1941-03-25 — Page 22

Tuesday,

HONGKONG TELEGRAPH

March 25, 1941.

DIFFICULTIES

MR FORREST DESCRIBES

IN

HE

MET

ORGANISING THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT

FROM PAGE ONE

entering into commitments on behalf

of Government, by doubt whether the

approve the measure,

been

►

point, because, in addition to

Officer

on

The criticism began

$22,000, arranged his own was institution to that Govely inferred

Mo

The

at

na

was concentrated

we of

December, so that practically all the had secured evidence, gradually services of Mr Himsworth on March | the Ordinance's requirements before|$2,000; the warrant was signed on | ministration, work of instruction of the raw staff changed my mind.

1 and thus enabled to do something | embarking for Hongkòng; but it was 10.11.40. On 22.1.41-seven days almost immediately after the coming fell on myself, as the only remain-

Weakening of Control: to undo the overcrowding, of my very soon apparent that even the after the enforcement of the immi- into operation of the new agency ing officer-apart from the clerleat Recognition of an agency, I should office by sending a detachment to percentage of passengers arriving in gration control-Accountant General system, and was first voiced in an tion Offee about the end of Septem-staff-with even the remetest ac perhaps explain, meant that the agent another building.

possession of documents from Macau, applied on my behalf for a further article in the Chinese press signed ber 1940, when Mr J. II. B. Lee, now quaintance. with Government was coached in the proper method of During that time I had to do my where the 1.0. maintains a fully-imprest of $10,000; this warrant was with name of a person who had one of my Deputy Immigration methods,

completing forms and of the evidence best to obtain for those of my stair equipped office for the purpose of signed the same day, (C.S.O. 101/ just previously tried to bribe one of

maintains Officers, casually mentioned it to mo I was morcover at that time acting to be brought in support of the several ear-marked for outdoor work a receiving applications and Issuing 40)

my staff to secure help in obtaining in telephone conversation. I was also ng Postmaster General, a post of types of claim; that he was supplied modicum of training on ship-board, permits, showed in the first month no

of no On 0.2.41 I wrote very urgently the general agency for himself. at the time Postmaster General, which I was not finally relieved until with forms of applications without and as a preliminary went myself to appreciable increase.

and strongly to Colonial Secretary Thereafter, the criticism become an- post from-which I was not finally after December 18,

An already over-crowded building stating that the $22,000 then avail- onymous, but its perennial source in question; that his clients were ex-see hot passport examination was released until some date after Dee The clerical staff itself soon ceased cused from personal attendance at conducted by the Police; with the ald had now to and accommodation for an able was utterly insuffelent, and the ranks of those whom I have and became m- 18 so that for four weeks I was to expand, because my first clerk, my office both when making applica-of Mr. A., J. C. Taylor, seconded to additional group of workers: shroffs making that it be increased to $40,000 elsewhere called disappointed racket burdened with such of the work of Mr Chun Kwok-wing, whom I had tion and again when the document my department as Assistant secured and trained in handling cash for as long as the deposit system vers, may be legitimately inferred that department as I could nord time

In shroffsnaking that department as I could afford time specially chosen for Dist post on the was ready for issue. This last con-migration

December were still not available, though asked an

exla cd; minute of Acct. Generat of from the fact that Government is to undertake in addition to the sole basis of sixteen years knowledge of cession, made not only to recognised 1, but not finally available (be for almost daily; and the crowds be- 14.2.41 explains the discrepancy in called upon to close down in charge of a new offer. I made an his honesty and ability, found that agencies, but also to gullds and so- cause of volunteer camps) until Decame even more clamorous than be the Agures, apparently satisfied with station to which no one resorts ex-

be the Agures; apparently satisfied with curly opportunity to call on the he had no time available to train clelles recommended for that purpose cember 10, I had to survey the New fore for early attention lest they be my explanation that $10,000 was in- cept voluntarily, and which will, as Colonial Secretary, and ascertained temporary clerks, the only men by the Secretary for Chinese Affairs Territories and select sites for posts, compelled to lose their money by suficient, he had on his own respon. commercial venture, itself apply the that it was a fact that I was selected offered him after the first ten men and to private individuals who apply offlees and quarter anlegernes leaving the

Conferences leaving the Colony before they sibility arranged for its increase to closure if it is, as alleged, inemelent for the post: shortly afterwards that grade had been supplied, by post, is of all my departures, so with shipping companies with cove

could be repaid.

