No. 377
Enclosure No. 2 to Despateh No. 26
23rd June, 1908.
452
Public For Hongkong, 10th June, 1908.
REC?
31332
JL 02
With reference to the recommendations of the Public Works Commission regarding additions to the staff of overseers,
I have the honour to submit the following notes:
1. Three Overseers or Inspectors for performing the duties imposed on the Public Works Department by the Building Ordinances. Those should be thoroughly practical men, of considerable experience in plain building work. Their duties will consist principally of exercising a general supervision over new buildings or alterations of existing buildings throughout the Colony, examining and reporting on old buildings, which may be considered dangerous, or which it may be proposed to alter or demolish, reporting the commencement of any work without due notice having been given or the occurrence of deviations from the deposited plans, etc. As the majority of the buildings in the Colony are Chinese Tenement Houses, the construction and architecture are generally of an inferior class. In consequence of the prevalence among such a population as that of Hongkong, of attempts at corrupting those who perform such duties, it is essential that those men should be reliable and trustworthy in the exercise of their duties, in addition to being qualified to perform them. The salary I would recommend for each post is £200 per annum with travelling allowance of $376. The salary to be increased to £250 by triennial increments of £25 per annum. This however would not affect the 3 years' agreement upon which the appointments would be made. No quarters or other allowances to be given.
2. One Overseer for Roads inside the City. A well-qualified man with experience in the construction and maintenance of roads is required. As the use of asphalt for surfacing roads is under consideration, it is desirable that he should possess some knowledge of this class of paving. The salary I would recommend is $150 and $270 travelling allowance, no quarters or other allowances.
3. One Overseer for Telephones. During the absence on leave of Mr. Dougherty, Overseer, it was found necessary to appoint someone to supervise the Government Telephone Service. The services of a very suitable man, Mr. W. A. Farrell, who had formerly gained much experience...
The Honourable
The Colonial Secretary.