a purely commercial one, the Company had thought that a considerable saving would be effected by securing the services of the Engineer who three years ago had made the original survey of the line, an American named Ashmead. The negotiations had however fallen through, and at present they were committed to one man. He expressed very great admiration for Mr. Kinder, under whom he had worked for many years, and for the work he had done. Had he been available for the post he would have been appointed at once, but unfortunately he was not. The choice of a suitable Engineer was a very difficult one. High professional ability is of course necessary, but what is specially required is adaptability, tact and good temper in dealing with natives. It is also essential that the applicant should be in good health to stand a trying climate, and of an age to be prepared if necessary to rough it to a certain extent. Some experience in the Far East is also desirable, and the Directors were very much afraid of engaging any man who would, directly any difficulty arose, seek Consular intervention and so bring on international broils.
I then broached the question of the appointment of Mr. Smith mentioned in your letter of 13th.
iniu młoqqa ade of
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Phoo grof a harl
FRGIS
PEANUTSSTO
554
a purely commercial one, the Company had thought that a
considerable saving would be effected by securing the
services of the Engineer who three years ago had made the
original survey of the line, an American named Ashmead. The
negotiations had however fallen through, and at present
they were committed to one one. He expressed very great
admiration for Mr. Kinder, under whom he had worked for
many years, and for the work he had done. Had he been avail
-able for the post he would have been appointed at once,
but unfortunately he was not. The choice of a suitable
Engineer was a very difficult one. High professional
ability is of course necessary, but what is specially re-
-quired is adaptability, tact and good temper in dealing
with natives. It is also essential that the applicant
should be in good health to stand a trying climate, and of
an age to be prepared if necessary to rough it to a certain
extent. Some experience in the Far East is also desirable,
and the Directors were very much afraid of engaging any
man who would, directly any difficulty arose, seek Consular
intervention and so bring on international broils.
I then broached the question of
the appointment of Mr. Smith mentioned in your letter of
pie & Cook #l
13
the
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