C.O.
24849
COPY.
Enclosure 1.
Rece'd 58
PEG 14 JUL 041
Victoria Gadi, ̈
Hongkong, 13th May, 1904.
Sir,
I have the honour to forward a petition from the Indian Members of the Gaol Staff, praying that they may be granted the privilege of remitting part of their pay to India at an enhanced rate of exchange, as the Indian Police are allowed to.
2.
They made a similar application in 1902, (Vide CSO662/1902), which was refused, and I do not think conditions of living have materially changed for the worse since then. I do not therefore feel justified in supporting the application.
3.
I venture however to recommend a few alterations, which will involve a certain amount of extra expenditure.
The Hospital Warders and the 1st Class Assistant Warders are in my opinion sufficiently well paid.
5.
The 2nd Class Assistant Warders I also consider well paid.
6.
The 3rd Class Assistant Warders are fairly well paid on first attaining that position, but promotion to the class above is blocked, and they have to wait a good many years before they can better their position. There are 26 3rd Class Assistant Warders and only 4 2nd Class billets.
7.
I think it would be fairer to divide these classes evenly, so as to open out promotion. There are at present
The Honourable
The Colonial Secretary.