HONGKONG.
STAMP ORDINANCE, 1866.
REPORT OF COMMISSION ON
COUNCIL CHAMBER,
In 8334/69
56
HONGKONG, 27th March. 1868.
SIK,
As Members of the Commission appointed by the Governor to enquire into and report on the working of the "Stamp Ordinance, 1866," we have the honor to state for His Excellency's information as follows:--
1st. We recommend that certain Sections of the Ordinance be amended, viz:
1. Clause 6 of Section 16, by the insertion of the words "by Affidavit” - after the word "satisfied" in the first line, and the substitution of "shall" for
may" in the last line of the said Clause.
2. Section 20 to be amended by the substitution of "one" for "ten" in the 5th line thereof.
case of
3. In Section 28, omit the words "if required" in second line, refusal" in fourth line, and insert in lieu of the latter "default thereof.”
4. Insert after Section 23 a Section in these terms: "It shall be lawful *for all Courts and Magistrates and for the Collector of Stamp Revenue and "all persons employed for the sale or distribution of Stamps to take possession "of any Deed, Instrument or Writing as to which any offence or breach of "the provisions of the laws relating to Stamps may appear to have been "committed, and to deliver the same to be used in any prosecution or pro- "ceeding in any Court."
2nd. The Schedule to be amended in the following particulars:
Article 1, add ".
'Brokers' Notes, or any document having reference to "the sale or purchase of any Merchandize given by any Broker."
Add also
to the Note "Emigration Agreements to bear an Impressed Stamp."
Article 2. The Duty on Bank Notes, &c., to be half per cent per annum. To be collected monthly, instead of half yearly, and on statement of the Average Circulation of the month furnished by the Banks to the Government.
Omit from 2nd Column, "A Stamp Duty &c."
Article 3. Omit “if drawn singly" and "if drawn in sets;" also omit in second column "$1" and "50 cents on each part of the set.' Insert in lien thereof in the second column the subjoined Scale.
Bills under $ 100 to be exempt.
over $ 100 and under $ 1,000, 10 cents on each part.
77
17
11
*
$1,000 $3,000
**
11
31
22
23
$5,000 $10,000
17
$ 3,000, 25 $5,000, 50 $10,000, 75
51
77
11
11
??
19
$1
THE HONORABLE
THE ACTING COLONIAL SECRETARY.
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