508
(6)
has the cost of these works exceeded the amount of the respective votes, whilst in some cases there has been a substantial saving. These results have only been attained by close attention and constant supervision, carried on at times, as you are aware, under very arduous conditions.
In addition to the works executed, I would refer to the Governor's Peak Residence; District School, Kowloon; and Happy Valley Improvements, for which Contract Drawings, Specifications, Estimates, &c., have been prepared but on which no expenditure has hitherto been incurred.
The performance of my duties has entailed an almost constant working of overtime, sometimes far in excess of the recognizel official hours.
On a former occasion, over a year ago, I brought the question of an increase of my salary before Sir GEORGE O'BRIEN, who was then Administrator, and he advised me to lay my case before the Retrenchment Committe: (C.S.O. 24). Though the Committee distinctly stated in the first portion of its Report (para. 26) that I would be called upon to appear before it, I was never asked to do so and, relying upon the statement, I did not apply to be heard. I have therefore had no opportunity of submitting my application, which has been considerably delayed in consequence.
I trust that His Excellency may be pleased to favourably consider my applica tion and to bear in mind the circumstance just mentioned.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant,
The Honourable F. A. COOPER,
Director of Public Works.
W. CHATHAM.
(Land Bailiff to Director of Public Works.)
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT,
HONGKONG, 13th April, 1895.
SIR,
=
I have the honour, most respectfully, to apply that you will recommend me to the favourable consideration of His Excellency the Governor for an allowance for knowledge of Chinese.
I entered the Service in 1881 and have not received any remuneration for such. For the discharge of my duties as Land Bailiff the knowledge of Chinese is indis- pensable, and during the period I have performed these duties I have not had an interpreter.
I trust that I have discharged the duties of my present post to your satisfaction which will enable you to recommend me to His Excellency for the above allowance.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant,
GEO. J. W. KING,
Land Bailiff.
Honourable F. A. COOPER,
Director of Public Works,
Ye
sc.,
&c.