Entertainment Allowance. [We do not yet know whether Sir C. Mitchell will accept the increase or how his successor will get it.].
I do not see precisely the ground of the Straits Settlements in 1883 (2140016) and a similar one in 1824 that this request is a peculiar one only 6931 but ally.
I do not see one, but it was decided apparently on the grounds that the Entertainment Allowance though it is already $7,000 a year, and that in the Straits Settlements even with the recent increase (only $8,000 a year) it is only au inclined to think it would be better to increase the Entertainment allowance by $1,050.
It was decided in 18291 not to allow it on the grounds that if it is allowed in one Colony it must be allowed in all & that it might prove inconvenient.
Unless the above decision can be reconsidered I think we should reply to para: 3 as it should be, equivalent to that in the Straits Settlements, and to increase the Governor's actual Salary by $2,000.
This will bring the Governor of Hongkong's total Emoluments to $27,000 Salary and $8,000 Entertainment Allowance, & even little less than the Governor of the Straits Settlements whose total Emoluments will be $28,800 and Entertainment Allowance $8,000.
Shall we tell the Governor that if the Finance of the Colony permit Her Chamberlain will be prepared to consider an increase of the Governor's Emoluments to the above extent if Estimates for 1900 are submitted to him in connection with them?
I think it would be better taste on his part if he had not been so keen on the Castin quite new.
We have begun to talk about the request in which Sir H. Blake requests that the Governor of Hong Kong may be allowed to take three months leave in two years instead of six months yearly, somewhat similar request was made by the other several Governments; but I find that even in Caving Enclave, no time in bringing that forward --2100-1 03.
P.C.M. 8/5.