in
1
almost any argument could be plausibly advanced.
Then in 23781/06 there was another confusion. Dr
Moore asked for the house allowance while filling this post, the allowance being available. Sir M. Nathan contended with some vehemence that he must not have it because he had been informed on appointment that he would not get any allowance for quarters. We accepted this view, thank
how
A
but I am not so thoroughly convinced that he was right as I
was then. The matter is made worse, because Mr May has now
allowed this same man to draw the allowance.
I mention these matters not because I wish to argue against
the continuance of the allowance but to shew how desirable
it is to lay down firm rules.
I would propose therefore to agree to the continuance of
the allowance on condition that it is not drawn on leave, in
any circs, but goes to the man performing the work, pro-
vided that this man, if acting for the permanent
holder, has been required to change his residence so as to be
near his work. (This was one of the disputed points in
Moore's case) If he is not so required, the allowance should
lapse. Dr Moore in the present instance seems to
be permanently entitled to the allowance as he is the man in charge
and is presumably required to live near the gaol, but I
think it might be well to make it clear that the decision
on 23781 as to the time when he was acting cannot be re-
opened and that everything before July 1st last, the date
from which he began by Mr May's permission to draw the
allowance is to be regarded as buried.
Page 1
8
C.P.2.31
.
No. 188.
Hongkong.
My Lord,
Goo
176 30033
SECT
(REC 22 AUG 07)
Government House,
Hongkong, 22nd July, 1907.
Referring to the first paragraph
of Mr. Chamberlain's Despatch No. 359 of the 23rd October,
1902, on the subject of the provision of quarters for the
Medical Officer in charge of Victoria Gaol, I have the
honour to inform Your Lordship that with the concurrence
of Sir Matthew Nathan who agreed before he left that
provision should be made in the Estimates for next year for
the building of such quarters, I recently called upon the
Director of Public Works for a full report upon this
matter which has for various reasons been left so long in
abeyance.
2.
Mr. Chatham reports that there is
only one site, and that not a favourable one for resident-
-ial quarters, available in the vicinity of the Gaol, and
he estimates the cost of erecting a four-roomed house on
this site at roughly $10,000. This site is distant a
little over half a mile from the Prison.
at once
HE RIGHT HONOURABLE
THE EARL OF ELGIN,
K.G.,
&C.
80.**
3.
Page 3