Sir,
3. I have the honour respectfully to ask for a chair allowance. The Government allowance is $24 a month, the requisite amount a generation ago, now 4 coolies cost $22 a month.
The Postmaster General used to live over the Post Office but for the last eight years has received $50 a month merged in salary. The like allowance for coolies is utterly inadequate.
The Postmaster General was given quarters that he might overlook the work of his Department early and late, at least that is the view I take of my duties. It seems clear therefore that a chair allowance should have been given him to carry him to and from his work.
The two officers who have held the post between the abolition of the quarters and my appointment have not applied for chair allowance, for what reason I do not know.
Since my appointment, I have constantly paid surprise visits to see the office punctually opened at 7 A.M., and you have much correspondence in your office showing that I am not infrequently down considerably earlier.
The tram runs at 7-30 A.M. and I have not to walk down. It is not at all unlikely also that I may have to walk up with the irregular way mails arrive.
Honourable
The Colonial Secretary
C.O. 1271
RECO
Bre 11 JAN 01
General Post Office
Hongkong, 20th August 1899.
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