SALARIES REPORT
APPROVED.
J
(Continued from Page 6)
might justifiably be raised, it le sufficient admission of the justice of the Commission's recommenda- tions generally. The ordinary man in the street bas not bad the same opportunity of examining the rela- tive duties and responsibilities of Government officers generally, as had the members of the Salaries Commission. Once, therefore, It has been admitted that there is justice in raising the salary of a number of Government officers, I think we are justified in accepting the general rise recommended by a Commission who has carefully ex amined and compared the duties of all officers.
As regards the officers on dollar salaries, I think there can be very little reasonable opposition raised to the proposed increases. In their case, the fall in the dollar has
would be better not to alter the former, at any rate for the present. We were of the opinion, however, that the duty on tobacco, which comes under the heading of a luxury tax, might well be raised without causing any undue hard- ship. The rates have, as you know, been raised as from a week ago today.
Making up Deficit.
These increases, while going a long way in a year to meeting the extra expenditure involved by the adoption of the Salaries Commis- sion's proposals, will not meet such cost this year, inasmuch as they will only be in force for the second half of the year. I have, however, already stated that I consider that these increased rates of salary are a debt due by the Government to their officers, which might have been discharged earlier, and I think, therefore, that it is only reasonable to make up the remaining deficit this year out of our available balances, which to-day stand at a
millions.
THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH. FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 1930.
CHINESE VIEWS.
A Protest Against New Taration.
do
operated even more strongly than very favourable figure of over ten due sense of responsibility and permanent improvement la their 1/3d with all its serious con- It is that if the Government re-highly efficient services rendered
Government's Duty,
the employees of firms and other undertakings. Whether. this will
market rate.
members of this Council were then
of opinion that some amelioration was justified in view of the fall in
Mere Act of Justice.
generally.
venue. In view of
into the re-
upon
the
It is the
for
ex-
now cla-
Your Excellency, you have pressed the view that the incidence of taxation is light. The Hon. Colonial Secretary has also express
a
is in Sterling and paid in equiva- lent of Gold and the revenue is collected is depreciated silver, which makes a great deal of
ference..
Living allowance, approved by the The temporary, high Cost of Finance Committee on the 10th April, 1930, appeared to have.com- veyed a wrong impression, as evi denced by the remarks made by meeting. It was certainly a mis- the honourable members at that
nomer. It could have been term- ed Exchange iluctuation allow ance or any other suitable term, as I believe in calling a spade a apadé..
Currency Reform.. Unless some sort of currency reform is advocated and estab lished, this unfortunate state of affairs will continues to exist to the detriment of trade and the Colony. So: long as civil wars continue to exist in China, which is still without a stable Govern- the waning power of the Nanking ment, pessimism will prevail and
can easily exceed that of the cloth to be found, even a Govern- an already distressed, community, locally by Government employees Governor of the Colony. Business ment must be content with a short is surely an ill-timed action. The on Sterling salaries should fuc men also, though, they do not coat. Since the Salaries Com-Chinese community whom I have tuate with the value of the dollar generally get pensions, receive the mission made its Report, the cloth the honour, to represent and who etc., as mentioned in paragraph.6 benefit of the now almost universal has shrunk. It was on the rate of constitute 96 per cent. of the tax- of the Report. B Provident Fund as well as free 2/- that the Commission based its payers of the Colony, have raised Under paragraph 14, the quarters in many cases. I am in recommendations, but unfor their voice in strong protest against honourable Commissioners HON. MR. R. H. KOTEWALL.
