Perhaps may be taken to hold out some hope of a favorable consideration should the financial state of the Colony gradually improve, which falls to the lot of the Colonial Botanical establishment. I am in favor of every branch of Mr. Ford's work fully equipping the establishment if the Colony allows it.
3. Mr. Ford states, but I cannot say that authority, the Colony surplus at present exhibits a revenue is of ...
072
4. Technically the Botanical Department of Hongkong is of the second grade and Mr. Ford cannot therefore expect the scale of pay of the first grade. But looking at the fact that by steady and persistent application Mr. Ford has become a very valuable officer whom it would be extremely difficult to replace with any equally efficient one.
5. ...
6. Mr. Ford's present nominal salary appears to be £425. I venture therefore to suggest for the consideration of the Secretary of State that it might be raised as a personal increase to Mr. Ford to £500 a year. I am, Sir, Your obedient Servant, W. T. Thiselton Dyer.
gradually.
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