1930-06-20 — Page 10

10

SALARY

HONG KONG DAILY PRESS. FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 1930.

COMMISSION PROPOSALS. :

H.E. THE GOVERNOR'S SPEECH.

APPROACHES QUESTION WITH OPEN MIND...

(CONTINUED FROM PAGE (7.)

pension or provident fund, some endeavoured to deal with the pos, Salaries Commission to the Secre- form of moutcal aid, some scheme sillity of a greater variation in tary of State earlier, it is probable: of assisted passages and some sys-recommending that Government that the new rutes would have been tem of housing for its employees? should feserve the power to grant brought into force as from January The details are difficult to obtain a high cost of living allowance. As 1, 1929, If that had been done, I but if I am not much mistaken you stated by the Honourable Colonial Jean hardly imagine that a request will find that most of the large Secretary, Government, in view of would have been made to Govern. hanks, the insurance houses, the present conditions, proposes to deal | ment to pay its officers at a re shipping firms, the shipbuilding with that high cost of living allow duced rate when the dollar dropped Arms, and some of the larger com ance by not bringing it into force | below a certain 6gure. In short, mercial houses do provide these with the dollar as low as it is 8- once the recommendations of the things for their officers and that day, and further, as is shown in Commission are accepted as fair the Government servants are not the resolution moved by the Hon. and reasonable, I'consider that this specialy privileged in these resurable Colonial Secretary, will not Government is bound in honour to spects.

introduce such an allowance with give affect to them. aut reference to this Council, Cannot Accept Amendment. ·

As regards the basic "sterling I need not refer to the hon. I salaries recommended by the Com- member's remarks on how the costmittee, I am of the opinion that of the scheme is to be met as they are not higher than is justified. have dealt with this very fully Having regard to the cost of living. to his amendment. As I have a to me to be higher, for, though the ready said, Sir, this amounts salaries there are quoted in dollars, merely to further delay. No good the fact that the dollar there is is likely to come of a further com fixed gives them. the effect of mittee on the report non is any sterling rates. My experience greater finality ely to be reached, there showed that, with a lower and the Government therefore re-rate of salary, the recruitment of

Tets that it cannot accept the hon. member's amendment.

Question of Taxation.

arc

это

Although my short experience here ployers, and had confined their in- Colonies has not acceded to the hardly justifies me in giving any vestigations mainly to Government request of Sir Cecil Chementi to definite ppicion on the point, I servants without due regard to the waive the military contribution of cannot avoid the feeling that we relation of their salaries to those 20 per cent. on the revenue raised somewhat overloaded in the paid outside the Service. This for this purpose. The total amount matter of personnel, and that fur-being the case, I considered that involved, directly or indirectly, by ther there is room for retrenchment in a matter of such importance to the present proposal of the Govern- in other directions I propose,

the Colony, involving as it would mont would, therefore, be about therefore, to appoint such a com the raising of a large sum of money; † 92,000,000..

nittee at once, and earnestly hope that, as a result of its investiga tions, it may be possible to effect

material economies.

RETRENCHMENT COMMITTEE,

DR. KOTEWALL'S SPEECH.

sion arrived at its conclusion,

In suggesting this percentage for the dollar-paid men, my Chinese colleagues and I have duly taken into consideration the fact that the concessions granted to the sterling: paid men were granted not only en account of the increase in the cost of living, but also because they have to remit money Home for the sup- port of their families and depen dents, and for the education of their children. But in spite of that con- sideration, we think, for the rensons I have given, that this percentage is but fair and reasonable.

dollar.

No Lack of Sympathy.

already, His conchision leads him similar salaries in Malaya appear ¦ Colonial Secretary has set out the added other allowances scattered per cent.increase to the sterling-jstances, and with so many other great anxiety on all sides: The pre-

ELE. THE GOVERNOR.

