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To
The Honourable the Colonial Secretary,
Hongkong,
30th November, 1904.
His Excellency Sir Matthew Nathan, K.C.M.G.,
Governor and Commander-in-Chief of the Colony
of Hongkong, &c., &c.
The humble petition of the undersigned European
Lighthouse Keepers on the Staff of the Harbour Department
praying for immediate relief in the matter of their personal
emoluments, sheweth:
That in January, 1903, when the sterling salaries
scheme generally came into force, the average rate of
exchange for that month was 1/7¾ the dollar as against 2/3¼
for this month. In January 1903, £10 equalled $126.32 and
$100 plus exchange compensation totalled $189.47, whereas
at the present time £10 equals only $87.27 and $100 plus
exchange compensation totals only $130.90.
That whilst in consequence of the continued rise
in exchange Petitioners' monthly income from the Government
is thus considerably less month by month, yet their house
rent and cost of most of the necessaries of life are not
reduced.
That having been placed in such a position and
having no means of pecuniary assistance, Petitioners venture
with due respect to solicit His Excellency to give
this Petitioners' prayer, early consideration and to take
such steps as to His Excellency seem reasonable at an
early date and Petitioners as in duty bound will ever pray.
(Here follow 6 signatures).
(European Lighthouse Keepers.)
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