*
Page
I
THE HONGKONG DAILY PRESS, FRIDAY, JULY 14rs, 1916
tax, but I have no doubt that the reasons which have prompted this measure are reasons considered sufficient by the Government
Energy marks are for all practical pur not give their consent. I would appeal poses suspended here, just as they are to hon. members that if this Council, in Australia. Coming to the more sub- spite of the opinion given to it by the stantial part of the question, I would Attorney-General, passes this resolution like to mention the consideration which and thereafter devote much time to legis seemed to me to show that the motion, lation which would inevitably be vetoed, even in the amended form which I sug it would be, at a very serious time, em gest it might be framed, would be ill-barrassing His Majesty's Government. Conceived. I think that before I go understand we are at war, and I under- further I ought to explain that fastand that it is the duty of all the speaking at the moment on behalf of the Colonies in all the corners of the Empire Government of this Colony as at present to rally to the flag, and by this to assist advised. I have got no authority to to any statement on behalf of His His Majesty's Government in every way Majesty's Government, and any views Iitt its power. I think it can be taken that this resolution might possibly be may express must not be taken as ex- actly the views of the learned authorities of some use, but it will be just as useful The first consideration is that this is
if the motion is withdrawn or a division An international question, and being one is not pressed for. I therefore ask the of that nature, naturally, is one with hon member not to press this resolution, which this Government cannot attempt which, I think, after what the Attorney- to deal. The other consideration is that Ceneral has said, it will be realised is it is an Imperial question. The legis not convenient. lation aimed at in the resolution has not bera adapted in any part of the British Empire. It has not been adopted in the United Kingdon, nor in Australia, not that I may confidently say that the opin-source of revenue was the import duties. -oven in Germany. There is no doubt have not attacked this particular formment on the subject. of property is that it is not to their interests to do so. And I would ask the hon. member who proposes this relu tion to consider very carefully whether it might not be against our interests to altack German trade marks here. hon. member referred to the case of Amtralia. It is quite true that legis lation has been introduced and passed. in Australia which has the effect of sus- pending the issue of enemy trade marks
Hon. Mr. HOLYOK With all due de ference, I regret that I am bound to ask for a division on the subject. I think
anofficial members' suggestions could have been twisted into what has fallen from your Excellency to day, that we had asked for this taxation
HIS EXCELLENCE I did not say that. Hon. Mr. POLLOCK-Your words con- voyed that impression, and I certainly took you to mean that.
Hon. Mr. HOLYDAK was about to speak when
that the reason the Gernuan authorities ion of the Colony is not with the GovernI have learned that if you want to tax last thint I would have to lax tobacco, but
The
A vote was then takon. All the un-
official members voted for the resolution, and all the official numbers voted against it. The resolution was thus declared defeated.
TOBACCO TAX FOR HONGKONG.
The ATTORNEY-GENERAL moved the first reading of a Bill intituled, "An Ordi- aance to provide for the taxation of tobacco,”
The COLONIAL SECRETARY seconded, and the Bill was read a first tine.
The Objects and Reasons state that the object of this Bill is to provide for the taxation of tobacco consumed in the Colony. It is based on the Liquors Con- solidation Ordinance, 1016,oved the
The ATTORNEY-GENERAL then suspension of the Standing Orders so that the Bill could be passed through all its stages at that meeting,
•
Hon Mr POLLOCK-That is not cor-
HIS EXCELLSNOY If there is any mis understanding, then the fault is mine.. I understood there was no obicetion to the increased taxation. I did not say for what purpose
INTIMATIONS
LANE
CRAWFORD &Co.
(ESTABLISHED 1830)
LIGHT WEIGHT
SUN HATS
UNBREAKABLE
SUN AND RAIN PROOF. WHITE DRILL ON CORK AS ILLUSTRATION
$8.00 and $12.00 each.
OAKMORE'
(ENGLISH MADE).
BROWN SHOES
FOR HARD WEAN.
WALK-OVER' (AMERICAN MADE)
BROWN SHOES
per pair!
(Tolerhose 1741)
BRITISH MADE
WHITE CANVAS
BOOTS
AND
SHOES
AS ILLUSTRATIONS.
All Sizes 87.50 per pair.
STOCKED ALSO WITHOUT TOE CAPS.
LANE, CRAWFORD & CO.
The consider the measure, and the Objects moment that we would allow stock in the Hon. Mr. Pollock and the Hon. Mr HONGKONG, CANTON, MACAO
WEST RIVER
STEAMERS.
[OE
(OINT SERVICE OF THE HONGKONG, CANTON AND MAGAO STEAMBOAT CO., LTD., AND CHINA NAVIGATION CO., LTD.
