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In fixing the salaries of the new appointments somewhat below the sterling equivalent of existing appointments, I have had in view the possibility of newly-appointed Officers, on a sterling basis, receiving more dollars than those on a silver basis on account of the rate of exchange in the case of the former being fixed by the average of the preceding year, as against the average of the preceding month in the case of the latter. Such an occurrence is apt to give rise to dissatisfaction on the part of those who are paid on a silver basis and who are senior in service to the Officers on a sterling basis.
(sd.) W. Chatham, Director of Public Works,