CO129-441 - Governor Sir May - 1917 [1-3] — Page 387

90.

Sir.

23114

REC

REG 4 MAY 17

381

GOVERNMENT HOUSE,

HONGKONG, 21st. March, 1917.

I have the honour to report that it has of late

become increasingly difficult to retain the crew of the Steam Tender Stanley", in view of the large increase in wages now

paid in the port to Chinese mechanics and seamen of any

experience.

2.

The Chief Engineer, for example, with sixteen

years' service, draws 846 per month, wherens he could get

860 to 880 in a river ste‹mer; and the boatswain, who draws

824, could get $30 elsewhere.

3.

I have accordingly spproved an increase in the wages paid, as shown in the attached schedule, with effect from

the 1st. Februery; end I have now to ask your covering authority.

It has been found possible to reduce the complement of sesmen

by one, whereby a saving of 8150 per annm is effected.

I have the honour to be.

Sir,

Your most obedient,

humble servant,

ARE RIGHT HONOURABLE

WALTER LONG, MP.,

&c.,

&C..

&o..

Governor, &c..