For a longtime I bore with his treatment, without complaint,
anxions if possible to fulfil the duties I had undertaken, but latterly his conduct has become quite unbearable and it has become ahnose- his daily custom to insult me in the presence of the junion employes of the
Department.
On the 30th Wiltims he stated in the presence of his Potts aust
the Interpreter that a fuck I then mentioned was "a lie"
although he knew at the time that what I had stated was
did also one of ferfectly true the others present, so that he could only have used the expresion, for the purpose of insult.
I may add that on profesional subjects WW. Wilson
and I seldon or never agree, an circumstance which has made my position is his
very difficult and unpleasant
reasons I cannot
for there without violence to
my feelings abnegation of every
gentleman
principle that should vaine, remain longer in the service.
I shall feel obliged if
you will assure this Excellency that I shall always feel grateful the Kindness and consideration, I have received from him since I entered the public service,
auch that under other circumstances, it would have been
pleasure to me
to have retained my
affointment under him.
(Signed) John Clark.
(ane Copy.) Sporting Arather
Colonial Secretary.
Confidential Haring.
Having inquired into the circumstances
under which Mer blark has tendered.
his resignation,
of opinion that the relations between the Surveyor Genial and
Acting Appistant Surveyor Gyenencil have for
some time ben such as
in a public office.
should not exist
Mr Milson has evidently been in
the habit of speaking to M" blark in
a manner
unbecoming the bead of
Department; and the accusation made
in the best paragraph of Mr. Clark's letter is not denied.
On the other hand it seems proved | | that Mo" blank has not always shewn
that temper he ought to have done.
The charge against Mr. Wilson of
systematic persecution
on account
to himself of the half salary of the apistant Bunveyor General, although not fully bome
out, appears to have some foundation, and
private work is concerned, M2
کولار محمد
Milson has undoubtedly, Buch
his position might give
of M" blark's hando.
Such influence
Surveyor General's Office,
Vidaria. 23. Afuil, 1868.
I beg to inform you for the
information of this recellany the Governor
him to keep it out
as diverted in
No 200 of 30 h
Mor blark seems unwilling to remain
nor would
in the Service under Mr Wilson, it be desirable that he should do so. If Hais Excellency should wish it and he could be prevailed upon to remain, it would be necesary to separate his work
possible from that over which
Mr Wilson excercises supervision.
Signed becil to Smith,
M. He. Mennie.
iwlant I have
given careful consideration to Mr Clark's letter of the 1. Apuil last,
and to what
very rightly called the very grave charges against myself I mentioned therein. I have no doubt-
but that I shall be able to show to
the satisfaction of His Excellency looking
The Noverable
Acting Colonial Secretary
(The copy)
bolonial, Secretary.
upartially into the matter that the charges have been stated in and
are-vided
antively
and that the moults,
pretty annoyan only (in most cases) in Mr Clark's while in abes the
to complained of exist
Mr Clark's imagination,
uoyances to have bem
brought upon Mr Clause by his
Institution of Civil Enginers the considered any further recommendation unnecefarsz - My suggestion was looked upon by Mr
insult. As he had only been
admitted to the Institution a few months
before, his
naine wew
was unknaon to me
actions,
extreme sensitivores, and irritability of
temper, and
by his refusing to comply
with legitimate instructions given by myself.
When Mr Clark made application
for employment in
Department
entirely unknown to me.
therefore suggested that he should send
written application with testimonals.
We then informed
already said he belonged to the
The next complaint which Mr.
Clark makes refers to the time of
arrival here from Shanghai when it became necesary for
him what
to point out
wire the duties of the Afeistant
Surveyor General and Assistant Engineer. the posts to which he had been appointed. His Excellency is
that these duties
laid down and forwarded
"Official Programme of duties of the Offiens
of the Department" to the Seentary of Hate
| long before Mr Clark arrived in the
Colory. Mr Clark replied that he must- apply to his boullung before he underleck
he believed I was
fuitting difficulties in his
him out of the service.
vieur to Keeping
That I have
for the so-called persecution the fact that by accepting the appontinent of Acting Assistant Surveyor General, Mr Clark had deprived me of Mr Bird's half-pay. I positively deries. Is it littely |
that I should have made such
statement ever.
if I had thought it?
On aw occasion on
Mr classe complaining
of my working him too hard, I believe I said that he could hardly expect me)
to undertake his work while he
that I believed he
I have also told him
informed in
Shanghai that if he
would take
appointment which Quas.
temporarily filling. This is to what he
refers in his letter.
When temporarily holding Mr.
Bird's appromtment it
distinctly
understood that I should not be left without assistance after the setting in
of the building
(Day 101 November).
To this fact thave twice subsequently
officially referred. Tince His Excellency's tant Note8 of 28th January
was written
could have been in no
benefited
by Mr Clark's leaving the service, yet
it is latterly that the cars complains
conduct has become unbearables.
The other elights and
of which the clarte complains arise from the fact I believe that when he has
for private pradice, viz: that he must
not expect
to continue to recommend
him for private work as
into my office I have not offered him
chair, that I have sent him written
instructions by the Cluse of Works and so forth; matters which occurred without che slightest intention on my part of causing
any way,
and which I
espectfully submit not I man in 100
would have taken offence at.
Paragraph 2 of M: Clark's letter refers to a statement made by myself
letter in October
after he had sent in a- last complaining that he had no time
I had previensly
since the
Pecas tavo
sions, since
fact of his being excupied with such
work entailed duties
which might
properly to have been performed by hind
This action on
my part the neglect
send private work to him" has been the chief, if not the sole
of Mr. Clark's bittererofs against myself. That I have
informed him that I would do
him injury
is mitive,
Paragraph 4 of Mr Class's better
requires a somewhat lengthy explanation-
On the 29th ultimo I received an intimation
through the Harlor Master that the
contractor for the repairs to the Signal
man's have had stated at the Pease that
be would not
ordered, unlife
Commence
certain repairs
contract
I acordingly sent for the
sent for the arsur
charge at the Pease and the contractor
if there
appeared there
any difficully. It
I therefore sout for
Mr Clark and in his presence arranged?
The matter. In the cause
e-of caversation
any provocation
Clark informed
me that "he
my part Mr
the habit of telling lies"," that "I
compitent to
wit to give him instructions" and that he would "wash his hands of the
whole business and have nothing
to do with it." This conduct I subunit
grossly insubordinates. On Mr clave immediately after flatly contradicting me, I made use of the expressio complained of which I do not for
to justify. On
are moment pretend
my sending for the Ausser was not in the room as stated by
Mr Clark) and finding I was mistätten,
I immediately retraced what I had said:
Having this answered the charges
made aganist
necessary for
occasions on
by Mr. Clark it becomes me in self-defence to refer to
which I submit Mr. Clark
has refused to obey legitimate instructions,
and has aded in a
cannot as
manner which I
Head of the Departinent do
almrwise than bring
to the notice of this Excellency. Since Mr
dark has been in the Colony he has pleadily curided the usual conitesies which prase belieun geveluren when suceding
in the street
in the morning at
Ciffice, and he has spoken to
manner which it would
ingentlemanly to rise to
¿ccasions in
mesage through
Contrador from Mr
On are occasion: Freceived, as
This refusal to comply with my instruction has already been reported to His kecellency With reference to this particular worse Mr Clark took the trouble to explain to
what he considered; were
my respectives connected with his,
a matter
which I consider I was better in farmed.
than himself having been in the Departement
many spears
Clarke with reference to work under his
charge to the effect that "I had better
else to do it as he
to. This refured to
going at the Civil Hospital which after a delay of a fortnight Mr Clark only completed upon my fixing a definite lime for him
doron and finish the work. I
he had been mouths.
I consider such representation
unseemly from
subordinate.
