shih, the lawful widow and relict,

19.100.00

Maria Guilhelmina Lopes,... 12th May, 1901, Hongkong,

Do.,

Probate,

Letters of Adm..

Laurence Scholfield Lewis, lawful and

natural brother,

500.00

Li King Tsung and Li Tso Sik, the

Executors,

16.000.00

300.00

Li Shing,

Yeung Kon Chi,

Do., Do.,

.200.00

900.00

Probate,

Do.,

1,200.00

129,300.00

3.000.00

6 June 28 47 May 23

Archibald Nisbet Scotland,.

23 Ip Hin otherwise Yip Hin otherwise Ip Long Hin,

· 23 | João Gualberto Gutierrez,...

31 Richard Henry Andrews,

11th Mar,, 1901, Hongkong, 8th Aug., 1900, Shun Tak,

China,

1st Feb., 1896, Newcastle,

New South Wales,

7th Jan., 1901. Canton,

China,

26th Mar., 1901, Hongkong.

31st Aug., 1900, Manila,

Philippine Islands,

52 June 1 Carl Friedrich Arnold Sche- 17th Feb., 1900, Neroi,

54 Aug. 23

telig,

Ting Kit alias Ting Wai

Kit, Lee Soo,

Italy,

6th May, 1901, Canton,

China,

11th July, 1881, Hongkong,

220 Dec., 1890, Canton,

China,

20th Aug., 1900, Hongkong,

Letters of Adm.,

Letters of Adm. with the Exem- plification of the Will annexed, Letters of Adm. with the Will and Codicil annexed, Probate,

Letters of Adm. (de bonis non), Letters of Adm.,

James William Norton-Kyshe, Official

Administrator,

Un Kiu, the lawful widow and relict, Yeung Tun Shun, lawful paternal uncle,

Francis Vernon Smythe and James

Scott Russell, the Executors,

Ip Ching Sun, Ip Ching Kiu and Ip

Ching Wing, the Executors, Amelia Francisca Marques Gutierrez,

the lawful widow and relict,... John Alexander Mackay, attorney of Eleanor Erica Andrews, sole Exe- cutrix,

Nicolaus August Siebs, the attorney of Emil Engelbrecht von Pustau and Adolf Friedrich Rudiger, the Exc-

cutors.

Ting Tsui Shi, sole Executrix,

1.700.00

£2.000.0.0 $ 8,000.00

Lo She, the lawful widow and relict,..

14.000.00

55 Sept. 16

Lee A-tsau,

Lo She, the lawful mother,

20.000.00

56 June 12

Chun Chung She,

Probate,

(han Yun Yu alias Chan Fu Yu, sole

Executor,

41,000.00

88888

Henry James Faunch,

31st May, 1901, Hongkong,

Do.,

Charles Clarkson and Robert Walpole,

the Executors,

12,700.00

Chow A-sun alias Chun

4th May, 1901, Hongkong,

Do..

Chow A Hop, the Executor...

3,500.00

Tsung alias Siu Hang,

5th May, 1901, Hongkong,

8th Apr., 1901, Macao,

Do.,

Probate,

17th Feb., 1901, Hongkong, Letters of Adm., Yan Chi Cho, the lawful and natural son,.

James William Norton-Kyshe, Official

Administrator,

500.00

Cheung Hing Lam, sole Executor,..

1.400.00 38,600.00

11 Acho alias Yan Fu,

11 Henry Cook Howorth.

15 Cheung Moon alias Cheung Man Him alias Yik Shan,

15 Jessie Paton Thomas,

17 Ip Pak Kit,

Arthur Wellesly Walkin-

shaw,

22 Arthur McKim Reid,

22 Ma Tam U,

Chow Kwai Un,

28 Chung Kum Fook,

69 July 9 John Moore Gawne,

70 June 28 George Oscar Rogers,

71 July 3 Edward Lee,

2 Yeong Kwok Shi,

4 Fong Tung Tsoi,

4 Alberto Pedro de Carvalho,.

75 Aug. 2

76 July 11

Li A-wong alias Li Yew Hing alias Li Keng Po,

Mok Po In,

13 Ho Tse Kun,

20th Sept., 1900, Yokohama, Letters of Adm.

Japan,

10th July, 1900, Fatshan,

China,

3rd Oct., 1900, Foochow,

China,

22nd July, 1900, Shanghai,

China,

12th Jan., 1901, Hongkong. 10th June, 1899, Hongkong, 30th Dec., 1900, Hongkong,

12th Dec., 1900, Vryheid,

South Africa, 2nd Jan., 1900, Washington, United States of America,

26th Sept., 1900, Sydney,

New South Wales,

with the Will

annexed, Probate,

Letters of Adm. with the Will annexed, Letters of Adm.,

Letters of Adm. with the Will 、 annexed,

Probate,

Do.,

Godfrey Cornewall Chester Master, at- torney of Thomas Thomas, the sole Executor,

Ip Seung Wan, the Executor,

James Henry Cox, attorney of Caroline Augusta Jane Walkinshaw, the law- ful widow and relict,

Godfrey Cornewall Chester Master, at- torney of John Maitland Reid, the natural and lawful father,..

torney of Adaline Frisk Rogers, sole Executrix,

21,200.00

96,500.00

18,000.00

600.00

Probate,

Ma Pok Tsun, the Executor,

4,000.00

Do..

Do.,

Chow Hung Shi Yan San, sole Executrix, Chan Yew Ting alias Chan Yau Lok

2,000.00

and Chung Li Shi, the Executor and Executrix,..........

6,000.00

Do.,

Theodora Gawue, the Executrix,

3,000.00

Godfrey Cornewall Chester Master, at-

82,500.00

Oliver Kay Young, the Executor,

1,800.00

Yeong Kam Kit, the Executor,

7,600.00

Letters of Adm.,

Fong Wai Loi, lawful nephew,

100.00

5th Apr., 1901, Hongkong,

Probate,

Henrique José Maria de Carvalho and Julio Augusto de Carvalho, the Exe- cutors,

3,000.00

Probate,

Letters of Adm., Li Wan Tso, the lawful widow and

relict, Mok Tak Pui, sole Executor,

2.000.00

2,500.00

Letters of Adm.,

Ho Ab Ying, the lawful and natural

brother,

200.00

7th June, 1901, Shun Chau,

China,

20th Nov., 1889, Kwei Shin,

China,

19th June, 1901, Canton,

China.

9th Jan., 1899, Aplichau,

Hongkong,

12th June, 1901, at sea,"

700

CALENDAR of PROBATE and ADMINISTRATION,--Continued.

No.

Date of

Name of Testator or Intestate.

Time and Place of Death.

Grant.

Probate, Administration with the Will annexed, or Administration.

Value

Name and Description of the Executor or Administrator.

sworn

under

10th Apr., 1901, Middlesex,

England.

1901. 78 July 13

Chan Ah Chi,

24th June, 1901, Canton,

China,

Letters of Adm., Chan Ip Shi, the lawful widow and

relict.

350.00

80 Aug. 13

Mustan Singh,

Leung Mun,

81 July 20 Pang Kong,

16th Jan., 1901, Hongkong,

19th Nov., 1901, Ho Nam,

Canton, China,

12th May, 1899, Canton,

China,

Do.,

Probate.

James William Norton-Kyshe, Official

Administrator,

100.00

Sek Kam Tai, sole Executrix,

3,000.00

Letters of Adm., | Pang Tam Shi, the lawful widow and relict. The Probate of the alleged will of the deceased granted to Pang To Shi on the 30th day of June, 1899 having been revoked,

20U Kwong Luk alias Wong

Chong, Wong Yau,

Sth May, 1901, at sea,

Do.,

U Ku Chung, the lawful uncle.

3,300.00 150.00

84 Aug. 7

Michael R. Ryan,

11th Jan, 1901, San Ui,

China, 22nd Aug., 1900, Hongkong,

Do..

Wong Tso and Wong Wa, the lawful

and natural sons,.

4,200.00

Frobate.

The Reverend Solomon Frost, sole Exe-

cutor,

2,900.00

85 July 28

Ip Chuk Kai,

Do.,

Hu Shun Chun alias Hu Tso, sole Exe-

cutor,

42,800.00

Lina Maria Xavier,......

400.00

22nd June, 1901, Hongkong,

Probate,

Letters of Adm.,

Chau Tat Hing and Ho Chak Shang, the

Executors,...

24.000.00

Chun Ping Yan, one of the next of kin,.

3,800 00

8,000.00

22nd May, 1901, Heung

Shan, China,

4th June, 1901, Hongkong,

23 Chau San alias Chau Chun 11th June, 1901, Canton,

89 Sept. 6

90 July 23

Sang,

Chun Yoong Foon alias Chung Yoong Foong, Kwok Ah Lok,.

Charles Carroll Bennett,

12 John Long,

26 Leung Fa Kan,

93 Aug. 2 William Whiley,

3 George Edward Halford,

Chan Tai Yung otherwise

Chan Yung

Lo Wai Sun alias Lo Wai Hing alias Lo Wei Hing alias Lo Sun,

12 Chan Him,

24 Mary M. Brownhill,

15 George Edward Noble,

China,

24th May, 1901, Singapore, Straits Settlements, 19th Apr., 1901, Shanghai,

China,

22nd May, 1901, Hongkong,

1st May, 1901, Canton,

China,

Letters of Adm., Francisco Quintino Romaldo Xavier, the lawful husband,

Probate,

Letters of Adm.

with Exem- plification of the Will annexed, Letters of Adm.,

Probate,

3rd Mar., 1901, Hongkong, | Letters of Adm.,

15th May, 1900, Orange Ri-

ver Colony, South Africa, 18th Mar., 1901, Pun U,

China,

4th May, 1901, Canton,

China,

11th July, 1901, Shun Tak, |

China,

23rd July, 1901, Hongkong,

Chan Siew Pang, the Executor,

Godfrey Cornewall Chester Master, at- torney of Laura Etta Bennett and Laurits Andersen, the Executrix and Executor,

James William Norton-Kyshe, Official

Administrator.

Leung Kam and Leung Fu, the Executors,

Kittie Whiley, the lawful widow and

relict,.

Frederick Benjamin Halford, the lawful

and natural father,

17,100.00

600.00 42,400.00

1,400.00

Do.,

400.00

Do..

Chu Kun Man, the lawful widow and

relict.

600.00

Letters of Adm. with the Will annexed, Letters of Adm.,

Lo Chu Shi, the lawful widow and

relict,

49,000.00

Chan Fok Shi. the lawful widow and

relict.

2,000.00

Probate,

Do.,

James Robert Mudie, one of the Exe-

entors. William Hartigan, one of the Executors

23,800.00

68,000.00

100

17 Leung Lai Shang

Leung Lai,

alias

| 22nd Feb., 1901, Canton,

China,

Do.,

Leung Tsz Piu, sole Executor,

3,500.00

101

24 John Brownhill,

14th June, 1901, Hongkong | Letters of Adm.

with the Will

annexed,

James Robert Mudie, one of the Exe- cutors named in the Will of Mary M. Brownhill, deceased, the lawful widow and Executrix of John Brown- hill. deceased,

24,300.00

102 103

Placido Francisco Siqueira,.

Carl Ernst Thönert,

12th July, 1901, Macao. 15th June, 1901, Hongkong,

Probate, Letters of Adm.,

Maria Siqueira. sole Executrix,

1,200.00

James William Norton-Kyshe, Official

Administrator,

2,600.00-

104 Oct. 15

Pang Tai Yuen,

105 Aug. 28 106

Mak Lai Tong,.

Keung Kut,

107

Chan Lok..........

108

26 Frederick W. Wood,

109

29 Elias Hyem Joseph..

2nd June, 1901, Tamsui,

Formosa,

110 Sept. 2 George Leslie Mackay,

31st May, 1901, Pun U,

China,

20th May, 1901, Hongkong, 15th Aug., 1900, Hongkong.

2nd June, 1901, Sun Ning,

China,

12th Aug., 1901, Hongkong,

25th July, 1901, Hongkong,

3 James Cecilway Goodchild,. 27th Aug., 1901, Hougkong,

Do.,

Letters of Adm. with the Decision of the Japanese Court annexed, Probate,

Sarah Joseph, the lawful widow and

relict,

Godfrey Cornewall Chester Master, one of the attorneys of George William Mackay and William Gauld,................

Probate,

Do.. Letters of Adm.,

Pang Shau Chun, the Executor,

4,200.00

Mak Yeung Shi, sole Executrix... Keung Shek Shi, the lawful widow and

relict,

63,800.00

500.00

Probate,

Letters of Adm.,

Lau Shi, sole Executrix.

2,400.00

James William Norton-Kyshe, Official

Administrator,

400.00

45,000.00

1,000.00-

Elizabeth Jane Goodchild, sole Exe-

cutrix,

100.00-

112

10 Tsang Fuk,

26th Apr, 1901, Hongkong, Letters of Adm.,

Tsang I au Shi alias Kwan Tai, the law-

ful widow and relict,

500.00

113

13 Chan Lam,

13th July, 1901, Honam,

Probate,

Hon Shi, otherwise Chan Hon Shi, the

Executrix.

90,800.00

114 Oct.

4 Wong Ku Po,

28th May, 1901, Hongkong,

Letters of Adm., Wong Sung Shi, the lawfni widow and

relict,.

4,800.00

115 Sept. 16 Beheram Adur Eranee,

27th Aug., 1901, Hongkong,

Probate,

Framjee Hormusjee Arjanee and Hor- musjce Kaikbusroo Eranee, two of Executors,..

58,000.00.

116

18 James William Hill,

11th July, 1901, Hongkong, | Letters of Adm.,

James William Norton-Kyshe, Official

Administrator,

400.00.

117

18 Fortunato Antonio Cordeiro, 14th Aug, 1901, Hongkong,

Do.,

Daniel Antonio Cordeiro, one of the law-

118

19 Hamilton E. Hammon,

25th Aug., 1901, Hongkong,

Do.,

ful and natural brothers, James William Norton-Kyshe, Official

500.00-

Administrator,

300.00.

701

CALENDAR of PROBATE and ADMINISTRATION,—Continued.

Date

No.

of Grant.

Name of Testator or Intestate.

Time and Place of Death.

Probate, Administration with the Will annexed, or Administration.

Name and Description of the Executor or Administrator.

Value sworn under

14th June, 1901, San Ning,

China,

22nd Sept., 1901, Yokohama.

Japan,

(de bonis non),

29th June, 1901, Hongkong, Letters of Adm.,

Mak Leong Shi and Mak Chiu Liu, two of the beneficiary legatees under the Will,

Leong Fat Kwong, the lawful and na-

tural son,

1901. 119 Sept. 23

Yeung Tai,

17th July, 1901, Canton,

China,

Probate,

Yeung Pui Kwong, the Executor,

120

Mak Fo alias Kwong Ming,. 22nd Aug, 1883, Shiu Hing.

China,

Letters of Adm.

121 Oct. 4

Kwok Shap Luk,....

122 Nov. 20

Fung Chok,

Probate,

123 Oct. 4

Henry Williams,

Chung Ah Sam,

124

125 Nov.

126 Oct.

127

128

1/29

130

131

132

133

134

Chang Yau Yip alias Chang Yau Shan alias Chang Wai,

8 Robert Lowe,

11 John Glasgow Kerr,

7 Everett Frazer,

15 Isidoro Francisco Leon,

15 Sing Qua,

15 Edith Jane Shewan,

Wong Shew Ng,

John Joseph Francis,

25th June, 1901, Kau Kong,

China,

8th Sept., 1901, Hongkong, Letters of Adm..

13th July, 1901, Terlock,

Luzon,

13th June, 1901, Hongkong,

21st Apr., 1901. Pagoda

Anchorage, Foochow, 10th Aug., 1901, Canton,

China,

3rd Jan.. 1901, New York,

United States of America,

23rd June, 1901, Hongkong,

27th June, 1901, Cantou,

China,

1st Jan.. 1901, Colombo,

Ceylon,

Do.,

Letters of Adm. (de bonis non), Probate,

Do.,

Fung Hok, the Executor..

Chang Kwok Shi, the lawful widow and

relict,

James William Norton-Kysbe, Official

Administrator,

Lam Chin Mui, one of the lawful next

of kin. Thomas Brockett, one of the Executors,.

15 William Arnold Goulbourne,

2nd Oct., 1901, Hongkong, Letters of Adm., | Catherine Adelaide Watson, the lawful

2,600.00

10,000.00

100.00

37,000.00

3,000.00

200.00

1,300.00

1,500.00

Martha Noyes Kerr and Henry Varnum

Letters of Adm. with the Will annexed, Letters of Adm.,

Do.,

Noyes, the Executrix and Executor,.. John Hastings, attorney of Everett Wells

Frazer, one of the Executors,

9,700.00

4,800.00

Florinda Maria Leon, the lawful widow

and relict,

400.00

Tang Cheung Shi, the lawful widow and

relict,

100.00

Do.,

William Thomas Shewan, the lawful

husband,

500.00

Probate,

Wong Haug Cho, the Executor,

1,000.00

Do..

Thomas Henderson Whitehead, the Exe-

cutor,

100.00

and natural daughter,

100.00

135

John Grant,

136

29 Kwan Yun Fat,

137 Dec.

30th Sept., 1901, Hongkong,

Do.,

James William Norton-Kyshe, Official

Administrator, ..

100.00

15th Aug., 1901, Hongkong,

Do.,

Kwan Pang Sze, the lawful widow and

relict,..

5,000.00

139

140

Chan Cho alias Chan Tso,.......

9 Cheuk Chik Pui,

138 Oct. 26 | Robert Cook,

141 Nov.

24 Alexander William Ross

Cobban,

24 Ada Maria Cobban...

6 Chan Kan alias Chun Kan alias Chang Kun alius Chan Yee.

142 Oct. 26

143

Kong Lam alias Kong Tung

Shang,

28th Sept., 1901, Hongkong,

14th Oct., 1901, Hongkong,

17th Oct., 1901, Hongkong,

5th July, 1901, Canton,

China,

26th Sept., 1901, Hongkong,

2nd Sept., 1901, Hongkong,

Do.,

Probate,

Letters of Adm. with the Will annexed, Letters of Adm.,

6th Sept, 1901, Heungshan,

China,

Cheung Kang Ting, one of the lawful

and natural sons,

9,500.00

Georgina Cooke, sole Executrix,

69,200.00

James William Norton-Kyshe, Official

Administrator,

10,000.00-

James William Norton-Kyshe, Official

Administrator,

250.00

Probate,

Ip Ming, Executor,

37,000.00

Do.,

Chan In, sole Executrix,

8,100.00

Letters of Adm.

Chan Keung Shi, the lawful widow and

relict.

2,400.00

144

Leung Shan Hing alias

Leung Hing,

7th July, 1901, Hongkong,

Do.,

Leung Chuen alias Lcung Shan Chuen,

one of the next of kin,

150.00

145

José Simão Vieira Ribeiro,...

20th Oct., 1901, Hongkong,

Do..

Capitulina Maria Vicira Ribeiro, the

lawful widow and relict.

350.00-

146 Nov. 1 Felippe Miguel Lima,.........

18th Oct.. 1901, Hongkong,

Do.,

Daniel da Roza, lawful husband of l'e-

tronila Maria da Roza, one of the next of kin,

600.00

147

1 Shum Hing Yau,.

148

149

James Dodd,

150

151

2 Edward Robinson....

7 Francis Hughes Cameron, .

152 Dec.

Lo Sing alias Lo King

Cheung,

Lau So alias Lau Sau San

alias Lau Sin Cheong,

153 |Nov. 20| Chung Man Kwong,

4th June, 1892, Hongkong, 24th Oct.. 1901, Hongkong, 9th Sept., 1901, Hongkong,

2nd Dec., 1899, Hastings,

England,

25th Aug., 1901, Hongkong,

14th Aug., 1901, Hongkong,

31st May, 1901, Hongkong,

154 Dec. 4 Kwok Yew Man alias Kwok 21st May, 1893, Honam,

Hon Chi.

155 Nov. 20 Chan Wan Sang,

Canton, China,

23rd May, 1899. Canton,

Do., Probate, Letters of Adm.,

Probate,

Letters of Adm.,

Do.,

Letters of Adm. with the Will annexed,

Letters of Adm.,

Shum Shing, the lawful and natural son, Elizabeth Anne Robinson, sole Executrix, James William Norton-Kyshe, Official

Administrator,

500.00 27,600.00

200.00

5,700.00

Lo Chan Shi, the lawful widow and

relict,

11,200.00

Lau Yueu Shi, the lawful widow and

relict,

Chung Yiu Kwong, the Executor,

3,800.00 100.00

| Kwok Leung Shi, the lawful widow and

relict,

2,400.00,

Probate,

Chau Li Shi, sole Executrix,

1,500.00

China,

156

20 Wong I Lung,

2nd Oct., 1901, Tai Leung,

China,

Do.,

Wong Shau I, Executor,

8,000.00-

157

21 Chan Mui,

23rd May, 1899, Sun Ning,

Do..

Chau Liu Shi, sole Executrix,.

3,000.00

China.

158

警急

23 Chan A-yee,

20th Nov., 1900, Hongkong, | Letters of Adm., | Leung Fat Ngan, lawful husband,.

5,100.00-

1902.

159 Jan. 11

Chan Yau otherwise Chan | 28th May, 1901, Canton,

Probate,

Tsang Shi A-Sai, sole Executrix,

5,300.00-

Kam Tsun,

China,

1901.

160 Nov. 27 Chan Pat alias Robert

Jackson,

11th Oct., 1901, Kwai Shin, Letters of Adm., Chai Fung Kew, the lawful widow and

China,

relict,

13,000.00-

Reverend Nicholas Justin Couvreur and Claude Sugden, the Executors and Trustees,

702

Calendar of PROBATE and ADMINISTRATION,—Continued.

Date No. of

Name of Testator or Intestate.

Time and Place of Death.

Grant.

Probate. Administration with the Will annexed, or Administration.

Value

Name and Description of the Executor or Administrator.

sworn under

1901.

162

Wong Fung Sai,

Li Yuen Kam,

164

161 Nov. 27

163 Dec. 19

Chan Sui Lin alias Chan' 28th Oct., 1901, Hongkong, Letters of Adm., Tang A-Fo, the eldest lawful and na-

Lin.

9 Hajee Mirza Abbolkhassem alias Hajee Mirza Ab- bolk Hassem,

26th June, 1901, Sun Ning,

China,

21st Jan., 1901, Canton,

China,

Sth Apr., 1888, Shiraz,

Persia,

tural son,

Wong Lui Shi, sole Executrix,

Letters of Adm., | Arratoon Vertames Apcar and Mahomed

8,600.00

Probate,

Do.,

1,000.00

Kwan Sheung Chi, the Executor,

100.00

165 Nov. 28|

166 Dec.

Chu Siu,

167

168

169

;)

To Tin Cheung alias To Ping Nam alias To Chiu Kwong,

Cheung Tai Ip alias Cheung

Lai Pun,

28th Sept., 1901, Hongkong.

12th Nov., 1887, Hongkong,

Probate,

Letters of Adm.

Ally, attorneys of Zarra Soltan, the lawful widow and relict of the de- ceased, Chu Li Shi, sole Executrix,

18,000.00 +,500.00

(de bonis non),

Wong Shi and Kwok Shi, secondary

wives,

45,000.00

9th Oct., 1901, San On,

China.

William Daniel Richards,

20th Nov., 1901, Hongkong,

Letters of Adm.,

10.,

James William Norton-Kyshe, Official

Administrator,

100.00

James William Norton-Kyshe, Official

Administrator,

500.00

12 David B. Adamson,..

18th Nov., 1901, Hongkong,

Do.,

James William Norton-Kyshe, Official

Administrator,...

1,000.00

1902.

170 Jan. 10 Tsang Mui Kwai,

1301.

171 Dec. 17| Kwok A-yuk,

5th May, 1896, Kowloong

Tong, Hongkong,

Do.,

Tsang Ko Shi, the lawful widow and

relict,

1,000.00

16th Aug., 1888, Hongkong,

Letters of Adm.

Chau Lai, the lawful grandmother,

500.00

(de bonis non),

172

17 Fatty Din,

7th Nov., 1901, Hongkong,

Letters of Adm.,

James William Norton-Kyshe, Official

Administrator,

100.00

173

31 Francisca Perpetua Xavier,. 29th Nov., 1901, Hongkong,

Probate,

Francisco Xavier D'Almada e Castro,

Executor,

1,800.00

1901.

1902.

174 Jan. 22 Cheong Fuk Choy,

175 Dec. 31 Chan Kan,

20th Dec., 1890. Hongkong, Letters of Adm.

with the Will

Cheong Fuk Shing, the lawful and na-

tural brother,

$00.00

21st Oct. 1901, Sun Ning,

China,

annexed, Probate,

Chan Ming Shun, the Executor...

61,800.00

Supreme Court, Hongkong, 28th February, 1902.

J. W. NORTON-KYSHE,

Registrar.

703 No. 36

1902

HONGKONG.

REPORT ON THE HONGKONG VOLUNTEER CORPS.

Laid before the Legislative Council by Command of His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government.

From the General Officer Commanding in China and Hongkong

to His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government of Hongkong,

&c.,

&c.

HEAD QUARTERS OFFICE, HONGKONG, 29th May, 1902.

SIR,-I have the honour to forward the Commandant's Report on the Training of the Hongkong Volunteer Corps during the past year.

There has been a slight falling off in numbers since last year, but in all other respects I have been satisfied with the state of efficiency which has been maintained.

But during the past year the Corps has been practically without a Commanding Officer. It was known that one was to be appointed sooner or later, and although Major CHAPMAN took up the Command and acquitted himself to my satisfaction, yet he was only temporarily filling up a gap, and this is not the same thing as having a regular Commanding Officer.

Now, however, that Major PRITCHARD has taken the Command, I expect to see considerable improvement, and I have one or two schemes on foot by which the position and indeed the efficiency of the Corps will be in the future, I trust, greatly improved.

The inspection took place in wet weather, but so far as it went, was satisfactory.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your obedient Servant,

W. J. GASCOIGNE, Major-General,

Commanding in China and Hongkong.

HONGKONG-REPORT OF THE HONGKONG

VOLUNTEER Corps,

TRAINING SEASON, 1901-1902.

From the Commandant, Hongkong Volunteer Corps, to the Deputy Assistant Adjutant General (A) and Chief Staff Officer, China.

VOLUNTEER HEAD QUARTERS, VICTORIA, HONGKONG, 13th May, 1902.

SIR, I have the honour to forward herewith the documents Gun Company. mentioned in the margin relating to the training, &c., of the Do. Hongkong Volunteer Corps for the season 1901-1902, for the "D" Infantry information of His Excellency the Major-General Commanding and

Acting Governor.

Do.

1. Nominal Roll of Efficients, Field Battery. "A "Machine

Do.

8. Report on Gun Practice.

Do.

1∞

10. Copy of Inspection State.

11. State of Corps, 1902.

12. Musketry Returns.

Company.

"E" Engineer

Company.

Band.

Field Battery.

2. It will be seen from Enclosure No. 11, with the correspond- ing document for the training season 1900-1901, that the total Machine Gun Strength of the Corps is now 318 of all ranks as against 366 of all

ranks at the former date.

A" "R" and "C"

Companies.

3. During the past season 5 members have died, 87 have resigned, 49 in Colony and 38 on leaving the Colony, 1 has been

discharged on Medical Certificate, 39 struck off as absent from the Colony without leave.

4. Eighty-four (84) new members have been enrolled.

5. The Staff, Field Battery, "A," "B" and "C" Machine Gun Companies, "D" Infantry Company, "E" Engineer Company, and the Band now number 6, 77, 56, 51, 43, 54, 25, 6, respectively, as compared with establishments of 7, 110, 41, 41, 41, 57, 30 and 24, respectively.

704

EQUIPMENT.

6. There has been no alteration in the Equipment of the Corps since last season.

APPOINTMENTS, ETC., OF OFFICERS.

7. The changes, etc., among the Officers of the Corps during the season have been as under :-

Staff.

8. Lieutenant-Colonel Sir J. W. CARRINGTON, C.M.G., was granted leave out of the Colony from 26th June, 1901, to 30th October, 1901.

9. Captain C. G. PRITCHARD, R.G.A., took over the duties of Acting Commandant during the time the Commandant was on leave.

10. Captain C. G. PRITCHARD, R.G.A., resigned the position of Adjutant to the Corps on 9th July, 1901, on proceeding to England on six months' leave of absence.

11. Captain D. F. TULLOCH, R.G.A., took over the duties of Adjutant of the Corps on the 10th July, 1901.

12. Lieutenant-Colonel Sir J. W. CARRINGTON, C.M.G., resigned the position of Commandant on the 16th October, 1901.

13. Captain D. F. TULLOCH, R.G.A., took over the duties of Acting Commandant from the 10th July, 1901, to 25th November, 1901.

14. Major J. W. G. BRYAN, R.G.A., performed the duties of Camp Commandant during the time the Corps was in Camp at Stonecutters' Island-19th to 28th October, 1901.

15. Major A. CHAPMAN returned from leave on the 26th November, 1901, and took over the duties of Acting Commandant from Captain D. F. TULLOCH, R.G.A.

16. Captain D. F. TULLOCH, R.G.A., resigned the position of Adjutant on the 3rd January, 1902. 17. Major A. CHAPMAN took over the duties of Adjutant on the resignation of Captain D. F. TULLOCH, R.G.A., in addition to his duties as Acting Commandant.

18. Surgeon Captain J. A. Lowson was granted leave of absence during the year, on account of ill health.

Field Battery.

19. Captain M. W. SLADE resigned his Commission, with a view to joining the Reserve, dated 24th December, 1901.

20. Lieutenant J. Mossor resigned his Commission dated 24th December, 1901.

"A" Machine Gun Company.

21. Lieutenant G. C. FULLERTON was granted leave out of the Colony from 23rd April, 1901, to 22nd April, 1902.

22. Company Sergeant-Major W. NICHOLSON was appointed Supernumerary Lieutenant dated 28th September, 1901.

23. Lieutenant W. NICHOLSON was granted leave out of the Colony for twelve months—20th February, 1902, to 19th February, 1903.

"B" Machine Gun Company.

24. Captain O. ORDISH was granted leave out of the Colony from 18th September, 1901, to 29th October, 1901.

25. Lieutenant G. J. B. SAYER was granted leave out of the Colony from 23rd April, 1901, to 22nd June, 1901.

26. Mr. J. W. L. OLIVER was appointed Supernumerary Lieutenant in "B" Company, dated 22nd February, 1902.

"C" Machine Gun Company.

27. Captain G. H. Porrs resigned his Commission on the 11th July, 1901.

28. Lieutenant G. L. DUNCAN resigned his Commission on the 12th September, 1901.

29. Lieutenant J. H. UNDERWOOD was promoted Captain rice POTTS, resigned, dated 11th July, 1901.

30. Company Sergeant-Major G. P. LAMMERT was promoted Lieutenant rice UNDERWOOD, promoted, dated 11th July, 1901.

"D" Infantry Company.

31. Captain J. MCG. FORBES was granted nine months' leave of absence out of the Colony from the 1st April, 1902, to 31st January, 1903.

32. Lieutenant T. SKINNER was granted leave of absence out of the Colony from the 26th April, 1902, to 25th April, 1903..

705

DISCIPLINE, TRAINING, ETC.

33. The discipline of the Corps has been exceedingly good throughout the season.

34. The usual squad, carbine, rifle, company and gun drills and practices have been performed and well attended.

Musketry practices have been carried out during the season, see Enclosure No. 12.

35. Gun practices have taken place, both over land and sea ranges, as shown in Enclosures Nos. 8 and 9.

36. The New Rifle Range was taken over by the Corps and opened for practice by His Excellency the Governor on the 8th June, 1901.

37. Under the head of drills the figures are as follows:- Have become efficient with more than 30 drills:-

less than 30, Non-efficient,

Total,..

F.B.

"A"

"B"

66099

"D"

"E"

BAND.

...20

..77

38. Of the non-efficients, 20 of "B" Machine Gun Company have not completed the necessary drills owing to the temporary disbandment in October last, 4 are absent from the Colony without leave, 7 have not had time to complete the requisite number, 4 have not completed the requisite number and will be called upon the show cause why they failed to become efficient, 3 have failed through sickness to become efficient, 16 are out of the Colony, but have failed to notify their departure to Head Quarters and will now be struck off the strength accordingly.

CAMP OF INSTRUCTION.

39. From the 19th to 29th October, 1901, a Camp of Instruction was held under canvas at Stonecutters' Island.

40. The Camp was fairly well attended and much practical work was performed, including company, carbine and rifle drill, outpost duties, musketry instruction and musketry fire discipline, gun drill, belt filling, and lectures and instruction in gun laying and fuze boring.

Gun practice took place over sea and land ranges.

41. The General Officer Commanding inspected the Camp on Wednesday, 23rd, and the Corps and Camp again on Sunday, 28th, on the last occasion there were present 188 of all ranks.

MISCELLANEOUS.

The annual Inspection of the Corps by His Excellency the General Officer Commanding was held on the 23rd March, it will be seen from the parade state (Enclosure No. 10) that there was a conside- rably larger number of members present than at any previous inspection.

The Governor's Shield was shot for on June 8th, 1901, by teams of 8 from each Unit and won by "D" Company,

The G. O. C.'s Shield for Machine Gun Companies was shot for by the Machine Gun Companies at Tai-Hang Rifle Range on the 8th March, and was again won by "C" Machine Gun Company.

In the early month of the present year an ambulance class was conducted by Surgeon Captain F. O. STEDMAN, M.D., the original number was 37, of whom 35 were Volunteers, of these 11 presented themselves for examination for the St. John Ambulance Association, all of them being Volunteers.

Of this number again 10 were successful in the examination.

The examination was held by Major S. F. CLARK, R.A.M.C.

Requisitions for the Capitation and Proficiency grants have been sent to the Honourable the Colo- nial Treasurer.

Proposals have been put forward to change some of the Units into Garrison Artillery and I am of opinion that the majority of the members would welcome such a change, (the number of Units could be much reduced so that the discipline, interior economy, etc., would be in better control) and there is no doubt that the Corps would then be of far greater service for the defence of the Colony.

It would appear that no steps have been taken to provide the New Head Quarters for the Corps although these have been in the Estimates for some years, it would be of inestimable value to the Corps if this work could be taken in hand, and, in my opinion, greatly assist in recruiting. The discipline of all ranks can never be up to the proper standard until the Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers and Men are provided with separate Messes and a Canteen as allowed for in the plans of the new building.

SERVICES.

Owing to the fact that I left the Colony on July 11th, 1901, and have joined as Commandant since March 31st, 1902, I cannot well make any remarks on the services of the Staff, etc., but I should like to mention that I understand that Sergeant-Major POWER, all the Instructors, and the remainder of the Staff have performed their duties in an efficient and satisfactory manner.

706

It will be seen that the total strength of the Corps has decreased in the past year, I attribute this to the cessation of hostilities in North China, but I consider that the Corps is in every other way, except in the matter of numbers, more efficient than it was a year ago, many of those members who have resigned having been of little or no use to the Corps, and I hope that, in the coming season, a still greater improvement will be seen.

C. G. PRITCHARD, Major Commandant, H.K.V.C.

Major

STAFF.

Roll of Efficients.

Rank and Name.

Captain.... Lieutenant...

Sergt.-Major Lan. Corporal

.P.

Chapman. Stedman, F. O........P. Swan, J. H., .........P. Power, J., ............P. Mortimer, J.,.........P.

"p" denotes Proficient.

2nd in Command. Surgeon. Surgeon.

Corps Sergeant-Major. Orderly Room Clerk.

C. G. PRITCHARD, Major, Commandant, Hongkong Volunteer Corps.

Rank and Name.

Enclosure No. 1.

FIELD BATTERY. Roll of Efficients.

Rank and Name.

Captain,

Lieutenant,

Battery Sergeant-Major,

Battery Quarter-Master Sergeant, r Cotten, J.

+ Macdonald, D.

Gunner,

Abraham, R.

r Armstrong, J. H. W.

Do.

Craig, R. H. A.

P Kennett, H. W.

Do.

Claridge, F. H.

Do.

Chunnett, F. G.

Sergeant,

P Purcell, W. H.

Do.

Cross, T. L.

Do.

P Stewart, W.

P Meek, T.

Do.

Chunnett, O. R.

Do.

Davies, W.

Do.

r White, G.

Do.

Duncan, G.

Do.

P Bamsey, W.

Do.

Ellis, A. J.

Do.

P Bridger, H. B.

Do.

Ellis, (). J.

Do.

P Stopani, W. R.

Do.

Ford, E. S.

Corporal,

Henderson, R.

Do.

Goggin, W. G.

Do.

Deas, W. M.

Do.

Haggard, H. E.

Do.

Hance, C. E. A.

Do.

Hawkes, F.

Do.

Donaldson, T. D.

Do.

Herton, E. R.

De.

