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RESOLUTIONS CARRIED AT A PUBLIC MEETING HELD AT HONGKONG ON THE 28TH AUGUST, 1866.
Proposed by J. McDOUALL, Esq., seconded by F. PARRY, Esq. That in the opinion of the Meeting the Stamp Ordinance which has recently passed its second reading before the Legislative Council, is a measure fraught with serious and grave consequences to the wellbeing and prosperity of this Community; that by the enormous burdens it will cast upon trade, it will certainly tend to the prejudice of all existing interests in the Colony, and that the only thing which would justify its imposition, viz. :-Imperious Necessity-does not exist.
Proposed by A. F. HEARD, Esq., seconded by W. KAYE, Esq. That in the opinion of the Meeting even accepting the expenditure of the Colony for the year 1867 at the sum appearing in the debit side of the Estimates, there is no absolute necessity for any new mode of taxation; and that the sums necessary to be spent in the year 1867 can be raised by modifications of the existing taxes and rates in a manner calculated to be less prejudicial to the Colony than by putting into force this new act so repugnant to the feelings of the Community.
Proposed by G. F. MACLEAN, Esq., seconded by E. H. POLLARD, Esq. That although this Meeting recognizes the fact that the Estimates for the year 1867 are already passed, they think that His Excellency the Governor should be requested to defer the actual expenditure of the following items, viz. :—
New Road, $23,000
Road at Kowloon, $4,000
Sanitarium $11,000
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voted on the Estimates, until the results of the next year's working of the Mint be seen, on the grounds that although this outlay might be desirable for a Colony with a surplus in hand, the works are not of such importance as to necessitate their completion when a new tax has to be imposed to carry them out.
Proposed by A. SASSOON, Esq., seconded by G. HIELLAND, Esq. That a Memorial embodying the wishes of the Community and conveying to His Excellency the Governor their requests, based upon the sentiments expressed at this Meeting be drawn up and presented to His Excellency, and that the following gentlemen be requested to act in drawing up the same and getting it signed, and also to be a deputation of the Community to present it-Messrs. McDOUALL, MACLEAN, DALZIEL, KAISER, J. S. LAPRAIA, PARRY, SASSOON, W. H. FORBES, NISSEN, KAYE, D. R. CRAWFORD, CONIL, A. F. HEARD, BOSMAN, J. B. ENDICOTT, and B. PALLANJEE,
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