CO129-301 - Governor Sir Blake - 1900 [9-12] — Page 137

اند

#Y

!

136

The question is moreover not strictly relevant.

As regards the Shanghai Post Office I am of o-

pinion that the question as to whether it repaya this Co-

lony should be thoroughly gone into. If it does not, there

should be no hesitation in moving its abolition as the settlement has no claim upon Hongkong and there are now plenty facilities for transit or correspondence especial-

ly since the institution of the Chinese Imperial Post Of-

fice a few years, ago. Besides the English residents have

never properly supported the HongKong Post Office there,

as they were able to send letters cheaper through the Pren. --

ch Post Office.

I am of opinion also that the

sorting allowance should be kept distinct from salary.

Para. 10.

There is no hour for lunch and as a matter of

fact no clerk can claim that the hours are fixed from 10

to 4.

In my department, and I believe in the Colonial

Seuretary's Office also, work has to be done very frequent

ly after the above time. The suggestion of having a small- er staff and larger pay is not practacable in HongKong

where departments are very small as compared with depart-

ments at home and in larger colonies.

As regards Mr. Shewan's rider I do not think

the question need be raised. If it were carried out, and

exchange went down much, after fixing salaries afresh,

there would be a fresh clamour from officers whose fami-

lies were in England.

As a rule anyhow officers drawing

exchange compensation are not doing the same work as others

(ad) A.M.T.

Treasurer.

2/0/00.