Nobbs, A. P.

Do.

Humphries, A.

Do.

Lammert, H. A.

Do.

Hunter, T.

Bombardier,

Craddock, H. E.

Do.

Jordan, J.

Do.

Baldwin, D.

Do.

Kennett, H. S.

Do.

Uphill, A.

Do.

Kew, I. W.

Do.

Lapsley, R.

Do.

Logan, J. C.

Do.

Hance, J. H. R.

Dɔ.

Do.

McIver, M.

Do.

Mackie, A. J.

Do.

Miller, J.

Do.

Herbst, C. E.

Do.

Seth, S. A.

Do.

Olson, J.

Trumpeter,

Moore, S. R.

Do.

Gunner,

Alves, A. E.

Do.

Pestonji, R.

Do.

Asger, M. E.

Do.

Abraham, E.

Do.

Alves, A. A.

Do.

Seth, H. A.

Do.

Andrews, T.

Do.

Baker, F. H. R.

Do.

Seth, S. I.

Do.

Bain, H. M.

Do.

Bain, F. D.

Do.

Leykum, C. Loureiro, A.

Maxfield, W.

Pollock, T. M.

Pattenden, W. L.

Spittles, B. J.

Squair, A. C.

Witchell, J. H. Watson, W.

Do.

Brett, E. E.

Hongkong, 25th April, 1902.

"p" denotes Proficient.

C. G. PRITCHARD, Major, Commandant, Hongkong Volunteer Corps.

Rank and Name.

Enclosure No. 2.

MACHINE GUN COMPANY.

Roll of Efficients.

Rank and Name.

Captain, Lieutenant,

P Sanders, E. D.

Gunner,

Hay, C. H. P.

P Nicholson, W.

Do.

Holmes, H. S.

Do.

P Fullerton, G. C.

Do.

Hanson, B. E.

Do.

P Smyth, F.

Company Sergeant-Major, P Northcote, M. S.

Do.

Holmes, H. K.

Do.

Hursthouse, H.

Sergeant,

P Barrett, E. G.

Do.

Hughes, I. O.

Do.

P Bowley, F. B. L.

Do.

Hayes, J.

Do.

P Plummer, J. A. T.

Do.

Irving, E. A.

Do.

P Danby, J. D.

Do.

Jenkins, S. L.

Corporal,

King, W.

Do.

Lowe, A. R.

Do.

Edwards, R. C.

Do.

Leggatt, E. A.

Do.

Libeaud, E.

Do.

Piercy, R. S.

Bombardier,

Johnston, B. C. M.

Do.

Rutherford, N. H.

Gunner,

Arthur, H.

Do.

Smith, E. J. G.

Do.

Andrus, E. E.

Do:

Smith, F. R.

Do.

Black, W. M.

Do.

Smith, E. G.

Do.

Brown, W. S.

Do.

Sherrington, E. W.

Do.

Bonner, J. W. C.

Do.

Sims, W. A.

Do.

Blason, C. H.

Do.

Smith, G. M.

Do.

Bell, H. D.

Do.

Thomson, O. D.

Do.

Danby, C. G.

Do.

Wolfe, E. D.

Do.

Ellis, A. Emmett, E. Ferguson, C. E.

Do.

Wilcox, H. C.

Do.

Woodgates, J. A.

Hongkong, 25th April, 1902.

Rank and Name.

"p" denotes Proficient.

Enclosure No. 3.

707

C. G. PRITCHARD, Major, Commandant, Hongkong Volunteer Corps.

"B" MACHINE GUN COMPANY.

Roll of Efficients.

Rank and Name.

Captain,

Lieutenant,

Company Sergeant-Major, P Hooper, W. F.

Sergeant,

Do.

P Hart, W.

P Marshall, J.

Do.

P Vincent, T.

Corporal,

Brand, W.

Do..

Do.

Ormsby, C.

Bombardier,

West, E. J. Cameron, C.

Burgess, J. R.

Do.

Sayer, H. A.

Do.

Whibley, A. R.

Gunner, Do.

Bennett, R.

Benning, C.

P Ordish, O.

Gunner,

Buckham, A. E.

P Sayer, G. J. B.

Do.

Cameron, D.

Do.

Damerall, A. G.

Do.

Deacon, P.

Do.

Doughton, C. W.

Do.

Hamet, A. H.

Do.

Hedge, G. E.

Do.

Mitchell, R.

Do.

Miller, A.

Do.

Pidgeon, J. H.

Do.

Pierce, W. G.

Do.

Rogers, E. W.

Do.

Rogers, A. E.

Sergeant,

P Penning, F.

Hongkong, 25th April, 1902.

"P" denotes Proficient.

C. G. PRITCHard, Major, Commandant, Hongkong. Volunteer Corps.

708

Rank and Name.

Enclosure No. 4.

"C" MACHINE GUN COMPANY.

Roll of Efficients.

Rank and Name.

Captain,

P Underwood, J. H.

Gunner,

Diss, G. A.

Lieutenant,

P Lammert, G. P.

Do.

Company Sergeant-Major, P Rodger, J.

Do.

Everall, W. M.

Evans, G. H.

Sergeant,

r Smillie, D.

Do.

Ellis, C. E.

Do.

r Bevan, H. S.

Do.

Gidley, S.

Do.

P Sherwin, E.

Do.

Gegg, G. W.

Do.

P Terrill, W. J.

Do.

Haskell, E. D.

Corporal,

Gloyn, J. W.

Do.

Hast, W.

Do.

Gubbay, J. S.

Do.

Hasson, W.

Do.

Berkley, J. S.

Do.

Little, J. P.

Do.

Shoolbred, H.

Do.

Lambert, J.

Bombardier,

Gidley, H.

Do.

McCorquodale, J.

Do.

Galbreath, J.

Do.

Marshall, C. W. Michael, S. J. 1 Miller, E. B.

Gunner,

Brett, C. W.

Do.

Rose, L. A.

Do.

Coleman, F. A.

Do.

Reynolds, A. V.

Do.

Clark, E. S.

Do.

Russell, W. H.

Do.

Cameron, A. Mc. F.

"p" denotes Proficient.

Hongkong, 25th April, 1902.

Rank and Name.

Enclosure No. 5.

"D" INFANTRY COMPANY.

Roll of Efficients.

C. G. PRITCHARD, Major, Commandant, Hongkong Volunteer Corps.

Rank and Name.

Captain, Lieutenant,

P Forbes, J. Mc. G.

Private,

Heckford, R. G.

P Skinner, T.

Do.

Harron, H. L.

Do.

P Grieve, A. R.

Do.

Harvie, J. N.

Colour Sergeant P Mackenzie, D. J.

Do.

Jameson, P.

Sergeant,

P Logan, J. D.

Do.

Langley, P.

Do.

P Lochead, J.

Do.

Mackenzie, A.

Corporal,

Ritchie, A.

Do.

Mather, H. L.

Do.

Buckland, G. A.

Do.

May, G.

Do.

Andrew, J. T.

Do.

Dickson, R.

Do.

Private,

Auld, J. D.

Do.

McPherson, W. C.

McNeill, D.

McLoughlin, J.

Do.

Burke, E. G.

Do.

Mills, J.

Do.

Clarke, B.

Do.

Reidie, J.

Do.

Crosbie, J.

Do.

Ramsey, J. A.

Do.

Curwin, D.

Do.

Sibbit, J. T.

Do.

Dickie, J.

Do.

Shuster, F. E.

Do.

Ferguson, R. W.

Do.

Scott, W. M.

Do.

Galloway, R.

Do.

Stephenson, R. H.

Do.

Gillings, P.

Do.

Watson, A.

Do.

Gimshaw, T.

Do.

Wright, J. S.

Do.

Griffiths, E.

Do.

White, F. W.

Do.

Graham, D. M.

Do.

Wheeler, H. B.

Do.

Hainsworth, J. E.

Do.

Witchell, R. C.

Do.

Horley, H.

Do.

Whittick, F. G.

Hongkong, 25th April, 1902.

"P" denotes Proficient.

C. G. PRITCHARD, Major, Commandant, Hongkong Volunteer Corps.

Rank and Name.

Lieutenant, Do.

Sergeant,

P Mitchell, R.

P Graham, J. W. P Parkes, J.

Aitken, R. R.

Sapper,

Do.

Brawn, A. O.

Do.

Carpenter, E. W.

Do.

Crane, C. G.

Do.

Crake, W. A.

Do.

Crawford, J.

Hongkong, 25th April, 1902.

Enclosure No. 6.

"E" ENGINEER COMPANY.

Roll of Efficients.

Rank and Name.

Sapper,

Edwards, L. A. M.

Do.

Farr, A. J.

Do.

Foden, G. S.

Do.

Hubbard, A.

Do.

Kyshe, A. J. N.

Do.

Orchar, W.

Do.

Pullen, A. A.

Do.

Pullen, D. H.

Do.

Varcoe, J. H.

"P" denotes Proficient.

Enclosure No. 7.

Rank and Name.

BAND.

Roll of Efficients.

Sergeant Dr. Corporal, Do.

r Baker, J.

Warren, C. E. Brown, A.

Hongkong, 25th April, 1902.

709

C. G. PRITCHARD, Major, Commandant, Hongkong Volunteer Corps.

Rank and Name.

Drummer,

Caesar, A. A.

Do.

Lammert, L. E.

Do.

Beaning, T.

"P" denotes Proficient.

Enclosure No. 8.

C. G. PRITCHARD, Major, Commandant, Hongkong Volunteer Corps.

HONGKONG VOLUNTEER CORPS.

Report on Gun Practice carried out during the Year ending 31st March, 1902.

Nature of Practice.

Date on which Practice was carried out.

Number on Parade.

Number of Rounds fired.

Range.

General Idea of Practice.

2.5" R. M. L.,

23rd Oct., 1901,

26th Oct., 1901,

900 to 1,250 Yards. Practice at barrel targets anchored off Stonecut- ters East. 1,200 to 1,800 Yds. Practice at barrel targets

anchored off Lai-chi-kok.

8th Feb., 1902,

96.

1,200 to 1,800 Yds.

Do.

do..

C. G. PRITCHARD, Major,

Commandant, Hongkong Volunteer Corps.

Nature of Practice.

Date on which

Practice was carried out.

Enclosure No. 9.

HONGKONG VOLUNTEER CORPS.

Report on Machine Gun Practice carried out during the Year ending 31st March, 1902.

Unit.

Number

on Parade.

Number

Guns.

Number

Rounds fired.

Kange.

General Idea of Practice.

.303" Maxim,

23rd Oct., 1091,

"A" M. G. Company,..

3,750

Do.,

26th Oct., 1901,

"A"

Do.,

900 to 1,300 Yds. Practice at floating targets and anchored barrels at Stonecutters.

5,250

900 to 1,100 Yds.

Do.

27th Oct., 1901,

''A'

"“B” & “C” M. G. Co.s,.

200

200 to 400 Yds.

Practice for Gun-laying.

8th Feb., 1902,

"A" "B" & "C"

Do.,

6,000

800 to 1,000 Yds.] Practice at screens on hillside at Lai-chi-kok.

Do.,

8th Mar., 1902, | “A” “B” & “C”

Do.,

3,000

600 to 750 Yds.

Practice at Tai-hang Rifle Range at screens on hillside-G. O. C.'s Challenge Shield.

}

C. G. PRITCHARD, Major, Commandant, Hongkong Volunteer Corps.

710

DISTRIBUTION.

Present,

Absent

On leave,

Medical Certificate, .

Without leave.......

Total,

Wanting to complete,

Establishment,

Supernumerary,

Enclosure No. 10.

HONGKONG VOLUNTEER CORPS.

Inspection State, 22nd March, 1902.

FIELD BATTERY.

"A" "B" & "C" MACHINE GUN

COMPANIES.

"D INFANTRY

ENGINEER

BAND.

COMPANY.

17 1

Total.

Commandant.

Major, 2nd in Com-

mand.

Surgeons.

Corps Sergt.-Major.

Orderly Room Clerk.

Captain.

Lieutenants.

By. Sergt.-Major.

By. Qr.-Mr.-Sergt.

Sergeants.. Corporals.

Trumpeters.

Bombardiers. Wheeler.

Carriage-smith.

Gunners.

Captains.

Lieutenants.

Coy. Sergt.-Majors.

Sergeants.

Corporals.

Trumpeters.

Bombardiers.

Gunners.

Captain.

Lieutenants.

Sergeants.

Corporals.

Privates.

Lientenant.

Sergeants.

Corporals.

Sappers.

Sergeant Drummer. Corporals.

Drummers, Fifers, eto.

STAFF.

...

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

6 4 1 4

Jud

...

2 1

117

ลง

❤

42 3 4

3 10 13

...

1 5

મ્ય

1 3

1 1 6 6

...

49 3

8 3 12 13

1 33

تت

1 3 3 37 2 1 1

1 2

264

8 103

2 3 1 2 3 4 |

112

21 1 2

318*

} 1 4

18 75

2 2

2 25

2 21

350

...

*This Total does not include 12 unenrolled Drummers.

Commandant, Hongkong Volunteer Corps.

Certified true copy of Inspection State.

C. G. PRITCHARD, Major,

ARTHUR CHAPMAN, Major,

Acting Commandant, Hongkong Volunteer Corps.

711

DISTRIBUTION.

& "C" MACHINE GUN

COMPANIES.

Enclosure No. 11.

HONGKONG VOLUNTEER

CORPS.

State of Corps, 31st March, 1902.

FIELD BATTERY.

"A" "B

COMPANY.

"D" INFANTRY

"E ENGINEER

BAND.

COMPANY.

712

Total.

Captain.

Lieutenants.

Sergeants.

Corporals.

Privates.

Lieutenants.

Sergeants.

Corporals.

Sappers.

Sergt.-Drummer.

Corporals.

Drummers and Fifers.

Gunners.

8103 1

22:2

+22

912

Commandant.

Major, 2nd in Com-

mand.

Adjutant.

Surgeons.

Corps Sergt.-Major.

Orderly Room Clerk,

Captain.

Lieutenants.

By. Sergt.-Major.

By. Qr.-Mr.-Sergt.

Sergeants. Corporals.

Trumpeters.

Bombardiers.

Wheeler.

Carriage-smith.

Gunners.

Captains.

Lieutenants.

Coy. Sergt.-Majors.

Sergeants.

Corporals.

Trumpeters.

Bombardiers.

STAFF.

on Leave, {without Leave,

Total,.

Present,

Absent

Wanting to complete,

Establishments, .

Supernumerary,

Joined,...

Promoted,

1 1

حث

Total,...

Resigned, left Colony,

To Promotion,

...

Total,

...

11117

::|:

1 3

6 2

82 3

INCREASE.

3 12

1244

DECREASE.

***

...

***

295

1 21

* 318

心

co:

...

Է Չ

లు

...

* This Total does not include 12 unenrolled boy Drummers of the Band.

dr 534 Model

350

...

C. G. PRITCHARD, Major, R.G.A.,

Commandant, Hongkong Volunteer Corps.

Succession Number.

Corps*Number.

Enclosure No. 12.

HONGKONG VOLUNTEER CORPS.

Field Battery.-Annual Musketry Return, for the Year 1901-1902.

Rank and Name.

PRACTICES FOR CLASSIFICATION.

200 Kneeling.

400

500

Sitting. Lying.

Aggregate Total Points.

Remarks.

Major Captain

Chapman, A.

Macdonald, D.

Slade, M. W.

Lieutenant

Armstrong, J. W.

Mossop, J.

24 Bty. Sgt.-Major Kennett, A. W.

213 By. Q. M. Sgt. Cotton, J. T.

1000

Sergt.

Purcell, W. H.

127

Meek, T.

Bamsey, F.

دو

Stopani, W. A.

106

Stewart, W.

132

A.-Sergt.

Bridger, H. B.

105

White, F.

150

Corporal

Henderson, R.

149

Hance, C. E, A.

204

Nobbs, A. P.

159

Bombr.

Lammert, H. A.

100

Deas, W. M.

238

Donaldson, F. D.

264

Trumptr.

Moore, S. R.

396

Gunner

Alves, A. E.

564

Asger, M. E.

306

Abraham, E.

397

Alves, A. A.

02:20

596

Andrews, W. T.

315

Baker, F. H.

478

Bain, H. M.

473

Bain, F. L..

४

254

Barker, J. E.

198

Brett, L. E.

209

Bellilios, R. E.

Not classified.

279

Chunnett, A. E..

562

Claridge, F. H.

35/

286

Craig, R. H. A.

300

Chunnett, F. G.

578

Drury, J.

462

Duncan, R.

Ellis, O. J.

394

Earby, E. A.

267

Ellis, D. E.....

Hand, J.

43.

572

Herbst, C. E.

398

Hawkes, F.

569

Hayes, E. P.

269

Humphries, A.

321

Hunter, T.

304

Kennett, H. S.

283

Logan, J. C.

484

Leykum, C.

470

Loureiro, A.

567

McIntosh, F. G.

369

McKinlay, J.

240

McIver, M.

210

Mackie, A. J.

318

Millar, J.

602

Newborn, R. H.

306

Olson, J.

589

Pollock, T. M.

568

Pattenden, W. L.

580

Pestonji, R.

429

وو

570

Rostram, E.

Carried forward,

Rattey, W. J.

Men,.

Points,

369

252

219

713

714

Field Battery-Annual Musketry Return,—Continued.

Succession Number.

Corps Number.

Rank and Name.

PRACTICES FOR CLASSIFICATION.

200 Kneeling.

400 Sitting.

500

Lying.

Aggregate Total Points.

Remarks.

Men,....................

Brought forward,

Points.

369

252

219

565

Gunner

Squair, A. C.

317

Spittles, B. J.

...

192

Seth, S. A.

256

Seth, H. A.

201

Thomson, W. M.

547

Witchell, J. H.

236

Watson, W.

599

Hall, P. E.

588

Haggard, H. E.

551

Duncan, J.

623

Davies, W.

467

Fisher, F.

655

Ellis, A. J.

577

Herton, E. R.

Not classified.

656

Goggin, W. J.

251

Kennedy, D. F.

654

Kew, J. W.

Bombr.

Craddock, H. E.

435

Baldwin, D.

278

Lapsley, R.

667

Gunner

Jordan, J. P.

662

Cross, T. L.

433

Ford, E. S.

595

Griffiths, E.

186

Bombr.

Hance, J. H. R.

་

650

Gunner

Abraham, R.

18.

Total,

Men,.

{Points,

536

394

368

Hongkong, 24th May, 1902.

C. G. PRITCHARD, Major, Commandant, Hongkong Volunteer Corps.

Succession

Number.

Corps Number.

715

HONGKONG VOLUNTEER CORPS,

A Machine Gun Company.—Annual Musketry Return for the Year 1901-1902.

PRACTICES FOR CLASSIFICATION.

FINAL CLASSIFICATION.

Aggregate Total

Points.

Marksman.

Rank and Name.

200

Kneel-

400 Sitting.

500

Vanishing

Fixed

Lying.

Hd. & Shs.

ing.

Kneeling. Crouching.

Captain Sanders, E. D................

Lieut. Fullerton, G. C...

Yes.

123456

Smyth, F.

..:

Nicholson, W.

230 Co. Sgt.

Maj. Northcote, W.

30 10

Yes.

237 Sergt.

Barrett, E. G.

137

Bowley, F. B. L.

170

Plummer, J. A. T.....

244

Danby, J. D......

2222

Yes.

...

Yes.

227

Corporal King, W.

521

Edwards, R. C.......

Yes.

169

Libeanot, E.

Yes.

563

Gunner Ardron, G. H.

Yes.

461

Black, W. M.

Yes.

309

Brown, W. S. ...

Yes.

16: 528 17 537

Bomar, J. W. ¿C.

Blason, C. H.

Yes.

.18

319

Cox, P. A..

...

19 486

Danby, C. G..

Yes.

20: 235

Ellis, A.

Yes.

21 323

Emmett, E. C.

22 289

Holmes, H. S.

23 320

Holmes, H. K.

224

Yes.

139

Hooper, J......

•

262

Hursthouse, H.

535

Harley. W. F.

....

541

Hughes, J. O.

539

Hayes, J.......

29 549

Hanson, B. C.

*****

Yes.

30 | 457 31 522

Jenkins, S. L.

Johnston, B. C. M..........

Yes.

294

Keenan, J.......

449

Leggatt, E. A.

...

34 560

Lowe, A. K.

35 371

Mayson, W. J.

...

476

Maligny, C. E.

553

Piercy, R. S.

...

Yes.

590

Rodeer, J. H.

39 218

Reeves, H..

...

523

Rutherford, N. H..

41 233

Smith, E. J. G.....

Yes.

459

Smith, F. R.

Yes.

550

Smith, E. G.

44 526

372

46 524

47 533

48 228

49 299

50: 296

51 534

Stevens, S. S..

Sherrington, C. W... Somerville, A.G. J..

Sims, W. A.

Thompson, O. D.

Touzaline, R.. Tarrant, J. A

Wild, T. J..

21 ∞

00 10

Yes.

52 552

Wolfe, E. D

53 542

Wilcox, H. C...

54 483

Woodgates, J. A.

Yes.

55 291 56 627 57

628 58

Young, W. R.

Irving, E. A..

-18

Yes.

Hay, C. H. P.

Yes.

631

Smith, G. M.

Yes.

59 172

Arthur, II..

Yes.

60 629

Andrus, E. E.

61 660

Ferguson, R. W

668

Bell, H. D...

14.

Yes.

669 64 651

Coppin, A. S......

Pforden, F. B.

65 671

Davies, E. J........

Men,

Total,

Points,

629

500

569

Hongkong, 24th May, 1902.

C. G. PRITCHARD, Major, Commandant, Hongkong Volunteer Corps.

716

HONG KONG VOLUNTEER CORPS.

"C" Machine Gun Company-Annual Musketry Return for the Year 1901-1902.

Succession Number.

Corps Number.

Practices for Classi- fication.

Rank and Name.

200

Kneeling.

400 Sitting.

1 2 3 4 1-∞0

}

...

Captain Lieutenant

Underwood, J. H.

Stewart, A. H..

•

Lammert, G. P.

.20

355

Co. Sgt. Major Rodger, J.

412

Sergeant

King, G. J. W.

357

Smillie, D....

166

Beran, H. S.

409

Sherwin, E.

438

Terrill, W. J.

436

Corporal

Gubbay, J. G.

446

Berkley, H.

447

Shovebred, H.

361

Gloyn, J. W.

363

Adam, R.

531

Gunner

Brett, C. D.

403

474

491

Diss, G. A.

605

464

Ellis, C. E.

475

487

359

Colewan, F. A.

Cameron, F. A.

Evans, G. H.

Gidley, H. Gidley, S.

Galbreath, A.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Aggregate Total Points.

}

453

Gegg, G. W.

463

Haskell, E. D.

559

Hasson, W.

....

566

Hughes, T. E.

362

Lee, C.

365

Lee, J.

425

Longhurst, J. H.

556

598

465

Michael, S. J.

360

Lambert, J.

Marshall, C. W.

Maccorquodall, J.

405

Millar, S. R.

538

Mills, J.

514

Richards, A.

:: 2:25:

...

413

Rose, L.

571

621

489

234

624

377

632

* * * * Y

وو

Russell, W. H.

Hast, W. F.

Reynolds, A. V.

Little, J. P. Everall, W. M. Clark, E. S.

Honkgong, 24th May, 1902.

Men

Total

Points

239

210

C. G. PRITCHARD, Major,

Commandant. Hongkong Volunteer Corps.

Succession Number.

Corps Number.

Rank and Name.

HONGKONG VOLUNTEERS CORPS.

"D" Infantry Company.-Annual Musketry Return for the Year 1901-1902.

PRACTICES FOR CLASSIFICATION.

200

Kneel-

ing.

200

500

'500 600 Standing. Lying. Sitting. Lying.

800

Lying.

100

200

Fixed

Hd. & Shs.

500

Kneeling.

Crouching.

Vanishing

2nd Class

Lying.

100 200

Vanishing Fixed Vanishing Hd. & Shs. Hd. & Shs. H. & Shs. Any. Crouching.

Aggregate Total Points.

Marksman.

Final

Classification.

22 -

Captain Forbes, J. McG.

Lient.

Skinner, T. Grieve, A. R.

384 Col. Sgt. Mackenzie, D. J.

379 Sergt. Logan, J. D.

504

Lochead, J.

386 | Corporal Ritchie, A.

120 12

496

Buckland, G. A.

485

Andrew, J. T.

10 498

Dickson, R.

11 581

Private Auld, J. P.

593

Burkie, E. G.

22222.2222

46084+

6406∞ ∞ to

147 Yes.

158 Yes.

135

Yes.

149 Yes.

...

127

Yes.

157 Yes.

132

Yes.

...

679

Burtwell, W.

14 606

Clark, B.

15 607

16 658

17 497

18 499

19 608

20 488

Crosbie, J.

Curwen, W.

Dickie, J...

Ferguson, R. W.

Galloway, R.

Gillings, P. J.

500

Grimshaw,

22 554

Graham, D. M.

23 678

Gellatly, J. M.

2221 :

070

6464

604

Hanisworth, J. E.

25 443

Horley, H.

634

Heckford, R. G.

504

Harron, H. L.

6++

28 502

29 503

Hardwick, W.

Harvie, J. H.

:ཨཻ

HONINNOINHOHO:0000:2

O∞NO+ONQOO

10000

+*+*+2ONODON ***

*22:

171 Yes.

125

Yes.

153 Yes.

145 Yes.

103

...

Yes.

145 Yes.

114

Yes.

...

126

Yes.

118

Yes.

...

112

Yes.

123

Yes.

134

Yes.

141

Yes.

114

133

Yes:

Yes.

...

147 Yes.

...

145 Yes.

158 Yes.

142

Yes.

Men,

Carried forward,

Points,

517

457

502

501

465

420

134

172

124

154

110

717

Succession Number.

Corps Number.

D" Infantry Company.—Annual Musketry Return,—Continued.

PRACTICES FOR CLASSIFICATION.

Rank and Name.

200

300

500

Kneel-

ing.

100

Vanishing Standing. Lying. Sitting. Lying. Lying. Hd. & Shs.

100

200

600

800

Any.

Fixed Vanishing Hd. & Shs. Hd. & Shs. Crouching. Kneeling.

200

Fixed

500

Vanishing Hd, & Shs. 2nd Class Crouching.

Lying.

Aggregate Total Points.

Marksman.

Final

Classification.

2 3

Men,

Brought forward,

Point,

517

457

502

501

465

420

134

172

124

154

110

30 664 Private Jameson, P.

513

Langley, P.

380

Mackenzie, A.

385

Mather, H. L.

293

May, G.

35 505

McPherson, W. C.

36 506

37 507

38 508

McNeill, D.

McLaughlin, J..

McKirdy, A.

2022

04∞∞ +0000

648040XON

∞ ∞ ∞ ∞NANAN

+G∞ TOON HE

144 Yes.

130

...

Yes.

146 Yes.

117

146 Yes.

145 Yes.

:::

Yes.

100

Yes.

153 Yes.

39 518

McKay, T.

...

40 588

Mills, J.

395

Reidie, J..

42 509

Ramsay, J. A

421

Sibbit, J. T..

44 510

Shuster, F. E.

.10

45 609

Scott, W. M.

240002

130

Yes.

114

Yes.

...

Yes.

105

Yes.

158 Yes.

46 610

Stepheson, R. H.

468

Watson, A.

48 511

Wright, J. S.

49 512

White, J. W.

663

Wheeler, H. B.

51 555

52 630

675

Witchell, R. C.

Whittick, F. G.

Davison, W.

...

Col. Sgt. Moorhouse,

24223

()

∞ ∞ + ∞ 30 00

9020XTOONO

159 Yes.

...

150 Yes.

146 Yes.

147 Yes.

133

Yes.

127

Yes.

...

101

Yes.

125

Yes.

120

...

Yes.

157 Yes.

Men

26 2

Total,

Points

947

839

941

919

884

783

264

328

348

286

230

Hongkong, 24th May, 1902.

C. G. PRITCHARD, Major,

Commandant, Hongkong Volunteer Corps.

718

Succession Number.

Corps Number.

Rank and Name.

HONGKONG VOLUNTEERS CORPS.

"E" Engineer Company.—Annual Musketry Return for the Year 1901-1902.

PRACTICES FOR CLASSIFICATION.

Final

Classification.

Aggregate Total Points.

Marksman.

200

Kneel-

ing.

200

500

600

200

800 Vanishing Fixed Standing. Lying. Sitting. Lying. Lying. | Hd. & Shs. | Hd. & Shs. Hd. & Shs. Hd. & Shs. Any. Crouching. Kneeling. Crouching.

100

Fixed

200

Vanishing

500

Vanishing 2nd Class

Lying.

✪ 10

138

Yes.

...

126

Yes.

118

Yes.

...

109

Yes.

127

Yes.

...

Yes.

103

Yes.

...

CO2000

62426 O

40404O

OONNOO

∞0*46O

NON

-0

...

966

NON

...

248

101

...

Yes.

...

113

...

10 152 Yes.

2:22

Yes.

...

Yes.

...

:::

C. G. PRITCHARD, Major, Commandant Hongkong Volunteers Corps.

8 6

270

306

207

209

147

Lieut. Mitchell, R.

Graham, J. W.

2223

888

00 10

579 2nd Corp. Wilson, J.

600

Parkes, J.

5 469

Collins, R. A.

6 574

Sapper Aitken, R.

7.670

Brawn, A. O.

519

Carpenter, E. W.

9 516

Compton, J.

10 573

Crane, C. G.

11 603

Crake, W. A.

12 649

Crawford, J.

17.

481

Edwards, L. A. M.

10 2 6 2 1 10

14 282

Farr, A. J.

648

Foden, G. S.

...

16 302

Hubbard, A....

::ལྤ

17 666

Orchar, W.

18 442

Pullen, D. H.

548

Pyne, W. C.

20 665

21 | 633

Sullivan, E.....

Kyshe, A. J. N.

22 673

Linesley, C. F.

23 674

24 546

25 442

Moore, H.

Varcoe, J. H.

Pullen, A.

2223

Men

Total

Points

Hongkong, 24th May, 1902.

719

695

No. 34

1902

HONGKONG.

STATEMENT OF WATER ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31ST DECEMBER, 1901.

Laid before the Legislative Council by Command of His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government.

STATEMENT OF WATER ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31ST DECEMBER, 1901.

Treasury in account with Water Account.

Dr.

EXPEN-

DITURE.

TOTAL.

Cr.

RECEIPTS. TOTAL.

To Maintenance of Water Works,

City and Hill District,

20,864.38

By Amount rendered to Treasury

for collection :-

Maintenance of Water Works,

Victoria,

$34,924.65

Kowloon,

17,766.53

Peak,

2,216.47

Maintenance of Water Works,

Shaukiwan,

78.48

Pokfulam,

362.30

Maintenance of Water Works, Aberdeen,

Shaukiwan,

137.00

189.40

Aberdeen,

40.00

Kowloon Water Works, Site 1,... 2,648.26

City of Victoria and Hill District Water Works,

Kowloon,.

5,363.70

43,044.12

19,670.60

Less Amount written off,

C.S.O. 241,

26.78

Water Account, (Meters, etc.),....... 6,908.07

Amount overcharged,

418.50

Water Works, Miscellaneous,.....

3,901.07

Tytam Reservoir,.

157.70

Balance outstanding on 31st December, 1901,

2,977.04

Military Contribution of 20%

3,422.32

revenue

for 1901, viz.,

$169,130.73,

33,826,15

39,621.80

106,010.64|| Add amount rendered in 1900, but

paid in 1901,........

881.91

amount undercharged,

10.00

Balance,

amount paid although written off,

By Water Rates-Victoria,

3.10

40,516.81

113,861.38

-Hill District,

3,307.42

-Hongkong Vil-

lages,.......

1,778.87

-Kowloon Point,

Yaumati and

Hung Hom, &c.,

8,449.23

وو

-Mong Kok Tsui,

$59.06

-Hok Un,................

557.96

128,613.92

$ 169,130.73

63,120.09

$169,130.73

DAVID WOOD,

Superintendent of Accounts, Correspondence and Stores.

11th June, 1902.

50-19.7.02.

W. CHATHAM, Director of Public Works.

No.

1902.

HONGKONG.

WATER STORAGE CAPACITY IN HONGKONG AND KOWLOON.

Replies to the Honourable T. H. Whitehead's Questions.

Laid before the Legislative Council by Command of His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government.

With regard to the City of Victoria, a reservoir and catchwater at Wongneichong Gap were com- pleted in April, 1899. The maximum capacity of the reservoir is 33,994,000 gallons.

No other works for adding to the storage for the City Supply have been completed in the years mentioned.

One additional storage reservoir at Tytam has been begun and preparations are being made to commence another. The combined capacity of these two will be about 100,000,000 gallons.

With regard to Kowloon, no storage in the ordinary sense of the term bas hitherto existed, the works originally constructed consisting of dams across the outlets from three valleys of considerable area to prevent the escape of water underground, provision being also made for conveying the water thus intercepted into wells, from which it flows through pipes to the pumping station.

One of the dams was practically reconstructed and was also raised 5 feet, the work being coin- pleted early in 1899.

A main was laid and small dams were constructed across several stream-courses at Cheung Sha Wan in the New Territory, the work being completed in 1900, to render the water of the streams available for waterworks purposes. No storage reservoir was constructed as there was no suitable site for one.

In 1901, several improvements and modifications were made in the Cheung Sha Wan Intake and main in order to supply the whole districts of Mongkoktsui and Yaumati from this source, thus leav- ing the supply obtained from the original works available for the remainder of the Peninsula. This arrangement has worked satisfactorily.

The second part of the question is in a form which does not admit of being answered exactly. The scheme for increasing the supply for the City obtainable by gravitation from Pokfulam and Taitam, towards the carrying out of which the steps mentioned above are being taken, as described in Mr. COOPER'S Report, is estimated to yield 4,000,000 gallons per day, or sufficient for a population of 266,000 people. The present population is estimated at 213,000.

The new scheme for Kowloon, for the carrying out of which tenders are now being invited, is estimated to yield 1,575,000 gallons per day, or sufficient for a population of 157,000 people. The population of the districts to be supplied, as ascertained from the Census of 1901, amounts to 66,244.

W. CHATHAM, Director fo Public Works.

511

HONGKONG.

REPORT

ON THE

WATER-SUPPLY OF HONGKONG.

No.

MAINLY WITH REGARD TO THE FULL DEVELOPMENT OF THE SUPPLY FROM THE TAITAM-TUK VALLEY.

1902

Laid before the Legislative Council by Command of His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government.

PUBLIC WORKS OFFICE,

HONGKONG, 18th April, 1902.

SIR,

1. The reasons which led to the conclusion that the Taitam-tuk Valley is Reasons for the most suitable one for development, are as follows:-

developing Taitam gathering

Other gathering-grounds exist, but their areas, above the level which would ground. admit of the delivery of the water, by gravity, into the general system is but small. As far as can be seen from existing maps, no good reservoir-sites exist within them. To get any large quantity of water, the reservoirs must be put low down, and pumping must therefore be resorted to. A long length of conduit or pipe would be required, to bring in the water from them. The conduit from Taitam exists, and is capable of conveying a far larger quantity of water, than it is now called upon to deliver. Therefore, though it will be well to examine other gathering-grounds, and even to reserve them for future use, if any favourable conditions be found to exist, the Taitam Valley should be the scene of immediate operations.*

for resorting

at first.

2. The original project, drawn up by Mr. COOPER was firstly, to construct two The reasons reservoirs, having a joint capacity of 110 millions of ga' ons, fed by, and placed to pumping within, the Taitam gathering-ground, and above the existing reservoir. Then, later on, to construct, lower down the valley, a further reservoir, having a capacity of 100 millions at a level of 180 above O.D., so that the contents thereof would have to be pumped up to the Tunnel. Since this project was submitted, events have occurred, which point to a reversal of the policy. Taitam Reservoir never filled, during the rainy season of 1901, and it is doubtful whether 100 millions escaped collection in 1900, in which year the rainfall was also below the average. Therefore the gathering-ground should be increased, as well as the reservoir- capacity, and this can only be done by going further down the valley, and resorting Another great to pumping, consequently let pumping be resorted to at once. advantage of this arrangement is that the supply could be materially increased, at an early date. During the exceptional drought of 1901-02, the stream, below Taitam, yielded at least 45 millions of gallons, in September and October, which would have been a valuable addition to the general water-supply.

* Tide Report on the Sanitation of Hongkong dated 10th April, 1902, 3 page et seq.

512

As to the position of

3. The pumping-station should be placed on the shore, well below the site of the pumping any reservoir that may, at any future date, be constructed. It should be on the

station.

