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INVESTURE OF SIR C. T. METCALFE.

I have been commanded, Sir, to conduct this cere

mony in the manner most likely to do you honor-I required the attendance of no one to assist at it; but I opened my doors, and these ample halls are filled with those who honor and regard you. That such should be the feeling of those who have lived with you, who have known you, who have watched your progress or have lived under your rule, must of itself be gratifying to you, and it must be gratifying also to all present to know that public character in India is well appreciated, and that by all up to him, who sits upon the throne and is the fountain of honor amongst Englishmen, your name is upheld and inseparably connected with the history of this country, to which so large a portion of your life, your best exertions, and your affections have been devoted.

On Monday, the 14th March, being the time appointed | power and the dignity of the British name, and to be the by the Governor-General for conferring on Sir Charles friend of peace, the friend of human improvement and of Metcalfe the dignity of a Knight Grand Cross of the most human happiness. honorable order of the Bath, the great public room of the Government House was crowded long before that hour. The grand entrance to the north was reserved for Sir Charles Metcalfe and from the gate to the landing place at the top of the steps, there was a line of troops on each side. About past 10 Lord Auckland, accompanied by the Misses Eden, and surrounded by this staff, entered the great room at the south door and stood in front of the Chair of State which bad been placed there. Seats were arranged on either side for the numerous visitors, the middle of the room, along which Sir Charles was to advance to be invested with the insignia of the order, being of course kept clear by the Aides-de-Camp in waiting. Soon after Lord Auckland entered the room, His Excellency the Commander-in-Chief went down to receive Sir Charles at the grand entrance, and soon after the band' struck up the national anthem, and His Excellency returned leading in Sir Charles, preceded by Mr. William Hay McNaghten, bearing a crimson velvet cushion upon which reposed the insignia of the order. The Commander-in-Chief and the worthy Baronet advanced slowly towards Lord Auckland, followed by so numerous a staff and suite that at this point we lost entirely the view of the ceremony, and we suspect that as respected seeing the greater part of it nine-tenths of those present might as well have been in the compound. When Sir Charles Metcalfe had advanced to the head of the room, Lord Auckland addressed him in a speech of which the Courier supplies us with the following version:

"SIR CHARLES METCALFE, -I hold in my hand the official notification of the King's commands, that I should invest you with the insignia of a Knight Grand Cross of the Most Honorable Military Order of the Bath; and I am directed to do this in the most honorable and distinguished manner, and as shall appear to me most proper for showing respect to the King's order, and as may at the same time most publicly mark His Majesty's just sense of the zeal and abilities which you have displayed in the service of your King and country.

And the King further states to you in his own hand writing, that though he has not the advantage of your personal acquaintance, he is well informed upon your public conduct in India, that he holds your character in the highest estimation, and has great pleasure in conferring upon you this mark of distinction, a mark of distinction which will place you in the highest rank of the highest order of merit under the Crown.

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More than this, Sir, I need not say. I beg you to accept my congratulations and the expression of a wish as warm as it is sincere, that you may wear for many years in health and in happiness this mark of distinction. For myself I can have no better object than that of endeavoring to emulate your example-no higher ambition than that when I am called upon to leave the Chair (with a slight indication of the hand to the Chair of State) which you have lately quitted, I may be followed with a share of that general respect and general regard which are the just meed of your public and private virtues."

His Lordship delivered the speech well, though with a slight tremor, and was applauded at several passages of it and concluded amidst the loud plaudits of the assembled visitors.-The following is Sir Charles's reply:

"MY LORD, I cannot find words to express my deep sense of His Majesty's gracious goodness in conferring on me this eminent mark of his Royal favor; or of his princely condescension in adding such tokens of personal interest and notice. It would be exceedingly presumptuous in me to imagine myself deserving of these honors; but it would be equally so to question his Majesty's judgment by dwelling on my own unworthiness. I shall therefore only say, that my heart is devoted to my King and Country; and that it shall be my study throughout life, that I may not disgrace this Most Honorable Örder of the Defenders of the State, into which I have been admitted and that the Service of which it is my pride to be a member, and to whose merits, more than to any desert on my part, I owe this high distinction, may never have reason to be ashamed of their representative. This unexpected honor will I trust be an additional inducement to me to endeavour to merit the esteem of my fellow creatures, and to perform my duties towards God and man on all occasions to the utmost of my ability.

