I
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1939.
HONGKONG DAILY PRESS,--PAGE
OBJECTIONS NOT PROMPTED BY SELF-INTEREST
voting against this measure I am doing right by our Colony because the Chinese members of this Council, who represent a commun- Ity without which we could not hope to exist, have expressed them- selves strongly against it.
When a measure of this kind « and of such vital importance to Hongkong meets with oppe- sition from so large and im- " portant a section of its popu- lation, when that opposition is hased, as in this case, not on any unwillingness to contri- bute towards the cost of the war, but on reasons sincerely advanced, when there are
MR. A. L. SHIELDS:
available alternative methods of taxation, less expensive and probably more speedy of vick. then. Slr. prudence surely counsels its abandonment.
given by Government that a num- our free port, low taxation and ber of the schemes for which pre security. Let us beware lest we liminary grants have been made find ourselves with little to offer will be reduced or deferred. 'I ] but security...
LOW TAXATION AIM revenue shows signs of decreasing.
It is true there is always the Let us look over our stock in We are told, Str," and we like to taxpayer to fall back upon and trade and see what else we have to belleve, that this is a war to make you, Sir, stated in your speech on offer; the answer is service but it the world safe for democracy. Ir October 12 that this Colony is must be at a competitive price. Government, by the use of its lightly taxed. Any taxation which | Low taxation with its 'corollary, official majority were to impose can be avoided is an unnecessary low cost of living, should be the upon this Colony a form of taxa- burden on the Community. The aim of this and future Govern- tion against which the represen- taxpayers capacity to pay is not ments. tatives of the people, if I may so unlimited and in a serious depres- I make these general remarks. call the unofficials, have expressed ston such as we have seen periodl-Sir. as some of my themselves so strongly and so un- cally, heavy taxation will tend to Colleagues are dealing with specific equivocally, it would be a sad make the taxpayer fold his tent items in the Budget. commentary indeed on rule by and imitate the proverbial Arab. the people.
Cost Of Government Expenditure Grows Like Green Bay Tree
VICIOUS CIRCLE
It will certainly, keep ont new capital and new industry, and a vicious circle ori the downward track may well cause future Goy- ernments much heart burning and anxiety
Unofficial
I refrain from speaking now on the War Budget except to deal with the prepared introduction of In- come Tax.
1.
The methods by which money is to be raised to assist the Home Government in the prosecution, of the War are very much in the When China reopens to normal Public mind at present. The whole trade much of the money now here community, I am sure, approve of may seek investment and business the proposed contribution and the opportunity elsewhere. The im- suggested alternatives to Income proving facilities in neighbouring | Tax. I belleve, are not prompted by ports and the possible provision in the self interest of any section.
The Hon. Mr. A. L. Shields said:ment interference with the tree these ports of duty free zones will The European British population. " Your Excellency, I have no com- movement of trade by the use of be in direct competition. with ments to make on any of the items import and export permits, the Hongkong. in the Estimates now before us but stoppage of trade with Germany It may be said that Hongkong would express some concern that and the reduction of steamship will always be attractive on account the estimated Revenue to meet the space available at much higher of the security offered but I believe Expenditure is based on returns freight rates. for the current year and in anticl- pation of these figures being maintained.
to many of whom I have spoken. are whole heartedly in favour of paying their share, but in common with other sections they feel that the imposition of Income Tax is the old order in China is over. The not in the best interests of the The bärden of expenditure for new China will be run by officials | Colony. cost nf Government still grows whose increasing patriotism will Let it not be said that the objec- Ike the "green bay tree"; Pensions oblige them to do the best, they can tion to Income Tax means a desire While I am in no way despon- | and Emoluments are Increasing, for their own people. With mer- to avoid payment-nothing is fur- dent about the ultimate future of we have to provide large sums for chants "who are second to none inther from the truth.
"
the Colony I must voice the views social services. Defence etc. and business acumen and financiers I would; therefore, urge Govern- held by the General Committee of necessary Public Works have to be and bankers "who are becoming ment to examine alternatives which the Chamber of Commerce that postponed in spite of our inflated more experienced in the handling will appeal to the public and future revenue may be seriously revenue due to unusual conditions of their country's affairs, outside ensure if possible their support affected by the continuance of the which even the most optimistic traders will have to look to their and good-will in backing your closure of Chinese ports, the can hardly expect to continue laurels.
Excellency's laudable desire that advent of the war which with without a serious dip in the curve. Hongkong's phenomenal growth the Home Government be given possible trade restrictions for the The Unofficial Members of this was due to the indux of Chinese financial support in the prosecu- conservation of currency, Govern-Council welcome the assurances attracted by the cheap facilities of tion of the War.
10
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