COPY.
CONFIDENTIAL.
Enclosure 1.
Sir,
14748 260
Harbour Department, MAY (5)
Hongkong, 13th. March, 1905.
I have the honour to bring to the notice of
His Excellency the Governor the serious state of affairs which
has developed in this Department by reason of the dislocation of
the staff.
2.
Although the situation may only now be said
to have reached a critical stage, difficulties began to arise in
April of last year, when Mr. Botelho Junr., the 4th. Clerk, who
had been four years in the Office, threw up his post in favour of
a more lucrative appointment outside, and Mr. Rahfeek, who had
been 6th. Clerk and Indian and Malay Interpreter for seven years
followed suit a month later.
3.
Events have moved more rapidly lately. The
Assistant Harbour Master's letter of the 10th. instant speaks
for itself. The resignation of the 4th. Clerk, Mr. Remedios, who
has been offered a good berth in a Mercantile Office, was sent in
the following day. Two thoroughly good Officers, Mr. Crake,
Assistant Government Marine Surveyor, and Mr. Mclver, Junk
Inspector, have informed me of their intention to leave as soon
as the necessary arrangements can be made for their taking up
better appointments elsewhere, and Mr. Alves, 1st. Clerk, as you
are aware, retires on pension on the 1st. of May.
4.
1 found, ont king over my duties a year ago,
that a spirit of dissatisfaction prevailed throughout the Depart-
ment. This may be traced to two causes:-
(1)
That the salaries are considered inadequate
to meet the cost of living in the Colony.
(ii)
Honourable
The Colonial Secretary.
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