Positions in Singapore have been considered for granting a sufficient salary. In Singapore and Penang, a single person alone would be considered sufficient. I request an increase, especially as the magistrate's salary at Hong Kong was recently altered to make it comparable to that at Singapore.
Salaries of magistrates have not changed. I do not suffer from being the only European in the Service with a salary that, in dollar terms, stands as it did twelve years ago. I trust that the Secretary of State for the Colonies will consider my case.
It is disheartening for a man going out from England, expecting to receive £240 per annum after three or four years' service, only to find it is £150 per annum. If a salary of $1,200 per annum was sufficient twelve or thirteen years ago, it can hardly be considered sufficient now, given the great fall in the value of the dollar and the great rise in the cost of living since then.
By the last mail, I received a letter from a friend informing me of the continued rise in the cost of living in Hong Kong. I am convinced that, upon reviewing the facts of my case, the Secretary will see the reasonableness of it and grant me an increase of salary.
Apologizing for troubling you with this subject, I have the honour to be, Sir, your most obedient Servant,
Log Intaker,
Assistant Superintendent, Botanical and Afforestation Department, Hongkong.
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