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growth in the Public Works Establishment} but rather the reverse is abundantly proved by reference to the Blue Books, of former years, in fact the staff asked for by the Engineering
me for the year 1900 was considerably less than the staff provided for in the Estimates of 1891 and then considered by His Excellency Sir Wm Robinson to be only sufficient.
I asked for an increase in my own salary in accordance with the recommendation that had already been graciously made by His Excellency the Governor in his despatch to the Secretary of State, No 114 of 22nd June, 1891.
1879, following on my memorial dated 20th April, 1890, justified me, I think, in expecting an increase of salary in 1900, quite irrespective of the increased work and responsibility due to the additional territory added to the Colony, probably last year.
It is pointed out by my forty-fifth year of service, and is mentioned in letter 150 of 13th March, 1899, that the pay of the appointment was £1,200 per annum 13 years ago when the cost of living in Hong Kong was different to what it is now.
I understand a small increase in the salary is about to be sanctioned, I will say no more on this subject.
Jay 1 a further remark that the salary