The proposal of granting an increase in salary to Clerks in the Civil Service of Hong Kong who are able to pass examinations in Chinese is, no doubt, a good one. The study of Chinese is pointed out in the Regulations as giving a claim not aware to promotion; I am, however, not aware of any practical illustration of the Rule, whereas an increase of salary immediately upon the passing of an Examination would be a sure incentive to study. But however desirable it may be to encourage the study of Chinese among the Clerks in Public Departments, it is a question of minor importance as compared with the urgent necessity of securing Interpreters for the Courts of Justice. In my opinion