Austin's proposal appears to me also somewhat elastic & indefinite, & apprehend that under it it would not be easy to draw the line anywhere without being involved in great difficulties.
As to the forms enclosed, that to the Military appear to me unobjectionable, but that by the Treasury appears to contemplate the return being sent every month by every Office of all the Offices drawing pay; this is not necessary, all that is required is that an Officer should not be put fresh on the list without his name, salary, &c. being brought under the notice of the Secretary of State. This will secure some uniformity as to the proportion sanctioned.
We have said nothing in the case of Hongkong as to Officers bearing the cost of remittance: I am inclined to think it would be well to safeguard this point to a certain extent by saying that if the rate of exchange continued to be at such a price that any considerable charge fell on the Colonial Revenue through paying the dollar in England at the present rate of exchange 4/2, it would become necessary to lay down the rule in the case of all Offices hereafter entering the service that they might receive pay in a way to bear the cost of remittance.
26/1/75
I think it ought to be strictly limited to remittances for the Officers' family & payments on account of life insurance.
Durand.
27/1
...limited to remittances in this country for family...
Au 1872
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