1
COPY.
No. 33.
Sir,
Public Works Office,
Hongkong, 25th February, 1910.
461
I beg to inform you that, as I left England on
the 8th January, I draw my salary through the Crown Agents up
to the 7th January inclusive.
I subsequently spent several weeks on the Con- tinent, for which I am entitled to be paid at the rate of 4/- to the dollar. I desire to draw my salary for the period re- ferred to locally, but I understand from the Colonial Treasurer that he requires special authority to pay salaries at any higher rate than 3/-. I therefore request that the necessary authority
may be given.
With regard to the period for which I am entitled to draw salary at the 4/- rate, I left Moscow on the Trans- Siberian train at 11.30 p.m. on the 2nd February, crossed the
on the 5th February boundary between Europe and Asia about 5 a.m.
All pay- and arrived at Harbin at 2.8.m. on the 11th February.
ments up to Harbin were in Russian currency, which is based on a
ggold standard.
I am, etc.
(sd) W. Chatham.
Director of Public Works.
The Hon. The Colonial Secretary.