British Consulate General Hankow.
1st November, 1905.
293
Sir,
I have the honour to inform you that the Postal Agent here, Miss A. Kalone, has been compelled through ill-health and the death of her mother to hand me her resignation.
To obtain another suitable person from outside would, so far as I know, be impossible and I have the honour to suggest that my consular assistant Mr. W.J.B. Fletcher be appointed postal agent. Mr. Fletcher's own work is already very considerable but on my persuasion he consents to being nominated if he be given the assistance of the consular constable Mr. Balone, who for some months has been helping his daughter in the routine work of the post-office, but whose age and educational deficiencies preclude my suggesting that he be given the appointment.
Mr. Fletcher would take the whole responsibility for the proper conduct of the agency, but represents that in view of the growing work the remuneration which must now be divided, I trust that might be raised to dollar 80 per mensem at least.
I trust this request may be considered favourably.
The Postmaster-General, HONGKONG.
I have etc.
(Signed)
E.H. Fraser
Consul-General,