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7.
The recommendation as regards leave of
absence in paragraph 10 is one that I can support, but I consider that extensions of leave should be provided for beyond nine months without salary. I am also strongly of opinion that it is desirable to introduce the system, which I think has existed for many years in the Consular Service, of al loving a certain period, not reckoned as leave, for the journey to and from the United Kingdom or other places of domicile. This period would be fixed for each Colony from time to time to accord with changes in means of travel. With regard to the pay to be drawn by an acting officer I re-
-commend that the rule which I understand is in force in the
Straits Settlements should be adopted whereby an officer draws the minimum salary of the post in which he is acting.
8.
I agree with the principle of free passages being granted to Government officers when proceeding on long leave and on retirement, and I consider that the grat of such a privilege on fairly liberal lines as recommended by the Commissioners in paragraph 11 and Sebedule III would go far to remedy the alleged inadequacy of salaries, just as the
merging of duty pay in salary would result in a much needed increase in pensions.
9.
I agree with paragraphs 12, 13 and 14 of the report, subject to a proposal regarding pensions general- -ly that I will submit in a separate Despatch, but I may remark that the provision suggested in paragraph 14 as to Police Pensions is already in force.
10.
I also agres generally with the recommend- -ations in paragraphs 15, 16 and 17 of the report.
11.
Mr. Messer has concurred in the recommenda
-tion in paragraph 18 that certain financial officers should
be certificated Chartered Accountants. If Government accounta
continue to be kept in their present form I do not consider
that