BUDGET DEBATE SPEECHES.
THE HONGKONG
Tax.
TELEGRAPH: "MONDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1930.
present level; and that in the how, when rain had apparently can look on complacently while Government schools is all that is are so full of promise of becoming
merce.
Reservoir's Vagaries.
HION. MR. BRAGA'S SPEECH.
be
Kowloon Needs.
Circular Road Dropped?
to
were
ranged my
the
some
each
un-
Trade Schools.
tionalities, where human interests are so diverse, a large well-
In view of the rapid development public aquarium established
of an Anglo-Chinese School there would be really of national benefit in the Kowloon City area the need as well as of great assistance in
Although there is Mr. Stend moralises that it has one in existence by private enter come to be recognised in most prise, it may have to close its parts of the world, at the present doors soon for want of Govern time, that it is far more easy ment support. I would therefore to control a people who are able urge that, the Government will to satisfy, by proper means, their take the matter up seriously natural desire for recreation, and either to give support to this existing school or to provide a amusement."
Government school for the inhabt. tants of Kowloon City.
Essential Institution.
He regarda a public aquarium as "an essential institution" and argues that "even if it did not 'pay from the strictly financial point of view it would still be a very 'cheap' means of granting to the public very valuable educa- I share the tional facilities." view that there need be no fear that an aquarium at Kowloon will not pay, always provided that it is properly designed, constructed, and run.
agree.
HON. MR. TSO'S SPEECH. Necessity for Stabilising the Dollar.
the 20% must be paid on any items Suggested Assistance to Local recent Salaries Commission which are several. In this connexion official colleagues of this Council. I loyally support the Government by
of revenue, be they new or old, pro- vided they are of a permanent na- Aure; and the new taxation now pro- posed is in essence permanent. be- cause it is levied to meet a per- manent form of expenditure, naine, ly. the increase of salaries.
The Best Way.
It seems to me that the best way
to tackle the problem is by way, of
Industry.
com-
Chinese. Regarding local applicants
Moreover, drastic cuts have to
I do not intend to criticise hare the educational system of the Colony, but I do wish to express the gratitude of the poor to the Government for taking an interest in the establishment of trade schools by appointing a Committee to enquire into the the feasibility or possibility of establishing sach schoole where the poor can learn a trade to enable them to make living.
A
With these few remarks I wish to join with my Honourable Un- official colleagues in pledging to Your Excellency my loyal support and co-operation.
HON. MR. LAUDER'S SPEECH. Suggested Exchange Scheme
For Civil Servants.
the
The Hon. Mr. Paul Lauder said: for the year 1931 also --Sir, I have studied the Budget speech by the Honourable the Colonial Secretary on this sub- ject with much interest.
The first thought which will occur to anyone in studying the Estimates is the heavily increased cost of administering the Govern ment. A considerable increase, however, under present conditions is inevitable in that the Colony has important gold commitments which have to be paid for in fallen to an unprecedentely low figure with the consequent decline in the sterling value of the dollar the cost of these gold commitments turned into dollars must of neces- sity show a considerable increase. Under all these circumstances, it becomes necessary for the Go- additional vernment to raise revenue and I have no criticism to offer of the suggested increased taxation which it is proposed to introduce except that I would increase in the General Assess-:
a fair, and mention that it seems to me the ment Rate of 4% is reasonable method to adopt and as
I am pleased that the Govern ment have taken serious notice of the increased coat of administra-
I suppose there must be ready ac- However, in his counted desire to who represent the city magnates of this Colony, and who occupy ceptance of the recommendation of assist private enterprise, I trust palatial residences free of rent, the Board of Education "to raise the Honourable the Director. of also escape the proposed form of slightly the fees for some of the Medical and Sanitary Services will classes in the public endeavour to take early and ef- THE MILITARY CONTRIBUTION.
contribution towards the Colony's higher fthat the storage of the Pokfulum increased expenditure when more (schools." While acquiescing in this fective steps to rid Tsun Wan and municipal organisation and order" is very real.
not be Shan Tseng Bay of malaria, the (Continued from Paje 7.) --
amiss to enquire if the Medical extensive existence of which can- Reservoir, which was the principal revenue is sought out of the House recommendation, it may
not but seriously retard the accomplished fact, increased taxa-source of supply to that section, was
It is, therefore, seen that those Otheer for Schools is quite antisfied tion is inevitable, as long as the getting dangerously low. The pen best able to pay are just those who that the furniture in some of the rapid development of districts that rate of exchange remains at the ple affected could not understand
instance, enquiry important industrial centres in the be instituted to ascer New Territories in the near future. to contribute their quota for the may absence of alternative schemes of been plentiful, the reservoir could their less favoured brethren have desired. For revenue, an increase in Assessed have behaved in that way.
larger administrative expenditure tain whether the desks and benches Taxes is unavoidable na a finali
for which the Bill now before the are of the standard type and so au-designed as to be free from danger
I have carefully searched the measure to enable us to balance
Council confers legislative
of injury to the health of the lit
Bum of our accounts for the coming year!
