Sessional_Paper_1900 — Page 143

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The matter, therefore, resolves itself into a consideration of the salaries of the

following officers, leaving out those already the same :---

Governor,

Colonial Secretary,

Assistant Colonial Secretary,

Treasurer,

Director of Public Works,

Postmaster General,

Registrar General,

Assistant Registrar General,

Harbour Master,

Assistant Harbour Master,

Superintendent, Botanical and Afforestation Department,

Assist. Superintendent, Botanical and Afforestation Department. Registrar, Supreme Court,

Deputy Registrar, Supreme Court,

Deputy Land Officer,

Attorney General,

Inspector of Schools,

Principal Civil Medical Officer,

Captain Superintendent of Police,

Deputy Superintendent of Police.

I have omitted also the Auditor, who does not occupy the same position as the Auditor in the Straits, and other offices where no comparison is possible, e.g., Secre- tary, Sanitary Board, whose salary might be considered on its own merits.

In regard to the other offices, I might make the following remarks: Colonial Secretary.

The Colonial Secretary here has not so many Assistants as the corresponding officer in Singapore, and I should think that his position warrants as much consi- deration.

Assistant Colonial Secretary.

The work of this Officer is also increasing to my own knowledge, and as there are two Assistants in Singapore to one here, I think that a good case might be made out for equalisation.

Treasurer.

The present salary was acknowledged as far back as 1893 to be ridiculously inadequate, and I believe that had it not been for the Alves scandals a strong recommendation would have gone home at that time on the subject.

In this connection it should be noted that the Revenue and Expenditure have increased from about $2,000,000 to about $3,000,000 per annum since the year 1891 when the present salary was fixed and, besides, other responsibilities, such as custody of Suitors' Funds, have been since fixed on this Officer.

The place is the poorest paid for the position in the Colony.

It is impossible for any one on the salary to live in accordance with ordinary social conditions.

It might be thought rather much to increase the salary all at once from $4,800 to $7,800 a year, but a substantial increase should be permanently affixed to the post.

Director of Public Works.

This Officer's work is largely increased, and he ought to have $700 a month. Postmaster General.

The work to be done here is larger than in Singapore. The office is especially underpaid when it is considered that it is a most vexatious office with very irregular times of duty.