no way supporting the cause of tunately, they did not anticipate fresh taxation for any purpose beclared that they wore faced with the Government, as my amendment, any substantial decline in the cause of the reaction it will have difficulty in arriving at a figura Hon. Mr. R. H Kotewall.-Sir, proves; but I have thought it but rate, as is evidenced in paragraph on cost of living. The public as which would actually represent I beg now to move, as an amend- fair to express my personal view | 7 of their report. Even Sir Cecíl a whole feel that to raise taxes for the increased cost of living and ment, the following resolution: on the subject-a view based on Clementi, in paragraph 6 of his the purpose In view is to I am pleased to note that, after "That the recommendations a fairly long experience both as a despatch to the Secretary of State penalise for the benefit of careful consideration, they came of the Salaries Commission as Civil servant and as business for the Colonies at as recent a Government servants who are liv. to the conclusion that a 20%-in- modified by the Government be man. At any rate, I have no date as the 22nd January, 1930, said ing under the same economic con crease on dollar salaries would be
in saying that both, that though by that time the dollar ditions as they themselves. not accepted, and that, as an hesitation
fair to this class of officer. I may alternative, the temporary High those at the apex of the Govern- had fallen as low as 1/6%d and
This, Sir; is, I think, an effective say that since the Report was Cost of Living Allowance apment Service and those at the base had only slightly recovered, he answer to the Government conten- made the rate of exchange had proved by the Finance Com- are inadequately paid. Perhaps did not anticipate that it would tion that the general increase of receded more than 15% with a mittee on the 10th April, 1930, between these two extremes there fall as low as 1/6d; or that it would salaries to its servants should no corresponding increase in the high be continued until this Council are some whose salaries could bear remain at its level of that time-longer be withheld as a debt of cost of living. I think a higher shall otherwise decide; and a reductions; but, speaking general- 1/7d. In paragraph 9 of the same honour. I sympathise with the percentage of increase would be similar allowance equivalent toy, I think that the pay of Govern despatch Sir Cecil Clementi again feeling of the public and I support more equitable, if the funds of Ten per cent of their salaries ment servants is not excessive, said that he hardly believed the their protest.
the Colony would permit it. be granted to the dollar-paid though their number may be re-dollar "would remain at its almost I sympathise with this feel. employees of the Civil Service of duced; and were the financial posi unprecedented depreciation."
Colony Cannot Afford It... ing. and support their pro- From this it would seem that test, not only for the reasons would grudge the increments as Hongkong with effect from the tion of the Colony sounder or
I do not think the ratepayers 1st January, 1930."
more hopeful, I would not be loth had the Commissioners been able they have given, but also for an- to support a proposal to make a to visualise the present rate of other and equally cogent reason. I submit this amendment with a
recommended by the Salaries; Commission in .eturn for the with considerable diffidence, salaries.
sequences, their recommendations solution were carried, and if the in the case of sterling paid officers,
Public Resents and I am of the opinion, therefore, By the adoption of the aforesaid realising to the full the eminence
8 Taxation. a different form. It seems equally during the current year, the pro-With all due deference, I would would in all probability have taken assessment tax were not increased the Government employees if the Colony could only afford IL that the recommendations put for-additions to taxation, we have been and competence of the three gentle-
Sic However, the financial position probable. that had men who composed the Salaries
Cecil bability is that the Government ward by the Commission should be enabled to defer any increase in Commission, who spared. no pains of the Colony by no means justi- Clementi been confronted with this would draw upon the surplus bn say that the increases recommend- adopted.
the assessment rate. I must ever, confirm what the Honourable to bring out an exhaustive report files any substantial Increase in rate, he would have modified his lances of the Colony-to-meet this the kind hand of generosity was ed appear to be equitable although At recommendations. Colonial Secretary has already of permanent value, which en-expenditure of this nature.