To our knowledge, the Pokfulum thority.
the tle children attending certain Gov-Draft Estimates for a
$1,000 which has been promised for The point is whether or not there
It should not be beyond are alternative schemes. Several Reservoir has the vagary of rapidly have been put forward, and we emptying and filling itself in some ingenuity of Government to as-ernment schools.
On certain items of special ex-forestry work in certain areas in Kowloon, and principally for oraa- hope that the Government will mysterious way. As a matter of certain the assessed value of the thoroughly explore their possibill-fnet, the full supply was restored premises occupied by those enjoy-penditure under the Canton-Kow-mental trees in the parks and open
rent-free loon Railway vote, comments have
spaces of Kowloon Tong. To my ties with a view to adopting some only a few days after the restricing the privilege of of them. If the proposed increase tion had been put on, as a good houses. If this privileged class been brought to my notice as re-regret, I cannot discover any such should presenting the considered opinions item of proposed expenditure. This be-as they in the Assossed Taxes is passed by downpour of rain had providential could
contribute their of a number of residents living out small sum of money would be very we ask that ly come to the rescue of the people.be-made to this Council to-day, In the event of other forms of taxa. We sincerely hope that every step share of the four per cent, in the New Territories. As they well spent and help to improve that tion being devised, or of the rate will be taken by the Government additional rate, then, and only then, form fair criticism, no apology is part of New Kowloon as
consideration. In the first place. of exchange rising, or, again, of to render the people who now re- could the claim for equity for this needed for submitting them for "Garden City" on the mainland.
It is a matter of common know the financial position of the Colony ceive their supply of water from form of taxation be substantiated.
the Railway Administration is ledge that the series of open-air
Your Excellency, I apologise for Ples for Local Men. improving generally, this 4% in this reservoir less dependent on it
congratulated on its foresight in regimental band concerts which
the inordinate length of my crease may be remitted or at least in future. The Aberdeen Reser- veir will very appreciably help in
aware that a Re the provision of $1,840 for the AP has just concluded were a source speech. I justify it on the ground We are well reduced proportionately.
of infinite enjoyment to
that this is the one occasion in this direction. and we trust that
the year when Unofficial Members The Military Contribution. nothing will be allowed to delay trenchment Commission is assidu-proach Road to Fanling Station.
ously pursuing its investigationst is very desirable that this road hundreds of Kowloon residents during the few hot, summer even-
of Your Excellency's Council have its construction.
In the absence of any explaná ings when they were provided with the opportunity of placing their I would now proceed to examine
My Chinese colleagues and 1 res-into the increasing cost of opera- be placed in proper order. Military Contribution, to which at-pectfully associate ourselves with ting the Colony's administrative tention has been drawn by the the honourable senior unofficial machiners. This fact does not pre-tory note, the item of $5,250 for excellent and thoroughly enjoy-ews very fully before your s Chinese General Chamber of Com-member in assuring Your Excel-clude attention being drawn to the new air compressor and motorable music supplied by the military cellency on matters concerning the cost of transporting is queried. It is held that if the bands on the grounds of the Kow- administration, finance, and muni- This item is increased lency of our whole-hearted support very high
far that criticisms be advanced fram $3,865,560 to $4.784,290-a and co-operation in your arduous Government servants to and from apparatus is for paint spraying loon Football Club. The Finance cipal needs of the Colony. Better
fact is beyond purposes the proposal should not Committee of this Council voted a
sum of $1,200 for band concerts openly in the honest conviction of difference of $918.730. It is an task of administration in these the Colony. The
Criticism is rather more ungen- during 1930. It is not such a their soundness than that there frony that while fresh taxation is times of extraordinary difficulties. dispute that this very subject has be concurred in. abeat to be levied on it, the Colony Your Excellerey has the reputation been exercising the Directorate of
pear as a recurring item is called upon to pay a further sum of an administrator who, in addi-certain public companies in Hong-erous when it comes to sub-head large sum that it might not ap- be tacit acquiescence in proposals I am not so great year under Miscellaneous Services, with which one does not inwardly of nearly a million dollars, not be- tion. to his native ability, is bless-kong with the object of instituting 41, "Sheung Shui Station, Exten-
I hope my suggestion will receive When Your drastic economy and so that what sions, $43,100." cause this sum is actually necessaryed with a Lucky Star. to meet Military Services, but be- Excellency was guiding the des-was oner conceded as a privilege in a user of the railway as to be in cause you have to pay a prescribed tinies of the people of the Feder- the heydey of the Colony's prospera position of being a fair critic: Your Excellency's favourable con-
extension of that privilege to the the station is to be extended at a perulage to the War Office, irres-ated Malay States, you brought to its may not be perpetuated into an but if the presumption is true that sideration. pective of the actual cost.
