697
Foochow.
Post Office Agent and Assistants. The salaries of these officers have been increased in order to bring them to the level of those employed in similar capacities in other Agencies. It will be noted that the Assistants are merely put on an in- cremental scale, but do not get any increase next year.
Hoihow.
2 Postmen.—Provision for an additional postman at $72 per annum is made on the recommendation of His Britannic Majesty's Consul at the port. The one postman there is at present entrusted with the sale of stamps and also has to carry all the mails, &c.
Liu Kung Tau.
2 Assistants. 4 Postmen and 2 Couriers.-The additional expenditure now provided for has this year been paid by the Agent out of the $2,400 allowed to him.
OTHER CHARGES.
Shanghai.
Travelling Expenses of Marine Ifficers. The increase of $1,550 is for pro- viding passages for the Marine Officers who have to leave Shanghai earlier than hitherto owing to the accelerated service under the new contract with the P. &. O. S. N. Co. These Officers have formerly travelled free of charge by the P. & 0. Steamers which now arrive here a day too late to connect with the outward English Mail.
Liu Kung Tau.
Incidental Expenses.-See explanation under "Personal Emoluments."
HARBOUR MASTER'S DEPARTMENT.
PERSONAL EMOLUMENTS.
A-Harbour Office.
House Allowance to Boarding Officers has been increased from $420 to $720 per annum, the former sum being considered inadequate compensation for free quarters to which these officers are entitled under the terms of their original appointment.
B.--Mercantile Marine Office.
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All wance to First Clerk for Overtime.-The services of this clerk are often required on board steamers for the engagement or discharge of crews, for which the Government collects a fee, It is considered fair to remunerate him for such service when rendered out of office hours.
D.-Marine Surveyor's Office.
Messenger. This man has been 17 years in the office, and has done his work satisfactorily. The increase is personal to himself only.
G.-Lighthouses.
2 Assistants for Cap-Sui Mun Light.-The new Light recently fixed requires better supervision than the present Lamp Trimmer can give. It is therefore proposed to replace him by 2 Chinese Assistant-keepers.