BUDGET DEBATE SPEECHES.
THE
HONGKONG TELEGRAPH. MONDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1930.
about
of $40,000 is also "considered.Chinese who constitute necessary,” Under Sub-hend 18, coal for offices, an additional $1,- 000; does this mean more office fires, or can it be lower exchange? Under Sub-head 22, training ex- penses of Marine Surveyor in England, $16,200. How much
appear?
95% of the tax-payers. Repre sentations have been made to the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce and to us by public hodies as well as by individuals, urging us to request the Govern ment not to increase this item of
but no explanation is given as to our policy of exercising as much I arrive at the balance forecasted. longer are these charges. likely to
thrift 45 is
tion in
why the Government expects this efficiency. very considerable reduction.
and our
revenue.
From the above it is at once seen there are enormous increases in almost every department, and only by cutting down drastically HOPES OF RETRENCHMENT.
the vote for Public Works Recur- rent, and Public Works Extraor- (Continued from. Paže (1.). your Excellency our support of dinary has it been possible to consistent with which means that much important
co-opera- and necessary work for the de In the absence of any explana-of guiding the Colony through be left in abeyance, and as 'the your difficult task velopment of the Colony has to tory note, we are similarly unable
period of depression which Hon. Colonial Secretary states in to tell why Royalties on Wireless
we hope will not be of long his speech: "Members will miss Telegraphy" shown.on the same page, is expected to yield nothing duration. Though we may be disfrom the completed list one work education which appeared in the length, and the opinion was ex-
quieted by the stormy weather, and or another which they would have in 1931.
even at time doubt the sturdi-liked included." These points, as well 38 in. numerable others concerning theness of the ship, we have entire Estimates of
would confidence in the skill of the man Revenue. doubtless have been made clear at the helm.
by short footnotes such as, until a few years ago, were inserted in the Estimates.
Afforestation Needs.
afforestation of the barren hills of the New Territories is a neccessary work. Judicious planting would not only beautify the landscape but improve the quality of the soil,
ground strengthen the
against landslips, and make the Colony less dependent on outside sources for
n
HON, MR OWEN HUGHES.
Enormous Increases in Expenditure.
said
Commission's
1931-
sessment Tax must be resorted to, and that quickly, and the taxpayer is now called upon (to start with) for the payment of an additional 4%, not to mention taxes on lobateo and stamps, and new taxes on petrol, amusements, etc. Extra taxation. being avoidable, my colleagues and
additional
Other Points.
the
was un-
On the 19th of this month, a very largely attended meeting of the General
the Committee of cellency and the Government's Commerce was held, when
May I commend to your Ex Chinese General Chamber of notice an article on the subject of matter was discussed at great the
Daily Press of the 11th instant? pressed that in view of the bad I am at present not concerning time, when cost of living is very Unnecessary Warning. myself with the relative claims high and the volume of trade of the institutions referred to in abnormally low, any increase in Coming now to the third factor that article, or any other Grant-the Rates would have an immediate which, influenced the Government in-Aid or non-Government school, reaction on the prosperity of the in the framing of the Budget for but it is very clear that unless Colony. Means of raising re 1931, namely, the establishment the system of grants to of the Retrenchment Commission. Schools (which are staffed by the Rates were suggested, such as these venue other than an increase in The Hon. Mr. J. Owen Hughes June, Hon. Mr Southern in movis changed, some of them will soon the taxing of huxuries including At the fateful meeting of the 19th British Masters and Mistresses) the taxing of race sweepstakes, Turning now to the Estimates said: Sir, The Hon. Senior Uning the resolution that of Expenditure, we find on Page oflleial Member, in the address we adopt the Salaries Commission
Council have to close their doors. 20 that the money provided.
