CO129-453 - Acting Governor Claud Severn - 1919 [1-3] — Page 557

i

532

Engineers some of whom would be able to obtain positions in local firme on high salaries. Several officers who resigned from the Public Works Department during the past twenty-five years are now in large practice in the Colony as Architects and Engineers and have amassed considerable fortunes. In the Medical Department the maximum salary to which an Officer can attain is £720, and though the Government has obtained the services of several excellent Surgeons and Physicians I do not consider that the inducaments offered are sufficient to attract men of the attainments required.

5.

In another Despatch I will deal with the report in detail, but I am anxious to send it to you at once in order that Mr. Stubbs may have ample time to consider it before he leaves England. I was asked by the Commissioners to make the raport public, but I have refused to do so for the reasons stated in a demi-official letter to the Chief Justice,

a copy of which I enclose.

6.

The recommendations involve an increase

of about $750,000 in expenditure upon Personal Emoluments of all descriptions, compared with the pre-war expenditure. Part of this increase has already been approved in the shape of rent allowances and the ten per centum bonus, granted during

the war.

I have the honour to be,

My Lord,

Your Lordship's most obedient,

humble servant,

Ilustevem

Officer Administering the Goverment.

Condosure L.