PAYMENT OF SALARIES SAME

AS PAYMENT TO CONTRACTOR.

was

competent and suitable officers was almost impossible, and those rates had to be raised in order to ensure our getting the type of offiger that necessary. I am convinced, after many years' experience in large civil service in one of our Far Eastern colonies and protec- torates, that it is absolutely essen- tial to maintain a high standard of Government efficiency, More is idvolved than the mere carrying out of normal duties, and it would fare of a Colony to allow the be fatal. in my mind, to the web standard to go down, owing to the This is the view of the Warren payment of inadequate salaries. Fisher Committee, referred to by

I appre

consideration to the question of how I have given long and careful funds meet this increased liability.

to be provided to The position as regards taxation very fairly, and I think that it must be admitted that the total of direct and indirect taxation in Hong Kong is very low, and that in normal times rates and other forms of taxation might well be raised without there being any reasonable ground for complaint. ciate, however, that just at the moment it is undesirable to increase a form of taxation which may send up the necessary minimum cost of living. Before, therefore, officially considering the question of raising the assessment rate, which might well be deemed likely to increase rents all round, I considered and discussed with my advisers other sources. The question of imposing had already been more or less no- a'petrol tax and an amusement tax cepted, though it will not be pos the collection of the latter this year. sible to get the machinery ready for Postal rates are much below what

His Excellency the Governor Honourable Members: I think that it is desirable that I should give any views on this question at this stage, though the matter has been as adequately dealt with in the very able speech of my honourable friend the Colonial Secretary that there does not appear to be a great my honourable friend the Colonial I. might call the imperial rates,

Secretary,

7

Justice of the Rige.

рель.

least

· Civil Servants--and Others. •

the

support the Government resolution. But we cannot conscientiously do. so in the circumstances. The un- precedented decline in the value of the dollar has created a feeling of sent is troubled; the future is un- certain. To choose this time to lavy new taxes in order to increase Civil Service salaries which, after all, are by no means "starvation wages, to add impatiently a new burden to

cause of the reaction it will have on

by fresh taxation, the public would Even the latter figure is be better satisfied if the recom-likely to be considerably exceeded, mendations of the Commission were since, according the Hon. carefully reviewed by a Committee Colonial Secretary, in his speech which included representatives "of just delivered, the sum of $1,698,917, the large employers of labour, who which we are now asked to vote, had not an opportunity of express was based on the assumption that ing their views before the Commis- the average rate of exchange for the allowance is to be a temporary

Though this high cost of living year would be 1/8d. The astunlief on account of the fall in ex- Before deciding upon the amend rate would certainly be lower and change, I, for one, would not light- The Hoa, Dr. R. H. Kotowali ment which. I have just moved, I consequently, the actual amount rely withdraw it; I should prefer to had gone into the subject with quired would exceed the presentsee it disappear with the rise of the said-Sir, beg to second the great care, and had obtained from estimate. mbtion. I need not elaborate igures to prove that

euter into the Honourable the Colonial Secre In addition to this large figure, a tary such figures and information considerable sum of money has to is necessary. According to Session as would assist my investigations. be found to meet the substantial al Paper No. 3 of 1930 relative to I would like here to express my difference between the rate

From the trend of my remarks, the Salaries Commission, the total thanks to the Hon. E. R. Hallifax which the estimates for 1030, were failed to draw the inference that on I trust that you, Sir, have hot sterling and dollar basis, together The conclusion I have reached is anicunt payable in salaries on a for the facility he thus afforded me. ramed, namely, 1/10d., and the my Chiness colleagues and I are not with the high coat of living allow that, if the financial condition of 1/3d., in the existing sterling com-servants; we only wish we could present rate which is round about lacking in sympathy for the civil ance extended down to the rate of the Colony warranted is without mitments of the Government. exchange of 1/6d.," is $9,308, entailing fresh taxation and with this year. The adoption of the out drawing upon our surplus vál-

Cutting One's Coat. motion that has just been carried ances, I would support the recom-' would bring this sum up to roughly | mendations of the Commission, with