jewellery and other articles of for have just listened to, has very ably Report,
Fire Brigade.Whilst all re- personal adornment, Afforestation" in
the letting the District reviewed the speech of the Hon. Hansard): "I am authorised to come, I trust the. Chief Officer is to public tender, the creation of {I quote from ductions in expenditure are wel- out of the ferry and bus services Office, North, has been reduced Colonial Secretary in introducing say that it has been decided to quite satisfied there will be no monopoly in pawnshops, the from $2,000 to $500, and on Page the Estimates for 1931, and has leave in abeyance the proposal to loss of efficiency in consequence taxing of electricity and gas, and 21 the sum provide for the same presented the joint views of the raise the Assessment Tax, though of the reduction in the number of the increasing of the price of service in the District Oceanofficial members to this Council, I must warn Hon. Members that drivers and Bremen. South, has been entirely deleted. but, as he has already indicated, it may still be necessary to impose
by prepared opium sold Last year the Hon. Sir Henry His colleagues will as customary some increase later on in order to be hoped that work on the new
Prisons Department. It is to Government. Pollock, speaking on behalf of the make their own observations. As balance the budget for unofficial members, suggested that Senior of the European members unless the
the printing shop approved by
Chamber's Suggestions. Retrenchment the figures budgeted for afforests present, it is my privilege now fomittee, which my Hon. friend Mr. year is being proceeded with, and Com- Finance Committee early this tion work in 1930 might be doubl-make some further observations. Owen Hughes is asking for......that the new linotpye machine first three suggestions
A resolution embodying the ed in future years. We recognise I do not propose to address the is able to effect such reform that will soon be installed and in work-animously carried, as was a re- that in these times economy must Council at great length, as my col further taxation can be avoided." ing order, as printing is consider solution expressing the opinion of be practised on every hand, but leagues will also desire to take we hope that, as soon as funds part in the discussion.
The warning given was quite ed as likely to be a revenue carn- the Chamber that the amount now permit, the figures standing in the
unnecessary, for it was I would like first of all to asso- to all that in accepting the
obvious ing industry in Victoria Gaol
payable for Military Contribution current Estimates may be restor-ciate myself and my European col-Salaries
In conclusion, I
is excessive, and that representa- repeat the ed,
be made to the for in our view
recom- pledge made by the Senior Un-.
tions should the leagues in the reference made by mendations as increase in As-official Member, thaf Your
State for the Hon. Senior unofficial member
cellency will have our support in Colonies with a view to having
Ex Secretary of
the to this, Your Excellency's first
your present policy of thrift, and, the percentage reduced. Budget, and further; if i may be
wherever possible, retrenchment. permitted, to express our admira tion of the manner in which you
SHIPPING TAXES. have dealt with the many import ant matters that have Teen
Criticised as Wrong In Principle. brought before you since assuming the duties of your high office.
The Hon. Mr. C.G.S. Mackie said:-Sir- wish to associate On the first orasion of your are of the opinion, after careful myself with the remarks made A new launch for the Sanitary four months ago, my unofficial, col- its decision has chosen the lesser Unofficial Member, Sir Shouson
presiding over this Council just consideration, that Government in my in. friends, the Senior staurants and eating houses; the Department at a cost of $62.000 is leagues and I did our utmost to evil. provided for on Page 26. We are persuade the Government to cut
It is proposed to raise further Chow and Mr. Owen Hughes, who lad to have the promise of the its cant according to the cloth revenue from light dues, bugeism of the Budget and the man- have presented a very fair criti- Hon. Colonial Secretary that if
bring this expenditure is approved by pointment of a Committee to ron-
available, and pleaded for the ap- etc.. which is expected to
in a return of approximately ner in which it is proposed to meet this Council the Government willsider whether the Colony could $364,832.
the heavy estimated expenditure. not authorise the outlay withoutalford the elaborate garment re- These
items will. The levies to be imposed are in
be further reference to the Council,commended by the Salaries Com-Strenuously opposed by all the most cases reasonable, but the sug- Thus the unofficial members will mission in view of the unprece Shipping interests in the Colony, gested taxes en shipping, in the have the opportunity of carefully dented fall in the value of the and my lion. friend Mr. Mackie form of increased light dues and considering whether, the launch is dollar. Our arguments and plead. I will doubtless express his own, as i
hire of buoys are, I consider, absolutely necessary, and if so, whe-ings were of no avail against the well as the Shipping Companies' wrong in principle. This form of ther the necessity is immediate. Official majority vote, nor was the
views on this proposal.
taxation has been the subject On Page, 74, under Technical
almost unanimous voice of publie
of several debates in this Chamber Institute. the item "Lecturing
us allowed to opinion behind
in the past, and if one can judge Staff" has been raised from $13,000 to $19.470. We should like an ex- weigh in the balance, and we were
from records of the meetings the averwhelmed.
official attitude has been that planation of this substantial in-
shipping should only be taxed for crease.
specific purposes from which a In the direct benefit is obtained. present instance this can scarcely be put forward as an argument in be done with the ferry and bus ser- It is recognised that nothing can favour of the suggested
Hongkong owes its very exissions have expired.
vices until the existing conees. tenee to shipping and. its pros- perity has been largely built up But Mr. Southern on the 19th from the benefits derived from the June was anticipating events, for advantages obtaining to a free no relief can be hoped as the port. This great asset should be result of the Commission's in-maintained as far as possible at vestigations and recommendations all costs. for several months to come. The Hon. Colonial Secretary
Quite apart from the objections
Very few are in favour of raia- informs to taxing shipping in order to Us: "The special effort at Re- augment local revenue, it must being the price of prepared opium; No good purpose can be achievrenchment of Personnel now re-admitted by all that this parti- for such a step would encourage ed by making more reference than red needs close and prolonged cular trade is passing through a
study. with a perspective
its fuel.
