FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 1930,
MORE
TAXATION.
(Continued from Page 10.)
THE
CHINA
HON. DR. TS'O.
MAIL.
by the Commission, with his little modification that the recommenda-
The most glaring fact is that by computing the Sterling salaries at 1/6 there would be The Hon. Dr. To'o, in further tions should only be approved of in sum of $2,541,548 over the amount support of Dr. Kotewall's motion, better days with the two exclusions voted for 1930 and with the low-said:
mentioned by the Hon. Colonial
dollar has taken a headlong plunge, other and equally cogent reasons. Iter rate upsetting all calculations; and the fall has had a most detrimental effect on business and trade. The whole position is changed; the Colony is to-day unable to pay even the original estimate of $1,300,000, not to say $2,400,000.
of exchange prevailing Since the report was made Secretary. is that if the Government resolution this figure would be augmented the value of silver has dropped The motion was defeated although in an alarming manner, which has a division was called for. Officials were carried, and if the assessment considerably. tax were not increased during the
Call a Spade a Spade,
the effect of not only changing the voted against it, and the unofficialal whole aspect of the salaries recom- voted in favour. Sir Shou-son current year, the probability is that
Since the Report was published mendations but also of putting the Chow and Mr. Paul Lauder, who the Governinent would draw upan
taken place economic condition of the Colony, were on the salaries commission, did the surplus balances of the Colony rapid changes have to meet this special expenditure. and the rate of exchange has de- into a precarious position. Thus not vota.
situation &
Government Motion Carried. Taking everything into considera- Indeed, the words in the resolution clined considerably in sympathy a record
dangerous conse- : tion, and viewing the matter im- before us, "charged upon the re- with the value of Silver to an un-
The original motion was then put fraught with level. The whole partially, I think that the situation venue and other funds of the Precedented
count of internecius strife in China, officials voting in favour and the would be met by continuing the tem- Colony," point to this course being matter hinges on the rate of ex-quences. Trade has been bad on ac- to the Council and was carried, the
About 60 per cent. 01
which is our market, and the un- unaiicials against. Sir Shou-son porary High Cost of Living Allow-contemplated. It
seems scarcely change.
the salaries is in Sterling and
precedented fall in the exchange Chow and Mr. Paul Lauder again ance approved by the Finance Com- necessary to point out that to en
paid in equivalent of Gold and the Colony's by April 10, 1930, and croach upon
value of silver has made it worse. did not vote. mitter on
the revenue is collected in depre Capital has become unproductive means large liquid surplus granting a similiar allowance equiva- no
clated silver, which makes a great for want of trade sed is being dis- for the purpose of lent to 10 per cent. of their arlaries balances
ceal of difference. salaries to to the dollar-paid employees with paying. increased
The temporary High Cost of liv.sipated by high cost of living. effect, as in the unse of their Government employees is wrong.
ask the public to bear the burden sterling-paid colleagues, from Jan-It is the more to be deprecated in ing allowance approved by the Under such circumstances can we
Finance Committee on April 10,
The answer of further taxation? uary 1, 1930. I should like to point these hard times when every dollar
items a wrong impression, na evidenced.
for meeting the numerous
HON. MR. SILVA-NETTO.
Excellency,-1 beg Your second the amendment. The Hon. Dr. Kotewall has covered the In his eloquent ground so ably
Colony.
quence,
conge-
UNCLAIMED TELEGRAMS.
THE EASTERN EXTENSION AUSTRALASIA & CHINA TELEGRAPH CO., LTD.
The following unclaimed tele- grams are lying at the E.E. Tele-
Felix, from Penang. graph Co. Office, Hong Kong:
Unacal, from Singapore.
5. LACK,
Superintendent. Hong Kong, June 19, 1930.
In Sunny Siam The Favourite Remedy For Children's Allments Is Baby's Own Tablets.
J
Read This Grateful Father's Letter of Appreciation.
