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778
are practically the whole of the Chinese staff who can speak English. Not one of the ten Postmen can do so, and it will be seen how difficult it is to get mail matter delivered when all the writing up has to be done by the Office boys and Compradore.
If the postmen could be induced to learn colloquial English by granting them the allowance as at Hongkong, when they become qualified, it would greatly relieve the present unsatisfactory state of affairs. I have had several complaints respecting late deliveries on account of the small staff of postmen available; but as this occurs only on the arrival of the home Mails I am loth to recommend an increase of postmen as it is more economical to hire a few more coolies by the day to help the postmen in delivering the increase of mail matter arriving on a mail day. I am trying to overcome the lateness in delivery of registered correspondence to boxholders by giving out the receipts when they apply for their letters. By getting these receipts they are able to obtain their letters at once on application and so save six or eight hours delay.
I hope by persistent application of improved methods to minimize all postal delays and trust therefore you will be pleased to second my efforts by recommending my applications for additional staff and any increase of pay or allowance to the Chinese postmen as may make them contented and thus infuse in them fresh zeal in the performance of their duties by knowing that the Government is not oblivious to their welfare and is putting them on the same footing as their fellow workers at Hongkong as regards pay, allowance of house rent, or knowledge of English.
I have &c.,
(sd). H.Dixon.
Acting Postmaster.
(3)
778
are practically the whole of the Chinese staff who can speak
English. Not one of the ten Postmen can do so, and it will be seen
how difficult it is to get mail matter delivered when all the
writing up has to be done by the Office boys and Compradore.
If the postmen could be induced to learn .colloquial
English by granting them the allowance as at Hongkong, when they become qualified, it would greatly relieve the present unsatisfac-
tory state of affairs. I have had several complaints respecting
late deliveries on account of the small staff of postmen available;
but as this occurs only on the arrival of the home Mails I am loth
to recommend an increase of postmen as it is more economical to
hire a few more coolies by the day to help the postmen in deliver- ing the increase of mail matter arriving on a mail day. I am try- ing to overcome the lateness in delivery of registered correspon- dence to boxholders by giving out the receipts when they apply for their letters. By getting these receipts they are able to obtain their letters at once on application and so save six or eight hours delay. I hope by persistent application of improved methods to
minimize all postal delays and trust therefore you will be pleased to second my efforts by recommending my applications for additional staff and any increase of pay or allowance to the Chinese postmen
as may make them contended and thus infuse in them fresh .zeal in the performance of their duties by knowing that the Government is
not oblivious to their welfare and is putting them on the same
footing as their fellow workers at Hongkong as regards pay,
ance of house rent, or knowledge of English.
I have &c.,
(sd). H.Dixon.
Acting Postmaster.
allow-
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