THE HONGKONG' TELEGRAPH THURSDAY,
UNOFFICIAL SPEECHES
MR. KOTEWALL'S CRITICISMS
(Continued fraus Page 6). close the whole house when there are two or more fleurs vacant, in orice lu a refund of enable them to obtain Rates.
This may have the effect of spread ing the population, but in these days of extreme economic depression, the sight of entirely empty houses dotiing all over the town, does not conduce le a restoration of confidence so casuntinl; to recovery. Further, the revenue may not suffer substantially by the change, since many of the houses now entirely vachat will be at least partial-
t
SEPTEMBER 27, 1934..
ON BUDGET RADIO
|when cast of living was very high and | fallen to an enormous extent. A fall RATEPAYERS'
the volume of trade abnormally low,¦ in such valuos is not an effect morsly, any Increase in the Rates would havoj but is also a further predisposing
upon every other Buc. Any measure,
an immediate reaction on the pro- cause of depression, owing to the de- HOPE BLASTED perity the Colony (Hongkong | pendence of every Ine of businças Hansurd 1930, page 201). Whether or not the subsequent further full in irade has been in part nccentuated by the increase in the tax, it is, of course, possible to prove either way. It is nt least probable, that this heavier, tax-burden is added to the effects of the present depression.
But whatever the cause or causes, the economic conditions of the Colony have become decidedly worse since the increase in the Assessed Taxe made in 1930,
Was
therefore, which is calculated to check MR. BRAGA SUPPORTS further depression in the property market, if not to stimulate it to new activity, in a measure which will día. tribute its beneficial effect throughout business an
whole.
The share market is hi an unduly depressed condition owing to the nor mal effect of bad tinies in which many
TAX REDUCTION.
VALUE OF LOCAL INDUSTRIES
BROADCAST
Jazz Piano Recital From The Studio.
2.E.K. PROGRAMME.
From Z.B.W. on a wavelength of 365 metres (845.hilocycles).
6-7 p.m. A Relay of the Hongkong Hotel Dance Orchestra from the ilong- kong Hotel Roof Garten (by courtesy of the Management).
7 pm. Cising Local Stock Quota- tions, London and New York Stock and Commodity Quotations, 7.08-7.30 pan. Orchestral, Hungarian Dances
(Brahms)
arr.
are compelled to sell their holdings Owing to sickness, the Hon. Mr. in order to ruine 'money for the pur-15. P. Braga was absent, but his pose of carrying on their business or speech, rend by Hon. Mr. Bell, was RATE TOO HIGH.
of reducing or paying off mortgages as follows:-Your Excelleney, I must when forced to do so. This condition confess to some disappointment with The Hon. Colonial Secretary basis further accentuated by speculelive the Government statement in present
for next year. ly occupied, and Rates will be payableken of the difficulty, which the influences. A favourable renetion ining the Estimates In respect of such partial occupation.reasury is experienced during the the property market would help to re- This disappointment rises from the move certain of the factors depressing fuet that, while the trade depression The Hon Clonial Treasurer, Mr. Present slump. in the collection of M. J. Breen, in objecting to the pro. rates. He further pointed out the in the share market, particularly in re-formed the keynote of the Honourable creased administrative work entailed, lation to shares. of real estate com-the Colonial Secretary's reylow of thợ posals at the time, sold that to use lending to increased staff und, there- ponies. This would further help in Estimates, the Government has shown floors separately as proposed by us fore, greater enst of administration, restoring confidence in the established no practical sympathy with the Colony would treble the work of the revenue I trust I may not be accused of giving industries of the Colony. Experience in the difficult times through which collection branch of the Treasury, und
A substantial evidence more than treble the work of the countenance to delay in payment of shows that there is always a correla-lit is passing.
would have been t like to pay promptly as in better Colony, though the two movements had been formulated for a reduction Shepherd Fennel's Dance (Gardiner), vision would be Increased iisprojde. † Arose not because property-owners do values and stocks values in this greatly appreciated if soine scheme
lmes, but because they are not in n may not synchronise. position to do so. Increased difficulty in the collection of a tax is evidence that the tax is being levied at a rate which is unduly high, and auruld therefore be lowered.
tionately (Hansard 1933, page 130). Mr. Breen went on to say (pago 131 of Hongking, Hansard 19:43) that to assess each floor separately, and con- vacuncies sequently to refund accur, would merely encourage land- lords to remove the occupants of a partially occupied floor and crowd iho remaining ours.
