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In two or three cases we have suggested increases on the score of long and meritorious services rendered by the applicants. In one or two instances our opinion in their favour has been strengthened by the fact that the applicants appear to have been unfortunate in the race for promotion in the service. In a few instances we have recommended an increase because the salary of the office seems to us to be incommensurate with its duties and responsibilities, or because, as in the case of some of the lower grade offices, the salary is appreciably less than that which is paid in the open market to persons performing similar duties.

In examining the various applications and coming to our conclusions upon them, we have referred to and considered the report and recommendations of the Retrenchment Committee of 1894.

If our suggestions for the augmentation of the salaries of some of the applicants are carried out, in whole or in part, it may perhaps be that the Government will receive applications for increase of salaries from other public officers. But we venture to express the opinion that it would be desirable, in the interests both of the public service and of the community generally, that a rule should be estab- lished that such applications will be received and considered only at certain fixed intervals of time, say, one or two years, as may be thought most convenient.

Hongkong, 5th August, 1897.

J. W. CARRINGTON, Chairman.

C. P. CHATER.

T. JACKSON.