As to the size and power of

beach, near to a spot in the neighbourhood, at which there is about one fathom of water, at low tide, to facilitate landing coals. It will be more economical to take the water down to the coal-supply, than to carry coal up to the pumping-station. Bringing the water down to the pumping-station will not involve any appreciable increase of power, the water would be conveyed, down to the engines, in a pipe of appropriate diameter from which the pumps would draw direct. The water will then rise by gravity to the height of the water-level in the reservoir, or reservoirs, and all that the engines will have to do is to lift the water from the level of the new reservoir to the level of the Taitam Tunnel.

4. I propose that the ultimate pumping-plant should consist of three engines, the engines. each capable of lifting 1,250,000 gallons in 24 hours. Two would do the daily work, with one in reserve. For the present, I recommend that one only be erected. It will be time enough to erect a second or third, when the reservoirs are finished ; and when the actual quantity to be pumped is known by actual observation.

Type of engines.

As to the size and position of the reser-

voir.

As to the diameter of the rising main.

Coal con- sumption.

5. It is premature to discuss the details of the pumping-plant. I will now merely say that the engines should be of the most economical type, triple expansion, fully jacketted. The size of the engine, upwards of 100 horse-power, is such as to justify considerable expenditure on arrangements tending to fuel-economy. regards fuel-consumption, I would observe that the actual fuel-consumption of the small engines, now in use, must not be taken as the basis of the calculation of the probable fuel-consumption. The large engine will probably consume, per horse- power per hour, at most one-half, and very probably one-third, the coal that the small engines require.

6. The low-level reservoir or reservoirs, should have a capacity, singly or jointly, of at least about 400 millions of gallons. In the absence of surveys, it is impossible to state where the reservoir should be constructed, or whether there should be several. One reservoir, that to be constructed in the first instance, should be formed, by throwing a dam across the Taitam-tuk stream, as near as possible to sea level, so as to collect, directly, or by catch-water channels, all the waters of the streams, flowing into the head of the Taitam-tuk Estuary. If it be impracticable to make a single reservoir of sufficient capacity, at this site, then others might be built higher up. Perhaps that proposed by Mr. COOPER, at site No. 4, might be one of these. It may be even advantageous to construct those proposed, at sites 1 and 2. They, with Taitam, could be filling, the town being supplied, solely by pumping from the low-level reservoir. For the present, suffice it to say that one reservoir, of the greatest capacity practicable, should be constructed, with its dam as near to sea-level as possible. This should be the first to be constructed.

7. The approximate length of rising-pipe, from the pumping-station to the basin, at the mouth of the Taitam Tunnel is, allowing for the irregularity of the ground, about 9,000 feet, and the lift, including friction, is approximately 400 feet, measured from the bottom of the lowest reservoir. To convey 2,500,000 gallons a day, one pipe of 21′′ diameter, or two of 15" diameter, would be required. Inasmuch as one engine only is to be provided in the first instance, it will be economical to lay one 15" pipe first; which will amply provide for the water pumped by one engine. The second pipe may be laid later on, when more is known as to the actual yield of the new works. The pump-horse-power of each engine will, therefore, be 105, corresponding to about 124 indicated horse-power.

8. An engine, of the proposed type, should not consume more than 2 lbs. of Welsh or 3 lbs of Japanese coal, per I. H. P. per hour, in actual continuous work. So that the daily consumption, going full speed, will be 124x8x24

4 tons of coal per day, costing, say, $10 on wharf, or $40 per day, or at the rate of $0.032 per

2240

ན་

.....

་

513

1,000 gallons pumped, for coal only. The staff, including an European with an allowance for oil and waste, will cost about $25 per day, bringing the total nett cost of pumping to $0.05 per 1,000 gallons. When pumping from a full reservoir, or from one higher up the valley, the lift and consequently the coal consumption, would be reduced, but not in direct proportion, for there is a certain power at which the engine gives its best efficiency.

quantity of

obtainable.

9. The quantity of water that can be obtained from the Taitam-tuk valley as to the will depend a good deal upon the capacity of the reservoirs, whether they be large water enough to carry forward a reserve, from one season to the next, as explained in the previous report. A rough approximation to the probable minimum, during a very dry year may be calculated. Taitam, with a gathering-ground of 1,093 acres, in- cluding catches and a storage-capacity of 406 millions, maintained, during the water year of 1901-1902, allowing for the broken portion of the current month, a total supply of about two millions per day, on the average of the whole rain-year. The new works will add about 832 acres of gathering-ground which contribute, direct, to the proposed low-level reservoir, and the water from a gathering-ground to the East of the Taitam-tuk Village, having an area of 245 acres, can be brought in, by constructing a small subsidiary reservoir, and a short length of conduit; thus giving a total additional area of 1,107 acres, and therefore practically equal, in point of area, to the present gathering-ground of the Taitam Reservoir. Therefore, one may safely assert that with a reservoir or reservoirs, equal in capacity, to the existing Taitam Reservoir, the proposed works will at least al as much water as Taitam now affords, or in other words double the supply which is now, during a drought, about two millions of gallons per diem. This is on the assumption that the additional storage only bears the same proportion to the added gathering-ground that the existing storage bears to the existing area of gathering-ground. In all probability, by providing more storage, the supply could be materially increased. There is good reason to believe that the estimate of yield which I have given, will be materially exceeded in practice, for the following reasons.

The proposed low-level reservoir will receive a larger proportion of its water, direct from its gathering-ground, than Taitam does, and will, moreover, collect any water that escapes from Taitam, or from the catches which feed it. It will also receive any water percolating down through the soil, which now gets away, unperceived, to the

sea.

Lastly, by means of catch-water channels, water may be collected from the slopes of the hills, surrounding Taitam bay, from Cape D'Aguilar on the East to near Stanley Village on the West.

10. The size of proposed engine was mainly determined, in the first instance, As to the with regard to the fact that the flow of Taitam in a very dry year, 1901-02, was for capacity of

proposed a month on end at least, at the rate of one million gallons in 24 hours. The pro- plant. posed engine could raise this quantity without any appreciable storage, only a small collecting-pond, as proposed by Mr. COOPER. I feel certain that with adequate storage, a permanent additional supply of 2,000,000 gallons per day, could be main- tained, at the very least, in a dry water year. The proposed engine, therefore, will not be too large. If future experience shews that less, say for example only one million gallons a day can be obtained, then all that has to be done is to erect a second engine, of the same size, as a reserve. If, on the other hand, it is found that an additional supply of two millions or more can be maintained, then a second and third can be added, two to do the work, and with one in reserve. Or, on the other hand, if still more be obtainable, then even a fourth engine may be provided. I find that, during water-year 1901-02, an average daily supply was given from Taitam, from April to October inclusive, at the rate of 2,400,000 gallons a day, under constant supply, for the remainder of the year, the average rate of supply was 1,500,000 gallons a day, so that about one million of gallons extra per day would have maintained the constant supply, for the whole year.

514

Deficiency

of data for

precise calculation

of flow-off.

Preliminary expenditure to be sanc-

tioned, $20,000.

Programme of operations.

11. I regret that I am unable to form a more precise estimate of the probable- yields of the increased gathering-ground. I have been carefully through the data which have been collected, during the past 12 years, and I shall give, in an Appendix, an abstract of the results which I have obtained, with regard to the percentage of the rainfall which is available under various conditions of rainfall. The value of the data, which has been collected, is however greatly diminished by the fact that it is not practicable to estimate, with even approximate accuracy, the quantity of water which escapes through the waste-weir, during heavy rain. The only plan is to con- fine one's self to the investigation of periods, during which there was no overflow, thus materially reducing the number of available observations. Again, the methods of measurement, now available, are not sufficiently accurate to give precise results.. I shall offer later on some suggestions as to improvement in this matter.

12. I shall not attempt to give any estimate of the probable cost of the works which I have recommended. The data before me, in the form of plans, are not sufficient to permit of the preparation of even a rough estimate. The submission of estimates, based on insufficient data, is a most objectionable practice and one apt to mislead. I therefore recommend that the sum of $20,000 be sanctioned for preliminary work, such as surveys, gaugings of streams and the like.

13. The first thing to be done, is to commence a survey of the Taitam Valley, extending from sea-level to about 300 feet above it. This survey should be made with the utmost accuracy, so that it may be available as a portion of the new survey of the Island, a work, so much needed, as I have frequently pointed out. Whilst surveying, it would also be well to include the whole gathering ground of Taitam, including areas utilised, by means of catch-water drains. I would here observe that sections 21 and 22, of Ordinance 16 of 1890, Demarcation and Reservation of gathering-grounds, do not appear to have been complied with. The Taitam gathering-ground should therefore be carefully survey- ed and delineated with permanent Boundary Stones. Whenever convenient, for example those at the summits of hills, should serve as trigonometrical points, and their positions should be referred by means of rectangular co-ordinates, to some one fixed point, such as the Kowloon Observatory. I cannot too strongly insist upon the necessity for recording, permanently, leading survey-points; so that they may be available for future work. It is greatly to be regretted that this was not done, in the case of the Collinson Survey of 1845. I, and many others, have invariably failed to find on the ground, the trigonometrical points, on which this survey was based. Therefore, all the valuable information, which is contained in the field-books and computation sheets, which exist or did exist, in the R. E. Office, are practically valueless. Had the trigonometrical points been permanently marked, by means of substantial pillars or otherwise, much of the work of 1845 would still be available, for

such as the present. purposes,

As an example of the importance of permanently marking survey-points, not only on the ground, but by records also in the office, I may site the Survey of Malta, with which I was formerly connected. The trigonometrical points were well marked on the ground, and the co-ordinates of each recorded in the office. Government surveys, for any purpose, whatsoever, were all connected to two or more points. The result was that, in the course of not very many years, a nearly complete cadastral plan has been produced, at trifling expense.

Whereas here, surveys have been made of the City, of the Peak district, of Taitam and other places, but there is nothing to link them together.

Levelling-operations need not in the first instance be carried higher than is required, for the immediate necessities of the case.

Two gauge-weirs should be erected, on the main Taitam-tuk stream, at sites which have been selected. One of these, which should be at least 40 feet in width, is intended to measure moderate floods, up to 4 inches per day. The other, a V

515

gauge, is intended to measure smaller flows, with greater precision than the large flood-gauge is capable of doing. Each of these gauge-weirs should be provided with a self-recording instrument, with clock-work, giving a continuous record of the depth of water passing over each gauge. The object now is to obtain an estimate of the total water, flowing off from the whole area; including moderate floods. Now, during floods, the rate of flow varies from hour to hour, so much so that daily measurements are most misleading. A continuous record is, therefore, essential to accuracy.

Steps should at once be taken to obtain proposals and quotations for the first pumping-engine. The best procedure in such cases is to draw up a Preliminary Specification, setting forth merely the work which the engine is to do, and the general conditions under which it is to be performed.

Then call upon a number of Firms, who make a speciality of such work, to make proposals. Having obtained proposals, let the best design be selected on its general merits, and not merely with regard to cost. Having selected the design, then let details be arranged, and a final plan and specification be drawn up.

I have already furnished the Director of Public Works with the necessary specifi- cation. If this be transmitted to the Crown Agents for the Colonies, the proposals will be ready for my consideration, on my return, and I shall then be able to report, finally, as to cost.

At or about the same time, the surveys will have made sufficient progress, to, enable the Director of Public Works to submit a preliminary Design and Estimate of cost.

At the same time, let pipes be ordered. As the pressure, in parts at least, is somewhat great (400 feet), and as the ground over which they have to be laid is rugged, I am under the impression that steel or wrought-iron piping will be suitable, on account of its lightness, and of the ease with which it can be jointed. The best plan, however, will be to obtain preliminary tenders both for steel and cast- iron piping.

ment of

14. The Pumping-plant and piping being procured, let them be erected and First instal- laid forthwith. The large reservoir will doubtless take at least two years to work. construct. To realize some benefit, at the earliest date, let a small temporary dam be constructed, at some convenient spot, and from it to the permanent pumping- station, let a temporary conduit be laid.

If these operations be carried out with expedition, it will be possible to obtain some additional water, during the dry season of 1903-4.

15. It is evident that the Water-question is pressing. It is one which should take General precedence of all other sanitary improvements, such as those of sewerage and drain- remarks on

age.

the proposed

The defects, which I have mentioned in connection with the latter are productive scheme. of nuisances, but are not menaces to health, certainly not in comparison with the present water-famine-cholera is at present in our midst. May this not be due to the fact that, owing to the scarcity of water-works water, people are collecting water from all sorts of places, such as nullahs and streams, obviously open to contamination? The actual scarcity of water is not the only, indeed, the principal menace to the public health. The intermittent system, under which the mains are emptied, for a considerable portion of each day, makes it possible for contamination to find its way into the mains. If, by any mischance, the bacillus of cholera were to find its way into the mains, the consequences might be grave. An incident, similar to that which occurred at Maidstone, might occur. Consequently every effort should be made to obviate the necessity for the intermittent system: and, as this cannot be done at once, steps should be taken to render the intermittent system as little objectionable as possible, in the manner suggested in a previous report.

516

As to the

ter of the

of Hongkong.

At the present moment, it is not practicable to present well-considered reports, plans and estimates. Yet it is necessary to act with promptitude. I have, therefore, endeavoured to devise a programme of work that is certain to produce a benefit, proportional to the expenditure, while leaving ample margin for modi- fications in future design, should further investigations render it desirable so to do.

The expenditure which I have recommended is, I feel convinced, certain to effect, at an early date, a material improvement; and, most probably, will be a first step towards further advances.

16. It must not be supposed that the works which have herein been suggested, finite charac- will provide Hongkong with a "practically unlimited supply of water," a phrase water-supply but too often used at the opening of new water-works, and one which was current in 1889, when the Taitam Water-works were opened. Its fallacy was fully demonstrated during the following year; when, but for some welcome rain, during the dry-season, the stock in the reservoir would have been nearly exhausted, before the commencement of the rainy season.

Deductions

to be drawn from the above

considera-

tion.

Further, I assert that all the supply that can be obtained, within the Island of Hongkong, is finite. Speaking somewhat at random, I doubt the possibility of much more than doubling the present supply, from all sources, by works within the island, of practicable character. There are certain remaining gathering-grounds, notably that draining to Saiwan, whose waters might be utilised. By all means, therefore, let such gathering-grounds be surveyed, and reserved for future use. Again, there are some valuable sources, which may someday, have to be abandoned. I find that, during an ordinary water-year, about one-sixth of the annual supply is derived from streams intercepted, along the courses of the two conduits. If the northern slopes of the hills, above the conduits, are built over, then these streams may have to be abandoned. Again, many now advocate the abandonment of Pokfoolum, some urging this step, on account of the excellent building-sites which would be liberated, others on sanitary grounds. I do not, of course, advocate such a step, though I am decidedly of opinion that works at Taitam, should take precedence of any at Pokfoolum.

17. From the preceding considerations, the following deductions may, logically, be drawn. The Island of Hongkong can only provide water for a finite population, the exact number of which I am not prepared to state. The population, therefore, must be kept within bounds. Now there is no serious difficulty in so doing. In Hongkong the population does not increase, by the excess of births over deaths. It grows in proportion to the number of dwellings. Each new house is promptly filled to overcrowding. The measures which have been recommended, for the prevention of overcrowding and the construction of insanitary dwellings, tend in the right direction. As the land belongs to the Crown, it is easy to restrict the number of leases granted. I understand that it is proposed to undertake Reclamation to the Eastward of the Naval Yard. If this Reclamation be occupied by insanitary monstrosities, like the dwellings recently erected on the Praya Reclamation, then the population will increase largely, under extremely insanitary conditions. All future industrial establishments, involving the use of large quantities of water, such as Sugar Refineries, Paper-works, Dye-works and the like, should only be permitted on the mainland. Pressure should be brought to bear, on minor establishments of this character, which do not possess independent supplies, to remove to the mainland, by increasing the price of water, supplied by meter. In short, Hongkong should be, as far as possible, reserved for commerce, properly so called, whilst Kowloon and the New Territory, should be the industrial centre.

Lastly, Waste of Water must be strictly prevented. Though the present water-consumption, per head and per day, is reasonable, it can, certainly, and must be reduced. If the consumption had been reduced to within the amount which has

517

been shown to be practicable, then it is hardly an exaggeration to say that the present water famine would not have occurred. I will again repeat that the Universal Use of Meters coupled with an appropriate price for water, over and above a certain quantity, is the only efficient means of checking waste. Therefore, I recom- mend that the existing Water Ordinance be amended, in the sense of the original Draft Ordinance of 1890.

supply of

18. I have nothing to add to what I have already stated, with regard to the Water- practicability of obtaining a supply of water for Hongkong, from the New Kowloon. Territory. From any information obtained, since writing that report, it seems to me that, within the New Territory, water will not be an over-abundant commodity. I hope to make a more complete examination of the New Territory shortly, and will embody any further remarks in a special report.

ments to

apparatus at

19. It is most important to measure the water, drawn from the reservoirs and Improve- from the filter-beds, with every possible accuracy. I have pointed out that the measuring present arrangements are far from perfect. As the drawings of the improved reservoirs arrangements are in hand, and as the instruments and appliances can be made locally, beds. I will not lengthen this report by giving a full description of them.

As regards the measurement of the yield of filter-beds, I would observe that the best appliance is a modification of the Venturi Meter devised in connection with a small water-works in the West Indies. If, as is probable, the Albany Filter-beds require alteration, I recommend this adoption of the form of Venturi Meter, which has this advantage that it gives at a glance, without reference to tables or calculation, the quantity of water afforded by the filter-bed, and also the head of water lost in passing through the sand, information which is essential to proper filteration. I also recommend their introduction in connection with the new Kowloon Filter-beds. They are made by Messrs. KENT, 101, High Holborn, London. I cannot remember the price, but it is not great. Prices could be obtained by informing Messrs. KENT of the maximum and minimum quantities to be measured by each gauge.

Peak Water-supply.

and filter-

pumping-

required.

falling-off

in quantity raised by No.

of water

3 Motor.

20. In order to meet the increasing demand for water, throughout the Peak Reserve District additional reserve steam-plant is desirable, especially at the Western or plant Bonham Road pumping-station. Here there is. at present, one hydraulic motor and one steam-engine.

21. It was originally intended that the Peak District should be principally Causes of supplied, by the hydraulic motor at Bonham Road (No. 3), the power being afforded by the water which passes to the lower Zone of the City. The quantity that can be pumped, in this manner, is some fixed proportion of the water, consumed by the lower Zone. Now, however, the consumption of water, in the lower Zone, or that part thereof which is supplied from Pokfoolum, is so small that very little work is obtained from the hydraulic motor. The steam-engine, originally provided as a reserve, is now used, almost continuously. This condition is aggravated by the fact that No. 2 Tank is in a ruinous condition, and cannot be filled. If this tank were reconstructed, as I recommended for other reasons, in another report, the flow of water through the motor would be rendered uniform and more work would be obtained from it. I therefore recommend the prompt reconstruction of No. 2 Tank.

22. A large proportion of the water, supplied to the Peak, must always be pumped, by steam, at the Bonham Road Station. As aforesaid, the quantity of water, which can be pumped by hydraulic power, is a fixed fraction of the water consumed, within that portion of the lower Zone. For this reason, the necessary quantity of water, for working the motor, may not always pass through it. Again, though water from Taitam can be pumped, at this station, by steam, this water cannot be used for driving the motor, on account of the relatively low level of

Reason for

a new engine

at No. 3

Station.

518

Bowen Road or No. 4 Motor.

which it will

Albany Reservoir, 350 feet above O.D., as against 430 feet, in the case of Pokfoo- lum. As the supply from Pokfoolum is relatively small, conditions may arise, as at the present moment, under which there will not be water enough to provide the motive-power for pumping even the present supply, far less an increased supply, to the Peak. Practically, therefore, the existing steam-engine is the principal means of pumping to the Peak, and the hydraulic motor must be considered as an auxiliary, to relieve the engine, and so save coal, whenever conditions obtain, permitting its use. It is not safe to trust to one steam-engine, especially to one that has been over-worked, and now requires thorough over-hauling.

23. A new hydraulic motor and pumps have been recently erected, in con- nection with the Bowen Road Filter-beds and Reservoir. It is so constructed that Elevation to it can pump a reduced quantity of water to the Peak, or a larger quantity to the raise water. 700 feet level, with equal efficiency. It was originally designed to pump to a proposed reservoir on Mount Gough, at a level of 1,550. As, however, the Mount Gough Reservoir, is not yet constructed, reduced high-lift pump-rams have been provided, so that it can pump a lesser quantity of water, to a height of 1800 feet. Therefore, No. 4 Motor at Bowen Road, can now pump 15,000 gallons per day, if not actually into the highest reservoir, on the summit of the Peak, it will, no doubt, pump into the large service-reservoir, which is 70 feet lower, and it will certainly pump into the general system of mains, when the pressure is reduced by the draw-off.

The Bowen

cannot be

a principal supply to the Peak.

24. The consumption of water at the Peak now amounts in summer to 70,000 Road motor gallons a day. Most of this is pumped by the existing steam-engine. Now the considered as hydraulic motor at Bowen Road can, with the reduced rams, pump only 15,000 gallons a day against the full head. If, however, the existing rams were replaced by larger ones, as originally proposed; it would then pump 26,000 gallons in 24 hours to the reservoir on Mount Gough. It cannot pump more, being limited by the supply of water for motive power, afforded by the Bowen Road filter-beds. The Bowen Road motor cannot be regarded as a principal or even an alternative source of supply to the Peak. The Bonham Road engine must be the principal source of supply, and the supply from Bowen Road must be regarded as secondary only. Moreover, the Mount Gough reservoir is not high enough to command the whole of the Peak Districts.

The Bowen

may be required

for 700 feet

zone.

25. There is another reason for regarding the supply to the Peak from Bowen Road motor Road as secondary only. There appears to be a tendency to build above the con- duit up to the level of about 700 feet. The consumption of water, in this zone, is, therefore, likely to increase and it is probable that, before long, the Bowen Road motor will be fully occupied in pumping to the 700 feet reservoirs (it is provided with large pumps for this purpose). This is a further reason why Bowen Road motor cannot be regarded as a principal source of supply to the Peak.

New Engine and Boiler

to be

Bonham

Road.

26. These considerations shew that steam-power, at Bonham Road Station, must always be regarded as the principal source of the Peak supply. If the existing provided at engine were to break down, it is clear that the Peak supply would be reduced to the small amount that the Bonham Road motor can pump, a quantity again limited by the consumption of water in the District supplied by gravity from Bonham Road Station. There must therefore be a reserve pumping engine at Bonham Road Station. In laying down a new engine it will be well to have one which will provide for future contingencies. I therefore recommend the prompt erection of a steam-engine, boiler and pumps capable of raising 100 gallons per minute to the summit of the Peak. The pumps, like those of the Bowen Road motor, should be so arranged that they can, if required, raise a much larger quantity of water to the lower level (700 feet zone) thus utilising the full power and developing the best efficiency of the engine, under both conditions.

319

to Peak.

27. The original rising-main from Bonham Road Station to the Peak is 27" Rising main in diameter. It has recently been duplicated with one of 3" in diameter. I learn that the old rising main is much corroded and that, at the present moment, it is not used. There is little doubt that it could be cleaned and repaired, were it worth while so to do.

I find, however, that even two three-inch pipes will not suffice to carry the water that the proposed new steam-engine will pump. The new engine is to pump 100 gallons per minute, and the hydraulic motor will lift, when going full speed, about 40 gallons per minute. It is, therefore, desirable that a rising main, large enough to convey the water pumped, both by the new steam-engine and by the hydraulic motor, when working simultaneously, should be laid down. To this end I recommend that a new main, composed of equal lengths of 5′′ and 6′′ diameter, be forthwith provided. The larger pipe should be placed at the top of the hill, where the lesser pressure obtains. The existing mains should be removed, cleaned and re-coated. They may then be used elsewhere, perhaps in connection with the Kowloon Water-works."

ment.

28. The effect of the proposed works, at Bonham Road, will be as follows. Effect of The proposed new engine will lift 100 gallons per minute to the Peak. Working proposed for twelve hours daily, it will give a supply of 72,000 gallons, about the present summer supply of the Peak District. When the No. 2 tank is re-constructed, the existing hydraulic motor will be able to work day and night, raising 57,600 gallons of water in addition to that raised by the steam-engine. Lastly, the Bowen Road motor will raise 15,000 gallons per day with the existing reduced rams, or 26,000 with those of the larger diameter as originally proposed. The Peak, therefore, may receive, from these three sources, 155,000 gallons per day. If the proposed new steam-engine were worked, night and day, then a further supply of 72,000 gallons per day could be given. By the time that this is wanted, it will be advisable to duplicate the proposed new engine, but this will not, I believe, occur for many years

to come.

water-works.

29. I shall not attempt to submit any estimate of the probable cost of the Financial works which I have recommended. To do so, before surveys have been made and aspect of designs drawn, would be misleading. The following figures shew that the expend- iture on water-works throughout Hongkong and Kowloon has not been excessive, compared with that which has been incurred in other cities.

The following sums have been expended on water-works construction, exclu- sive of maintenance, according to the accounts of the Public Works Department:—

Value of Dollar.

Expenditure prior to 1889, Pokfulam, Taitam, &c., 1,752,933 Expenditure, 1890-1895 inclusive, Distribution

+/-

350,587

Pipes, Peak supply, Kowloon supply, &c., Expenditure, 1896-1901, New Works and Exten-

sions,

284,936

2/8

37,992

429,794 2/--

42,979

Water Account, Cash and Stores,

Total Capital Expenditure,.....

38,830 2/-

$2,506,493

3,883

£435,441

The population of the Colony, according to the Medical Officer of Health, was, for the middle of 1901, 300,660, exclusive of the New Territory. The expenditure per head of the population is, therefore, $8.33, or, at the present rate of exchange (1/8 d.) 14/2/. It is not, however, correct to take the cost per head at any uniform rate of exchange for the dollar was formerly much more valuable than later on. I

520

have, therefore, reduced the expenditure to sterling, using the approximate rate of exchange that ruled during the several periods.

The capital cost of the water-works, throughout the Colony, may therefore be estimated at £435,441 or at the rate of £1.45 per head of the population, a very moderate sum, as the following figures, taken from the Presidential Address of Mr. JAMES MANSERGH, M. Inst. C.E., fully shew:-

Capital Cost per million gallons

per day.

London, Liverpool,

Manchester,

Birmingham,

Glasgow,

Dublin,

Paris,

Berlin,

Vienna,

New York,

Chicago,

Philadelphia,

Boston,

Melbourne,

Capital Cost

per head.

£ 87,253

£3.08

183,297

5.15

182,927

5.40

119,114

2.90

66,320

3.60

60,000.

2.20

108,780

5.30

106,796

1.85

218,580

3.20

65,199

7.00

26,000

3.25

30,435

5.70

73;578

7.00

130,120

7.90

Taxation.

Conclusion.

The supply, during 1901, was at the average rate of 3.53 millions of gallons per day. The capital cost per million gallons per day is, therefore, £+35.4+1 £123,354.*

3.53

The total expenditure, therefore, per million gallons per day, is also by no means excessive.

30. Nor is the taxation excessive. The total Water Revenue collected from all sources in 1901, was $168,966 or at the rate of $0.562 per head per annum. Taking it per 1,000 gallons delivered, the rate was

$0.13 per 1,000 gallons, a low price.

168,966 1.287,000

31. I think, therefore, that it is clear that the Government of Hongkong may safely incur a fresh expenditure on water-works, at least equal to that incurred up to date, and also increase the water-rate or price for water sold by meter in such manner as to pay maintenance, interest and sinking-fund, on the augmented capital.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

The Honourable

Your obedient Servant,

OSBERT CHADWICK.

THE ACTING COLONIAL SECRETARY.

*Note. This amount does not include Kowloon or the Village supplies, so that the true capital cost per million gallons is somewhat less.

HONGKONG.

693

No. 33

1902

HONGKONG,

No. 170.

RATE OF EXCHANGE FOR PAYMENT OF PENSIONS UNDER WIDOWS AND ORPHANS' PENSION FUND.

Laid before the Legislative Council by Command of His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government.

SIR,

DOWNING STREET,

27th August, 1897.

I have the honour to inform you that the Legislative Council of the Straits Settlements has adopted the following resolution, viz. :-"That from the 1st January, 1897, the pensions payable to Widows and Orphans, resident in a country with a gold standard, from the Widows and Orphans' Pension Fund of the Colony be paid through the Crown Agents at the rate of 3/- to the dollar, the difference between the amounts so reckoned and those payable out of the Fund (at the current rate of exchange) being made good by the Colonial Government."

2. The Government of Ceylon has adopted a similar rule, taking the Rupee at ls. 6d.

3. I should be prepared to approve the adoption of a similar rule in Hongkong, if the Legislative Council would be willing to vote the money necessary for carry- ing out the proposal as an act of grace.

4. It should be understood that the official members of the Council should not vote on the question as it affects them personally.

I have the honour to be.

Sir,

Your most obedient, humble servant,

Governor

50-17.7.02.

Sir W. ROBINSON, G.C.M.G.,

&c.,

&c.

C. P. LUCAS,

for the Secretary of State.

No.

1902

HONGKONG.

REPORT ON THE WIDOWS AND ORPHANS' PENSION FUND, FOR THE YEAR 1901.

Laid before the Legislative Council by Command of His Excellency

the Officer Administering the Government.

THE WIDOWS AND ORPHANS' PENSION FUND, HONGKONG, 30th January, 1902.

SIR,- We have the honour to submit the following report on the Widows and Orphans' Pension Fund, for the year 1901.

The amount to the credit of the Fund on the 31st December last was $109,266.89, including $5,277.73 for interest paid by Government for the past year, as per statement appended.

The average monthly contributions amount now to about $1,500.

On the 31st December, 1900, the number of contributors on the books was 318, and on the 31st December, 1901, 382 (being an increase of 64) of whom 182 are bachelors, 190 are married men, and 10 are widowers.

During the period under review, 86 officers joined the Fund, 8 left, and 6 died.

The total number of children on the books is 299.

There are in the list 17 pensioners, whose pensions aggregate $1,754.86 per annum, as follows:

Mrs. Beavin,

Moosdeen,

Leung Chi Wan,

Moore,

14.45

63.67

30.09

239.85

Chan Tai,

Alarakia,..

54.85

195.54

Chu Tsau,

81.62

Wong Yau Hui,

5.12

११

Chow Hung Shi,

46.53

Lo Lai Shi,...

113.26

་

Wildey,

247.63

་་

Ho Yan Tsoi,.

Gutierrez,

Robertson,

Cheung Hui Shi,

Miss Jenny Madar,

187.51

231.28

163.78

17.86

30.91

Jaliker Madar,

30.91

$1.754.86

We have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your obedient servants,

C. Mcl. MESSER,

Chairman.

A. W. BREWIN

FRANCIS W. CLARK,

E. H. D'AQUINO, E. CORNEWALL Lewis,

The Honourable J. H. STEWART LOCKHART,

&&..

Colonial Secretary,

&c.,

Directors.

STATEMENT OF THE WIDOWS AND ORPHANS' PENSION FUND UP TO 31ST DECEMBER, 1901.

Total up to December, 1901,

During 1901,

Refund of Amounts erroneously levied,

Working Expenses,

Pensions paid,

Half Contributions refunded,

धी

Receipts.

Expenditure.

Balance.

99,780.46

10,987.22

88,793.24

23,135.14

2,661.49

20,473.65

122,915.60

13,648.71

109,266.89

During 1901.

Total up to

31st Dec., 1901.

ལྟ

116.33

3,678.00

899.49

3,582.84

1.336.72

4,668.68

308.95

1,719.19

2,661.49

13,648.71

}

PAPERS

LAID BEFORE THE

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

HONGKONG

1902

HONGKONG:

ED BY NORONHA & Co., GOVERNMENT PRINTERS

1903

WITHDRASON July 28th 1930

WARHORM

151

25,10183

༣- *

›

CONTENTS.

Page.

ASSESSMENT...

BELILIOS REFORMATORY. BLUE BOOK FOR 1901

Report for 1902-1903, ........... Statement regarding,

Report on,

BOTANICAL AND AFFORESTATION. CHAIR AND JINRICKSHA COOLIES. CITY OF BOMBAY IMPROVEMENT

ACT, 1898

COLLAPSED HOUSES EDUCATION

Do.

EDUCATION-QUEEN'S COLLEGE..

ESTIMATES FOR 1903 FINANCIAL RETURNS

FINANCIAL STATEMENT

FIRE BRIGADE

Report for 1901, Despatch on,

Extract from, List of,

......

Report for 1901,

773

....

801

683

787

795

653

Report of Committee on,

371

Report for 1901,

Memorandum on Draft of,

835

For 1901,

503

In connection with Estimates for 1903,

833

Report for 1901,

669

GAOL....

Report for 1901,

HARBOUR MASTER .:.

Report for 1901,

473

HOUSING OF

POPULATION

HONGKONG

Report on,

627

IMMUNITY OF CHINESE IN CAPE COLONY FROM INFECTION OF **PLAGUE

Correspondence regarding,

KOWLOON WATERWORKS GRAVI-

TATION SCHEME

MEDICAL

Correspondence regarding,. Report for 1901,

619

721

...

NEW TERRITORY.

MEDICAL DEPARTMENT STAFF Report of Committee of Inquiry into Adequacy of,

· → OBSERVATORY

PLAGUE PREVENTION

Po LEUNG KUK

POLICE.....

Report for 1901,

553

115

Memoranda on,

Report for 1901,

421

615

Report for 1901,

101

POST OFFICE

Report for 1901,

577

POST OFFICE, NEW

PROFESSOR SIMPSON'S

Papers regarding,

437

RECOM-

MENDATIONS

Reference Table to,

661

-PUBLIC WORKS

}

Report for 1901,

843

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

Report of Commission to inquire into, ......

125

REGISTRAR GENERAL.

Report for 1901,

*589

SANITARY .....

Reports for 1901,

521

SANITARY CONDITION OF HONG-

KONG

Report for 1901,

763

Do.

Report on,

441

SANITATION

Statement showing action taken to give effect to Mr. Chadwick's

Recommendations,

789

SCHOOL FOR EUROPEAN CHILDREN AMD SCHOOL FOR CHINESE OF UPPER CLASSES

SEWERAGE AND DRAINAGE OF

Correspondence regarding,

HONGKONG

STERLING SALARIES

Report on,

Papers on Introduction of,

777

;

815

SUBORDINATE COURT RETURNS... For 1901,

SUPREME COURT RETURNS......... For 1901,

VOLUNTEER CORPS, HONGKONG... Report for 1901,

WATER ACCOUNT

WATER STORAGE CAPACITY IN

HONGKONG AND KOOLOON...

WATER SUPPLY OF HONGKONG WIDOWS AND ORPHANS' PENSION

Replies to Questions in Council, Report on,

583

19, 697

703

Statement of, for 1901,

695

511

FUND

Do.

Despatch on Rate of Exchange for payment of, in England, Report for 1901,

693

-བ་ .

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, No. 1.

THURSDAY, 27TH FEBRUARY, 1902.

PRESENT:

HIS EXCELLENCY THE OFFICER ADMINISTERING THE GOVERNMENT (Major-General Sir WILLIAM JULIUS GASCOIGNE, K.C.M.G.).

The Honourable the Colonial Secretary, (JAMES HALDANE STEWART LOCKHART, C.M.G.).

the Attorney General, (WILLIAM MEIGH GOODMAN, K.C.).

;;

the Acting Colonial Treasurer, (CHARLES MCILVAINE MESSER).

the Harbour Master, (ROBERT MURRAY RUMSEY, R.N.).

the Director of Public Works, (WILLIAM CHATHAM).

ARTHUR WINBOLT BREWIN

CATCHICK PAUL CHATER, C.M.G.

Ho KAI, M.B., C.M.

THOMAS HENDERSON WHITEHEAD. WEI YUK.

JAMES JARDINE BELL-IRVING. JOHN THURBURN.

The Council met pursuant to summons.

The Minutes of the last Meeting, held on the 27th December, 1901, were read and confirmed. FINANCIAL MINUTES. The Colonial Secretary, by command of His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government, laid on the table the following Financial Minutes, (Nos. 1 to 6), and moved that they be referred to the Finance Committee:

9.5.0. 868 of 1901.

C.S.O. 112 of 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

The Officer Administering the Government recommends the Council to vote a sum of Five hundred and sixty Dollars ($560) to cover the cost of four months' rent of the house occupied by the Europeans of the Victoria Gaol, together with the house allowance for one married Principal Warder.

