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2. Having heard from thoroughly reliable sources of the professional ability, manliness, and efficiency of Mr. Newcombe, a young Engineer passing through Hongkong on his way home after a term of service on the staff of the Public Works Department of Japan, it occurred to me that if he would accept temporary employment under the Government his engagement would obviate the great difficulty, which had for a long time caused us much anxiety as to whence we might obtain competent supervision for the great and important work which we had to carry out.
3. Having accordingly made overtures to Mr. Newcombe subject to the approval of Government, he was induced to stay Hongkong on temporary engagement extending from month to month (for a remuneration of $300 per mensem - the same amount which under analogous circumstances was offered in 1877 to the late Mr. Satterthwaite, C.E., in connection with the Pokfulam Water Works surveys).
4. Owing to the few hours intervening before the departure of the mail, there was no time to bring this matter before you in the usual official way,