To your Lordship I am quite at a loss for adequate means of conveying my grateful thanks for the honor that you have done me in executing His Majesty's Commands, and for the generous sentiments which you have been pleased to express. I fear that you greatly overrate my humble services and pretensions.

I can assure you, SIR CHARLES METCALFE, that nothing more gratifying could have occurred to me upon entering on my duties in India, than to have it in my power thus to exhibit for my King, and at the same time to declare for myself, as I feel that I may declare for every man connected with public life in England, as well as in India, the high station which you hold in the opinion of your countrymen. You are known to have resided for thirty-five years in India: you were soon distinguished and at an early period were introduced to stations of high responsibility, of great political importance, and from staPermit me, my Lord, to offer my cordial wishes for tion to station, by the same merit you rose to that which the success of your Government, and my fervent hope, is the highest in this empire. Throughout this long period that the wise and beneficent measures, which may be you have followed the dictates of a disposition benevolent, expected from your administration, will promote the prosliberal and kind-you have exerted all the energies and all perity and happiness of the people of India, and tend to the ability of a manly and powerful mind, and indefatiga- bind this vast portion of the British Empire in ties of bly, and without remission, at once sustained the strength sympathy and affection with the United Kingdom. That and confirmed the security of British India, and pro-such may be the result, I most earnestly, pray; and the moted the welfare of every class of its inhabitants; and auspicious omens, which manifestly justify this hope, are you have proved how possible it is at once to support the a just cause for universal congratulation."

The worthy Baronet was evidently much agitated by taking the arm of his Excellency the Commander-inthe imposing ceremoney, and by the testimony of the es- Chief, retired backwards of course, facing the representatimation in which he is held, indicated in the very crowd- tive of His Majesty, until be reached the door at which he ed attendance. He was greeted with loud applause, and entered, when His Excellency shook hands with him those who were nearer to him than we were, observed very cordially, congratulated him on being one of the that although a little nervous he never spoke with more order, and the order itself on the accession to it of so feeling and propriety, and in our humble opinion Sir worthy a Member. Several friends of the worthy BaCharles always speaks well. The sentiments he ex-ronet then shook hands with him, and those who were pressed, were worthy of him and of the occasion, and expressed in well chosen language.

After his reply was concluded, Sir Charles Metcalfe,

not invited to remain to breakfast retired, and thus ended
the ceremony.- Hurkaru.

ADDRESS OF THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

TO SIR C. T. METCALFE, Bart., G. C. B. &c. &c. &c. &c.) Sir,-The order promulgated for abolishing the Inland Transit Duties, is so fraught with unmingled good to the whole country, that the Chamber of Commerce cannot suffer the opportunity to pass of conveying to you the cordial tribute of its unqualified thanks for the beneficient boon conferred, so worthy of the policy of an enlightened Statesman.

The testimony of the Chamber, is but one among multitudes; for commensurate with the wide prevalence of the grievance, will be the grateful acclamations of the population who experience the relief.

The measure has been long in the contemplation of the Court of Directors and the Government of India, and earnestly desired by both. It has only been retarded by the apprehension of great loss of revenue; the apparent difficulty of finding any substitute for what would be relinquished; and the impossibility of making, pensable for the service of the state. to any large extent, a sacrifice of the resources indis

Lord William Bentinck, whose heart was ardently devoted to the welfare of India, longed for the accomthose which would result from the labours of the Complishment of this measure; and looked to it as one of mittee, assembled during his administration, for the You have removed trammels, which have, in all direc-purpose of regulating the duties on Commerce on libetions, been fettering commercial intercourse, and repres-ral principles throughout our Indian Empire. Other sing the enterprise of the country, aggravated too as the authorities and individuals have been able and zealous vexation was, by the multiplied extortions, and the de- advocates in the same cause. moralising habits, which the system generated.

It will be pardoned to the Chamber, if, on the occasion | of offering the acknowledgments of the mercantile body for the boon accorded, it presumes to say, that it anticipated that you would not have been slow to complete the measure of relief, by the abolition of the Town Duties.

Although the inopportune termination of your administration hath not permitted that to be added to the other laudable acts which are recorded in its annals, the Chamber indulges the expectation, that the influence which events cannot justly divest you of, will be felt in accelerating the consummation of the good works which you had so far advanced.

