Enclosure No. 1 to Despatch No. 18 of
13th January, 1902.
73
COPY.
1900.
February 2nd.
15th.
April 9th.
12th.
July 25th.
The Hon. Colonial Secretary,
17 FEB 21
The facts are briefly these:-
Mr. Gibbs tendered his resignation requesting that it should take effect from the 31st March.
The Secretary of State's Despatch on the subject of salaries was laid on the Council Table and therefore came to the knowledge of Officers generally on or about that date.
The increased salaries sanctioned by the Secretary of State's Despatch were ordered to be paid (Vide Circular No. 9 of 1900).
Mr. Hollingsworth wrote in on the subject of his salary being treated as if it had been $2,400 from the date of his appointment, instead of $2,339 as it had really been.
I believe Mr. Gale's letter is of the same date, but I am unable to find a copy of it.
Mr. Gibbs wrote in requesting that he might be accorded the same treatment as had been accorded to Messrs. Gale and Hollingsworth.
It will be seen from the foregoing statement that it was impossible for Mr. Gibbs to address the Government on the subject whilst he was in the service, as he could not have known at what rate the increased salary was to be paid, whether $2,400 or $3,000.
There is also the fact that he was senior to both Mr. Gale and Mr. Hollingsworth and that the Assistant Engineer who succeeded him was appointed at a commencing salary of $3,400, whereas Mr. Gibbs had over 3 years' service.
For the above reasons, I consider it only reasonable that Mr. Gibbs should be paid at the rate of $3,000 per annum for the brief period during which he remained in the Service after the increased salaries came into effect.
(Sd.) .. Chatham.
9.1.03.