Refuse Tug.
Furniture Votes
last
11
1
Retrenchment Committee. Your Excellency very readily acceded to the request for ' Retrenchment Committee. and Personal Emoluments. with great promptitude appointed The "Account" is now rendered, Commission with, I think, ample and a bill for no less than $9,421, terms of reference. The person- met 405 for Personal Emoluments isnel of the Commission has presented for payment on account with very general approval, and would like here to congratulate is increased-by $1,500 from $16. of 1930, whilst it is estimated that 500 to $18,000, with the explana-under this heading alone, no less your Excellency on the selection tion in a footnote that part of the than $12,854,727 for 1931 has now you have made. increase was previously included in to be budgetted for at the very un
certain Exchange figure of 1/4d. Public Works Extraordinary.
On Page 77, itemi No. 7. "Main- tenance and Supply of Furniture" under Public Works Department
Military Contribution.
It is a first duly of Government to balance its Budget for the com- year, and we are asked to-day to approve the method by which is proposed to do so--a most dificult task, as all must admit.
ly.
Jovies:
We are not informed how much of the $31,500 was so included, nor are we given any explanation re garding any part of this sum that so included. may not have been We are glad that the Government has made provision for the main- tenance and supply of furniture un-
necessary to what limited to the inside of Govern- the most rigid economy that many der "Other Charges" of the Depart.is absolutely
not very hard time and it is only by ment instead of under the Heal has been done in the past in resment offices: the Commission as companies are able to carry on. "Public Works Extraordinary" peet of salaries: but the result of constituted, is particularly well
looms so large on qualified for this work, and can be would
If it can possibly be which should be reserved for pubite the revision
dore I works of a non-recurrent mature.
every page of the Draft Estimates depended upon to do it thorough taxes withdrawn. Failing that, like to see the proposed for 1931 that reference to them cannot well be avoided, nor to the
Sir, l'hope some assurance can be This is all to the good, and I am given that they will be consider Casioned by the unprecedented fall touch is being maintained with levy ons, and will in exchange. The Han. Colonial the Retrenchment Commission.
be removed Secretary at the outset of his Leaving then salaries as settled are on a healthier basis.
when the finances of the Colony speech refers to the above two fas unfortunately we cannot, at seriously in-present do otherwise), and leav- ing also the findings and recom- mendation of the Retrenchment Commission until their labours are completed, we have still the question of the uncertainty of exchange to consider, and what the effect will be if the figure of
In addition to the suggestions put forward by the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, another has been made directly to my Chinese colleagues and myself, namely, the imposition of a tax- estimated to yield $400,000 an- nually on meals taken in re- tax would be levied on meals cost- ing over 50 cents a head, so that Such a tax already exists in the poor would not be affected. Canton, and is said to yield a large revenue to the Government Kwangtung.
of
The proposal to tax ruce sweep- stakes has met with general approval, for it would entail no hardship on anybody, while would yield a substantial revenue and would be easy to collect.
Tax on Luxuries.
it
It has been suggested that a tax on luxuries would also present no difficulty in collection, as the shops could include the tax in the bill of cost.
We have been reminded that a monopoly in pawnshops existed about thirty years ago in Hong- kong, and that such a monopoly still exists in the Straits Settle- ments, where the system has been working satisfactorily.
smuggling.
Electricity and Gas.
Concerning Military Contribu- astounding increase in charges velad to learn that meanwhile close ed in the nature of a temporary all concerned. It is true
tions, shown on Page 108, the Hon. Colonial Treasurer, in reply to a ... question put by the senior unofficial member in 1929, stated that the Colony had not so far paid military contribution on any profit due to exchange, as the question was sti"
under discussion with the Secre- tary of State for the Colonies.
We should like to be informed
this matter.
considerations 14H
fluencing the Government in their consideration of the Budget.
