Endosure No 2. to Your Despatch No. 408/01. 144
GOP Y.-
८.०.
40003
Report.
عاكم
Increases to Staff between 15th February, 1891, and ...
General Office – ↑ Clerks.
Registration Branch
Money Order Office
Launch Officers 2
3 Clerks, 1 Deputy Superintendent.
1 Clerk, 1 Deputy Superintendent.
Postmen - 18 and Marine Stampers 2.
Details annexed.
In 1898 the expenditure as shown in the Annual Report was $188,381.17 and the surplus paid into General Revenue was $56,999.16 but in 1900 the latest year available for complete figures though the expenditure had increased to $235,263.08, surplus had also increased to $90,346.25.
In other words the profit of 30% in 1896 had risen to 38% in 1900 and this in face of heavy initial expenses in re-modelling and fitting up the Office and clothing the Staff in 1899.
Further it must be borne in mind that penny postage came into force on Christmas Day 1898 and its effect had not become apparent until some time after the commencement of the period under review.
The exploitation of Manila and the crisis in China have greatly enhanced the duties of the Department.
Lastly it must be remembered that wages and cost of living have increased enormously. In 1898 Postmen received $6, $7, and $9 a month, now they join at $10 a month and receive $12 or $15 if they can pass the examinations in English, besides $2 each lodging allowance.
Clerks in 1898 joined at $340 now at $480 both rates so much below the market wages that the best of them are constantly leaving as opportunities serve.
25th. September, 1901.
(8a.) Wm. C. S. Hastings, Postmaster General.