275
not consider the plea of increase of work put forward by Messrs Dixon and Macdonald to be a proper ground on which to base an application for increased salaries, though it might be a reason for increasing the staff, which however I do not think is yet necessary.
Nor can I admit the relevancy of arguments based on the amount of the salaries paid to surveyors at other ports, and previous surveyors to this Government.
I think however that Messrs Dixon and Macdonald might fairly be granted some consideration in respect of overtime work, for the performance of which it would not be worth while for the Government to engage the services of an additional Surveyor.
3. I would therefore suggest that these officers