§ 87. Mr. G. Thomasasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what are the respective wage rates of Africans, Asiatics and Europeans employed on the Nyasaland railways.
§ Mr. George HallThe wages paid by the Nyasaland Railways Limited cover a considerable range. I am informed by the company that Europeans are em196W ployed in a supervisory capacity only, and their remuneration varies according to the individual contract made with the company. Asiatics are also recruited on contract terms, usually from India, as skilled tradesmen and technically qualified clerks, at salaries varying from £126 to £350 per annum. Africans are employed as general labourers, artisans, clerks, etc., and are divided into five grades, 1, 2, 3, 4 and " special."Their food, medical attention and housing are provided by the company and they are paid in cash:
Annual Increment s. d. " Special " over 80s, per month — Grade 1 45s. to 80s. per month 5 0 Grade 11 27s. 6d. to 40s. per month 2 6 Grade 111 17s. to 25s. per month 2 0 Grade IV 10s. to 15s. per month 1 0 Higher wages according to qualifications are paid to Africans capable of specialised work. It is the company's policy to encourage the advancement of Africans and their scheme for training Africans to fill more skilled posts, which had to be suspended during the war, is to be restarted as soon as the necessary staff becomes available.