Hong Kong No 353.
21st August, 1864.
Governor
Sir Richard Graves MacDonnell,
His Grace
the Duke of Buckingham & Chandos.
In the present case Mr Quin has subscribed towards the expense of his passage home, but of course the generosity of one colleague must be a very exceptional measure.
The Governor expresses his regret that he was unable to grant leave of absence to Mr A. Quin to explain on the Estimates for a year from the 26th August, 1864.
British Clerks with small salaries are in a difficult position when serving on small means and are unable to take leave of absence.
Suggests mode of alleviating. £300 to assist Mentioned. Salaries to get home, and partially have no doubt it would be advisable on both grounds of economy and efficiency that proposal on the Estimates sheet.
Mr Elliot - 12 Months leave granted to Mr F. A Quin on the ground of ill health. A Locum tenens appointed with 1/2 Salary for four months in addition. Mr Quin is one of several European Officers employed by the Hong Kong Govt on such small salaries that it is next to impossible for them to afford to take leave of absence.
Enclosure
Sir Maudonult also asks to be allowed to purchase papers for Civil Offices at their own expense during vacation.
No doubt this would be a convenience and might be submitted for the consideration of the Lords of the Admiralty.
The cost during vacation has been £78 16s 6d in 1866 and £266 4s 7d in another year.
Sir. W. R. Rogers.
In the first place we must of course feel sorry for Officers of small means, and wish for anything that will be to their advantage.
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