On anciter occasion after giving
instructions for certain repairs to the stables and Kitchen at Government House, Clarke has answered "oh yes I will tell
the Class of works lo
to it "in
which simplied that he should not
trouble himself in the matter. And
statement which
here I must refer to
Mr clarke a short lime
made to age yourself
my presence, viz : " that he had experienced considerable difficulty carrying out the repairs at Government
to interference
my part."
I ́ihen stated that I had inter fired in
way directly or indirectly. I would
also refer to
statement made by myself
auswer to Hist
to His Excellency's Mem? N:985
"what certain
of 28th January information which His Excelliury had
received
" simply untrue". if I am
not mistaker Mr. Clarke has not been
called upon to explain this
You will probably remember a
de by My clave to yourself
statement
my presence
"That his only service for
the 28th Ulline, viz:
for remaining mantis past
annoy myself." This alous exposes the fact that I have had much provocation and)
to put up with, arising
annoyance)
chiefly from Mr Clause's constant endeavor
ignore my anchority as Head of his Department.
It is necessary for
me to allude
to the fact that contrary to Rule M
Clark's resignation
was not forwarded?
through myself, as Head of the Department,
about from
also to the fact that he the Colony from the 9th to the 9th instant wistont any application for leaved being
sent in the
through myjelf,
myself in the usual
The first intination of his bring
of any clerks
absent I received through one of my
who informed me, when
ending a
message to Mr. Clarke, that he was gove to Canton. When Mr Clark sent in
his resignation he impression that
was under the
to Mr Bird's
return in
engagement
ent with
completed. I believe his
resigning
the Government world shortly be I
the present time is simply a repitition
annoyances
to which he has
constantly endeavored to subject
Mr Clark's portion in the suvice has been this, he has held the appointment of Acting Afsistant Surveyor
General and Afsistant Enginer being required to work only six hours per He has been performing duties without refurer to my ambority
immediate superior, and when I hour required his survins he has hesitated in actiunuledging my right to give him
orders. Under these circumstances.
espectfully submit that with
of Mr Clark's disposition it has been
impossible for
me to Keep the Department
in the efficient state in which it ought to be without occasional clashing.
I wish to add that I have been
informed that Mr clause
obliged to his former appointment under the {
Municipal Corneil in Shanghai, because
"The insisted on
having every thing his
way. Also that he left another
appointment on the Great Norsteen Railway
et on with his
because he could not get superior Officer. That he is a first rate draughton
Imman and has had cassiderable expersince is certainly the case, and this reason, I trust Wishxcelling will induce him to withdraw his resignation. Without wishing to be entirely relieved from blame in the disputes which have
arisen, I submit that
a Minite on His Excellency's
promised)
of 28th January last, I have endeavored
to meet. Mr clarke half way
to his work.
of opinion
that so long as he pretends to ignore
my official auctiovity
Public service
his actions the
miest auffer, and that
be persists in the live of conduct which he has hitherto pursued:
towards muself so long will there be reproofs from ine and protests from him. I have sto
(signed) W. Wilson,
Surveyor - Gurmal?
(Prue Copy)
Colonia Secretary.
Mr. Wilson accosted Mr Clark on
entering by asking him if he was
to understand that Mr Cluck
refused to give
give any
further aders in
reference to the works at the Scak. Mr Clark - Artainly, I shall
further orders till there is a full understanding about this affair - meaning thereby till there was an understanding that Mr Wilson was not to continue giving overs to Mr. Botts without the knowledg of Ms Clark. Mr Clark added that he dish not intend to have the same trouble again of that Kind which he had already experienced
the work.
at Government house.
Mr Wilson-reflied that he certainly should interfere whenever
مایند و در
anything going wrong, with
the work.
W. Clark _ reflied that his Wilson was not competent to interfere, that he could not know when he (Mr Clark was right or wrong) _ for he neither a Civil Engineer
Architect.__
Mt Wilson them ordered Mr. Clark out of the office, and
continued the altercation and on
Me Clark stating again that Mr Wilson had interfered with
M. I have not interfered with
the work.
I call it interfering when
after I have given orders to Mr. Ports,
have him recalled to him other orders unknown to me.
derries having done so._
done so..
Aperts that he had
W. It a lie, do a lie-
It's a lie.
C. If there be a lie, it is
not with me-
it must be with
you. Jakfeal to Mt Potts._ Dish or did not hes W. send of the brill after you
way to the Seak.?
W. Polto. W. Wilson certainly did send the office Corly ref the
bill after
Ws Wilson Oh then I was mistaken.
you or will
orders concerning the works to Mr Potto.-
We Clark. Certainly not - until this is settled.
Ms Clark left immediately fter.
Mr Potts was in the room
W. Wilson's statement that he was mistaken was said
to the fact of whether he had or had not sent for Mr
ag is intended as a
Potts- and not im
refractation or afology An using the work lie to Wc Clark. The words were said By Mr Wilson with his back to Wr
Clark, who was at the end of the room whereas Mr Potts was standing close to W Wilson and therefore Mr. Clark might not have heard them.-
was no retractation or apology offered by Mr Wilson. Signed in presence of (Signed) Ges: R. Potte
(Piqued) J. Phell, BS
before Wz Clark was sent for and did not leave till after Mr Clark had left.
The above is an accurate report of the Evidence given by me to His Excellency Sir Richard Graves MacDonnell on the of t May in presence of the fronorable
W.A. Rennie.
in presence (Signed) Ges: {. Potte 117 May, 1856.
(Signed) James Pipell
Private Secretary
Bong Kong. 9th May 1868.
Survey Department- Altercation between W Wilson
and Ms Clark.
Evidence of Mr. Polts
Concerning
as taken by Governor in presence of honorable W. A. Rennie.
Enclosure Ni2 in Gove Sir Richard G. Mere Donnell's Despatch N: 503 of 27th May, 1868.
(Copy). M: 249.
Colonial Secretary's Offices
Hongkong, 131!
I-am instructed by His Excellency
Sir Richard Graves Mac Damell to inform that on the 6th instant His Excellency and the Executive Camoil had undew their consideration Mr Clark's letter of the 1. April addrefed to the Honorable the Acting. Colonial Sewdary assigning reass for his resignation of his office, and also reply therds of the 23rd Aprils.
The Governor and Conrail deeply regret that these documents should have)
W. Wilson Roq.
Surveyor Genera
disclosed
unfortunate
or and beecutive Carmoil; have
series of
arrived at
disputes between Offices whose cordial
cooperation is 30
Sential to the interests Public Services. It had however, I
brcase waspary to decide who is the -party chiefly to blame, and also to
take all requisites
ALLAGANY CO
to restore
the efficiency of the Survey Department.
Where matters in dispute between
live officials have led to adverse statements
it appeared to the Governor and the Concil
desirable when practically stat
any points about
lakton should be founded) which there nnd be bait necefpity for using the personal testimarry of cistos.
Applizing that test to the differ
er inces
between yourself and Mr. Clark, the
clusions almost entirely
advused to yourself.
Wictions entering into all this
which have materially in flerweed the Camcil.
in cassidering your filreefs for the pront hold, that body
of opinion that there was
decidedly
sufficient in
treatment of Mr Clarke, and
honts Fabriel Materid.
#post pacement of the interests of the Suviis
presoral objects to shake the confidence which the Government should
the lead of so important
Department. They, therefore, filt and paford
resolution to the effect that
permanent continuance in
invepedient to the Public interests and?
that such resolution should be canmu.
nicated to the Secretary of State .
now desired to mentions to
The following
as the principal [ though muc
not the only point / which inflamed) the or ox
Cancil decision. It is expedient you-
should),
aware that such decision
influenced by
of Mr Clark.