HONGKONG-CANTON LINE.
Single Fare by Night Stanmor Beturn
available also for return. by day stemmer)
Bingle kare by Day Stanmor Eetorn
Hon. Mr. POLLOCK-I suppose that this Bill will mean an increase in the staft if it is passed. That seems to be the object of a Bill of this aort
HIS EXCELLENCY-We have got a staff." Hon. Mr. POLLOCK-Wit's all deference, Sir, I think there will have to be an in- His EXCELLENCY remarked--You are crease of staff. That seems to be obvious not entitled to speak again, Mr. Holyoak. to anybody taking a commonsens view Hai Mr HOLYOAK I Was about to of it. There must be some staff employed make a statement with regard to what in connection with the matter. We do your Excellency has said in connection not know exactly what revenue wa shall with suggestions by unofficial members. get from the measure, we are aeting very You distinctly implied that we bad asked much in the dark, and we are going to for this additional taxation. employ an additional staff.
HIS EXCELLENey-I would like first of HIS EXCELENey Hon. members wheall to answer the hon. member who re- have lived in the Colony for a number presents the Justices of the Peace. The of years are no doubt aware that the figures before me for balancing revenue principal source of revenue in import and expenditure are on a very reduced duties. Now I was for some time in the Budget. The public works were this your Colony of Fiji, and there the principal cut down by about $1,000,000. Tdo not suppose you want that sort of thing And knowing what has happened there to go on. It was very obvious in March new matter you have to put the tax on I was not going to tell everybody that I very quickly or otherwise you will simply was going to do so. With regard to what play into the hands of the dealers and the hon. member has said as to unofficial merchants and, lose untold revenue and members suggesting the new taxation, I see undone what you have really worked may say that they asked for some new for. In Fiji it was the custom to table taxation, and I did not say for what a Bill containing alterations of this kind purpose it would be used. without any notice being given to un official members whatsoever. It was in-rect, Sir, a troduced and put through at a sitting. Now this is a Bill for the taxation of the Commonwealth. Suspension,
tobacco. In connection with the nicasure, however, is a very different thing to
on April 27th, we wrote to that angust confiscation. I think the effect of the
body, the Hongkong General Chamber of Australian legislation is to suspend the
Commerce, and I do not call then auguSE Hon. Mr HOLYOAK Wis given permis isane of enemy trade marks for the
in a sarcastic way, because I am among sion to say a few words. The hon. mem- duration of the war, and, as I have said
those who thoroughly respect them; they ber said Unofficial members distinctly before, that is the position here at the
are a most useful hody and guide us an understood that any now taxation would present moment..
Not only has this
tools a month to consider the letter, & war purpose or other. That we discuss many points. The Chamber of Commerce ho in the form of contribution for somIR policy of confiscation of private property not been adopted in the United Kingdom,
reply being received on May 23rd. In suggestion when the matter was discuss but is Majesty's Government in Nov
addition to that we circulated a reported. Among the possibilities discussed in ember, 1914, and again in December, 1915, issued a general licence for the payment
on June 28th amongst the unofficial mom this connection was a tobacco tax, but The COLONIAL SECRETARY Seconded,
bers, so that they have had it in their not to be for the purpose of balancing of fees on behalf of the enemy for the
Hou Mr. POLLOCK - I riso. to hands for a fortnight. The Government revenue and expenditure. of obtaining the registration of oppose the suspension of the Standing took them into its confidence, and I'know purpose trade marks and for the purpose of reOrders. This Bill was only sent out with that that confidence was not misplaced on your public works you must have His EXCELLENCY If you wish to carry neving the registration of trade marks. the Orders of the Day, and we were told we showed the unofficial members 3 would also like to point out what seems that it would only come up for first the Chamber of Commerce our lead more free mom most easily $10.00, $12.00, $13.50
revenue. This is one of the ways. to be more or less last sight of, and that reading to-day. My objection is not a every card in it. Now we come to the and advantageously be found.. is, the very wide distinction between purely formal one.
