23
X
unpassed cadets.
Continued. 2
We would further refer to the increased cost of
living since 1926, and to the recent fall in the dollar,
and to the fact that by the scheme of remittances
privilege, devised to meet the consequences of that fall
we have been ipso facto passed over. We would further
point out that the amendment to the rent rules if
approved, while of great benefit to the same senior
officers as are benefited by the remittance privilege,
will only slightly alleviate the financial condition of
those of us who are bachelors and will not at all affect
those who are married and live in Government quarters.
3. We would again refer to the insufficiency of
our salary in comparison with the initial salaries in
other departments. The question of age has been raised
in this connection. Our age is confined within the limits
of 22 and 24 years at the time of our entrance examination.
Our average age on appointment is 24 and our average age
on becoming passed cadets 26. There is nothing whatsoever
to prevent the average age of entrants to the Medical,
Public Works Department and Education Departments from
being less than 26. While we have definitely chosen a
career in the Civil Service, and passed an exacting
qualifying examination, some of the entrants to other
departments only adopt governant service after finding
presumably, no prospect of success or advancement for
themselves in private practice or previous employment.
In spite of this the age of passed cadets
is in no wise less than that of the entrants to other
Departments. We invite reference to the tables attached.
The incidence of the war affects some cases in all
departments so that the age of ex-war officers should
more properly be compared to that of the war cadets, one
of whom Mr. Nihill was 29 on arrival in the Colony and
31 on becoming a passed cadet. Yet a passed cadet of 26 with a knowledge of Chinese is paid £60 per annum less