да
it
ADVANTAGE to business. Rent charges form a considerable proportion of the coats of many of our
Dvorak).
The B.B.C. Symphony Orchestró conducted by Adrian Boult (a) No, 19 in D Minor; (b) No. 20 in D Minor: (C) No. 21 in E Minor, Steeping Beauty-Panorama (Tchal-
kovsky).
Royal Opera Orchestra, Covent Garden.
in the high cost of the Colony's ad-. Royal Opera Orchestra, Covent ministration. This was one of the
Garden. ratepayers' legitimate, if faint, hopes, Concert Waltz in A (Glazounov).. before the appearance of the Eat-Witches Dance (La Tregenia), from mates. That hapo has been un- “Le Villi" (Puccini). fortunately blasted and the Colony's The R.B.C. Wireless Symphony,
Orchestra conducted by Percy Pilt. 7.30.8 p.m. From the Studio.
J
A Jazz Piano recital by Doreen Ma.
Programme.
Whispering.
Improvisation (by Lee Sims). When Suramer is gone.
Melody in F.
5 All I do is Dream of you,
6 Caprice Futuristic.
Weather
7 Emaline.
Local Time and 8 p.m. Report.
8.03-10.10 p.m. Chinese Studio Con- 9.30 p.m. Reuler Press Bulletins, Stock and Commodity Quotations.
for
cert.
I have heard it said, time and again,small businessce, A small reduction Inhabitants are left in the predicn- that Hongkong is lightly taxed int in this Item of his coats may n enn all comparison with other places. I do the difference to a small tradesman ment of having to work out their own not agree with this view. In the when he Hesitating whether it is salvation. AN INCONSISTENCY.
Ununily well-informed concerning nction affecting the Colony I do not think that to change the special conditions of Hongkong, with worth while to carry e. Property-
banks, system would necessitate the heavy a large migratory population, a com-wners who at present and it difelt, the augmentation to staff feared the parison of tax-burdens per head is naif not impossible, to make concessin generally taken by the big Treasury; but even if it would. I sub-gulde to policy. A maintenance of of this kind, would be enable to do so, the large commercial houses anil in in Hongkong. mit that it should not stand in the tax-burdens beyond the amount exped-with a lighter Assessment Tax tar-dustrial undertakings way of the change. It is important toient in view of our peculiar conditions, dens, and would find it in their interest Government could not have failed to to pa on part of the relief obtained, become acquainted with the measures. bear its mind that the system Iul. Would mean, in Hongkong's case, a vocato is already been applied in dss of population and an ultimate loss The rate of mortality among small adopted by these various institutions,
of reventie.
businesses, involving in the muss nulmast without exception, to cope with diflculties besetting Hongkong It seems to me that the time hos serious loss to the Colony, would then the the ease of what are called "European-
through this prolonged trade depres- style houses". Why should there be this inconsistency as between Europ-now come, it is not already overdue, be checked.
With the return of confidence audion. A choice of two evils presented eat-style and Chinese-style houses when a strong stimulus to a revival of If it be no more than justice in the conflence and prosperity is needed, hope created by Governmental action itself alternatively in proposals
fcuts in salaries or reduction in the care of the former that each for and that such a stimulus end ist he promising such a sulistantlal measure personnel of the staff. The less harm- London 1 p.m.
provided by the reduction I now pro- of relief, with the assurance that
Government was not adopting the ful of the two coursen was chosen. pore.