special expenditure. Indeed, the stretched a little too far in some The Estimates for 1930 were words in the resolution be I gather that there is a feeling stated, that it may be taken as cer-tailed months of heavy labour; no time during the last three
us "charged
instances, that the raising by Government of tain that it will be necessary to and also the necessity for an un- decades, except during the short framed on a 1/10d dollar, and it fore
(and revenue and other funds of the by computing the Sterling salaries The most glaring fact is that dollar paid employees, will have with the 1931 estimates, having due į subject which affects, as in this 1925-6, has business in the Colony eventually reported to the Secre- Colony-point to this course being at 1/6 there would be a sum of the salaries, more especially of its increase those rates in connexion biassed mind in approaching a period of the Strike and Boycott of was stated at that time the effect of raising the salaries of regard to the needs of the Colone case, the opposing interests of the reached so low an ebb as it has tary of State) that, calculated at contemplated. It seems scarcely $2,541,548 over the amount voted Civil Service and of the public. reached to-day. Certainly, never that rate, the cost of the recom
in the history of the Colony hasmendations of the Salaries Com. encroach upon the Colony's by no of exchange prevailing this figure necessary to point out that to for. 1980 and with the lower rate My diffidence is the greater be I strongly deprecate the sugges-Cause while, on the one hand, i exchange fallen Bo low. The mission would involve an additional means large liquid surplus ba-would be augmented, considerably, prove the case remains to be seen tion, which is on the face of it do not consider the recommenda- public is in such a state of mind expenditure of only $1,300,000. lances for the purpose of paying Since the Report aco but in any event I maintain that it somewhat misleading, that such tions of the Commission with car-that it resents any proposal to Since then the dollar has taken, increased salaries, to Government rapid changes have taken place published is incumbent on Government in inercases of taxation are merely in-tain modifications, altogether un- impose fresh taxation in order a headlong plunge, upsetting all employees is wrong. particular to pay its employees an troduced in order to pay Govern- reasonable, I am, equitable salary and not be rigidly ment officers a higher rate of salary. hand, opposed to the Government vants.
on the other to improve the pay of Civil ser- calculations; and the fall, has had more to be deprecated in these hard and the rate of exchange has a most detrimental effect on bust-times when avery dollar of this with the value of Silver to an declined considerably in sympathy bound to what is usually called the The payment of fair and adequate resolution for reasons I will ad- If we take into account, as we ness and trade.. The whole surplus should be reserved
salaries to his employees is one of duce. My view in regard to the should, an additional $300,000 pay-position is changed; the Colony is meeting the numerous items of ex-matter hinges on the rate of ex- unprecedented level, The whole To turn to the other aspect, name-
the first commitments of an em- findings of the Commission is able as military contribution to the to-day unable to pay even thetraordinary expenditure ly, whether the present is a suitable player, for a contented and adequate evidently shared by the Chinese Imperial Government
on the re-original estimate of $1,300,000. not mourning for urgent attention. change. About 60% of the salaries time for giving effect to these pro-staff, is an essential part of any General Chamber of Commerce, for venue raised for this purpose, since to say $2,400,000. posals, I would point out that the undertaking. I consider that it in reply to a letter from the the Secretary of State for the Salaries Commission was appoint therefore comes before, at all events Honourable the Colonial Secretary Colonies has not acceded to the re-
H. C. L. Allowance. ed as far back as October, 1928, and I gather from the Colonial many other services and must be inviting an expression of their quest of Sir Cecil Clementi to Taking everything into con- Secretary's speech that the unofficial directions or by an increase in re-observations or representations to amount involved directly or in- impartially, I think that the situa- a comparison with taxation in cer
mut either by economy in other views, they stated that they had no waive this contribution, the total sideration, and viewing the mattered the same opinion, after making the light in- make on the Commission's report; directly by the present proposal tion would be met by continuing tain Colonies he named. Granting cidence of taxation in this Colony, and in a subsequent communica of the Government would therefore the temporary High Cost of Living that such is the case, I submit that I do not consider it necessary ortion to the same quarter they ex-be about the dollar. It must therefore, be justifiable to reduce other services, pressed only the
$2,000,000, Already Allowance
approved by the here again any additional revenue opinion that, opposition has arisen from Finance Committee on the 10th which Government can safely räisc inferred that, even as long ago as and it is necessary, therefore, to in- generally speaking, local employees all sides. The Kowloon Re-April, 1980, and granting a similar by taxation in these times, would that, there was a feeling that the crease our revenue, in order to en- were less generously treated by sidents Association has raisallowance equivalent to existing rates of salary were in-able us to carry out varicus ser- the Commission than their stered its voice of protest. in no cent of their salaries to the dollar-ary expenditure I have mentioned. 10 per be required to meet the extraordin. adequate. If that be proved, as in
including vices,
payment my opinion it has been, then it salaries. That is the policy we are
ofling-paid colleagues.
