CO129-292 - Governor Sir Blake - 1899 [6-8] — Page 129

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wages of the Stokers necessary because these men have charge of the Engines at a fire till the arrival of the European Engine Drivers who are Policemen and who are not in the spot as a rule when the fire breaks out. The Engines are valuable pieces of Machinery and it is very desirable that they should be in the hands of competent men who know their engines; unless these men's wages are increased they will leave the Brigade and go and seek employment on steamers and launches in the harbour. We lost a valuable man in that way last year.

When the engines are not used at a fire these men act as firemen and are most useful in instructing the less experienced Chinese firemen.

For the scale now recommended I think the men we have got will stay with us, for some little time at any rate.

I desire to abolish the term "Watchman" as the men are really firemen and all the firemen take turn now at look-out duty. I desire to promote the two watchmen at $9 to the $10 class as they are experienced men and deserve the increase.

I have left the $10 class as it is as I hope to get men to stay for that sum in spite of this year's experience.

Finally I have raised the $7.50 and $6.00 classes to $9.00 wages have risen since I recommended them for $8.00 last year,