On the 22410 May
year you
any musupported testimony
May last
applied to His Excellway the Garmor for the adding appointment of effecitant Surveyor Goural - stating" that the duties might be "performed by yourself at all warts during "The first six moniter of Mr Bird's absence" "
then expected would)
which it
tamm tuel
the 10th of June, but
ir till 10th
which did not really
Mr Bird's brochu
aniVA QUAE
e till later
was at the time
Asistant Engineer and his revignations
nearly of the
departure of his brother on leave.
June. Yor intimated.
your readiness
to His boullmy to take the duties of
bfistant Engineer, achich devolved on
case, but His Excellency
declined to allow
to draw the
day pay.
I am now to remind
although the Gavane not seeing any
other course open to him at the time did allow you to hold the appointment of Asistant Surveyor General, yet by his minute of the 29th May be informed you!
that he in
bound himself to
continue you in the acting appointment
a manent after he could make
suitable
anang quite aware
make some
1. Phus you
from the first of the
intertion and wish of His Excellway in
the matter.
Sony afterwards his smalleng
enabled to make
- more suitable arrange=
ment, for he found that Mr Clark a Ceil
Engriser and Architect already most
farably Kram at Shanghai
to recept the ading appointments of Afistant Surveyor General and Afeistant
Engineer-
condition of being allowed
private prradice-
condition conceded by
the Governor and confirmed by the Secretary
of State
Mr Clarke's appointment was made
in July last long before the
of the building
you refer
to propose.
commencement
date to which
intended
fresh anangement. Your
original applications
to hold Mr
Bird's appointment till the 10th Dearbor
at all events?
building
period at which the be regarded?
tolmably will advanced). It is also to be
remarked that
understandin
allusions to such
are made in Mem! dated
after Mr Clark's arrival here, and that
preview there to you evinced no
diffiently
as to your capability of discharging all the duties.
I have further to inform you
that whilst
sample of
repating pauself able to
alove all
your over duties, and to add
to them those of Afistant Surveyor and
Apistant Engineer on condition of receiving half the Salary of the former, the Comcil
cleared with regret that the moment
Fate Governor
was able to effect other
anangements such as he had all along
to anticipate, you
of wilcaning so prave ful
sten instead?
addition to
the Survey Departinent as Mr Carse.
night to dete him from
office by insisting long before
ment of the "build
ا کے مجھے
Commend) -
necessity for his worthing extra hours
the plea that such extra hours were absolutely necessary to
enable him to discharge duties which
for a peamiary consideration you had
I reported yourself
in addition to your
pectent to undertake
awn till the 10th
1 December.
The Governor iter considered as the Executive Camoil now cars
iders such
conduct to be utterly unworthy of honorable Offien auxions to promote the Public interists. Mortiing, stimfore, could the confidence.
conduce to im pain
which the Govenor ought to place in The Head of you Department.
Secondly. It has appeared to
the Governor
and Conncil clear that on
the day when this Excellency introduced M. Clarke an his arrival from Shanghai instead of welcoming him with the courtesy due to
genstemand of professional)
standing and acquirements which at the
par with
you informed him that he
cque down to take MN! Bird!
half Salary from you.
Wishwallacy would receive with
mcredulity
-statement of such an
avowedly selfish clarin to
exclusive
right to the puquisites of office,
not that Mr. Clarke in the Governor's
fresmeer
question charged
you with having just accused him of taking from you Mr Bird: half. Salary-
staterned which
did not then
deny. It is also curtain that not merly did you express youself aggrieved by Mr Clark's appointment defriving your of
half Salary
you subsequently
admitted to the Acting Colonial Secretary
had told My Clarke that
you had told
could to injure hime. You will observed that in forming
their opinions
conduct in the
abour particulars, His Excellency and the
Cancil do not in the least found their
conclusions
11.13 1인
of Mr Clark. In the
supported statements
Concil hour formed their own
The reasons
conclusion
given by Mr
Clarke for the impossibility of his
continuing
serve AmA
given him the lie
yar viz:
coarse manner.
the 30th March
The Comcil examined. Mr. Classe
to this point, because he had not
and has not yet sesed
letter of
the 201d Aquil, whereas all the corresprendenes >
had been submitted to
Mr. Petts
your Office when Mi claire
entered, and who remained theres lill
Mr Classe left; has also been since very closely questioned. Wis testimary clearly proves that in reply to as afutions by Mr Clark that had recalled Mr
Potts to give him orders unknown to
M. Clark
Ho alie, Hi a lie."
Subsequently you found that the
had given the lie
directly to the clause
an were mistaken), or you were
for making
promit on
rather one
any auffimmt misstatement
This has been proved by Mr Potts who when appealed to by Mr dark stated
had sent up the hill after
In the 8th paragraph of your
that thereupon you
immediately retraded what said. This in the ordinary
exclanned. "H's a lie,
I therita this unfai
the ordinary sense of such
phrose is incorrect and
euanians
impression. It implies that
Me Clark to
you gave regretted the rises
language.
nderstand you
of such unwarrantable
The fact standing at a table at
room, with
Clark who
end of the
back lined to Mr
at the other end. Mr
close to you, and he declares
you merely said "oh then I was muslaken" words which he thinks My
Clock could not have heard, but which
Mr Clark
retractation
were not ad
not addressed)
inturded i
any way for the coarse
apology for the
and wholly mjustifiable language
had resed).
To His Excelling
and the Connel
it appears that the above conduct was
disgraceful, and when they remember the differences in 1864 belivers yourself
and Mr. Pavon,
standing, they
then offin ihm of 20 yrau?
ow little hope of any
confitent Officer continuing long to suve under you. They also fut it in posibles
to accipit
sufficient your simple
duvial of many
attributed to
other acts of discov
you by Mr Clark. They
have at least quite
much reliance
the word of that guit
yourself. Nevriticles
you will
observe they have not been guided is
their decision on
evidence
other points by the
widmer of sitter the clause or yourself.
I have to adds that although
not directly connected with the farts,
which disclose in the opinion of the
fitness for you present
port, the Governor and Convil could
not but feel that
.4... case)
had not imprevedi
by matting live most
superior Officers,
wholly incassialant
with actual widence to the contrary,
laid before the Council
I have only to adds that
and unfounded attacks
on the character
of M! clarse in pan a graph 15 of your
letter of the 2014 April.
The gusitumars who was charman
of the Shanghai Municipal Council wohen M: Clark left; has completely rebuttid
the latter's conduct in
camrection with his appointment there,
14.14/01A.
pported apertion strat
Continent
Ihr clarser had quitted his appoin
in the Great Northaw Railway Company because he could not get
an wiit his
although the points herein adwrited to
had a principal influence with the
Concil, there
conected with
several ortiers
your previous management
of the Survey Department, and quite independent of recent disputes between
and Mr Clarke, which induce?
yourself Wishealliney to agues with the Commeil
in thinking a change in the Head of
Department desirable. The points, however, being sufficient to justify any stop which might be taken from
pension to final removal from
C. S. v. N. 1339-
Office, I have
no instruction to
at present into fruition details. I have only to add that the resolution of the Executive Comicil will transmitted by this Exallung to the Secretary of State.
I have N
(signed) J Gardiner Austin,
Colonial Secretary.
Arce-Cofres)
I Gandia Metin
Colonial Seer stamp.
Surveyor General's efficen
Hong Kong 22. May 1868
I beg to be allowed to offer the following
remarks with reference to
instant received
No 240 of the 12
day before the departure of
the Mail intimating that the Resolution of the Executive Council with reference to the
disputes between Mr. Clark and myself would
be submitted to the Secretary of Stixte.
From Paragraph 3 of your
that the Gover
Letter I find
and Council have considered
it desirable in this matter to rely
practicable the personal testimony of either Mr. Clark or myself. I uspectfully submit homever that the whole tinor of your
letter show's
that the conclusions of His Excellency the Governor
· founded almost entirely on evidence given by Mr. Clark with the exception of one matter in which
The Honorable
Colonial Scentory
the evidence of Mr Poths is taken.
