400
$300 per month so as to place the Land Surveyor on an equal footing with the Executive Engineers. From enquiries I have made it appears that since his appointment to the Hongkong Service, Mr. Malsch has had a great deal to do with land questions, and has probably more experience of them than any other official in the Colony.
Since his return I may add that he has rendered me useful assistance in this very important branch of the Department.
7. I may here explain that when I sent in my original proposals for the re-organisation of the Staff, I had had comparatively little experience of the work of land survey branch. Its operations as is well known are not limited to land surveying but comprise the duties usually performed by a land agent; viz: - the valuation and sale of property. Taking into consideration the fact that the work of this branch is considerably in arrear, and that experience shows that many of the old lease plans are inaccurate, and require to be made over again, and that the revenue loses considerably from this cause, I am of opinion that for years to come there will be ample employment for the Land Surveyor, and an Assistant Land Surveyor, which appointments would if my suggestion be adopted, be filled by Mr. Malsch and Mr. Prosser respectively.
8. Until the arrival of the Assistant Surveyor General and Chief Draftsman, it is desirable that on the transfer of Mr. Cooper to Mr. Chadwick, Mr. Malsch should also have the general supervision of the technical branch of the Office Staff (draftsman &c.).
(4)
7.8