Jaissez-faire policy of leaving recovery to find its own way, hoarded money It may be considered by some that change bands; credit would ex
would come out: property would once Moreover, the present method of lowering of the Assessment Tax Bracakracht of Chinese-style has would benefit only an interested wee paas confidence expands: existing tained; and so an all-round improve must, in its results, be an added faction of the public, I dissent frum this is undertakings wat be main The structure ment may be expected. effects it may produce can be simply wrong conception of what the care of the present-day gronomle system is tor in the present depression. The view which, no doubt, is based on o illustrated, Take a three-storey Chinment Tax means in the public finance Auch that its various parts are Inter- the house. Ench ilcor may be let for Calend. This in the chic dependent, a favourable movement in
monthly rent of $50. The owner/ode of direct Luxation for Hongkong any one quarter being generally re-adapt o due sense of proportion
such. It may very commonly occupy one foot and must be recognised. ns
quarters, so that the amelioration be. himself, and he dependent for his provides the main contribution to adflected in similar movements in other
comes cumulative. livelihood on the rents received from ministrative costs from the income of the remaining two floors, subject, of the community. Its incidence is not course, to payment out of such rents be considered as determined by the for-Crown rent, Rates, insurance and aible process of its collection. Like repairs. If one of the floors is vacant,
should be assessed separately. follows that the denial of this con- cession to the latter must mean in- Justice, anul cannot be defended an any valid principle.
tone-
WRONG CONCEPTION.
the Income Tax in Great Britain, it
(Continued on Page 11.)
In these times of uncertainty and
10.30 p.m. Reuter Press Bulletins, Rugby fid-day Press News, further London Stock and Community Quota tions, followed by New York Opening Quot to
10,10 p.m. Close Down. 8.30-10.m. European Recorded Programme from Z.E.K. on a Tre- quency of 610 k.c's.
8.30-8.52 p.m. Carnival of the Animais (Saint-Saeus).
Leopold Stokowski and the
Philadelphia Symphony Or
chestra.
1 Introduction and Nayal March of the Lion; 2. Hens und Czeks; 3 Mules: Tortoises; o The Elephant; 6 Kanga roos; 7 Aquariums: 8 Personages with long cars; Cuckoo in the woods; 10
conviction that the suggested measures existing sources of revenue, that it would result in increases in many would be a policy involving no resi danger to the Colony's reserves. doubts there is greater need for uste
We may be in more danger of neglect | between the present and the future. ing the present for the future's sake than leaving the future little to USE OF SURPLUS.
itself for the sake of toy. The interests of the present should not be Now, how is the loss in revenge to under-estimated; they are, in a sense, he receives in rent only $50 a month. is the principal medium whereby be made up, if the two proposals were the interest of the future also, for a Birds; 11 Fossils; 12 The Swan; 13 but has to pay 17 per cent on the taxation in austed to governmental carried into effect? Happily, this is bright future cannot be built upon a Pinnists; 14 Finale.
reds. When considerable increase of not a case in which an unbalanced foundation of coutured and increasing 8.52-9.15 p.m. Concerta No. 1 in B
normal Badget entails an increase in public depression in the prescat. combined rental of the whole
revenue is required, the
flat minor for Pianoforte and Orches- this ment, namely, $160. Aild to
re-indeltedness. The increased deficit
Many to-day are disheartened, and tra played by Solomon and the Hallo charge the other disbursements menthol is to raise it when a tioned, and It is clear that his income mission of the burden of taxation is could, and should, I submit, he met out for that they cannot be binmed. But Orchestra conducted by Sir Hamilton may be reduced to a sturvation point, called for in the luterests of the com- of the Colony's 'reserve. The surplus the pity of it is that our pessimists, Harty. 1 know of a ease in which two floors units, the lowering of this tax is of the Colony, it is true, is alreads the absence of positive action by being substantially drawn upon to the Government, have Kone about became vacant, and the third was the rutural medium of relief.
balance the Budget for ; but that There may exist in some quarters à accupied by the owner himself. If a
depressing Influence is to be deplored, mortgage also exists, as it does in dubt that a reduction of the Assess very fact makes it clear that the founding the knell of the Colony, This
these hard times, the meat Tax by 4 per cent, would have Government is not averse to an many cases position is still worse, and the owner material influence an our economic croachment on its surplus to enable for it has already produced, through situation, in view the disparity be it to balance a Budget in difcuit the working of mass psychology, disastrous results. Our present may be forced by the mortgagee to tween this comparatively small per times. If, as I have endeavoured to nell cut at a ruinous price.