In Paragraph 44 (you refer to "The Postponement of the Interests of the service
own personal objects" I submit that such has not been proved. Since Mr Clark's
first object has been
arrival, as before, the Interests of the service and I can conscientious=
time has been entirely devoted to it since I arrived in the Colony 42 ago . Paragraph 4 of my N. 48 of 23rd
• April explains what has passed between Mr. Clark and myself on the subject of his obtaining his two appointments . I have
recollection of the conversation in His
Excellency's presences referred to in
144 of your
referred to in Paragraphs
letter and
surprised to find
His Excellency did not then call upon
explanation of the Statement which I am supposed to have made to Mr. Clark.
That I was
annoyed at Mr. Clark's
receiving
the two appointments I candidly
admit and for the following reasons.
A. Becauser Mr Clack was to receive the pay
of two officers amounting to about £700 per annum and the privilege of private practice whilst his hours for Government work were
limited wherens I
practice and
was debarred from such
Avort Avaa
in accordance with
the requirements of the service . I therefore
that many of the duties
could not but see that,
for which Mr. Clark
paid must devolve
myself, and I have found that such hos been the case for I have to work from daylight
frequently until Sunset. 2 Brcause when
in September last Mr. Cloati
placed in sole. charge of the repairs at Government House und Mountain Lodge I found myself deprived of the Control of
officer who by his appointmen
should have been in charge of works to which at times I was unable to attend personally. 3 Becauser when I found that Mr Bird
going to
I intimated to His Lordship the Bishop of Victoria then in England that
about to occur in
and that if his ston
Department
found qualified for it.
his arrival I should be prepared to-
recommend him for the appointment.
With reference to Paragraph: "/
I shall be obliged if I may be referred
correspondence
occasion adverted to
I have no recollection of
applied for the pay of the Assistant Engineer.
to 99 of 22nd May 1867 I proposed
to undertake the duties of the Assistant burveyor General during the first Six Months of attr Bird's absence, time when nearly all the Public Works were stopped. I should not have attempted to work single handed during
progress of the works which
put in hand shortly after Mr. Clarth's urrival . Deferring to Puragraph 11 I may
state that I have
no recollection of having
asked Mr. Clark to work extra hours
his working hours
: fixed by It is Excellency on Mr Clark first taking office. With reference to Paragraph 14 I have already explaineds in my No 48 of 23rd April that what I said had reference solely to my
not putting private practice into Mr. Clark's hands.
accompanying Memorandum by Mr. Potts of the actual words used in the
conversation inferred to in Paragraphs 15. 16.
17. 18 & 19 shows I submit that I was mistation I immediately expressed myself
to have been so, and in such
that Mr Clark, must have heard.
could easily be heard by
tone of voice
because it
one in the office ?
I intended it as a withdrawal of words used by myself in a moment of irritation caused by Mr. Clarti's having flatly contradicted me in the first instance and by the general Tenor of his insolent observations. shown in Paragraph 8 of my W. 48 of 23rd April - The referred to in Paragraph 19 with riference to attṛ Fower shows that Sir Hercules Robinson
correspondence
disapproved equally of his conduct and
The orders I gave
at that time and
which formed the subject of dispute
I deemed best for the Interests of my Department
carrying
out certain alterations in the
distribution of work amongst my
I must now,
refer to what
most erroneousty termed "tivo most unjust and unfounded attacks by myself
the character
2.Mr Clark,” in Paragraph 15 of my N°48 of 23rd April. With reference to the first I solicit His Exatloncy's perusal of a Note in my possession from the Head Mucantite Firm in Hong Kong but which bring morked "Private" I am
This Note will prove that my
am unable to attach to this letter.
Statement was unjust and I
nfounded.
respectfectly submit that before being told
that it was so I should have been called
upon for my proofs. With reference to the Second case I depend upon
a statement
made by Mr. Clark to myself when returning some months back from the Mountain Lodge
Works . I may add that
friendly way discussing
AVILI ALICARI
our Antecedents
and the names of Engineers under whom
had respectively served in England.
My only object in
bringing these circumstances
to the Notice of His Excellency was to Showr that I was not the first person who had
experienced, difficulty in work-
with at Clart.
well aware that Mr. Clarth has
represented "That I have spread injurious
"reports with reference to him" which is not the and cannot be proved. He has also stated " that I am incompetent for my duties", ands
that my Department is inefficiently organized
Branch " Although I cannot for
one moment admit Mr. Clark
3 my Junion to be a judge of my professional qualifications am nevertheless most willing to submit
actions in the Surveyor-Genual's Depart... ment to the opinion of any qualified and impartial person . And while on this subject I will refer this Excellency to this liver most important works which I have had under my charge during my
administration.
Department. The first is "The Royal Mint" the
Second. "The Gonfulum Water Works " non in
of constructions . The Mint Buildings
CQARA DE
erecteds at ar
Cost of $ 115,000 are built on
reclaimed Ground 1000 feet: Seawards from High water Mark. Notwithstanding the
vibration of the Machinery the shops have stood perfectly and the staat which is 100 fut in height has stood the force of two severe Typhoons. With regard to the Potfulum Water Works designed by myself und estimated an Exxtract letter written by Mr. Rawlinson the
to cost $ 100,000 I simply quote
first authority in England such matters.
It is addressed to the Crovom Agents and dutid 7th Novembus 1866 " Generally the works
we will planned and if confully executed
will safely
cord toege
their intended purposes.
These facts form for mous important evidence
of my qualification than
Mr Clark's.
accompanying Copies of Testimonials from the two Govenors under whom I have served previous to His Excellency's arrival will show that they were satisfied that
Department was efficiently supervised. during
their term of Office. I also appends Copy of a letter from the Chief Engineer East Indian Railway
to the Secretary to the Government
of India him, I may add that it was
the subject of my services under
through his recommendation that I was admitted to the
Institution of Civil Engineers in 1863. From
September last when Mr. Clark was made
measure,
great me
independered of I have purposely not interferes with his actions more than I could possibly helps and of conside that I cannot fairly be hold
FIQOV FRCP-
in which he has
responsible for the conducted. " Prepairs to Buildings
a Service
with which This Excellency in Memo : 311
· instant has expressed himself much dissatisfied, neither for other works conducted
arrangement in which I had no
I bug to point out that ereas I not summoned before the Council to give any explanations which I might have had to- advance, Mr. Clark who preferred the charges
against,
examined. I submit that
me wVOLA
which has attained so-much importance
it would have been more just towards anyself
had I been present while Ab Clark's examination tōoti place that I might-
have had
opportunity of Cross
questioning hime, and I must be ailored to state
that the expression by the Council of my
Conduct as
"unworthy of
Sfficer" and "disgraceful
honorable
was under the
circumstances premature and uncalled for seeing that this letter proves that the
not fully informed
were not
subject before theme.
I now beg to be allowed briefly to refer to certain matters which have in a
great -measure led to the unfortunates disputro between myself and Mr Clark . 1 . By His Excellency's Memorandums at 237 of 23rd September 1867 Mr Clart is "instructed to
the entire managements and Control
of all expenditure connicted with the Mountain ridges and that when necessary
he confer divecity and personally with the
Governor " and in Memorandum 2411 of
30th September 1867 the following order,
is given with references to Government House " I should also wish with a view to expediting
the works that Mr Clars should tatie over
of all the required repairs, the Surveyor General only interfering where he disapproves of any
arrangements proposed by MN Clark ? these.
placed in a
Memos: show that alli Carti
position in defundent of me and prejudicial to Authority
lead of the Wepartment. 2 M2 Clark
has been holding live appointments under mes
and has still kem required to work only a fixed, number of Hurs which for time past has been from 10 AM to 4 PM.. 3. Mr Park's
towards myself has been most unseemly,
offensive, and in subordinate, se
so much one occasion I have had to order him out of my office. Ander the aboves circumstances I
looking into the matter in an
impartial and temperate
extraordinary
بجے ترمی
is there
unnatural in the
thing dissentions which have tation place betweens
Mr Coat and myself? The whole original Official programme
or routine
the duties
of my Department being thas changed, myself deprived of that which is so-
- necessary
to efficiency in a Department, the direction and control of all Officers employed and works performed.
