Hong Kong, half of his salary is paid at
J
7) to the dollar.
{ "aking exchange at 2/2 this represents a salary of $3600 in toto or thereabout.
The work in Singapore cannot be great.
aj that performed in Hong Kong is the vessels sailing out of Singapore and carrying Passenger Certificates are very much smaller than those sailing from His Colony, going few, if any, large steamers are ever surveyed.
Chief Engineers of steamers on the China Coast draw salaries and allowances varying from $3,400 to $3600 per annum.
The duties of Assistant Marine Surveyor are much more responsible and much more arduous than those of the Chief Engineer of a steamer.
Within the last ten years the average steam pressure carried on steamers has increased 100%, steamers have increased in tonnage and horse-power; with the introduction of triple expansion engines, evaporators, etc., and with the new Life Saving Appliance Act the work and responsibility have very materially increased in this sub-department.
My present salary is $2400, the same as was fixed in 1883 when the work was considerably less than it is now.
I therefore respectfully request you to recommend that His Excellency may be pleased to grant my petition.
Your obedient servant,
James Macdonald, Acting Assistant Marine Surveyor.
Harbour Master.
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