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troops; with the exception that, while these troops receive their whole ration free, it would not be practicable to supply the Indian Police with goat's flesh and milk and with chickens, which they must continue to procure for themselves. At present the system is that, with the exception of the articles named, the men pay for their own rations, but that the Government pays any excess of the daily cost over 20 cents (which under the present contract means 4 cmts a day). It is believed that the men would greatly prefer a system by
which they were supplied with free rations and also that this
arrangement would tend to increase their efficiency, since as
Your Lordship is doubtless aware men of this class are in-
-clined to economize in their food to an extent which affects
their health. The grant of free rations would be equivalent
to an addition of pay of about 86 a month but I do not suggest making a corresponding deduction from the rates of pay suggested by the Commission as in this case also the men will lose a considerable amount of remuneration in respect
of theatre duties and ration allowances and I propose further,
on the advice of the Captain Superintendent of Police, to abelish the existing good conduct badge allowances of 75 cents to 81.75 a month. (These allowances accrue automatical- -ly if the man's defaulter sheet is clear for six months and such a system is open to considerable objection). The scale which I propose is as follows:-
Recruits....8132. (The Captain Superintendent of
Police urges the introduction
of this rate in order to induce men to qualify as Constables at an early date).
Constables 2nd Class.
do.
1st
..$180
..8216
Lance-Sergeants..8240 - 812 amually - 8252 Sergeants... $264 - $12
$324.
Sergeant-ajors