He agrees in of real service to the got into touch with Mr Middlebrook,

far as I am aware of them, from orbit recruiters for overseas labour Decentralisation Tried

Dimcult cases kept on cropping up, minute that the $40,000 nsiced for is public who go to it. Ignorance may and had the benefit of several con-

cases kept on cropping up, minute that the $10,000 the same and incapable, alleged, Inemelent dinary immigration procedure in any like Gibb, Livingston & Co., Ltd.,

excessive. There follows a excuse

There follows excuse scene of the attacks on the sultations with him, and of his

his The obvious remedy for this stale part of the world where control is made further demands on my time; enses of friends or relatives, or of minute by Financial Secretary in system; but my conviction that most assistance in the choice of European of affairs was decentralisation, with in force, the one of which I am most and it was considered necessary, in persons claiming to be so, who insist- which is contained the only reference of it is motivated by loss of oppor--

European of affairs was decentralisation, with

such as cases of lost deposit receipts; not excessive. cases of frie candidates for the position of Aust-

ista view to lessening the overcrowding doubtful; it has not, so far as I am fairness to my Inexperienced staff, they

i

ed they were authored to collect on to the immigration fund as recom-tunities for racketeering amounts to a ant Immigration Officer.

and overwork in the Head Office, ware, been criticised, but it is a to have a few dress rehearsals on behalf On October 1 I was officially and this was accordingly tried, some weakening of control of which I am the arrival of the Mnene steamers.

behalf of depositors, and who for no mended by Mr Middlebrook which moral certainly.

I designated as 1.0, and tained Gav of the best trained and most depend very conscious: the only justification

Evening Work..

apparent reason or for too good have been able to trace; the re-

General Agency ernment sanction to proceed with able men being sent in the first place which I can offer for that departure

reusons, refused to understand any ference is concise and uninforma

tive. It rends: "A self-balancing | such preparation as ordering furni- to take charge of detachments in the was the physical impossibility of deal-prised when I add that anything in doubtful identity; cases of agencies

No one, therefore, will be sur-hesitation to pay them; cases of fund is out of the question."

To summarise the advantages to the ture for the office, and making altera-Depot, in the old Yaumati Police ing individually with the flood of ap- the nature of constructive work had and lodging houses which induced was approved on 17.2.41. (Again in Government of the General Agency "Increase of my imprest to $40,000 public, to my department, and to tions in the premises

mises pelected as lead Station, and in the premises of theplicate Omlee and Depot, Preparations were awters Offee, Leighton Hill Road.posal, the impossibility of expanding pm, onwards; nor when they learn with the receipts and then held them

Station, and in the premises of the plicants in the office space at my dis- to be confined to the evenings from ignorant persons to entrust them cs.o. 161/40)."

Office Lome

system, it is sufficient to say that held up for a time, for us regards However, for some reason which that space under one roof, and the that despite this incessant work to rarsom.

I still do not understand, the appli- impossibility of effectively decen was much against my will, compelled

Imprest Increased

charges to the public were reduced,. standardised that ants continued to crowd my Head tralising to any greater extent with to report to Government that I could

Forged Notes

The imprest was at length photography was made reliable and Secretary of State would after all once, while the branch offices were out further experienced administrar not have my organisation rendy in Office, while the branch offices were ralising to any greater extent with was much against my will, compelled

were raising to experienced administrar to report to Government that I coulAll the above complications are the with the demands; but not before overcrowding and overwork in my creased to a iure commensurate priced as regards suitability; that surenced as feed between any almost deserted; this despite adver- tive assistance, which, as you will not ve on amice were reduced, though for from demands; but ensurate photography and controlleduced. Many Difficulties

Usements in the Chinese press enlling hear inter, was not furnished me until tune for enforcement on December direct and the expected results of much inconvenience had been caused overcrowding and overwork in my

live have my organisation rendy in

I being abolished; that a measure of On receiving ILE.'s assurance that attention to the fact that facilities log after the necessity of this en-17, as was arranged, although I knew allowing a concession to expand into to the public and much needless an- mice were reduced, though for from expand into to the overality; that the Secretary of State's approval for obtaining application forms and quey was already apparent.

that H.E. the Governor was most system; but they were not un-xiety to myself and my staff, as being abolished; that a measure of

control over the operations of agen nt the shows, I think, a curious lack operation at the earliest possible rise. The insufficiency of shruth who had come to my assistance with corruption of my staff with a, and the.

