CAB. N2271. Hong Kong.
21st December, 1866. Registrar General
(Cecil C. Smith) Colonial Secretary (W. T. Mercer)
In reference to the Salaries of
the officers in the Registrar General's office, and the proposed scheme of carrying into effect the Registration
Advance..
Enclosure 10 in Lord
Sir Richard Graves Macdonnell's Despatch 1179 of the 20th December 1866.
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THE FOLLOWING REGULATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS ARE ISSUED FOR THE GUIDANCE OF THE OFFICERS OF THE HARBOR MASTER'S DEPARTMENT.
The duties of each Officer are defined as nearly as can be to facilitate the working of the Department and prevent confusion; but it is to be borne in mind that all Officers are to render willing and cheerful assistance to each other. If the wants of the service require it, the duties hereby assigned will be changed or added to as necessity may render it expedient.
No Officer will be permitted to say that any order given him does not come within the sphere of his duties.
Whenever a doubt may arise or a difference of opinion occur I am to be appealed to, that an impartial settlement of the dispute may be arrived at.
1.
The attendance book is to be signed immediately on arrival in Office.
No person may leave the Office without previously acquainting the Senior Officer present.
2.
3. Except under extraordinary circumstances one Clerk only may be absent from the Office at a time.
4. Any person who is unable to attend Office is to acquaint me with the cause thereof and (if sick) is to send in a Medical Certificate signed by the Colonial Surgeon.
5.
The Boats are not to be employed for private purposes without my sanction.
6.
The Senior Clerk is not to be absent unless I am present and Senior and Second Clerks are not to be absent at the same time.
Duties of Assistant Harbor Master.
To assist the Harbor Master generally and in all duties imposed by the Harbor and Coasts Ordinance or by the Governor in Council under that Ordinance and more especially in constantly visiting and superintending the various Outstations. He will see that the Chinese Office is open from 7 to 8 A.M. and from 10 A.M. until 6 P.M. Masters of Boats are to report themselves between those hours and those desirous of sailing the same day or early the following morning may take out their Clearances then. The anchorage is to be well searched to see if any vessels are lying there who have not reported and previously to going afloat, the Assistant Harbor Master will take a good look out all round the Harbor from the "look out" at the top of the house to see what Junks have come in during the night, and any unlicensed ones are to be immediately sent to the proper "Junk Anchorage." In the course every day he will visit, when not otherwise employed, each end of the Harbor Boundary to see that no Junks are anchored in improper places, bearing in mind that "Licensed Vessels" only are allowed the privilege of anchoring in places other than the "Junk Anchorage," but all vessels, except those having Special Permit Licenses and those licensed by the Registrar General, are to be provided with an "Anchorage Pass" or Clearance and no unlicensed vessel is allowed to move about without a "Special Permit" or "Port Clearance." No Junks, except those with Special Permit Licenses and Licensed Fishing Boats, may go to Sea without the latter. He will immediately arrest any vessel infringing these rules and give her into the Custody of the Police.
He will enter in a book provided for the purpose the work he has done during the day reporting that at least 20 Chinese vessels have been visited by himself. On receiving the Number of a License given to a Junk he will see that it is properly painted on each bow handing a certificate (Form C) to that effect to the 3rd Clerk for custody.
He will visit each "Harbor Master's Station" at least weekly at uncertain times and inspect the Register of arrivals and departures and collect any fees that have been received subsequent to his last visit, and will board all Junks at anchor there and examine their Passes, &c., and see that the dates of their issue agree with the Receipt of Fees Book; he will also enquire into any complaints that may be made to him by the Masters of Junks and satisfy himself that the Officer in charge is active and zealous in the performance of his duties; he will sign the books at each visit and report to me the state of the Stations.
The Inspector and two Assistant Inspectors will assist him in his duties, and be under his immediate orders and receive instructions from him daily-one of them should visit the North side of the Harbor daily to see that no unlicensed Junks are at anchor there. The "Junk Anchorages” should be visited frequently.
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