Enclosure No. 5.
4.
47
improvement in prospects.
8. Apart from the possibility of such an
improvement of prospects, which must in any event be
uncertain, it appears likely that on a general revision
of salary scales, the Marine Surveyors in Hong Kong might
expect to find their salaries improved. Subject to your
views I suggest for consideration the scale set out in
the enclosed statement, which is based on that for engineers
in the Public Works Department. Provision has been made
for Senior Assistant Government Marine Surveyors analogous
to Executive Engineers but not on quite so high a scale.
I should propose that the establishment should consist of
two Senior Assistants and twelve Assistants instead of
fourteen Assistants as at present.
9. It may be, however, that an inquiry addressed
to the Board of Trade, regarding the relative status of
the Board's officers and professional officers in the
service of other Government departments or Municipalities
in the United Kingdom, would indicate a more suitable
scale than the foregoing and I suggest, therefore, that
the making of such an inquiry might be considered.
10. The salary of the Government Marine Surveyor,
on the existing scale, stands at £1100 per annum plus rent
allowance of approximately £65 per annum. The salary of
the post on the new scale remains to be fixed in relation
to those of other senior technical officers in the same
case. I hope to be able to submit recommendations in
their regard in the first quarter of 1938.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient, humble servant,
N.L. Smith
Colonial Secretary.
(In the absence of the Governor.)