I beg leave to suggest that the rate should be fixed at 4/2 as the fairest to the Government and those it employs, and to represent the injustice of the present system in a place where the necessaries as well as the luxuries of life are excessively dear, and where the servants of Government are paid on a much lower scale than those who are employed in the service of private individuals.
It was only a few days since, that I received the resignation of the Consul Sir ..., partly on the ground (as will appear from any Despatch to Lord Aberdeen of this date No:22) that the payment of the Dollar at 4/4 deprived him of 5 Per cent of his Salary - the real difference, taking the intrinsic value of the Dollar, is between 4 and 5 Per Cent, and viewing the rule obtaining at the greater portion of the British Colonies, I trust Your Lordship will see the fairness of granting Authority for the alteration.
On succeeding to Lord Napier in 1834, I had no hesitation in making an Amendment of this kind, when it told against the servants of Government; but as the proposed change would be in their favor, I have a natural reluctance to adopt it without reference.
I have the honor to be,
My Lord,
Your Most Obedient,
Humble Servant.
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