Government Laboratory, Hongkong.
Feb. 22, 1907.
I have the honour to request consideration of this memorial relating to the pay of the Government Analyst.
2. After nearly 14 years service, I receive practically £450 yearly and quarters, with no prospect of increase except by promotion to another colony. When an opportunity for such promotion did occur during last year, the emoluments of the post offered were cut down by the Singapore Government to suit an assistant of a few months standing. The amount offered by them was £500 rising to £700 after 12 years.
Such a hoarding is just as likely to take place elsewhere. I venture to point out that Hongkong is as able to afford, and has every reason, in my opinion, for fair remuneration for analytical services as any other colony. The Treasury receives considerable yearly analytical fees from the public. Every Chinese and European avails themselves of my services, and while I exert myself to the fullest extent to assist them, I am fixed at a salary which can at its best permit only a balance of increased care and responsibility with greater pecuniary anxiety.
There is always much work in hand, that I am compelled to forego any attempt to increase my pay by other permitted means, such as by lectures in the Government Continuation Classes.
3. As compared with the holders of other local professional appointments,
To the Right Honourable,
His Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for the Colonial Department.