COPY.
Sir,
Hongkong, 6th. March, 1908.
51
In reply to your No. 1599/03/0.5.0. of 4th.
March, we have the honour to inform you confidentially, that owing to increased living expenses generally in this Colony, we, in January, 1899, increased the salaries of our Portuguese Staff
by roughly 10%, and in July 1901 for the same reason a further 10%.
We now regard $180 - per month as the maxin-
um salary of such Assistants.
With the exception of Shroffs and Shipping
Clerks who are provided by our Compradore, we employ no Chinese
in our offices other than the usual coolies and office boys.
The pay of the latter has increased since 1900 by approximately
25%, which was found necessary in order to retain them.
We have etc.,
(Sd.) Jardine, Matheson & Co.
The Honourable
F. H. May, C.M.G.,
Colonial Secretary.