b
M/3093
FROM SIR ALEX. BINNIE, SON & DEACON, TO THE CROWN AGENTS.
Artillery House,
Artillery Row,
Westminster,
S.W. 1.
19th April, 1933.
Gentlemen,
Hong Kong
-
Shing Mun Valley Waterworks.
41
We have been asked by the Resident Engineer to
arrange for an additional Assistant Engineer to leave
England at the earliest possible date.
The salary would be at the rate of £800 per
annum and the engagement on terms similar to those contained
in Mr. Innes' agreement but with (a) the term of the engagement
should be for such period as may be necessary, having regard
to the position of the work, but not exceeding five years from
the date of arrival in the Colony (we suggest this variation
in the usual clause as it may happen that if Mr. Campbell remains
seconded until the termination of the work, the person engaged
might not be required for the entire construction period);
(b) the allowance in lieu of quarters $80 a month, and
(c) transport allowance not exceeding $75 a month.
There has been an unexpected amount of sickness
amongst the staff, and Mr. Campbell, who is the P.W.D.officer
seconded for duty on these works, has unexpectedly got married
and put in for leave to commence at the end of July, which other-
wise might have been granted at a time more convenient to the
work.
Apart from these considerations, there is such a lot of
detail work involved in the preliminary plant and building layout
that the staff generally are overworked.
This matter was referred by the Resident Engineer to
His Excellency The Governor, and we have received cabled advice
from/