Permanent living service of the Colony.
However, as in my opinion it will then be advisable that these ladies should be able, subject of course to the proper administration of the institution, to proceed home on leave, I would suggest that the Government should grant them some such privilege as the Police enjoy, viz:- that they be provided with a free return passage to England on completion of say five years' service, and half pay during say six months' leave of absence after five years' service.
The reason why I make this suggestion is that their pay is so small comparatively that they will not be able to save enough money to pay for the cost of a passage home and back.
I would add that these ladies, from the nature of their duties, are exposed to greater risks than most of the other Civil Servants. I have much pleasure in bearing testimony to the able and efficient manner in which they have performed their duties and also to the interest they have always taken in the well-being of this institution.
I have,
(Sgd.) J. M. Atkinson, Superintendent.
8. P. B. C. Ayres, C.M.G. Colonial Surgeon.
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