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substantive salary of $1,440 per annum is less than that drawn by overseers working under his orders. He is debarred from receiving compensation for the depreciation of silver, as, though an Englishman, he was born and has his domicile in Hong Kong. He is an energetic and active officer in charge of important duties, and his thorough knowledge of colloquial Chinese makes his services peculiarly valuable.
I recommend the transfer of Mr. Gale, Chief Draughtsman, to the Engineering staff as an Assistant Engineer on his present salary of $2,328 per annum. Mr. Gale is a qualified Engineer and an Associate member of the Institution of Civil Engineers. He has been latterly entrusted with the supervision of works, in which duty he has shown himself efficient - his transfer would place him in the line of promotion from which he is at present debarred. Mr. Gale has 9 years service, during which time he has received no promotion.
I recommend the appointment of a Chief Draughtsman to succeed Mr. Gale on a salary of $1,200 per annum, rising to $1,500 per annum by annual increments of $100, for which salary