And the Hon unofficial trade measures which help us in the war members have had this Bill in their Bil; and in connection with it I may Chamber of Commeren agree with me. and trade measures which are advocated possession for barely three days I saw ay that we studiously avoided the pit Hon Mr. HoLYOAK That cannot be as a means of avoiding German competiit for the first time on Tuesday morning, falls, profiting on the experience gained proved tion after the war, and the policy to be and it is unreasonable to expect us to with regard to the liquor duties, of allow HIS EXCELLENCY-It can, and a great adopted for avoiding undesirable Ger-knoty much about it, because this Billing stock in the Colony to escape the tax. deal more. I can assure you: man dominance. There is a distinction requires a great deal of study. I do not This being a Colony where you gain the
The amendment to postpone considera- between those things which help us in think there is an unofheial member who major portion of your revenue from imtion of the Bill for a fortnight was then the war and those which give 11% no can be said to have had sufficient time to port duties, do you imagine, for one weight at all in that direction.
put to the meeting and defeated; only measures adopted in the United Kingdom and Reasons, which are usually finger bond to escape? Certainly not. This Holtonk voting for the amendment. and elsewhere with regard to enemy posts to guide us where to look, are of does not impose any hardship at all on The other noofficial members voted with trade are all based on the idea of ender the shortest possible nature in this Bill. the merchant, because any increase made the official majority youring to weaken the enemy's resources By the courtesy of the Attorney-General, will come down on the consumer, The during the war. The policy aimed at in I was supplied with a copy of the Straits traders do not lose money by it; you and second reading of the Bill. In doing so The ATTORNEY-GENERAL then moved the This resolution will not help us in the Settlements Ordinance on this matter. I pay the tax when we buy our cigars heenid--I regret that the Objects" and slightest in the war and is entirely, a That, I find, Sir, is quite a new measure, and tobacco. We have made an extra Reasons attached to the Bill are so mea post-war measure, and the Imperial and, therefore, it cannot be said to have ordinars generous allowance to the petty gre, but it was not found possible in the Government has so far refused to bind anything to recommend it from the point trader and the luxurious private con time at any disposal to give a more de themselves as to their post-war trade of view of experience with regard to this policy. That being so, 1 think it would particular Ordinance. I find that there ser. We are allowing these two classes tailed resound of the Bill The Bill is be very unwise for this Colony to enden are various matters in regard to the 100lbs, of tobacco. If they have 101lbs. Ordinance, and whole sections have been 100lbs. free: The tax will not affect founded upon the Hongkong Liquors. your to force their hands. In view of measure which are very much open to These Imperial and international concriticism, and I do not mean merely they will have to pay a tax only on 1lb. taken from that Ordinansine they stand, siderations, I think, Sir, that the Gov- small details.. For instance, this Bill We lost a lot of moner, and we wein pui Cortain provisions adopted in the erament cannot accept the motion, proposes to tax retrospectively tobacco to untold worry and trouble and expense Straits Settlements Tobacco Duties: The question will no doubt be considered which may have been in this Colony for over the liquor duties, by allowing stocks Ordinance have been utilised. The in due course by persons of minds with the last year or two. It is not proposed in the Colony and seaborne trade to searching of passengers luggage here is a far wider and deeper knowledge of the to tax tobacco imported into this Colony, escape the taxation. We want to avoid no new thing to the Colony, for it has facts involved and the issues involved we will say, to-day or to-morrow, but it that. There is one matter more. As to existed here for at least, the last seven than any of us here enn pretend to is proposed to tax tobacco which may the question of imposing taxation in this years, if not longer. In no way can this. possess, and I think it would be pe have been imported a year or two ago, manner, hon unofficial members, I am be regarded as retrospective taxation. sumptions on, our part to approach cigars and cigarettes, and make them informed, agreed to this imposition of It is a misuse of language to call the Majesty's Government on this subject. liable to duty.Thaty Sir, is one point. taxes after very careful consideration. imposition of duty on teilocco in the
Hon. Mr. HOLYOAK-In reply to what Another point in the Objects and Reasons Hon. Mr. POLLOCK-No, Sir, has fatica from the Attorney-General, I is that this Bill is based on the Liquors
