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Europeans and one Chinese. Further one of these practically
does no pilotage as he is engaged in controlling the newly form-
-ed Pilots' Association and has other interests demanding his
attention. Allowance must always be made for a certain per-
-centage of absentees, either through sickness or temporary
absence from their work.
As a result of the number of licences being
so limited complaints are being made that the service does not
meet the needs of those engaged in it and demands have already
been put forward for higher pay than that laid down in the
Filot Regulations, whilst on the other hand shipping companies
are deprived of the services of ren whom they have employed for
a number of years, in whom they have thorough confidence and
whom they wish to retain.
It is further understood that in one or
two cases at least old Chinese pilots who have passed the
examination have not been granted licences, the vacancies being
filled by Europeans subsequently examined.
If the navigation of the waters of the
Colony were of so intricate a nature as to necessitate the
engagement of highly qualified pilots, such as are required in
the thames, or the Hooghly, the Committee would be only too
ready to favour a schere providing such a service; this however
is not the case.
While therefore pilotage in the Harbour
of Hongkong is not so absolutely essential the custom has gra-
-dually grown up to send pilots off to vessels, who can give
the Cormanders the latest information as to the Harbour hegula-
-tions, position of vessels in port, and more particularly the
course of the currents when taking the vessel to a wharf or
dock. Many shipping companies only supply pilots for the latter
work.
In