The scheme propounded by Mr. T. W. Waters, C.E., includes a water supply for the American and, English Settlements, the French Concession, and a supply to. the native city by stand pipes at the north and cast gates. As to the source of the supply, it is stated that at various times four different places have been proposed, namely, from the reeks in the vicinity of the Fung-wan hills, from the Soochow Creek, from the Whangpo river above the city, and from the Whang-10 river below the harbour limits. The first three of these are objectionable for reasons specified by Mr. Waters, while he points out that the last-named source of supply, namely, from the Whang-po n below the harbour, taken during spring tides, possesses many advantages. The water so taken will consist almost entirely of Yangteze river water, which although carrying large quantities of earthy matter in suspension, has been shown by chemical analysis to be almost free from organic matter. In fact this carthy matter acts as a purifier, and can be easily separa by filtration, leaving the water pure wholesome. Another source probably exists in water bearing strata below the surface to be reached by artesian borings, Should artesian waterbefound of sullicient quantity and quality it would effect a consider: able saving in mains, filters, settling tanks, purchase of land, and in the annal working expenses. After careful geological study of the country around Shanghai, Mr. Waters thinks it seems highly probable that an abundant supply could be reached by boring, that the very moderate depth of 800 fect need not be exceeded, and further that the water so tapped would rise to the surface. As in most matters connected with mining, there is no absolute certainty that artesian water exists at the above depth, or that, if found, the quality would be suitable for the supply of the Settlements, but still the indications are most favourable. He estimates the cost of a boring including tools, lining, pipes, &e., at from Tls. 4,000 to is. 6,000 dependent on th The estimate of the di sumption is fixed at 40 the foreign population of the estimated at 2,000, or $0,000 gallons po hours; 150,000 gallons for Mun poses; 600,000 gallons for consumption by the Chinese, based on a native population of 200,000 and three gallons per head; and allowance is made for 22,000 gallons per day as the supply for the shipping. As the foreign population has been nearly stationary for the last ten years, and the area of land in the Settlements occupied by foreigners is being annually contracted, Mr. Waters thinks that no provision need be made for any future extra demand from this quarter. Any increase in consumption must come from an increase in the native population. Now if all the vacant ground on the English Settlement be built on, it will allow of about 20 per cent addition to the present Chinese population of the Settlement, and would entail a proportionately increased. water consumption, which ought to be provided for when laying down the mains ec. in the first instance. Should any further increase take place, it must necessarily be to the west of the English Settlement beyond the Defence Creek and in the outlying portions of Hongkew." This need not be provided for at present, but as the demand occurs, when it should be met by laying a second line of mains through the new district, The maximum daily consumption therefore would stand thus,—Fore $0,000 gallons, Municipal purposes,....0-. 150°000 Native consumption 600,000, Supply of shipping say 30,000, 20/ additional native eon:
sumption Daily consumption Waste.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.