CO129-451 - Public Offices - 1918 — Page 51

Th

49

be recognised by the Home Authorities that salary paid in a country without a sterling basis should be regulated in such a way that a fairly constant income in local currency is received

This principal is fully in order that expenses can be met. recognised and acted on by the Colonial Government,

Banking Houses and the Mercantile Community.

the

The following example may help to elucidate the situation

"A's" necessary living

if it is not clearly understood:-

expenses are $400 a month, and have to be met in dollars.

pay is £23 a month and $170 allowances.

Hie

He used to receive on

an average $424 a month (1/92 le the average rate for 1908-15). Now with the dollar at 3/2d, and taking into account the recent concessions, he receives only $349, approximately what he would have received at a 2/7d. dollar before the concessions were

granted.

He still has to meet his necessary living expenses of $400. As a matter of fact they are considerably increased, but the increase has been partly met by a War Bonus to Civil Servants, which has been granted here as at home.

The situation is further aggravated in cases where employees have to meet current expenses partly by drawing on their savings in England at the very high Bank rate of exchange, now over 1/3a.

I have the Honour to be,

Sir,

Your obedient Servant.

(Sgat

COMMODORE.