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professional qualifications under the Hongkong Pension rules, he was unable to sanction the grant of more
than the amount was thus reduced to £458.6.8. and it is on this point therefore that I most respectfully ask for reconsideration.
I will not unnecessarily occupy time by pleading as an inducement for reconsideration my reading of Pension minute, it will suffice if I may be allowed to point out that in the despatch last referred to it is stated that the rule is couched in such a way that the addition should depend on the office held on first entering the Service, the addition being given in respect of professional qualifications acquired at the officer's own expense before entering the public Service and not in respect of professional qualifications attained or increased in the public Service.
With regard to this, I beg respectfully and with deference to submit that, though this intention might apply in the case of some officers, my professional qualifications being those of a Harbour Master could not be said to have been attained or increased in occupying a position on shore.
I therefore ask that on reconsideration, The Right Honourable the Secretary of State for the Colonies will be pleased to allow the calculation made in Hong Kong, wherein the addition was taken as three years, and my amount of pension as £476.13.4.
I have the honour to be,
Your most obedient Servant,
Murray Stewart,
Harbour Master,
Hongkong.