§ The condition of the lieutenants' lists, and the very slow promotion to the higher grades which an investigation revealed, induced the Board to consider what steps could be taken to ameliorate their prospects, without detriment to the service generally.
§ Their present position is one of undoubted hardship. The number of lieutenants required to officer the ships in commission in peace, still more in the eventuality of war, is far in excess of the number required in the higher grades of commander and Captain. The number of each rank is fixed with a regard to the requirements of the service, and the intake into the rank of lieutenant must necessarily be far in excess of the outlet by promotion. It was calculated a 922 923 short time back that seven out of every nine on the present lists will be retired for want of promotion. In 1875 the number of lieutenants of sixteen and twenty years' service as Commissioned Officers was twelve and three respectively; the relative numbers are now two hundred and eight and fifty-three. At every half-yearly promotion there are numbers of capable and promising officers who are left out for want of vacancies. If it is inadvisable that the establishments above the rank of lieutenant should be increased, and if the promotion of lieutenants is retarded on grounds of public policy, it seemed only just that after a certain length of service their pay should be increased. This proposal has been assented to, and from the 1st April 1888 all lieutenants of eight years' seniority, who have completed six years' service, three of which shall have been in a ship of war at sea, will receive an addition of 2s. a day; also all lieutenants of twelve years' seniority who have completed nine years' service, six of which shall have been in a ship of war at sea, will receive an addition of 2s. a day; and lieutenants, when in independent command of any ship or tender, 1s. a day in addition to the above.
§ It has also been found necessary to increase the number of chief gunners, boatswains, and carpenters by ten, and of warrant officers by fifty, they being insufficient for the growth of work imposed on them; and with a view of encouraging a very deserving class, chief gunners and boatswains of three years' service will, on retirement, and at the discretion of the Admiralty, receive the retired rank of lieutenant, and the chief carpenter equivalent relative rank.
§ The number and variety of the allowances and ratings authorised for officers and men had obtained such dimensions and complexity, that it seemed very advisable that they should be simplified and regulated. A Committee has reported upon the subject, and their recommendations contain much that is valuable. They are now under consideration.