90.
Sir.
23114
REC
REG 4 MAY 17
381
GOVERNMENT HOUSE,
HONGKONG, 21st. March, 1917.
I have the honour to report that it has of late
become increasingly difficult to retain the crew of the Steam Tender Stanley", in view of the large increase in wages now
paid in the port to Chinese mechanics and seamen of any
experience.
2.
The Chief Engineer, for example, with sixteen
years' service, draws 846 per month, wherens he could get
860 to 880 in a river ste‹mer; and the boatswain, who draws
824, could get $30 elsewhere.
3.
I have accordingly spproved an increase in the wages paid, as shown in the attached schedule, with effect from
the 1st. Februery; end I have now to ask your covering authority.
It has been found possible to reduce the complement of sesmen
by one, whereby a saving of 8150 per annm is effected.
I have the honour to be.
Sir,
Your most obedient,
humble servant,
ARE RIGHT HONOURABLE
WALTER LONG, MP.,
&c.,
&C..
&o..
Governor, &c..