What is the object in this photo and what is its function? | Gwulo: Old Hong Kong

What is the object in this photo and what is its function?

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Submitted by Unknown user (not verified) on Tue, 2009-10-27 15:59

I went for a tour of the old buildings in Tai Hang, Causeway Bay, and on the corner of Omsley Road and College Street (at the back of No 3, 4 School Street) I saw the object in this photo.  Does anyone know what it is / was for?  

 

Also, how does one read the marking on these "house" shaped signs?  

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Submitted by philk on Wed, 2009-10-28 11:12.

I can't see anything...

Submitted by CL on Wed, 2009-10-28 20:30.

sign on wall, Tai Hang
exhaust, Tai Hang

Submitted by tngan on Wed, 2009-10-28 23:58.

Hi there,

It should be be an exhaust of a Cesspit.  Tai Hang is a very old village.  It was already there when the Island was ceded.  I don't know exactly when this particular exhaust or even the cesspit were constructed, but I think it is is an isolated system serving only the house behind.  Very likely it was already there before Causeway Bay was fully developed.

These are very common and could still be found in villages in the New Territories and Out Lying Islands.

Best Regards,

T

Submitted by CL on Thu, 2009-10-29 15:23.

I see.  Thanks T for solving the puzzle.