263
5.
the estimates which are before you.
Cadet Service.
During the year the Cadet Service has lost three of its senior officers, Messrs. Tratman and Breen through retirement, and Mr. N.L. Smith, though fortunately the Colony retains him, through promotion. I am sure that all will join with me in congratulating Mr. Smith on his new appointment and in express- ing the debt of gratitude which Hong Kong owes to the two officers who have retired for their services in the past, and in wishing them good health and happiness in the future.
It is not proposed at present to ask for new appointments
to fill these three vacancies.
Clerical Service.
Recruitment for the European section of the Senior Clerical and Accounting Staff has been suspended and vacancies are for the present being filled by local recruits. A similar experiment is being conducted in the Police and Sanitary Depart- ments.
Colonial Legal Service.
The Legal Departments have for some time been short-handed. They have had the assistance of two members of the Administra- tive Service who are qualified barristers, but even so it has not always been possible to keep all posts filled and there has been no reserve in case of sickness or to enable officers to take
casual leave.
It is proposed to recruit two additional officers, one as
a reserve, and one to assist in the Land Office, where there are large arrears of Crown Leases awaiting issue.
Post Office.
Two large additional items appear under Post Office repre-