To His Excellency
In consideration of the exposure those in the Surveyor General's Department are subject, but has not been sanctioned in your case as you have been allowed private practice.
With regard to private practice His Excellency The Governor informed me on my appointment that it would not be allowed in my case, I hope however His Excellency will be pleased to make an exception with regard to the inspection of Buildings for Insurance Companies, if allowed I will undertake that the Inspection shall not take place in Office hours or otherwise interfere with my regular duties.
I may remark that when in England I understood the Surveyor General of Hongkong was on a pay of £1400 per annum whereas on my arrival I find it is £1200 only. With regard to allowances I may state that in India I was allowed three horses and house rent free, to look after my work here properly it is necessary for me to keep a house and 4 coolies which with house rent reduces my present pay to $10 per month whereas the overseer of Works gets $100, his house, and Coolies being allowed him.
I make these remarks that you may understand it is impossible for me to live on my present salary.