It might be assumed, I went ahead submitting applications existed at the shows, I think, is curious Inck anxious that the plan should be in fortunately the whole story of the when cheques drawn by

cies was established, so that. It was to prevent the rise. Tie insufficiency of shroffs led the money-changer above-mentioned, inte with Mr Lee's assistance, dresses given. Luccordingly closed of appreciation of the main objects operation at the earliest possible difficulties to which the system gave favour of the General Agent and of at length possible concluded a lease of the pre- the two latter after the unfruitful of our legislation that so far from moment.

rise. Ties to which the story of the lely to my and much need caused Overcrowd as regards liable and mises now used as the Depot, and experiment had Inated for three to critic

and experiment had lasted for three to criticism being based on this lausen-

The enforeciment of the Ordinance to officers accepting in good faith who had come to my assistence with more lagrant malpractices, such as

securing priority of treatment, at length opened the Head Office as four weeks, and ceased to seek othering of control, I have on the contrary on January 15 added new problems forged notes as security from passen-casis when the crowd at my gates corruption of my staff with a view to suon as possible after the premises premises for branch offices, consider beer bhuned for not making applica-quicker than the old ones could be sers; the same officers reached the became restive on account of these

not making applica- out-of very large quantities--some inca com

The selling of false evidence; that the hatt brett vacated by the Assessor and ing that the staff wasting their time tion for documents even easier and removed. Two difficulties were out office late in the evening in charge delay, had been dishonoured. after certain minimum structural there might be better employed eas even more a matter or course by dis- standing among ED many, viz., that of very large quantities-somedinics comment of the financial side of method of submission of oppileations

28 much as $25,000-In cash, there Government on this muddle is per-which Working the tension in the head office tributing the application forms in of water transport, and that of the much

per which made possible the introduction adaptations had been made. daptation

water being no one except the Immigration haps to be read in expert-any quantity to all comers, and by ne-deposit system. The matter of water being no one extent the in the new department started, ence of the work of passport exami- cepting applications mere freely by t

of and gaining a minimum of expert-

of a system of complete records of far as the publle were concerned, enation on board ships mcerned, on

onation on board ships under the the post.

exum cepting applications more freely by transport was settled (as I then Officer himself to take it into safe January 24 in C.S.O, 2383/41.

thought) in a series of minutes be- money completed document demanded; that custody, nor any the "Accountant-General. This seems applications from the time of their November

price 10. Of course, a very guidance of the Police passport

lice Department and night except the off from Shanghai and it gives to the int assessing his incoming passenger to irregularity tween the Police Department and night except the office strong-room fallure to recruit a compotent staff photographic facilities.nt spole where considerable amount of preparatory examination branch.

tween the Police Department and money could be taken at that time of to me a very complicated and in-making until the time of issue of the Policy Implemented

rtment and money could be place to whielt ny 24 in C.S.0.2 minute of which madented and co-ordbate work had been done even before that

myself, followed by a conterence be- night except the office strong-room; valved way of circumventing the completed document demanded; that The answer is in place at this tween the District Superintendent, passengers arrived from Shanghai fallure to recruit a compatent staff, provision was made for supply of Mysterious Failure

pt passewhere Hongkeng is in place at this tween the District Superintende and elsewhere with no Hong grant the discretion of assessing his incoming passenger trafic, but where date, as it was necessary to ensure an

the Kowloon, a representative of

of the and elsewhere with no Hongkong and it gives to the intending immi photographic facilities, at spots where were necessary because of sidecante supply of forms for use or

wildequately trained dequate was nee even beratory Rullane board

Even more mysterious than the objection on the grounds of loss of Harbour Department, and myself on currency, so that inadequately trained grant the discretion of assessing his facilities the opening date; in this connection failure of the publle to take advan-control, it was necessary to prevent,

owing, to the sperrafic, I would refer once more to the dif- sequeis when I upproached the Gov-arbour face

iftage of the facilities. offered them as far as possible, the further growth February 1. The minutes, with their officers were left in the middle of the own deposit, always presuming he incoming passenger trafic, but where Beulties caused by delay on the part freely was their readiness to avail of the agency system; being, eminent with my requirements, are of deciding whether to accept foreign 1. R. Butters, (Financial Secretary), could not be established on the bas Cov harbour faced with the dificult duty comes from a place where he can owing to the sparsity or irregularity of such traffic a photographic studio purchase a draft en Hongkong.--(sd.) of Government printers to supply themselves on payment of the ser- think, a legitimate inference that, if to be found dated January 24 and currencies or refuse to clear the ship 24.1.41.3

of isolated commercial prospects. vertain forms, I ought to make it vices of the institutions which under even recognised agencies who had February 14 in C.S.O. 2863/41.

