(
513
to
respectfully point out that the salary of the Chief of the Botanical Department of the neighbouring Colony of Singapore is £500 while that which I
now petition for is £625. In referring to the Singapore post, I have not the least intention to detract from its importance, but merely to show that elsewhere the heads of Botanical and Forestry Establishments enjoy remuneration much beyond that of the Hongkong position. In the course of this Colony, there is no opportunity of getting promotion outside of my department and it hardly
ever happens that there is opportunity of promotion to other colonies. Length of service is also generally acknowledged to have weight;
on this account, I may mention that I have completed 20 years in the service of this Colony, during which the duties and
responsibilities of my post, which press very heavily on me personally,
have been constantly increasing.
8. Having laid my case in Your Lordship's hands, I have full reliance that it will meet with the attention which may be due to it, and I trust that my representations may commend themselves to Your Lordship's approval.
I have the honour to be,
My Lord,
Your Lordship's most obedient
and humble servant,
Charles Ford,
Superintendent,
Botanical & Afforestation Department.