injustice
is inflicted by it, as the Widows Pension is proportionate to the contributions paid.
This new Ordinance as it stands would lead to a good deal of trouble I think in arithmetical calculations.
The simplest thing is to deduct each payment from four percent in the Treasury of the officer's monthly pay, including (as has hitherto been done) house allowance (if any) under Ord. 28 of 1895.
Rations allowance, which very many officers receive in Hong Kong, ought to have said "allowance for rations is drawn by very few officials in Hong Kong, except the Hospital Nurses". It is unnecessary to legislate for such exceptional cases. Indeed, I see reason why such rations allowance should not in future be lumped in with Salary, & I would suggest that to the Governor for consideration.
"Deductions" which (in the few cases where they still exist in Hong Kong) are of a variable quantity should (as in the new Ceylon Order) be excluded from contributing to the Widows' fund, because it would lead to endless difficulty in computing the pension ultimately due.
On the whole, therefore, for the above reasons I should:
2. Disallow this Ordinance, & request copies of the Laws of other Colonies on this subject.
I have had much trouble with the numerous amendments from time to time introduced into the Laws on this subject in various Colonies. The last Ordinance from Ceylon (20 of 1895) on this subject had proposed changes.
((x)—79500-3000-3-97
It was found necessary to direct attention to the amendment of 1894/95-6 through an Ordinance.
I concur with Mr. Lucas in his criticisms of the draft Ordinance, which seem to me to be sound; disallow the Ordinance and proceed as he suggests above.
CPL 1/1/97 to note that O.W. in 427/11 advised disallowance on 29/11/96.
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