Sir,
Hong Kong.
C.O. 451/10.
DOWNING STREET, LONDON.
16th April 1903.
I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 20th ultimo No.9932/1903 requesting us to engage a Building Overseer for the Colony of Hong Kong and to inform you that in view of the stress laid on the temptations to which the incumbent of the post is liable, our technical adviser informs us that he considers the remuneration offered, i.e. £210 a year with a travelling allowance of $270 a year, is not sufficient to attract a candidate of the age, experience, and character required.
This view is borne out to some extent by the failure of the late incumbent to give satisfaction.
I have to request that we may be informed whether the stipend can be increased or whether we should continue to attempt to secure a candidate on these terms.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your Obedient Servant,
Under Secretary of State,
Colonial Office.
COMMUNICATIONS ON THIS SUBJECT TO BE ADDRESSED TO THE BROWN AGENTS FOR THE COLONIES, THE ABOVE REFERENCE AND DATE OF THIS LETTER BEING QUOTED.