I am aware that from the day of Six Richard Mochonnell's arrival in the Colony I have unfortunately incurred. His Excellency' s displeasure by not ressonally surervising the Supairs to Turniture at Government House, a service which I believe
- officio belong to the duties of the Surveyor General . In this belief I strengthened by the fact of the Vote for thes service being included in the Colonial Estimates under the Head of "Governor and not of "Surveyor-General " . Before His Excellency's unival I gladly attended to these matters
dons not ex-
and should have continued to do so hard
I not been authoritatively ordered about
the subject. I must also though most peluctantly place on record the following
circumstances. Potrrithstanding the Instructions
contained in His Excellency's Memo. N. 2411 of 30th September just quoted This Excithincy has subsequently
and asked me
ccasion:
On one occasion' com7.0/
why I had not attended to certain
matters at Govunment House,
that I had not attended to
ment House in accordance with.
on my replying:
work at Govun
instructions
has answered "Then why them
His Excellency has
Dence hav'n't you?
?" The same expression.
has been used to me on another occasion in the
presence of the Acting Colonial Secutary on my stating that I had not personally attended to
tain details because according to the Official programme of duties they were under Mr Clarke's charge a Mogramme which by This Excellency's Memo. No 285 of 28th January last I am tõlds I have no right to deviate from without the previous sanction of His Excellency,
13. I lug
to refer to
No 55 of 7th instant
to yourself complaining that without reference to me for expianation Itis Excellency had desired the Auditor Generat to make certain Supairs to Govern
ment: House but-offices"
Surcharge against
may Bulary. By a. Minutes on the
and dated the 9th instant His Excellency cancels this order. I however consider the Nemo ---- referred to
a most unmerited disgrace to myself
while it remains on pecord.
Th. It will be perceived that the Resolution
of the Council was based solety evidence
given Officer.
مورچے کو مارا پیج
my disputes with Mr Clark
to Hong Kong and who has only
acting appointment in the service
for a few months. Whether the decision of the
Secretary of State having nor a full" Renvrrledger
of the facts before him will be
adverse to myself
so entirely
as to injure
injure my prospects
for life remains to be seen hereafter. In the
time I shall
out the wishes of
His Excellency to the best of my ability. I have now to request that the accompanying copic of the Acting Colonial Secretary No 200
of 20th April to myself, of Mr. Clark's letter of
pot April to the Acting Colonial Secutory, of
Colonial
No 48 of 23rd April to the Acting Secretary, of your N.249 of 12th instant
to myself, of my 1: 55 of 7th instant to yourself- with a Minute by His Excellency at back, and
of this letter with 41 Enclosures
be forwarded
to the Right Honorable The Secretary of State.
I have the honor to be
Your most abedical servant
Invener Gommal.
Memo: of part of a Convenation that tooti place
un or about
between Mr. Wilson, Al? Cleak and myself.
Mr the 26th March in the Juveyor Genual's Office.
After certain conversation Mr. Wilson said to Al Charti
Why Mr Pette
office of nis
vin accord
that he required an Iron Sipe" Mr. Clark...
answered flatty
No he did not,
you sent for hims the Hill" Mr Wilson said in an excited
"It's a lie," Mr Clark said If
three times
there be a lie it must be with
I appeal to Mr Potts,
did or did not. Il Wilson send
the still after &
I answered "Mr Wilson cutainly did send up the Hill
Vas cr a
after me,
different occasion that I asked for the Pipe" Mr. Wilson answered in a voice that could easily
Oh' then I was mistation?
be heard by every one in the Office
The above Memo : explains
the actual words used
15th May 1868.
(signed)
marly as possible
occasion
Gev. E. Potts
Overseer Victoria Peak Works.
True Copy
Surveyor General.
My Dear Sir,
Government. House
Hong Kong 6th March 1865.
In reply to
Note of yesterday
I have much pleasure in stating that I think
the S. l.'s
have conducted the duties of
Department in a very satisfactory manner since Mr Cleverly's departure from the Colony, and if the appointment had been vacant during
term of Office I should have recommended for it to the Secretary of State.
very, truly
(signed) Hercules G. R. Robinson -
W. Wilson Esqre
Free Copy
Surveyor Camal.
My Dear Sir,
Colonial Secretary's Offien
None Hong
244th September 1866.
much pleasures in endorsing
the favorable quinion expresseds of your
by Sir Nucules Robincons whose Note I returns,
your request.
The Surveyor-General'a Bepartment: satisfactorily and efficiently conducted be
from · Manchs 1865 to March 1866, during which puried I odministered the Government
this Colony.
-Very truly yours.
(signed) W. T. Mercer –
Wilberforce Wilson Esque
Free Cafey
uzirison
Suaveyor Gunral.
St kal. Strachey
Dear Sir,
East Indian Railway
Chief Engineers Office
11. Mentre Road Calcutta I January 1863.
Mr. Wilberforce Wilson, hoa requested
in order that
me to give him a letter to
you might place his name on the list of Candidates for Government employment on Public Works in case a vacancy should occur which would be suitable for him. I have much pleasure in giving him the best recommendation in my
who has been almost four years on
Railway and executed importient Works in a very satisfactory
I casi also certify that his conduct has been unexceptionable and that his engineering
FICIARY -
qualifications of conducting large works with cudit to himself and with profit to his employers - Fregret that the completion of the Works obliges a reduction of the staff and M2 Wilson's withdrawal from the Railway-
are very good, and that he is quite capable.
Your's faithfully
( signed: ) George Turnbull -
True Copy.
Mution, Szerveyor Gjenvial.
Meme: N. 273.
th Mowrch, 1868.
Moz. Sanith
the Surveyor General fot
جن کو ایسے
toplanations
as to evident
misenanagement of certain
trepairs
being conducted
the Public Offices, and he
stated in prep
that he knows
nothing about them, and that
in consequence of the leasaires of
biblings being allocated other officers of his staff
pesponsiblity therein.
very dangerous
doctrine
to allow
کم سمجھے
Department to profess
of the Surveyor
General it is the
inexcusable
raised in
in October 1866, question
communication
from the Surveyor General, in
which he transmitted
application from A6 2 Bird, Appistant Surveyor, to have charge of all Public Buildings and be exclusively responsible to
the Governer instead
of as then
to the Hound of his Repartment -
I enclose
Moemo : aokich Pendorsed
that corresponde.
nce at the time.
and the very emphatic
Manner..
in which I then declined to
sanation
such division
of the Surveyor Generals responsibility ought; at think, to have rendered impossible
such misconception of
his position.
as that-laid
down by Az Wilson this It is quite right and proper that the different officers of the Shervey Repartment should have different duties, and be held personally responsible for the efficient discharge of
discharge of those
duties, but it is Mr Wilson's
business
کی خواہی کے
generally competent and active
what the
undertake.
