Appendix R.
REPORT ON THE GENERAL POST OFFICE, HONGKONG, FOR THE YEAR 1916.
1.- STAFF.
Mr. E. D. C. Wolfe acted as Colonial Treasurer in addition to his other duties from the 8th April to the 21st October.
Mr. J. D. Lloyd, Assistant Postmaster General, was attached to the office of the Superintendent of Imports and Exports throughout the year.
Mr. N. L. Smith, acting Assistant Postmaster General, went on leave on the 23rd April and was replaced by Mr. R. E. Lindsell who acted until the 12th November. He in turn was relieved by Mr. E. W. Hamilton who took over the duties as Mr. N. L. Smith was granted leave of absence for the duration of the war on his receiving a commission in the Army.
It is with great regret that I have to report the death on the 4th August of Mr. T. H. Martin, Superintendent of the Registration and Parcels Branches, after 14 years service in the General Post Office Hongkong following on a lengthy service in the General Post Office of the United Kingdom. The services of Mr. J. A. Cooper, sergeant in the 4th King's Shropshire Light Infantry and a postal officer by profession, were very kindly placed at the disposal of the General Post Office by the General Officer Commanding the Troops stationed in Hongkong. Mr. Cooper acted as Superintendent from the 14th August until 31st December when he was re-called for duty with his regiment.
Mr. R. C. Watt continued to act as Postal Inspector in addition to his other duties, no definite appointment being possible during the continuance of the war. During the year three members of the clerical staff were transferred to other Departments, one to the Magistracy, one to the Supreme Court, and one to the Education Department. To replace them three clerks were transferred to the General Post Office, one from the Public Works Department, one from the Magistracy (correspondence clerk) and one from the General Post Office Telephone Exchange. Eight clerks resigned and were replaced by six General Post Office probationers, one probationer from the Colonial Secretary's Office and one outside clerk.
In the Radio Telegraph Staff one new appointment was made, a probationer Radio Telegraphist in grade IV being appointed on the 1st April. He was promoted to grade IV on passing the prescribed test after which he was transferred to operate the Land Line at the D'Aguilar Wireless Station.