Enclosure.
335
26th November, 1894.
I have the honour to be, My Lord Marquess,
Your Lordship's most obedient
Humble Servant,
W. Robinson,
SIR,
C. O.
310
We, the undersigned, beg respectfully to state--with reference to the offer made to us by the Secretary of State to be allowed to draw half pay while on active service at 3/- to the dollar on condition that we agree to submit to a reduction of 25-28 per cent. of our pay when on leave--that we cannot but believe that the same privileges would have been accorded to us as those already granted to India, Ceylon, and the Straits Settlements had it not been for His Lordship's belief that the finances of this Colony were in so critical a condition as to require the reduction referred to be made from our leave pay.
We feel confident that, after perusing the Memorial forwarded by last Mail, and considering the statements as regards our financial position which Your Excellency is now in a position to transmit, His Lordship will be compelled to admit that there is nothing in the condition of our finances which calls for the imposition on us of a penalty inflicted neither on India nor on our sister Colonies.
Under these circumstances, we feel unable to accept the offer at present made to us.
His Excellency
SIR WILLIAM ROBINSON, K.C.M.G.,
&c., &c., &c.
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