378
the want of continuity in the work of the office due to the post of Chief Clerk being held by a succession of Cadets, I obtained Mr. Chamberlain's approval to the appointment to it of a trained clerk from the War Office who was given a comparatively high salary (£350 to £400 per annum) but was made to understand that he would not be considered as eligible for promotion in the Colony.
4. For the post becoming vacant in Hongkong, I have the honour to forward and recommend an application from Mr. R. H. Crofton who was appointed by the Comptroller and Auditor General Clerk in the Audit Department here on the 9th July, 1903, at a salary of £200 per annum and has been acting as Local Auditor since Mr. H. C. Nicolle left the Colony on the 13th February last. The Colonial Secretary is satisfied that Mr. Crofton will make a competent Chief Clerk in his Office.
6th November 1904.
5. I propose that the salary of the appointment should be £400 to £600 by annual increments of £20. The initial salary is a high one considering Mr. Crofton's present salary and the short time that he has been in the Government Service but by accepting the appointment he loses his present chances of promotion and transfers. The annual increments are such as to practically ensure his remaining in the appointment for over 10 years as he would not get his maximum till the 11th year of service. The maximum of £600 does not appear an excessive salary to pay for a clerk with such long experience in one office as Mr. Crofton will have had when he draws that maximum. It is the same as that which was to be drawn by Mr. Drayson after 5 years' service in the Colony but on the other hand