Now, with its trade nt a decline $11,000,000. To this have to be the exclusion of the additional 18 owing to a combination of circum- all over the estimates. It is safe salaried officers, and the extended and more urgent demands on its to say, then, that personal emolu rent allowance to dollar-salaried revenue which must be increased to 231,800,000 per annum, which is

meet them, can the Colony bear the ments alone Consume

officers. At

proposed additional expenditure, necessitating special taxation and more than half the estimated cur- rent revenue for 1930, as given in In this matter of Government drawing upon our surplus balances

I believe that the Colony cannot an already distressed community, is despatch of January 20, 1930, to the disagreement with those who con- that the Colony cannot bear it. paragraph 9 of Sir Cecil Clementi's salaries generally, I find myself in

bear it. The public also believes surely an ill-timed action. The It Chinese community, whom I have Secretary of State for the Colonies. tend that the pay of Government has often been said that, unlike a the honour to represent and who Now, the public believes as I do, servants compares favourably with private business, a Government need constitute per cent. of the tas that the Government Service is that of mer in private employment, not cut its cost according to its payers of the Colony, have raised over-staffed, and that there is room having regard to certain advantages cloth, but should find the right their voice in strong protest against retrenchment could best be effect- pensions, free passages, free quar this principle I agree with this re for economy. It seems to me that which the former enjoy, such as length of cleth to fit its cont. To fresh taxation for any purpose be edir. the direction of reduction offers or allowance in lieu thereof, servation: where there is little cloth cost of living. The public, as a personnel rather than reduction of and security of tenure. It is diffi- to be found, even a Government | whole, feel that to raise taxes for salary, and also by a reorganisa- cult, particularly in the higher must be content with a short coat. the purpose in view is to penalise tion and redistribution of work. Io ranks, to compare the two kinds of Since the Salaries Commission them for the benefit of Government my view, the Colony is not putting occupations. It must be remember made its report, the cloth has servants, who are living under the its splendid native, material to Aed that while Government servants shrunk. It was on the rate of 2/same economic conditions as they sufficient use. With proper train enjoy the privileges mentioned, they that the Commission based its re-themselves. This, Sir, is, I think, ing, many Chinese, Portuguese and

are precluded by Colonial Regula commendations, but unfortunately an effective answer to the Govern- Indians would be found suitable for tions from engaging in business of they did not anticipate any substan ment contention that the general. positions now occupied by Euro- whatever nature, and ever, from tial decline in the rate, as is evi-increase of salaries to its servanta

I think that the Honour-investing in certain stocks in the denced in paragraph 7 of their re

should no longer be withheld able the Colonial Secretary can

Coloas. Security of tenure enn

port. Even Sir Cecil Clementi, in as a debt of honour.

I .sym- bear me out that Ceylon has gone

not compensate for the chance paragraph G of bis despatch to the pathise with the feeling of the of

by which prosperity far towards this end without any

Secretary of State for the Colonies public and I support their protest, income of the head of a large at as recent a date on January 22, not only for the reasons they have appreciable Ices of efficiency.

firm, who corresponds more less to the head of a Government the dollar had fallen as low as equally cogent reason. It is that 1930, said that though by that time given, but also for another and department, can easily exceed that 1/8ld. and had only slightly re-if the Government resolution were. of the Governor of the Colony, covered, he did not anticipate that carried, and if the assessment tax Business mer also, though they do it would fall as low as 1/ed., or were not increased during the cur the benefit of the now almost univer- of that time-1/7d. In paragraph the Government would draw upon. not generally get pensions, receive that it would remain at its level rent year, the probability is that. sat provident fund as well as fren 9 of the same despatch, Sir Cecil the surplus balances of the Colony quarters in many cases. I am a Clementi agaia said that he hardly to meet this special expenditure. Government, no way supporting the cause of the believed the dollar "would remain Indeed, the words in the resolution my amendment at its almost unprecedented depre- before us, "charged upon the re- proves; but I have thought it but ciation,"

