Hong Kong has shown how a colony can increase and grow largely in population and general prosperity, and that the local government is fortunate in being served by a staff of capable and experienced and energetic officers. With respect, I fail to see that sufficient grounds can be alleged in support of the application now before me.
3. If the salaries paid in Hong Kong be compared with those given in other colonies the comparison will be found by no means unfavourable to the former; and it must not be forgotten that the Hong Kong officers possess the privilege of receiving half pay in England and pension at the free rate - a privilege which to some extent counterbalances the fall in the value of the dollar.
DRAFT.
MINUTE.
Mr. Wingfield.
Mr. Bramston.
Mr. Meade.
Sir R. Herbert.
Mr. Ashley.
Lord Derby.
The exchange rate is approximately £1 = HK$8 4/26.