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the dollar; with the result that the amounts paid for normally two years at salaries have been reduced, though no change whatever in the price of commodities or in the cost of living has taken place.
1. The principle on which exchange compensation is granted to officers on a silver basis is that they are paid the difference between the average rate of exchange for the month and a 3/- dollar.
The conversion from a silver to a sterling basis took effect by turning the dollar salary into sterling at the rate of 3/- to the dollar: small odd sums being omitted.
The annexed Table (A) shows that in the case of the officers therein mentioned the monthly payments under the old and new system are practically identical.
b. The dollar had remained at the rate of 4/5 till 1874, after which date it steadily declined, as shown on the annexed Table (B). The relief which has been granted to Civil servants at different times in consequence of the decline in value of the local currency is as follows:-
I. In 1880, family remittances were granted to the extent of half the officer's salary, the dollar having fallen to 3/7.
II. In 1890, salaries were re-adjusted. At this period the value of the dollar was, for 1887, 3/1; for 1888, 3/2; for 1890, 1/5; and for 1891, 3/1.
III. In 1904, Exchange Compensation was granted on half salary, the dollar having fallen to 2/-. One year's arrears were also granted.
IV. In 1901, Exchange Compensation was extended to the whole salary: the dollar having...