323
gations made at the time of the general re-adjustment of Suda -
ries in 1891, and it was then found that between the years
1874 and 1891 the cost of native produce had increased some
75 per cent in the Straits Settlements and Hongkong,
4. In spite of the enormous increase in the
cost of living evidenced by the tables referred to, I cannot
recommend that the prayer of the petitioners be entertained,
because the increase would in that case be one of 57.60 per
cent on their salaries, and the average increase in the cost
of the articles enumerated in enclosures A, B, and C (the Po-
lice do not deal with Messrs. Lane Crawford & Co.) is 57.93 per
cent only.
5. On the other hand the increase in salary
which the Rt. Hon. the Secretary of State for the Colonies was
pleased to offer recently to the Police (viz., half pay in
the Colony at 5 shillings) amounts to an increase of 20.92
per cent only at to-day's market rate of 2/1 per dollar,
and would seem to be inadequate to compensate the men for
an increase in the cost of what may be regarded as the neces-
saries of life of nearly 58 per cent.
6. I have therefore to submit for serious con-
sideration whether in view of the figures (for the accuracy of which I can vouch) shown in the enclosures to the memo –
rial, the members of the European Force should not in jus-
tice be granted compensation by the payment of half their salaries in the Colony at 3/4 to the dollar. This would at to-day's rate be equivalent to an increase of 28.80 per cent