Mablished 1889.
EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
roved Society under the Nasional Insurance Act.
Approval No. 212.
ELEPHONE:
248 Central.
BA/WMC.
DEFENCE
NOT DEFIANCE
CTR TRADES UNION
Affiliated to the General Tuin
Federation of Engineering tak the Labour Party, and C.
The Rt. Hon. Viscount Milner, Secretary of State for the Colonies,
Downing Street,
LONDON S.W.
twurst the
52196
2201 Cotober 1920.
OCT 201
Regd. No. 640.
643
GENERAL OFFICE:
12a Withy Grove, Manchester.
GENERAL SECRETARY:
36
J. ROWAN.
Dear Sir,
-
re Mr.N.A.Farrell
-
Hong Kong
*
I am directed to ask you for your consideration on behalf of the above man, who is a member of this Union and who is employed under H.M.Government by the Director of Public Works, Hong Kong. The brief particulars are as followe:-
Mr.Farrell, who is an associate member of the society of Electrical Engineers and a full qualified electrician, was appointed in 1901 as overseer in charge of telegraphe and telephones. In 1913 the post of electrician was created and Kr.Farrell naturally expected to be appointed to this position. However, a man, Mr.R.J.Stevenson, a pensioner from the Army was appointed. It is understood that Mr.Stevenson has neither diplomas nor trade qualifications sufficient to entitle him to the position. Mr. Farrell, however, still feeling aggrieved remained at his post. In 1914 he joined H.M.Navy, being at the time home on sick leave, but was demobilised in 1920, and in April of this year the post of Assistant Electrician was created. Mr.Farrell was surprised to find that a man outside the service was appointed, in the person of Mr. J.C.Clarke, whom, it is alleged, has no trade qualifications for the position,
It is understood, that under Paragraphs 35 and 37 of the colonial regulations, claims of meritorious public service generally take precedence of those new to the public service, and that claims for promotion would be considered in order of their seniority, but that the Belection will be mainly decided by regard to official qualifications.
It is felt that enquiry will show that Mr. Farrell has been hardly dealt with in that he possesses superior qualifications and longer service than either of the gentlemen who have been given preference to him.
This Union has no desire to interfere unduly with matters which concern the discretion of the Secretary for