CO129-404 - Acting Governor Claud Severn - 1913 [10-12] — Page 280

No 437.

Sir,

•

C. O.

3109 275

RECT

REGS 26 JAN 14

GOVERNMENT HOUSE.

HONGKONG. 31st. December, 1913.

I have the honour to recommend that the follow-

-ing gratuities be granted to the officers named on account of extra

work performed by them during the absence on leave of Mr. J. J.-

Bryan, Drainage Surveyor:-

Mr. A. E. Wright.

lir. J. W. White.

Mr. S. Ixer.....

2.

£40

.£30

.£35.

The officers mentioned, together with Mr.Bryan,

constitute the technical staff for the performance of the duties

arising out of the existence of the Buildings Ordinance. During Mr.

Bryan's absence, building operations were exceptionally active,

large numbers of houses being in course of erection to provide for the influx of Chinese consequent on the unsettled state of affairs

in Chins. This is evidenced by the fact that the plans passed during the current year (to date) number 1,831 against 1,644 in

1912 and 1,477 in 1911.

3.

The administration of the Buildings Ordinance,

4

- a very intricate and detailed measure, involves much negotia- -tion with the owners of property and their architects, the prepara- -tion of numerous plans for agreement and troublesome questions of compensation and resumption in connection with the opening up of scavenging lanes, the removal of riding floors over the ends of private streets, &c., and a mere recital of the number of plans passed does not convey a correct idea of the amount of work involv-

-ed.

THE RIGHT HONOURABLE

LEWIS HARCOURT, I.P.

&c ..

&0..

&c...

4.