CO129-359 - Governor Sir Lugard - 1909 [12] — Page 178

A. 11705/08.

sir,

C.0.

13594

21st April

Reap29 APR OS

171

I am commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to acquaint you, for the information of the Lords Commissioners of His Majesty's Treasury, that they have had under their consideration applications for a substantial increase in the amounts of House and Colonial Allowances granted to Officers and others serving in Shore Establish- ments at Hong Kong and Wei-hai-Wei respectively.

Since 1901, when the present addition of 75% to House and Colonial Allowances was authorized, the cost of living at Hong Kong has certainly increased, as a result partly of the growth of population, partly of more stringent sanitary regulations, and partly of the inordinate fluctua- tions in the sterling value of the dollar.

In the petitions received from the Yard, the request is made that the temporary increase of allowances should be increased from 75% to 145x; but my Lords after making full enquiries into the matter are not satisfied that such an increase would be justified.

T..

P

The existing classification for allowances is,

however, not satisfactory. At present, for example, Foreman receives in the shape of allowances no more than an Inspector, notwithstanding the facts that he occupies a position of greater responsibility and importance, and

that his salary at the mean exceeds that of an Inspector

by more than 70%. It is therefore proposed to extend to

Hong Kong the classification for allowances which has

The Secretary,

already

H. M. TREASURY.