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the then Governor of Hong Kong, Expressed their opinion that the pay of the Inspectors of Police "was extremely inadequate" and they strongly recommended an increase.
3. In support of their opinion and recommendation, they called attention to "the peculiarly grave responsibilities cast upon this class of officers". They thought: "that every inducement should be held out to attract and keep really capable and trustworthy men". They referred to the very superior rates of pay, proven to Inspectors at Shanghai.
4. Your Petitioners did receive an increase of pay, commencing from the 1st day of January 1873, but they respectfully submit for the consideration of Your Excellency and for such action as Your Excellency in Your wisdom may think fit to take, that the increased rates of pay were not the same rates recommended by the Commissioners, but were very much less.
5. Your Petitioners would humbly remind Your Excellency of the great difference in the rate of pay of the 1st Class and 2nd Class Inspectors ($40 per month) while each Officer has the same responsibilities and they would therefore beg that Your Excellency would be pleased to abolish the rank of 2nd Class Inspector altogether.
6. Since 1873, and specially during the last four years, the Colony has increased enormously in wealth, in population, and in the multiplicity and importance of the...