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Enclosure to Governor's Despatch No. 453 of the 31st October, 1901.
Public Works Office, Hongkong, 24th October, 1901.
I have the honour to inform you that I consider it necessary to obtain from England a well-qualified Overseer to supervise the erection of the Law Courts above ground level, a work for which I hope to be in a position to let a Contract soon.
For such an important work, involving an expenditure of $400,000 it is obviously necessary that a properly qualified man should be obtained and there is also the prospect of the New Post Office, Treasury, &c., a building of equal importance and magnitude, being undertaken at an early date.
From the fact that these two buildings will be in proximity to each other, it should be possible for one good Overseer to supervise both, with the aid of a couple of good native foremen.
I am of opinion that a man of the type I refer to could be got for a salary of £325 per annum and he should receive a travelling allowance of $180 per annum in addition.
The selection of a suitable man should be referred to the Architects, Messrs. Webb and Bell, who are in a position to understand the qualifications required and will doubtless be able to advise the Colonial Officer in the matter.
No quarters or other allowance than that stated for travelling will be granted.
The salary could be defrayed out of the vote for the work but it would be preferable to take a vote to cover it when the appointment has been made.
I have etc.,
(Sgd.) A. Chatham,
Acting Director of Public Works.
The Honourable
The Colonial Secretary.
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