CO129-307 - Governor Sir Blake - 1901 [10-12] — Page 673

It is noted that Officers at present entitled to a 4/- dollar rate for leave and a 5/8 dollar for pension payments would benefit from accepting the proposed rates, while it would generally be to the advantage of Officers who are at present entitled to a 3/- dollar for similar payments.

12. The Sterling sums given in the columns headed "Equivalent Sterling Salary" are the equivalent Sterling salaries for an Officer entering the service on the present dollar rates of salary with the privilege of drawing the dollar at Three Shillings when on leave in Europe or on pension. These equivalent salaries thus include considerations of leave and pension pay.

13. The Committee has made the following recommendations in points of detail, and they meet with my approval.

(A.) House allowance, estimated value of free quarters, and all other allowances except personal allowances should no longer count for leave and pension pay.

(B.) Personal allowances to Officers drawing Sterling salaries should be given in Sterling.

(C.) In some cases, as set forth in the detailed scheme, house allowance should be combined with salary. If an Officer occupies a Government building, a fair rent for such quarters should be paid by him. This of course applies only to the officially recognised occupants of Government buildings, not to the Officers who may be the guests of such occupants.

(D.) The contribution of Officers on a Sterling salary to the Widows and Orphans' Fund should remain at four per cent., and the accounts for these Officers should be kept in Sterling. House and conveyance allowances should no longer contribute a percentage to that Fund. These changes would necessitate...