under

until arrangements could be made

To offset these advantages I know clear that I am convinced that the various names of application something to lose Indulged in the

Troublesome System' same twelve or more hours later to

of one disadvantage only, and that Government Printers were them-agencies, translation bureaux, and so malpractices proves, even worse was

Inadequate Means

have the foreign currencies ex- The comment is typical in Its one which I did not think should be selves victim of circumstances not off on, sprung up on all hands almost to be expected from those over which

I should make it plain at once changed.

entre absence of helpful constructive regarded seriously from the stand- their making.

"This

as soon as the department began to I had no control whatever and of that the attitude of the financial side

They chose,-I think correctly-the criticlem; it is typical also in Its strict point of administration. It amounts This delay necessitated on the one function. At the outset I was dis- whose existence I might not even be of the Government as exemplified in former course, but this in turn creat-adherence to traditional procedure to no more than this, that an ad- hand acceptance of forms of permit posed to welcome their help, as it aware,

the above minutes is just ns en-ed-fresh embarrassments, for the and failure to appreciate the pro-vantage is given to one firm as against and certificate of a type far from offered a hope that the rush and To implement this polley I have accouraging as I have found it through- Treasury refused to have anything to blems of a department forced by the ita competitors. This objection be- ideal (as Acct. General has already elamour in my office might be dimi-cordingly demanded of my staff that, out my attempt to reconelle the in- do with such cash, and its custody conditions imposed on it to work a comes Important only if one regards pointed out, though without the ex-nished, and that the not inconsider the recognised bodles apart, no person terests of the various classes of per until it could be repaid to the de- seven-day weeke and to handle on public department more as b

per-until an planation I have now given, which able number of those whose self-should be allowed to obtain more than sons affected by the new control of pocitors made still more demands on Sundays and holidays and out of opportunity for private gain than as may have been unknown to in); importance teaches them to expect five application blanks at one time, inmigration. To make this point ny safe spa

fan); import and personal attentive completed

point niy safe space, and its handling in re- normal office hours very large sums fehlete for service to the community and on the other the use for a Tew Individual and personal attention nor to submit at one time more than plainer, I quote from another minute payment confused my untrained in cash, la the hands of a staff which or to the Government. days of a typescript form of permit from the head of a very busy depart ave completed applications. I wish of mine in the ale quoted: I have cashiers. To make matters worse, had no special or general training

1 to be exchanged later for the per-ment might have their wishes met your indulgence of the use of the ex-never forgotten that they (the ship the officers whose duty It was to take nor even an established procedure to

tien that they (the shi

Office Staff manent for

form).

elsewhere.

pressive Americanism racket: cashiers. To make matters pressive Americanism "racket;" ping Companies) should be as little deposits, in order to comply with in-guide them.

"racket;"ping Other simultaneous difficulties con-

Staff Bribed

have never in my 21 years of Govern-delayed or inconvenienced as pos- Junctions to clear incoming ships with I had done my best to rid the The last point leads me on to the cerned cerned delay in carrying out the il-

ment employment had to fight so un-sible. That same sentiment I have every reasonable speed, wrote re- department of the incubus of this question of the staffing of cny office; terations in the Dept, and doubt re- The mystery cleared somewhat remittingly against rackets of all repeated several times and now place ceipts in arch at

ainst rackets of all repeated several times and now place ceipts in such a manner as to sacri-writing on January 25 and again on other fundamental grounds for the

now place casonable

roublesome system of cash deposits, because it is difficult to find any under beside it the opinion of the shipping fice accuracy to quickness; even so, save, select- Karding the extent to which the when it came to my knowledge that types; I have referred to some under beside it the opinion of the shippingceipts in such a manner as to sacri-writing public would immediately resort to these agencies-1 shall from now on my heading of agencies; but others representatives of the General Cham- obstructions to quit is, le 15 February 8 the two minutes, the objections which lind beat taken to

but others repres Commerce as I had with

show that deposit

posit Pay

by which I the office to obtain permits and cei-use what has grown to be the usual went on at my very door, as when it ber of Commerce as expressed to me

tonics. conference which I had within passengers take twelve times to originals are to be found in C.5.0. the methods tificates. I may mention that prior word for them-were helping applic was discovered that certain hooligans at

deal with as those already in posses-

ed my staff for appointment, or to to the opening date had already ants in ways which the framers of the pushed their way through the crowd them to the inentions to an intending priority of sold fetitious evever äldre coinage of

through the crowd then on March 3, 1941. Report of sion of our documents and 11 needs