Colony retrospective taxation. There are 18 EXCELLENCY-Well, then, I have two main points in the Bill. There will may say that my resolution was proposel Consolidation Ordinance, 1911 Clause been misinformed. 11, is necessary to into the examination of baggage, a system in the anticipation that if it were passed 17 of the proposed Ordinance sars that crease the revenue of the Colony. We which already exists in the Liquors Ordin- by the Council the inevitable corollary the owners, charterers, agents, masters have increased the liquor duties, and the ance. would be an Ordinance. The resolation or compradores of any ship shall prevent least item which we think we can tax consumer is that duties are imposed in Another point of interest to the is merely a sneans to an end. The the discharge of any dutiable tobacco. now is your tobacco. The price of opium terms of pounds and pick and that will Attorney General saya that means have I cannot find a clause in the Liquors has already gone up. The matter is affect small quantition of tobacco, and already been found for preventing the Ordinance resembling that. Clausus 27 use of Gerionu trade marks in this and 23 refer to the same people; you To suspend this legislation for a fort-duty by 25 per cent on the retail prices, urgent cenuse we want to lose no time. the geral effect will be to increase the Colony.or any imitation of them. I am again make them all liable. Cause 41, well aware of that. A prosecution is now which lays down that all persons embark night simply means that everybody will in some cases more and in some less. going on. The Attorney-General said ing shall have their luggage searched is attempt to avoid taxation as far as they Your Excellency referred to the generous that this was a matter which should be a most extraordinary clause, and I possibly can. That will not do anybody abatement of 100lbs, under a section of think it will be difficult to find any pre- any good. It won't do them any good the Bill. Any tobacco in the possession the reply I expected this Government to make, that this question cannot be as that. It will mean a great deal of members to accept the provisions of this 100ths, will be duty free. And shuld it settled until after the war and must be convenience when one wishes to leave Bill, which have been very well thought happen that any of these persons do pay left to future consideration, and I have the Colony. I think that this is the frat out and of which the mercantile com-duty on tobacco which has been exported no hesitation in saying that the future time in the history of the Colony that manity and the unofficial members have then provision has been made for the will find us in the same state of unpre-passengers who embark here will have to been given very ample notice, much return of the duty so paid. Clauss 9 paredness is we were at the commence- undergo the inconvenience of having greater notice than they would get in and 10 are taken practically wholesale inent of the war, in regard to our trade their luggage searched, and have a white other Celonies well known to me. policy. We want to leave all our ques- chalk cross ar some other sign placed
from the Liquors Ordinance and provide tions of economic and fiscal reform until upon it showing that it has been Excellency, I wish to deny that the un-ready in existence when the duties are Hon. Mr. FOLLOCK-In reply to your for the case of contracts which are al peace is declared. I contend that this is examined by Revenue Officer. Such an official members asked for this taxation. altered or repealed. Clause 17 is a some A thing which should be brought up as experience will be entirely new in the the present moment and be fully con Colony, and I think it is a restriction of tion; I said it had been conveyed to me that cutiable tobaccos are not to be allow- HIS EXCELLENCY-Not for this taxa what gavel Clause, which lays it down sidered, and, if thought fit, legislated a most vexatious kind. We are told that that unofficial members of both Comeilsed to be discharged except under a per
the Imperial Government. is founded the resolution was really proposed in the Ordinance, but there are great differquces of thing Colony wern anxious, that some mit or into a general banded warehouse, hope that we should be able to force between this Bill and the Liquors Bill.sort of increased taxation should be in- and the owners, charterers, agents, mas a question which wo in Hongkong con- upon the Imperial authorities at Home These are points which I have so far been troduced
ters or ampradores of shijis are made able to find out in connection with the Hon. Mr. Pollock-Then all I can say liable for this. Clauses 27 and 28 refer sider to be absolutely vital to trade. proposed Bill, and I submit that it is is that what has been conveyed to you is HIS EXCELLENCY-If it is, as the hon. not right and proper that this Bill, which entirely wrong. I may add that I was meter who moved the resolution stated, has been put down for first reading to somewhat astonished, and I think that that ho did so with the idea of helping day, should be rushed through in this the hon member who "represents the the Home Government, then 1 trust he way, and I beg to move as an amendment Chamber of Commerce was also astonish will quite sympathise with the Govern that the further consideration of the Billed, to find that this measure was being ment when they say that they cannot
be postponed for a fortnight.
introduced to add to the general revenue accept the resolution. Very hard words Hon. Mr. HOLYOAK-I beg of the Colony. And I think, Sir, that have been used regarding the action second that. I agree that insufficient wo have the strongest possible grounds which the Goverumcat has indicated it time has been given for the consideration for our astonishment in view of what fell will have to take in this matter and to of the Bill, which is an important from your Excellency's own lips on refuse the resolution, and I do not think measure and which has so many contro-March 1st last, when speaking on the that those hard words are justified when versial points. I may say, speaking on increase in the liquor duties. You said, we learn what the intention of the hon. behalf of the Chamber of Commerce, who after going fully into a large number member who moved the resolution is.
