As pointed out however with third paragraph of our memorial, the small means at our disposal — our salaries being hardly sufficient to cover ordinary expenditure — make it impossible for most of us to take advantage of these vacations. Travelling about China and Japan is so expensive and in the summer (the time when the vacation should be taken) it is necessary to go so far to reach a moderately cool climate, that it may be fairly said the cost of one of these vacation trips is not less than a passage home. On these absences moreover Officers cannot give up their houses and Establishments at Hongkong and there is therefore no advantage in full pay over half pay on a long leave.
Even admitting nevertheless that there may be officers whose private means might allow of their availing themselves of these vacations — how rarely do the exigencies of the service permit of it. One of the first essentials to going away is to obtain the aid of another Officer to perform the absent Officer's duties, but in how few instances can another Officer be found able and willing to undertake, during the heat of the Summer, double work without extra remuneration.
The difficulties found to exist in utilizing the permission to have four months leave once in two years are best shown by stating that during the 13 years which have elapsed since the date of the Duke of Newcastle's despatch, we can really call to mind two only instances in which the indulgence has been taken advantage of.
Diversity in the application of the rule regarding leave of absence in England is admitted; the period for which leave can be granted varies with different cases.