Government House, Hongkong, 4th January, 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

The Officer Administering the Government recommends the Council to re-vote the follow- ing sums, being unexpended balances of the votes for 1901 under the heading "Public Works Extraordinary":-

1. Governor's Peak Residence,

2. No. 7 Police Station,..

3. New Sheep and Swine Depôts,

5. Public Urinals,

$17,432.20

1,197.80

11,000.00

4. Four Public Latrines,

5,787.51

5,000.00

6. Completion of Gaol Officers' Quarters,

24,938.11

7. Police Station at Tsun Wan (altered to Tai (),.

7,922.00

8. Taipó Road,

10,351.14

9. Storm Water Nullah, Mongkoktsui,

8,450.00

10. District Watchmen's Quarters, (Government share),

1,000.00

11. Police Station at Fu Ti Au (altered to Sheung Shui),

1,261.56

12. Home for Quarantined Dogs, ....

1,432.23

13. Perch on Rock near Lyemun,

175.55

14. Coal Store, Starling Inlet Police Station,

170.00

15. Public Bath-house,

4,000.00

16. Training and Diverting Nullah near Tram Station,

2,099.85

17. Improvements in lighting approaches to Harbour,.. 18. Erection of Derrick on new site, Gap Rock,

6.000.00

7,120.00

19. Two Temporary Markets.....

12,000:00

20. Extension of Wanchai Market,.

3,000.00

21. Railing in openings round Animal Depôts, Kennedy Town,... 22. Cattle Crematorium,

4,100.00

2,020.00

23. Repairs and Alterations to Government Pavilions,..

1,500.00

Total,.....

.$137,957.95

Government House, Hongkong, 15th January, 1902.

الي

C.S.O.

141 of 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

The Officer Administering the Government recommends the Council to vote a sum of Four thousand nine hundred and eighty Dollars ($4,980) to meet the cost to be incurred on account of the construction of a Cattle Crematorium and a Refuse Destructor-

Cattle Crematorium—estimated cost, Deduct sum already voted,

Additional sum required,

•

Refuse Destructor-estimated cost,.

$5,000.00 2,020.00

$2,980.00

2,000.00

Total additional sum required,.

$4,980.00

C.S.O.

202 of 1901.

Government House, Hongkong, 22nd January, 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

The Officer Administering the Government recommends the Council to vote a suin of (Extension). Four thousand two hundred and fifteen Dollars and Fifty-eight Cents ($4,215.58) to cover the cost of repairs.carried out at the building formerly known as Kapshuimun Customs Station.

Government House, Hongkong, 31st January, 1902.

C.S O.

514 of 1901.

W. J. GASCOIGNE..

The Officer Administering the Government recommends the Council to re-vote the sum of One thousand two hundred and forty-four Dollars and Sixty Cents ($1,244.60) in aid of the vote of $1,000 for "Repairs to Epidemic Hulk Hygeia."

Government House, Hongkong, 17th February, 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

The Officer Administering the Government recommends the Council to vote a sum of Four hundred and fifty Dollars ($450), being a special honorarium to Inspector J. REIDIE of the Sanitary Department for his plague services.

Government House, Hongkong, 24th February, 1902.

The Acting Colonial Treasurer seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

REPORT OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE.-The Colonial Secretary, by command of His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government, laid on the table the Report of the Finance Committee dated the 27th December. 1901, (No. 15), and moved its adoption.

The Acting Colonial Treasurer seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

PAPERS.-The Colonial Secretary, by command of His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government, laid on the table the following papers :—

1. Correspondence regarding School for European Children, and English School for Chinese

of the Upper Classes.

2. Report on the Victoria Gaol, for 1901.

3. Report on the Widows and Orphans' Pension Fund, for 1901.

4. Returns of the Supreme Court, for 1901.

5. Report of Committee of Inquiry into the Adequacy of the Staff of the Medical Department. 6. Correspondence relating to the Immunity of Chinese in Cape Town from Plague Infection.

to notice, asked the following questions:—

QUESTIONS.-Mr. WHITEHEAD, pursuaal Secretary inform the Council whether the Government

(1.) Will the Honourable the

will consider the expediency of amending the Bye-laws annexed to the Public Health Ordinance, No. 13 of 1901, so as to empower the Sanitary Board to take such steps as may be requisite in connection with the periodical outbreak of Plague without the necessity of formally decloing any district in the Colony as an area infected with Plague?

The Colonial Secretary replied.

(2.) Will the Honourable the Director of Public Works lay upon the table a statement shewing what works if any, have actually been completed during the years 1899, 1900 and 1901 for increasing the water storing capacity in the City of Victoria and Kowloon, and how the present water storage capacity can be augmented and rendered adequate to meet the growing requirements of the Colony in all seasons?

The Director of Public Works in reply laid on the table the Statement asked for.

SANITARY BYE-LAWS.-The Director of Public Works addressed the Council, and made the following motion, under section 14 of Ordinance No. 13 of 1901 :-

That this Council approves of the Bye-laws for the Prevention or Mitigation of Epidemic, Endemic, or Contagious Disease, made by the Sanitary Board on the 18th February, 1902. The Attorney General seconded. Question-put and agreed to.

DRAINAGE BYE-LAWS.-The Director of Public Works addressed the Council, and made the following motion, under section 14 of Ordinance No. 13 of 1901 :-

That this Council approves of the Bye-laws for the repeal of Nos. 29 and 30 of the Drainage Bye-laws contained in Schedule B of Ordinance No. 13 of 1901, and the substitution of amended Bye-law No. 30 under Section 13 thereof.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

RATING OF QUARRIES.-The Attorney General addressed the Council, and asked permission, on the ground of urgency, to move the following resolution, under section 31 of The Rating Ordinance,

1901:

Whereas certain quarries are now held under Crown Leases at fixed rents and it is expe- dient that the said tenements should be rated on a uniform basis, it is hereby resolved by this Council that the percentage in the valuation of such quarries respectively, payable as rates, should be fixed at seven per cent. irrespective of the locality of such quarries.

There being no objection, the Attorney General explained the matter. The Acting Colonial Treasurer seconded the motion. Question-put and agreed to.

NEW TERRITORIES REGULATION.-The Attorney General addressed the Council, and made the following motion as to Ordinance No. 12 of 1899:-

Whereas, by section 6 of the New Territories Regulation Ordinance (No. 12 of 1899), it was enacted that the said Ordinance should remain in force for the period of one year from the date of its coming into operation, and for such further period or periods as might, from time to time, be determined by resolution of the Legislative Council:

And whereas, by previous resolutions of the said Legislative Council it was resolved that the said Ordinance should be continued in force until the 18th day of April, 1902:

It is hereby resolved by this Council that The New Territories Regulation Ordinance, 1899, shall be again continued in force for the further period of two years from the 18th day of April, 1902 (inclusive).

Mr. BREWIN seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

PUBLIC LATRINE AT HUNGHOM.-The Attorney General addressed the Council, and moved the following resolution under section 64 of Ordinance No. 13 of 1901 :—

Whereas application has been duly made by the Sanitary Board to the Governor under section 61 of The Public Health Ordinance, 1902, for the erection of a public latrine at the North-West end of the Crown Lot to the South of Hunghom Inland Lot No. 233: And whereas, such application having been approved by the tiovernor, and a notification of the intention to erect a public latrine upon such site having been duly published in three successive numbers of the Gazette, certain owners of property in the immediate vicinity of such site have objected to such erection:

And whereas the objections so made have been considered by this Council:

It is hereby resolved by this Council that the above mentioned site and the erection thereon of a public latrine be approved.

The Director of Public Works seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

RATS BILL.-The Attorney General moved the first reading of a Bill entitled An Ordinance to authorize the making of Regulations with regard to 'Rats.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a first time.

The Attorney General moved the suspension of the Standing Orders.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

The Attorney General moved the second reading of the Bill. The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a second time.

Council in Committee on the Bill.

Council resumed, and Bill reported without amendment.

The Attorney General moved the third reading of the Bill. The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a third time.

Question put-that this Bill do pass.

Bill passed.

PRIVATE COOLIE BILL.-The Attorney General moved the first reading of a Bill entitled An Ordi- nance to provide for the more effectual control of Chair and Jinricksha Coolies in private employ.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a first time.

DEFINITION OF "WRITERS" BILL.-The Attorney General moved the first reading of a Bill entitled An Ordinance to define the meaning of the word "writers ", as used in Ordinance No. 3 of 1871.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a first time.

NEW TERRITORIES LAND COURT AMENDMENT BILL.-The Attorney General moved the first reading of a Bill entitled An Ordinance to amend The New Territories Land Court Ordinance, 1900, (No. 18 of 1900), and The New Territories Land Court Amendment Ordinance, 1901, (No. 27 of 1901).

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a first time.

LAND REGISTRY OFFICE (FEES) AMENDMENT BILL.-The Attorney General moved the first read- ing of a Bill entitled An Ordinance to amend the Ordinance to provide for the Registration of Deeds, Wills. Judgments, and Conveyances affecting real or immoveable property in Hongkong (No. 3 of 1844).

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a first time.

BANKRUPTCY AMENDMENT BILL.-The Attorney General moved the first reading of a Bill entitled An Ordinance to further amend The Bankruptcy Ordinance, 1891.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a first time.

SUPREME COURT SUMMARY JURISDICTION AMENDMENT BILL.-The Attorney General moved the first reading of a Bill entitled An Ordinance to further amend The Supreme Court Summary Juris- diction Ordinance, 1873.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a first time.

JURY LIST.-The Council proceeded to consider the List of Jurors for 1902.

ADJOURNMENT.—The Council then adjourned till Monday, the 10th March, 1902.

Read and confirmed, this 11th day of March, 1902.

R. F. JOHNSTON,

Acting Clerk of Councils.

W. J. GASCOIGNE,

Officer Administering the Government.

Subsequently postponed to Tuesday, the 11th.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, No. 2.

TUESDAY, 11TH MARCH,

11TH MARCH, 1902.

PRESENT:

HIS EXCELLENCY THE OFFICER ADMINISTERING THE GOVERNMENT (Major-General Sir WILLIAM JULIUS GASCOIGNE, K. C.M.G.).

The Honourable the Colonial Secretary, (JAMES HALDANE STEWART LOCKHART, C.M.G.).

the Attorney General, (WILLIAM MEIGH GOODMAN, K.C.).

the Colonial Treasurer, (ALEXANDER MACDONALD THOMSON).

the Harbour Master, (ROBERT MURRAY RUMSEY, R.N.).

the Director of Public Works, (WILLIAM CHATHAM).

ARTHUR WINBOLT BREWIN.

CATCHICK PAUL CHATER, C.M.G.

HO KAI, M.B., C.M.

THOMAS HENDERSON WHITEHEAD., WEI YUK.

JAMES JARDINE BELL-IRVING.

JOHN THURBURN.

The Council met pursuant to adjournment.

The Minutes of the last Meeting, held on the 27th February, 1902, were read and confirmed. PAPER.-The Colonial Secretary, by command of His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government, laid on the table the following paper:-

Report on the Queen College, for the year 1901.

FINANCIAL MINUTES.-The Colonial Secretary, by command of His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government. laid on the table the following Financial Minutes, (Nos. 7 and 8), and moved that they be referred to the Finance Committee:--

C. O. Desp. 12 of 1902.

C.S.O.

1984 of 1900.

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

The Officer Administering the Government recommends the Council to vote a sum of Three hundred and thirty-three Pounds Six Shillings and Eight Pence (£333. 6s. 8d.) as a contribution towards a laboratory to be established at the country branch of the Jenner Insti- tute in England for the preparation of Yersin's Curative Serum for Bubonic Plague.

Government House, Hongkong, 8th March, 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

The Officer Administering the Government recommends the Council to vote a sum of Three hundred Dollars ($300), being the amount of the contribution of the Government for 1901 towards the Royal Naval Seatnen's Club, which was voted last year, but lapsed in con- sequence of no application having been made by the Naval Authorities for payment.

Government House, Hongkong, 8th March, 1902.

The Colonial Treasurer seconded.

Question-put and agreed to

The Colonial Treasurer seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

QUESTIONS.-Mr. WHITEHEAD, pursuant to notice, asked the following questions :-

(1.) Will the Honourable the Colonial Secretary inform the Council whether the Government have taken into consideration the expediency of suggesting to the Colonial Office that members of the Hongkong Volunteer Corps in Great Britain during the Coronation of His Majesty King Edward the Seventh be invited to participate in the Coronation · ceremonies as representatives of this Colony without cost to the Colonial funds?

The Colonial Secretary replied.

His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government addressed the Council.

(2.) Will the Honourable the Colonial Secretary inform the Council whether the recommendations contained in the Report, dated Hongkong, 6th November, 1901, of the Commission appointed by His Excellency the Governor, on 28th August, 1901, to enquire into and report on the question of the existing difficulty of procuring and retaining reliable chair and jinricksha coolies for private chairs and jinrickshas, are to be carried out, and if not to be carried out explain the reason why?

The Colonial Secretary, in reply, laid on the table a despatch to the Secretary of State and its enclosure, including a Minute by His Excellency the Governor on the subject.

(3.) Will the Honourable the Colonial Secretary lay upon the table a statement showing (1) the number of persons and/or young criminals who have been accommodated in the Belilios Reformatory at Causeway Bay from the time it was opened until 28th ultimo; (2) the total expenditure incurred in respect of these persons including the emoluments of the staff in the Reformatory; (3) the amount of public money, if any, expended on the building or in additions thereto and in connection with the maintenance of the building; “(4) the yearly emoluments of the Reformatory staff; and (5) the number of persons now undergoing sentence lodged in the said Reformatory?

The Colonial Secretary, in reply, laid on the table a Statement on the subject.

SANITARY BYE-LAWS.-The Colonial Secretary laid on the table Bye-laws made by the Sanitary Board under section 13 sub-section (16.) of The Public Health Ordinance, 1901, with reference to Depôts for Cattle, Pigs, Sheep and Goats, and moved that they be approved.

The Attorney General seconded,

Question put and agreed to.

BUILDINGS BILL.-The Attorney General addressed the Council, and moved the first reading of a Bill entitled An Ordinance to consolidate and amend the Laws relating to Buildings.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a first time.

NATURALIZATION BILL.-The Attorney General moved the first reading of a Bill entitled An Ordinance for the Naturalization of CHU SHIP CHUN, alias CHU LE, alias CHU MAN T'IN, alias CHỮ

· K'AU MEÏ.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a first time.

PRIVATE COOLIE BILL.-The Attorney General addressed the Council, and moved the second reading of the Bill, entitled An Ordinance to provide for the more effectual control of Chair and Jinricksha Coolies in private employ.

The Colonial Secretary seconded. Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a second time,

Council in Committee on the Bill.

Council resumed, and Bill reported without amendment.

The Attorney General moved the third reading of the Bill.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a third time.

Question put-that this Bill do pass.

Bill passed.

DEFINITION OF WRITERS" BILL.-The Attorney General addressed the Council, and moved the second reading of the Bill entitled An Ordinance to define the meaning of the word "writers", as used in Ordinance No. 3 of 1871.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a second time.

Council in Committee on the Bill.

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Council resumed, and Bill reported without amendment.

The Attorney General moved the third reading of the Bill. The Colonial Secretary seconded,

Question-put and agreed to.

'Bill read a third time.

Question put-that this Bill do pass.

Bill passed.

NEW TERRITORIES Land Court Amendment BILL-The Attorney General addressed the Council, and moved the second reading of the Bill entitled An Ordinance to amend The New Territories Land Court Ordinance, 1900, (No. 18 of 1900), and The New Territories Land Court Amendment Ordi- nance, 1901, (No. 27 of 1901).

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to. *

Bill read a second time.

Council in Committee on the Bill.

Council resumed, and Bill reported without amendment.

The Attorney General moved the third reading of the Bill.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a third time.

Question put-that this Bill do pass.

Bill passed.

LAND REGISTRY OFFICE (FEES) AMENDENT BILL.-The Attorney General addressed the Council, and moved the second reading of the Bill entitled An Ordinance to amend the Ordinance to provide for the Registration of Deeds, Wills, Judgments, and Coveyances affecting real or immoveable property in Hongkong (No. 3 of 1844).

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a second time.

Council in Committee on the Bill.

Council resumed, and Bill reported without amendment.

The Attorney General moved the third reading of the Bill.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a third time.

Question put that this Bill do pass.

Bill passed.

BANKRUPTCY AMENDMENT BILL.-The Attorney General addressed the Council, and moved the second reading of the Bill entitled An Ordinance to further amend The Bankruptcy Oridinance, 1891.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a second time.

Council in Committee on the Bill.

Council resumed, and Bill reported without amendment.

The Attorney General moved the third reading of the Bill.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a third time.

Question put-that this Bill do pass.

Bill passed.

SUPREME COURT SUMMARY JURISDICTION AMENDMENT BILL.-The Attorney General addressed the Council, and moved the second reading of the Bill entitled An Ordinance to further amend The Supreme Court Summary Jurisdiction Ordinance, 1873.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a second time.

Council in Committee on the Bill.

Council resumed, and Bill reported without amendment.

The Attorney General moved the third reading of the Bill.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a third time.

Question put-that this Bill do pass.

Bill passed.

ADJOURNMENT.-The Council then adjourned till Monday, the 17th March, 1902, at 2 p.m.

Read and confirmed, this 26th day of March, 1902.

R. F. JOHNSton,

Acting Clerk of Councils.

W. J. GASCOIGNE,

Officer Administering the Government.

* Subsequently postponed to Wednesday, the 26th March, 1902.

ነ

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, No. 3.

WEDNESDAY, 26TH MARCH, 1902.

PRESENT:

HIS EXCELLENCY THE OFFICER ADMINISTERING THE GOVERNMENT (Major-General Sir WILLIAM JULIUS GASCOIGNE, K.C.M.G.).

The Honourable the Colonial Secretary, (JAMES HALDANE STEWART LOCKHART, C.M.G.).

;;

the Attorney General, (WILLIAM MEIGH GOODMAN, K.C.).

the Colonial Treasurer, (ALEXANDER MACDONALD THOMSON).

the Harbour Master, (ROBERT MURRAY RUMSEY, R.N.).

the Director of Public Works, (WILLIAM CHATIIAM),

'ARTHUR WINBOLT BREWIN.

CATCHICK PAUL CHATER, C.M.G.

Ho KAI, M.B., C.M.

THOMAS HENDERSON WHITEHEAD. WEI YUK.

JAMES JARDINE BELL-IRVING. JOHN THURBURN.

The Council met pursuant to summons.

The Minutes of the last Meeting, held on the 11th March, 1902, were read and confirmed. PAPERS. The Colonial Secretary, by command of His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government, laid on the table the following papers :-

1. Report on the Police and on Crime, for the year 1901.

2. Report of the Director of the Observatory, for the year 1901.

FINANCIAL MINUTES.-The Colonial Secretary, by command of His Excellenty the Officer. Administering the Government, laid on the table the following Financial Minute, (No. 9), and moved that it be referred to the Finance Committee:--

C.S.O.

617 of 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

Watering

The Officer Administering the Government recommends the Council to vote a sum of Seven thousand and five hundred Dollars ($7,500) in aid of the vote of $2,400, Streets", Sanitary Department.

Government House, Hongkong, 19th March, 1902.

The Colonial Treasurer seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

The Colonial Treasurer seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

REPORT OF THE PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE.-The Director of Public Works, by command of His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government, laid on the table the Report of the Public Works Committee dated the 27th February, 1902, (No. 1).

HIS MAJESTY'S THE KING'S CORONATION.-His Excellency the Officer Administering the Govern-' ment informed the Council that he had received from the Secretary of State a telegram expressing the hope to see the Colonies represented by local forces at the Coronation; and addressed the Council on the subject of sending a contingent of the Hongkong Volunteers.

tion:

RESOLUTION.-The Attorney General addressed the Council, and moved the following Resolu-

Whereas by section 5 of The Summoning of Chinese Ordinance, 1899," (No. 40 of 1899) it was enacted that the said Ordinance should only continue in operation for the period of two years from the coming into operation of the said Ordinance and for such further period or periods as might, from time to time, be determined by Resolution of the Legislative Council, and whereas such operation has been continued by Resolution of this Council till the 30th day of March, 1902, (inclusive):

It is hereby resolved by this Council that" The Summoning of Chinese Ordinance, 1899, shall be further continued in operation for the further period of two years from the 31st day of March, 1902, (inclusive).

Mr. BREWIN seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

25-15.4.02

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NATURALIZATION BILL-The Attorney General moved the second reading of a Bill entitled An Ordinance for the Naturalization of CHU SHIP CHUN, alias CHU LE, alias CHU MAN TIN, alias CHÜ K'AU MEÏ.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a second time.

Council in Committee on the Bill.

Council resumed, and Bill reported without amendment.

The Attorney General moved the third reading of the Bill. The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a third time.

Question put--that this,Bill do pass.

Bill passed.

ADJOURNMENT.—The Council thren adjourned sine die.

Read and confirmed, this 10th day of April, 1902.

R. F. JOHNSTON, Acting Clerk of Councils.

W. J. GASCOIGNE, Officer Administering the Government.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, No. 4.

THURSDAY, 10TH APRIL, 1902.

PRESENT:

HIS EXCELLENCY THE OFFICER ADMINISTERING THE GOVERNMENT (Major-General Sir WILLIAM JULIUS GASCOIGNE, K.C.M.G.).

The Honourable the Colonial Secretary, (JAMES HALDANE STEWART LOCKHART, C.M.G.).

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the Acting Attorney General, (ALFRED GASCOYNE WISE). the Colonial Treasurer, (ALEXANDER MACDONALD THOMSON).

the Harbour Master, (ROBERT MURRAY RUMSEY, R.N.).

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the Director of Public Works, (WILLIAM CHATHAM). ARTHUR WINBOLT BREWIN.

HO KAI, M.B., C.M.

THOMAS HENDERSON WHITEHEAD.

WEI YUK.

JAMES JARDINE BELL-IRVING.

JOIN THURburn.

ABSENT :

The Honourable CATCHICK PAUL CHATER, C.M.G.

The Council met pursuant to summons."

The Minutes of the last Meeting, held on the 26th March, 1902, were read and confirined. PAPERS.-The Colonial Secretary, by command of His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government, laid on the table the following papers :-

1. Report of the Public Works Commission.

2. Report of the Committee on Education.

3. Memoranda by Professor SIMPSON on Plague Prevention.

4. Report on the Sanitary Condition of Hongkong.

5. Papers regarding the New Post Office.

FINANCIAL MINUTES.-The Colonial Secretary, by command of His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government. laid on the table the following Financial Minutes, (Nos. 10, 11 and 12), and moved that they be referred to the Finance Committee :-

C.S.O. 703 of 1902.

C.S.O.

524 of 1900.

C.S.0.

$17 of 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

sum of

The Officer Administering the Government recommends the Council to vote a One thousand five hundred and eighty-six Dollars and Twenty Cents ($1,586.20) being a sum equal to the unexpended portion of the vote for 1901 for laying out Mountain Lodge grounds.

Government House, Hongkong, 21st March, 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

The Officer Administering the Government recommends the Council to vote a sum of One thousand and four hundred Dollars ($1,400), being a sum equal to the unexpended vote for 1901 for the construction of locked private letter boxes for the use of the General Post Office.

Government House, Hongkong, 4th April. 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

The Officer Administering the Government recommends the Council to vote a sum of Four hundred and thirty-three Dollars and Thirty-two Cents ($433.32) to meet the cost of the rent of The Cliffs" for the two first months of the current year.

Government House, Hongkong, 7th April, 1902.

The Colonial Treasurer seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

The Colonial Treasurer seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

NEW POST OFFICE.-The Colonial Secretary addressed the Council, and moved that the Council approve of the expenditure of $508,280 for the purchase of Marine Lots 99 and 100.

The Colonial Treasurer seconded.

Mr. WHITEHEAD addressed the Council. The Colonial Secretary replied.

Motion--put and agreed to unanimously.

BUILDINGS CONSOLIDATION BILL.-His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government addressed the Council, and stated that the Executive Conncil had agreed to further postpone the consideration of the Bill.

ADJOURNMENT.--The Council then adjourned sine die.

Read and confirmed, this 30th day of April, 1902.

R. F. JOHNSTon, Acting Clerk of Councils.

W. J. GASCOIGNE,

Officer Administering the Government.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, No. 5.

WEDNESDAY, 30TH APRIL, 1902.

PRESENT

HIS EXCELLENCY THE OFFICER ADMINISTERING THE GOVERNMENT (Major-General Sir WILLIAM JULIUS GASCOIGNE, K.C.M.G.).

The Honourable the Acting Colonial Secretary, (ALEXANDER MACDONALD THOMSON).

the Acting Attorney General (ALFRED GASCOYNE WISE).

the Acting Colonial Treasurer, (CHARLES MCILVAINE MESSER). the Harbour Master, (ROBERT MURRAY RUMSEY, R.N.).

the Director of Public Works, (WILLIAM CHATHAM).

ARTHUR WINBOLT BREWIN.

CATCHICK PAUL CHATER, C.M.G.

HO KAI, M.B., C.M.

THOMAS HENDERSON WHITEHEAD. WEI YUK.

JAMES JARDINE BELL-IRVING. CHARLES STEWART SHARP.

The Council met pursuant to summons.

The Minutes of the last Meeting, held on the 10th April, 1902, were read and confirmed. NEW MEMBERS.-Mr. CHARLES MCILVAINE MESSER took the oaths as Official Member, and Mr. CHARLES STEWART SHARP as an Un-official Member of Council vice Mr. JOHN THURBURN resigned.

FINANCIAL MINUTES.-The Acting Colonial Secretary, by command of His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government, laid on the table the following Financial Minutes, (Nos. 13 to 17), and moved that they be referred to the Finance Committee:-

C.S.0. 768 of 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

The Officer Administering the Government recommends the Council to vote a sum of Five hundred and fifty Dollars ($550) to meet the estimated cost to be incurred for Personal Emoluments and Other Charges in connection with the establishment of the Kowloon British School during the current year.

Personal Emoluments,-

ABSTRACT.

2 Coolies (1 at $96 and 1 at $84 per annum) for 10 months, Other Charges,

$ 150.00

Furniture,

Books,

100.00

200.00

Total,.....

.$ 550.00

Incidental Expenditure at $20 a month for 10 months..

C.5.0.

506 of 1902.

C.8.0.

25.8 et 1900.

Government House, Hongkong, 10th April, 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

The Officer Administering the Government recommends the Council to vote a sum of Nine thousand Dollars ($9,000) to meet the estimated cost to be incurred for training the nullahs in the neighbourhood of the Richmond Road and Macdonnell Road during the current

year.

Government House, Hongkong, 11th April, 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

The Officer Administering the Government recommends the Council to vote a sun of One thousand and four hundred Dollars ($1,400) in aid of the vote of $9,000, "Electric Light Installation at Civil Hospital," under the heading Public Works Extraordinary.

Government House, Hongkong, 21st April, 1902.

25-5-6-02

C.S.O.

328 of 1902.

C.S.O.

939 of 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNE,

The Officer Administering the Government recoinmends the Council to vote a sum of Two hundred and fifty thousand Dollars ($250,000) in aid of the vote of $10,000 for 'Plague Expenses" under the heading Miscellaneous Services.

Government House, Hongkong, 21st April, 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

The Officer Administering the Government recommends the Council to vote a sum of Three thousand Dollars ($3,000) to meet the estimated cost to be incurred for illuminating certain Public Buildings in connection with the forthcoming Coronation celebrations in the Colony.

Government House, Hongkong, 22nd April, 1902

The Acting Colonial Treasurer seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

REPORT OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE.-The Acting Colonial Secretary, by command of His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government, laid on the table the Report of the Finance Committee dated the 10th April, 1902, (No. 4), and moved its adoption.

The Acting Colonial Treasurer seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

NOTICE OF QUESTIONS.-Mr. WHITEHEAD gave notice that, at the next meeting of Council, he would ask the following questions:-

1.-PROPERTY RESUMPTION AND COMPENSATION.

Will the Honourable the Colonial Secretary endeavour to obtain from the Indian Government a statement or return showing (1) the conditions on which house properties, sanitary and insanitary, and land have recently been resumed in Bombay and elsewhere in India; (2) the basis on which the values of house property and land were arrived at; and (3) the basis on which the compensation paid for resumed properties and land has been arrived at; and in due course communicate the information to the Council if the Honourable Member is not now in a position to furnish the required particulars?

2.-HOUSE ACCOMMODATION-SUBORDINATE OFFICIALS.

Will the Honourable the Colonial Secretary inform the Council whether the Government will take into consideration the desirability and expediency of adequately providing for the decent housing of the subordinate Officials and Employees of the Public Works, Harbour, and Sanitary Departments, and report to the Council?

3.-MAP OF ROADS AND STREETS.

In anticipation of Government being asked to expose for sale Crown Land in Hongkong and in British Kowloon or to grant leases of Land in the New Territory, and with a view to safeguarding against a repetition of the state of affairs in respect of roads, lanes and buildings as that which now exists in Hongkong and Kowloon, will the Honourable the Director of Public Works inform the Council (1) whether a clearly and well defined Map showing Roads and Streets of adequate width has been or will be prepared; (2) whether such Map will in due course be submitted to this Council; (3) when approved whether the same will be recorded officially and shall not be departed from without the sanction of the Council; and (4) whether a copy of such Map will be deposited in the Office of the Sanitary Board for the information and guidance of the Board's Officers?

4-STREAMS, NULLAHS AND WATER-COURSES.

Will the Honourable the Director of Public Works inform the Council whether the Gor- ernment will lay down a rule or regulation to come into force on an early date to be notified, to the effect that all streams, nullahs and water-courses in Hongkong and in British Kowloon, the property of the Crown, shall be retained as Crown property together with a margin of 50 feet on either side from the centre line of the stream or nullah now Crown property and that the said margin of 50 feet shall not be granted or devised without the sanction of this Council and that the same regulation where practicable shall apply in respect of streams, nullahs and water-courses in the New Territory leased by the Government of China to the British Government?

5.-WATER SUPPLY.

In consequence of the daily diminishing supply and of the fact that the water is now only turned on in the City one hour per day, will the Honourable the Director of Public Works inform the Council whether the Government will take into consideration the advisability of immediately increasing the number of water stations along the Praya so as to give an increased supply of water and in some measure alleviate the inconveniences and sufferings of those concerned?

6. INCREASED WATER STORAGE.

Will the Honourable the Director of Public Works inform the Council whether the Gor- ernment has taken the necessary measures to temporarily provide, if it be possible to do so in the time now available, for an adequate or additional water storage capacity should there be a short rainfall this season, so as to safeguard the ratepayers and the people from again next year suffering the inconveniences and evils arising out of a water famine, and state hour much additional water storage has been provided, if any, since the 1st of January this year, and how much additional storage it is estimated will be provided between now and 31st January, 1903 ?

PAPERS. The Acting Colonial Secretary, by command of His Excellency the Officer Administer- ing the Government, laid on the table the following papers:-

1. Report of the Harbour Master, for 1901.

2. Financial Returns, for 1901.

3. Report on the New Territory, for 1901.

4. Reports of the Medical Officer of Health, the Sanitary Surveyor, and the Colonial Veteri-

nary Surgeon, for 1901.

EXEMPTION OF CROWN LEASES FROM OPERATION OF FORESHORES AND SEA BED ORDINANCE, 1901, BILL.-The Acting Attorney General moved the first reading of a Bill entitled An Ordinance to exempt certain Crown Leases and Agreements for Crown Leases and permits granted by the Crown, from the operation of sections 3 and 4 of the Foreshores and Sea Bed Ordinance, 1901.

The Acting Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a first time.

WIDOWS AND ORPHANS' PENSION FUND AMENDMENT BILL.-The Acting Attorney General moved the first reading of a Bill entitled An Ordinance to amend the Law relating to the Widows and Orphans' Pension Fund Ordinance (15 of 1900).

The Acting Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a first time.

NATURALIZATION OF HO NGOK LAU BILL.-The Acting Attorney General moved the first reading of a Bill entitled An Ordinance for the Naturalization of Ho NGOK LAU, alias Ho NGOK, alias Ho SAN LAM.

The Acting Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a first time.

CLAIMS TO RENT OF LAND IN NEW TERRITORIES BILL.-The Acting Attorney General moved the first reading of a Bill entitled An Ordinance to facilitate the hearing and determination of claims to rent in respect of land in the New Territories.

The Acting Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a first time.

DANGEROUS GOODS AMENDMENT BILL.-The Acting Attorney General moved the first reading of a Bill entitled An Ordinance to further amend the Law relating to Dangerous Goods.

The Acting Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a first time.

TRAMWAY BILL.-The Acting Attorney General moved the third reading of the Bill entitled An Ordinance for authorizing the Construction of a Tramway within the Colony of Hongkong.

The Acting Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a third time.

Question put-that this Bill do pass.

Bill passed.

TRAMWAYS AMENDMENT BILL.-The Acting Attorney General moved the third reading of the Bill entitled An Ordinance to amend the scope of The Tramways Ordinance, 1883, (No. 6 of 1883), and the Tramways Ordinance Amendinent Ordinance, 1883, (No. 18 of 1883).

The Acting Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a third time.

Question put-that this Bill do pass.

Bill passed.

ADJOURNMENT.--The Council then adjourned sine die.

Read and confirmed, this 4th day of June, 1902.

R. F. JOHNSTON,

Acting Clerk of Councils.

W. J. GASCOIGNE, Officer Administering the Government.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, No. 6.

WEDNESDAY, 4TH JUNE, 1902.

PRESENT:

HIS EXCELLENCY THE OFFICER ADMINISTERING THE GOVERNMENT (Major-General Sir WILLIAM JULIUS GASCOIGNE, K.C.M.G.).

The Honourable the Colonial Secretary, (FRANCIS HENRY MAY, C.M.G.).

the Acting Attorney General, (ALFRED GASCOYNE WISE).

the Colonial Treasurer, (ALEXANDER MACDONALD THOMSON).

***

the Harbour Master, (ROBERT MURRAY RUMSEY, R.N.).

the Director of Public Works, (WILLIAM CHATHAM).

the Captain Superintendent of Police, (FRANCIS JOSEPH BADELEY). HO KAI, M.B., C.M.

WEI YUK.

CHARLES STEWART SHARP.

CHARLES WEDDERBURN DICKSON.

The Council met pursuant to summons.

The Minutes of the last Meeting, held on the 30th April, 1902, were read and confirmed.

NEW MEMBER.-Mr. CHARLES WEDDERBURN DICKSON took the oaths as an Un-Official Member of the Council.

FINANCIAL MINUTES.-The Colonial Secretary, by command of His Excellency the Officer Admi- nistering the Government, laid on the table the following Financial Minutes, (Nos. 18 to 22), and moved that they be referred to the Finance Committee:--

C.O D.

63 of 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

The Officer Administering the Government recommnends the Council to vote a sum o Six thousand one hundred and forty-nine Dollars and Twelve Cents ($6,149.12) in aid of the vote "Expenses of Volunteers", to cover the salary and house allowance of Major C. G. PRITCHARD, Commandant, Hongkong Volunteer Corps, from 2nd April to 31st December, 1902, inclusive.

ABSTRACT.

Half salary, 2nd to 7th April, 6 days, £6.5.0 at 2/0 per dollar, Full salary, 8th to 30th April, 23 days, £47.18.4 at 2/0

May to December, 8 months, at £62.10.0 per

2/032 per dollar,

...

per dollar,................

61.94

474.84

month, £500 at

4,954,84

57.50

600.00

Total,

.$6,149.12

House Allowance, 8th to 30th April, at $75 per month,..

8 months,

C.5.0.

959 of 1902.

C.5.0.

1127 of 1902.

Government House, Hongkong, 28th April, 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

The Officer Administering the Government recommends the Council to vote a sum of Twenty-nine thousand six hundred and twenty-nine Dollars and Sixty-three Cents (£2,500 at 1/81=$29,629.63) to meet the estimated expenses to be incurred by the Coronation Contingent of the Hongkong Volunteer Corps.

Government House, Hongkong, 1st May, 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

The Officer, Administering the Government recommends the Council to vote a sum of Two thousand four hundred and ten Dollars (£200.16.8. at 1/8 $2,410) to cover the cost of 4,000 feet of 23-inch "Rob Roy" canvas fire hose, and 500 feet of Merry wether's 4-inch "Dub-Sub" canvas hose, for the use of the Fire Brigade.

Government House, Hongkong, 13th May, 1902.

25-30.6.02.

C.S.O.

4 277 of 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

The Officer Administering the Government recommends the Council to vote a sum of One hundred and thirty-one thousand and five hundred Dollars ($131,500), in aid of the following votes:-

PUBLIC WORKS, ANNUALLY RECURRENT EXPENDITURE.

(1.) Maintenance of Water-works, City and Hill District, (2.) Maintenance of Roads and Bridges in City, (3.) Water-works, Miscellaneous,

(4.) Drainage Works, Miscellaneous,.

(5.) Forming and Kerbing Streets,

$48,000.00

25,000.00

15,500.00

23,000.00

20,000.00

Total,.........

$131,500.00

C.S.O.

1152 of 1902.

Government House, Hongkong, 29th May, 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

The Officer Administering the Government recommends the Council to vote a sum of Sixty-four Dollars ($64), being a grant for a Custodian at the Government Pavilions, for 8 months of the current year, at the rate of $8 per mensem.

Government House, Hongkong, 30th May, 1902.