To give another illustration. Acentage and the very large percentage show, the suggested.remission is ex-troubles are in no smal measure dueleming
stimulus to the to paychological influences induced by common type of such three-storey of fail which has taken place in pr-pected to net is
length of saying that the present tenement-houses is one in which the perty values. But a mathematicnt Colony's business and economic out-such talks. I would even go to the ground foor is used as a shop. in comparison of percentages is here no look, then the policy of drawing this case the rents, when all parts are true criterion. Psychological factors, our surplus to meet this particular depression is due as much to psycholu the deficit would be all the more justi-gical furces as to economie.. If not occupied, may be $100 for the ground-induced by uncertainty
absence of ameliorative netion will fiable, since it would be done for the more. This bangful influence must be floor, and $40 for each of the drive valuta down far below the level purpose of pursuing, not a merely vigorously combated, and I can see upper Baors. If, through sickness of,
adoption of nieasurer that would trade, a condition too con.mon today, justified by the true economic siton-negative policy, but a positively no better way of doing it than the
restore public confidence, the ground floor is unoccupied, then, People simply will not bug n medint ecurse of netion.
however attractive price--not be-
This further depletion of the whole-tenement system of assessment is a proportionately heavier ardea Colony's surplus balances would not
and
upon the owner, and correspondingly / cause the property offered is not be so serious as necessarily to deter anore disastrous in its results up livelihood.
ASSESSMENT BY FLOORS.
BOLD POLICY NEEDED.
1st Movement-Allegro non troppo
e molto maestos?,
2nd
plice,
3rd
H
4
---Andantino sem-
-Allegro. con fucco. 9.15-9.30 p.m. A Recital by Percy
(Baritone).
(a) Jock the Fiddler; (b) The
Ballad-Monger; (Easthope Martin).
.2 (n) Fairings; (b) Come to tho
Fair (Easthope-Martin).
3
4
Hatfield Bells (Ensthope
Martin).
Crown of the Year (East-
hope-Martin),
9.30 p.m. Reuter Press Bulletins, London p.m. Stock and Commodity Quotations.
9.35-10 p.m. Musical Comedy. Vocu! Gems-Helen (Offenbach).
Columbin Light Opera Company Selection-Words and Music.
Debroy Somers Bond. Vocal Goms-The Cat and the Fiddle
(Kern).
Light Opera Company. 10 p.m. Close Down
so uncertain about the future., A Government from adopting the course I would therefore must earnestly ask moderate stimulus, removing or allay which I have urged. Some years ago Your Excellency
to give my two ing this feeling of uncertainty, will do it was clically announced that proposals your early and sympathetic much more to restore value than a reserve of about $10,000,000 war con- consideration. They are admittedly mere minthematical computation would scored nivisable by both the Govern- palliative rather than curative, and I believe, therefore, that the nases fend us to anticipate. No one would ment and the Secretary of State for one, at least, is put forward as a Colonies ILM provision for teniporary measure. I know that the ment of Chinese tenement-houses by argue that, the effect of lowering the the
which would British Income Tax by sixpence could rainy day, so to speak. But even firmares and the trade of the Colony Roers, is a measure amenorate the situation by lifting wars reckoned as stimulating trade and if what I have advocated meant a re- will never quite recover their former
a indurtry just to the extent of 219 per Burtion of the surplus for a time position unless world economic condì-- of the burden now resting upin large section of the people, and by cent. The effect, largely
Reting well below this figure, it would stitions have improved, and unless the DAVENTRY PROGRAMMES. some degree the pur- through psychological forces, has been he, in my view, a proper use of the tarift wall in China, especially in the restoring in
which business for greater, as we nit know,
Hippodrome Theatre Relay. chasing power an
From Coventry. activity so largely depends. The concession, in my view, would not in- of overcrowding. trense the risk There would be no ducement to wards. overcrowding of #oors sy
This
REAL ESTATE GAME.
reserve,
THE "RAINY DAY.”
But even the finaivial effect of a It is idle to set aside reserves for
Kwangtung Province. is lowered. But
I feel, none the less strongly, that the nakures Ruggested are essential, if the present already serious condition
Daventry marammed will be rondenst
TRANSMISSION. 2.