uncertain way; the Hongkong and paid employees with effect, as in. I therefore with all earnestness, ex- Kowloon Property-Owners Employers not Consulted.
As the case of their sterling-paid press the hope that Your Excel- might be urged that the new rates
adopting. should have come into force not
sociation and the Chinese General colleagues, from the 1st January, fency will withdraw the original If it be asked why, holding the Chamber of Commerce have utter-1930. I should like to point out motion, and accept in its stead my later than the 1st January, 1929. Retrenchment Accepted. view I do, I have, through the Hon. ed their disapproval through my that this temporary allowance to amendment which, while affording It is proposed to give effect to them
Mr. Shenton, signified to the Gov- Chinese colleagues and myself; the sterling-paid employees was some relief to the Civil servants, only from the 1st. January last. While, however, Government is
unable to support the resolution ernment my support to the motion and I hear that a "Kaifong" meet approved by the Finance Com
not have the detrimental proposed by the honourable repre-mittee to enquire
for the appointment of a Coming has been suggested for the mittee on the understanding that effects on the Colony which the If we accept, as I maintain we sentative of the Chamber of Com-commendations of the Salaries purpose of registering the pro- no further expenditure was to be adoption of the resolution at this
test of the whole Chinese com-incurred after the end must, the recommendations of the merce,. I may say at once that I am Commission, my answer is that, Imunity
of this juncture will undoubtedly have. against any Salaries Commission as being just, prepared to accept his second re- did so because, according to the in
increase month without reference to the the Assessment Tax or Finance Committee. ... then I consider that the payment of solution regarding the appointment honourable member representing Rates, which is bound to come the new rates becomes a mere act of of a retrenchment committee, Al the Hongkong General Chamber before long if the Government volved by this allowance to the
The additional expenditure in- HON. MR. SILVA-NETTO. justice: it is in fact a debt which though my short experience here of Commerce, the Commissioners motion is carried. For my part I sterling-paid employees for the this Government must of necessity hardly justifies me in giving any admitted that they had not deem-have no objection to the revenue current year has been estimated at Says Public Opposition Should discharge unless it is shown that definite opinion on the point, I caned it necessary to consult outside being raised by taxing luxuries so $377,000; and the proposed 10 per it is absolutely impossible for it to not avoid the feeling that we are employers, and had confined their as
Not Be Ignored. find the money. The payment of somewhat overloaded in the matter investigations mainly to Govern carry on its administration.
cent, allowance to the dollar-paid adequate salaries to Government of- of personnel, and that further there ment servants without due regard
mployees would amount to appro- ficers for services rendered is just is room for retrenchment in other to the relation of their salaries
ximately $390,000-the total ad- as much a legitimate debt as the directions. I propose, therefore, to to those paid outside the Service.
