47
The intention to recruit engineers to undertake these works in Hong Kong was presumably advertised in the Home Civil Service and Borough Councils, where Jackman was employed from 1897. Given his training and experience in Sheffield, he was well qualified for the type of work needed in Hong Kong and he was recruited to the Colonial Service on 20 October 1902.
The City of Hong Kong at the turn of the century was undoubtedly impressive: with most industry and wharfage on the eastern part of the Island and Kowloon, Central District had developed into a well laid-out commercial area with fine examples of architecture in a number of styles. The city was expanding rapidly, and 65 acres with two miles of sea-front were added with the completion of the Praya reclamation in 1903. Even back in the 1900's, the view of Victoria Harbour often prompted heady descriptions
"Viewed from the Harbour, Hong Kong presents a very picturesque appearance, not unlike that of the north coast of Devon or the west coast of Scotland. At night, the scene resembles a city en fête. The riding lights of the shipping sparkling like gems on the bosom of the deep, the bright illuminations of the waterfront, the countless lamps that bespangle the hillsides and stretch along the terraces as though in festoons, furnish a sight that fascinates the eye and leaves an enduring impression of delight upon the mind." (H.A. Cartwright, in Twentieth Century Impressions etc. 1908)
Jackman arrived in Hong Kong in 1903 and reported for duty in the P.W.D. on 15 July at an annual salary of $3,000. His rank was Executive Engineer, of which there was a single grade then (the rank was split into First and Second Grade Executive Engineer in 1911). The Director of Public Works at that time, as during much of Jackman's Civil Service career, was William Chatham. Soon after his arrival, the Government started payment of salaries to expatriate staff in Sterling, and Jackman's salary was fixed at £480 per year, with some allowances paid in local currency.
During his early career in Hong Kong, Jackman was mainly involved in drainage and sewerage works. He was responsible for
47
The intention to recruit engineers to undertake these works in Hong Kong was presumably advertised in the Home Civil Service and Borough Councils, where Jackman was employed from 1897. Given his training and experience in Sheffield, he was well quali- fied for the type of work needed in Hong Kong and he was recruit- ed to the Colonial Service on 20 October 1902.
The City of Hong Kong at the turn of the century was undoubt- edly impressive: with most industry and wharfage on the eastern part of the Island and Kowloon, Central District had developed into a well laid-out commercial area with fine examples of archi- tecture in a number of styles. The city was expanding rapidly, and 65 acres with two miles of sea-front were added with the comple- tion of the Praya reclamation in 1903. Even back in the 1900's, the view of Victoria Harbour often prompted heady descriptions
"Viewed from the Harbour, Hong Kong presents a very picturesque appearance, not unlike that of the north coast of Devon or the west coast of Scotland. At night, the scene resembles a city en fete. The riding lights of the shipping sparkling like gems on the bosom of the deep, the bright illuminations of the waterfront, the countless lamps that bespangle the hillsides and stretch along the terraces as though in festoons, furnish a sight that fascinates the eye and leaves an enduring impression of delight upon the mind." (H.A. Cart- wright, in Twentieth Century Impressions etc. 1908)
Jackman arrived in Hong Kong in 1903 and reported for duty in the P.W.D. on 15 July at an annual salary of $3,000. His rank was Executive Engineer, of which there was a single grade then (the rank was split into First and Second Grade Executive Engi- neer in 1911). The Director of Public Works at that time, as during much of Jackman's Civil Service career, was William Chatham Soon after his arrival, the Government started payment of salaries to expatriate staff in Sterling, and Jackman's salary was fixed at £480 per year, with some allowances paid in local currency.
During his early career in Hong Kong, Jackman was mainly involved in drainage and sewerage works. He was responsible for
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