507
(5)
10. The importance, therefore, both as to the efficiency and the quantity of work done; of retaining the services of capable men who not only have a thorough knowledge of the local con.litions but are also well in touch with the work of the department in all its branches, is obvious.
11. I may mention that I have already received inquiries as to one of the engineers for an appointment at a salary of £700 a year, and it can hardly be expected that men will be content to stay here year after year at the same salary knowing that every year's experience adds to the value of their services.
12. The annual reports and my report on the report of the Retrenchment Committee, I venture to think, are conclusive as to the capability and loyalty of the present staff, and the amount of work done by comparatively a small staff and one numerically less than that recommended by Sir WILLIAM DES Vœux, who, in recommending the staff he did, expressed a doubt if even that would be found sufficient in the immediate future; that it has been found sufficient is due to the capabilities and industry of the present staff, I have not the least hesitation in asserting.
1
13. In forwarding Mr. CHATHAM'S application I therefore submit to the favourable consideration of His Excellency the Governor the salaries of Messrs. CHATHAM, TOOKER, CROOK, DRURY, GIBBS, HAZELAND and XAVIER be increased, the two latter especially in the event of their not receiving exchange compensation, to which I am afraid Mr. XAVIER has no claim under the regulations.
14. I also submit Mr. KING's application for an allowance for his knowledge of Chinese to favourable consideration. The result of his exertions and knowledge of Chinese is especially evident in the satisfactory collection of squatters' fees during recent years, as recorded in my annual report for 1894.
15. The applications of the two Chinese Clerks, Mr. TSE TSAN TAI and Mr. CHAN KAM TO, and Mr. CHEONG YAU, are also, I think, worthy of consideration, and I would submit, for the favourable consideration of His Excellency the Governor, that their salaries be increased to $528, $108, and $396, respectively.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant,
FRANCIS A. COOPER,
Director of Public Works.
The Honourable
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY.
(Mr. W. Chatham to Director of Public Works.)
PUBLIC WORKS OFFICE, 4th May, 1895,
SIR,
I have the honour to make application for an increase of salary and trust you will be good enough to recommend the same to the favourable consideration of His Excellency the Governor.
I would point out that my permanent salary remains the same as at the date of my appointment five years ago, namely, $300 per month. During that period I have had principal charge of numerous public works, several of them of very con- siderable magnitude and importance, the aggregate expenditure upon which has amounted to over $727,000, and I am pleased to state that in no single instance