I have the honor to be, Sir, your most obedient servant, for and on behalf of the Bengal Chamber of

Commerce,

JOHN STEWART, President.

Calcutta, March 7, 1836.

[ANSWER.]

TO JOHN STEWART, ESQ., President of the

Chamber of Commerce. Sir, I am greatly obliged by the kind feeling which has dictated the communication, that I have had the honor to receive from your hands, on the part of the

Chamber of Commerce.

It was expected on all sides, that the Committee of Customs, sitting in Calcutta, would propose this measure; but as it was also expected that their Report on that point would be accompanied by suggestions for the substitution of other sources of revenue, in lieu of that which was to be abandoned, it was intended to await the receipt of the Committee's Report on both subjects, before any resolution should be taken on either.

During this state of suspense, the Government of India learned that the abolition of the Inland Duties had been carried into effect in the Provinces of the Presidency of Agra. This proceeding placed the Government of India in the predicament of either reinstating the Custom Houses of the Agra Presidency, which would have been opposed to every one's view of what Custom Houses of Bengal; or of abolishing the latter, was to be done; or of inconsistently maintaining the without waiting, as had previously been intended, for the complete measure, which the Report of the Committee was expected to produce for the consideration of the Governinent. The last course was adopted, as the most advisable and least objectionable, under the circumstances above explained. At the same time instructions were issued to the Committee to submit a report of the measures which they would recommend, with a view to Provide a substitute for the revenue to be lost by the

abolition of Inland Duties.

I have entered into this detail, in order that I may not assume undue merit for the measure on account of

which the Chamber of Commerce have honored me with their thanks, and that I may shew why it was It is certain, that by the abolition of the Inland Du-not sooner adopted; and also in order that they may ties much vexation, detention and extortion, to which Commerce has been subject, will be removed; and I consider myself as fortunate in having been in any degree instrumental, in concert with my late colleagues the Government, towards the accomplishment of that important object.

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be prepared for the subsequent measure, which is to be expected, as a consequence of that which has been effected; and may not regard the boon as the measure of one Government, and what may be a less agreeable, but perhaps a necessary arrangement, as the act of another Government. It was intended, that both

should issue together as concurrent parts of one complete measure.

With respect to the Town Duties, the time I trust is not distant, when those also will be abolished. They are only tolerated, like all orher vexatious imposts, as necessary evils, on account of the revenue which they yield, and which cannot easily be dispensed with by a Government in debt, whose expenses in all departments are generally increasing, and which has repeatedly been led by financial difficulties to have recourse to extensive reductions injurious to the State, and painful and disheartening and savouring of ingratitude to the most valuable of its Servants.

The Chamber of Commerce may, I am confident be assured, that under the administration of the Nobleman, who is now at the head of the Government of this Country, the most liberal and enlightened measures will be adopted, for the furtherance of commerce, and every other good work connected with the welfare of India.

With cordial wishes for the realization of this expectation, and for the boundless prosperity which is likely to ensue, I have the honor to be, Sir, your most obedient Servant, C. T. METCALFE,

10th March, 1836.

PENSION FUND FOR THE UNCOVENANTED SERVICE.

To the Committee of the Uncovenanted Service appoint- of a fund of this nature, be cast on the benevolence of the ed to prepare a Scheme for a Pension Fund.

GENTLEMEN, I have seen the tables prepared by you which you intend shall, after correction, be the basis of the plan which you propose to submit to the Service, for the establishment of a Pension Fund for our wives and families; and request that you will take into early consideration the following observations.

2.-I must premise that I understand it is objected to your tables, that they are too favorable for those who are advanced in years, and, consequently, not likely to meet the approval of the younger members of the Ser

vice.

3. I would submit that both the principles upon which it is proposed to regulate the subscriptions, and the grounds upon which amendment of the tables is considered necessary, are open to serious objection that instead of a "Pension Fund" what is ordinarily styled, a "Laudable" or " Provident Society," would be the result of your deliberations if those principles be followed up.

