Enclosure
COPY
272 25759
Public Works Department.
No.543.
Sir,
Public Works Office,
Hong Kong, 12th August, 1899.
I have the honour to report that it has been represented to me and proved that more clerical assistance is needed in the offices of the Executive Engineer in charge of the Water Works.
The staff under Mr. Crook is at present unable to cope with the work, and as a result there is probably much waste of water going on undetected.
There are only two Water Inspectors, namely Messrs. A.W. and J. Millar, and the time of both of these officers is taken up to a great extent with clerical work, when they would be better employed inspecting water fittings and services throughout the City.
The Honourable
The Colonial Secretary.