Leave.
Pensions.
Climate.
Clothing.
Cost of
Living etc.
37
Roughly speaking an officer is eligible for leave on full pay after 4 years' resident service. In the absence of special ground the leave granted to an officer will not exceed one- sixth of his resident service. On special grounds it may exceed that period by six months.
An officer attached to an educational institution is not entitled to vacation leave under the general rule. When in the Colony he enjoys the ordinary vacation of the institution to which he is attached. When taking long. leave outside the Colony he may be allowed to draw full pay during the first three months of his leave unless a school vacation has immediately preceded the grant of leave, in which case full pay may be drawn during two months only. The remainder of the leave in either case is on half salary, and half pay only can be drawn during any school vacation falling within the period of an extension of leave.
The present rule as to superannuation is that, in the case of ill-health, an officer holding a pensionable appointment may be allowed to retire on a pension of 10 full years' service; otherwise he must have attained the age of 55. For 10 full years' service 15/60ths. of the average annual salary of the retiring officer's fixed appointment for the three years preceding retirement may be awarded, to which 1/60th may be added for each additional year's service; no addition will be made in respect of any service beyond 35 years.
but
The winter climate of Hong Kong is usually dry and bright, with a keen North wind when the Mon scon is strong.
The summer climate is hot and somewhat damp, but not actually unhealthy.
Winter clothing should be obtained from home and should be such as could be worn on a mild winter day at home. Many people feel the cold of a Hong Kong winter almost as much as at home. Summer clothing should be obtained in the Colony, it is fairly cheap. But very light flannels and flannel suits might well be obtained at home. Leather boots should be bought at home; but not canvas (summer) shoes. Books and periodicals should also be obtained from home.
It is impossible to give a satisfactory estimate of the cost of living in Hong Kong, because so much depends upon the tastes and habits of the individual. But the following information is taken from a Handbook on conditions and cost of living in Hong Kong compiled by the Colonial Government from records up to 1925:-