ditional expenditure on the two payment to a contractor for services appoint such a committee, at once,This being the case, I considered
items being about $770,000. performed. If it had been possible and earnestly hope that, as a re- that in a
It may be asked why I advocate to submit the report of the Salariessult of its investigations, it may be portance to the Colony, involving
dollar-paid employees while the matter of such im-
an allowance of 10 per cent. to the Commission to the Secretary of possible to effect material
as it would the raising of a large
allowance already granted to their ably in his eloquent speech that the low rate of exchange and I State earlier, it is probable that economics. the new rates would have been
sum of money by fresh taxation,
sterling-paid colleagues is equi- there is very little left for me to have therefore much pleasure in brought into force as from the 1st
the public would be better satisfied
valent to only 6 per cent. My say in support of the amendment. recommending that the temporary if the recommendations of the
reason. as stated in the letter I would like, with your permis- allowance as specified in the January, 1929. If that had been Hon. Mr. J. Owen Hughes.-1 | Commission were carefully re- the Finance Committee done. I can hardly imagine that a take it, Sir, that my honourable viewed by a Committee which in 10th April, 1930, as a temporary the Chinese unofficial members of tions on the Report of the Salaries dollar paid employees and that written on the 15th May, 1930, by sion, Sir, to make a few observa- amendment be granted to the request would have been made to friends the Senior Unofficial Mem- cluded representatives of the High Cost of Living Allowance to this Council to the Honourable the Commission and strces Government to pay its chicers at aber and Mr. Paul Lauder, in view large employers of labour, who sterling-paid employees. A fur-Colonial Secretary, is that in ad- points of argument advanced by ing allowance approved by the
a few the temporary. High Cost of Liv reduced rate when the dollar drop of the fact that they were mem-
had not an opportunity of ex- ther $400,000 bas yet ped below a certain figure. In bers of the Commission, will not pressing their views before the be
todition to this temporary allowance the mover.
Finance Committee on the 10th taken into account, short, once the recommendations of record their votes on this amend Commission arrived
since approved in April last, Govern- The Report of the Salaries Con- April, 1930, be continued until at its con- the Secretary of State the Commission are accepted as
for ment servants paid on a sterling mission which is the result, of this Council shall otherwise-de- ment.
clusion.
the Colonies has not acceded to basis have had, since the general several months of tedious fair and reasonable, I consider that
and cide. H. E. the Governor-1 think
Before deciding upon the amend. the request of Sir Cecil Clementi revision of salaries in 1919-20, the laborious work, deserves the Plain broad, facts coupled with this Government is bound in honour that is a matter which must be ment which I have just moved, I to waive the Military Contribution advantage of improved emolu- highest commendation, but with the sound arguments adduced by to give effect to them.
left entirely to the honourable had gone into the subject with of 20 per cent. on the revenue ments resulting from a change in all due deference to the Honour- the Hon Dr Kotewall are suff- members concerned.
great care, and had obtained from raised for this purpose. The total the method of converting sterling able Members of the Commission ciently illuminating, to convince the Honourable the Colonial Seere- amount involved, directly or in salaries into dollars; and, since I would venture to submit an ex- the honourable members of the I have given long and careful Hon. Sir Shou-son Chow-Sir. tary such figures consideration to the question of As a member of the Salaries Com- tion as would assist my investiga- of the Government would there-pensation for the fall of the dollar liberal recommendations were with the recommendations of the and informa- directly, by the present proposal July 1928, the advantage of compression of opinion that the inability of this Colony to comply how funds are to be provided to mission I beg permission to be tions. meet this increased liability. The allowed to abstain from voting on
I would like here to express fore be about $2,000,000. Even the below 2/6à.