Agencies

the selection which I in fnet mnde caused hotinentions to appear in the law assuredly did not expect, or at on the pretence of making applica that meeting has not yet reached me. littl

un little arithmetic to see what this Hopeful that had made the

In accordance with these methods. vernacular press to inform intending least did not wish; they secured thun, obtained a supply of forms, and I had a letter yesterday from Mr Key vernace of the necessitravel docu- untrue state

little arithmetic to see what this travellers of the necessity of provid-priority of treatment by bribing my then took them out to hawk on the that he couler yesterday from Mr Key means in the case of a shipibad of urgency of the situation sumclently. That there would be difficulty in

could not get it ready in time. 800 passengers of whom 85 per cent clear, I then turned my attention to finding adequate and competent

not get it ready in time.800 passengers of whom 05 per cent clear,

of whom 85 per cent question of the agencies once more patent from the nutsel, ing themselves with travel docu-star, and sold fictitious. evidence of streets.

11 is abundantly clear that the enter on these terms. ments, and of the method of making untrue statements to whoever BardThat I have not set my face-against-means

That I have not set my face against means given me to cope the task

That of the agencies once more. to carry on the department was their price.

Thal question was more acute than patent from the nutsel-and-that- application for them.

free coinage of our application forms were utterly inadequate, and that the

Proposals Made

ever, not only because I had in the difficulty was not lessened by Gov- Perfect Babel

The eagerness of the public to ob-is shown by the fact that I had al-position of the finances of the dee tain my wores may be gauged by the residy on December 24 given perpartment, made Government I had failed to foresee the difficulty meantime accumulated ever more ernment's insistence that all appoint-

accumulate throughout the Whatever doubts those in the de- prices paid to the agencies; it was mission, if that were necessary, to one ment's undertaking that the depart-thun Hongkong currency; just as because the ever-incrensing problems usual or use basis of probation that partment entertained as to the creditably reported that they ran as large printing fan to reprint for ment did not exist for the sake of anyone might fall to foreste that with left me less time than ever to give service, object to fines, be con- those in the de- prices paid to the agencies; it was mission, if that were necessary, to one partment, having regard to Govern- that my officers might take other reasons to distrust their methods, but ments should be made not only, as is response of the pubilt were soon set high as $18 per application, That sule thuse forms; und understand revent at rest; applicants came in such num-much rests on hearsay, though on that this is being done.

revenue, made the question of a fully equipped branch office in them the surveillance required, while might, subject to fitness, be con- refund system place verted later to permanency, but conomy irrelevant; and that if operation in Macau, ond application the same deposit refund system plac-without -bers as to make the interior of the very consistent hearsay, but there is

Other Difficulties office, a perfect babel and almost to no hearsay in the reasons for which

greater economy in its administra- agencies at work in other ports, theed further opportunities for racket without assured prospect of that

lis administra- agencies in cau, ond application the same deposit rece required, while might, subject to Biness, be

permanenes. It may not be neces- I shall leave the remainder of the tion be unfortunately required, then bulk of passengers would continue, cering in their hands, dely any attempt to maintain order I saw it to withdraw recognition pre-story of the agencies to its proper or to organise outside the doors agencies; I am handing in a paper deal with a few more of methods; while viously accorded to certain of the place the impatient mob

the place in chronological order, while interests, shipping, which are at the come in without any attempt to com-ernment deprecating strongly grant result of such a policy; if it is, then the result which I feared was that am hunding in a paper deal with a few more of the difficul- present time of the utmost national ply with the requirements, of the of a monopoly: the minutes extracted which a was of such demeanour that it was recording the reasons which led neties which beset me between the date importance. necessary to provide for a perman- to take this step, and shall only add of o

Ordinance in their port of embarka- from C.SO. 2003/40 are already in which was proved in the event, Ordinance in their port of mess imbued with the iden of milions ent police guard and on more than that the action was taken in each and once was finally en

add or opening the office and January 15

or opening the

Security Deposits tion, although the vernacular press the hands of the Commission. Be- namely, that candidates were enore one occasion to obtain the services case only after production to me forced. During all those two months incoming passengers by virtue of our intended restrictions on entry question or a monopoly and had to a life work as

on, although the vernamarka- from C.S.O. 2003/40nutes extracted the result which policy; if it is, then of the Emergency Unit of the Police through police detectives or other I was constantly short of office furni-section 13 of the Ordinance, and their our inter

