CO129-279 - Public Offices - 1897 — Page 38

only be obtained by passing a somewhat severe examination.

sequently a demand has arisen for qualified men.

Con-

Moreover in former times, when much less than $100 a year was paid, the Inspector did not devote his whole time to the duties of the office, but possessed some other avocation such as the collection of rates, rents or taxes.

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As a member of the Sanitary Institution of Great Britain, one of whose main objects has been to raise the qualifications and status of Sanitary Officers of all denominations, I cannot undertake to nominate persons having the education which the prescribed qualifications imply, at salaries which, taking climate and conditions of life into account, are inferior to the wages of a skilled artisan.

In my opinion the Government of Hong Kong would be imprudent to give persons, paid at the proposed rates, the supervision of Scavenging Contractors. To do so would be to place a premium on corruption.

It would be better to appoint one man, thoroughly competent, at a salary at least double that proposed, and cause him to train local persons as sub-inspectors.

I have &c.

(Sgd) Osbert Chadwick.

2.