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However for our first two years we were engaged in the study o979
Chinese, and rarely in Hong Kong; nor was anyone interested in explaining our position to us: so it was long before we learned what had actually happened. For my part, if I had known of it at the time, I should have been disposed to accept a post in the Home Service-- the man next in order after me took one in the
Board of Trade.
It may however be argued by the authorities at home that the sterling salaries are fully adequate, and that we have no reason to grumble because ofiicials preceding us have enjoyed such
undeserved good fortune. I submit with deference that the expenses of travelling, the continued rise in rents owing to the geographical limitations of a growing Colony, and lastly the higher standard of living entailed, however reluctantly, on officials living among
subordinates who are themselves placed over a well-to-do alien population, combine to make it impossible for a cadet officer to keep up a proper position upon the present sterling salaries. This was acknowledged eight years ago: yet to-day the salaries offered to us are smaller, whereas the cost of living has increased, and is increasing year by year.
I desire respectrully to submit for the consideration of the Secretary of State for the Colonies the following points :-
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(a) I (and Mr. Fletcher) accepted cadetships in this service in
1901 on account of promises of increased pay made by the Colonial Office.
(b) The scheme for the increase of pay, known as double-compensation now enjoyed by all cadet officers senior to us, was initiated after we had joined the service, and yet we were not allowed to participate in it.
(c) The sterling scheme of a lower rate of pay was also initiated
after we had joined the service, and yet we were not allowed
to choose between it anu the before-mentioned scale.