The Colonial Treasurer seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

REPORT OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE.-The Colonial Secretary, by command of His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government, laid on the table the Report of the Finance Committee lated the 30th April, 1902, (No. 5), and moved its adoption.

The Colonial Treasurer seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

QUESTIONS. In the absence of Mr. WHITEHEAD, Mr. SHARP, pursuant to notice given at the last meeting, asked the following questions:-

1.-PROPERTY RESUMPTION AND COMPENSATION.

The Colonial Secretary replied.

2.-HOUSE ACCOMMODATION—SUBORDINATE OFFICIALS.

The Colonial Secretary replied.

3.-MAP OF ROADS AND STREETS.

In anticipation of Government being asked to expose for sale Crown Land in Hongkong and in British Kowloon or to grant lease of Land in the New Territory, and with a view to safeguarding against a repetition of the state affairs in respect of roads, lanes and buildings as that which now exists in Hongkong and Kowloon, will the Honourable the Director of Public Works inform the Council (1) whether a clearly and well defined Map showing Roads and Streets of adequate width has been or will be prepared; (2) whether such Map will in due course be submitted to this Council; (3) when approved whether the same will be recorded officially and shall not be departed from without the sanction of the Council; and (4) whether a copy of such Map will be deposited in the Office of the Sanitary Board for the information and guidance of the Board's Officers?

The Director of Public Works replied.

4-STREAMS, NULLAHS AND WATER-COURSES.

Will the Honourable the Director of Public Works inform the Council whether the Gov- ernment will lay down a rule or regulation to come into force on an early date to be notified, to the effect that all streams, nullahs and water-courses in Hongkong and in British Kowloon, the property of the Crown, shall be retained as Crown property together with a margin of 50 feet on either side from the centre line of the stream or nullah now Crown property and that the said margin of 50 feet shall not be granted or devised without the sanction of this Council and that the same regulation where practicable shall apply in respect of streams, nullahs and water-courses in the New Territory leased by the Government of China to the British Government? The Director of Public Works replied.

5.-WATER SUPPLY.

concerned?

The Director of Public Works replied.

6.—INCREASED WATER STORAGE.

Will the Honourable the Director of Public Works inform the Council whether the Gov- ernment has taken the necessary measures to temporarity provide, if it be possible to do so in the time now available, for an adequate or additional water storage capacity should there be a short rainfall this season, so as to safeguard the ratepayers and the people from again next year suffering the inconveniences and evils arising out of a water famine, and state how much additional water storage has been provided, if any, since the 1st of January this year, and how much additional storage it is estimated will be provided between now and 31st January, 1903? The Director of Public Works replied.

PAPERS.-The Colonial Secretary, by command of His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government, laid on the table the following papers :-

1. Report by Mr. OSBERT CHADWICK on the Water Supply of Hongkong mainly with regard

to the full Development of the Supply from the Taitam-tuk Valley.

2. Report of the Registrar General, for 1901.

3. Returns of the Subordinate Court, for 1901.

4. Report on the General Post Office, for 1901.

5. Report of the Pó Léung Kuk Society, for 1901.

6. Correspondence regarding the Kowloon Water-works Gravitation Scheme.

MARRIAGE AMENDMENT BILL.-The Acting Attorney General moved the first reading of a Bill entitled An Ordinance to amend The Marriage Ordinance (14 of 1875).

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a first time.

RELEASE OF PREMISES (JEWISH SYNAGOGUE) BILL.-The Acting Attorney General moved the first reading of a Bill entitled An Ordinance to release certain premises situate at Victoria in the Colony of Hongkong from a Settlement dated the 31st day of March 1884 and made between MEYER ELIAS SASSOON of the one part and FREDERICK DAVID SASSOON, EDWARD ELIAS SASSOON and the said MEYER ELIAS SASSOON of the other part.

The Colonial Secretary seconded. Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a first time.

NATURALIZATION OF KU FAI SHÁN BILL.-The Acting Attorney General moved the first reading of a Bill entitled An Ordinance for the Naturalization of KU FAI SHAN, alias KU TING KWONG, alias KU PAK TAI, alias KU CHONG TSUNG, alias KU YUK TSING.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a first time.

CHINESE ANGLICAN CHURCH BODY INCORPORATION BILL.-The Acting Attorney General moved the first reading of a Bill entitled An Ordinance to provide for the Incorporation of the Church Body of the Chinese Anglican Church in Hongkong.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a first time.

WATER-WORKS CONSOLIDATION BILL.-The Acting Attorney General moved the first reading of a Bill entitled An Ordinance to provide for and regulate the Supply of Water in the Colony of Hongkong and for the Maintenance and Repair of the Works in connection therewith.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a first time.

PAWNBROKERS AMENDMENT BILL.-The Acting Attorney General moved the first reading of a Bill entitled An Ordinance to further amend The Pawnbrokers Ordinance, No. 3 of 1860.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a first time.

EXEMPTION OF CROWN LEASES FROM OPERATION OF Foreshores anD SEA BED ORDINANCE, 1901, BILL.-The Acting Attorney General addressed the Council, and moved the second reading of the Bill entitled An Ordinance to exempt certain Crown Leases and Agreements for Crown Leases and permits granted by the Crown, from the operation of sections 3 and 4 of the Foreshores and Sea Bed Ordinance,

1901.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a second time.

Council in Committee on the Bill.

Council resumed and Bill reported without amendment.

The Acting Attorney General moved the third reading of the Bill.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a third time.

Question put-that this Bill do pass.

Bill passed.

WIDOWS AND ORPHANS' PENSION FUND AMENDMENT BILL.-The Acting Attorney General addressed the Council, and moved the second reading of the Bill entitled An Ordinance to amend the Law relating to the Widows and Orphans' Pension Fund Ordinance (15 of 1900).

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a second time.

Council in Committee on the Bill.

Council resumed and Bill reported without amendment.

The Acting Attorney General moved the third reading of the Bill.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a third time.

Question put-that this Bill do pass.

Bill passed.

NATURALIZATION OF HO NGOK LAU BILL.-The Acting Attorney General moved the second reading of the Bill entitled An Ordinance for the Naturalization of Ho NGOK LAU, alias Ho NGOK, alias Ho SAN LAM.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a second time.

Council in Committee on the Bill.

Council resumed and Bill reported without amendment.

The Acting Attorney General moved the third reading of the Bill.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a third time.

Question put-that this Bill do pass.

Bill passed.

CLAIMS TO RENT OF LAND IN NEW TERRITORIES BILL.-The Acting Attorney General addressed the Council, and moved the second reading of the Bill entitled An Ordinance to facilitate the hearing and determination of claims to rent in respect of land in the New Territories.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a second time.

Council in Committee on the Bill.

Council resumed and Bill reported without amendment.

The Acting Attorney General moved the third reading of the Bill.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a third time.

Question put-that this Bill do pass.

Bill passed.

DANGEROUS GOODS AMENDMENT BILL.-The Acting Attorney General addressed the Council, and moved the withdrawal of the Bill entitled An Ordinance to further amend the Law relating to Dangerous Goods.

The motion was agreed to.

ADJOURNMENT.—The Council then adjourned sine die.

Read and confirmed, this 23rd day of June, 1902.

R. F. JOHNSTON, Acting Clerk of Councils.

W. J. GASCOIGNE,

Officer Administering the Government.

}

MARRIAGE AMENDMENT BILL.-The Acting Attorney General addressed the Council, and moved the second reading of the Bill entitled An Ordinance to amend The Marriage Ordinance (14 of 1875).

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a second time.

Council in Committee on the Bill.

Council resumed and Bill reported without amendment.

The Acting Attorney General moved the third reading of the Bill.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a third time.

Question put-that this Bill do pass.

Bill passed.

RELEASE OF PREMISES (JEWISH SYNAGOGUE) BILL.-The Acting Attorney General addressed the Council, and moved the second reading of the Bill entitled An Ordinance to release certain premises situate at Victoria in the Colony of Hongkong from a Settlement dated the 31st day of March 1884 and made between MEYER ELIAS SASSOON of the one part and FREDERICK DAVID SASSOON, EDWARD ELIAS SASSOON and the said MEYER ELIAS SASSOON of the other part.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a second time.

Council in Committee on the Bill.

Council resumed and Bill reported without amendment.

The Acting Attorney General moved the third reading of the Bill. The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a third time.

Question put-that this Bill do pass.

Bill passed.

NATURALIZATION OF KU FAI SHÁN BILL.-The Acting Attorney General moved the second reading of the Bill entitled An Ordinance for the Naturalization of KU FAI SHÁN, alias KU TING Kwong, alias KU. PAK TAI, alias KU CHONG TSUNG, alias KU YUK TSING.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Mr. SHEWAN suggested that Chinese should be naturalized under one name only, and some discussion ensued.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a second time.

Council in Committee on the Bill.

Council resumed and Bill reported without amendment.

The Acting Attorney General moved the third reading of the Bill.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a third time.

Question put that this Bill do pass.

Bill passed.

CHINESE ANGLICAN CHURCH BODY INCORPORATION BILL.-The Acting Attorney General addressed the Council, and moved the second reading of the Bill entitled An Ordinance to provide for the Incor- poration of the Church Body of the Chinese Anglican Church in Hongkong.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a second time.

Council in Committee on the Bill.

Council resumed and Bill reported without amendment.

The Acting Attorney General moved the third reading of the Bill.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a third time.

Question put-that this Bill do pass.

Bill passed.

WATER-WORKS CONSOLIDATION BILL.-The Acting Attorney General addressed the Council, and moved the second reading of the Bill entitled An Ordinance to provide for and regulate the Supply of Water in the Colony of Hongkong and for the Maintenance and Repair of the Works in connection

therewith.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Dr. Ho KAI addressed the Council, and moved that this Bill be read a second time this day six weeks.

Mr. WEI YUK seconded.

Mr. SHARP addressed the Council.

The amendment was put, and Council divided as follows:-

For.

Mr. DICKSON.

Mr. SHARP.

Mr. WEI YUK.

Dr. Ho KAI.

Against.

Mr. SHEWAN.

The amendment was lost by 3 votes.

Mr. PLAYFAIR.

The Captain Superintendent of Police.

The Harbour Master.

The Colonial Treasurer.

The Acting Attorney General.

The Colonial Secretary.

Question that the Bill be read a second time-put and agreed to.

Bill read a second time.

PAWNBROKERS AMENDMENT BILL.-The Acting Attorney General addressed the Council, and moved the second reading of the Bill entitled An Ordinance to further amend The Pawnbrokers Ordinance, No. 3 of 1860.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a second time.

Council in Committee on the Bill.

ADJOURNMENT.-The Council then adjourned sine die.

Read and confirmed, this 7th day of July, 1902.

R. F. JOHNSTON, Acting Clerk of Councils.

W. J. GASCOIGNE, Officer Administering the Government:

ง

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, No. 7.

MONDAY, 23RD JUNE, 1902.

PRESENT:

HIS EXCELLENCY THE OFFICER ADMINISTERING THE GOVERNMENT (Major-General Sir WILLIAM JULIUS GASCOIGNE, K.C.M.G.).

The Honourable the Colonial Secretary, (FRANCIS HENRY MAY, C.M.G.).

the Acting Attorney. General, (ALFRED GASCOYNE WISE).

the Colonial Treasurer, (ALEXANDER MACDONALD THOMSON).

the Harbour Master, (ROBERT MURRAY RUMSEY, R.N.).

the Director of Public Works, (WILLIAM CHATHAM).

the Captain Superintendent of Police, (FRANCIS JOSEPH BADELEY). HO KAI, M.B., C.M.

WEI YUK.

CHARLES STEWART SHARP.

CHARLES WEDDERBURN DICKSON.

GEORGE WILLIAM FORBES PLAYFAIR.

ROBERT GORDON SHEWAN.

The Council met pursuant to summons.

The Minutes of the last Meeting, held on the 4th June, 1902, were read and confirmed.

NEW MEMBERS.-Mr. GEORGE WILLIAM FORBES PLAYFAIR and Mr. ROBERT GORDON SHEWAN took the oaths as Un-Official Members of the Council.

Mr. SHEWAN suggested that the answers to questions in Council should be printed in the minutes in extenso.

FINANCIAL MINUTES.-The Colonial Secretary, by command of His Excellency the Officer Admi- nistering the Government, laid on the table the following Financial Minutes, (Nos. 23 to 26), and moved that they be referred to the Finance Committee:-

C.S.O. 1283 of 1902.

C.O.D.

125 of 1902.

C.O.D. 65 of 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

The Officer Administering the Government recommends the Council to vote a sun of One hundred and twenty Dollars ($120), being 4 months' house allowance granted to Mr. M. McIVER, Inspector of Junks, Harbour Department, at the rate of $30 per mensem.

Government House, Hongkong, 7th June, 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

The Officer Administering the Government recoinmends the Council to vote a sum of Three hundred Dollars ($300) to meet, during the current year, the increase in salary of Mr. N. G. NOLAN, Interpreter to the Magistracy.

Government House, Hongkong, 9th June, 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

The Officer Administering the Government recommends the Council to vote a sum of Four thousand three hundred and fifty-seven Dollars and eighty-six Cents ($4,357.86) to cover, during the current year, the salaries of Mr. and Mrs. B. JAMES, the Master and Mistress of the Kowloon School:-

ABSTRACT.

Mr. JAMES half salary, from 3rd to 19th February; full salary from 20th

February to 31st December, at £330 per annum,.....

Mrs. JAMES half salary, from 20th January to 19th February; full salary

from 20th February to 31st December, at £90 per annum,

Total,.....

$3,411.03

་

916.83

.$4,357.86

25-8.7.02.

Government House, Hongkong, 14th June, 1902.

C.S.O.

769 of 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

The Officer Administering the Government recommends the Council to vote a sum of Five hundred Dollars ($500) in aid of the vote of $500 for "Washing performed for the Government Civil Hospital."

Government House, Hongkong, 18th June, 1902.

The Colonial Treasurer seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

The Colonial Treasurer seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

PAPERS.-The Colonial Secretary, by command of His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government, laid on the table the following papers:-

1. The Supplementary Colonial Estimates, 1901.

2. An Alphabetical Reference Table to Professor SIMPSON'S Recommendations.

3. Report by Mr. O. CHADWICK and Professor SIMPSON on the Question of the Housing of

the Population of Hongkong.

4. Education Report, for 1901.

NOTICE OF QUESTION.-Mr. PLAYFAIR gave notice that, at the next meeting of Council, he would put the following question :-

Will the Honourable Director of Public Works inform the Council what steps, if any, are being taken to carry out the recommendation of Mr. Osbert Chadwick in his report on the water supply of Hongkong dated 18th April, 1902, especially having reference to the question of prompt action in enlarging the storage capacity, as emphasised by his following remarks: "It is evident that the water question is pressing."—"It is one which should take precedence of all other sanitary improvements such as those of sewerage and drainage.” -"It is necessary to act with promptitude."

NEW TERRITORIES LAND COURT AMENDMENT BILL.-The Acting Attorney General moved the first reading of a Bill entitled An Ordinance to further amend The New Territories Land Court Ordinance, 1900, (No. 18 of 1900).

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a first time.

DANGEROUS GOODS AMENDMENT BILL.-The Acting Attorney General moved the first reading of a Bill entitled An Ordinance to further amend the Law relating to Dangerous Goods.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a first time.

SUPPLEMENTARY SUPPLY FOR 1901 BILL.-The Colonial Treasurer moved the first reading of a Bill entitled An Ordinance to authorize the Appropriation of a Supplementary Sum of Five hundred and fifteen thousand two hundred and twenty-five Dollars and seven Cents, to defray the Charges of the Year 1901.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Mr. SHEWAN addressed the Council, and suggested that a more specific statement with regard to the item of "Miscellaneous Services" should be given.

The Colonial Treasurer and His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government replied. Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a first time.

کی

SPECIAL MEETING

EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS,

held in the Council Chamber, on Wednesday, the 25th June, 1902.

PRESENT:

HIS EXCELLENCY THE OFFICER ADMINISTERING THE GOVERNMENT (Major-General Sir WILLIAM JULIUS GASCOIGNE, K.C.M.G.).

The Honourable the Colonial Secretary, (FRANCIS HENRY MAY, C.M.G.).

339

the Attorney General, (Sir HENRY SPENCER BERKELEY, Kt.).

the Colonial Treasurer, (ALEXANDER MACDONALD THOMSON).

the Harbour Master, (ROBERT MURRAY RUMSEY, R.N.)

the Director of Public Works, (WILLIAM CHATHAM).

the Captain Superintendent of Police, (FRANCIS Joseph Badeley). HO KAI, M.B., C.M.

WEI YUK.

CHARLES STEWART SHARP.

CHARLES WEDDERBURN DICKSON.

GEORGE WILLIAM FORBES PLAYFAIR.

ROBERT GORDON SHEWAN.

His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government addressed the Council.

It was unanimously resolved, in view of the information given by His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government with regard to the illness of His Majesty the KING, to abandon for the present all local festivities which were to have been held in the Colony on the occasion of His Majesty's Coronation, to despatch a telegram expressing the sympathy of the community with His Majesty in His illness and their earnest hopes for His speedy recovery, and to attend a Service of Intercession at St. John's Cathedral on the morning of the following day.

The Council then adjourned.

Read and confirmed, this 7th day of July, 1902.

R. F. JOHNSTON, Acting Clerk of Councils.

W. J. GASCOIGNE, Officer Administering the Government.

25-14.7.02.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, No. 8.

MONDAY, 7TH JULY, 1902.

PRESENT:

HIS EXCELLENCY THE OFFICER ADMINISTERING THE GOVERNMENT (Major-General Sir WILLIAM JULIUS GASCOIGNE, K.C.M.G.).

The Honourable the Colonial Secretary, (FRANCIS HENRY MAY, C.M.G.).

the Attorney General, (Sir HENRY SPENCER BERKELEY, K.B.). the Colonial Treasurer, (ALEXANDER MACDONALD THOMSON). the Harbour Master, (ROBERT MURRAY RUMSEY, R.N.).

the Director of Public Works, (WILLIAM CHATHAM).

the Captain Superintendent of Police, (FRANCIS JOSEPH BADELEY). Ho KAI, M.B., C.M.

WEI YUK.

CHARLES STEWART SHARP.

CHARLES WEDDERBURN DICKSON.

GEORGE WILLIAM FORBES PLAYFAIR. ROBERT GORDON SHEWAN.

The Council met pursuant to summons.

The Minutes of the last Meeting, held on the 23rd June, 1902, were read and confirmed.

FINANCIAL MINUTES.-The Colonial Secretary, by command of His Excellency the Officer Admi- nistering the Government, laid on the table the following Financial Minutes, (Nos. 27 to 31), and moved that they be referred to the Finance Committee:-

C.S.O. 1450 of 1902.

C.S.O

1231 of 1902.

C.S.O.

1496 of 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

The Officer Administering the Government recommends the Council to vote a sum of Seven hundred and five Dollars ($705) to cover the cost of 3 months' rent for a room at "Cragieburn" ($630) and of tram tickets ($75), for the use of the Nursing Sisters of the Government Civil Hospital.

Government House, Hongkong, 23rd June, 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

The Officer Administering the Government recommends the Council to vote a sum of Ninety Dollars ($90), being grant of a teacher's allowance to Mr. N. G. NOLAN, Interpreter to the Magistracy, for studying the Fukien dialect, for 9 months at the rate of $10 per mensem.

Government House, Hongkong, 25th June, 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

The Officer Administering the Government recommends the Council to vote a sum of Twenty-two thousand and five hundred Dollars ($22,500) to meet the cost to be incurred for the carrying out of the undermentioned works during the current year :-

PUBLIC WORKS EXTRAORDINARY.

(1.) City Waterworks Extension,

Tytam Tuk Scheme,..

Preliminary and Temporary Works,

$20,000.00

2,500.00

Total,...........

$22,500.00

(2.) City Waterworks-Provision of Public Fountains,...

C.S.0.

421 of 1902.

Government House, Hongkong, 25th June, 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

The Officer Administering the Government recommends the Council to vote a sum of One hundred and sixty-six Dollars and eighty-four Cents ($166.84), to defray one-third share of $500.50, being cost of the construction of a tennis-court for the use of the Cadets in the British Ya-mên inside the city of Canton.

25-23.7.02.

Government Ilouse, Hongkong, 2nd July, 1902.

C.S.O.

333 of 1002

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

The Officer Administering the Government recommends the Council to vote a sum of Two hundred and ninety-five Dollars and forty-eight Cents ($295.48), being grant of an allowance for Quarters and fuel and light to Inspector HUDSON, the Inspector of Brothels, during the current year.

ABSTRACT.

For Quarters from 20th May to 31st December, 1902, inclusive, at $30 per

mensem,

Light and fuel for the same period at $10 per mensem,

$ 221.61

73.87

Total,

.$ 295.48

Government House, Hongkong, 2nd July, 1902.

The Colonial Treasurer seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

The Colonial Treasurer seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

PAPERS. The Colonial Secretary, by command of His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government, laid on the table the following papers :--

1. Report on the Fire Brigade, for the

year 1901.

2. Report on the Botanical and Afforestation Department, for the year 1901. QUESTION. Mr. PLAYFAIR, pursuant to notice, asked the following question:--

Will the Honourable Director of Public Works inform the Council what steps, if any, are being taken to carry out_the_recommendation of Mr. Osbert Chadwick in his report on the water supply of Hongkong dated 18th April, 1902, especially having reference to the question of prompt action in enlarging the storage capacity, as emphasised by his following remarks: "It is evident that the water question is pressing." It is one which should take precedence of all other sanitary improvements such as those of sewerage and drainage.” -"It is necessary to act with promptitude."

The Director of Public Works replied.

PUBLIC HEALTH AND BUILDINGS BILL.-The Attorney General moved the first reading of a Bill entitled An Ordinance to consolidate and amend the Laws relating to Public Health and Buildings.

The Director of Public Works seconded.

Mr. SHARP addressed the Council, and enquired what time would be allowed to lapse before the second reading of the Bill.

The Colonial Secretary addressed the Council in reply, and stated that the second reading of the Bill would be moved this day month.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a first time.

NATURALIZATION OF CHOY CHUNG NI BILL.-The Attorney General moved the first reading of a Bill entitled An Ordinance for the Naturalization of CHOY CHUNG NI, alias CHOY CHUNG, alias CHOY MUN KU, alias CHOY KWONG Yung.

The Colonial Secretary seconded. Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a first time.

NATURALIZATION OF CHOY YEE BILL.-The Attorney General moved the first reading of a Bill entitled An Ordinance for the Naturalization of CHOY YEE, alias CHOY MAN LOI alias CHOY SIU KWAI.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a first time.

NATURALIZATION OF CHOY KWAI NG BILL.-The Attorney General moved the first reading of e Bill entitled An Ordinance for the Naturalization of CHOY KWAI NG, alias CHOY SHING, alias CHOY MAN CHOW, alias CHOY Kwong Tak.

The Colonial Secretary seconded. Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a first time.

NEW TERRITORIES LAND COURT AMENDMENT BILL.-The Attorney General addressed the Council, and moved the second reading of the Bill entitled An Ordinance to further amend The New Territories Land Court Ordinance, 1900, (No. 18 of 1900).

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a second time.

Council in Committee on the Bill.

Council resumed and Bill reported without amendment.

The Acting Attorney General moved the third reading of the Bill.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a third time.

Question put-that this Bill do pass.

Bill passed.

DANGEROUS GOODS AMENDMENT BILL.-The Attorney General moved the second reading of the Bill entitled An Ordinance to further amend the Law relating to Dangerous Goods.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a second time.

Council in Committee on the Bill.

Council resumed and Bill reported without amendment.

The Acting Attorney General moved the third reading of the Bill.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question put and agreed to.

Bill read a third time.

Question put that this Bill do pass.

Bill passed.

SUPPLEMENTARY SUPPLY FOR 1901 BILL.-The Colonial Treasurer addressed the Council, and moved the second reading of the Bill entitled An Ordinance to authorize the Appropriation of a Supplementary Sum of Five hundred and fifteen thousand two hundred and twenty-five Dollars and seven Cents, to defray the Charges of the Year 1901.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a second time.

The Colonial Secretary moved that the Bill be referred to the Finance Committee.

The Colonial Treasurer seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

PAWNBROKERS AMENDMENT BILL.-The Colonial Secretary moved that the Council go into Com- mittee on the Bill entitled An Ordinance to further amend The Pawnbrokers Ordinance, No. 3 of 1860.

The Attorney General seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Council in Committee on the Bill.

Council resumed and Bill reported with an amendment.

The Colonial Secretary moved that the Bill be read a third time.

The Attorney General seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a third time.

Question put-that this Bill do pass.

Bill passed.

NATURALIZATION BILLS.-The Attorney General moved the suspension of the Standing Orders, in order that the above three Naturalization Bills might pass through their remaining stages.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

The Attorney General addressed the Council, and moved the second reading of each Bill. The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bills read a second time.

Council in Committee on the Bills.

Council resumed and Bills reported without material amendment. The Attorney General moved the third reading of the Bills. The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bills read a third time.

Question put in each case-that this Bill do pass. Bills passed.

ADJOURNMENT.-The Council then adjourned sine die.

Read and confirmed, this 21st day of July, 1902.

R. F. JOHNSTON, Acting Clerk of Councils.

W. J. GASCOIGNE,

Officer Administering the Government.

}

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, No. 9.

MONDAY, 21ST JULY, 1902.

PRESENT:

HIS EXCELLENCY THE OFFICER ADMINISTERING THE GOVERNMENT (Major-General Sir WILLIAM JULIUS GASCOIGNE, K.C.M.G.).

The Honourable the Colonial Secretary, (FRANCIS HENRY MAY, C.M.G.).

the Attorney General, (Šir HENRY SPENCER BERKELEY, Kt. B.)

the Colonial Treasurer, (ALEXANDER MACDONALD THOMSON).

the Harbour Master, (ROBERT MURRAY RUMSEY, R.N.)

the Director of Public Works, (WILLIAM CHATHAM).

the Medical Officer of Health, (Dr. FRANCIS WILLIAM CLARK). HO KAI, M.B., C.M.

WEI YUK.

CHARLES STEWART SHARP.

CHARLES WEDDERBURN DICKSON.

GEORGE WILLIAM FORBES PLAYFAIR.

The Honourable ROBERT GORDON SHEwan.

The Council met pursuant to summons.

ABSENT:

The Minutes of the last Meeting, held on the 7th July, 1902, were read and confirmed.

NEW MEMBER.-Dr. FRANCIS WILLIAM CLARK, Medical Officer of Health, took the Oath as a Member of the Council.

THE CORONATION.-His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government informed the Council that the Coronation Committee had submitted to him certain proposals with regard to the Coronation celebrations in the Colony, and asked for the approval of the Council.

The proposals were unanimously approved.

FINANCIAL MINUTES.-The Colonial Secretary, by command of His Excellency the Officer Admi- nistering the Government, laid on the table the following Financial Minutes, (Nos. 32 to 35), and moved that they be referred to the Finance Committee:-

C.S.O. 1662 of 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

The Officer Administering the Government recommends the Council to vote a sum of One hundred and twenty-five Dollars and sixty-one Cents ($125.61) to meet, during the current the pay of a Chinese Laboratory Attendant and a Coolie for the Bacteriological Department.

year,

ABSTRACT.

Pay for a Chinese Laboratory Attendant from 10th July to 31st December,

1902, at the rate of $15 per mensem,..

Pay for a Coolie for the Laboratory for the same period, at the rate of $7

per mensem,......

$ 85.64

39.97

Total,.

$ 125.71

C.S.O.

1380 of 1902.

Government House, Hongkong, 15th July, 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNE,

The Officer Administering the Government recommends the Council to vote a sum of Five hundred and fifty Dollars and forty cents ($550.40) to meet the estimated cost to be incurred for the hire of two boats and cost of lanp oil, to mark the position of the wreck of the S.S. Pakshan, from 3rd June to 31st August, 1902.

25-11.8.02.

July and August,-

ABSTRACT.

Hire of two boats,. Oil,.

Expended to 30th June,

•

Government House, Hongkong, 11th July, 1902.

$372.00

7.20

379.20

171.20

Total,..

$550.40

C.S.O.

1691 of 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

The Officer Administering the Government recommends the Council to vote a sum of Fifty-seven thousand four hundred and thirty-five Dollars ($57,435), in aid of the following

votes:

PUBLIC WORKS, ANNUALLY RECURRENT EXPENDITURE.

C.S.O.

1690 of 1902.

(1.) Maintenance of Buildings,

(2.) Do.

do.,

in New Territory:

(3.) Dredging Foreshores,

(4.) Maintenance of Roads and Bridges outside City,

(5.) Do.

do.

(6.)

Do. of Sewers,

(7.) Gas Lighting, City of Victoria,

in Kowloon,

.$18,000.00

1,035.00

4,000.00

6,000.00

3,000.00

4,000.00

2,400.00

19,000.00

Total,..

$57,435.00

(8.) Maintenance of Waterworks, City and Hill District,

Government House, Hongkong, 15th July, 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

The Officer Administering the Government recommends the Council to vote a sum of Ninety-two thousand six hundred and seven Dollars and thirty Cents ($92,607.30) in aid of the following votes:-

PUBLIC WORKS EXTRAORDINARY.

(1.) Governor's Peak Residence,..

(2.) No. 7 Police Station,

(3.) Taipo Road,

(4.) Survey of New Territory,

(5.) Kowloon Waterworks Gravitation Scheme,.

(6.) Police Station, Sheung Shui,

(7.) Widening Conduit Road,

(8.) New Shed, Sheep and Swine Depôts,

(9.) Storm Water Nullah, Mong Kok Tsui,

(10.) Public Bath House,

.$ 9,567.80 ·

6,502.20 14,648.86

5,000.00

35,000.00

138.44

3,700.00

4,000.00

1,050.00

3,000.00

10,000.00

Total,....

.$92,607.30

(11.) Government Offices, Extensions and Alterations,

Government House, Hongkong, 15th July, 1902.

The Colonial Treasurer seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

The Colonial Treasurer seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

SANITARY BYE-LAWS.-The Director of Public Works addressed the Council, and moved the adoption of the Sanitary Bye-laws regarding Depôts for Cattle, Pigs, Sheep and Goats.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

PAPERS. The Colonial Secretary, by command of His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government, laid on the table the following papers:—

1. Statement of Water Account, for the year 1901. .

2. Supreme Court Returns, for the year 1901.

3. Report on the Volunteer Corps, for the year 1901.

4. Despatch relative to the rate of exchange for payment of pensions under the Widows and

Orphans' Pension Fund.

NOTICE OF QUESTION.-Mr. PLAYFAIR gave notice that, at the next meeting of Council, he would ask the following question:

Will the Honourable the Colonial Secretary state whether the Report of the Commission on the Public Works Department recommending an increase in the Staff had been carried out in its entirety or not? In view of Mr. Chadwick's Report that the Public Works Staff is much undermanned in every branch, both technical and clerical, and in view of the fact that the new Ordinances now before the Council will vastly increase the work and responsibilities of the Public Works Department far beyond the requirements advised by the Commission, are the Government making arrangements for a still further increase of the staff?

NATURALIZATION OF CHOY YAN AND OF SIU TIT SHANG BILLS.-The Attorney General moved the first reading of these Bills.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bills read a first time.

The Attorney General moved the Suspension of the Standing Orders, in order that the two Bills might pass through their remaining stages.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

The Attorney General moved the second reading of the Bills.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bills read a second time.

Council in Committee on the Bills.

Council resumed, and Bills reported with verbal amendments. The Attorney General moved the third reading of the Bills. The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bills read a third time.

Question put in each case-that this Bill do pass.

Bills passed.

SUPPLEMENTARY SUPPLY FOR 1901 BILL.-The Colonial Treasurer moved that the Council go into Committee on the Bill entitled An Ordinance to authorize the Appropriation of a Supplementary Sum of Five hundred and fifteen thousand two hundred and twenty-five Dollars and seven Cents, to defray the Charges of the Year 1901.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Council in Committee on the Bill.

Council resumed, and Bill reported without amendment.

The Colonial Treasurer moved the third reading of the Bill. ·

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a third time.

Question put that this Bill do pass.

Bill passed.

WATER SUPPLY BILL.-The Attorney General moved that the Council go into Committee on the Bill entitled An Ordinance to provide for and regulate the Supply of Water in the Colony of Hongkong and for the Maintenance and Repair of the Works in connection therewith.

made.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Council in Committee on the Bill, which was considered clause by clause, and several amendments

The Council then adjourned.

Read and confirmed, this 7th day of August, 1902.

R. F. JOHNSTON, Acting Clerk of Councils.

W. J. GASCOIGNE,

Officer Administering the Government.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, No. 10.

き

THURSDAY, 7TH AUGUST, 1902.

PRESENT:

HIS EXCELLENCY THE OFFICER ADMINISTERING THE GOVERNMENT (Major-General Sir WILLIAM JULIUS GASCOIGNE, K.C.M.G.).

The Honourable the Colonial Secretary, (FRANCIS HENRY MAY, C.M.G.).

the Attorney General, (Sir HENRY SPENCER BERKELEY, Kt.). the Colonial Treasurer, (ALEXANDER MACDONALD THOMSON). the Harbour Master, (ROBERT MURRAY RUMSEY, R.N.).

the Director of Public Works, (WILLIAM CHATHAM).

the Medical Officer of Health, (Dr. FRANCIS WILLIAM CLARK). HO KAI, M.B., C.M., C.M.G.

WEI YUK.

CHARLES STEWART SHARP.

CHARLES WEDDERBURN DICKSON.

GEORGE WILLIAM FORRES PLAYFAIR.

ROBERT GORDON SHEWAN.

The Council met pursuant to summons.

The Minutes of the last Meeting, held on the 21st July, 1902, were read and confirmed.

FINANCIAL MINUTES.-The Colonial Secretary, by command of His Excellency the Officer Admin- istering the Government, laid on the table the following Financial Minutes, (Ños. 36 and 37), and moved that they be referred to the Finance Committee:-

C.S.O. 1281 of 1902.

C.S.0. 135 of 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

The Officer Administering the Government recommends the Council to vote a sum of One hundred and seventy-five Dollars ($175) to meet the pay of a native Non-Commissioned Officer to supervise the work in connection with the suppression of Mosquitoes from 10th July to 31st December, 1902, inclusive.

Government House, Hongkong, 19th July, 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

The Officer Administering the Government recommends the Council to vote a sum of (Extension.) Eight hundred and eighty Dollars and seventy-nine Cents ($880.79) to cover the cost of repairing the Matsheds, &c., at Taipo, damaged by the Typhoon of the 18th July, 1902.

Government House, Hongkong, 31st July, 1902.

The Colonial Treasurer seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

The Colonial Treasurer seconded, and pointed out that the adoption of the Report involved the passing of the following Resolution :-

It is hereby resolved that all Pensions paid in England from the Widows and Orphans' Pen- sion Fund be paid at the rate of three Shillings the Dollar, the difference between that rate and the rate of the day being made good out of the revenue of the Colony.

Question-put and agreed to.

QUESTION.—Mr. PLAYFAIR, pursuant to notice, asked the following question :

Will the Honourable the Colonial Secretary state whether the Report of the Commission on the Public Works Department recommending an increase in the Staff has been carried out in its entirety, and if not, why not? In view of Mr. Chadwick's Report that "the Public Works Staff is much undermanned in every branch, both technical and clerical," and in view of the fact that the new Ordinance now before the Council will vastly increase the work and responsibilities of the Public Works Department far beyond the requirements advised by the Commission, are the Government making arrangements for a still further increase of the Staff?

The Colonial Secretary replied.

25—15.8.02.

PAPERS.-The Colonial Secretary, by command of His Excelleney the Officer Administering the Government, laid on the table the following papers:—

1. Report on the Health and Sanitary Condition of Hongkong, for 1901.

2. Report of the Principal Civil Medical Officer, for 1901.

3. Report on the Assessment for 1902-1903.

4. Blue Book for 1901.

RATING BILL.-The Attorney General moved the first reading of a Bill entitled An Ordinance to amend The Rating Ordinance, 1901.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a first time.

The Attorney General moved the suspension of the Standing Orders to enable the Bill to pass through its remaining stages at this Meeting of Council.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

The Attorney General addressed the Council, and moved the second reading of the Bill.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a second time.

Council in Committee on the Bill.

Council resumed and Bill reported without amendment.

The Attorney General moved the third reading of the Bill.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a third time.

Question-put that this Bill do pass.

Bill passed.

PENSIONS TO WIDOWS AND ORPHANS.-Owing to a misunderstanding on the part of Mr. SHEWAN as to the motion for the passing of a Resolution as to the rate of exchange for the payment of Pensions under the Widows and Orphans' Pension Fund, the matter was reverted to.

Mr. SHEWAN addressed the Council, and moved "that the Government inform Mr. Secretary Chamberlain that while agreeing to the Resolution, the Unofficial Members deprecate such eleemosynary grants, and think that any assistance to Civil Servants of this kind should take the form of an increase of salaries."

