CO129-367 - Acting Governor May - 1910 [6-7] — Page 68

66

would rise very much above the sum mentioned. In these

circumstances the question arose whether it is worth while

to impose any deduction at all from the salaries of

Officers as a contribution to the scheme. Such deduction,

as the Widows' and Orphans' Pension Fund Scheme has proved,

are very irksome especially to bachelors and render any

scheme unpopular; and it was suggested, and the suggestion

received the approval of Sir F. D. Lugard, that the

deduction might be omitted. It is urged that the cost to

Government by such remission would be more than compensated

by better service on the part of Subordinate Officers and

by avoidance of constantly recurring applications for

increase of salary.

4.

I considered the scheme, modified

by the elimination of the 24% deduction from salaries, in

Executive Council on the 31st. ultimo and was advised by

the Members of Council that in their opinion the scheme

was a good one and should be submitted for Your Lordship's

favourable consideration. In this opinion I concur. I

consider that the great cost of passages entailed upon

European Officers in this far distant Colony is a heavy

burden which it would be wise for the Government in its ow

interests to lighten. Under present conditions men in the

Subordinate