10 Charlotte Road
Wallington
Surrey July 27th 19..
The Under Secretary of State
Colonial Office.
Sir,
re: Policeman (Hongkong) J. Taylor
Your letter 20587/1903 July ...
I am writing to draw attention to some points regarding my brother's case, as detailed below.
I understand that correspondence is proceeding with the Governor of Hong Kong, and possibly, by now, a further reply has been received. My brother is entirely dependent on his friends for support, owing to the difficulty in finding employment due to the injuries he received (particularly those to his back and kneecap), which render any strenuous work impossible. His character and references being so good, I venture to think that he is entitled to some reasonable consideration.
The point I wish to emphasize is that when undertaking his duties as a policeman, it was expressly stated that while he was liable to be called on for duty as a fireman, any injuries he might receive in the performance of those duties, he would be specifically compensated for.
After partially recovering from injuries received as a fireman, he resumed his police duties, but under the impression that he would receive compensation. Although he formulated no claim then, he says the matter was well known to his superior officers.
At the time of receiving his discharge, he was in hospital and came home under doctor's orders - he received his boat ticket, and the boat leaving at once, he had not time to demur or make any claim for injuries received as a fireman, but called his superior's attention to it and was advised that his proper course would be to bring the case before you on reaching home, which he has done.
It appears to be clear that he is, or was, entitled to compensation, but it does not appear quite clear why, because he again attempted his police duties, he should not receive compensation afterwards, because there is no doubt that it was injuries received as a fireman which ultimately incapacitated him.
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