made apparently without due re Salaries Commission as modified my thanks Colonial Secretary has set out the the three resolutions appearing on Hallifox for the facility he thus siderably exceeded, since, according for
the Hon. Mr. E. R. latter figure is likely to be con- In suggesting this percentage gard to the financial conditions of by the Government, without re-
the dollar-paid men, position as regards taxation very to-day's agenda which concerns afforded me. The conclusion I to the Hon, Colonial Secretary, in Chinese colleagues and I have think it would be fair for me to or some other means of revenue. my the Colony. In this connexion, I course to loans, further taxation. fairly, and I think that it must be the Salaries Commission report. have reached is admitted that the total of direct and
that if the his speech just delivered, the sum duly taken into consideration the mention that the Commission was By accepting auch. recommenda Indirect taxation in Hongkong is
Hon. Mr. Paul Lauder.-Aba financial condition of the Colony of 31,628,917, which we are now fact that the concessions granted appointed to consider four points tions the Government will be com
was based on the to the sterling-pald men very low, and that in normal times member of the Salaries Commis- warranted it without entailing asked to vote,
were only, briefly summarised as fol- polled to provide the necessary. rates and other forms of taxation sion I associate myself with the fresh taxation, and without drawing assumption that the average rate granted not only on account of the lows: The adequacy of the funds. It is evidently the inter- might well be raised without there Hon. Senior Chiresc member and upon our surplus balances, I would of exchange for the year would be increase in the cost of living, but Salary scale of officers, the cur- tion of the Government to in- being any reasonable ground for I also beg permission to be allow. support the recommendations of 1/6. The actual rate would cer also because they have to remit rency basis, the principles ou crease the Assessment tax sooner complaint. I appreciate, however, ed to abstain from voting on the the Commission, with the exclu tainly be lower and consequently money Home for the support of which acting: pay and allowances or later for such purpose, that just at the moment it is unde three resolutions appearing on the son of the additional 15 per cent the actual amount required would their families and dependents, and should be granted, and the provi- for the education of their children.sion of Government quarters, and sirable to increase a form of taxa-agenda which concern the Salaries increase to the sterling-salaried exceed the present estimate
officers, and the extended rent In addition to this large figure But in spite of that consideration allowances for rent
There are other potential tion which may send up the neces. Commission report.
sources of revenue that may be sery minimum cost of living. Be-
dollar-salaried a considerable sum of money has we think, for the, reasons I have The amendment was the put officers.
to be found to meet the sub-given, that this percentage is bût
Fluctuating Dollar.
tapped which may not directly fore, therefore, officially consider to the meeting and was 'declared.
stantial difference between the fair and reasonable. ing the question of raising the as-lost.
nffect the pubile in general but it Chance of Prosperity,
Under Paragraph 12, the Comsrould be out of place to suggest rate on which the Estimates for Though this High. Cost of missioners recommended that all sessment rate, which might well be
In this matter of Government 1930 were framed, namely, 1/10d Living Allowance is to be a tem-Sterling salaries should be in time is not opportune for indulg
any such measures at present) The deemed likely to increase renta all
salaries generally, I find myself in and the present rate, which
isporary relief on account of the creased by 15 per cent and should ing in debts or any increased disagreement with those who round about 1/3d, in the existing fall in exchange I, for one, would be paid to them when, on duty, at form of taxation but to study contend that the pay of Govern sterling commitments of the not lightly withdraw it: I should Hongkong in dollars at an averag ways and means to enforce rigid ment servants compares favour-Government.
prefer to see it disappear with the rate of the Hongkong and Shang economy. Increase in expendi- For the Amendment:-Hon. Mr. ably with that of men in private
rise of the dollar. ready been more or less accepted, J. Owen Hughes, Hon. Mr. C. G. S. employ, having regard to certain
hai Bank reckoned from the 15th ture especially in personal emolu. though it will not be possible to get
of the preceding month to the ments were unfavourably com the machinery ready for the col- Mackie, Hon. Mr. R. H, Kotewall, advantages which
15th of the month for which paymented upon last year by the Hon. ment is to be made, provided that unofficial members, who had al- lection of the latter this year. Hon, Mr. S. W. T'so, Hon. Mr. J. J. Postal rates are much below what Paterson, Hon. Mr. A. F. B. Silva- ages, free quarters or allowance in cumstances, and with so many other I trust that you, Sir, have not fail- such average, demand rate is 2/-ready foreshadowed with some
Netto.
