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Cidation made by the Superintendent of the Brigade, Mr A. J.E. Wodehowe, drew my attention to the fact that the pay of the European Members of the Department was increased last year, and that although the Chinese Members thereof had sent in a petition asking for a similar benefit, they had not received any reply.
He stated that these men had been, at all times, very assiduous in the performance of their duties, and that, in his opinion, they deserved some consideration.
Under the heading of Miscellaneous Services, there is an increase from $86,162 voted last year to $114,902. This is principally caused as follows. While the amount for gas light has been reduced from $27,600 to $21,800, the amount necessary for the electric lighting of the town is $19,200, and $5,000 have been inserted.