theni unprecedented prosperity
cost of $43,100 for the benefit of
My hope of an initial vote for The Hon. Mr. S. W. Tso said:- The cost of transport of Govern- a few golfers only, then the pro- The community was greatly dis- which, curiously, began to dwindle point of economic unsoundness.
The Chinese
of Sir, I rise to express my general appointed at the refusal of the on your departure. Secretary of State to accede to Sir believe in such a mystical attributement servants will increase from posed expenditure requires more the preliminary construction
the first section of the Circular agreement with the speeches made / silver. The price of silver having " This large increase calls Cecil Clementi's request that Mili: the good luck of a ruler; and in $250,000 in 1930 to $350,000 next careful scrutiny.
Road in the New Territories as by the Senior Unofficial Member, their belief has been year.
Helping Local Industry. tary Contribution on fresh taxes, your case
for comment. I anticipate Gov
far as Ma-Yue-Tong has been the Hon. Sir Shouson Chow and by Sub-head 45 is the ernment's reply that the greater levied to meet additional expendi-markedly confirmed by the over-
re-appear-doomed
disappointment. I
my Chinese colleague, the Hon. tres caused by the general revision flow of our reservoirs which, only the growth of the Colony, the larg-ance of $40,000 for "new body looked in vain for the re-inclusion Dr. Kotewall. The unprecedented of salaries, be waived as an act of a few months 120, were large
coaches." There of the item that first appeared in
fall in the exchange rate of the May you, Sir, giver must be the numerical strength work for four
the current dollar and the general increase in grace. I can understand the. rea- muddy tanks. sou which actuated the Secretary of us other blessings including the of its personnel, hence the high- are technical men who advocate the Estimates for
I am conscious of the fact salaries necessitate the increase State to make his decision: that rea- blessing of being a lightly-taxed transportation cost. This being that, before incurring this expen- year."
the case, Government should not diture, enquiries might be made that the advisability of the con- of taxation in order to meet the on appears to be that, so long as community.
above accepting, mutatis
of, and tenders invited from. firms struction of this road is debatable. the existing arrangement in regard
mulandis, the hint contained in in the Colony capable of building Amongst the opponents of the commitments of the Government. While the whole community would to Military Contribution exists.
one of the recommendations of the railway coaches, of which there project reported upon the question of the there are those who hold that the I draw attention to this subject paying these increases, yet there salaries to the Shanghai Municipal The Hon. Mr. J. P. Braga said: Council's Staff, both foreign and present third-class coaches are of not so much because I entertain is a feeling of uneasiness in the an entirely unsuitable type for the any hope of success in these hard mind of the people in that the -Your Excellency, The
times, but that a scheme which, extra burden which they are call- ments I am about to address to for Municipal Service the Comtraffic on this line.