It is
out that this temporary allowance to of this surplus should be reserved 1030, appeared to have conveyed of the public in all quarters is em-i the sterling-paid employees was ap-
This large sum of $1,623,917 la. proved by the Finance Committee on of extraordinary expenditure now by the remarks made by the phatically "No."
| honourable members at that moet- the understanding that no further clamouring for urgent attention. I expenditure was to be incurred aftor therefore express the hope with allg. It was certainly a misnom I understand, the estimated actual er. It could have been termed amount required for payment of additional salaries but in point the end of this month without re-fearnestness that Your Excellency
Exchange fluctuation allowance or ference to the Finance Committee. will withdraw the original motion.
and accept in its stead my amend-y other suitable term as I be of fact I feel sure that, what with 10 Per Cent. to Dollar Mon.
lieve in calling a spade a spade the payment of military contribu- tion and other commitments, a The additional expenditure involvment which, while affording some re-
Unless some sort of currency ed by this allowance to the sterling-lief to the Civil servants, will not paid employees for the current year have the detrimental effects on the reform is advocated and estab much larger sum will have to be has been estimated at $877,000; and Colony which the adoption of the shed this unfortunate state of raised from taxation in order to Affairs will continue to exist to meet payment of these,additional
salaries. the proposed 10 per cent, allowance resolution at this juncture will up the detriment of trade and the to the dollar-paid employees would doubtedly have.
So long as
Some people seem to think that ¿jvil wars amount to approximately $390,000---
continue to exist in China, which the drop in the exchange value of the total additional expenditure on
ir still without a stable Govern-silver does not affect the dollar But I can assure you, the two items being about $770,000.
The Hon. Mr. Silva-Netto, inrent, pessimism, will prevail and paid men, It may be asked why I advocate
Increased in an allowance of 10 per cent. to the seconding the amendment said:the waning power of the Nanking Sir, that their cost of living has
Government will further affect the been much to dollar-paid employees while the al-
Isituation.
In hot lands such as Siam little Time Inopportune. lowance already granted to their
Assessment Tax Feared.
children are particularly subject To adopt the recommendations sterling-paid colleagues is equivalent
to dangerous stomach and bowel to only 6 per cent. My reason, ns
Like the majority of the resi- of the Salaries Commission now, troubles, and parents have to stated in the letter written on May speech that there is very little left dents of this Colony all Govern- even in modified form, is inoppor-exercise great care In order to ment employees in receipt of tune in view of the present depres: avert fatal results following at- Ja, 1930, by the Chinese unofficial for me to say in support of the
I would like with dollar salaries are experiencing ston.in trade and the necessity of tacks of these maladies. members of this Council to the amendment.
to make a great hardships. The purchasing increasing taxation. Honourable the Colonial Secretary, your permission Sir,
because Baby'a Own Tablets pro- few observations on the Report of power of the dollar is consider- Personally, I am not against the vide just the help needed in such is that in addition to this temporary
Salaries Commission and ably reduced in consequence of increase of salaries of civil ser- cases that they are regarded as allowance approved in April last, the
few points of argument the low rate of exchange stress
and I vants, Government servants paid on
But I do earnestly hope indispensable in almost number- have therefore much pleasure in that for the reasons above stated the less sterling basis have had, since the advanced by the mover.
homes throughout Stam, The Report of the Salaries Com-recommending that the temporary Government will withdraw general revision of salaries in 1919-
its Burma. Malaya, and other parts 20, the advantage of improved mission which is the result of sev: allowance as specified the motion in favour of the amendment, of the Tropical East.
months of tedious and Amendment be granted to the which has the effect of tiding over a emoluments resulting from a change
"My little son has been given. work, deserves the dollar paid employees and that trying situation for the time being Baby's Own Tablets in the method of converting sterling
from birth salaries into dollars; and, ince July highest commendation; but with the temporary High Cost of living fair to both the sterling-paid men with very satisfactory results. 1928, the advantage of co...pensation all due deference to the Honour allowance approved by the Fin and the dollar-paid men, and will Whenever he is fretful, or has no for the full of the dollar belo/ 2/64. able Members of the Commission ance Committee on April 10, 1930, re-introduce the motion in a more appetite, a dose or two of Baby's
In anggesting this percentage for I would venture to submit an ex-be continued until this
Council opportune
season. For these rea-Own Tablets quickly set matters Chinese pression of opinion that the shall otherwise decide. the dollar-paid men, my
sons I have pleasure in supporting right. If his bowels are out of recommendations were Plain broad facts coupled with the amendment.
