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the bagging and closing of all local mails, other than those despatched by contract packets. He is doing more work than the Launch officer at Hongkong at a salary of $45 per month.
Mr. Solly applied for uniforms for the postmen, and Mr. Nicolle in his report, last year, recommended the same, but, as the question of the maintenance of the Postal Agencies was under consideration the Treasurer advised the Government to refuse the application. As there is no immediate prospect of abolishing this office I would again request that the question may be reconsidered, as the postmen here are at a disadvantage in delivering mail matter, as no coolie dare enter a merchant's hong by the front door.
All our postmen have therefore to effect their deliveries by the back door. All the Foreign Post Offices have their postmen clothed, and even the Telegraph Companies' messengers have khaki uniforms.
It is an anomaly therefore to witness our postmen delivering the most important letters in the Settlement garbed in faded and nondescript Chinese dresses.
In my letter No. 221 of the 17th July, I have asked that the postmen here may be placed on the same footing as their fellow confreres at Hongkong and I trust you will endeavour to obtain this concession, as the success of this office depends in a great measure on the work done by the postmen who, if a contented body, will perform it correctly and punctually, but, if otherwise, the work is scamped and slovenly performed.
To give you an idea of the insurmountable difficulties I have to overcome with an indifferent Chinese staff, I may mention that a gross violation of mails occurred last Sunday.
Postman
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