Mr. PLAYFAIR seconded.

The Colonial Secretary addressed the Council. The Attorney General addressed the Council. Mr. SHEWAN withdrew his motion.

PUBLIC HEALTH AND BUILDINGS BILL.-His Excellency the Officer Administering the Govern- ment addressed the Council, and announced that the second reading of a Bill entitled An Ordinance to consolidate and amend the Laws relating to Public Health and Buildings would not be taken until after the return to the Colony of His Excellency Sir HENRY A. BLAKE.

WATER SUPPLY BILL.-The Attorney General moved that Committee on the Bill entitled An Ordinance to provide for and regulate the Supply of Water in the Colony of Hongkong and for the Maintenance and Repair of the Works in connection therewith, be resumed.

Council resumed and Bill reported with amendments.

The Attorney General moved the third reading of the Bill.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Dr. Ho KAI and Mr. WEI YUK signified their dissent.

The third reading of the Bill was deferred.

ADJOURNMENT.-The Council then adjourned until Wednesday, the 13th August, 1902.

Read and confirmed, this 13th day of August, 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNE,

Officer Administering the Government.

M. J. DRAYSON, Acting Clerk of Councils.

* +

SPECIAL MEETING

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

held in the Council Chamber, on Saturday, the 9th August, 1902.

HIS EXCELLENCY THE OFFICER ADMINISTERING THE GOVERNMENT (Major-General Sir WILLIAM JULIUS GASCOIGNE, K.C.M.G.).

The Honourable the Colonial Secretary, (FRANCIS HENRY MAY, C.M.G.).

the Attorney General, (Sir HENRY SPENCER BERKELEY, Kt. B.) the Colonial Treasurer, (ALEXANDER MACDONALD THOMSON).

the Harbour Master, (ROBERT MURRAY RUMSEY, R.N.)

the Director of Public Works, (WILLIAM CHATHAM).

the Medical Officer of Health, (Dr. FRANCIS WILLIAM CLARK). HO KAI, M.B., C.M.

WEI YUK.

CHARLES STEWART SHARP.

CHARLES WEDDERBURN DICKSON.

GEORGE WILLIAM FORBES PLAYFAIR. ROBERT GORDON SHEWAN.

His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government addressed the Council and read the following message received from His Majesty The King:-

"To my people on the eve of my Coronation, an event which I look upon as one of the most

"solemn and important in my life.

"I am anxious to express to my people at home and in the Colonies and in India my heartfelt "appreciation of the deep sympathy which they have manifested towards me during the time that my "life was in such imminent danger. The postponement of the ceremony owing to my illness caused, “I fear, much inconvenience and trouble to those who intended to celebrate it, but their disappointment "was borne by them with admirable patience and temper. The prayers of my people for my recovery "were heard, and I now offer up my deepest gratitude to Divine Providence for having preserved my "life and given me strength to fulfil the important duties which devolve upon me as the Sovereign of "this great Empire.

(Sd.).

EDWARD, R. § I.

Buckingham Palace,

8th August, 1902."

His Excellency then moved the following Resolution :—

"The Executive and Legislative Councils of Hongkong, on behalf of Your Majesty's subjects in this Colony, beg most humbly to tender their heartfelt thanks for Your Majesty's most gracious message received this day and to offer their loyal and respectful congratulations to you on Your Majesty's restoration to health and on the occasion of the Coronation of Your Majesty as King and Emperor and of Her Majesty Queen ALEXANDRA, believing that the joyful event to be consummated to-day foreshadows a long and glorious reign for Your Majesties and an era of happiness, prosperity and honourable peace for Your Majesty's Kingdom and Empire."

Dr. Ho KAI addressed the Council, and seconded the Resolution.

Mr. SHARP addressed the Council.

His Excellency addressed the Council.

The Resolution was carried unanimously. The Council then adjourned.

Read and confirmed, this 13th day of August, 1902.

M. J. DRAYSON, Acting Clerk of Councils.

W. J. GASCOIGNE, Officer Administering the Government.

25-15.8.02.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, No. 11.

WEDNESDAY, 13TH AUGUST, 1902.

PRESENT:

HIS EXCELLENCY THE OFFICER ADMINISTERING THE GOVERNMENT (Major-General Sir WILLIAM JULIUS GASCOIGNE, K.C.M.G.).

The Honourable the Colonial Secretary, (FRANCIS HENRY MAY, C.M.G.).

the Attorney General, (Sir HENRY SFENCER BERKELEY, Kt.).

the Colonial Treasurer, (ALEXANDER MACDONALD THOMSON).

the Harbour Master, (ROBERT MURRAY RUMSEY, R.N.).

the Director of Public Works, (WILLIAM CHATHAM).

the Medical Officer of Health, (Dr. FRANCIS WILLIAM CLARK). HO KAI, M.B., C.M., C.M.G.

WEI YUK.

CHARLES STEWART SHARP.

CHARLES WEDDEKBURN DICKSON.

GEORGE WILLIAM FORBES PLAYFAIR.

ROBERT GORDON SHEWAN.

The Council met pursuant to summons.

The Minutes of the last Meeting, held on the 7th of August, 1902, were read.

Mr. SHEWAN addressed the Council and moved-

That the answer to Mr. Playfair's question be recorded in full and that in future, answers to questions of Honourable Members be recorded in full in the same manner as the questions are recorded.

Mr. PLAYFAIR seconded.

The Colonial Secretary addressed the Council.

The Attorney General addressed the Council. Mr. SHEWAN replied.

The Attorney General addressed the Council.

The Colonial Secretary addressed the Council.

His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government addressed the Council.

Motion put and negatived.

Minutes confirmed.

The Minutes of the Special Meeting, held on the 9th of August, were read and confirmed.

His Excellency then read to the Council the following telegram received from the Secretary of State for the Colonies:-

...

Telegram from the Secretary of State for the Colonies, to His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government, Hongkong. Dated 12th August.

"His Majesty the King cordially thanks the Executive and Legislative Councils and people of Hongkong for their loyal congratulations to him and Her Majesty the Queen on the occasion of their Coronation."

FINANCIAL MINUTE.-The Colonial Secretary, by command of His Excellency the Officer Admi- nistering the Government, laid on the table the following Financial Minute, (No. 38), and moved that it be referred to the Finance Committee:-

C.O.D.

195 of 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

The Officer Administering the Government recommends the Council to vote a further sum of £1,245.3.0, being the estimated sum required to meet the charge for the pay of the Volunteer

40-29.9.02.

Contingent during their absence from the Colony in connection with the Coronation of His Majesty the KING, as approved by the Secretary of State.

ABSTRACT.

Fay on voyage to and from England, 84 days:-

1 Major at 16/- a day,

1 Lieutenant at 7/6 a day,

£67. 4.0 31.1.00 50. 8.0

3 Sergeants at 4/- each a day,

4 Corporals at 3/- each a day,

32 Rank and File at 2/6 each a day,

50. 8.0 336. 0.0

Total pay on voyage,.

£535.10.0

Pay while in England, 57 days:-

1 Major at 30/- a day,

1 Lieutenant at 14/- a day,.

3 Sergeants at 7/- each a day,

4 Corporals at €/- each a day,

32 Rank and File at 5/- cach a day,.

.£85.10.0

39.18.0

59.17.0

68. 8.0 456. 0.0

Total in England,

£709.13.0

Grand Total,...

.£1,245. 3.0

Government House, Hongkong, 11th August, 1902.

The Colonial Treasurer seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

REPORT OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE.-The Colonial Secretary, by command of His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government, laid on the table the Report of the Finance Committec dated the 7th August, 1902, (No. 10), and moved its adoption.

The Colonial Treasurer seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

QUESTION. Mr. SHEWAN, pursuant to notice, asked the following question

How is the Widows and Orphans' Pension Fund formed?

What does the fund amount to at present?

Do all Civil Servants subscribe to it? If not, why not?

What proportion of their salaries is subscribed by those who belong to the Fund?

Do the Government assist this Fund in any way already?

If so, how?

What is the difference between the rate of 3/- per dollar and the rate taken at by 1/9, estimated

to amount to per annum?

The difference between 1/6 the rate paid by Ceylon and the rate of the day say 1/4 is only two- pence per rupee or say 12%, but at Hongkong the difference will be about 1/3 per dollar or over 70% Why is the Hongkong contribution so much more liberal?

The Colonial Secretary replied.

NOTICE OF QUESTION.-Mr. PLAYFAIR gave notice, that at the next meeting of Council he would ask the following question:-

With reference to the recent collapses of newly erected houses in both Hongkong and Kowloon and consequent deplorable loss of life, what steps have the Government taken to fix the responsibility?

Will the Government take steps to license Contractors under bond or otherwise?

Will the Government state what the regulations are as to public enquiries being held into

accidents such as these?

Will the Government table a return showing the number of houses which have collapsed this year with fatal results and giving the owncrs' names, the architects' names, the contractors' names, and date of erection?

The Colonial Treasurer addressed the Council.

The Colonial Secretary addressed the Council.

WATER WORKS BILL.-The Attorney General moved the third reading of a Bill entitled An Ordinance to provide for and regulate the Supply of Water in the Colony of Hongkong and for the Maintenance and Repair of the Works in connection therewith.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Dr. Ho KAI and Mr. WEI YUK opposed the motion.

Motion-put and agreed to.

Bill read a third time.

Question put-that this Bill do pass.

Bill passed.

The Council then adjourned sine die.

Read and confirmed, this 3rd day of September, 1902.

R. F. JOHNSTON, Acting Clerk of Councils.

W. J. GASCOIGNE,

Officer Administering the Government.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, No. 12.

WEDNESDAY, 3RD SEPTEMBER, 1902.

PRESENT:

HIS EXCELLENCY THE OFFICER ADMINISTERING THE GOVERNMENT (Major-General Sir WILLIAM JULIUS GASCOIGNE, K.C.M.G.).

The Honourable the Colonial Secretary, (FRANCIS HENRY MAY, C.M.G.).

the Attorney General, (Sir HENRY SPENCER BERKELEY, Kt.)

the Colonial Treasurer, (ALEXANDER MACDONALD THOMSON).

the Harbour Master, (ROBERT MURRAY RUMSEY, R.N.)

the Director of Public Works, (WILLIAM CHATHAM).

the Medical Officer of Health, (Dr. FRANCIS WILLIAM CLARK). HO KAI, M.B., C.M.

WEI YUK.

CHARLES STEWART SHARP.

CHARLES WEDDERBURN DICKSON.

GEORGE WILLIAM FORBES PLAYFAIR. ROBERT GORDON SHEWAN.

The Council met pursuant to summons.

The Minutes of the last Meeting, held on the 13th August, 1902, were read and confirmed.

FINANCIAL MINUTES.-The Colonial Secretary, by command of His Excellency the Officer Admin- istering the Government, laid on the table the following Financial Minutes, (Nos. 39 to 50), and moved that they be referred to the Finance Committee:-

C 5.0. 1147 of 1902.

C.S.O.

788 of 1902.

C.S.O. 1994 of 1902.

C.S.O. 2012 of 1902.

C.8.0. 2021 of 1902.

C.S.0. 2027 of 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

The Officer Administering the Government recommends the Council to vote a sum of Two hundred Dollars ($200) to cover, during the current year, the salary of a Clerk for the Registrar General's Department, in connection with the Chinese Emigration (Amendment) Ordinance No. 37 of 1901, for 5 months at the rate of $40 per mensem.

Government House, Hongkong, 12th August, 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

The Officer Administering the Government recommends the Council to vote a sum of Four hundred and seventy-eight Dollars and fifty-five Cents ($478.55) in aid of the vote of $700, “Furniture and Incidental Expenses," Registrar General's Department.

Government House, Hongkong, 15th August, 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

The Officer Administering the Government recommends the Council to vote a sum of One hundred and seventy-five Dollars ($175) in aid of the vote of $240, "Repairs to Post Office at Shanghai".

Government House, Hongkong, 19th August, 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

The Officer Administering the Government recommends the Council to vote a sum of Three hundred Dollars ($300) in aid of the vote of $600, “Incidental Expenses, Treasury".

Government House, Hongkong, 19th August, 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

The Officer Administering the Government recommends the Council to vote a sum of One thousand two hundred and thirty-nine Dollars and fifty-nine Cents ($1,239.59) in aid of the vote of $3,500, "Bedding and Clothing, Government Civil Hospital "

Government House, Hongkong, 19th August, 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

The Officer Administering the Government recommends the Council to vote a sum of Two hundred and fifty Dollars ($250), in aid of the vote of $6,500, "Maintenance of Botanic Gardens, &c.", to cover the cost of repairing the damages done by the recent typhoons and rainstorms.

Government House, Hongkong, 20th August, 1902.

25-13.10.02.

C.S.O.

2034 of 1902.

C.S.O.

1436 of 1902.

C.O.D.

59 of 1902.

C.S.O.

1932 of 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNE. ·

The Officer Administering the Government recommends the Council to vote a sum of Eleven thousand and seven hundred Dollars ($11,700) in aid of the Sanitary Department's Vote "Other Charges," to meet anticipated excesses on the sub-heads "Incidental Expenses,"

Scavenging City, Villages and Hill Districts," and "Electric Lighting of Central Market."

Government House, Hongkong, 23rd August, 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

The Officer Administering the Government recommends the Council to vote a sum of Five hundred Dollars ($500), being grant of a bonus to the Members of the Fire Brigade.

Government House, Hongkong, 25th August, 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

The Officer Administering the Government recommends the Council to vote a sum of Two hundred and ten Dollars ($210)in aid of the cost of the Post Office at Liu Kung Taų, from 1st August to 31st December, 1902.

Government House, Hongkong, 26th August, 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

•

The Officer Administering the Government recommends the Council to vote a sum of Eight thousand four hundred and seventy-eight Dollars and Thirteen Cents to cover the for the current year, of the Bacteriological Department.

ABSTRACT.

Personal Emoluments for Dr. HUNTER, 17th January to 26th February at half salary, and from 27th February to 31st December, 1902. full salary £500 per annum,

Allowance for Quarters at $60 per month from 27th February to 31st

December, 1902,

expenses,

.$4,436.80

Cost of apparatus, £290 @ 1/81,

Total,....

Government House, Hongkong, 26th August, 1902.

604.29 3,437.04

.$8,478.13

C.S.O.

1988 of 1902.

CS.O.

2103 of 1902.

}

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

The Officer Administering the Government recommends the Council to vote a further sum of Sixty thousand Dollars ($60,000) in aid of the vote of $10,000 for "Plague Expenses under the heading "Miscellaneous Services."

Government House, Hongkong, 27th August, 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

The Officer Administering the Government recommends the Council to vote a sum of Five hundred and fifty-six Dollars ($556.00) in aid of the following votes:-

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.

Other Charges, Miscellaneous:

1. Mounting Plans and Charts, &c.,...

2. Incidental Expenses,

Government House, Hongkong, 29th August, 1902.

The Colonial Treasurer seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

$ 56.00 500.00

Total,............

..$ 556.00

REPORT OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE.-The Colonial Secretary, by command of His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government, laid on the table the Report of the Finance Committee dated the 13th August, 1902, (No. 11), and moved its adoption.

The Colonial Treasurer seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

PAPERS.—The Colonial Secretary, by command of His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government, laid on the table the following papers:---

1. Statement showing action taken to give effect to the Recommendations in Mr. CHADWICK'S

Report on Sanitation.

2. Extract from the City of Bombay Improvement Act, 1898.

3. Report by Mr. CHADWICK on the Sewerage and Drainage of Hongkong.

4. List of houses that collapsed from 1st January to 3rd August, 1902, and the Act itself.

QUESTION.

Mr. PLAYFAIR, pursuant to notice, asked the following question:-

With reference to the recent collapses of newly erected houses in both Hongkong and Kowloon and consequent deplorable loss of life, what steps have the Government taken to fix the responsibility?

Will the Government take steps to license Contractors under bond or otherwise?

Will the Government state what the regulations are as to public enquiries being held into

accidents such as these?

Will the Government table a return showing the number of houses which have collapsed this year with fatal results and giving the owners' names, the architects' names, the contractors' names, and date of erection?

The Colonial Secretary replied.

QUESTION. Mr. SHARP, pursuant to notice, asked the following question

Will the Honourable Colonial Secretary inform the Council-

(1.) Whether the attention of the Government has been drawn to the account of the hearing

of an assault case before the Police Magistrate on 5th instant; and

(2.) Whether the Government proposes to take any action with reference to certain allega- tions in the evidence given in the said case, which bear upon the question of the integrity of a public servant?

The Colonial Secretary replied.

QUESTION. Mr. SHEWAN, pursuant to notice, asked the following question:-

Can the Police not take measures to prevent chair coolies from deserting their chairs when most

required on occasions such as the Coronation night for instance?

Are the chair coolies allowed to leave their chairs lying unprotected on the public street? If not, can the Police not take the number of chairs so deserted and have the coolies belonging to

such chairs punished by fine or the licensee punished by forfeiture of his licence?

If the Police have no power to do this, will the Government not bring in an Ordinance giving

the Police such power?

In view of the present great scarcity of chairs, will the Government not license a further large number of chairs either direct or through a contractor and continue to do so until the supply fully equals the demand?

Can the Government not appoint stands for chairs and rickshas and instruct the Police to pre-

vent the coolies from leaving the stands without sufficient reason?

If not will the Government farm out all the chairs and rickshas to a contractor who could deposit

a sum of money as a guarantee for the good behaviour of the coolies?

The Colonial Secretary replied.

NATURALIZATION OF LEUNG NGAN PAN BILL.-The Attorney General moved the first reading of a Bill entitled An Ordinance for the Naturalization of LEUNG NGAN PAN alias LEUNG WAI CHING.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a first time.

The Attorney General moved the suspension of the Standing Orders to enable the Bill to pass through its remaining stages at this Meeting of the Council.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

The Attorney General moved the second reading of the Bill.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

}

Mr. SHEWAN addressed the Council on the question of aliases.

A discussion ensued, in which the Colonial Secretary, Dr. Ho KAI, the Attorney General, Mr. SHEWAN, the Colonial Treasurer and Mr. WEI YUK took part.

The Attorney General then moved that the word "alias" be struck out, and "otherwise known as " substituted.

The motion was carried.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a second time.

Council in Committee on the Bill.

Council resumed, and Bill reported without material amendment.

The Attorney General moved the third reading of the Bill.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question--put and agreed to.

Bill read a third time.

Question put-that this Bill do pass.

Bill passed.

NOTICE OF QUESTION.-Mr. DICKSON gave notice that, at the next meeting of the Council, he would ask the following question :-

Is it a fact that the houses which have recently collapsed were built in accordance with the Building Ordinances in force in this Colony, and so certified by the Director of Public Works?

His Excellency addressed the Council, which then adjourned sine die.

HENRY A. BLAKE,

Governor.

Read and confirmed, this 9th day of October, 1902.

C. CLEMENTI, Acting Clerk of Councils.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, No. 13.

THURSDAY, 9TH OCTOBER, 1902...

PRESENT:

HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR

(Sir HENRY ARTHUR BLAKE, G.C.M.G.).

The Honourable the Officer Commanding the Troops, (Colonel LOUIS FAULKNER BROWN, R.E.). ·

the Colonial Secretary, (FRANCIS HENRY MAY, C.M.G.).

123

the Attorney General, (Sir HENRY SPENCER BERKELEY, Kt.).

the Colonial Treasurer, (ALEXANDER MACDONALD THOMSON). the Harbour Master, (ROBERT MURRAY RUMSEY, R.N.).

the Director of Public Works, (WILLIAM CHATHAM).

the Medical Officer of Health, (Dr. FRANCIS WILLIAM CLARK). HO KAI, M.B., C.M., C.M.G.

WEI YUK.

CHARLES STEWART SHARP.

CHARLES WEDDERBURN DICKSON.

GEORGE WILLIAM FORRES PLAYFAIR.

ROBERT GORDON SHEWAN.

The Council met pursuant to summons.

NEW MEMBER.-Mr. ROBert Gordon SHEWAN took his seat as an Un-official Member of the Council after having taken the Oath prescribed by Ordinance No. 4 of 1869.

The Minutes of the last Meeting, held on the 3rd September, 1902, were read and confirmed. His Excellency the Governor addressed the Council.

FINANCIAL MINUTES.-The Colonial Secretary, by command of His Excellency the Governor, laid on the table the following Financial Minutes, (Nos. 51 to 59), and moved that they be referred to the Finance Committee:-

C.S.O. 2121 of 1902.

C.S.O.

2148 of 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

The Officer Administering the Government recommends the Council to vote a sum of Four hundred Dollars ($400) in aid of the vote of $1,800, “Government Marine Surveyor, Other Charges, Coal, Oil, and Repairs to Steam-launch."

Government House, Hongkong, 1st September, 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

The Officer Administering the Government recommends the Council to vote a sum of Six thousand one hundred and thirty Dollars ($6,130) in aid of the following Votes under the heading "Medical Departments, Other Charges":

HEALTH OFFICER OF PORT,-

Coal, &c., for Launch,.

Repairs to Launch,

....

GOVERNMENT CIVIL HOSPITAL,—

Provisions for Patients,

Medical Comforts,

Incidental Expenses, &c.,

GOVERNMENT LUNATIC ASYLUMS,-

Provisions, &c.,

GOVERNMENT NURSING INSTITUTE,—

Fuel and Light,

Total,....

....

.$ 100.00 250.00

$ 350.00

.$4,800.00 270.00 250.00

5,320.00

..$ 300.00

300.00

.$ 160.00

160.00

..$6,130.00

100-21.10.02.

Government House, Hongkong, 4th September, 1902.

C.S.O.

2015 of 1902.

C.S.O.

939 of 1902.

C.O.D.

2247 of 1902.

C.S.O. 236 of 1902.

C.S.O. 2262 of 1902.

C.S.O. 975 of 1902.

C.S.0.

2356 of 1902.

HENRY A. BLAKE.

The Governor recommends the Council to vote a sum of Six hundred and thirty-five Dollars ($635) to cover the initial cost ($290) and upkeep for three months of the current year ($345) of four horses for the preparation of anti-plague serum by the Government Bacteriologist.

Government House, Hongkong, 11th September, 1902.

HENRY A. BLAKE.

The Governor recommends the Council to vote a sum of Five hundred and seventeen Dollars and Forty-five Cents ($517.45) in aid of the vote of $3,000 taken under Financial Minute No. 17 of 1902, being cost incurred for illuminating certain public buildings in con- nection with the Coronation celebrations in the Colony.

Government House, Hongkong, 13th September, 1902.

HENRY A. BLAKE.

The Governor recommends the Council to vote a sum of Five Hundred Pounds (£500), being the amount of a bonus for good service proposed to be granted to Dr. J. A. Lowson, on his retirement through ill-health.

Government House, Hongkong, 18th September, 1902.

HENRY A. BLAKE.

The Governor recommends the Council to vote a sum of $500 as an honorarium to Dr. CHUNG KING-UE in consideration of the faithful services rendered by him to the Govern- ment and the Community as House Surgeon to the Tung Wah Hospital, which services have been terminated by serious sickness.

Government House, Hongkong, 19th September, 1902.

HENRY A. BLAKE.

The Governor recommends the Council to vote a sum of Eight Hundred Dollars ($800), in aid of the vote of $3,600 for "Fuel and Soap for Victoria Gaol.

Government House, Hongkong, 22nd September, 1902.

HENRY A. BLAKE.

The Governor recommends the Council to vote a sum of Four thousand and One hundred Dollars ($4,100) in aid of the vote of $3,000 "Repairs to Engines, Hose, &c., and Gratuities, Fire Brigade."

Government House, Hongkong, 27th September, 1902.

HENRY A. BLAKE.

The Governor recommends the Council to vote a sum of Three thousand Dollars ($3,000) for the purchase of new furniture for "Mountain Lodge ", Government House, for the current

year.

Government House, Hongkong, 27th September, 1902.

The Colonial Treasurer seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

REPORT OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE.-The_Colonial Secretary, by command of His Excellency the Governor, laid on the table the Report of the Finance Committee dated the 3rd September, 1902, : (No. 12), and moved its adoption.

The Colonial Treasurer seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

PAPERS.-The Colonial Secretary, by command of His Excellency the Governor, laid on the table

the following papers:-

1. Draft Estimates for 1903, with Explanatory Memoranda.

2. Financial Statement in connection with the Estimates for 1903.

3. Report on the Blue Book for 1901.

4. Correspondence on the subjcet of the introduction of Sterling Salaries into the Govern-

ment Service of Hongkong.

QUESTION. Mr. DICKSON, pursuant to notice, asked the following question

Is it a fact that the houses which have recently collapsed were built in accordance with the Building Ordinances in force in this Colony and were so certified by the Director of Public Works?

The Director of Public Works replied.

QUESTION. Mr. PLAYFAIR, pursuant to notice, asked the following question:

As, in the Colonial Secretary's reply to my question at the last meeting of Council, he admitted that there were no regulations on the subject of holding enquiries into collapses of houses, and as section 6 of Ordinance 17 of 1888 only permits the Magistrate to inquire into cause of death and does not compel him to do so, I beg now to ask if the Government will either introduce a separate Ordinance dealing with the whole question or add further sub- sections to clause 228 of the new Public Health and Building Ordinance making such enquiries compulsory, to be held immediately after the occurrence and giving authority for really heavy fines, and not nominal ones, to be inflicted on all concerned.

The Colonial Secretary replied.

QUESTION. Mr. PLAYFAIR, pursuant to notice, asked the following question :—

To ask the Director of Public Works-

(1.) Why the Water Accounts for January, February and March were not sent out till

25th of September?

(2.) With whom does the responsibility for the delay rest?

(3.) Is want of a sufficient staff the reason?

(4.) Will an assurance be given that such delays will not be permitted in future?

The Director of Public Works replied.

APPOINTMENT OF COMMITTEES.-His Excellency the Governor aunounced to the Council the appointment of the following Committees, under the Standing Orders :-

Finance Committee :-All the Members of the Legislative Council except the President, the

Honourable the Colonial Secretary being Chairman.

Law Committee :-The Honourable the Attorney General (Chairman), the Honourable the Colonial Secretary, the Honourable Dr. Ho KAI, the Honourable

C. S. SHARP, and the Honourable G. W. F. PLAYFAIR.

Public Works Committee:-The Honourable the Director of Public Works (Chairman), the Honourable R. SHEWAN, the Honourable C. W. DICKSON, and the Honourable WEI YUK.

TRAMWAY AMENDMENT BILL.-The Attorney General moved the first reading of a Bill entitled An Ordinance to amend The Tramway Ordinance, No. 10 of 1902.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a first time.

CHINESE EMIGRATION AMENDMENT BILL.-The Attorney General moved the first reading of a Bill entitled An Ordinance to amend The Chinese Emigration Consolidation Ordinance, 1889.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a first time.

DOGS AMENDMENT BILL.-The Attorney General moved the first reading of a Bill entitied An Ordinance to amend The Dogs Ordinance, 1893.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a first time.

LAND REGISTRATION (FEES) AMENDMENT BILL-The Attorney General moved the first read- ing of a Bill entitled An Ordinance to repeal The Land Registry Office (Fees) Amendment Ordinance 1902 and to amend Ordinance No. 3 of 1844 entitled "An Ordinance to provide for the Registration of Deeds Wills Judgments and Conveyances affecting real or immovable property in Hongkong."

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a first time.

LIQUOR LICENCES AMENDMENT BILL.-The Attorney General moved the first reading of a Bill entitled An Ordinance to amend The Liquor Licences Amendment Ordinance, 1900.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a first time.

STAMP AMENDMENT BILL.-The Attorney General moved the first reading of a Bill entitled An Ordinance to amend The Stamp Ordinance, 1901, A

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a first time.

APPROPRIATION BILL FOR 1903.-The Colonial Secretary moved the first reading of a Bill entitled An Ordinance to apply a sum not exceeding Four million seven hundred and twenty-eight thousand nine hundred and forty-two Dollars and Twenty-three Cents to the Public Service of the Year 1903.

The Colonial Treasurer seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a first time.

NATURALIZATIGN OF TSANG HON CHO BILL.-The Attorney General moved the first reading of a Bill entitled An Ordinance for the Naturalization of TSANG HON CHO, otherwise known as TSANG MING TSOI, otherwise known as TSANG YIU WING.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a first time.

The Attorney General moved the second reading of the Bill.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a second time.

Council in Committee on the Bill.

Council resumed, and Bill reported without amendment.

The Attorney General moved the suspension of the Standing Orders to enable the Bill to pass through its remaining stages at this Meeting of the Council.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

The Attorney General moved the third reading of the Bill.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question--put and agreed to.

Bill read a third time.

Question put-that this Bill do pass.

Bill passed.

ADJOURNMENT.-The Council then adjourned till Monday, the 20th October, 1902.

Read and confirmed, this 20th day of October, 1902.

C. CLEMENTI,

Acting Clerk of Councils.

HENRY A. BLAKE,

Governor.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, No. 14.

MONDAY, 20TH OCTOBER, 1902.

PRESENT:

HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR

(Sir HENRY ARTHUR BLAKE, G.C.M.G.).

The Honourable the Officer Commanding the Troops, (Colonel LoUIS FAULKNER BROWN, R.E.).

the Colonial Secretary, (FRANCIS HENRY MAY, C.M.G.).

the Colonial Treasurer, (ALEXANDER MACDONALD THOMSON).

the Harbour Master, (ROBERT MURRAY RUMSEY, R.N.).

the Director of Public Works, (WILLIAM CHATHAM).

the Medical Officer of Health, (Dr. FRANCIS WILLIAM CLARK). HO KAI, M.B., C.M., C.M.G.

WEI YUK.

CHARLES STEWART SHARP.

CHARLES WEDDERBURN DICKSON.

GEORGE WILLIAM FORBES PLAYFAIR.

ROBERT GORDON SHEWAN.

ABSENT:

The Honourable the Attorney General, (Sir HENRY SPENCER BERKELEY, Kt.)

The Council met pursuant to adjournment.

The Minutes of the last Meeting, held on the 9th October, 1902, were read and confirmed. His Excellency the Governor addressed the Council, and invited the Honourable WEI YUK on the Law Committee, and the Honourable G. W. F. PLAYFAIR on the Public Works

to serve

Committee.

The Honourable Members agreed, and the constitution of the Standing Committees was altered accordingly.

REPORT OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE.-The Colonial Secretary, by command of His Excellency the Governor, laid on the table the Report of the Finance Committee dated the 9th October, 1902, (No. 13), and moved its adoption.

The Colonial Treasurer seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

PAPER.-The Colonial Secretary, by command of His Excellency the Governor, laid on the table the following paper :--

Statement showing Supplementary Votes to date during the current year.

TRAMWAY AMENDMENT BILL.-The Colonial Secretary moved the second reading of the Bill entitled An Ordinance to amend The Tramway Ordinance, No. 10 of 1902.

The Colonial Treasurer seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a second time.

Council in Committee on the Bill.

Council resumed and Bill reported without amendinent.

The Colonial Secretary moved the third reading of the Bill.

The Colonial Treasurer seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a third time.

Question put-that this Bill do pass.

Bill passed.

100-23.10 02

APPROPRIATION BILL FOR 1903.-The Colonial Secretary addressed the Council, and moved the second reading of the Bill entitled An Ordinance to apply a sum not exceeding Four million seven hundred and twenty-eight thousand nine hundred and forty-two Dollars and Twenty-three Cents to the Public Service of the Year 1903.

The Colonial Treasurer seconded.

Mr. PLAYFAIR addressed the Council.

•

The Colonial Treasurer addressed the Council.

Mr. SHEWAN addressed the Council.

The Director of Public Works addressed the Council.

His Excellency the Governor addressed the Council. Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a second time.

The Colonial Secretary moved that the Bill be referred to the Finance Committee. The Colonial Treasurer seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

CHINESE EMIGRATION AMENDMENT BILL.-The Colonial Secretary inoved the second reading of he Bill entitled An Ordinance to amend The Chinese Emigration Consolidation Ordinance, 1889.

The Colonial Treasurer seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a second time.

The Colonial Secretary moved that the Bill be referred to the Finance Committee.

The Colonial Treasurer seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

DOGS AMENDMENT BILL.-The Colonial Secretary moved the second reading of the Bill entitled An Ordinance to amend The Dogs Ordinance, 1893.

The Colonial Treasurer seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a second time.

The Colonial Secretary moved that the Bill be referred to the Finance Committee.

The Colonial Treasurer seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

LAND REGISTRATION (FEES) AMENDMENT BILL.-The Colonial Secretary moved the second read- ing of the Bill entitled An Ordinance to repeal The Land Registry Office (Fees) Amendment Ordinance 1902 and to amend Ordinance No. 3 of 1844 entitled "An Ordinance to provide for the Registration of Deeds Wills Judgments and Conveyances affecting real or immoveable property in Hongkong."

The Colonial Treasurer seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a second time.

The Colonial Secretary moved that the Bill be referred to the Finance Committee.

The Colonial Treasurer seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

LIQUOR LICENCES AMENDMENT BILL.-The Colonial Secretary addressed the Council, and moved the second reading of the Bill entitled An Ordinance to amend The Liquor Licences Amendment Ordinance, 1900.

The Colonial Treasurer seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a second time.

The Colonial Secretary moved that the Bill be referred to the Finance Committee.

The Colonial Treasurer seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

STAMP AMENDMENT BILL.-The Colonial Secretary moved the second reading of the Bill entitled An Ordinance to amend The Stamp Ordinance, 1901.

The Colonial Treasurer seconded.

Mr. PLAYFAIR moved that the second reading of the Bill be postponed until after the Appropria- tion Bill for 1903 had been passed.

Mr. SHARP seconded.

The Colonial Secretary addressed the Council.

Mr. SHEWAN addressed the Council.

The Colonial Secretary addressed the Council.

His Excellency the Governor addressed the Council.

Mr. PLAYFAIR, by leave, withdrew his motion.

The motion for the second reading of the Bill was then put and agreed to.

Bill read a second time.

The Colonial Secretary moved that the Bill be referred to the Finance Committee. The Colonial Treasurer seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

ADJOURNMENT.-The Council then adjourned till Thursday, the 23rd October, 1902.

HENRY A. BLAKE,

Read and confirmed, this 23rd day of October, 1902.

C. CLEMENTI,

Acting Clerk of Councils.

Governor.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, No. 15.

THURSDAY, 23RD OCTOBER, 1902.

PRESENT:

HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR

(Sir HENRY ARTHUR BLAKE, G.C.M.G.).

The Honourable the Colonial Secretary, (FRANCIS HENRY MAY, C.M.G.).

the Colonial Treasurer, (ALEXANDER MACDONALD THOMSON). the Harbour Master, (ROBERT MURRAY RUMSEY, R.N.).

the Director of Public Works, (WILLIAM CHATHAM).

the Medical Officer of Health, (Dr. FRANCIS WILLIAM CLARK). HO KAI, M.B., C.M., C.M.G.

WEI YUK.

CHARLES STEWART SHARP.

CHARLES WEDDERBURN DICKSON.

GEORGE WILLIAM FORBES PLAYFAIR. ROBERT GORDON SHEWAN.

ABSENT:

The Honourable the Officer Commanding the Troops, (Colonel LOUIS FAULKNER BROWN, R.E.) the Attorney General, (Sir HENRY SPENCER BERKELEY, Kt.)

The Council met pursuant to adjournment.

The Minutes of the last Meeting, held on the 20th October, 1902, were read and confirmed.

FINANCIAL MINUTES.-The Colonial Secretary, by command of His Excellency the Governor, laid on the table the following Financial Minutes, (Nos. 60 and 61), and moved that they be referred to the Finance Committee:-

C.S.0.

1999 of 1902.

C.S.0.

2528 of 1902.

HENRY A. BLAKE.

The Governor recommends the Council to vote a sum of Eighteen thousand six hundred and ten Dollars ($18,610) to cover part of the cost of repairing the damages to roads, retaining walls and buildings caused by recent typhoons and severe rainstorms.

Government House, Hongkong, 21st October, 1902.

HENRY A. BLAKE.

The Governor recommends the Council to vote a sum of Five hundred Dollars ($500) in aid of the following votes of the Magistracy:

Office Furniture, Repairs and Incidental Expenses,

Costs of Witnesses for giving Evidence in Criminal Cases, and for interpret- ing Dialects with which the Court Interpreters are unacquainted,...

Total,.......

$ 250.00

250.00

$ 500.00

Government House, Hongkong, 22nd October, 1902.

The Colonial Treasurer seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

REPORT OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE. The Colonial Secretary, by command of His Excellency the Governor, laid on the table the Report of the Finance Committee dated the 20th October, 1902, (No. 14), and moved its adoption.

The Colonial Treasurer seconded.

His Excellency the Governor addressed the Council, Question-put and agreed to.

100-8.11.02.