Security deposits are taken from throughout China, and shipping fore December 11 I had come to the imbued with the iden of making ther was constantly short of office furni- incoming passengers by virtue of agents everywhere, had knowledge of conclusion that I was wrong in the money while the good conditions wise, of good and sufficient purp To meet the unexpected

spected demand of the malpractices which I held moreover the mass of detail was such cases of entrants arriving without tion of passengers for this port; and asked for the combined monopoly for felly organised department with no evidence ture and short of senior trained staff; section 13 of the Ordinance, and their our intended restrictions on entry allltude, which I had taken on the Insted than with that of settling down other words. deinil was such cases of entrants arriving ation of passte stopped acceptance the photographic and clere depart-traditions employees who had held moreover the mass of detail was such purpose is to provide for the diffealt I at once made proposals for question of a monopoly, and had to a life work as servants of the for documents, which every one of proved. For the reason that in the requisite documents,

bete the applicants appeared to imagine cases persons of repute in the some that I could hardly afford time to cases of entrants arriving without stricter Fules regarding embarka approached Government with the Government, or, in

hough accend gine cases persons of repute in the Colony train the staff which I had already otherwise admissible, and to secure of any but Hongkong currency, and ance in connection with the depart the case of employees who had the ocuments, use in the meantime behind it, were greater in Colony train the staff which I had already the requisite documents, though tion of passengers for this port; and recommendation that lenders be temptations to dishonesty, always

thoughton should be given exoved. For the rea should be given as a matter of form were associated with certain of these are

otherwise admissible, and to secure in the meantime stopped acceptance asked for the combined monopoly for more plentiful in a new and imper- otherwise admissible, and to secure In few days' time at most, it agencies which I thus in effect closed, I am handing to the Commission so

that such entrants should make ap-endeavoured to avoid the hardling ment's work; I defended my new was neces busi-brirselves was necessary again and again to in-and because I have every reason to far as it is complete, the record ex-printe to their cases after arrival

I am banding to the Commission so that such entrants should make up of any but Hongkong currency, and the photographic and clerical assist fectly organised department with no

pications rants shond to soughton of piications for the documents appro- or cash by outdoor staff. One ship- position before Executive Council on to gain in pros crease the staff of those whose busi- believe that these persons were not teneted from my diary of the hours the Colony, and then have their rear of itself taking the cash from

of cash by outdoor staff. One shipment's work; I defended my new the ease of employees who had little ness it was to consider applications, themselves aware of the misconduct at which I left my office during the cases decided in the usual manner. its passengers and issuing to cact the discretion to treat with agencies

was temptations. to assist applicants in completing the of their employees which resulted in month of January: and I should like The method is in the nature of need passenger transferabic

adverse; I was, however, left with forms, to reply to incompleting the of their employees which resulted in at which I left my office during the the Colony, and then have their ping company co-operated to the ex-position before Executive Council on to gain in prospect by resisting the forms, to reply to letters of inquiry the withdrawal of recognition, to make four additional points, viz., concession to, special cases, and was, deposit receipt, against which my c

Quality of Men in English and Chinese, to write the forbear to read out the list in a public that I was always in my office at the to judge from the wording of the officer issued his official receipt in in English and Chinese, to write the fort withdrawal of recognition, month of January: and I should like cases decided in the usual manner. teni of itself taking the cash from December 24 but the decision

tone four nos in my on such

on such terms as I might think de-side there was little to complain about documents, to sign them, apply the sitting.

was always in my office at the concession to special cases, and was, secured passenger a transferable the discretion to treat with agencies latest by 8.30 in the norning: that first line of Section 9 of the Ordin-the name of the passenger; the com- meaning of the Executive Council's shroffs; I was disappointed in the latest by 8.30 in the norning: that to judge from the wording of the deposit receipt, against which my on such terms as I might think de-

in the quality of the men supplied embossing seal, and finally to deliver

I must add that the complete them to the applicants against pay- Attitude To Agencies the same hours were worked by my-

ance and Paragaph 13 of Mr Middle-pany's receipts were then negotiated decision, which I had at first inter- hope which I was led to entertain of self and the remainder of my staff on brook's Report, never intended to with the shipping company for a preted as meaning that I was not securing the help of Mr McDouall. ment of the fee.

