A
545
vacated by the resignation of Mr. Birnie to join His Majesty's Naval Services has been filled by the appointment of a Chinese. Mr. Russell holds the rank of Captain in the Company of Engineers in the Hongkong Defence Corps, and practically his whole time is occupied with his duties in
this capacity.
3.
Against the decrease of work in the Harbour Office, due to the decrease in tonnage using the port, must be partly set off the increase in work, especially out of office hours, which is occasioned by the much greater expedition which owners now use in discharging and loading and fitting their vessels for sea. I m satisfied that considerable overtime is worked in this comection.
4.
The case of Commander Beckwith has been
735 dealt with separately under your Despatch No. 78 of the
26th. March. I have now to recommend that Mr. McIver, Acting First Boarding Officer, be given a monthly allowance of 850, that Mr. Thomson receive a similar allowance of $30, and that a monthly allowance of $25 be granted to Er. Sirdar Khan, Chief Clerk; these allowances to take effect from the lat. January last, and to continue until further notice. I have also to recommend that, with effect from the sme dote, the Marine Surveyors should receive an allowance of 85 per hour, up to a maximum of 820 a day, for work done on Saturday afternoons, on Sundays, and on holidays. This ellowance is amply covered by overtime fees that are charged for the Surveyors' services.
I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your most obedient, humble servant,
Rom
Governor,&c..