When I lately, with a
view to saving Time, requested
that 162. Clark should
dercally with
us to repairs of Government
and Mountain Lodge
80. 80. I in
رسمی تیم استور
absolved Mr. Clark from bis responsibility to the Surveyor General for the mode in which
might carry
out his professiona duties. II expect that in
cases the Furveyor General shall from time to time satis,
himself that the Mistimales are
not exceeded without due authority and that the works progress
satisfactorily. The superintendence suecesary for acquiring knowledge generally requires
neither much thine
but whether
the case
the contrary be
or not it anest be
distinctly senderstand that the
جسته بی سیم
Surveyor General is is just rasponsible for ever in his Department, Governor is responsible for
that ever
Repartment
is maintained in efficient.
working order, so far
ascerlain.
I cannot diminish the responsibility and duties of my
مگر ایسے میں اور مستند
office any 18 can those of the Surveyor
General. Such duties
necessarily inherent in
pespective offices, and cannot be detached from them without some nadical change
or break__
the present
system of Government sanctionect
Her Majestys Governament:
at Gruist that no
ground is
Possible
left for future
misapprehension, and that, if any defect is pointed out in
the working of any
the Survey Repartment, N= Wilson will in future disposed to feel it an advruty
that his attention should be
directed thereto, and avill not attempt to repudiate the general responsibility of power to
which I have
puliève him.
(Signed) R. V. Mr. R.
Inue Copy
Gardeinde
Molamal Sexribury
Mormo : No. 293.
6th March, 1868.
Governor
Der Richard Graves Abac Remmy
Hon lovil lo. Elanith,
( Acting Wolonial keretary)
Survey Department -
Defines Therweyor Conerat's responsibility for all
members of this Reportmens,
Enclosure it: 5 in Governet fr Richard Graves Mackommun Respatch No2.583 of 27th May.
Meme. No 3M.
Mrr Smith..
2nd May, 1868
My attention
was drawn the
day to the fact of the Stables at Government House being entered by Number of painters and workmen without
who varnished the stables
my knowledge
of the haves. painted all the windows doors and woodwork, and kept in the stable a large number of pots of paint
and varnish.
The smell of paint to to when I entered the stable a couple of days
opprefaive
consequently
known nothing
is well known
could be
injurious to horses of which I had
valuable animals in the stable in question
at the time.
I consider it
most improper funcortious thing for such work to be undertation without authority from
and without notice, even.
if I had given
Cuthority, to enable
I find also that the windows in the
Kitchen have been taken, and workmen
Sent in there without notice and without
uuthority from
This is the
inexcusable
four months Government
Government House occupied by workmen and all
for nearly
necesary
repairs to stable Kitchen and out offices, if authorized by
me Could then have
takin plase, whereas now without authority
and without inquiry
and repairs
to what alterations
necefoury
the precincts of
Government House have been invaded and littered and the place rendered off uncomfortable and unsightly by rubbish and the movement of workmen at a time most inconvenient.
idea of allowing any
one to invade Govemment House in such
unwarrantable manner and understand from the Clerk of Norths that he has been acting in this matter by orders of the Surveyor General, who had been distinctly directed not to interpre
with Government House.
Under these circumstances I see no altimative but to make the Cast of these
· repairs a surcharge against the Surveyor
General's salary, and
will inform the
Auditor General accordingly.
Ishall consult also with the latter
be brought
to the best
future of
necesary despite of the trouble thereby
entailed on
that such matters
directly under
simmediate Surveillance.
(Signed) NE. G. MAD.
devising some adequate control over
procedings of the Surveyor Gennal in the matter of repairs, so that, hereafter, none shall be undertatten in any Govemment "Building without the previous sanction of
the Governor,
trawledge of the
expense contemplated. I am cominced that
the Public
Squandend
wastefully every year, and expended funsatisfactorily under the present System: and as with other branches of busines in the Surveyor General's Department it will
Geverser
Mone. No 311.
20 A tray 1968.
Sir R.Gj. that Donnell, C.B.
Waible CCAmith,
Colonial Secretary.
Repairs of Buildings-
Unvariantable and manthorized intrusion by Survey or Ginal's
wo. Rines into Government Have
Cut-offices. Necessity for devising more
immediate control
of fuelli Buildings
18th May, 1865.
The Surveyor General has
me certain Carrespondencs relating to repairs to Kitchens, and Stables at Government House, and I need not say the perusal of
that Correspondence his given
great pain, and still greater Surprise.-
Fremember very well the
morning of the 244 of
On entering the Survey or Genevals
Office he interrogated me as to
why repairs
The Honormble
were not going on
The Colonial Secretary.
to commeating arcides, kitchens, and Stables at Government House.
I told him I had no
to make the repairs.
Ibey particularly to call His Excellency's notice to my reply (viz.) that the reason whin I was not making the repairs, was ! "Brause Ghad no orders.
The Surveyor General then -sent for the Assistant Surveyor General, and told him that repairs to arcades, kitchens, and Stables
must be executed whilst the
ow this the
were there and upon Assistant Surveyor tivened towards
me and said. "You
can attend
to that M." Prestage". Greplied "Yes!
In justice to myself I
am bound to say that the Surveyor General, and the Afaistant Surveyor General were both excited on this occasion, and perhaps did not understand each other,
but with
any difference between my Superiors Shave nothing to do, and I respectfully bey to samy I considered Mr Clark's order a
one, being given as it was in the presence of the Surveyor General
His Excellency I imagined
fully apprized before the work began by
began by one, or
one, or both of
my superiors, for it cannot be supposed that of myself I would undertake work at any house (more especially that of Governor) without warning the
I belived that the Surveyor General had not only forewarned, but had obtained His Excellency's Sanction and approval to do the repairs, when Theard him give the order to The Assistant Surveyor General, and which
order was transmitted to me on
the occasion above stated.
The Surveyor General says
in his letter No 55 to the Honorable
The Colonial Secretory - Thart I have monde no less than is entries on the progress of the work at the outoffices.
Since the corres
the correspondenes
was handed to me I have looked.
through my report book, and a finds that I have made no less tham 23 reports. _
On the 15th April I was on the site of the work with The Assistant Survey or General. Du
the 30th of the same month I was
the site of the work with the Surveyor General . _
Certainly on both occasions
it was on,
special business, but
Imaintain with all respect that
the other of these my Superiors must have been
s ponsible_
Since the corresponda
was handed to me
I have carefully
camined my Report Book, and find that I had fully kept my Superiore informed of progress of works.
Falso find in the Report
Book written instructions from -the Surveyor General of the 7 April reg Imegret Icould not state regarding the repairs.
cave more clearly to His
Excellency at the interview of the
6th Mary in the Colonial Secretary's Office, but Shard only 3 Minutes notice and spoke to the best of my knowledge thinking that the enquiry
only to ascertain from whom the order emanated_ Strust His Excellency will
see from what I have said that it is impossible I could have been -carrying on the repairs without the authority of my Superiore.
I therefore earnestly beg that His Excellency will be pleased to ressind his order of surcharging
small salary, and which is already so overburdened_
I have 42
(Signed) Ward Prestagge
Hong Kong., 197. Monry 1565.
Clerk of
(Hard Greetage)
Colonial Secretary, (Honble. J. G. Austin,
Government House Cliffier Explanation in respect
of Repairs to:-
Surveyor Gueral's Ffinn 912 May, 1868.