venue and other funds of the fair to express my personal view on From this it would seem that had Colony," point to this course being the subject-a view based on a fair-the Commissioners-lea able to contemplated. It seems scarcely I could adduce, further arguments ly long experience both as a civil visualise the present rate of 1/32,nccessary to point out that to en-

servant and as a business man. At with all its serious consequences, eroach upon the Colony's by no. in support of the motion, but since There appear to be two main and responsibilities of Government duty on tobacco, which comes un-is prepared to accept it, I prefer saying that both those at the apex probability, have taken a different for the purpose of paying increased of the opinion, however, that the I understand that Your Excellency any rate, I have no hesitation in their recommendations would, in all means large liquid surplus balances aspects of this question: First, officers generally, as had the mem der the heading of a luxury tax, whether the recommendations of the bers of the Salaries Commission.

to leave the details to be worked of the Government Service and form. It seems equally probable salaries to Government employees out by the Committee. I have those at the base are inadequately that had Sir Cecil Clementi been is wrong. It is the more to be de- Salaries Commission, as regards Once, therefore, it has been admit-ight well be raised without caus-

paid. Perhaps between these two confronted with this rate, he would precated in these hard times when basic salaries, are justified; second, ted that there is justice in raising ing any undue hardship. The pleasure in seconding the motion.

extremes there are some whose have modified his recommendations. every dollar of this surplus should whether, assuming that they are the salary of a number of Govern.rates have, as you know," been rais

salaries could bear reductions; but, The estimates for 1930 were fram- be reserved for meeting the numer justified, this is the proper time toment officers, I think we are justi-ed as from a week ago to-day. put them into effect.”

speaking generally, I think, that ed on a 1/10d. 'dollar, and it was ous items of extraordinary expen fed in accepting the general rise"

Sir, I beg now to move, as an

the pay of Government servants is recommended by

Amendment, the following resolu a Commission.

stated at that time (and eventually diture now clamouring for urgent not excessive, though their number reported to the Secretary of State) attention. Your Excellency, you These increases, while going ation That the recommendations may be reduced; and were the finan- that, calculated at that rate, the have expressed the view that the I approached this question with compared the duties of all officers.

who has carefully examined and

long way in a year to meeting the of the Salaries Commission as modicial position of the Colony sounder cost of the recommendations of the incidence of taxation is light. The an open mind, but with some ex- As regards the officers on dollar adoption of the Salarics Commis-septed, and that, as an alternative, loth to support a proposal to make an additional expenditure of only expressed the same opinion after

extra expenditure involved by the fied by the Government be not au perience of a similar question in salaries, I think there can be version's proposals, will, not meet such the temporary high cost of living a permanent improvement in their 81,300,000. Since then the dollar making a comparison with taxation or more hopeful, I would not be Salaries Commission would involve Hon. Colonial Secretary bas also Malaga, and I have studied the re-little reasonable, opposition raised port of the Commission very care to the proposed increases. In their cast this year, inasmuch as they will allowance approved by the Finance salaries. fully. The Commission appointed by ease, the fall in the dollar hasly be in force for the second Committee on April 10, 1830, be

has taken a headlong plunge, up-in certain Colonies he named. setting a calculations; and the Granting that such is the case, my predecessor to go into this ques-operated even more strongly than in half of the year. I have, however, continued until thia Council shall tion was, it raust be admitted, a the case of sterling paid officers, already stated that 1 consider that otherwise decide; and a similar

effect on business and trade. The additional revenue which Govern fall has had a most detrimental I submit that here again Day very strong one. It consisted of and I am of the opinion, therefore, these, increased rates of salary are allowance equivalent to 10 per cent.

whole position is changed; the rent can first the highest judicial officer of that the recommendations put for

debt by the Government to their of their salaries be granted to the

Colony is to-day unable to pay evention

safely raise by taxa the Crown...

in these times man whose opinion ward by the Commission should he others, which might have been dis- dollar-paid employees of the Civil

would be the original estimate of 81,300,000, required has always carried considerable adopted.

