CO129-329 - Governor Nathan - 1905 [7-12] — Page 71

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Europeans and one Chinese. Further one of these practically

does no pilotage as he is engaged in controlling the newly form-

-ed Pilots' Association and has other interests demanding his

attention. Allowance must always be made for a certain per-

-centage of absentees, either through sickness or temporary

absence from their work.

As a result of the number of licences being

so limited complaints are being made that the service does not

meet the needs of those engaged in it and demands have already

been put forward for higher pay than that laid down in the

Filot Regulations, whilst on the other hand shipping companies

are deprived of the services of ren whom they have employed for

a number of years, in whom they have thorough confidence and

whom they wish to retain.

It is further understood that in one or

two cases at least old Chinese pilots who have passed the

examination have not been granted licences, the vacancies being

filled by Europeans subsequently examined.

If the navigation of the waters of the

Colony were of so intricate a nature as to necessitate the

engagement of highly qualified pilots, such as are required in

the thames, or the Hooghly, the Committee would be only too

ready to favour a schere providing such a service; this however

is not the case.

While therefore pilotage in the Harbour

of Hongkong is not so absolutely essential the custom has gra-

-dually grown up to send pilots off to vessels, who can give

the Cormanders the latest information as to the Harbour hegula-

-tions, position of vessels in port, and more particularly the

course of the currents when taking the vessel to a wharf or

dock. Many shipping companies only supply pilots for the latter

work.

In