4.-It appears to be your object to establish the Fund upon the cold calculating principle of Mutual Life Assurance, which is to be procured elsewhere, (if not here, in England through the agency of a friend) upon the same terms and conditions, which it is contemplated shall be provided by the correction of the tables, viz. paying an equivalent. But I hope to see your Committee and the Service engaged in perfecting some plan, by which all will be found willing to come forward, immediately, according to their means, to provide an ample fund for the families of Uncovenanted Servants;amongst the rest for those of the aged of our number who in the course of nature may be expected soon to need this provision ;-without requiring any bonus, or any payment from such members beyond or disproportionate to their present available means, as derived from their immediate income, because those families are likely to be left, at an earlier period, dependent upon that support, which it is the main object of the establishment of the Fund, for the ease of our minds and for the credit of the Service, to provide for the family of every one of its members. It is questionable, moreover, whether the Government would give their favorable consideration to a scheme which it could easily be shewn would exclude by far the greater number of those most in need.

Government, or of the public, because, from whatever circumstances by their small allowances; the impossibility of maintaining a family in a respectable station, on very moderate means, at the same time saving a sufficiency; education of children in England; or even habitual improvidence ;-they find it impracticable to pay a large bonus upon admission; or because the younger branches of the Service will not be content to sacrifice some petty convenience or suprefluity, in order that a permanent fund may be established, to the benefit of which they themselves may look up at some future period, during an interval in which, in a climate like India, they are in danger every hour,-when it may be said, if they take credit to themselves for an undue exercise of benevolence,-that their juniors will provide for their families, those comforts and benefits which they are called upon, and I hope will, to a man, be found willing and anxious to ensure for their aged associates.

6. If parsimony or prudence plead on such an occasion, and would induce the younger to desire exemption from the operation of such a scheme, many of their number ought in gratitude to be drawn to it, for it will be found, looking at the Service as a body, (in which light it is viewed throughout these remarks, carefully excluding all individual allusions or comparisions,) that the larger number of the younger members of it are bound to their seniors, more or less, by this tie, as having been dependent upon them for introduction to their situations.

7.-The ties of consanguinity will plead, in furtherance of such a scheme, with many of the young.

8.-The

young must pay with the rest in proportion to their means, not their age and immediate expectations from the fund, or the old will be forsaken.

9. This cannot be. I hope better of the Service.

10. It is advisable when proposing a scheme,-and especially when it is further intended to supersede one already under consideration,-to shew how it can be accomplished. I would therefore offer the following suggestions for carrying out the plan which I contemplate.

11. We need, in the first place, the sanction of Government to the proposed scheme. They are frequently induced to aid the distressed families of their servants, and we may look for some assistance from them in a pecuniary way for a fund which would relieve them from such calls; but we chiefly need their aid in guaranteeing the payment of the pensions, and especially countenancing the scheme, so far as to make deductions from the salaries of the Uncovenanted Servants, at the time of

5.-Independent of all considerations of generosity, or of the kindly feelings which should bind us to each other upon such an occasion, it would surely be highly discreditable to the Service, as a body, that the family of any one member should, immediately upon the establishment payment.

12. They might, upon the petition of a very large majority, make subscription to the fund imperative upon all present incumbents; but we can hardly calculate upon

this.

evils of distress and poverty, but as far as possible in
comfortable circumstances, suited to their station with
their husbands and fathers.
reference to the emoluments enjoyed in the Service by

Second Principle.-21.-For the above object a
13.-They would, I trust, upon the memorial of a pub-
lic meeting at the Presidency, where so large an assem-rateable deduction should be made according to the
bly could be congregated, render it incumbent upon all incomes of the subscribers and without any reference
persons, appointed after the establishment of the fund, to to age.
become subscribers.

22. As regards proportions of income to be contri14.-The nature of the plan to be adopted, and the buted, I would observe that we have already in our manner in which the details should be drawn out, depend, Memorial regarding our loss from the change of the therefore, mainly, upon the foregoing points; viz. whe-currency expressed our opinion that, however small a ther the Government will assist and countenance the fund: deduction may be, it is the more heavily felt the smaller the income from which it is paid. This principle I principally the latter.

15.-I consider that no fund of the description which would follow out as far as practicable in regard to the I would advocate, in preference to the one suggested by fund, and take less in proportion from the junior serThird Principle.-23.-That the demand upon the the committee, can be brought fully to bear, without vants, who have more straitened means. ample statistical details carefully collected and collated; and without the decrement of life being ascertained fund for the next 25 years be computed upon the most and the probable demand upon the fund estimated, on correct data that can be obtained with reference to the those data, for the next twenty or five and twenty years. last ten years, tested by calculations of the decrement of This object it would take time to accomplish, but such life upon the best Tables procurable from existing tables and calculations are absolutely necessary, unless Societies, and, if they will supply them, by actual rewould add at leat 15 per cent. in the service be satisfied with a mere system of Life As-sults as regards those Societies. To the estimated demand surance, and, as before observed, to forsake the aged of twenty-five years, members, at all events the larger number of them, addition to any assistance from Government, in order to estimate the basis for fixing the monthly contributions. for few indeed could afford a bonus.

mine at once.

