1032
THE HONGKONG GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 18TH OCTOBER, 1890.
The Ordinary Expenditure for the first nine months of the year was $865,467. The approximate expenditure in England was $116,369, making a total of $981,836.
The Extraordinary Local Expenditure during the same period was $215,695; the extraordinary expenses in England were about $100,000, making a total of $315,695.
A sum of $34,226 was expended on the purchase of Baxter House for the purpose of a Police Station.
This total expenditure therefore amounts to $1,331,757, leaving an approximate balance on the 30th September of $545,005.
The Estimates for the coming year have been prepared and will be laid before you without delay.
The Estimated Revenue up to the end of the present year is $1,884.943; to this may be added the balance of assets at the beginning of this year-less the amount to be deducted for the defalcations I have mentioned-which is therefore $446,607 and $50,000 may be put down as a possible sum to be realized on land sales before the year comes to a close. The total revenue therefore amounts to $2,381,550.
The Estimated Ordinary Expenditure is $1,470,221; the extraordinary expenditure $449,700, making a total of $1,919.921. The probable balance on hand therefore on the 31st of December next, presuming all the amount estimated for extraordinary expenditure to be spent which is somewhat improbable, will be $461,629.
The Estimated Revenue for 1891, is $1,952,098 while the preiniums on land sales can be put down at $100,000 making a total of $2,513,727.
The Estimated Ordinary Expenditure is $1,663,420, Extraordinary $804,279 leaving
a probable balance on hand on the 31st of December, 1891, of $46,028.
Among the principal items causing further expenditure for next year I may mention the increased Military Contribution from £20,000 to £40,000, which taking the dollar as representing 3/6d. would amount to $228,572.
The additions to salaries authorized by the Secretary of State amounting to about $47,000.
The increased cost entailed by the new system of Audit which will involve a yearly increase of about $7,500.
The introduction of the Electric Light causing an increase of $13,500.
The most serious addition, however, to Extraordinary Expenditure results from the amount estimated as necessary for Public Works. We know how essential it is, Gentlemen, that such public works as are in course of construction should be completed without delay and that such others as may be really needful should be commenced, while the water and drainage system, which the Colony has undertaken, cannot be allowed to stand still. But I do think that it is a question for serious consideration whether it is just towards the present tax-payers
that the entire cost of such works as are destined for the good of future generations should entirely fall upon us.
It seems to me that the comparatively small debt of £200,000, which is gradually becoming less every year, might fairly be added to so as to enable the Colony to construct such works as are absolutely necessary without undue pressure on its finances or over- taxation of its people.
Several Ordinances are in course of preparation and many are ready for consideration.
your immediate
Among them is an Ordinance to amend the Laws relating to the Police Force which is rendered desirable in consequence of certain changes that have lately taken place among the Officers of that Department and which I have already had occasion to explain to you.
The Secretary of State has made it a condition, as regards many of those who will under the proposed scheme for the re-adjustment of salaries receive additional pay, that they should join a Widows' and Orphans' Pension Fund. A similar measure to that proposed some months back, but which was not then proceeded with, will therefore be submitted to you. I state that such a law exists in many other Colonies, and although it is impossible to say how far the measure will prove a success in a Colony where the number of Civil Servants is comparatively small, it must be admitted that its object, in providing for those who may otherwise be left in want and destitution, is a good one.
may
The Squatters' Ordinance has been drafted with the view of giving the necessary powers to those who have been already appointed to consider how the irregular occupation of Crown lands in this Colony can be discontinued.
An Ordinance to give further powers to Companies with respect to the alteration of their Memoranda of Association will be submitted to you.