22
second
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the bond claws being at villages having been abandoned for grant of trade at these places, or on the other side the number would have been 45. But changes to Hong Kong not one application has been made for a licence to keep an Opium Smoking Shop, the Brothels, Eating and Gambling Houses being no doubt, made use of for that purpose. My objection seems to be made by either the Foreign Merchants or the Native Community to the mode of raising a Revenue from Opium out of prevent in force
32. The Fees levied are 1: $30 fortnight for the retail of Opium in any quantity less than a chest : 2: $20 per month for preparing and retailing Opium for smoking. 3: $10 for keeping an Opium Smoking shop.
No applications for the latter class, however, have been made, as already stated.
33. The bulk of Revenue in the Shape of Licenses is from permits to keep Brothels or Houses for Sailors, the Annual Fee for which is only £5.4.2. The System of licensing the Brothels or Houses has been enforced for the benefit of the shipping interest.
34. The only direct Tax levied in the Colony is under Ordinance No 2 of 1845, entitled "An Ordinance to raise an Assessed Rate on Lands, Houses, and Buildings within the Colony of Hongkong, for the upholding of the requisite Police Force therein":
35. The rate at which it has been levied is five per cent on the Annual rental value of landed property.
36. I do not think that the Community in general complain against the Tax, and some avowed that particularly the Chinese located in the business part of town would willingly pay a higher rate if...
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