13.
14.
303
I would point out that the duties of the Surveyor
General will under the proposed arrangement be both more numerous
and onerous than they were in past years, even before the insti-
Formerly tution of the separate Water and Drainage Department.
both the Water Works and the raimge Works were of a most rudi- mentary character requiring and certainly receiving but little attention. On the completion of the works now in progress, Hong
Kong will be provided with a systom as complete as that of any European City, and the proper management thereof will be no small addition to the duties and responsibility of the office.
Under these circumstances I think that it is but just
to make some addition to the remoration of the Surveyor General so long as he also discharges the duties of Engincer to the ter and Drainage Works in addition to the general work of his office. This would make it more easy in future to obtain the services
of a person suited for the combined appointment, whilst to some extent, it would provide for the re-establishment of a seperate department should that course, at some future date prove desira
blo.
Whether the arrangement which I have suggested be approved or not, I sincerely trust that Mr Cooper's application will be granted. I am of opinion that the Government of Hong Kong will be most fortwate in securing the services of so com- petont a man. Even should his appointment terminate my connec- tion with Hong Kong, it will be better, in the public interest, and more satisfactory to myself, that he should retain the charge of the Water and Drainage Works; than that, for the purpose of