295
an order
"Commanding Officer" wither to purchase his discharge AT to return to his Military duties but before doing so wishes to know whether the Colonial Governments would raise the pay of the appointment from $60 to $70 per month otherwise he will be obliged to return to his Military duties as he finds, from actual experience, that the pay and allowances which he receives as a soldier are better, from a pecuniary point of view, than the $60 per month which he would receive as Overseer of Works.
This is a very serious question and one which affects not only the proper and efficient carrying out of the Colony's works but also the Colony. Should Corporal Colston return to his Military duties, his services cannot be replaced in the Colony, neither could an Overseer possessing the necessary qualifications be obtained from England for the pay of the appointment.
In England, a Foreman of ordinary mechanics receives from 2 Guineas to 50 shillings a week, that is from £9.2.0 to £10.16.8 per month, and as an Overseer...