456
319
RE
24084
Reu 21 APR 19
GOVERNMENT HOUSE.
HONGKONG. 27th. February, 1919.
My Lord,
I have the honour to inform Your Lord- -ship that, owing to the deaths of some, and the absence on active service of others, of the European Warders at Victoria Gaol, the hours of duty that are performed by the officers of this class at present in the Colony, have become unusually protracted and irregular. Efforts are being made to recruit men locally to fill vacancies, but there is no doubt that the
men have some legitimate cause for complaint, more particular- -ly as the Gaol duties need to be maintained irrespective of Sundays and holidays. The result of the shortness of staff
has been, inter alia, that the men have been compelled to forego the usual alternate Saturday afternoon and Sunday
leave.
2.
Although no definite request has been put
forward by these officers by way of relief, yet I am of the
opinion that in view of the heavy duties which they are call-
-ed upon to perform, it would not be improper to grant them overtime pay at the rate of 81.00 an hour, and I accordingly
recommend this for Your Lordship's consideration.
3.
The average sum payable to each man monthly has been calculated at 810, md I have to request
HE RIGHT HONOURABLE
VISCOUNT MILNER, G.C.B.,
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Your