I am very anxious to join the Fund, but I was given to understand that the small increase I am about to receive not being sufficient to bring me within the scope allowed to contribute anything; this will debar me from participating in the Fund, and partly frustrate the object for which it was established.
In para. 3 of your Lordship's Despatch of 19th June last, it was required that I shall not be required to contribute anything; this was quired.
I entered the civil service in July 1874, and can claim to have served the Government during these 30 years honourably and satisfactorily, as testified by Mr Travers, the Acting Postmaster General. My prospect of promotion being now very remote indeed, and believing that the principle on which this general increase in salaries has been granted will not be altered at the present stage, I have no other alternative but to make the present petition, trusting that in view of the disadvantage explained above, and in consideration of my long services, your Lordship will be pleased to grant it.
I have the honour to be,
My Lord,
Your Lordship's most obedient, humble Servant,
André M. da Silva
Marine Officer