36
o mechably
effective form of A
petitioners' apparent suggestion that retrenchment
of individual members of the Service would be a
fair alternative to
haring
e the burden throughout
the Service by means of a moderate salary cut all
round is not to my mind creditable to them.
The decision to impose a salary levy was
very deliberately taken over the last few months
of 1935 as the financial crisis began to take shape,
and I think the reply to the petitioners can only
be that the S. of S. has received and carefully
considered their representations, but he is not
prepared to give the direction for which they ask
in the last paragraph of their memorial. It might
be added that whatever further measures may be
decided upon to improve the financial position of
the Colony, the S. of S. was unable to avoid the
conclusion that the immediate step in relation to
the salaries of Government Officers was urgent and
able could he justified and that the retrenchment of
establishments provided no alternative as a practical
relief, nor in his opinion would such a course comply
in the Puble Service crifice and
with the principle of equality of sacrifice);
in conclusion the S. of S. might express a hope
that the period of operation of levy on the
salaries in the public service may be strictly
limited if the currency and general financial and
economic situation permits.
Su Mant.
14
I think this imjit be put rather
for the Governor's
more strongly for
information
not of course for