CO129-600-4 Salaries Commission- comments on report 12-10-1947 - 15-12-1947 — Page 21

Mr. W.I.J. Wallace.

Hong Kong Salaries Commission

1947.

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I wish I had time to study this Report, but

I am afraid it is quite impossible. I have read the Department's summary and the despatch and some figures showing the emoluments of members of judicial and legal offices which have been got out by members of the legal staff of this office. These documents probably give me sufficient in- formation and I have very little to say.

The

It struck me first as rather strange that the maximum emoluments of the deputy Registrar are only £45 less than those of the Registrar. position is the same with respect to the assistant Land Officer and the Land Officer. I see, however, that the existing scales are emerket similar in this respect.

the

I have noticed a recommendation in paragraph 141 of the Report that solicitors should receive the same increments as barristers for professional experience. This has already been accepted for Africa and, no doubt, the recommendation will be approved.

I have not seen the part of the Report referred to in paragraph 16 of the despatch and paragraph 4 of the Department's note, but it seems to me sur- prising that the Commission attach more importance to economy than to good faith. The assurance given by the acting Colonial Secretary to the Harbour De- partment floating staff, and apparently that given by the Director of Medical Services to the Medical Department dispensaries, left loopholes, for it was merely stated to be the' intention of the Govern- ment to give the new rates of pay retrospective effect from the 1st October "if possible"; but the loophole was not a very big one. What is more important I suggest is that the Commissioner of Police induced the Fire Brigade staff to return to duty by telling them in unequivocable terms that revision of salaries would be effective as from the 23rd July. I gather that this date was the 23rd July, 1946, and if that is the case then retros- pective effect to the 1st January, 1947, is un- likely to satisfy the men concerned, and I should have thought that a $rike was inevitable unless this promise is kept at least so far as the floating staff and the Fire Brigade are concerned. Even if there were no danger of a strike what answer would be given in Parliament to a question@whether this promise was made, and, if so whether it is to be

sofy fulfilled?

I return the documents which you sent me as I assume that you require them back, but if you have several copies it would be convenient if I could keep these for the time being.

XO. Q

22nd October, 1947.