the Church Trustees for the erection of the Cathedral, I have also been employed in various works for the Public Office, and of the present local government lately by direction of the Jurors.
For the preparation of plans for public buildings, etc. For these works I have never (except in one instance) received any remuneration, although for similar services Officers of the Royal Engineers are invariably paid.
I think it will be seen from these statements that the occupations of my private as well as public time have been of benefit to Her Majesty's Government, and it may fairly be inferred that such employments cannot have rendered me an unfaithful and inefficient public servant. In this light, the subject was viewed by the Commissioners who sat lately upon "Official Fees" and recommended that the Government Surveyor should be permitted the private practice of his profession.
I observe that the duties I have to perform (in such a climate as Hong Kong) are of a difficult, often dangerous, and arduous nature, subjecting me to exposure to sun and rain while directing and superintending frequently at a considerable distance from any town or residence, and in addition to the usual Office hours, so that I am differently situated from other public officers who have not such outdoor duties.
I hope these circumstances will be taken into consideration in conjunction with the amount of Salary which I receive; officially, no complaint has ever been made of any neglect of any public duties, either to the Colonial or the Naval Government. I therefore most respectfully and with confidence appeal to Her Majesty's Government for a reconsideration of the decision alluded to at the commencement of this letter, which deprives me of such necessary instruction as Architect, and also of a source of income in the Colony.