Enornious Increases,
In percentage as compared with what decision has been reached in last year's heading, the figures
disclose the following increases:
3031 1.E. the Глаброди
nur........... IES,NDO Cadet Service... DCG,221 207.25 66.10
334.113 12,937 38.
Waterworks. Though the financing of the Shing Mun and Aberdeen Water- works is by public loan and does not therefore strictly come within the Estimates, it is nevertheless n part of public expendittire, paid out of public money raised on loan. and we therefore consider this an appropriate occasion to speak on the subject.
We express the earnest hope that the Government will not allow the
Sur. Clerical &
Accts. Staff
Junior Clerical
Service Cul. See's. Dept. & . ·
Legislature...
5. C. A. Treasury. Audit Dep District Office,
North
District Offer,
South Post Office..... Wireless Services- importa Q EI.
paris Offee
52,223
916.250 162.155 21.6
60,426 13.716 19,629 4,449 27.6 54,435
r
*2,604
24317
12,340 - 40%,405 149,5%!
871,394 1,264.304
22.GOK
4,705 108.872
stringency of the economic Jarbour Dept... situation to impede for one Atr Services .... 164,5GH
day the progress of. these most urgent and important works.
Roy Oberva
f
71.812
123,864
Fire Brigade .... 326,479 - Supreme Court ..
General .... 47,225 Crown Solicitor
Ome.e
They are works which should take Attorney precedence of all others, and, in the words of Sir Cecil Clementi, should
be pressed rapidly to a successful Offelal Receiver conclusion.
7
Administrative Expenses.
499
1,970 - 8 10,670 99,263
1/4 dollar is not realised?
Exchange Factor.
During the last four months
MR. PATERSON'S VIEWS.
Taxes Bad for Coastal Shipping,
The
that
The suggestion of levying a tax on electricity and gas has received ed to be taxation that would be much favour in that it is consider-
most evenly distributed and would cause the least inconvenience to cheap electricity and gas are no. less necessary than cheap rental, but effects so grievous as are ex- pected to follow an increase in the Assessed. Taxea would not follow a tax on electricity and gas, although in both cases cost of living would thereby be increased, Here it is a case of choosing the lesser of two evils.
We have been assured that the
interests of the electric and gas companies would not suffer be- cause of the tax, which it is sug- gested should be one cent' per unit, at which rate the tax is ex- pected to bring in half a million dollars at least.
These, then, are the views ex-
PTSEIZOF-YO
V
NECKWEAR
Quality Tells i POWELL'S TIES
aro reflected in the Mirror of Fashion
Wm. POWELL Ltd. 10, Ice House Street.
SAFEGUARD
YOURSELF
AGAINST
FINANCIAL LOSS
THROUGH.
ACCIDENT
& SICKNESS · BY A POLICY
WIT
!
CHINA UNDERWRITERS, LTD.
Hongkong Bank Building, do Des Voeux Road Central. HONGKONG.
Tel. 28121,
THEY ALWAYS
KEEP ME FIT
(RECOMMENDATION FROM A NURSING SISTER)
Let them
Do the
Same
For You
WHETHER your occupation be as ardMOTIN,
as that of a nurse, or easy, lacre are times when vitality runs low. Low vitality is a resulà of anaemia, impoverished blood) which may arise from vari 'causes. The early symptoms are headaches, lack of energy, "nerves" Indigestion and general- debilitated, ran-down feeling, but if a remedy is not soon found the more serious condtions of anaemia rapidly develop.
Nervou exhaustion, prostration, acute dyspepsia, sleepless- ness and rheumatism are serious consequences of neglected annemfu. Therefore do not delay if you feel out-of-sorta buk start buliding up your blood at once. Dr. Willams' Plak Pilis are a scientific preparation, a successfully prescribed combina- tien discovered by, en/ZI.D. of Edinburgh University which both; enriches and purifies the bloodstream by cabling it to absorb large quantities of life-giving oxygen. That is the secret of their wosiderful world-wide success over a period of nearly City years. Chemists everywhere can supply you, so clart a corISO to-day and set your feet on the road to renewed healik and happiness.
