then at present. The equation of
system examination adopted does not, therefore, appear to have had any particular effect in
determining
the
nationality
of the subordinate Clerks in the
same.
The
fact is that the initial salary attaching to these Clerkships are too low
for Europeans.
If it were desired to introduce a
larger
number of Europeans into
the subordinate offices, the better paid clerkships in the Colonial
Secretary's, Registrar General's, Harbour Master's, Postmaster's, and Treasurer's
Offices, with salaries ranging
from $100 to $200 a month,
could be offered for competition either
here or in
England.
In the latter the field of competition
would be, of course,
considerably larger, and
the standard of efficiency
would probably be higher.
On the other hand, by employing
local
653
local talent, Government would get
men who knew exactly all the conditions of the place and of
the
Service, whereby a good deal of probable discontent and misunderstanding
would be avoided. Such a step would, however, have the effect of stopping all
promotion almost
among
the present staff of Clerks.
The
F. H. May
Hon: Séc.
30.5.70