To this point.
4
20.595/92 ? Write (as in par. 2 of despatch in Straits Settlements file) that Acting service cannot ordinarily count for pension, but in this case may as the late D. Hewart be regarded during the period in question to have been earning pension in respect of his post of Head Master of the Central School & not of the post of Inspector of Schools.
N.B. Who then were separate posts.
(C) I do not think that sufficient grounds are shown for giving extra pension, under § 4 of Ordinance Minute which allows an increased pension "in cases of peculiar or extraordinary merit in which special services have been rendered altogether in excess or beyond the normal scope of those which the Officer is paid to perform.
The first alleged ground amounts to this: for 3 years before he was a paid officer of the Govt. he gave gratuitously 2 or 3 hours less than his usual hours a week to teach Chinese, i.e., a twelfth of an officer's working hours. If anything, pensionable service should only be 1 of 3 years, or 1/2 year instead of 2 years as proposed.
The second & third grounds rest on such small voluntary work beyond an Officer's ordinary duties, that probably every official in the Colony has often done similar work.
We understand that vacancies may perhaps be filled by a man from the Straits Settlements service.
? Reply that T. of State regrets that he cannot admit that any sufficient reason exists for increasing Dr Eitel's pension beyond the rate proposed by the Govt.
(2) As to the choice of successor to Dr Eitel.
? Reply that the Secretary of State will not consider the matter at a later period when the time of Dr Eitel's retirement is nearer, and meanwhile I report send copy of Dudgeon's letter (24207) for his comments in connection with 23512/96.
And add that T. of State is still awaiting his recommendations in regard to the three other vacant posts (Treasurer, Portmaster General, & Asst. Col. Sec).
N.B. For these four posts, there are in Hongkong only three Passed Cadets, Thomson, Buckle & Brewin; no means sure that Mr. Ball may not after all be the best man for the Inspectorship of Schools.
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