CO129-380 - Governor Sir Lugard - 1911 [9-10] — Page 151

CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案 All

1

147

Messrs. Moore and Mackie the two junior student interpreters were transferred to the New Territory on an increased salary of $25 per month each. I applied to the Government for a similar in- crease, which was granted, this being the 1st increase I got for 8 years. Immediately after this I was granted an increase of 20% when the general increase was granted; the latter was stopped together with a good many months back pay on the ground that I had only recently received an increase. When the Sterling salary scheme came into force I noticed that the salary of the Chief Interpreter was fixed at £440 to £500 by £30 triennially which meant a great reduction. On learning this I gave up all hopes

that of ever getting Mr. Ball's dollar salary, knowing well and if I got the appointment I would come under the Sterling salary scheme. In 1907 I again applied for an increase and was offered £255 to £285 if I would accept the sterling salary, being a nominal increase while in the Colony I accepted it, well knowing that I was losing on leave and on pension, but having the other appointment in view I did not mind it at the time. When Mr. Ball

went on leave I lost about $100 a month through not getting the acting appointment, my junior had the acting appointment through

an oversight. I complained to Mr. Kemp who went to see Sir

Henry May about it. I was told not to take too much notice of it,

and that when the actual time came round for promotion I would

not be forgotten. On the 25th January 1908 I was appointed to

the post by Your Excellency at a less salary than that previously

fixed in the sterling salary scheme. My salary on the appointment being offered to me was £360 to £500 in fifteen years by four increments of £30 triennially and one of £20. Whereas in the sterling salary it was £440 to £500 in 6 years which even at that rate would be considerably less than what my predecessor was getting. I made up my mind to decline the offer but on the advice of my friends and relatives accepted it as it was bad policy to refuse any kind of promotion. I accepted it thinking that after giving satisfaction in my new appointment the Government might reconsider the salary, but I have been greatly

*

Comments

Approved members can add comments, bookmarks, and private notes.

No comments yet.

Private Research Note

Private notes are available after approval.