charged earlier, and I think, there Service of Hong Kong with effect

to meet the extra- weight, who has been accustomed

I gather that there is a feeling fore, that it is only reasonable to from January 1, 1830."

ordinary expenditure I have men- for many years to weigh up jadi that the raising by Government of take up the remaining deficit this I submit this amendment with a

tioned. I, therefore, express the The Happy Medium, cially all the pros and cons of the salaries, more especially of its year out of our available balances, due sense of responsibility and with

hope with all earnestness that Your Any question, and who had dollar paid employees, will have the which to-day stand at a very fav-considerable diffidence, realising to

Taking everything into considera- Excellency will withdraw the ori a wide and varied knowledge of effect of raising the salaries of the ourable figure of over ten millions. the full the eminence and compet

tion, and viewing the matter imginal motion, and accept in its. affairs both in this and other employees of firms and other under-.: By the adoption of the aforesaid cnee of the three gentlemen who

partially, I think that the situation stead my amendment which, while éolonies. The next member was a Chinese member of this Council, the case remains to be seen, but enabled to defer any increase in

takings. Whether this will prove additions to taxation, we have been composed the Salaries Commission,

would be met by continuing the affording some relief to the civil

with a long and ripe experience in any event I maintain that it is the assessment rate. I must, how-

who spared no pains to bring out

temporary high cost of living allow-servants, will not have the detri an exhaustive report of permanent

ance approved by the Finance Com-mental effects on the Colony which of the conditions which obtain incumbent on Government in par-ever, conarm what the Honour value, which entailed months of

mittec on April 10, 1980, and grant the adoption of the resolution at both in Chias and Hong Kong, ticular to pay its employees an

ing & similar allowance equivalent this juncture will. heavy labour, and also the necessity

undoubtedly and with a considerable knowledge equitable salary and not be rigidly stated, that it may be taken as

able Colonial Secretary has already for an unbiased mind in approach- as we should, an additional $300,000 to 10 per cent. of their salaries to have. of the conditions of employment bound to what is usually called the certain that it will be necessary to ing a subject which affects, as in The third member, of the Commis market rate.

increase those rates in connection

this case, the opposing interests of sion was, if he will allow me to

My diffidence is the greater because the Civil Service and of the public, say so, analle and hard-headed business men, with long and valu

while, on the one hand, I do not able financial experience, and a

consider the recommendations of I strongly deprecate the sugges- the Government resolution for rea

I understand that it is the opinion of many unofficials, both in this Council and out of it, that there is justification för raising thr salaries of a certain number of Government officers, but that there is some demur to an all-round rise.

deal loft for me to say. I ask for your indulgence if I cover, to some extent, the same ground.

I' con- gratulate the mover of the amend inent on his eloquent speech and can only express regret that I have not found it sufficiently convincing. I am very sorry that such a strong difference of opinion should have arisen at my first meeting of this Council, but it appears to have been submit that, once it is granted inevitable. Further, I peed hardly that the salaries of a number of say that it is a matter of great these officers might justifiably be regret among the officers of the raised it is sufficient admission of Government that, on a question of the justice of the Commission's this kind, it has not be found pos- recommendations generally. sible to obtain the, support and ordinary man in the street has not agreement of the unofficial mem-had the same opportunity of

examining the relative

bera.

With An Open Mind.

1

The Time Factor.

The

duties

To turn to the other aspect, name ly, whether the present is a suitable.

and head of one of the largest can posals, I would point out that the

un-

the new rates, should have come

especially with the dollar at any thing like the figure that it stands at to-day. An increase in these rates is more than justified. The I do not advocate reduction of imposition of a tax of fifteen cents salaries attached to the posts now

gallon on petrol will not be occupied by Europeans if heavy.