In reply to His Excellency the Govervin
instant requiring explana
minute of the 20th instant
tion res
respecting
certain statements in My
Pestage's letter of the 18th instant, I have? the hover to offer the following
fat It is no
doubt correct
Mr Prestage's letter, that
as stated in
interview
beliver him, M? Wilson and unguelf look.
but it is not live that.
the 24 March
abort that time.
instructions.
conversation
to repairs or other
gium giver
whatever took place
The Wavorable
Colonial Secretary.
works to the Kitchurrs and Stables at
Government Have. The intervine refered to,
which did not occurfy
than one
two minutes, had reformue solely to the
roofs of the Arcades
or revered
ing the Kilikens and Stables with Government
House; and
--such repairs were
simple matter requiring no stille. I
The occasion, to
desired. The Prestage have them done; and left the matter in his hands. Had the repairs to the Milchens and Stables been pland.) sinder
agement, I should, in the first
instances, have consulted this haulling
to their nature, exactly
in the case.
of the repairs to Government
Have, and ot
receiving His Exallway's
direction, I should have plaid the work in the hands of a Contractor and
him and the Clare of Works
grisen formal instructions as
be dow. I should also from time to time
have inspected; the works as
shery praceded doubt have had frequent intervines
with both the Contracter and the Clave
of worths on the subject. 1 fit how stand this facts! Athick, who it appears
the Contractor, states that he received no
instructions from me, and Mr Prestages,
words he alleges I
beyond the vagues
addreford to him during the intervine
in question; and the still
allusions he makes to
being "on the
The 2.5.
site of the works with him"
Juil, to which I shall
does not state that I
again refor Jave him
specific directions on the subject, which
I must have dow had I the repairs in
charge. gudly H
appears to
ine most simprobable
intelligent
like Mr. Prestage
who has been in the habit of carrying
ait works, would embark
important
repairs to the Offices of Government Wonse)
without having first instructions from
received: distinct
authorized person.
I believe Mr Prestage has received such instructions, but regret to find that in his letter (which I consider both disingusions and intruck ful) he has not avowed the fast. In the first portion
of that letter, he alleges that Mr Wilson placed the repairs in question allogether
hands and that I then directed
them into effect, - vide- that portion of the second. fage beginning with the words "the Smauge General) then sent for the A.A.S.GE - and then.
after slating that on the to th
April. he
was on the site of the works with the
A. A. S. G. and that on the 40th of the
same mant. he
the site of
the worth with the Sweejor General "
he proceeds to
༣༨-༣, ༔་ ༩
that "are
The other
of unj tus sufinios (rersaning the Smenjor Gennal or unself) must have been
responsible."
These statements
inconsis
text;. If I had received instructions I fran Mr Vilson to take the works in charge and had plaud then under his
care), as
could be
he would have it inferred those
question
was the Iwumpor Geneval-
respassible,
to whether it
myself who
would have been the person by whose directions the repairs were being carried
gidly the truth is, as I have already stated to His Excellency and M. C.C
Smith - M. Prestage got his instructions to make these repairs from the Surveyor Gurnal himself: this I belive Mr Prestage had not the
aving to his previous misstatement
to His Excellency on the subject, dare not contradict himself by so doing. Mr Wilson in his letter of the Th thay 1868 (N:85) devis
this and asserts that "the Clerk of Works had
received no instructions
a) munos
the subject direct from himself." (se paragraph (). This is incorrect for it is contradicted by randum in his now hand-writing. I refe to this entry in the Report Book of the Clust of Works respreding these identical repairs, which is
follows_ "the reef has still to be parited, the underside of the tiles had better be painted at the same
time 8.4.68"
Now the fact of this witry proves
conclusively that Mr Wilson and not I, had charge of the worth, surely if they
he would not have
given such directions in
Clarke of Worths.
I may add, as I have already verbally stated to His Excellency and Mr. Sunich,
what about the 20th April (which I suppose.
that Mr Prestage says
the site of the works) having
to enter the Witchens respecting
the paving
occasion
wall Greas then planning,
I found now engaged in lathing up
near the cooking place, which the first intimation I had of any work going on there. I inquired of Prestage what he
be replied that he paving and that he
laking up
going to relay
iN agains
Observing this was
being love in
manner, Dremarked,
Kilful me
"Surely not that old stuff (meaning the old
paving stones) with all that filth under it," and Zither enquired of Mr. Prestage, by whose ambority be
carrying
that was, when he distinctly told
by the archority of the Surveyor General.
present during this
tion M! Prestage
said this to me.
"Knowledges hos
thly As to the second subject en quired.
of by His Excellency, I have only to say
that inasmuch
I was daily in the habit of seening Mr Prestage), and receiving from hin verbal reports of the progress of
the different works, it was not
habit to make a
regular or systematic examination of his Report Book, although
I used occasimally to look
after I had sent in
March last,
over it; andi
my resignation in duties having become
narrowed to certain works, I did not
arine, his book at all. But
had I done so and seen the entries
referred to, by this Excellency I should not
: have interfered,
concluded, that
as I should have I
I had not given Mr.
Prestage his instructions he must. of
General..
have received them from the Surveyor
I have No
(signed) John Clark!!
Meme by Ganner Sv. Richard Graves Mac Donnell, th
Mr Austin,
Nothing is better calculated to illustrate the unsatisfactory and
atisfactory and anomalous state into which the Survey Department has fallen than the extraordinary crofa
statements and prevarications connected
simple question of, who
with the
and who has been
charge of culair repairs of a public
building?
I had no intention of allowing any repairs to the out-buildings of Government
House this
year. During for months the prancises had been recufurd by
and I was
workmen,
compelled to reside time
mider circunstances of unfrece dailed
inconvenience, whilst Sady Mar Donnell.
had to escape to Japan at the season
esidence here is most desirable:
If any repairs to the out- buildings
required it is wident that
the peried for having them completed.
but it was
intention to permit
such repairs to be
undertaken,
I thought that for assorten year at least the expense might be defined
I was emprised.
number of
workmen on the premises
quantity of such debris and
accompany the operations of masons again accumulating. As havwar, [they seemed to be solely occupied in
the covered wayps connecting
refraining
the stable and
and Kilchen
have, and I was
with the
it at these
portions of the building had been greatly injured by the late lyphoons, I did not interferes
Subsequently, haveves, and sehen I supposed the above work was
finished
I accidentally visited the Stables to look newly purchased and valuable
horses, I found the Itables full of painters and pots of paint and varnish, I also found the doors and windows and Stalls all freshly painted and the
mangers fresh varnished with Chinese strong smelling varnish. I need scarcely
therely incumed of loving
that the risk
horses through the colic so
prevalent
very great, and that I
extremely astarished that without
Rravledge
sanction
any party
parties should have fresumed to enter
Hables, and,
muck there. J
it were, run such
equally surprised)
frucher inquiry to ban that in the
other wing
wo Kan eve
were tearing
tearing up
the flow of the Kilchens taking out the
windows 15 15 without
being asked if such
neowvenient.
my Knowing it
a... course were
The following morning I demanded) of the Preilage, Cluse of Works, by whose orders he had presumed to enter
and Kitchens, and without
permission
painting, tearing
down windows, ripping up floors
be replied that he had acted by the orders of the Surveyor Gineral. He gave
occasions.
refly on two subsequent I thin not daubling Mr I
Prestages veracity and remembering the
great traible, which I and the Auditor Gerceral had expereinced formerly in gething.
we Knowledge of the proceedings and expenditure of the Surveyor General in the matter of repairs considered it high time auch manchorized expenditure a decided check. I therefore wrote a Meme.
(1:1 of 20 May) desiring
to be made
my privity
the expenditure
arist Mr
charge against
In his reply of 17th May Mr Wilson did not hesitate to affirm that after repairs to Government House
completed
he had requested Mr clair to have the
repaired-
arcades, Kitchens and Stables
We addo that the same? Contractor (Anck)
employed, and the details left to My dark.
He also states that the only orders
which he
the subject wore to M. whilst
gave Clarke in presence of Mr Prestage,
he admits that the repairs of Government
House of which Mr Clark had exclusive
charge did not
ا رہے تاہم
inprise (para (1) the
Guard house, arcades, stables
Kitchen.
