NO. 457.
Sir,
Government House
C.O. 489
43231 RECO
Hongkong, 4th November, 1897
I have the honour to inform you that two vacancies for Overseer and Assistant Overseer have occurred in the Public Works Department, and to request you to be so good as to instruct the Crown Agents to find suitable men to fill both vacancies.
2. The Overseer is required to supervise the construction of certain new Government buildings. The amount provided in the Estimates is $1,200 per annum with Exchange Compensation. This is equal to about £150. The Acting Director of Public Works, however, is of opinion that £180 is required to obtain a suitable man from England, and believes that the larger salary will secure more competent supervision. In this opinion I concur.
3. The Assistant Overseer is required in connection with the maintenance of public buildings, and the supervision of repairs and alterations. $960 with compensation or about £120, is provided in the Estimates, and the Acting Director of Public Works, with whom I agree, considers that £150 must be offered to secure a capable man for the post.
4. I enclose the usual papers of particulars (in duplicate) and shall be glad if the Crown Agents will lose no time in inviting
THE RIGHT HONOURABLE
JOSEPH CHAMBERLAIN, M.P.,
&c. &c. &c.