The advantage of assisting local to my mind, will in the end prove ed upon to hear is not for any the Council on the Budget and the mission recorded that:-"In view industries is obvious. While on remunerative will not be lost sight "pecial work for the advancement the honourable the Colonial Secre- Honourable the Colonial Secre of the high cost of obtaiping and this subject. I trust Your Excel- of entirely. I cannot appreciate of the Colony but merely to coun- tary has said this tax is an econo tary's speech thereon, represent maintaining foreign employees in lency will kindly direct that the the diffidence in embarking upon terbalance the low value of the mical one to collect. partly the expression of my own the Council's service, including deliberations of the Empire Con- this project when it is known to dollar and to pay increased emolu- whom I have consulted. They are fits, the Commission is of the opin-der that full benefit be taken of its few prospective applicants for views and partly those of residents passages, long leave and other bene-cronics be closely watched in or the Government that there are a ments. I men who take an intelligent in-ion that local residents, foreigners recommendations, with special re-building sites as soon as a work- be, made into the expenditure of tion and that they have in con- terest in civic afirs and on whose domiciled in China, and Chinese ference to Empire trade prefering plan of the new road should be essential works of the Colony. How sequence brought into being a Retrenchment Committee which is should be appointed wherever pós- ence. Our local industries need available to them and likely re-long the present exchange value of at present carrying on its mast In all circles and among allible, provided that they possess sections of the community that the necessary qualifications and ex-
all the assistance they can obtain sidential plots shown on such plan. the dollar will remain and how difficult task. It is to be hoped conten- much lower it may still further they will be able to show some for their maintenance and de- Sir, leaving aside all
To suffer part of the Colonial Secretary's perience for the position to be ac.
been regret- tious matter I turn to a sugges- drop no one can tell. speech that has aroused most dis-cupied, thus reducing
means whereby the heavy burden cussion is the ore relating to fresh
the heavy velopment. It has
fully observed that a few are tion which, if possessing no other the finance of the Colony to fluc- of expenditure can be lightened taxation.
costs of appointments from
struggling with intensive competi-merit, at any rate can claim that tuate with the caprice of exchange,
as there is no doubt there is great It is because in one abroad."
tion of heavily-subsidised products.of originality. I hope I shall not I subenit, is uneconomical. I urge, and pressing need for economy. form or another all pockets--with
1 is an elementary obligation be found guilty of temerity for therefore, that the Government
The fall in the price of silver imposed upon the Colony to ensure bringing forward a proposal that will leave no stone unturned to and the consequent decline in the to Appendix III of the draft Esti- Regarding the proposed new
I deem it pardonsible for giving that its industrial rivals enter this involves some expenditure. The find out the possibility or feasibi- sterling value of the dollar to ita taxation, it has been asserted on prominence to this recommenta- field upon a footing of equality total outlay is not going to be very lity of stabilising the currency of present low level was quite un- a the Colony at an early date. expected, and in this connexion I the part of the Government that tion of the Shanghai Salaries Com- and not upon terms so disadvan-large, it will recoup. itself in
in- would say that there must it is desired to ensure that the mission because there is so much tageous to legal enterprises. as to few years and besides add to the
evitably be certain conditions in incidence of the new taxes will excellent material obtainable in the defeat all possibility of successful amenities of Kowloon, which is large and
It is not be fairly borne by the Colony, and Colony whose employment would competition. The Colonial Secre- fast, growing into
IL is unfortunate that the auch matters which
possible to foresee or allow for. the Colonial Secretary trusted mean a large saving in the cost of tary in his speech hinted that "the beautiful city.
Assessment Tax has to be increas- It occurs to me that the increased that the members of this Council transport services alone. The Co-share market indicates that com-
Aquarium Suggested.
ed in order to raise revenue to
number of dollars at present would agree that the Government's lony has founded and maintain-mercial undertakings are expected
be adjudged ing a University of its own at some proposals should'
to prosper." It is sincerely to be It was just a month age that meet the Colony's expenditure. It received by the sterling paid equitable. The Colonial Secre- sacrifice. Why not find greater hoped that there may be early the Biology Buildings attached is unfortunate because this form officers of the Government may publicly of taxation falls heavily upon the more than compensate them for tary's hope applies with special use for the products of our own fulfilment of this prophecy. to to the University were
shoulders of the poorer class of the increased cost of living due to reference to the augmentation of seat of learning among the techni-Tect which Government can do opened by Your Excellency, the general assessment rate bycal men whom the University is its part by securing for our in-is only in the fitness of things the Chinese. During the great the decline in exchange." If the
itself war the assessment tax was in- Government four per cent.
of this The Honourable turning out in greater numbers each dustrial undertakings a measure that the thought suggests Spokesman for the Governmentear? If the rumour is well found of freedom from, unfair competi- that a public Marine Aquarium be creased by 7 per cent, but it was opinion and in view of present the not distant understood that the imposition conditions, I suggest that they regards this as "the fairest in itsed that our graduates have to seektion against, which we have so established in
consider fixing some" incidence of all forms of direct lucrative employment outside the strenuously to fight.
future. I hope I may be justified was to be temporary; namely, dur- might taxation."
