Page 219
Public Works Department.
Sir,
No. 405.
20817
Received 7 AUG 19
Public Works Office,
Hong Kong 24th June, 1899.
I have the honour to forward for the favourable consideration of His Excellency the Governor a letter from Mr. David Wood, my Office Assistant and Accountant, and in doing so beg that reference may be made to previous papers in G.R.O. 2437/1896 and G.R.O. 886/1898.
Mr. Wood joined the Department in 1891 on a salary of $8,400, which at the rate of exchange ruling then, namely about 3/1, was worth £370.0.0 per annum. After eight years' service, he is drawing a salary of $3,000, which at the present rate of exchange is equal to £196.17.6.
This shrinkage of salary is, of course, not peculiar to Mr. Wood's case, but is felt throughout the Government Service.
The Honourable,
The Colonial Secretary.
Page 220