CO129-292 - Governor Sir Blake - 1899 [6-8] — Page 143

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each of these men's pay, as that is the least increase proposed

for any individual in the present scheme. The men are underpaid

at present.

2 Painters. I have only increased their pay to the

market rate outside. The men will not stay with us if their

pay is not increased and they are good men.

2 Barrack Sergeants. I have added $1 a month to the

pay of each, and the same may be said of 4 signalmen (they are

the men on look out duty on Blackhead's Hall).

The sailmaker's pay has only been brought up to the

market rate while the Detectives have been placed on the same

footing as 1st. class Constables in the Land. Four under the

rates recently approved.

In conclusion I can only say that I have given this

matter my close consideration,

and that the rates of pay I now

recommend, and which involve an increase of only $1392 a year to

existing salaries, are not higher than what is necessary to attract

good material to the Government Service.

The whole of the New Staff is already engaged with the

exception of 4 Station orderlies, 1 Barrack Sergeant, & Detectives

1 2nd class