CO129-569-7 Revision of salaries 6-7-1938 - 11-10-1938 — Page 12

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on

past been continually subject to major disturbances

owing to currency complications and in 1935/36

especially a major disturbance caused by the United

States silver policy in its effects and the exchange

value of the Hong Kong dollar. The settlement of the

currency difficulties has now been followed by the

outbreak of Japanese hostilities with its

unpredictable effect on the local cost of living and

indeed on the economic prospects facing the Colony

and its revenue in the near future. Reason would

suggest that this is the worst time for a major

revision on a permanent basis of Hong Kong salaries

and allowances, but experience does not encourage in

The view the least, that if we wait we may rely on any

Λ

more stable and period ahead of us in

that part of the world.

Beginning with the recommendations in the

Anomalies Report; the Committee makes certain

proposals regarding (a) the definition of pension

emoluments, (b) rent and lodging allowances, (c)

residential allowance, (d) the remuneration of certain

senior officers not already fixed in the main

Commission's report, (e) the application of the new

scales to serving officers on promotion and the

question of acting pay.

These proposals are the result of

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considerable local discussion Heads of Departments,

the European Civil Servants' Council; and the

Governor is satisfied that although the recommendations

are not universally acceptable throughout the Service

have been

they nevertheless are being framed in the light of all the

factors and representations involved and constitute the

best solution of the several difficulties which