CO129-505-4 Labour situation in Canton and effect on Hong Kong- Labour Advisory Board 27-1-1927 - 31-8-1927 — Page 73

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$2/m

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1. We have been instructed to consider and

report upon the rates of pay suitable for Uffice Attendants, Messengers, Coolies, Caretakers and any similar grades of employees in the Government Service, and in addition to make some effort to decide what should

be considered a bare living wage for the lowest paid

labour at the present time.

2. From a scrutiny of all the facts at our disposal we are of opinion that the bare feeding of a single man at present in Hong Kong costs about $9 per mensam if he messes alone and about $7.50 per mensem if he forms one of a mess. Scavenging coolies who have the advantage of messing in large gangs actually pay something less than the latter amount.

3. The other principal ingredients in a bare

subsistence are clothing and lodging.

lodging. We consider that $2 per mensen is equivalent to the minimum of clothing necessary for a single man.

4. If no quarters are provided we consider that $2.50 per mensen would be necessary to provide a bedspace of the cheapest possible description.

5. We are of opinion that the Rent allowances set forth in General Order 110A(2), which has been in force since 1st January 1924, are a fair and adequate equivalent of the provision of free quarters.

6. We are of opinion that Messengers, Office Attendants, Office Coolies and Caretakers should in those Departments where such is not already the case be provided with free uniform on the scale of an annual issue of one winter suit, two summersuits, two pairs of boots, four pairs of socks and two pairs of shoes, with an oil skin and sou'wester for Messengers in

addition. It may be convenient for certain Departments

which