Enclos, in ho
REPORT.
34023
RES (NEC 6 JUN 19,
244
No.
132
COLONIAL
OFFICE
We the Members of the Commission appointed by His Excellency the Officer Elministering the Government to enquire into, and report on "the emoluments of the lic Service of the Colony" have accordingly the honour to submit the following eport together with recommendations in relation to such emoluments :--
This
1. In order to make the investigation thorough we have given an opportunity to all ficers in the Public Service to appear and state their case personally before us.
ey elected to do in most cases by nominated representatives of the class concerned. fe have also in some cases interrogated the Heads of Departments concerning the repre-
utations of their staffs.
2. Although it is a matter of common knowledge that the price of living in the Colony, including the ordinary necessaries of life, has immensely increased since the ont- --ak of war, and in fact for many years antecedent thereto, we deemed it desirable to in direct evidence from representative gentlemen occupying high positions in the nking and commercial life of the Colony, both as to the present purchasing value of the "r, and to the cost of living as compared with pre-war days, and since the year 1908. We were also afforded an opportunity through the medium of these witnesses of ing a comparison between the salaries payable to public officers, and to employees the Commercial concerns in the Colony.
3. The evidence demonstrated that the cost of living, including clothing, since the tbreak of war has increased by 30 per cent. at least, and since 1908 by as much as 50 Er cent., and that an early decrease in prices is not anticipated. Further that servants'
ges have largely increased.
4. In this state of circumstances it is clear that an increase in the emoluments of Ellic servants is imperative.
In 1913 the existing scheme of payment was introduced, the whole salary remained lated as at 3/- to the dollar but the rates for re-conversion into dollars for local ments became-
as to 80%-$1 equals 1/9.
as to 20%-average current rate for the month.
Whilst the stabilising of the number of dollars received is an undoubted advantage, higher nominal sterling value of the salaries at the higher market rates cannot avail combat the altered change of circumstances occasioned by the increased cost of living which we have referred.
The scheme of Rent Allowances which came into force in 1917 afforded some relief, it is unsatisfactory, and we shall submit alternative proposals in relation thereto.
5. It is in our opinion desirable to extinguish the various methods of payment pre- ntly existing as regards salaries while on service and on leave of absence; and also as gards basis of pension.
In the scale of salaries which we recommend we consider they should render un- ssary any provision for duty pay, personal allowances or other preferred payments,
pt in a few cases which are specified in the schedule.