order the Tablets rapidly correct colleagues and I have duly taken into liberal consideration the fact that the con- made apparently without due re- the sound arguments adduced by
Mr. Owen Hughes:-In view of this trouble, and they were a cessions granted to the sterling-paid gard to the financial conditions of the Hon. Dr. Kotewall are suffl- the fact that my amendment has great comfort during his teething men ne e granted not only on ac- the Colory. In this connection, Iciently illuminating to convince been lost and bearing in mind the period," writes Mr. Lim, Manager count of the increase in the cost of think it would be fair for me to the honourable members of the manner in which Chinese members of the Straits-Siam Trading Com- living, but also because they have mention that the Commission was inability of this Colony to com- at this Council have supported us, to remit money Home for the sup-appointed to consider four pointsply with the recommendations of think it would be uncharitable on Baby's Own Tablets, plonsant
as fol-the Salories Commission purt of their families and depen- only, briefly summarised
49 our part not to support them in in taste, easily administered, and adequacy of the modified by the Government, with their view. dants, and for the education of their lows:-The
We do so on a prin- guaranteed absolutely pure and children. But in spite of that con- Salary scale of oflcers, the cur-out recourse to loans, further taxa-ciple that "Half a long is batter harmless even for the most de-
the principles en tion, or some other means of re-than no loaf."
licate babe in arms, quickly cor eideration we think, for the reasora tency basis,
rect Infantile indigestion, con-. I have given, that this percentage is which acting pay and allowances
should be granted and the provi: By accepting such recommenda- but fair and reasonable.
THE GOVERNOR'S 'REPLY. stipation, colic, check diarrhoea, ion of Government quarters and tions the Government will be com-
allay teething pains and feverish- pelled to provide the necessary allowances for ront.
Under Faragraph 12, the Comfunds. It is evidently the Inten when I listened to
Hon. Colonial Secretary: Sir, ness, relieve. colds and croup, ex- the speech pel worms, avert cholera, and change I, for one, would not lightly missioners recommended that allition of the Government to increase by my honourable friend, the keep children in good appetite,
Sterling salaries ghould be in the Assessment tax sooner or lat-
Of chemists second Chinese member, I almost health and spirits. creased by 15 per cent. and should er for such purpose.
think he began to
one of everywhere, 60 cents per vial. There are other potential
of revenue that may be supporters, who was speaking tapped which may not directly in favour of my motion rather than someone who was proposing an
Though this High Cost of Living Allowance is to be a temporary re- account of the fall in ex-
lief on
withdraw it: I would prefer to seu It disappear with the rise of the
dollar.
Future Uncertain.
eral
laborious
be paid to them when on duty at Hong Kong in dollars at an aver- From the trend of my remarks 11ge rate of the Hong Kong and
15th of the preceding month
venue.
Sources
in
Wes
trust that you, Sir, have not failed Shanghai Bank reckoned from the affect the public in general but it amendment, and I really must thank
means
more than 2/-
The ating
would be out of place to suggest him for the very fair way in which to draw the inference that my Chin
any such at present. The time ese colleagues and I are not lacking the 15th of the month for which in sympathy for the Civil servants; Payment is to be made provided is not opportune for indulging inte spoke of salaries which have been we only wish we could support the that such average demand rate is debts or any increased form of suggested by the Salaries Commis- sion. In fact, until he had gat quite Government resolution. But we can. 2 or less than 2/- but if the taxation but to study
Ways and means to enforce rigid economy.
