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A minute on this subject has been prepared by the Colonial Treasurer, as it makes a comparison between the salaries in Hong Kong and the Straits Settlements. The cost of living here is, I am informed, sensibly greater than in the Straits Settlements.
In considering the area over which an increase of work follows the taking over of the New Territory, I find a considerable increase in almost every branch of the service. Up to the present, the arrangements have doubled my work and that of the Colonial Secretary's Office, and the Police and Public Works Department and Land Office and Attorney-General's work have increased very largely, as will also the important work of the Botanic and Afforestation Department.
It will be necessary that a District Magistrate, an Officer of the Land Department, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, and, later on, a European Medical Officer shall live at Tai-po-hui; and apart from the fact that the whole of the New Territory is found to be malarial, the expenses of living there are and will be greater than in Hong Kong. These officers must be supplied with quarters, but I think that the rate of pay ought to be at least 15% more than the pay of similar positions in Hong Kong. This might be arranged by that addition to the ordinary salary being paid while serving in the New Territory.
I would add that the duties of Aide-de-Camp and