Sessional_Paper_1897 — Page 521

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(Secretary of State to Governor.)

515

HONGKONG.

No. 230.

SIR,

DOWNING STREET,

30th October, 1896.

With reference to your despatch No. 222 of the 21st ultimo, forwarding copies of letters from the Government Marine Surveyor and the Assistant Government Marine Surveyor praying for additions to their salaries, I have the honour to request that you will inform me what are your own views as to the merits of these applications.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your most obedient,

humble Servant,

J. CHAMBERLAIN.

Governor

Sir W. ROBINSON, K.C.M.G.,

&c.,

&C.,

&c.

HONGKONG.

No. 10.

SIR,

(Secretary of State to Governor.)

DOWNING STREET,

13th January, 1897.

I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No. 273 of the 8th ultimo suggesting that the emoluments of Mr. R. C. Dixon, Government Marine Surveyor, and of Mr. J. MACDONALD, Assistant Marine Surveyor, should be increased by granting them as gratuities and without exchange compensation the fees earned by them, in respect of overtime work.

2. With regard to the question of allowing fees for overtime work, I would refer you to the letter from the Board of Trade of the 7th June, 1882, a copy of which was forwarded to the Governor of Hongkong by Lord KIMBERLEY in his Despatch No. 137 of the 27th June, 1882, and I would add that the general policy of the Government Service is opposed to payment being made partly by fees and partly by salary.

3. But, though I am unable to assent to your present proposal, I shall not refuse to entertain the question of an increase of salary being granted to the two officers in question when they have had somewhat longer service, should their work continue to increase and should their services continue to give satisfaction.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your most obedient,

humble Servant,

J. CHAMBERLAIN.

Governor

Sir W. ROBINSON, K.C.M.G.,

&c.

&0.5

&c.