Colony, then the truth of the say- * Vernacular Schools,
in the submission, that this is aring the period of the war. But minimum rate of exchange for the Colonial Development Fund. I trust I shall not be misintering is painfully forced upon one
opportune moment for bringing Hongkong was less affected by the payment of their sterling paid If half these Apart war and trade depression was not officers' salaries, On Page 71 of the Estimates, preted in my criticism of the as-that "a prophet is not without hon-
In another direction also could forward the suggestion. in his own under the head "Education De- sertion when, I question the fair- our Have
country." partment," the vote "Subsidies to ness of the incidence of this taxa- There has been too great a tendency Government assistance be most from the economic and scientific then so much felt in the Colony salaries were paid at a fixed rate of the soil" to be helpful. There is the Imperial aspects of such an institution, the as it is to-day; due, no doubt, to of 1s. 6d, when exchange falls. Elementary Vernacular Schools in
pro- the fall of the value of the dollar below this figure and half at the tion. The question of its fairness for the "sons
Fund. popular interest which the Development' This Colonial
strife in current rate, this might constitute Hongkong" is reduced from $95, is arguable. It is not difficult to passed over in Hongkong.
Could not Hongkong petition for ject will arouse is certain to be and the internecine
for the China.
a fair basis of payment and if 000 to $69,000, a decrease of $15,- establish that in the circum-tendency ought to be checked, and
area 6). This vote has already dwind- stances obtaining in the Colonya new policy inaugurated whereby the allocation of its quota which great. A suitable site
I trust, therefore, that the Co-exchange remains at its present Jed, for it was reduced by $5,000 | at present, this form of direct qualised local men be afforded might be utilised, Among other Aquarium should be in the
towards promoting, reserved for a Public Park re vernment will see. its way of de- level it would bring considerable last year, when the Chinose uri- taxation does not operate fairly facilities for advancement in the purposes,
fostering and developing private commended by the Playing Fields claring that the imposition of this relief in the matter of expendi- Colonial Service.
the Committee near the Police Train-tax is but temporary and it will ture. I commend this suggestion We have a shining and outstand-enterprison redounding to
ing School. There are public be removed when the value of the to the Government for its con- Civil Service Escapes. ing example from amongst the un-benefit of Hongkong? made in future Estimates. Neces- I am not prompted by meanness officials of this Council of the bene The present appears to be the aquaria in Manila, Batavia, Japan, dollar goes up or when the finan- Your Excellency cial position of the Colony is
OFFICIAL REPLY. Kiry as economy is in these times, or ungraciousness to a fairly large fit and advantage accruing to the ideal moment for an appeal to be and Honolulu,
of 115 with
Colonial Secretary Answers we consider that the limit has been body of residents composing the public service in its recruiting of made to the Right Honourable the is probably better acquainted than improved. reached in this direction, and that administrative body of this Colony local talent. I refrain from men- Secretary of State for the Co- anyone
Vernacular Schools.
Points Raised. further reductions would prejudi- when I venture the statement that tioning any name for fear lest Ilonies when a comparatively anall Public Aquarium in Singapore I am given to understand that cially affect many elementary the conclusion is irresistible that bring a blush on the cheeks of my round sum in sterling would re-
there need be no doubt as to the Under Head 28, Education De- The Colonial Secretary (Hon. vernacular schools which afford the highest placed members of the honourable friend. In point of present a large amount when con-
ultimate financial success of a partment, in the Budget, I find Mr. E. R. Hallifax) replying to a education to thousands of child- Civil Service of Hongkong escape recognised ability, linguistic atverted into Hongkong dollars.
taxation entirely when it is a tainment and untiring energy there While on the subject of indus well-established aquarium in that the item under Capitation number of criticisms in detall, re- Though the honourable senior question of an additional £18-
should have been no limit to his tries, I would not like to miss this large centre of population, such Grant is reduced from that of last gretted the absence of explanatory unofficial member has urged upon sessment rate being levied. fail promotion; but the discouraging opportunity of offering congra- as I have suggested in Kowloon. year by $3,420 and as pointed out notes in the estimates, but pointed of The Aquarium in Manila, though by the Hon. Dr. Kotewall, the item out that the Treasury Memoran- the Government the necessity of to see how the fairness claim can and discriminatory service regala tulations to the Department pressing on with all possible speed be defended when a $40 clerk has tions stood in the way. I may say Government concerned on the busi- small, maintains most interesting "Subsidies to Elementary. Verna- dum was something of a new depar- displayed in exhibits. There were in June of cular Schools in Hongkong by ture and considered to be more the waterworks under construction, to pay his 4% on the rental of his that these regulations do not ex-nesslike expedition
Explaining the sum of $17,500, I make no apologies for offering poor flat and the humblest among cite any great enthusiasm in local pushing ahead with contingent this year 891 exhibits, which at $15,000. These grants, and sub- helpful some observations on the subject, the population, whose daily wage enlistment for Government service, werks in connexion with the large tracted a great deal of attention. sidies, üre a means of helping the which affects the
is reckoned in cents, has. to con-
peared in the estimates of revenue, Chinese more
private reclamation of the Tsun It cost P8.60,000 to build and less carrying on of school under for use of motor vans which ap 1: he said that special Sanitary De than other members of the com- tribute hin quota of the same per-
Wan foreshore. From an industhan Pa.8,000 for its maintenance private enterprise.