APPROPRIATION BILL FOR 1903.-The Colonial Secretary addressed the Council, and moved that the Council resolve itself into Committee on the Bill entitled An Ordinance to apply a sum not exceed- ing Four million seven hundred and twenty-eight thousand nine hundred and forty-two Dollars and Twenty-three Cents to the Public Service of the Year 1903.

The Colonial Treasurer seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Council in Committee on the Bill.

Council resumed and Bill reported without amendment. The Colonial Secretary moved the third reading of the Bill.

The Colonial Treasurer seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a third time.

Question put-that this Bill do pass.

Bill passed.

CHINESE EMIGRATION AMENDMENT BILL.-The Colonial Secretary moved that the Council resolve itself into Committee on the Bill entitled An Ordinance to amend The Chinese Emigration Consolidation Ordinance, 1889.

The Colonial Treasurer seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Council in Committee on the Bill.

Council resumed and Bill reported without material amendment.

The Colonial Secretary moved the third reading of the Bill.

The Colonial Treasurer seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a third time.

Question put-that this Bill do pass.

Bill passed.

DOGS AMENDMENT BILL.-The Colonial Secretary moved that the Council resolve itself into Committee on the Bill entitled An Ordinance to amend The Dogs Ordinance, 1893.

The Colonial Treasurer seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Council in Committee on the Bill.

Council resumed and Bill reported without amendment.

The Colonial Secretary moved the third reading of the Bill.

The Colonial Treasurer seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a third time.

Question put-that this Bill do pass.

Bill passed.

LAND REGISTRATION (FEES) AMENDMENT BILL.-The Colonial Secretary moved that the Council resolve itself into Committee on the Bill entitled An Ordinance to repeal The Land Registry Office (Fees) Amendment Ordinance 1902: and to amend Ordinance No. 3 of 1844 entitled "An Ordinance to provide for the Registration of Deeds Wills Judgments and Conveyances affecting real or immoveable property in Hongkong."

The Colonial Treasurer seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Council in Committee on the Bill.

Council resumed and Bill reported with amendments.

The Colonial Secretary moved the third reading of the Bill.

The Colonial Treasurer seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a third time.

Question put-that this Bill do pass.

Bill passed.

LIQUOR LICENCES AMENDMENT BILL.-The Colonial Secretary moved that the Council resolve

itself into Committee on the Bill entitled An Ordinance to amend The Liquor Licences Amendment Ordinance, 1900.

The Colonial Treasurer seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Council in Committee on the Bill.

Mr. SHARP addressed the Committee, and moved as an amendment that the Bill do not come into operation until the 1st of January, 1903.

The Colonial Secretary concurred.

Motion agreed to.

Council resumed and Bill reported with amendments.

The Colonial Secretary moved the third reading of the Bill.

The Colonial Treasurer seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a third time.

Question put-that this Bill do pass.

Bill passed.

STAMP AMENDMENT BILL.-The Colonial Secretary moved that the Council resolve itself into Committee on the Bill entitled An Ordinance to amend The Stamp Ordinance, 1901.

The Colonial Treasurer seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Council in Committee on the Bill.

Several amendments having been agreed to,

Mr. PLAYFAIR moved as a further amendment that the limit of exemption, under the item 45, "Receipts," be fixed at $25.

The Committee divided, and Members voted as follows:-

For the Amendment.

Mr. SHEWAN.

Mr. PLAYFAIR.

Mr. DICKSON.

Mr. SHARP.

Mr. WEI YUK.

Dr. Ho KAI.

Against the Amendment.

The Medical Officer of Health.

The Director of Public Works.

The Harbour Master.

The Colonial Treasurer.

The Colonial Secretary.

The amendment was carried by a majority of one, His Excellency the Governor having refrained from voting.

Council resumed and Bill reported with amendments.

The Colonial Secretary moved the third reading of the Bill.

The Colonial Treasurer seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a third time.

Question put-that this Bill do pass.

Bill passed.

His Excellency the Governor addressed the Council.

ADJOURNMENT.-The Council then adjourned sine die.

Read and confirmed, this 6th day of November, 1902.

C. CLEMENTI,

Acting Clerk of Councils.

HENRY A. BLAKE,

Governor.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, No. 16.

THURSDAY, 6TH NOVEMBER, 1902.

PRESENT:

HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR

(Sir HENRY ARTHUR BLAKE, G.C.M.G.).

The Honourable the Officer Commanding the Troops, (Colonel LOUIS FAULKNER BROWN, R.E.)

the Colonial Secretary, (FRANCIS HENRY MAY, C.M.G.).

the Attorney General, (Sir HENRY SPENCER BERKELEY, Kt.). the Colonial Treasurer, (ALEXANDER MACDONALD THOMSON). the Harbour Master, (ROBERT MURRAY RUMSEY, R.N.).

the Director of Public Works, (WILLIAM CHATHAM).

the Medical Officer of Health, (Dr. FRANCIS WILLIAM CLARK). HO KAI, M.B., C.M., C.M.G.

WEI YUK.

CHARLES STEWART SHARP.

CHARLES WEDDERBURN DICKSON.

GEORGE WILLIAM FORBES PLAYFAIR.

ROBERT GORDON SHEWAN.

The Council met pursuant to summons.

The Minutes of the last Meeting, held on the 23rd October, 1902, were read and confirmed.

REPORT OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE.-The Colonial Secretary, by command of His Excellency the Governor, laid on the table the Report of the Finance Committee dated the 23rd October, 1902, (No. 15), and moved its adoption.

The Colonial Treasurer seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

PAPER.--The Colonial Secretary, by command of His Excellency the Governor, laid on the table a despatch from the Secretary of State for the Colonies on the subject of a proposed European Reser- vation near Kowloon.

THE PUBLIC WORKS COMMISSION.-The Colonial Secretary informed the Council that the corres- pondence relating to the Public Works Commission would not be laid on the table, as it was not yet complete.

PUBLIC HEALTH AND BUILDINGS BILL.-The Attorney General addressed the Council, and asked permission to withdraw from the consideration of the Council the Bill which was read a first time on the 7th July last, and to introduce a new Bill instead of it.

Permission granted, and Bill withdrawn.

The Attorney General moved the first reading of a Bill entitled An Ordinance to consolidate and amend the Laws relating to Public Health and to Buildings.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a first time.

EMPLOYERS AND SERVANTS BILL.-The Attorney General moved the first reading of a Bill entitled An Ordinance to amend the Law relating to Employers and Servants.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a first time.

JUNKS (COLLISION) BILL.-The Attorney General moved the first reading of a Bill entitled An Ordinance with reference to Collisions between Junks and Ships.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a first time.

NEW TERRITORIES TITLES BILL.-The Attorney General moved the first reading of a Bill entitled The New Territories Titles Ordinance, 1902.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a first time.

NATURALIZATION BILL.-The Attorney General moved the first reading of a Bill entitled An Ordinance relating to the Naturalization of Aliens.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a first time.

ADJOURNMENT.-The Council then adjourned sine die.

Read and confirmed, this 27th day of November, 1902.

C. CLEMENTI, Acting Clerk of Councils.

HENRY A. BLAKE,

Governor.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, No. 17.

THURSDAY, 27′′ NOVEMBER, 1902.

PRESENT:

HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR

(Sir HENRY ARTHUR BLAKE, G.C.M.G.).

His Excellency Major-General Sir WILLIAM JULIUS GASCOIGNE, K.C.M.G., General Officer Commanding. The Honourable the Colonial Secretary, (FRANCIS HENRY MAY, C.M.G.).

the Attorney General, (Sir HENRY SPENCER BERKELEY, Kt.).

the Colonial Treasurer, (ALEXANDER MACDONALd Thomson).

the Harbour Master, (ROBERT MURRAY RUMSEY, R.N.).

the Director of Public Works, (WILLIAM CHATHAM).

the Medical Officer of Health, (Dr. FRANCIS WILLIAM CLARK). HO KAI, M.B., C.M., C.M.G.

WEI YUK.

CHARLES STEWART SHARP.

CHARLES WEDDERBURN DICKSON.

GEORGE WILLIAM FORBES PLAYFAIR.

ROBERT GORDON SHEWAN.

The Council met pursuant to summons.

The Minutes of the last Meeting, held on the 6th November, 1902, were read and confirmed. FINANCIAL MINUTES.-The Colonial Secretary, by command of His Excellency the Governor, laid on the table the following Financial Minutes, (Nos. 62 and 63), and moved that they be referred to the Finance Committee:-

C.S.O. 2639 of 1902.

1998 of 1902.

HENRY A. BLAKE.

The Governor recommends the Council to vote a sum of One hundred and twenty-one Dollars and Ninety-six Cents ($121.96) for the payment of the amount due to the Postmaster at Shanghai being difference between salary drawn at $2,880 and the rate of $3,000 per annum sanctioned by the Secretary of State in C.O.D. 364 of 1900 for the period, 1st January to 31st December, 1901, ($96.76 for salary and $25.20 for Exchange Compensation).

Government House, Hongkong, 4th November, 1902.

HENRY A. BLAKE.

C.S.O. The Governor recommends the Council to vote a sum of Six hundred Dollars ($600) as remuneration to Mr. LEO. D'ALMADA E CASTRO for special work outside his official duties, for the Commissioner under the Statute Laws Revised Edition Ordinance, 1900.

Government House, Hongkong, 7th November, 1902.

The Colonial Treasurer seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

QUESTIONS.-Mr. PLAYFAIR, pursuant to notice, put the following questions:-

(1.) Whether the Government intend to require all Officers who require to be guaranteed, above the status of Unpassed Cadets, to be guaranteed by an approved Guarantee Society instead of being guaranteed as at present by private individuals?

The Colonial Secretary replied.

(2.) Would the Director of Public Works give some explanation of the inequalities of the inter- mittent system—why very many houses, which ought to get the full supply for the advertised period, get little or no water and even that little at a most insufficient pressure?

Also, what steps, if any, are being taken to remedy this state of affairs?

The Director of Public Works replied.

100-8.12.02.

QUESTIONS.-Mr. SHARP, pursuant to notice, asked the following questions:

Will the Honourable Director of Public Works inform the Council-

(1.) What works are now actually in progress in connection with the scheme for in-

creasing the Water Supply of the Colony-

at Taitam?

at Taitamtuk?

(2.) What will be the addition to the Water Supply of the Colony from these works when they are completed, and what quantity will be available from them during the winter of next year, in the event of there being at least a normal rainfall during next year?

The Director of Public Works replied.

WIDOWS AND ORPHANS' PENSION FUND AMENDMENT BILL.-The Attorney General moved the first reading of a Bill entitled An Ordinance to amend The Widows and Orphans' Pension Fund Amendment Ordinance, 1902 (No. 12 of 1902).

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a first time.

RATING AMENDMENT BILL.-The Attorney General moved the first reading of a Bill entitled An Ordinance to further amend The Rating Ordinance, 1901.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a first time.

CHINESE HOSPITAL INCORPORATION AMENDMENT BILL.-The Attorney General moved the first reading of a Bill entitled An Ordinance to amend The Chinese Hospital Incorporation Ordinance,

No. 3 of 1870.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a first time.

REPEAL OF ORDINANCE 5 OF 1902 BILL.-The Attorney General moved the first reading of a Bill entitled An Ordinance to repeal Ordinance No. 5 of 1902.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a first time.

EMPLOYERS AND SERVANTS BILL.-The Attorney General addressed the Council, and moved the second reading of the Bill entitled An Ordinance to amend the Law relating to Employers and Servants.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a second time.

Council in Committee on the Bill.

JUNKS (COLLISION) BILL.-The Attorney General addressed the Council, and moved the second reading of the Bill entitled An Ordinance with reference to Collisions between Junks and Ships.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a second time.

Council in Committee on the Bill.

Council resumed, and Bill reported without amendment.

The Attorney General moved the third reading of the Bill.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a third time.

Question put-that this Bill do pass.

Bill passed.

NEW TERRITORIES TITLES BILL.-The Attorney General addressed the Council, and moved the second reading of the Bill entitle l The New Territories Titles Ordinance, 1902.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a second time.

The Attorney General moved that the Bill be referred to the Law Committee.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

NATURALIZATION BILL.-The Attorney General addressed the Council, and moved the second reading of the Bill entitled An Ordinance relating to the Naturalization of Aliens.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a second time.

Council in Committee on the Bill.

PUBLIC HEALTH AND BUILDINGS BILL.-The Attorney General addressed the Council, and moved the second reading of the Bill entitled An Ordinance to consolidate and amend the Laws relating to Public Health and to Buildings.

The Colonial Secretary addressed the Council, and seconded.

Dr. Ho KAI addressed the Council.

Mr. SHARP addressed the Council.

Mr. PLAYFAIR addressed the Council

His Excellency the Governor addressed the Council.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a second time.

ADJOURNMENT.-The Council then adjourned till Thursday, 4th December, 1902.

Read and confirmed, this 4th day of December, 1902.

C. CLEMENTI,

Acting Clerk of Councils.

HENRY A. BLAKE,

Governor.

វ

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, No. 18.

THURSDAY, 4TH DECEMBER, 1902.

PRESENT:

HIS EXCELLENCY, THE GOVERNOR

(Sir HENRY ARTHUR BLAKE, G.C.M.G.).

His Excellency Major-General Sir WILLIAM JULIUS GASCOIGNE, K.C.M.G., General Officer Commanding. The Honourable the Colonial Secretary, (FRANCIS HENRY MAY, C.M.G.).

the Attorney General, (Sir HENRY SPENCER BERKELEY, Kt.).

the Colonial Treasurer, (ALEXANDER MACDONALD THOMSON).

the Harbour Master, (ROBERT MURRAY RUMSEY, R.N.).

the Director of Public Works, (WILLIAM CHATHAM).

the Medical Officer of Health, (Dr. FRANCIS WILLIAM CLark). HO KAI, M.B., C.M., C.M.G.

WEI YUK.

CHARLES STEWART SHARP.

CHARLES WEDDERBURN DICKSON.

GEORGE WILLIAM FORRES PLAYFAIR.

ROBERT GORDON SHEWAN.

The Council met pursuant to adjournment.

In the temporary absence of His Excellency the Governor, who arrived at a later stage of the proceedings, His Excellency Major-General GASCOIGNE took the chair.

The Minutes of the last Meeting, held on the 27th November, 1902, were read and confirmed. QUESTIONS. MR. PLAYFAIR, pursuant to notice, put the following questions:-

(1.) Would the Director of Public Works give some explanation of the inequalities of the inter- mittent system-with special reference to Queen's Garden and the higher levels of the Peak -why very many houses, which ought to get the full supply for the advertised period, get little or no water, and even that little at a most insufficient pressure?

(2.) Why the Water Accounts for 30th September are not yet out?

The Director of Public Works replied.

DR. THOMSON AND THE CHINESE COLLEGE OF MEDICINE.-The Colonial Secretary addressed the Council, and, with reference to a question raised some time ago in the Finance Committee, laid on the table a letter from the Dean of the College.

PEAK ROAD WATER SUPPLY.-With reference to the Report on the Water Supply of the Peak District, laid on the table by the Director of Public Works, the Colonial Treasurer drew attention to an inaccuracy of a portion of that Report.

The Director of Public Works replied.

THE "STAR" FERRY COMPANY'S BILL.-Mr. SHARP moved the first reading of a Bill entitled An Ordinance to authorize the making of Bye-laws by the "Star" Ferry Company Limited.

Mr. DICKSON seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a first time.

WIDOWS AND ORPHANS' PENSION FUND AMENDMENT BILL.-The Attorney General addressed the Council, and moved the second reading of the Bill entitled An Ordinance to amend The Widows and Orphans' Pension Fund Amendment Ordinance, 1902 (No. 12 of 1902).

The Colonial Secretary seconded. ·

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a second time.

Council in Committee on the Bill.

Council resumed, and Bill reported without amendment.

The Attorney General moved the third reading of the Bill.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a third time.

Question put-that this Bill do pass.

Bill passed.

100-11.12.02.

RATING AMENDMENT BILL.-The Attorney General addressed the Council, and moved the second reading of the Bill entitled An Ordinance to further amend The Rating Ordinance, 1901.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a second time.

Council in Committee on the Bill.

Council resumed and Bill reported without amendment.

The Attorney General moved the third reading of the Bill.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a third time.

Question put-that this Bill do pass.

Bill passed.

CHINESE HOSPITAL INCORPORATION AMENDMENT BILL.-The Attorney General addressed_the Council, and moved the second reading of the Bill entitled An Ordinance to amend The Chinese Hos- pital Incorporation Ordinance, No. 3 of 1870.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a second time.

Council in Committee on the Bill.

Council resumed, and Bill reported without amendment.

The Attorney General moved the third reading of the Bill.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a third time.

Question put-that this Bill do pass.

Bill passed.

REPEAL OF ORDINANCE 5 OF 1902 BILL.-The Attorney General addressed the Council, and moved the second reading of the Bill entitled An Ordinance to repeal Ordinance No. 5 of 1902.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a second time.

Council in Committee on the Bill.

Council resumed, and Bill reported without amendment.

The Attorney General moved the third reading of the Bill.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a third time.

Question put-that this Bill do pass.

Bill passed.

EMPLOYERS AND SERVANTS BILL.-The Council resolved itself into Committee to consider clause by clause the Bill entitled An Ordinance to amend the Law relating to Employers and Servants.

Council resumed, and Bill reported with amendments.

NATURALIZATION BILL.--The Council resolved itself into Committee to consider clause by clause the Bill entitled An Ordinance relating to the Naturalization of Aliens.

Council resumed and Bill reported without amendment.

The Attorney General moved the third reading of the Bill.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a third time.

Question put-that this Bill do pass.

Bill passed.

PUBLIC HEALTH AND BUILDINGS BILL.-The Council resolved itself into Committee to consider clause by clause the Bill entitled An Ordinance to consolidate and amend the Laws relating to Public Health and to Buildings.

ADJOURNMENT.-The Council then adjourned till Tuesday, the 9th December, 1902, at Noon..

HENRY A. BLAKE,

Read and confirmed, this 9th day of December, 1902.

C. CLEMENTI,

Acting Clerk of Councils.

Governor:

}

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, No. 19.

TUESDAY, 9′′ DECEMBER, 1902.

PRESENT:

HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR

(Sir HENRY ARTHUR BLAKE, G.C.M.G.).

His Excellency Major-General Sir WILLIAM JULIUS GASCOIGNE, K.C.M.G., General Officer Commanding. The Honourable the Colonial Secretary, (FRANCIS HENRY MAY, C.M.G.).

* * * * * * * * * * *

the Attorney General, (Sir HENRY SPENCER BERKELEY, Kt.).

the Colonial Treasurer, (ALEXANDER MACDONALD THOMSON). the Harbour Master, (ROBERT MURRAY RUMSEY, R.N.).

the Director of Public Works, (WILLIAM CHATHAM).

the Medical Officer of Health, (Dr. FRANCIS WILLIAM CLARK). HO KAI, M.B., C.M., C.M.G.

WEI YUK.

CHARLES STEWART SHARP.

CHARLES Wedderburn DICKSON.

GEORGE WILLIAM FORBES PLAYFAIR. ROBERT GORDON SHEWAN,

The Council met pursuant to adjournment.

The Minutes of the last Meeting, held on the 4th December, 1902, were read and confirmed.

REPORT OF THE LAW COMMITTEE.-The Attorney General, by command of His Excellency the Governor, laid on the table the Report of the Law Committee dated the 2nd December, 1902, (No. 1), and moved its adoption.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

NOTICE OF MOTION.-Mr. PLAYFAIR gave notice that, at the next meeting of Council, he would make the following motion:-

That His Excellency the Governor should be requested to appoint an independent Committee unconnected with the Public Works Department to examine into the truth of the statements contained in the return tabled by the Director of Public Works of the supply of water to the upper levels of the Peak in November last and up to the date of that return.

STAR" FERRY COMPANY BILL.-Mr. SHARP addressed the Council, and moved the second read- ing of the Bill entitled An Ordinance to authorize the making of Bye-laws by the "Star" Ferry Company Limited.

Mr. DICKSON seconded,

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a second time.

Mr. SHARP moved that the Council resolve itself into Committee on the Bill.

Mr. DICKSON seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Council in Committee on the Bill.

Council resumed, and Bill reported without amendment.

EMPLOYERS AND SERVANTS BILL.-The Attorney General moved the third reading of the Bill entitled An Ordinance to amend the Law relating to Employers and Servants.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a third time.

Question put-that this Bill do pass. Bill passed.

100-11.12.02.

NEW TERRITORIES TITLES BILL.-The Council resolved itself into Committee on the Bill entitled The New Territories Titles Ordinance, 1902.

The recommendations of the Standing Law Committee were read and adopted.

Council resumed, and Bill reported with amendments.

PUBLIC HEALTH AND BUILDINGS BILL.-The Council resolved itself into Committee to further consider the Bill entitled An Ordinance to consolidate and amend the Laws relating to Public Health and to Buildings.

ADJOURNMENT.-The Council then adjourned till Friday, 12th December, 1902, at Noon.

HENRY A. BLAKE,

Read and confirmed, this 12th day of December, 1902.

C. CLEMENTI,

Acting Clerk of Councils.

Governor.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, No. 20.

FRIDAY, 12TH DECEMBER, 1902.

PRESENT:

HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR

(Sir HENRY ARTHUR BLAKE, G.C.M.G.).

His Excellency Major-General Sir WILLIAM JULIUS GASCOIGNE, K.C.M.G., General Officer Commanding. The Honourable the Colonial Secretary, (FRANCIS HENRY MAY, C.M.G.).

the Attorney General, (Sir HENRY SPENCER BERKELEY, Kt.).

the Colonial Treasurer, (ALEXANDER MACDONALD THOMSON).

the Harbour Master, (ROBERT MURRAY RUMSEY, R.N.).

the Director of Public Works, (WILLIAM CHATHAM).

the Medical Officer of Health, (Dr. FRANCIS WILLIAM CLARK). HO KAI, M.B., C.M., C.M.G.

WEI YUK.

CHARLES STEWART SHARP.

CHARLES WEDDERBURN DICKSON.

GEORGE WILLIAM FORBES PLAYFAIR. ROBERT GORDON SHEWAN.

The Council met pursuant to adjournment.

The Minutes of the last Meeting, held on the 9th December, 1902, were read and confirmed. MOTION. Mr. PLAYFAIR addressed the Council, and, pursuant to notice, made the following

motion :-

Mr. SHARP Seconded.

The Director of Public Works addressed the Council, and laid on the table a Report showing the supply of water to each house at the Peak district.

The Colonial Secretary addressed the Council.

Mr. PLAYFAIR, by leave, withdrew his motion.

"STAR" FERRY COMPANY'S BILL.-Mr. SHARP moved the third reading of the Bill entitled An Ordinance to authorize the making of Bye-laws by the "Star" Ferry Company Limited.

Mr. DICKSON seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a third time.

Question put-that this Bill do pass.

Bill passed.

NEW TERRITORIES TITLES BILL.-The Attorney General moved the third reading of the Bill entitled The New Territories Titles Ordinance, 1902.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a third time.

Question put-that this Bill do pass.

Bill passed.

PUBLIC HEALTH AND BUILDINGS BILL.-The Council resolved itself into Committee to further onsider the Bill entitled An Ordinance to consolidate and amend the Laws relating to Public Health ad to Buildings.

ADJOURNMENT.-The Council then adjourned till Monday, the 15th December, 1902, at 2 p.m.

HENRY A. BLAKE,

Read and confirmed, this 15th day of December, 1902.

C. CLEMENTI,

Acting Clerk of Councils.

100-17.12.02.

Governor.

;

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, No. 21.

MONDAY, 15TH DECEMBER, 1902.

PRESENT:

HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR

(Sir HENRY ARTHUR BLAKE, G.C.M.G.).

His Excellency Major-General Sir WILLIAM JULIUS GASCOIGNE, K.C.M.G., General Officer Commanding. The Honourable the Colonial Secretary, (FRANCIS HENRY MAY, C.M.G.).

the Attorney General, (Sir HENRY SPENCER BERKELEY, Kt.).

the Colonial Treasurer, (ALEXANDER MACDONALD THOMSON).

the Harbour Master, (ROBERT MURRAY RUMSEY, R.N.).

the Director of Public Works, (WILLIAM CHATHAM).

the Medical Officer of Health, (Dr. FRANCIS WILLIAM CLARK). HO KAI, M.B., C.M., C.M.G.

WEI YUK.

ང་

CHARLES STEWART SHARP.

CHARLES WEdderburn DICKSON.

ROBERT GORDON SHEWAN.

ABSENT:

The Honourable GEORGE WILLIAM FORBES PLAYFAIR.

The Council met pursuant to adjournment.

The Minutes of the last Meeting, held on the 12th December, 1902, were read and confirmed.

ADJOURNMENT.-The Council then adjourned till Tuesday, the 16th December, 1902, at 3 p.m.

HENRY A. BLAKE.

Read and confirmed, this 16th day of December, 1902.

C. CLEMENTI, Acting Clerk of Councils.

100-17.12.02.

Governor.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, No. 22.

TUESDAY, 16TH DECEMBER, 1902.

PRESENT:

HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR

(Sir HENRY ARTHUR BLAKE, G.C.M.G.).

The Honourable the Colonial Secretary, (FRANCIS HENRY MAY, C.M.G.).

the Attorney General, (Sir HENRY SPENCER BERKELEY, Kt.). the Colonial Treasurer, (ALEXANDER MACDONALD THOMSON). the Harbour Master, (ROBERT MURRAY RUMSEY, R.N.).

the Director of Public Works, (WILLIAM CHATHAM).

the Medical Officer of Health, (Dr. FRANCIS WILLIAM CLARK). HO KAI, M.B., C.M., C.M.G.

WEI YUK.

CHARLES STEWART SHARP.

CHARLES WEDDERBURN DICKSON.

GEORGE WILLIAM FORBES PLAYFAIR.

ROBERT GORDON SHEWAN.

ABSENT:

His Excellency Major-General Sir WILLIAM JULIUS GASCOIGNE, K.C.M.G., General Officer Commanding.

The Council met pursuant to adjournment.

The Minutes of the last Meeting, held on the 15th December, 1902, were read and confirmed.

ADJOURNMENT.-The Council then adjourned sine die.

Read and confirmed, this 23rd day of December, 1902.

C. CLEMENTI, Acting Clerk of Councils.

100-24.12.02.

HENRY A. BLAKE,

Governor.

No. 1.

REPORT OF PROCEEDINGS

OF THE

FINANCE COMMITTEE,

AT A MEETING HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER, HONGKONG,

On the 27th February, 1902.

PRESENT:

The Honourable the Colonial Secretary, (JAMES HALDANE STEWART LOCKHART, C.M.G.), Chairman.

the Attorney General, (WILLIAM MEIGH GOODMAN, K.C.).

C.S.O.

the Acting Colonial Treasurer, (CHARLES MCILVAINE MESSER).

the Harbour Master, (ROBERT MURRAY RUMSEY, R.N.).

the Director of Public Works, (WILLIAM CHatham).

ARTHUR WINBOLT BREWIN.

CATCHICK PAUL CHATER, C.M.G.

Ho KAI, M.B., C.M.

THOMAS HENDERSON WHITEHEAD.

WEI YUK.

JAMES JARDINE BELL-IRVING.

JOHN THURBurn.

The Committee met at the request of the Colonial Secretary.

Read the following Minutes under the hand of His Excellency the Governor :-

868 of 1901.

C.S.O. 112 of 1902,

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

Government House, Hongkong, 4th January, 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

The Officer Administering the Government recommends the Council to re-vote the follow- ing sums, being unexpended balances of the votes for 1901 under the heading "Public Works Extraordinary

1. Governor's Peak Residence,

2. No. 7 Police Station,...

3. New Sheep and Swine Depôts,..

4. Four Public Latrines,

5. Public Urinals,

6. Completion of Gaol Officers' Quarters,.

$17,432.20

1,197.80

11,000.00

5,787.51

5,000.00

24,938.11

7. Police Station at Tsun Wan (altered to Tai 0),... 8. Taipó Road,

.....

7,922.00

10,351.14

9. Storm Water Nullah, Mongkoktsui,

8,450.00

10. District Watchmen's Quarters, (Government share),

1,000.00

11. Police Station at Fu Ti Au (altered to Sheung Shui), 12. Home for Quarantined Dogs,

1,261.56

1,432.23

13. Perch on Rock near Lyemun,

175.55

14. Coal Store, Starling Inlet Police Station,

170.00

15. Public Bath-house,

4,000.00

16. Training and Diverting Nullah near Tram Station,

2,099.85

17. Improvements in lighting approaches to Harbour, 18. Erection of Derrick on new site, Gap Rock,

6,000.00

7,120.00

19. Two Temporary Markets,....

12,000.00

20. Extension of Wanchai Market...

3,000.00

21. Railing in openings round Animal Depôts, Kennedy Town,.. 22. Cattle Crematorium,

4,100.00

2,020.00

23. Repairs and Alterations to Government Pavilions,.

1,500.00

Total,.......

$137,957.95

Government House, Hongkong, 15th January, 1902.

C.S.O.

141 of 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

C.S.O.

202 of 1901.

Cattle Crematorium-estimated cost, Deduct sum already voted,

Additional sum required,.

Refuse Destructor-estimated cost,.

$5,000.00 2,020.00

.$2,980.00

2,000.00

Total additional sum required,......$4,980.00

Government House, Hongkong, 22nd January, 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

The Officer Administering the Government recommends the Council to vote a sum of (Extension). Four thousand two hundred and fifteen Dollars and Fifty-eight Cents ($4,215.58) to cover the cost of repairs carried out at the building formerly known as Kapshuimun Customs Station.

Government House, Hongkong, 31st January, 1902.

C.S.O.

514 of 1901.

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

Government House, Hongkong, 17th February, 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

Government House, Hongkong, 24th February, 1902.

The Committee unanimously agreed to recommend that the above votes be passed.

The Committee then adjourned.

Laid before the Legislative Council and adopted on the 11th March, 1902.

R. F. JOHNSTON,

Acting Clerk of Councils.

J. H. STEWART LOCKHART,

Chairman.

Νο. 2.

REPORT OF PROCEEDINGS

OF THE

FINANCE COMMITTEE,

AT A MEETING HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER, HONGKONG,

On the 11th March, 1902.

PRESENT:

The Honourable the Colonial Secretary, (JAMES HALDANE STEWART LOCKHART, C.M.G.), Chairman.

the Attorney General, (WILLIAM MEIGH GOODMAN, K.C.).

the Colonial Treasurer, (ALEXANDER MACDONALD THOMSON). the Harbour Master, (ROBERT MURRAY RUMSEY, R.N.).

the Director of Public Works, (WILLIAM CHATHAM).

ARTHUR WINBOLT BREWIN.

CATCHICK PAUL CHATER, C.M.G.

HO KAI, M.B., C.M.

THOMAS HENDERSON WHITEHEAD.

WEI YUK.

JAMES JARDINE BELL-IRVING.

JOHN THURBURN.

The Committee met at the request of the Colonial Secretary.

Read the following Minutes under the hand of His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government :-

C. O. Desp. 12 of 1902.

C.S.O.

1984 of 1900,

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

Government House, Hongkong, 8th March, 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

The Officer Administering the Government recommends the Council to vote a sum of Three hundred Dollars ($300), being the amount of the contribution of the Government for 1901 towards the Royal Naval Seamen's Club, which was voted last year, but lapsed in con- sequence of no application having been made by the Naval Authorities for payment.

Government House, Hongkong, 8th March, 1902.

The Committee unanimously agreed to recommend that the above votes be passed.

The Committee then adjourned.

Laid before the Legislative Council and adopted on the 26th March, 1902.

R. F. JOHNSTON,

Acting Clerk of Councils.

J. H. STEWART LOCKHART,

Chairman.

No. 3.

REPORT OF PROCEEDINGS

OF THE

FINANCE COMMITTEE,

AT A MEETING HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER, HONGKONG,

On the 26th March, 1902.

PRESENT:

The Honourable the Colonial Secretary, (JAMES HALDANE STEWART LOCKHART, C.M.G.), Chairman.

the Attorney General, (WILLIAM MEIGH GOODMAN, K.C.). the Colonial Treasurer, (ALEXANDER MACDONALD THOMSON). the Harbour Master, (ROBERT MURRAY RUMSEY, R.N.).

the Director of Public Works, (WILLIAM CHATHAM).

ARTHUR WINBOLT BREWIN.

CATCHICK PAUL CHATER, C.M.G.

Ho KAI, M.B., C.M.

THOMAS HENDERSON WHITEHEAD.

WEI YUK.

JAMES JARDINE BELL-IRVING.

JOHN THURBurn.

The Committee met at the request of the Colonial Secretary.

Read the following Minute under the hand of His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government :-

C.S.O.

617 of 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

The Officer Administering the Government recommends the Council to vote a sum of Seven thousand and five hundred Dollars ($7,500) in aid of the vote of $2,400, “ Watering Streets", Sanitary Department.

Government House, Hongkong, 19th March, 1902.

The Committee unanimously agreed to recommend that the above vote be passed.

The Committee then adjourned.

Laid before the Legislative Council and adopted on the 10th April, 1902.

R. F. JOHNSTON,

J. H. STEWART LOCKHART,

Chairman.

Acting Clerk of Councils.

25-13.4.02

No. 4.

REPORT OF PROCEEDINGS

OF THE

FINANCE COMMITTEE,

AT A MEETING HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER, HONGKONG,

On the 10th April, 1902.

PRESENT:

The Honourable the Colonial Secretary, (JAMES HALDANE STEWART LOCKHART, C.M.G.), Chairman.

the Acting Attorney General, (ALFRED GASCOYNE WISE).

the Colonial Treasurer, (ALEXANDER MACDONALD THOMSON). the Harbour Master, (ROBERT MURRAY RUMSEY, R.N.). the Director of Public Works, (WILLIAM CHATHAM). ARTHUR WINBOLT BREWIN.

HO KAI, M.B., C.M.

THOMAS HENDERSON WHITEHEAD.

WEI YUK.

JAMES JARDINE BELL-IRVING.

}}

JOHN THURBURN.

ABSENT:

The Honourable CATCHICK PAUL CHATER, C.M.G.

The Committee met at the request of the Colonial Secretary.

Read the following Minutes under the hand of His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government :-

C.S.O. 703 of 1902.

C.S.O.

524 of 1900.

C.S.O.

$17 of 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

The Officer Administering the Government recommends the Council to vote a sum of One thousand five hundred and eighty-six Dollars and Twenty Cents ($1,586.20) being a sum equal to the unexpended portion of the vote for 1901 for laying out Mountain Lodge grounds.

Government House, Hongkong, 21st March, 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

The Officer Administering the Governinent recommends the Council to vote a sum of One thousand and four hundred Dollars ($1,400), being a sum equal to the unexpended vote for 1901 for the construction of locked private letter boxes for the use of the General Post Office.

Government House, Hongkong, 4th April, 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

Governinent House, Hongkong, 7th April, 1902.

The Committee unanimously agreed to recommend that the above votes be passed.

The Committee then adjourned.

Laid before the Legislative Council and adopted on the 30th April, 1902.

R. F. JOHNSTON,

Acting Clerk of Councils.

A. M. THOMSON,

Chairman.

No. 5.

REPORT OF PROCEEDINGS

OF THE

FINANCE COMMITTEE,

AT A MEETING HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER, HONGKONG,

On the 30th April, 1902.

PRESENT:

The Honourable the Acting Colonial Secretary, (ALEXANDER MACDONALD THOMSON), Chairman.

the Acting Attorney General, (ALFRED GASCOYNE WISE).

the Acting Colonial Treasurer, (CHARLES MCILVAINE MESSER).

};

the Harbour Master, (ROBERT MURRAY RUMSEY, R.N.).

the Director of Public Works, (WILLIAM CHATHAM).

ARTHUR WINBOLT BREWIN.

CATCHICK PAUL CHATER, C.M.G.

HO KAI, M.B., C.M.

THOMAS HENDERSON WHITEHEAD. WEI YUK.

JAMES JARDINE BELL-IRVING.

CHARLES STEWART SHARP.

The Committee met at the request of the Colonial Secretary.

Read the following Minutes under the hand of His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government :-

C.S.O.

38 of 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

Personal Emoluments,-

ABSTRACT.

2 Coolies (1 at $96 and 1 at $84 per annum) for 10 months, Other Charges,-

.$ 150.00

Furniture, Books,

•

100.00

200.00

Total,......

$ 550.00

Incidental Expenditure at $20 a month for 10 months,.

C.S.O.

506 of 1902,

Government House, Hongkong, 10th April, 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

year.

Government House, Hongkong, 11th April, 1902.

25-5-6-02.

C.S.O.

2533 of 1900.

C.S.0.

328 of 1902.

C.S.O.

939 of 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

Government House, Hongkong, 21st April, 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

The Officer Administering the Government recommends the Council to vote a sum of Two hundred and fifty thousand Dollars ($250,000) in aid of the vote of $10,000 for "Plague Expenses" under the heading Miscellaneous Services.

