Government House.
Hong-Kong, 22nd March, 1899.
Sir,
With reference to your despatch No.8 of the 6th January last, I have the honour to inform you that, as advised by the Superintendent of the Victoria Gaol, I consider that some increase of the rates of pay of the Indian Staff is absolutely essential to secure its efficiency, if the family remittance privileges allowed to the Sikh Police cannot be extended to them.
2. In illustration of this necessity and the state of things obtaining in the Gaol, I enclose for your information copies of two minutes addressed by the Superintendent to the Colonial Secretary under dates the 11th and 28th January last respectively.
3. If you are not prepared to re-consider your decision as regards the family remittance privilege, Mr. May recommends that the pay of the 1st and 2nd class guards be increased by $2 a month each, and that the pay of the 16 Assistant Warders be increased by a similar amount. Further that the 8 Senior Assistant Warders be divided into two classes of four each, the senior class to receive $25 a month, and the junior
The Right Honourable
JOSEPH CHAMBERLAIN, M.P.
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