Fourth Principle.-24.-Should Government.deter16.-Government may, before they guarantee to us their support, require us to supply the above information: mine that an option shall be given to the present inthis would throw us back another twelve month, and cumbents-and they should be most earnestly solicited more, for a reference to England seems necessary before to render contribution a condition of holding office in any thing definitive can be determined upon as to the future-all persons eligible for admission to the benefits correctness and safety of the calculations. Your Com- of the fund should be called upon immediately to determittee have received suggestions and approved a plan and tables-these are pronounced inaccurate, and you advertise for others, offering a remuneration. Others may be prepared; but what guarantee is there for the party who may submit another scheme, that it will succeed better than the first? The Committee approve, but some flaw is found in it, which, after another period of delay, throws matters back to their present footing in a country where there are no means, it is supposed, of certifying our calculations.

17. But it occurs to me, that, if a set of principles could be resolved upon, Government might decide upon their applicability, and the degree of assistance and support with which they would countenance the scheme, leaving the detail to be wrought out upon general calculations; and I see no objection, if such principles be approved by the Service, and thus sanctioned by Government, to the fund being commenced without delay, possibly from the let May next, under a provisional system, taking as a guide the results shewn by a calculation of any five or six of the largest, or the whole of the Offices at the Presidency,

18.-Friends and fellow-laborers fall around us every day; we cannot be too early.

If any individual refuse now, a heavy bonus should be levied in addition to full payment, (with interest,) of all arrears in case of his hereafter desiring the benefit of the fund.

Application of the first Principle.-25-With reference to the first principle, I would suggest the follow ing scale of Pensions:

Line.

TABLE No. I. OF PENSIONS.

1. Income above 500 pr
-401 to 500

Widows, 1 or 2

Widows, 3, 4 or
5 Children. t
Widows,

Childless.

Children. ↑

Widows,

more

than 5 Children.t

mens. 200

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-351 to 400

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19. It is only after some years that a pressure upon such a fund as I would propose would be felt; and, before any danger of failure could arise out of a provisional scheme of payments and advantages, the mischief of overprovision for families could be obviated, and a sounder 10. system introduced, holding still as far as possible to the We ought of course principles, but modifying the rates. to go on the safe side, in adjusting pensions, until the final calculations can be made, and the latter should, I think, be determined by a Committee of Actuaries in England, to avoid error, and give all the confidence possible to the Government and the supporters of the Scheme.

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175 200 225 240

128 146 164 175 115 131* 148* 158* 102 117 131 140 77 88 99 105 58 66 74 79 40 44 50 53 26 30 33 35 13 15 17 18

Girls to participate till married or 21 years of age.
Boys until 16 years of age.

Mothers to receive according to the number of Children admissible as above, not according to the actual number in a family.

Provision for orphans to be made according to the number of ad

half the allowance for a widow and family below that line two-
missable ages in a family--and to be as far as (251 to 3000) 5th line
thirds of the allowance of a widow and family.
* See para. 31.

Note.-Fractions are sunk in the calculations-in estimating the

First Principle.-20.-I would suggest that our first principle be, to make a provision for our wives and families, which shall place them, not only beyond the payments the rupee is completed, and the same in calculating the

pensions.

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26. The rates assumed will be explained in the 32.-All therefore up to 350 per mensem would apsequel after noticing the proposed deductions from pear to benefit unduly-but there are considerations salaries. which go far if not entirely to controvert this assumption. It is to be considered on the other hand, that the Application of the second Principle.-27-The fore-juniors in service may be generally younger in age, and going Table is given as a ratio, not as a fixed scale of pensions. In the present instance also the rates are open to modification. But I assume

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this will be some (perhaps more than a sufficient) makeweight, when growing payments are taken into the account. It is hoped as there are so many contingencies in favor of the fund, viz. men dying unmarried,-men surviving their wives and dying widowers,-men paying for a long time and their widows surviving but a short period, and dying before they receive an equivalent to their husbands' payments ;-the growing interest upon