In 1929. There were 30,000 visi- The more of these schools are partment vans were now conveying munity. There is no need for me centage on the value of the cubicle
For a long period of years a posi- trial point of view, with the ad-
and a small en-established in the Colony the pork carcasses from slaughter to recount here the great hardships he occupies over-night. I am not tion of trust and responsibility was vent of electrical power, I envision tors last year,
trance fee is charged, elementary which the poorer classes of the attempting to dispute the wisdom held by another local officer who re the genesis of a flourishing and
of the Government for providing cents a carcase to be made to cover water famine last year, but I should housing the civil servants of the years service with the Government, Wan district of the New Terri- should not be diffent to plan an Government schools for the educa-running coste. The increase in Chinese had to undergo during the or the expediency of comfortably tired with a unique record of 55 important township in the Tsan pupils being admitted free. It lighter will be the responsibility houses to stalls, a charge of six like to refer to a peculiar incident Colony. That policy is sound and His successor was another Hong-tories with the completion of this Aquarium for Kowloon improved tion of the people. From an Other Charges Harbour Office was
Like the Manila or any other of about two months ago in con- commendable. No great effort, kong man who has honourably important reclamation. nakin with the water supply on however, is required to demon-earned his retirement on Pension Shan Tseng Bay district, Tsun Wan model. In this connexion a short economic point of view the cutting mainly accounted for by the differ the teland...
strate how those employees of after not many years short of 40 enjoys the unenviable reputation extract from the general report down of these grunts and sub ence in exchange.de One morning the inhabitants of Government who occupy their years in public employment. His of being very malarious; the work of Mr. David G. Stead, Fisheries sidies, I submit, is not a good Regarding the Kowloon-Canton the Western section of the rider- houses rent-free will go "scot place, has been filled by a Cadet men employed there are subject to Enquiry Commissioner, upon the policy; particularly as the Govern Railway, he detalled how operating worth, consideration. By about 75 per cent. of the costs of greater thah formerly and pointed. main district suddenly found thern free when additional revenue is Officer drawing amoluments on this form of ailment in a malignant fisheries of British Malayya is well mert is paying, I understand, expenses were now considerably selves deprived of the regular sup- proposed raised out of basis the computation of which form. I can appreciate how re- my of water to air houses, and
affords evidence opposed to the search work has first to be under "I would even go so far as to maintaining its schools besides out that when the three new ex- put on the strentains, the rea
(Continued on Page 9.) buildings. in be shown that clamour for retrenchment and still taken before remedial measures suggest," Mr. Stead wrote, that the heavy cost of erecting school press engines were brought into son given by the Government being those monisers of the community, more economy.
can be undertaken on a large scale. in a country of auch wiixed na-
a reduction of the percentage, J believe that some years ago a core. mittee was appointed to enquire in- the incidence of Military Con- tribution, and I am sure that a
opinions I attach much weight.
similar committee would be useful for the purpose of going into the question not only of the percentage to be paid, but also of the items of rovence which should be exclud-notable exceptions are going to ed front calculation. A reference he touched.
mates will show how the present contribution is calculated.
Last year the honourable senior unofficial member enquired whe thar Military Contribution was paid
on profite from the Colony's sales of investments, and the Hon. Colonial Treasurer in his reply said that contribution had hitherto been paid an profits which had acerued as the result of appreciation in the Ster- ling prize of investments. This is one item of receipts on which, in my opinion, contribution should not ge paid; and there may be other items that come within. the same entezory.
official members drew attention to at all. the reduction and expressed the hope that no further cut would be
ren of the poorer classes.
University a Source.
Strange Economy,
A
the
on the
Taxes Hit the Poor,
sideration.
are also