CO129-569-7 Revision of salaries 6-7-1938 - 11-10-1938 — Page 77

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represented a reasonable standard of remuneration compatible

with the responsibility of position, professional qualifications

required, social obligations and cost of living. We submit

that present conditions in the Colony do not warrant any reduc-

tion in the salaries and allowances recommended by that

Commission.

12. Responsibilities.

We feel that the responsibilities of an Engineer

in Hong Kong are not truly appraised either by Government or

by the General public. Conditions in this densely populated

and rapidly developing Colony are of an Urban or Municipal

nature and the consequent responsibilities of Engineers of all

grades are more onerous than those of most other Colonies where

"rural" conditions obtain. This difference in responsibilities

is generally recognised by the fact that the remuneration of

officers working under "rural" conditions is considerably less

than that paid to officers working under "urban" conditions.

13. Conclusion.

we are confident that you recognise the importance

of the duties of your Engineering Staff and that you will

realize the dissatisfaction which would be aroused by the

introduction of the proposals contemplated by Government.

therefore humbly submit these representations and request

that you will forward them to Government with your strong

recommendation that the present salary scales, allowances

We

and pensionable emoluments be at least maintained for the present

personnel both for acting appointments and on promotion.

We have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your obedient servants,