CO129-402 - Governor Sir May - 1913 [7-8] — Page 137

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especially fitted for work in the New Territories. His services

are, therefore, of more than ordinary value: and it would be

logical to conclude that he should be better paid when holding the substantive post of District Officer than other officers of less experience who act for him. As a fact, however, the reverse is the case.

3.

The pay of r. Ross as District Officer is $3,600 to $4,200 by $300 triennially. For purposes of comparison

this may be expressed in sterling at 3/- to the dollar; and the

rates of pay then are £540, £585 and £630. Mr. Ross has been on the minimum pay of Grade III since his appointment to be Assistant Land Officer in 1908; he, therefore, drew his first increment as

District Officer from the 29th. November, 1912, the date of his

appointment to that post. He thus draws as District Officer £úʊ5

a year, and this is the rate at which he will be paid when he

reverts to his substantive post on the 27th. of next month.

4.

On the other hand, Mr. G. N. Orme, who is two

years junior to Mr. Ross in service and is subordinate to him in

the District Office, while now acting for lir. Ross at Taipo, draws pay as follows:-

half-pay as Assistant District Officer (North)....£200

increments.

half-pay as District Officer...

duty pay as District Officer.

£50

.£300

..£120

£700

p.a.

Thus r. Ross, when occupying his substantive post at Taipo, receives £115 a year less than an acting officer junior to him in his own departament.

I venture to add two hypothetical cases:- (a). If the Lost junior passed Cadet were appointed Assistant District Officer (South) and, before he had earned any increments, mere to act as District Officer, he would draw £620 a year which is £35 more than is drawm by lir. Ross who has now been b years in his

trade. (b). If Mr. Ross were drawing his maximua as District

Officer