Hon. Mr. J. J. Paterson Mackie, has dealt very fully with said:-My Hon. friend, Mr. shipping, and I have really nothing to add to his speech except to say that I agree with it. Shipping, especially coast shipping, is going through a very serious time and a Exchange has but momentarily great deal of money has been lost touched that rate, the. average lately--and we continue
to lose 29.24 monthly rate has been: June, money. I am very nervous of the 38.106 230.5 1/34 July, 1/3.1/16; August, future of shipping, and I therefore pressed by the advocates of the
45.221/3.9/16; September. 1/3.11/16.
hope that if any, reduction is possi- various alternative schemes. We 3.81 This question, however, will be ble it will be made. It could be have not had time to examine
more fully dealt with presently 32.28 by my friend the Hon. Mr. Lauder, said, of course, that the present them with the care which the im- I will now follow the example taxation does not amount to a very portance of the subject demanda, but we commend them to the very
consideration careful Government.
Higher Taxes Inopportune, My Chinese colleagues and I agree that any increase in the As- sessed Taxes is inopportune as, apart from the general stagnation in trade, land development, after years of depression, is only just showing signs of revival, and any adverse factors such as this pro- posal wou do much to set it back again. To the property-owner, activity in building operations is
24.23
.5
of the Hon. Senior Unofficial reat sum; that it is merely a
16.87 Member and draw attention to straw; yet it was a straw that
broke the camel's back. sume of the items in the Es- timates.
46,122,13
35.319 01.4 £4,985 - 14,21 19.784 1288
12,498 36.
10.404 4,50% 11.510
110 48
Land Offer Maglatrary, Hong
60.322 18,631 30.754
Police Force
Magistracy. Kow.
1005
2.200
2,100 2,719,062 601.727
"2
Prisons Dept. Medical Dept.
715,850
127,583
1,440,585
Sanitary Dep
154,276 110,687
We have offered no comments on the present heavy expenses of the Colony's administration, because the Hon. Colonial Secretary has in- & F. Dept, ...
25.00
13.5
CHINESE VIEWS, Hon. Mr. Kotewall on Taxation.
The Hun. Mr. R. H. Kotewall said: Sir-It is my privilege to present the views of the Chinese members of this Council on the Budget.
of the
Dr Williams' Pink Pills.
Accepted the World over as the SPECIFIC REMEDY FOR ANAEMIA
Land Developme it.
Included in "Other Charges" in most Departments is the item Conveyance and Motor Allowance, varying-in-amounts of $130 under ** "Treasury" to 350,000 for the 46.17 Public Works Department.
make the total to be over $115,000. I have no doubt the Retrenchment Commission will have this in mind
The most important problem 21.8 25 one for investigation, the which engages the attention of 230,974
aggregate is a high one, and the Council at this moment is how 162,71a
12,091 1124 could in my opinion be consider to find money to meet the in- 4% increase in the rates would an unmistakable sign of returned We submit that the Government formed us that in its efforts at W. D. ......
Education Dept. 1,739,708 330,017 28.89ably reduced.
creased expenditure for the mean a 4% decrease in his return, and settled prosperity. Some should do everything in its power 2,030,926 354,461 28.2 economy the Government had large-Public Works, Re-
Harbour office, Sub-head 2- coming year. The Government and the reaction would be bouses have had to be erected bo- to encourage land-development, ly left question of personnel to the Fablie Works, Ex-
current '1,580,150 - 201,509 – 14,86 | Coal and oil fue! for launches has proposed the imposition of general.
cause building covenants have had because more buildings will not Retrenchment Commission. We traordinary 2,500,000 -1,240,700 36.09 $274,130, an increase of 364,000, fresh taxation in certain forms.
Already a case has come to my to be fulfilled; others have been only bring in more revenue, but- sincerely hope that the labour of Kowloon - Canton
A more precise explanation than among which is an increase of knowledge where the intending and are being put up to meet the relieve the congested parts of the Railway the Commission will be productive
347.647 - 287.882 - 23.26 merely "considered necessary" is four per cent. in the Assessed purchaser of a large property demand caused by unrest in the island. VALEN of satisfactory results.,
4168335 I think desirable, as also under Taxes, which, it is estimated, will withdrew his offer to buy, im- interior. As soon as peace mani- However, my Chinese colleagues Finally, I wish, on behalf of the
180,00 10.08 Sub-head 12:-Repairs, Minor yield an additional $1,415,000, mediately on hearing of the im- fests itself in the neighbouring and I recognise that, since the unofficial members, to pledge to
142,296 10,501 27.88 Improvements and Stores for This particular impost has pending increase. It should not provinces, a general exodus will general increase in salaries is an.
115,000 Launches and Boats, an increase caused grave concern among the be supposed that the present ensue, as past experience teaches. (Continued on Page 8.).
Volunteer Defence
Corps
Miscellaneous
Charitable for.
Vicom Pensione
208,060 -
1,499,956
1,228,000