have already considered the question in of figures, that about $100,000 was re What we are asked to do is to fly in the the brief time allowed, that they consider quired to establish equilibrim between face of His Majesty's Government. The the Colony and a thing almost, if not could be attained by the proposed in the objects of the Bill grossfy unfair to revenue and expenditure, and that that question of trade marks has been brought entirely without precedentAnother creases in the resolution then before you. The idea of this Clause seems to be suffer yourself in, the relentless grip of views of the Chambers of Commerco have the sudden manner in which this Bill. increase then would establish the sought is on charter, surely the owner cannot swollen, your muscles weakened, or your Apply to been submitted to His Majesty's Govern has been dung, upon us, because, as far for equilibrium. With regard to the sug- be made liable for what is done on that limbs drawn out of shape, if you suffer" inent, and the considerations of His as my recollection serves me, it was dis- Majesty's Government have been invited finctly stated when the last Liquor gestion that the unofficial members had vessel He may know absolutely nothing from headacbo, neuralgia, sciatica or on the subject. This case is not anala Ordinance was passed that the sugar invited this taxation, as your Excellency becond the fact that the chip is on ebay other bodily tortures, it is within your gous to the legislation of which the hon. raised by the increase in duties would perfectly well knows what the unoficialer. He would surely not know what power to oure yourself or caur friends. manber who spoke third on the subject us through for this year. One is therefore members then discussed was the question was being discharged from the ship at No need to employ expensivo medica referred to, and which, by the way, this particularly interested in knowing what of raising some sort of contribution to a certain port With regard to the or hire exorbitant physic Government got very little credit for at this
LITTLE'S ORIENTAL BALM the time from unofficial members in Hong for money to be raised by the Ri ir wards a special war purposo. It bad Clause dealing with the examination of makes y man or woman his or her own
nothing whatever to do with establish baggego caving this Colony, I consider ph kong or the unofficial public generally.
Hon. Mr. B. SHELLIM I bon to That legislation was passed with and by I disagree with the remarks of the unpenditure. I absolutely deny, as he vesations imposition. It is diffent miettes and other bodily pains and aches. I beg to state that ing equilibrium between revenue and ex- that to an absolutely unnecessary and physician. It give instant, relief to all rheumatic trouble, neuralgia, headaches, The consent of His Majesty's Government. official members who have just spoken mently as I can, any suggestion that enough to get away from here now, what This legislation mhadied in the resolu- I think that even if his Bilt in reunoficial members have taked for, or with the passports, and such like, and bottle should always be lept at hand. tion proposed is legislation which is accepted it ought to go through at me. have even discussed, taxation for the par- this will only add to the inconvenience
Sold at 16. per bottle Majesty's Government have most care sitting. There are points we have cons pose of balancing revenue and expendi already existing. fully considered and to which they can sidered in it, such as the retrospective ture. I cannot understand how the
(Continued on page 6)
is
left to the future, and that is precisecedent for such extraordinary legislation or anybody else. Therefore, I ask hon, of any person under this section up to
to import and export statements by the persons mentioned above. It differs from the Liquors Ordinance in that in the latter such statements can be furnished by the master owner or agente. Clou 57 lays it down that a summons may ha served on a body corporate or a firm by leaving a copy thereof with an adult at the last known address of the body cor- porate or the firm. I think that is all I need say on the principle of the Bill, and I bee to move its second reading. The COLONIAL SECRETARY seconded. Hon Mr. POLLOCK-With regard to Clause 17. Sir, there are shipping gentle is here who will appreciate quite well and the owner, or charterer of a shin the difference between master and agent
TINGKONG TO CANTON, E
$6.00
14.00
4.09.
9.00
CANTON TO HONGKONG.
FRIDAY, 14 JULY, 1916
8... HEUNGSHAN. 10 p.m. KINUHAN,
8am, HONAM, 5 pm. FAZ8HAN,
SATURDAY, 15ra JULY, 1916.
B: HONAMA 10. p.m. HEUNGSHAN.
B. HEUNGSHAN. 5. p.m. KINSHAÐ.
HONGKONG-MACAO LINK.
BB. TAISHAN, KUR KUNNE
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MAOLO TO HONGKONG.
Week dwyr s$ 7,30 am, and 2 p.m. Bunday at 7.30 am and 3 pm. KSCURSTON TO MACAOJ
SUNDAY, 10 JULY, 1916.
The Company". New Siesmahip
"TAISHAN"
Will depart from the Company'c. WING LOE STREET WHARS 21 B am, and zote Crona Má sono et 3. p.m.
BB.The Company will thạo run a Bleamer from Maoso an Bunday at 7:50 pm und from Hongkong at 1. p.m., from the Company's Wing Lok Street Wharf,
FARES AS USUAL,
SIACAO-CANTON LINE.
28, SUI ANAY
Departures frost Warm to Canton on Monany, Wednesday and Friday, 18.9 Departarea Lepus Uuritur to Micso on Tuesday. Thursday and Saturday, at 4.00
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