Public Works Department,
1907.
Hongkong, April 9th.
I beg to draw your attention to the fact
that the first increment of my salary commences on the 1st
of this month, my engagement dating from March 31st.
I wish however to take this opportunity of
pointing out the utter inadequacy even of this increased
salary for the work and the position I hold, and I would
suggest that the amounts I have been receiving some months viz.
$347 $368 (including travelling expenses) etc. etc., are not
sufficient for a first class Overseer even, under the conditions
existing here.
My work is heavy and strenuous and to carry
out some of the duties of the post honestly and fearlessly
frequently involves one in strong and direct antagonism with
powerful vested interests, usually defended by the most capable
of the professional men in the Colony, and I would respectfully
ask that my salary may be increased so as to bear some kind of
proportion to the capacity expected in my work.
Mr. Waring at Westminster took special
pains to point out that my prospective salary actually meant