1. Income above 500 12 p. cent. as far as 100 pr. mth immediate payments and upon any guarantee fund, and

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remarriage of widows; that I hope, as far as I can form a hasty judgment, from the inspection of the rules of "other societies, a diminution may be made, rather than an increase required in the "Table of Contributions, to meet the Table of Pension." There is no other society or fund which can guide us. The Civil Fund receives one per cent. on income, but then incomes are much larger and widows who have property are excluded:-on "the other hand it provides passage money for members, and large means for children: moreover its provisions have been too ample for its means. The Military Fund is also established on a somewhat similar principle to the Civil. The Pilots Fund is an Annuity as well as a Pension Fund, and the Bengal Mariners' and General Widows' Fund is a failure in to-to. These funds may perhaps supply us with good statistical information, but they can furnish no guide.

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On income, or such other percentage as may be found by calculation to pay in a like ratio, an equivalent to the necessary provision for lapses, adding at least 15 per cent., independent of any support which the Government may bestow, as a fund which may justify their immediate countenance to the scheme, and induce them from the general security and confidence of an am- 33.-I have drawn out my "Table of Pensions" to ple provision against failure, to guarantee the pay-provide a comfortable support for our widows and families and should like to see that principle carried out, 28.-The following is the process by which these Ta- Table of Contributions" at whatever cost. though payment should be higher than the guide in the bles have been prepared.

ments.

29.-The first line in the Table of Pensions in para. 25 I call the indeterminate line. It provides as much as I think a pension fund ought to give to any widow and family. But I do not take it as a basis of any other calculations. There are now few, there may hereafter be more Uncovenanted Servants on salaries above 500. These certainly will be taxed beyond their due proportion; but they have better means, and moreover those now in the enjoyment of such salaries are mostly perhaps, in the course of nature, likely to fall upon the fund before, even with reference to the excess,-they will have paid an equivalent. I anticipate no objection here at the present stage,-and in future, successors to office, if in the enjoyment of high salaries, at an early age, would be too happy at the support provided by the State

to demur.

30. The first determinate line is the second in the Table No. I, "Income 401 to 500 per mensem, 175, 200, 225, 240." To this I applied the correspondent highest assumed rate of payment, or 55 Rs., from Table No. II. and had assigned to each succeeding grade the amount arising upon the several highest payments indicated by each line respectively. By this process I found the provision for families thus reduced by a mere nothing to the lowest grade, and it became necessary to modify in order to attain the object as regards the juniors contemplated by my first principle, (para. 20.)

31.-I found a rapid decease which, I considered, rendered the pensions very disproportionate to income in the fourth line, and it occurred to me that all objects might be attained by the introduction of an intermediate scale which is marked by asterisks, and bringing down the calculations as they stood, attaching the fourth to the fifth line, the fifth to the sixth, and so on, thus allowing a very considerable excess, in proportion to contributions, in the provision for the families of the juniors.

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can be attained for less than the contributions on the 34.-If, however it be found, that the above object contemplated scale, the difference might either be given "P or applied in aid of an Annuity Fund, on the principles of the one established in the Civil Service. I would not propose to render our fund similar to that of the Pilot Service by combining the two objects. If for no other reason, it is objectionable to do so, because the calculations and correspondence with the Court of Directors, necessary to adjust the provision which they will make in aid of such a fund, in consideration of their being relieved from superannuation pensions, would delay the accomplishment of the chief object. Let us do the one all important duty first-let us provide for our wives and families. Aged and infirm members are now allowed a pension by Government under the superannuation rules.

55.-I will again repeat, to prevent all possibility
of misapprehension, that the Tables are offered only as
examples and guides to the manner in which the prin-
ciple should be carried out, and are not to be considered
as actual scales of pensions or contributions-these can
be determined only upon careful calculation of the pro-
bable demand upon the fund. If upon such calculation
it be found that Table II. will not meet the demand
according to Table I. we must add to the one or reduce
the other, and vice versa, upon whatever may be deter-
mined by the Service to be the most equitable principle.
I remain,
Gentlemen,

Your most obdient Servant,
WILLIAM PETERS.

P. S. With the concurrence and advice of several of your Members, I have published this as soon as possible, in order that you may have the advantage of any discussion which it may elicit.-Hurkaru.

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