3.
1261
12.
Careful enquiry by your Petitioners shows
that not less than ninety per cent of the Civil Servants
which they represent are married and have families and
they admit that in regard to the small percentage of
unmarried officers, found mainly on the very lowest scale
of remuneration, the incidence of the increased cost of
living does not fall so heavily.
13. It was, therefore, with great dismay that your
Petitioners read the contents of a Circular, issued on
the 20th December, 1935, by the Colonial Secretary, to
the effect that the Government was considering the imposi-
tion of a temporary levy on all Government salaries
whether on a dollar or sterling basis.
14.
The extent of this levy was disclosed by a
Circular issued later on the 20th January, 1936, by
which the dollar paid salaries were effected as from
the 1st January, 1936, as follows:-
No levy on salaries not exceeding $240 per
annum.
On salaries above $240 per annum,
first $1,000, 8% on the next $1,500,
4% on the
12% on the
next $2,500, and 15% on the remaining portion
of salary above $5,000.
15.
The Circular quoted in the last paragraph
intimated that this levy would be reduced by substituting
3%, 6%, 10% and 12% respectively for the reductions
which were to take effect immediately, and it was further
intimated that the levy would be on net salaries that
is to say, after Widows and Orphans Pension Contributions
had been deducted.