on of

I should perhaps have explained Saturdays, Sundays, and public holl- become a regular system of admis-cheque for the total amount; other permitted to establish anything in and my stiministrative assistance was Constant increase in staff meant on before going so for that the change in days as on other days, and that no sion, which however it has become. the one hand constantly increasing iny attitude to the agencies was mere statement of hours of work cansion

securing the help of Mr McDouall, the one hand constantly increasing before going so for that the change in Saturdays, Sundays, and public holl- brook's Report, never intended to pany's receipts were then negotiated meaning of the Executive Council's me, if we except for the moment the demands for furniture, and overy gradual. At one time I stated in an convey any idea of the intensity of against it: It is clumsy and wasteful effect the same object in their cases. Excellency the Governor on a the extent of his assistance was ro-, nies declined to have anything the way of the general agency, was therefore reduced to Mr J. H. B. Lee, was mere statement of hours of work can

As a systém It has everything companies declined to have anything mitted to establish anythi As a system It has everything to do with such measures, and to explained to me at a meeting with und, as I have already made plain, conceivable means was utilised to interview given to the press that re- the labour put into the organisation of time, adding an extra routine to 1 granted to a money-changer the date which I cannot remember at duced by the time during which he

in supply the needs of the office: furni cognition as an agency would be of the department, the most trying the procedure of receiving and ad-privilege of sending a representative Government House. supply the ne be undertake

on an ture from the Stores Department, the freely given to anyone who would feature by far being the enforced judication on an application and issuan board each ship to be examined, Colonial Secretary was present. regular source of supply, had to be undertake to observe certain condi- haste with which every point had to go permit; it slows down the work there to exchange any foreign cur-

beetly

The present was rem dut speclully made, as there was no tions, a copy of which I shall submit be taken, so that it was very seldom a permit;

tionempleteness

Flows

for other duties, bor-foons,

New Terms stock; domestle furniture was bor- for completeness of record; about the that undivided attention could be of examination at the stage in which rencies and to take any amounts ten-

which there to ex ship to be sentative date whicacy the meeting with therey administrative Mr McDoual rowed from the Controller Stores, Colonial given to one matter at a time. The

As matters became worse, I deter. Mr H. D. Bryan, the British Consul, It should be quickest in the interest dered in Hongkong currency, giving mined and whers that also failed furniture Secretary with reference to appllen- fourth point is that the month of cumbers with responsibility of safe total amount of deposit receipts 15-agencies, and then inviting the methods of the Hongkong Govern and when that also folletos same time I wrote to the the that undivided attention could be of examination at the stugo

ngkongue was hired wherever It could be ob- only with reference to applica- fourth point is that the month of of early release of shipping; it en-to my officer a cheque equal to the mined on the course of cancelling all in this category; for on account of

tions from certain persons for mono- January was in no way beller or

already granted to his lack of acqualfitance with the tained, and on such terms as one polistic positions in regard to sub worse in this respect than the months number of officers whose prime func

custody of large amounts of cash a sued to passengers.

of cash a sued to Putters for recognition again could make in such an emergency; on mission of applications to my office which preceded and followed it.

number of officers whose prime func These matters are mentioned here, agencies still in good standing to ask meat, he must rather be reckoned

ankment, other hand an emergency; un polistic positions in regard to January was the other hand as no one with any deprecating any such grant. The Sir Robert Kotewall Interview and it is open, especially when eme been directed against my departs terms of recognition I shall submit; thesis, let me remark that Mr Bryan tion is not the handling of cash at all; because I am aware that criticisms has for recognition again on new and among those whom it was my duty experience of such work was to be minutes are to be read in C.S.O.

especial

art stricter terms. A copy of the new to train for their posts. In paren- depart-tricter terins. A copy of the new to tra found, every addition to the staff, 2063/49.