When on the boot thay Mr. Pristage,
M: Wilson and Miṛ clai
wver .....
questioned
before impelf and the Acting Colonial
on the subject. Mr Prestage
Secretary
contradicted his first statement that he had
bow acting under orders of the Surveyor
General and said that he had heard the
latter wa
to the clause
will attend
to repairs of the Kilchen and Stables. Mr Prestage did not venture to
orders from Mr Clarke, but said
that he at once without reference
preceded
the authority which he
suppord devolved on him by wochearing the above conversation to furt in hand such repairs as he M. Prestage thought necesary.
Cassequently, if that system of spending public money
to be stated to the
Gossamer
a system of the Office I determined to check it, and Mr Prestages
statement exenerating
perating Mr Wilson I transa ferred the surcharge for the cost to Mr
I greatly regret to find.
Prestage.
to find now
hand-writing
the entries in Mr. Wilson's aww
the 7th April in the Class of works' book iteat his apertion, of not giving orders in the matter to Mr Prestage directly, is wholly inconsistent with fact, and I have.
now that Mr Prestage 's first statement.
under Mr Wilson's orders
ading true, as it is admitted by Mr Prestage that when Mr Clark asked him on the 25th
Apuit in presence of Puck by whose orders
tearing up the floor of the Kitchen
he replied by the Surveyor Generals.
As the conduct of the latter Officer has, havever, become matter of reference to the Seesitary of State, it is munecessary follow up the investigation further. The
far as I am personally
reckless, and so
convinced, the disastrous
in which
public premises which I inhabit, without my Knowledge or consent, and the melancholy prevarications alternately of Mr Wilson and Mr Prestage omvince me that
that a thorough reform in the Turary Department is necessary. Mr Clarke, Far well aware, could not
bas been expended in the
aufprosed himself charged with such
repairs,
yet have neglected
what I wished dove. Nad he done!
so I should have said "aroching. As it
is, I see no
reason to doubt the
accuracy
of his version of the proceedings so far as lay weihin his personal Kravledge. His story
is at least consistent.
Mr. Prestage must be informed that Dregret extremely to find from the entries in the Surveyor General's hand-writing and from M. Prestagis subsequent admifions that the story which he told in my presence and that of Mr Smich simply untrue. Wis first statement that he had been acting under the Surveyor General's aders seems to have been the
correct are. In
case who ever
the orders must entify his accounts, and subject to that usual provision I will
any special surcharges against
his salary, I shall, how was bear all these matters in mind when he
clann for promotion a pension.
(signed). P.G.M.D. 2211 May 1868.
(True Cofries)
Sandia An
Colonial Secretary.
Cedonial Secretary's Office
Hong Horny, 17th July, 1860
In reference to the various Memoranda and correspondence
from the 20
Bullime to the 12th
Instant as to the quality of the
mortar used in building
Gaol at illone. Cutters Island.
I am instructed
This Excellery
the Governor to inform you
Kolonel Lecall having
withdrawn
from the Bearol of inquiry
W. Wilson, Sing!
Taronger General.
into that subject this theater
Thi's Mercellency hav
not thought proper to constitute
other Board.
own recent verbat
cxplanations and statements to
the Governor it was
20 evident
you impressed on Colonel Lovell the possibility of such inquiry leading to
yourself that This Cornblency
clearly perceived that
disuaded Colonel Lovell from
antering
ingaing which qualified to
Conduct. He therefore feels
have thereby
you instrumental in
yourself whatever prejudice attaches
to the only previous analysis
competent parties of the Mortars
in the Br
Building
Ali's Sovethnog 2 Bromatanda
# July so fully
of the 6th - dispoved of your objections to the
constitution of the proposed
of inquiry that further allusion to that subject is not required 3&t is almost equally unnecessary,
presently appear to mour to the analysis abroady-
of the Mestier accept to state that the Colonial Surgeon
allegether ignorant of the source
whence the Mortar whook he was
first requested to analyze had bson procured, and also that the specimen which he afterwards Mlained by the Governor's desire from the building, and which gave nearly 17 per cent of time.
result of his professional
analysis, interior of
Chemid's
careful from the
was taken
taken from
the brick
in the central part of
the Building
Under these circun
these circumstances
this Excellency is inclined to
put faith in the previous analysis,
which at least
4 least proves
that whatever trivial errors
to percontage may
have been made.
analysts, there has been discreditable laxity of
supervision by yourself and
subordinates
ther maller
of considerable importance It is, however, pemarked, almost unnecessary
to refer to that analysis, because
letter of the 9th July
maintain that Gnostar
لا اسم اسم السلام
containing for lime throughout the building.
the contract was
and the price payable to the
Contractor
amount, This Cxcellency but express his astonishment
it has through you contrates
your indifference to the contractor's supplying 17 por cent loss of time than bor had engagect to furnish. It is impossible not to draw
conclusion tha
you prepared to be satisfied with that deficiency - which, however,
far below the reality, proved by R. Mowrray's ancelyn's . You appear to have forgotten
of the principal duties
that one
department is to see
that the Public receives
of the materials for which
especially
evident when it is considered.
that in the present case,
apparently
intention.
of making any deduction from
Mount Jayable
the contrary seemed satisfied and quite prepared to artify to the fulfilment of the contract which is equivalent to certifying that the Public had received
nost order
what the most
ordinary
supervision would have enabled.
to asceritain it had not
peceived, but which
you, neverthely
must have intended to cortify. had been peceived, misafefprehension of your duly which calls for This toxcellency's strong disapproval .
You seem
to have en
enterdy.
overlooked the fact, that any
Departmental Officer in this Colony who
who chooses
chooses not to
abuses of their trust.
contractor
receive in rettern.
In generally receive
forbearance valuable
consideration.
money Execellency
naturally
have expected the known facility for such mal - practices here
to have pendered
keenly alive to the impressions
which the least
concession of
the kind to
contractor
have created
against your Reportmen which His Excellencj
feels that he cannot be too
achatever amount
casting, whatever.
confidence ho
may represe
yourself personally.
Consequently he has been by your starting
disappointed by
objections to, instead of rendering assistance to the only feasible
inquiry in the power of How's Excellency
to institute. The
also regrets that
to the last have so
misapprehended your position,
your letter of the
9th instant" " Of the Mortar
Beard of inquiry,
"will not now
though your
improve it
à Repartment had
Head of a
not become matter
serious consideration with His
Exxcellency than the quality of
the Mostar.
Under these cicumstances
it is therefore not suprising,
in the absence
slightest expression of regret
your part
rescially peculiarly sensitive - Heis & scottency feel's his confictence
your adequate superintenden
of your Repartment . If he proceed
further at
it is because
- present it. reviewing other parts of your
conduct, he has reason to hope that
the lax system
appeared content to conduct
Public brusinop
has been
Repartment, and therefore your
attention had not been sufficiently
directed to it-
It cannot, however, be too
distinctly understood that suck laxity will not in
will not in future be
the least
apparent susceptibility
points whereon other officers
tolerated, This &xcellency
to mark his opinion of the
felt constrained to
Considers
indifference which
have little sught to forbear
insisting
delivery of lime and
other materials contracted for by
the Public,
would have
to distribute the dollars in the
tublic Treasury are equally
the addition in
Both Acts
improper giving
property,
exhibited in this matter. The
theless sanguine that
میک سحر اسے اسلام امن استور
in you Sublic in
I the trust improved
you by your office.
This Excellency, however, wish to press the
matter further at present. It
is not without much concern
and reluctance that he has
sensible in
duties imposed
Trustee for the
of the energy
other useful qualities which
کے غور کیجیے
various occasions exhibited
in the services of the Tublic.
(Signed) W. H. Annie, Acting Colonial Seratiz
Three Roopy)
I Garctica Anti
Colonial Foretary.
Story hang
nclosure in Lois ep 503 of 27 lay lo
18 feet.
27793 68
Sitract from Contract for the construction of Sex Wall at Kowloon.
"The Wall to be constructed
in strict accordance with the
Crawing prepared in the Surveyor General' Office.