ROD I believe I am right in Europeans are placed in them. saying that it will average little believe in equality of treatment. anore than cene a mile in the provided that the native can offer case of private care, and 13 cent acqual efficiency. But there can be mile in the case of buses which no doubt that substantial saving carry a number of passengers. I could he effected in exchange com. and my advisers considered the pensation, long-leave pay and free question of revising the duty on spirits and tobacco, but we came

passages, by the employment of non-Europeans in the place of Euro- to the conclusion that it would be peans. better not to alter the former, at any rate for the present. We were

Discharging a Debt.

with the 1931 estimates, having dus regard to the needs of the Colony generally.

taxation in

Amended Resolution.

3.5

or

Hard Times. However, the financial position of the Colony by no means justifies any substantial increase in expen- diture of this nature. At no time during the last three decades, ex- cept during the short period of the strike and boycott, of 1925-6, has business in the Colony reached so low an ebb as it has reached to-day, Certainly, never in the history of the Colony has exchange, fallen so low. The public is in such a state of mind that it resents any pro- posal to impose fresh, taxation in order to improve the pay of civil servants If we take into account, payable as military contribution to the Imperial Government on the since the Secretary of State for the revenue raised for this purpose, Colonies has not acceded to the re- quest of Sir Cecil Clementi to waive this contribution, the total amount

not to say $2,400,000.

the

HON. MR. SILVA-NETTO;

dollar-paid employees with effect, as in the case of their sterl 7, 1930. I should like to point out, ing-paid colleagues, from January that this temporary allowance bu proved by the Finance Committee porting Dr. Kotewall's motion, the sterling-paid employees was ap

The Hoc. Air. Silva-Netto, sup

great knowledge of local affairs, time for giving effect to these pro- tion, which is on the face of it fications, altogether unreasonable, I involved directly or indirectly by / on the understanding that no fursaid:-Your Excellency,I beg to cerns of its kind in the East. The Salaries Commission was appoint creases of taxation are merely in- the Goviernment resolution for rea- ment would therefore be about after the end of this month without Dr. Kotewail has covered the great value of his advice generallyed as far back as October, 1928,

somewhat misleading, that such in- nm, on the other hand, apposed to the present proposal of the Govezather expenditure was to be incurred second the amendment. The Hon. Las been recognized by Government in his appointment to be a tem- Secretary's speech that the

and I gather from the Colonial ment officers a higher rate of regard to the findings of the Com arisen from all sides. The Kowloon

troduced in order to pay Govern-sons I will adduce. My riew in $2,000,000. Already opposition has reference to the Finance Committee. ground so ably in his eloquent The additional expenditure in. | speech that there is very little left Forary member of this Council, on official members of this Council salary. The payment of fair and raission is evidently shared by the Residents Association has raised sterling paid employees for the cur amendment. I would like, with volved by this allowance to the for me to say in support of the which I take this opportunity of were then of opinion that some adequate salaries to his employees Chinese General Chamber of Com its voice of protest in no uncertain tendering him my congratulations.

is one of the first commitments of merce, for in reply to a letter from way; the Hong Kong & Kowloon 2377,000; and the proposed 10 per observations on the Report of the rent year has been estimated - at your permission, Sir, to make a few This Commission, after a long and amelioration was justified in view careful investigation, submitted to of the fall in the dollar. It must. an employer, for a contented and the Honourable the Colonial SecreProperty-Owners' Association and cent. allowance to the dollar-paid 1 Salaries' Commission and stress a Government a valuable, well-reason- therefore, be inferred that, even adequate staff is an essential part tary inviting an expression of their the Chinese General Chamber of ed and unanimous report. Gov-28 long ago as that, there was a of any undertaking. I consider views, they stated that they had no Commerce have uttered their dis employees would amount to appro- few points of argument advanced ernment is unable to accept the sugatan ere inadequate if that be all events, many other services and make on the Commission's report; leagues and myself; and I hear tional expenditure on the two items The report of the Salaries' Com-

feeling that the existing rates of that it therefore comes before, at observations or representations to approval through my Chinese col ximately $300,000 the total addi- by the mover,