On Sunday February at 6 pmployed wholesale, to the greatest ment in regard to the exchange rates Lern

ployed wholesale, to the greatest mich with three principal things the have not been able to Government's from the grade of office coolie up- persevered, therefore, in my I interviewed by appointment the dangers, both in the matter of proper on which the money-changer works. the conditions na now imposed deal had his own dificulties; unui now I

of office the stuff, minutesing any ions to warda, had to be trained in his

Hon. Sir Robert Kolewall in duties, Paley of according recognition to Hon. Sir Robert Kolewall in willes, Mr. Les being fully occupied such firms and individus noffee. I had found it utterly im-eturn of the security money, and in That these rates are, to say the least with three principal things-the

ition, office. I had found it utterly in the matter of identification of the of Il, remunerative, was brought to method of submission of applications to-date copy of the Government's duties, Mr. Lee being fully occupied such firms and individuals as seemed

it, mine have not been able to secure an up- with such outaldo work as prepara- to be reputable and themselves for the purpose at more convenient later under the same name makes extent of protection of incoming with the

to date copy of the Government's with such outdo work as prepara- to be reputable and themselves possible to spare any time whatever person secured, with the man who my notice; but I declined to extend (so devised as to prevent as far as General Orders for my own use, much tion of the Depot for its purpose, and

purpose, and sumelently qualified to undertake the for the purpose at more convenient later under the same name makes the sphere of my responsibility to the possible competition between agencies, less to supply a copy for the guidance selection of a new Immigration work of completing and submitting in hours; Sir Robert Inter wrote a very application for immigration docu- extent of protection of incoming with the resultant templation to bribe of Mr Bryan, and have myself to rely whart after, the one originally select sale

select-work of completing and submitting in full and accurate account of the con-ments as a release of the security, passengers from the indirect conse my staff, as had already been done on my memory, and to give him in

of ed had been shown on survey, to be proper form applications on behalf of versation, which he submitted for my The matter is dealt with at length in quences of their failure to comply restriction of the charger to be made letters the gist of Luich orders, as I

allure to comply for their services; and orn Agent. unwittingly transg unsafe and unsuitable, Anding quar-site at that policin person. I confirmation, and I noted that in a my minute of 23-1-41 in C. S. O, with the law. unsafe and unsaltable, Anding quare spite of that policy 1. In one evening, remark at the end of his draft 2003/41.

for their services; and supervision of found him from time to time to be ters in the New Territories for the signed 40 letters of refusal of re- had noted as his personal observa-

Imprest Inadequacy

their practice by the General Agent. unwillingly transgressing. staff who Territories for the spite of that port persons, Inversation, which

As a dependent I at the same time there to control ingress on that front. Cognition; the numbers of applicants had noted as his personal observa- there to control ingress on that front. for recognition being, I think, ample our conversation) that he was with

tion (nothing was said about it in

Another consequence of the vicious made with the latter n contract, ni ́My clerical staff, whose work, con

It is not surprising, therefore, that deposit system was to bring to light ready referred to by the Accountant must explain, was specialised and Overworked

proof of the profitable, conning was said about it in proof of the profitableness of that vinced that Mir Forrest was working the wholesale use of this expendient the pillful inadequacy of the Imprest General in the forms of disapproval, quite apart from immigration con- Mr Lee was also at the time re-form of enterprise. Experience of under such conditions that a nervous added enormously to the work and to Account of $2,000 with which I was which ineling me to the conclualon trol work itself, consisted of Mr Chan moved from the office altogether first their work, however, the gradually breakdown was the sure outcome the complexity of the 1.0. A com- furnished at the outset. The sub- that he had completely misinter- Kwok-wing already mentioned, ten for his own period of Volunteer mounting number of those diacovered unless they were speedily restined; plete now section specially for the sequent history of this Imprest is preled ita scope. I lay before the other clerks, and a variable number Irpining from November 19 to 24, in various forms of dishonesty, and a whether that record was ever seen work of repaying deposit monies had rovented in CB.O. minutes, of which Commission a verbatim report of that of shroffs, never more than four in and later to take the place of number of anonymous letters which by any senior Government offelal 1 to be organised; without actual ́ex-|I have made a precis.

agreement.

the Head Office, and with an average the Private Secretary to HE. the led me to think that thone who do not know; but it is quite certain perience it could not be foreseen "On 10.11.40 1 minuted to Finan- This new system has apparently experience If we except Me Taul Wal Governor when the latter, was in turn | escaped detection were at least as that nothing was done to rectify the what numbers would tender cash clal Secretary In C.S.O. 2001/40) been the cause of more criticism than required in camp from 3rd to bih numerous as those against whom I conditions until I was allotted the security instead of conforming with neking for an Imprest Account of any other one detail. In my ad- TURN to Page 9. Column Ono

In addition.

and

the

ד'

were soon to be sent out

h

2

it should not be at the expense of the without perceptible improvement, to On 1.12.40 I had written to Gov Bary to

to explain the unfortunate

Difficult Casca

as

On the clerical and administrative

was removed from the department

I do not count my deputy in Macau,