--9--
dependants on existing scales of pay. Te suggest that these
individuals might receive special consideration with a view
to bringing their present salary level up to that of the
generality of Government employees.
103
With reference to paras.18 & 19 of the Report, we suggest that such questions as "stagnation in promotion" and "size of
increments and the length of time that it takes an officer to reach the top of the scale", can be conveniently dealt with apart
from a general increase in salaries and wages.
It appears to us that the salaries of some Government
officers, particularly the most senior, are scarcely commensurate
with the importance of the duties they perform, and we think would
be found, on investigation, to compare unfavourably with the salaries
paid at Home in respect of corresponding posts, or the remuneration
of heads of large enterprises here. We realise, however, that
these salaries are to a large extent fixed in relation to the
remuneration of the same positions in other Crown Colonies and
could only be increased as part of a general scheme initiated by
the Secretary of State for the Colonies.
the
Although we have given the Report of the Salaries Com -
mission the fullest possible consideration in the time at our
disposal our comments having been requested urgently
subject is one which, having regard to its great importance and far-reaching effects, is worthy of the most thorough investigation,
and we shall be glad to submit additional comments if there are
aspects on which further information is desired, such as remarks
on individual cases.
(Sgd.)
".E.L.SHENTON.
Chairman.
HONG KONG, 24th January, 1930.
M. T. JOHNSON)
A. RITCHIE }
Members.
ii.
. F. KEY.
Secretary.