being about 8770,000. gestion that a further body of the proved, as in my opinion it has must be met either by economy in and in a subsequent communication that a Kaifong" meeting has beca

mission, which is the result of It may be asked why I advocate several months of tedious and composition proposed should be apbeen, then it might be urged that other directions or by an increase to the same quarter they expressed suggested for the purpose of regis pointed ad hoc to examine and, in

in revenue. In view of the light only the opinion that, generally tering the protest of the whole Chi-dollar-paid employees while the est commendation, but with all due an allowance of 10 per cent. to the labourious work, deserves the high- fzet, criticize the report submitted into force not later than January incidence of

is speaking...local employees were less nese community against any allowance already granted to their deference to the hon. members of by this very competent Commission. In my opinion, the proposal is nei-1, 1820. It is proposed to give effect Colony, I do not consider it neces generously trented by the Commis-crease in the

sary, or justifiable to reduce other sion than their sterling-paid col rates, which is bound to come be-sterling-paid colleagues is equival the commission. I would venture to

ent to only 8 per cent. My reason. ther complimentary to the Commis to them only from January 1 last.

fore long if the Government motion If we accept, as I maintain we services, and it is necessary, there leagues. sion, nor do the argumenta put must, the recommendations of the. fore, to increase our revenue, in

as atated in the Tetter written on

submit an expression of opinion An Explanation.

is carried.

that the liberal..recommendations forward in its favour justify it.

May 15, 1930, by the Chinese un- Salaries Commission as being just, order to enable us to carry out

If it be asked why, holding the

The Government is now asking official members of this Council to regard to the financial conditions were made apparently without due Conditions Unchanged, then I consider that the payment various services, including pay view I do, I have, through the the Council to vote the large sum the Honourable the Colonial Beers of the Colouy. In this connection, It has been argued that, owing to of the new rates becomes a mere actment of salaries. That is the po- Honourable Mr. Shenton, signified of 81,828,817 to implement the retary, is that in addition to this I think it would be fair for me to the fall of the dollar, conditions of justice; it is in fact a debt which, licy we are adopting.

to the Government my support to commendations of the Salaries Com- temporary allowance approved in mention that the commission was have materially changed, but I am this Government must of necessity A Betrenchment Committee.

the motion for the appointment of mission this year. This sum is in April last, Government servanta not fundamentally alter the basic it is absolutely impossible While, However, Government as Committer to enquire into the created in nearlx. 82.000.000 is sino a stelling basis have had appointed to consider four points

of the Salaries; take, into consideration,.

to consideration as we since the general revision of salaries en summarised as (0) recommendations that were made to and the money. The payment unable to support the resolution Commission, my answer is that I should, the 8377,000 approved by in 1919-20, the advantage of im- It is true that the general recon- of adequate salaries to Government proposed by the honourable repre- did so because, according to the the Finance Committee on April 10, proved emoluments resulting from mendations were, to some extent, officers for services rendered is sentative of the Chamber of Com-honourable member representing the 1930, as a temporary high cost of a change in the method of convert based on the assumption that the just as much a legitimate debt as merce, I may say at once that I Hong Kong General Chamber of living allowance to sterling-gaiding sterling salaries into dollars, dollar would approximate to two the payment to a contractor for ser am prepared to accept his second Commerce, the Commissioners ad employees. A further $400,000 has end, since July 1928, the advantage sailling At the same time, it vices performed. If it had been resolution regarding the appoint-mitted that they had not deemed it yet to be taken into account sines of compensation for the fall of the seems to me that the Commission possible to submit the report of the Iment of a retrenchment committee. necessary to consult outside em-the Secretary of State for the dollar below 2/68.

-

Karpovadora štrk shows that becam

assessment tax er

lows: The adequacy of the salary. scale of officers. the currency basis, the principles on which acting pay and allowances should be granted. and the provision of Government quarters and allowances for rent.

(Continued on Page 11.)

2

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