66
would rise very much above the sum mentioned. In these
circumstances the question arose whether it is worth while
to impose any deduction at all from the salaries of
Officers as a contribution to the scheme. Such deduction,
as the Widows' and Orphans' Pension Fund Scheme has proved,
are very irksome especially to bachelors and render any
scheme unpopular; and it was suggested, and the suggestion
received the approval of Sir F. D. Lugard, that the
deduction might be omitted. It is urged that the cost to
Government by such remission would be more than compensated
by better service on the part of Subordinate Officers and
by avoidance of constantly recurring applications for
increase of salary.
4.
I considered the scheme, modified
by the elimination of the 24% deduction from salaries, in
Executive Council on the 31st. ultimo and was advised by
the Members of Council that in their opinion the scheme
was a good one and should be submitted for Your Lordship's
favourable consideration. In this opinion I concur. I
consider that the great cost of passages entailed upon
European Officers in this far distant Colony is a heavy
burden which it would be wise for the Government in its ow
interests to lighten. Under present conditions men in the
Subordinate