Government House, Hongkong, 21st April, 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

Government House, Hongkong, 22nd April, 1902.

The Committee unanimously agreed to recommend that the above votes be passed.

The Committee then adjourned.

Laid before the Legislative Council and adopted on the 4th June, 1902.

R. F. JOHNSTON, Acting Clerk of Councils.

F. H. MAY,

Chairman.

No. 6.

REPORT OF PROCEEDINGS.

OF THE

FINANCE COMMITTEE,

AT A MEETING HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER, HONGKONG,

On the 4th June, 1902.

PRESENT:

The Honourable the Colonial Secretary, (FRANCIS HENRY MAY, C.M.G.), Chairman.

the Acting Attorney General, (ALFRED GASCOYNE WISE).

the Colonial Treasurer, (ALEXANDER MACDONALD THOMSON).

the Harbour Master, (ROBERT MURRAY RUMSEY, R.N.).

the Director of Public Works, (WILLIAM CHATHAM).

the Captain Superintendent of Police, (FRANCIS JOSEPH BADELEY). HO KAI, M.B., C.M.

WEI YUK.

CHARLES STEWART SHARP.

CHARLES WEDDERBUBN DICKSON.

The Committee met at the request of the Colonial Secretary.

Read the following Minutes under the hand of His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government :—

C.O.D. 63 of 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

The Officer Administering the Government recommends the Council to vote a sum of Six thousand one hundred and forty-nine Dollars and Twelve Cents ($6,149.12) in aid of the vote "Expenses of Volunteers", to cover the salary and house allowance of Major C. G. PRITCHARD, Commandant, Hongkong Volunteer Corps, from 2nd April to 31st December, 1902, inclusive.

ABSTRACT.

Half salary, 2nd to 7th April, 6 days, £6.5.0 at 2/0 per dollar, Full salary, 8th to 30th April, 23 days, £47.18.4 at 2/032 per dollar,.......

May to December, 8 months, at £62.10.0 per month, £500 at

2/0 per dollar,

.$ 61.94

474.84

4,954,84

57.50

600.00

Total,

.$6,149.12

House Allowance, Sth to 30th April, at $75 per month,.......

8 months,

C.S.O.

950 of 1902.

C.S.O.

1127 of 1902.

Government House, Hongkong, 28th April, 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

The Officer Administering the Government recommends the Council to vote a sum of Twenty-nine thousand six hundred and twenty-nine Dollars and Sixty-three Cents (£2,500 at 1/81-$29,629.63) to meet the estimated expenses to be incurred by the Coronation Contingent of the Hongkong Volunteer Corps.

Government House, Hongkong, 1st May, 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

The Officer Administering the Government recommends the Council to vote a sum of Two thousand four hundred and ten Dollars (£200.16.8. at 1/8=$2,410) to cover the cost of 4,000 feet of 23-inch "Rob Roy" canvas fire hose, and 500 feet of Merry wether's 4-inch "Dub-Sub" canvas hose, for the use of the Fire Brigade.

Government House, Hongkong, 13th May, 1902.

25-30.6.02.

C.S.O.

1277 of 1902.

C.S.O.

1152 of 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

The Officer Administering the Government recommends the Council to vote a sum of One hundred and thirty-one thousand and five hundred Dollars ($131,500), in aid of the following votes:-

PUBLIC WORKS, ANNUALLY RECURRENT EXPENDITURE.

1.) Maintenance of Water-works, City and Hill District, (2.) Maintenance of Roads and Bridges in City,

(3.) Water-works, Miscellaneous,

(4.) Drainage Works, Miscellaneous,...

(5.) Forming and Kerbing Streets,

Government House, Hongkong, 29th May, 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

.$48,000.00

25,000.00

15,500.00

23,000.00

20,000.00

Total,..

$131,500.00

Government House, Hongkong, 30th May, 1902.

The Committee unanimously agreed to recommend that the above votes be passed.

The Committee then adjourned.

Laid before the Legislative Council and adopted on the 23rd June, 1902.

R. F. JOHNSTON,

Acting Clerk of Councils.

F. H. MAY, Chairman.

No. 7.

REPORT OF PROCEEDINGS

OF THE

FINANCE COMMITTEE,

AT A MEETING HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER, HONGKONG,

On the 23rd June, 1902.

PRESENT:

The Honourable the Colonial Secretary, (FRANCIS HENRY MAY, C.M.G.), Chairman.

the Acting Attorney General, (ALFRED GASCOYNE WISE).

the Colonial Treasurer, (ALEXANDER MACDONALD THOMSON).

the Harbour Master, (ROBERT MURRAY RUMSEY, R.N.).

the Director of Public Works, (WILLIAM CHATHAM).

the Captain Superintendent of Police, (FRANCIS JOSEPH BADELEY). Ho KAI, M.B., C.M.

WEI YUK.

CHARLES STEWART SHARP.

CHARLES Wedderbubn DICKSON.

}}

GEORGE WILLIAM FORBES PLAYFAIR.

ROBERT GORDON SHEWAN.

The Committee met at the request of the Colonial Secretary.

Read the following Minutes under the hand of His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government :-

C.S.O.

1283 of 1902.

C.O.D. 125 of 1902.

C.O.D. 65 of 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

The Officer Administering the Government recommends the Council to vote a sum of One hundred and twenty Dollars ($120), being 4 months' house allowance granted to Mr. M. McIVER, Inspector of Junks, Harbour Department, at the rate of $30 per mensem.

Government House, Hongkong, 7th June, 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

The Officer Administering the Government recommends the Council to vote a sum of Three hundred Dollars ($300) to meet, during the current year, the increase in salary of Mr. N. G. NOLAN, Interpreter to the Magistracy.

Government House, Hongkong, 9th June, 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

ABSTRACT.

Mr. JAMES half salary, from 3rd to 19th February; full salary from 20th

February to 31st December, at £330 per annum,..............

Mrs. JAMES half salary, from 20th January to 19th February; full salary

from 20th February to 31st December, at £90 per annum,

Total,.......

$3,411.03

946.83

$4,357.86

25-8.7.02.

Government House, Hongkong, 14th June, 1902.

C.S.O.

769 of 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

The Officer Administering the Government recommends the Council to vote a sum of Five hundred Dollars ($500) in aid of the vote of $500 for "Washing performed for the Government Civil Hospital."

Government House, Hongkong, 18th June, 1902.

The Committee unanimously agreed to recommend that the above votes be passed.

The Committee then adjourned.

Laid before the Legislative Council and adopted on the 7th July, 1902.

R. F. JOHNSTON,

Acting Clerk of Councils.

F. H. MAY,

Chairman.

No. 8.

2222

REPORT OF PROCEEDINGS

OF THE

FINANCE COMMITTEE,

AT A MEETING HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER, HONGKONG,

On the 7th July, 1902.

PRESENT:

The Honourable the Colonial Secretary, (FRANCIS HENRY MAY, C.M.G.), Chairman,

the Attorney General, (Sir HENRY SPENCER BERKELEY, K.B.).

ད་

the Colonial Treasurer, (ALEXANDER MACDONALD THOMSON). the Harbour Master, (ROBERT MURRAY RUMSEY, R.N.).

the Director of Public Works, (WILLIAM CHATHAM).

the Captain Superintendent of Police, (FRANCIS JOSEPH BADELEY). HO KAI, M.B., C.M.

WEI YUK.

CHARLES STEWART SHARP.

CHARLES WEDDERBUBN DICKSON.

GEORGE WILLIAM FORBES PLAYFAIR.

ROBERT GORDON SHEWAN.

The Committee met at the request of the Colonial Secretary.

Read the following Minutes under the hand of His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government :-

C.S.0. 1450 of 1902.

C.S.O.

1251 of 1902.

C.5.0.

1496 of 1902,

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

The Officer Administering the Government recommends the Council to vote a sum of Seven hundred and five Dollars ($705) to cover the cost of 3 months' rent for a room at "Cragieburn" ($630) and of train tickets ($75), for the use of the Nursing Sisters of the Government Civil Hospital.

Government House, Hongkong, 23rd June, 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

Government House, Hongkong, 25th June, 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

PUBLIC WORKS EXTRAORDINARY.

(1.) City Waterworks Extension,

Tytam Tuk Scheme,..

Preliminary and Temporary Works,

$20,000.00

2,500.00

Total,..

$22,500.00

(2.) City Waterworks-Provision of Public Fountains,..

25-23.7.02.

Government House, Hongkong, 25th June, 1902.

C.S.O.

424 of 1902.

C.S.O.

333 of 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNÉ.

Government House, Hongkong, 2nd July, 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

ABSTRACT.

For Quarters from 20th May to 31st December, 1902, inclusive, at $30 per

mensem,.....

Light and fuel for the same period at $10 per mensem,

$221.61

73.87

Total,.

......

$ 295.48

Government House, Hongkong, 2nd July, 1902.

The Committee unanimously agreed to recommend that the above votes be passed.

The Committee then proceeded to consider in detail the items contained in the Bill entitled An Ordinance to authorize the Appropriation of a Supplementary Sum of Five hundred and fifteen thousand two hundred and twenty-five Dollars and seven Cents, to defray the Charges of the Year 1901. On the idem "Miscellaneous Services," Mr. SHEWAN protested against the way this item was stated in the Bill.

The Colonial Secretary explained.

After some discussion, the Chairman moved the passing of the vote, which was agreed to.

The Committee then unanimously agreed to recommend that the several items in the Bill be passed.

The Committee then adjourned.

Laid before the Legislative Council and adopted on the 21st July, 1902.

R. F. JOHNSTON,

Acting Clerk of Councils.

F. H. MAY,

Chairman.

}

No. 9.

REPORT OF PROCEEDINGS

OF THE

FINANCE COMMITTEE,

AT A MEETING HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER, HONGKONG,

On the 21st July, 1902.

PRESENT:

The Honourable the Colonial Secretary, (FRANCIS HENRY MAY, C.M.G.), Chairman.

the Attorney General, (Sir HENRY SPENCER BERKELEY, Kt.B.).

the Colonial Treasurer, (ALEXANDER MACDONALD THOMSON).

the Harbour Master, (ROBERT MURRAY RUMSEY, R.N.).

the Director of Public Works, (WILLIAM CHATHAM).

the Medical Officer of Health, (Dr. FRANCIS WILLIAM CLARK). HO KAI, M.B., C.M.

WEI YUK.

CHARLES STEWART SHARP.

CHARLES WEDDERBUBN DICKSON.

GEORGE WILLIAM FORBES PLAYFAIR.

The Honourable ROBERT GORDON SHEWAN.

ABSENT:

The Committee met at the request of the Colonial Secretary.

Read the following Minutes under the hand of His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government :-

C.S.O. 1662 of 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

The Officer Administering the Government recommends the Council to vote a sum of One hundred and twenty-five Dollars and sixty-one Cents ($125.61) to meet, during the current year, the

pay of a Chinese Laboratory Attendant and a Coolie for the Bacteriological Department.

· ABSTRACT.

Pay for a Chinese Laboratory Attendant from 10th July to 31st December,

1902, at the rate of $15 per mensem,.

Pay for a Coolie for the Laboratory for the same period, at the rate of $7

per mensem,..

Total,.

$ 85.64

39.97

$ 125.71

C.S.O.

1380 of 1902.

Government House, Hongkong, 15th July, 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

The Officer Administering the Government recommends the Council to vote a sum of Five hundred and fifty Dollars and forty cents ($550.40) to meet the estimated cost to be incurred for the hire of two boats and cost of lamp oil, to mark the position of the wreck of the S.S. Pakshan, from 3rd June to 31st August, 1902.

July and August,-

ABSTRACT.

Hire of two boats,. Oil,

Expended to 30th June,

.$372.00 7.20

379.20

171.20

Total,.

$550.40

Government House, Hongkong, 11th July, 1902.

25-11.8.02.

C.S.O.

'W. J. GASCOIGNE.

1691 of 1902.

The Officer Administering the Government recommends the Council to vote a sum of Fifty-seven thousand four hundred and thirty-five Dollars ($57,435), in aid of the following

votes:-

PUBLIC WORKS, ANNUALLY RECURRENT EXPENDITURE.

(1.) Maintenance of Buildings,

(2.) Do.

do., in New Territory,.

(3.) Dredging Foreshores,

(4.) Maintenance of Roads and Bridges outside City,

(5.)

Do.

do.

(6.)

Do.

of Sewers,

in Kowloon,

$18,000.00

1,035.00

4,000.00

6,000.00

3,000.00

4,000.00

2,400.00

19,000.00

Total,...........

$57,435.00

(7.) Gas Lighting, City of Victoria,

(8.) Maintenance of Waterworks, City and Hill District,

C.S.O.

1690 of 1902.

Government House, Hongkong, 15th July, 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

The Officer Administering the Government recommends the Council to vote a sum of Ninety-two thousand six hundred and seven Dollars and thirty Cents ($92,607.30) in aid of the following votes:-

PUBLIC WORKS EXTRAORDINARY.

(1.) Governor's Peak Residence,..

(2.) No. 7 Police Station,

3.) Taipo Road,

(4.) Survey of New Territory,

(5.) Kowloon Waterworks Gravitation Scheme,.

(6.) Police Station, Sheung Shui,

(7.) Widening Conduit Road,

$ 9,567.80

6,502.20 14,648.86

5,000.00 35,000.00

138.44

3,700.00

(8.) New Shed, Sheep and Swine Depôts,

4,000.00

(9.) Storm Water Nullah, Mong Kok Tsui,

1,050.00

(10.) Public Bath House,

3,000.00

(11.) Government Offices, Extensions and Alterations, ....

10,000.00

Total,...

$92,607.30

Government House, Hongkong, 15th July, 1902.

The Committee unanimously agreed to recommend that the above votes be passed.

The Colonial Treasurer moved the following Resolution :-

It is hereby resolved that all Pensions paid in England from the Widows and Orphans' Pension Fund be paid at the rate of three Shillings the Dollar, the difference between that rate and the rate of the day being made good out of the revenue of the Colony.

The Colonial Secretary addressed the Committee, and seconded the motion.

The Resolution was unanimously adopted.

The Committee then adjourned.

Laid before the Legislative Council and adopted on the 7th August, 1902.

R. F. JOHNSTON, Acting Clerk of Councils.

F. H. MAY, Chairman.

No. 10.

REPORT OF PROCEEDINGS

OF THE

FINANCE COMMITTEE,

AT A MEETING HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER, HONGKONG,

On the 7th August, 1902.

PRESENT:

The Honourable the Colonial Secretary, (FRANCIS HENRY MAY, C.M.G.), Chairman.

the Attorney General, (Sir HENRY SPENCER BERKELEY, Kt.B.).

the Colonial Treasurer, (ALEXANDER MACDONALD THOMSON).

the Harbour Master, (ROBERT MURRAY RUMSEY, R.N.).

the Director of Public Works, (WILLIAM CHATHAM).

the Medical Officer of Health, (Dr. FRANCIS WILLIAM CLARK). Ho KAI, M.B., C.M.

WEI YUK.

CHARLES STEWART SHARP.

CHARLES WEDDERBUBN DICKSON.

GEORGE WILLIAM FORBES PLAYFAIR.

ROBERT GORDON SHEWAN.

The Committee met at the request of the Colonial Secretary.

Read the following Minutes, under the hand of His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government :-

C.S.0.

1281 of 1902.

C.S.O. 135 of 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

Government House, Hongkong, 19th July, 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

Government House, Hongkong, 31st July, 1902.

The Committee unanimously agreed to recommend that the above votes be passed.

The Committee then adjourned.

Laid before the Legislative Council and adopted on the 13th August, 1902.

M. J. DRAYSON,

Acting Clerk of Councils.

F. H. MAY,

Chairman.

25-14.8.02.

No. 11..

REPORT OF PROCEEDINGS

OF THE

FINANCE COMMITTEE,

AT A MEETING HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER, HONGKONG,

On the 13th August, 1902.

PRESENT:

The Honourable the Colonial Secretary, (FRANCIS HENRY MAY, C. M.G.), Chairman.

the Attorney General, (Sir HENRY SPENCER BERKELEY, Kt.).

};

the Colonial Treasurer, (ALEXANDER MACDONALD THOMSON). the Harbour Master, (ROBERT MURRAY RUMSEY, R.N.).

the Director of Public Works, (WILLIAM CHATHAM).

the Medical Officer of Health, (Dr. FRANCIS WILLIAM CLARK). Ho KAI, M.B., C.M.

WEI YUK.

CHARLES STEWART SHARP.

CHARLES WEDDERBUBN DICKSON,

GEORGE WILLIAM FORBES PLAYFAIR.

ROBERT GORDON SHEWAN.

The Committee met at the request of the Colonial Secretary.

Read the following Minute under the hand of His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government :-

C.O.D. 195 of 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

The Officer Administering the Government recommends the Council to vote a further sum of £1,245.3.0, being the estimated sum required to meet the charge for the pay of the Volunteer Contingent during their absence from the Colony in connection with the Coronation of His Majesty the KING, as approved by the Secretary of State.

ABSTRACT.

Pay on voyage to and from England, 84 days:-

1 Major at 16/- a day,

1 Lieutenant at 7/6 a day,.

. 67. 4.0 31.1.00 50. 8.0 50. 8.0 336. 0.0

3 Sergeants at 4/- each a day,

4 Corporals at 3/- each a day,

32 Rank and File at 2/6 each a day,

Total pay on voyage,.

.£535.10.0

Pay while in England, 57 days:-

1 Major at 30/- a day,

•

1 Lieutenant at 14/- a day,

..£85.10.0

39.18.0

3 Sergeants at 7/- each a day,

4 Corporals at 6/- each a day,

32 Rank and File at 5/- each a day,

Total in England,

Grand Total,.......

59.17.0

68. 8.0 456. 0.0

.£709.13.0

Government House, Hongkong, 11th August, 1902.

£1,245. 3,0

The Colonial Secretary read a despatch from the Secretary of State respecting the matter. After some discussion, the Committee unanimously agreed to recommend that the vote be passed. The Committee then adjourned.

Laid before the Legislative Council and adopted on the 3rd September, 1902.

R. F. JOHNSTON,

Acting Clerk of Councils.

40-8.9.02.

F. H. MAY.

Chairman.

No. 12.

REPORT OF PROCEEDINGS

OF THE

FINANCE COMMITTEE,

AT A MEETING HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER, HONGKONG,

On the 3rd September, 1902.

PRESENT:

Honourable the Colonial Secretary, (FRANCIS HENRY MAY, C.M.G.), Chairman.

the Attorney General, (Sir HENRY SPENCER BERKELEY, KT.).

the Colonial Treasurer, (ALEXANDER MACDONALD Thomson), the Harbour Master, (ROBERT MURRAY RUMSEY, R.N.).

the Director of Public Works, (WILLIAM CHATHAM).

the Medical Officer of Health, (Dr. FRANCIS WILLIAM CLARK). Ho KAI, M.B., C.M., C.M.G.

WEI YUK.

CHARLES STEWART SHARP.

GEORGE WILLIAM FORBES PLAYFAIR.

CHARLES WEDDERBUBN Dickson.

CS.O.

ROBERT GORDON SHEWAN.

The Committee met at the request of the Colonial Secretary.

Read the following Minutes under the hand of His Excellency the Governor :—

1117 of 1902.

C.S.O.

788 of 1902.

C.5.0. 1994 of 1902.

C.S.O. 2012 of 1902.

C.S.0. 2021 of 1902.

C.S.0. 2027 of 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

Government House, Hongkong, 12th August, 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

Government House, Hongkong, 15th August, 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

The Officer Administering the Government recommends the Council to vote a sum of One hundred and seventy-five Dollars ($175) in aid of the vote of $240,"Repairs to Post Office at Shanghai".

Government House, Hongkong, 19th August, 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

The Officer Administering the Government recommends the Council to vote a sum of Three hundred Dollars ($300) in aid of the vote of $600, "Incidental Expenses, Treasury

Government House, Hongkong, 19th August, 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

Government House, Hongkong, 19th August, 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

rainstorms.

Government House, Hongkong, 20th August, 1902.

25—13.10.02.

C.S.O.

2034 of 1902.

C.S.O.

1426 of 1902.

C.O.D.

#9 of 1902.

C.S.0.

1932 of 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

Scavenging City, Villages and Hill Districts," and "Electric Lighting of Central Market."

Government House, Hongkong, 23rd August, 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

The Officer Administering the Government recommends the Council to vote a sum of Five hundred Dollars ($500), being grant of a bonus to the Members of the Fire Brigade.

Government House, Hongkong, 25th August, 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

The Officer Administering the Government recommends the Council to vote a sum of Two hundred and ten Dollars ($210) in aid of the cost of the Post Office at Liu Kung Tau, from 1st August to 31st December, 1902.

Government House, Hongkong, 26th August, 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

The Officer Administering the Government recommends the Council to vote a sum of Eight thousand four hundred and seventy-eight Dollars and Thirteen Cents to cover the expenses, for the current year, of the Bacteriological Department.

ABSTRACT.

Personal Emoluments for Dr. HUNTER, 17th January to 26th February at half salary, and from 27th February to 31st December, 1902, full salary £500 per annum,

Allowance for Quarters at $60 per month from 27th February to 31st

December, 1902,

Cost of apparatus, £290 @ 1/81,

Total,..

Government House, Hongkong, 26th August, 1902.

.$4,436.80

604.29

3,437.04

.$8,478.13

C.S.O.

1988 of 1902.

C5.0.

2203 of 1902;

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

The Officer Administering the Government recommends the Council to vote a further sum of Sixty thousand Dollars ($60,000) in aid of the vote of $10,000 for "Plague Expenses" under the heading "Miscellaneous Services."

Government House, Hongkong, 27th August, 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

The Officer Administering the Government recommends the Council to vote a sum of Five hundred and fifty-six Dollars ($556.00) in aid of the following votes:-

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.

Other Charges, Miscellaneous.

1. Mounting Plans and Charts, &c.,.......

2. Incidental Expenses,..

Government House, Hongkong, 29th August, 1902.

Total,..

The Committee unanimously agreed to recommend that the above votes be passed.

The Committee then adjourned.

Laid before the Legislative Council and adopted on the 9th October, 1902.

C. CLEMENTI,

Seling Clerk of Councils,

.$ 56.00

500.00

.$ 556.00

F. H. MAY,

Chairman.

No. 13.

REPORT OF PROCEEDINGS

OF THE

FINANCE COMMITTEE,

AT A MEETING HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER, HONGKONG,

On the 9th October, 1902.

PRESENT:

The Honourable the Officer Commanding the Troops, (Colonel LOUIS FAULKNER BROWN, R.E.).

the Colonial Secretary, (FRANCIS HENRY MAY, C.M.G.), Chairman.

the Attorney General, (ir HENRY SPENCER BERKELEY, Kt.).

the Colonial Treasurer, (ALEXANDER MACDONALD THOMSON).

the Harbour Master, (ROBERT MURRAY RUMSEY, R.N.).

the Director of Public Works, (WILLIAM CHATHAM).

the Medical Officer of Health, (Dr. FRANCIS WILLIAM CLARK). HO KAI, M.B., C.M., C.M.G.

C.S.O.

WEI YUK.

CHARLES STEWART SHARP.

CHARLES WEDDERBUBN DICKSON.

GEORGE WILLIAM FORBES PLAYFAIR.

ROBERT GORDON SHEWAN.

The Committee met at the request of the Colonial Secretary.

Read the following Minutes under the hand of His Excellency the Governor :-

2121 of 1902.

C.S.0.

2143 of 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

The Officer Administering the Government recommends the Council to vote a sum of Four hundred Dollars ($400) in aid of the vote of $1,800,"Government Marine Surveyor, Other Charges, Coal, Oil, and Repairs to Steam-launch."

Government House, Hongkong, 1st September, 1902.

W. J. GASCOIGNE.

HEALTH OFFICER OF PORT,—

Coal, &c., for Launch,. Repairs to Launch,

GOVERNMENT CIVIL HOSPITAL,——

Provisions for Patients,

.$ 100.00 250.00

$ 350.00

$4,800.00 270.00 250.00

100-21.10.02.

Medical Comforts,

Incidental Expenses, &c.,

5,320.00

GOVERNMENT LUNATIC ASYLUMS,—

Provisions, &c.,

.$ 300.00

300.00

GOVERNMENT NURSING INSTITUTE,—

Fuel and Light,

.$ 160.00

160.00

Total,..

$6,130.00

Government House, Hongkong, 4th September, 1902.

C.S.O.

2015 of 1902.

C.5.0.

939 of 1902.

C.O.D.

2247 of 1902.

C.S.O. 236 of 1902.

C.S.O. 2262 of 1902.

C.S O.

975 of 1902.

C.8.0.

2356 or 1902.

HENRY A. BLAKE.

Government House, Hongkong, 11th September, 1902.

HENRY A. BLAKE.

Government House, Hongkong, 13th September, 1902.

HENRY A. BLAKE.

Government House, Hongkong, 18th September, 1902.

HENRY A. BLAKE.

Government House, Hongkong, 19th September, 1902.

HENRY A. BLAKE.

The Governor recommends the Council to vote a sum of Eight Hundred Dollars ($800), in aid of the vote of $3,600 for "Fuel and Soap for Victoria Gaol."

Government House, Hongkong, 22nd September, 1902.

HENRY A. BLAKE.

The Governor recommends the Council to vote a sum of Four thousand and One hundred Dollars ($4,100) in aid of the vote of $3,000 "Repairs to Engines, Hose, &c., and Gratuities, Fire Brigade."

Government House, Hongkong, 27th September, 1902.

HENRY A. BLAKE.

The Governor recommends the Council to vote a sum of Three thousand Dollars ($3,000) for the purchase of new furniture for "Mountain Lodge ", Government House, for the current year.

Government House, Hongkong, 27th September, 1902.

The Committee unanimously agreed to recommend that the above votes be passed.

The Committee then adjourned.

Laid before the Legislative Council and adopted on the 20th October, 1902.

C. CLEMENTI,

Acting Clerk of Councils.

F. H. MAY,

Chairman.

www

No. 14.

REPORT OF PROCEEDINGS

OF THE

FINANCE COMMITTEE,

AT A MEETING HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER, HONGKONG,

On the 20th October, 1902.

PRESENT:

The Honourable the Officer Commanding the Troops, (Colonel LOUIS FAULKNER BROWN, R.E.).

the Colonial Secretary, (FRANCIS HENRY MAY, C.M.G.), Chairman.

the Colonial Treasurer, (ALEXANDER MACDONALD THOMSON).

the Harbour Master, (ROBERT MURRAY RUMSEY, R.N.).

་ ་

the Director of Public Works, (WILLIAM CHATHAM).

the Medical Officer of Health, (Dr. FRANCIS WILLIAM CLARK). HO KAI, M.B., C.M., C.M.G.

WEI YUK.

CHARLES STEWART SHARP.

CHARLES Wedderbubn DICKSON.

GEORGE WILLIAM FORBES PLAYFAIR.

步步

ROBERT GORDON SHEWAN.

ABSENT:

The Honourable the Attorney General, (Sir HENRY Spencer Berkeley, Kt.).

The Committee met at the request of the Colonial Secretary.

The Committee considered item by item the Bill entitled An Ordinance to apply a sum not exceeding Four million seven hundred and twenty-eight thousand nine hundred and forty-two Dollars and Twenty-three Cents to the Public Service of the Year 1903, and recommended it.

The Committee considered the Bill entitled An Ordinance to amend The Dogs Ordinance, 1893, and recommended it.

The Committee considered the Bill entitled An Ordinance to amend The Chinese Emigration Consolidation Ordinance, 1889, and recommended it.

The Committee considered item by item the Bill entitled An Ordinance to amend The Stamp Ordinance, 1901. It was resolved to recommend the following amendments :—

(1.) That the fee for Adjudication be reduced from $3 to $1.

(2.) That the fee for Agreement, or any memorandum of an agreement, be reduced from

$1.50 to $1.

(3.) That the fee for Bank Cheque be reduced from 6 cents to 5 cents.

(4.) That the fee for Bill of Exchange, drawn out of, but payable on demand within the

Colony, be reduced from 6 cents to 5 cents.

(5.) That the fee for Bill of Exchange of any other kind and Promissory Note, from $10

to $50, be raised from 2 cents to 5 cents.

That the fee for Copy Charter Party be made $5 for each copy, and that no distinction

be made under this head between vessels under 200 tons and over 200 tons.

(7.) That the fee for Deed, or other instrument of Gift, be reduced from $75 to $50. (8.) That the fee for Deed, or other instrument of Assignment by a Trustee, be reduced from

$30 to $20.

(9.) That the fee for Deed of Assignment where no money consideration passes, be reduced

from $30 to $20.

100-30.10.02.

(10.) That the fee for Letter or Power of Attorney be reduced from 6 cents to 5 cents. (11.) That the fee for Power of Attorney, or Revocation of Power of Attorney, be reduced

from $6 to $4.

(12.) That the fee for Transfer of Shares for a nominal amount to be approved by the Collector

be reduced from $3 to $2.

The Committee considered item by item the Bill entitled An Ordinance to repeal The Land Registry Office (Fees) Amendment Ordinance 1902 and to amend Ordinance No. 3 of 1844 entitled "An Ordinance to provide for the Registration of Deeds Wills Judgments and Conveyances affecting real or immovable property in Hongkong". It was resolved to recommend :-

That the fee for every Search be reduced from $3 to $1.

The Committee considered item by item the Bill entitled An Ordinance to amend The Liquor Licences Amendment Ordinance, 1900. It was resolved to recommend:

That the fee for the Transfer of a Publican's Licence be increased from $20 to $200, and that

the fee for the Transfer of an Adjunct Licence be increased from $20 to $40.

The Committee then adjourned.

Laid before the Legislative Council and adopted on the 23rd October, 1902.

C. CLEMENTI,

Acting Clerk of Councils.

F. H. MAY, Chairman.

No. 15.

REPORT OF PROCEEDINGS

OF THE

FINANCE COMMITTEE,

AT A MEETING HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER, HONGKONG,

On the 23rd October, 1902.

PRESENT:

The Honourable the Colonial Secretary, (FRANCIS HENRY MAY, C.M.G.), Chairman.

the Colonial Treasurer, (ALEXANDER MACDONALD THOMSON).

the Harbour Master, (ROBERT MURRAY RUMSEY, R.N.).

the Director of Public Works, (WILLIAM CHATHAM).

the Medical Officer of Health, (Dr. FRANCIS WILLIAM CLARK). HO KAI, M.B., C.M., C.M.G.

WEI YUK.

CHARLES STEWART SHARP.

CHARLES Wedderbubn DICKSON.

GEORGE WILLIAM FORBES PLAYFAIR.

ROBERT GORDON SHEWAN,

ABSENT:

The Honourable the Officer Commanding the Troops, (Colonel LOUIS FAULKNER BROWN, R.E.).

the Attorney General, (Sir HENRY SPENCER BERKELEY, Kt.).

C.S.O.

The Committee net at the request of the Colonial Secretary.

Read the following Minutes under the hand of His Excellency the Governor :-

1999 of 1902.

C.S.0.

1528 of 1902.

HENRY A. BLAKE.

Government House, Hongkong, 21st October, 1902.

HENRY A. BLAKE.

The Governor recommends the Council to vote a sum of Five hundred Dollars ($500) in aid of the following votes of the Magistracy:-

Office Furniture, Repairs and Incidental Expenses,

Costs of Witnesses for giving Evidence in Criminal Cases, and for interpret-

ing Dialects with which the Court Interpreters are unacquainted,...

Total,..

•

$ 250.00

250.00

$ 500.00

Government House, Hongkong, 22nd October, 1902.

· The Committee unanimously agreed to recommend that the above votes be passed.

The Committee then adjourned.

Laid before the Legislative Council and adopted on the 6th November, 1902.

C. CLEMENTI,

F. H. MAY, Chairman.

Acting Clerk of Councils.

100-8.11.02.

་

No. 16.

REPORT OF PROCEEDINGS

OF THE

FINANCE COMMITTEE,

AT A MEETING HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER, HONGKONG,

On the 27th November, 1902.

PRESENT:

His Excellency Major-General, Sir WILLIAM JULIUS GASCOIGNE, K.C.M.G., General Officer Commanding. The Honourable the Colonial Secretary, (FRANCIS HENRY MAY, C.M.G.), Chairman.

the Attorney General, (Sir HENRY SPENCER BERKELEY, Kt.).

the Colonial Treasurer, (ALEXANDER MACDONALD THOMSON). the Harbour Master, (ROBERT MURRAY RUMSEY, R.N.).

the Director of Public Works, (WILLIAM CHATHAM).

the Medical Officer of Health, (Dr. FRANCIS WILLIAM CLARK). HO KAI, M.B., C.M., C.M.G.

WEI YUK.

CHARLES STEWART SHARP.

CHARLES WEDDERBUBN DICKSON.

GEORGE WILLIAM FORBES PLAYFAIR.

ROBERT GORDON SHEWAN.

The Committee met at the request of the Colonial Secretary.

Read the following Minutes under the hand of His Excellency the Governor :-

HENRY A. BLAKE.

C.S.O. 2639 or 1902.

C.S.O.

1998 of 1902.

Government House, Hongkong, 4th November, 1902.

HENRY A. BLAKE.

The Governor recommends the Council to vote a sum of Six hundred Dollars ($600) as remuneration to Mr. LEO. D'ALMADA E CASTRO for special work outside his official duties, for the Commissioner under the Statute Laws Revised Edition Ordinance, 1900.

Government House, Hongkong, 7th November, 1902.

The Committee unanimously agreed to recommend that the above votes be passed.

The Committee then adjourned.

Laid before the Legislative Council and adopted on the 4th December, 1902.

C. CLEMENTI,

Acting Clerk of Councils.

F. H. MAY,

Chairman.

100-11.12.02.

No. 1.

REPORT OF PROCEEDINGS

OF THE

PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE

at a Meeting held on the 27th February, 1902.

PRESENT:

The Honourable the Director of Public Works (WILLIAM CHATHAM), Chairman.

the Acting Colonial Treasurer (CHARLES MCILVAINE Messer).

多多

CATCHICK PAUL CHATER, C.M.G.

Dr. Ho KAI.

JOHN THURBURN.

Training Nullahs within the built Areas of the City. (C.S.O. 381).

The Chairman read several letters from Mr. BABINGTON, Mr. SKELTON and others, requesting that nullahs in the neighbourhood of the houses which they occupied should be trained. He also submitted a small general plan of the City, showing the nullahs which remained to be trained near dwelling houses, and an estimate of the cost of the work, amounting in all to $26,300.

It was unanimously agreed to recommend that the work should be undertaken as early as possi- ble, commencing with the streams in the neighbourhood of the Richmond Road and Macdonnell Road properties, and that a vote should be obtained for whatever sum could be expended by the Public Works Department during the year.

The Committee then adjourned.

Laid before the Legislative Council this 26th day of March, 1902.

R. F. JOHNSTON,

Acting Clerk of Councils.

W. CHATHAM,

Chairman.

No. 1.

REPORT OF PROCEEDINGS

OF THE

STANDING LAW COMMITTEE

at a Meeting held on 2nd December, 1902.

PRESENT:

The Honourable the Attorney General, (Sir HENRY SPENCER BERKELEY, Kt.), Chairman.

the Colonial Secretary, (FRANCIS HENRY MAY, C.M.G.).

HO KAI, M.B., C.M., C.M.G.

WEI YUK.

CHARLES STEWART SHARP.

The Committee read a Bill entitled The New Territories Titles Ordinance, 1902, clause by clause. It was decided to recommend:

(1.) Section 3.-That every person should have an extract of the holding from the Titles Register free of charge in the first instance, but that a fee should

be charged for every subsequent extract or for a search.

(2.) Section 4 (c.).—That the following words be added at the close of the sub-section :

"Should the land-holder be dissatisfied with such compensation

he may appeal to the Supreme Court in the manner provided in section 20 hereof."

(3.) Section 12.-That the words "Powers of Commissioner" in the margin be amended

to read "Powers of Registrar."

(4.) Section 25 (1.).—That the words "me morandum" in the 16th line be corrected to

read "memorandum”.

(5.) The Schedule: Form B.-That the words "the said " before "C.D." in the 8th line be deleted, and that the word "Commissioner" at the foot of the form be deleted and the word "Registrar" inserted in its stead.

6.) The Schedule: Form E.-That the words "In the goods of" in line 1 be amended to read"In the matter of ".

(7.) The Schedule: Rule 2.-That the words "in the form prescribed in Form H given in the Schedule" be deleted.

8.) The Schedule: Rule 4.-That this Rule be deleted.

(9.) The Schedule: Rule 5.-That this Rule be renumbered Rule 4.

The Committee then adjourned.

HENRY S. BERKELEY, Chairman.

Laid before the Legislative Council, and adopted on the 9th December, 1992.

C. CLEMENTI,

Acting Clerk of Councils.

100-11.12.02.

Sessional Papers - 1902