CO129-302 - Public Offices - 1900 — Page 248

ALL COMMUNICATIONS

TO BE ADDRESSED TO THE CROWN AGENTS FOR THE COLONIES.

Hong Kong

C.U.

33437

&

241

EGP 13 OCT 08

DOWNING STREET, LONDON.

11th October

190 0.

Regn 1172 Aunts.

Ca

31798

Sir,

With reference to your letter 18513/1900 of the 23rd June relative to the appointment of an Assistant Engineer and Overseer in the Public Works Department of Hong Kong, I

have the honour to inform you as regards the latter appointment,

the former one having already been filled up as reported to

you by our letter of the 28th ultime, that Mr Chadwick advises us that he cannot find anyone willing to accept the post on the present terms offered. He points out that wages for all classes have risen greatly in the last few years and moreover there is at the present time great activity in the building

trade.

In these circumstances Mr Chadwick says that unless the wages are materially increased he cannot undertake to recommend a reliable man for the appointment. I would therefore suggest for the consideration of une Secretary of State that we may be authorised to offer a salary of at least $1500 per annum with exchange compensation allowance,

Under Secretary of State,

&c &c

&c

Colonial Office.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your Obedient Servant,

Luther

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