liqu thereof, and security of and more urgent, demands oned to draw the inference that my or less than 2/- but If the aver-degree of apprehension the neces I might call the imperial rates, especially with the dollar at any- Against: Officer Commanding tenure. It is difficult, particularly its revenue which must be in- Chinese colleagues and I are not age rate be more than 2/-the-gity of having to resort to addi thing like the figure that it stands the Troops, the Colonial Secretary; the two kinds of occupations. It Colony bear the proposed
in the higher ranks, to compare creased to meet them, can the lacking fn sympathy for the then salaries shall be paid in tional taxation. The Colony Eas at. to-day. An increase in these the Attorney General, the Secre- must be remembered that while tional expenditure necessitating could support the Government the 17th of this month the rate vicleaitude and business depres- addi-Civil servants; we only wish we Hongkong currency at 2/0 gone through several periods of rates is more than justified. The tary for Chinese Affaira, the Government servants enjoy the special taxation and drawing upon resolution. But we cannot con- for Demand Draft was 1/2 15/15, sion and it is to be deprecated imposition of a tax of fifteen cents Colonial Treasurer, the Director privileges mentioned, they are pre- our surplus balances. I believe scientiously do so in the circum say 1/8, at which rate (if it hap that the ratepayers should be ask- a gallon on petrol will not be heavy of Public Works, the Captaincluded by Colonial Regulations that the Colony cannot bear it stances. The unprecedented de peted to be the average I believe I am right in saying that Superintendent of Police, the
Harbour Master, the Director of whatever nature, and even from Colony cannot bear it. It has created a feeling of great anxiety whereas at the so-called privilege proved, is bound to bring in its.
from engaging in business of The public also believes that the cline in the value of the dolair has rate) £1 will be equal to $16, assessment tax, which if ap fixeded to be saddled with heavier Medical and Sanitary Services, His investing in certain stocks in the often been said that, unlike a on all sides. The present is trou- rate of 2/-, £1 will be equal to wake, increased rent encha: cèd Excellency the Governor.
not compensate for the chance need not cut its coat according to To choose this time to levy new This recommendation does not mand for higher wages thus Colony. Security of tenure can- private business, a Government bled; the future is uncertain. $10, a difference of 60% 1
prices of all commodities and de- of prosperity by which the income its cloth, but should find the right taxes in order to increase Civil seem to reconcile with the re-aggravating the heavy pressure of the head of a large firm, who length of cloth to fit ita coat To Service salaries which, after all, cognised policy of the Govern- already exerted or the economic corresponds more or less to the this principle I agree, with this. are by no means "starvation wages,ment that it is undesirable that machinery of the Colony head of a Government department, reservation: where there is little to add impatiently a new burden to the number of dollara drawn (Continued on Page 12.).
Low Taxation.
round, I considered and discussed
Commissioners Abstain.
The Voting.
as
A division was called for, and with my advisers other sources, the votes were The question of imposing a petrol follows:
recorded
tax and an amusement tax had al-
It will average little more than 2
cent a mile in the case of private
cars, and 11⁄2 cent a mile in the case of buses which carry à number of passengers, I and my advisers considered the question of revising
the duty on spirits and tobacco, but we came to the conclusion that it
The amendment was, therefore, lost by ten votes to siz,
H. E. The Governor. I under- stand the Hon. Mr. Kotewall now desires to move an amendment.
allowance
to
to
enable the Colony to
$2,000,000 Involved.
the Council to vote the large sum The Government is now asking
commendations of the Salaries of $1,628,917 to implement the re-
Commission this year. This sum is increased to nearly $2,000,000, if we take into consideration, as we should, the $377,000 approved by on the
Colony Cannot Bear It.
the former Now, with its trade at a decline enjoy, such as pensions, free pass- owing to a combination of cir-
Future Uncertain. From the tread of ray remarks
AGGRAVATING
DEPRESSION.
Government will further affect th situation.:
Like the majority of the re- sidents of this Colony all Govern- ment employees in receipt of dol Hon. Mr. A. F. B. Silva-Netto.lar salaries are experiencing Your Excellency, I beg to second great hardships. The purchasing Kotewall has covered the ground ably reduced in consequence of the amendment. The Hon. Dr. power of the dollar, is consider-
A
Economy Wanted:
*