(5)
and, feeling sure they realise the immeasurably greater reapon-
sibilities we carry, we are obliged to conclude that the Govern-
1
ment is unaware of this state of affairs.
22/
We have, so far, made submissions in relation to
our salaries under existing conditions, but we desire now to
indicate the probability of a difficult situation arising in the
course of the next decade, in view of the number of appointments
made recently and the fact that in our profession there are no
opportunities for promotion outside our own Department, which it
is obvious, will render the position very serious for many of us.
We have reviewed some of the many factors, which,
3
we venture to consider, bear upon the fixing of an equitable
scale of salaries for us, and res ectfully submit the attached
proposals for consideration. It will be observed the suggested
figures are considerably greater than those now in operation but
we believe that ample justification exists for them. We entreat
that the apointment of Principal Government Marine Surveyor
receive special consideration and would point out that since the
last revision of salaries the authorised staff has increased from
4 to 14 surveyors involving greatly increased responsibilities
to this officer, both in the volume of work and its standard
since the Board of Trade recognition has been granted.
Mr. Wilton of the Board of Trade when out here
last year made certain recommendations in regard to our salaries.
While in no way wishing to criticise adversely Mr. Wilton's
general recomendations, we would emphatically state his salary
proposals were totally inadequate, and we feel sure that had he
been stationed in Hong Kong permanently, his earlier views would
now have been greatly modified.
It is natural that, in the case of officers
recently appointed, exception may be taken to their participation
in this petition but we desire, in so far as they are affected,
to respectfully submit that little, if any, information in regard