}
75
represented a reasonable standard of remuneration compatible
with the responsibility of position, professional qualifications
required, social obligations and cost of living. We submit
that present conditions in the Colony do not warrant any reduc-
tion in the salaries and allowances recommended by that
Commission.
12. Responsibilities.
We feel that the responsibilities of an Engineer
in Hong Kong are not truly appraised either by Government or
by the General public. Conditions in this densely populated
and rapidly developing Colony are of an Urban or Municipal
nature and the consequent responsibilities of Engineers of all
grades are more onerous than those of most other Colonies where
"rural" conditions obtain. This difference in responsibilities
is generally recognised by the fact that the remuneration of
officers working under "rural" conditions is considerably less
than that paid to officers working under "urban" conditions.
13. Conclusion.
we are confident that you recognise the importance
of the duties of your Engineering Staff and that you will
realize the dissatisfaction which would be aroused by the
introduction of the proposals contemplated by Government.
therefore humbly submit these representations and request
that you will forward them to Government with your strong
recommendation that the present salary scales, allowances
We
and pensionable emoluments be at least maintained for the present
personnel both for acting appointments and on promotion.
We have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your obedient servants,