I think that this is a question of which the consideration must be postponed until we get draft estimates. Competent people will have to agree eventually.
1. I do not believe that anyone but Mr. Lockhart can adequately work there in the departments and if the combination is retained it should not be looked upon as permanent.
2. The Colonial Secretaryship of Hong Kong is not as important as that of the Straits Settlements and should not be paid so highly in permanence.
3. I should answer that until the Estimates for next year are under consideration Mr. Chamberlain is hardly prepared to give an immediate increase.
I should give it as a personal allowance to Mr. Lockhart while holding both Offices. There is, I think, good ground for this, if we increase the salary of the Colonial Secretaryship I fear that in a short time we shall separate the Registrar-General and not be able to reduce the pay of Colonial Secretary.
As Sir H. Blake has favoured incurring so much additional expense, and the financial forecast is so doubtful that really we can do nothing but perpetually postpone any decision on his proposals. I have in my mind that he is likely to complain as Sir W. des Voeux did.
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a decision on this matter as he is at present advised, hardly prepared to give an immediate increase.
I am not sure if an inmate is given.
9
if We increase
He salary of the colonial Secretaryship I fear that in a sunt time we shall natan separate the registros general and not be able to reduce the pay of colonial Secretary.
Al Si, H. Blake has favoured incuating a so much addias many expense, and the financial forecast is so doubtful that really we can do nothing but ferpetually postpone cost decision in his proposals. I have in my mind that he is likely to complain as Sin West
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