67
Subordinate ranks of the Service are debarred from visit-
-ing Europe as often as they should do in the interest of
their health owing to the difficulty of saving money for
passages; they are prone from the same cause to contract
undesirable marriages with non-European women; and if
married to European wires they are open to the temptation
of augmenting their salaries by illegitimate means in order
to cover the heavy cost of passages.
I shall, therefore, be glad to
learn whether an offer of the privilege may be made to the
Officers concerned subject to all the European Members of
the Subordinate Service accepting it. If they refuse it,
it might be compulsorily adopted for all new appointmenta
to the Subordinate Staff.
If, however, Your Lordship
considers that the principle of direct contribution by
the Members of the Service must be retained, I shall be
glad to learn whether you approve of the scheme with the
addition of the condition of a deduction of 24% per annum
from the salaries of contributors.
I have the honour to be, My Lord,
Your Lordship's most obedient,
humble servant,
A
Officer Administering the Govern-
-ment.