a long way through his speech, I not conscientiously do so in the cir average rate be
shall be paid in Increase in expenditure especially felt be was supporting me all cumstances. The unprecedented de- then salaries cline in the value of the dollar bas Hong Kong currency at 2/- On In personal emoluments were un-through, for he pointed out that created a feeling of great anxiety the 17th of this month the rate favourably commented upon last both at the apex and at the bottom for Demand Draft was 1/2-15/10 year by the Hon. unofficial mem- the salaries of Government ser- on all sides. The present is. trou. bled; the future is uncertain. To say 1/3 at which rute (if happen-bers, who had already foreshadow-vants were inadequate. choose this time to levy new taxes ed to be the average fixed rate) el with some degree of apprehen. of his speech, however, is carried- in order to increase Civil Service will be equal to $15 whereas sion the necessity of having to as all stings are carried-in the tail. at the so called privilege rate of resort to additional taxation. The gather from his address that while zalaries which, after all, are by no'
'starvation wages, to add 2/- £1 will be equal to $10 a Colony has gone through several he is fully in favour of the iperense periods of vicissitude and busi- recommended by the Salaries Com- impatiently a new burden to an al difference of 60 per cent. Do Not Reconcile.
not in favour of put- ready
ness depression and it is to be misalon he This recommendation does not
the deprecated that
ting it in force at the present time. ratopayers surely an
reconcile with seem to
the re- te asked to be saddled with Well, Sir, I think I have dealt Chinese community whom I have the cognised policy of the Government heavier assessment tax, which if adequately with this in my opening honour to represent and who con that it is undesirable that the stitute 95 per cent of the tax-payers number of dollars drawn locally approved, is bound to bring in Its remarks, and yon, Sir, have dealt of the Colony, have
wake, increased rent, enchanced with them even more adequately in raised their
Government employees by
prices of all commodities and de-your opening remarks in reply to valce la strong protest against Sterling salaries should fluctuate mand for higher wages thus ag- the Hon. Mr. Owen Hughes' amond- fresh taxation for. any pur-
with the value of the dollar, etc. gravating the heavy pressure alment, The Government, Sir does pose because of the reaction It
as mentioned in paragraph 6 of
ready exerted on the economic not agree with the Hon. Dr. Kote- will have on cost of living the Report.
machinery of the Colony,
wall, that the Colony, canaotafford The Public as a whole feel that to Under paragraph 14 the honour
to pay the Increase recommended, raise taxes for the purpose in viewable Commissioners declared that
and consequently, Sir, I have your Is to penalise them for the benefit of they were faced with difficulty in The views expressed from time authority for saying the Government Government servants who are living under the same scenomic conditions arriving at a figure which would to time by several correspondents cannot see its way to accept the they themselves. I sympathis actually represent the incresaca in the columns of the Press should motion of my friend, the second
distroszed community, is ill-timed action. The
with this feeling, and support their protest, not only for the reasons they have given, but also for an
QUEEN'S
COMMENCING SUNDAY
William Fox
A SONG of KENTUCKY
KO
Press Views Are Good
cost of living and I am pleased not be perused with bland Indiffer-Chinese member.
to note that after earofal con-ence and the loading articles of I have stated very fully the sideration they came to the con- the Press which represent the Government's reasons for going on elusion that a 20 per cent. in-trend of public opinion should not with the salaries acheme at the trease on dollar enlaries would be he Ignored.
present time.
fair to this class of officer.", I may The Kowloon. Residents'. Associa- The Hon. Dr. Kotowall: I should say that sinca the Report was dion, which has always taken a like to touch upon a rather made the rate of uzchange had keen interest in All matters of humorous remark made by the Hon. receded more than 15 per cent public Interest connected with the Colonial Secretary in his speechi with 9 corresponding increase In Peninsula has, with the usual just now. He said he was almost the high coat of living. I think commendable zeal that charac persuaded to bellove that "I was a higher percentage of increase terises the work of that useful going to be a supporter of the would be more equitable, if the association, forwarded its Report motion. That point, Sir, showed funds of the Colony would permit and Submissions to the Govern: how carefully and with what lack ment expressing flu opinion that of prejudice I have approached this *I do not think the ratepayers it would be unfair to increase matter., (Applause.) I tried to ap- would gradge the Increments as taxation to provide for cost of fus prosch it from every aspect of the recommen
Salaried crese salar Commission
fact
high
question that has occurred to The; and, Sir, I have arrived at my con- lusions, I hope with honest‹ con-
When the Colonial Secre tary said that the sting was in the tall: 1, suppose, ho was using da
aded no sting
Secretary
pany, New Road, Bangkok, Stam.
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