S26: Vol. I/II: Governor's Letters from Bengal Page 764 of 844
From the Chief Engineer of the Hon'ble Co.'s Steamer "Hooghly", to Commander G T Wright, - (dated Singapore, 23rd July 1858.) Sir, I have the honor to bring to your notice, for the information of Government, that the existing rate of wages for Stokers at present in the Merchant Steam Service far exceeds the emolument or pay received by ours; owing to the great numbers of Steamers visiting this Port, for instance the Stokers of the "Sir James Brooke", I am told, are on the receipt of $10 1/2 per mensem paid in advance, with better provisions found them than allowed by Government, while our men get only 7 - 72$ per mensem; the difference is great, in consequence of which our best men leave us to better themselves, and those that we after get with great difficulty to fill the vacancies, will not sign any agreement for more than 3 months, and are perfect Coolies, causing great inconvenience, and frequently damaging the machinery by their stupidity, though watched and directed by myself and Assistants as much as the nature of our other duties will permit, which is at present very considerable, owing to the incessant steaming of the "Hooghly", she being seldom more than 1 or 2 days in Port, and performing twice the work she ever did before, which keeps us always employed over hours, while the other portion of the crew are ashore on liberty enjoying themselves. 2. I am compelled to show the evil results of employing new men, and the necessity for raising the wages, at least $2 per man, in order to secure the services of the best men procurable here; the "Hooghly's" complement of Stokers originally, when commanded by Captain Ross, were 9 Stokers, 1 Tindal, and 1 Kassab, at present we have only 6 to do double the amount of work, caused by our constant steaming; they therefore deserve a higher rate of wages, which I trust you will get sanctioned by strongly recommending their case for the favourable consideration of Government. No. 3327 Forwarded to the Financial Department for consideration and orders, Home Department, By order, The 8th October 1858 R B Chapman, Under Secretary to the Government of India Resolution. - The Hon'ble the President in Council is pleased to sanction an increase of $2 per mensem, to the pay of each of the Stokers of the Government Steamer "Hooghly". Copy forwarded to the Home Department for communication to the Government of the Straits Settlements. Copy also sent to the Civil Auditor, Fort William, for information and guidance. (A True Extract.) signature Secretary to the Government of India.
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