Two of the following frequencies and water
CSC
Announcements
7 p.m. Time Blunat from Me Den. Briney Gustard at the Organ of the Gaumont Cinema. Chester. 7.45 p.m. The Coventry Hippodrome de
theatre, conducted by Charles Shadwell, relayed from tha Hippodrome Theatre, Coventry. A recital of new gramophonie re- B Dim.
curls by Christopher Blon -4.10 p.m. The Scottish Audio Orchestra, directed by Guy Daines; Kathleen Hay (soprano), from an Edin burgh Bludio;
TRANSMISSION
Two of the following frequentler and ware- length will be used, almalianeously, bai, the wavelengths, may be
In the seam
4 per cent. reduction on the economie "rainy day, and then to define that is not to become still worse: if public to-night as follow
confidence is to be restored; and if a more than there is with the present life of the community would be very term in such a way that not even he yelurn to better times is lo bo hasten length will be used almulianéonal. but the
considerable. Taking the total rate most disastrous ecnomic depression system towards overcrowding of
able value at $38,911,000, the reduc-in our history enukl be so called. The ed. Even if the results of the pro-wavelengils may be changed in the course houses. At any rate, the matter can tion would mean that the property-
will be made at frequent intervals
Call Bizn Frequency Werelength ensily be regulated by law.
never has it passed through a period should be tried an experiments. The
OSH 21.420 k.. 13,97 tres The existing extraordinary and unprece It is computed that the suggestion, owners burden is lightened by about Colony has had its ups and downs, but posed measures are uncertain, they of each day's transmisiana.
of auch. a depression X TÓW.
17,700 k.c. 14.84 metzen if adopted, would invelve a loss $1,550,000. This figure represents t
por cent. yield on a total of $25,000,-, economic hurricans which has struck dented circumstances call for a bold
15,140 k..
19.82 metreR 11,965 k..
26.23 metres cou. In other words, there would he us is of unprecedented violence. und policy, even if that policy is not ex- revenue of about 3680,000.
GSE yield the desiral
11.750 k.e. £5.53 meires figure has been arrived at in this a capital appreciation of real estate we may hope that never again will the pected by some t way: The vacant floors of Chinese values in the Colony to the extent of Colony suffer such an unhappy deluge. result. We must try, and try agala, tenement houses are estimated to re 525,000,000.
If the present is not the time to make until we succeed. Passive acquiescen present roughly 10 per cent, of all the
On the same computation. the the best use of this surplus, when is ce in a situation avalls us nothing. rate-paying lildings in the Colony.
Ing will be achieved. According to the report of the Asses estimated decrease of $800,000 in the time? I say that now is the time Unless something is attempted, noth- sur, for 1983-84, the total valuation of Rates from the change in the method to do so and to do it baldly.
In 1925, when the economic life of kn ap But I am confident that the Colony's the Colony is $38,941,273. Calculat of assessinent would mean
preciation in real estate values of over reserves would rot, by these two re- the Colony was threatened by outside ed on the above basis of 10 per cent,
$10,000,000.
medial measures, be drawn below the machinations, and when money was the decrease the total valuation is
Thus, if the second and third sug-margin of safety, but would rather, hoarded through panle, the Govern $3,804,127, and the consequential loss to revenue, being 17 per cent. on the Festions made in my second memoran through their ameliorative effect on ment in spite of opusaltion and doubts dum were adapted, property values in business, and consequently on re from many influentini quarters in the latter gure, is about $660,000.
the Colony would at once appreciate venue, bo found ultimately to be in the Colony, prevented a financial break! shall later on offer suggestion for by the enormous figure of $36,000,000, neighbourhood of the lion. Coluntat down and so saved the situation by meeting this adilitional deficit.
and the repercussion on the economie Treasurer's own estimated figure for deciding, within one single day, situation could not but be considerable, the end of 1936. This vlow s make to the public a trade loan of will be made at freament Intervals REDUCTION PLAN.
On the other hazul, the adoption of strengthened by past experience of the $30,000,000. To-day the Colony is In regard to my third and most im the two proposals would mean a results of a conservative exchange passing through an oven greater portant recommendation-a reduction aacrifice of revenous to the amount of rate being taken in framing the crisis, and it is to be hoped, as it is in Asserbed Taxes by 4 per coat-1 about $2,200,000. This sum is made Estimates. I see the wisdom in the bellevest, that it will be extricated may remind Your Excellency that up, of $1,550,000 (being 4% of $48,- adoptiori of the rate of 1/4d as the from its more plight by similar quali- when this percentage was added in 241,000), and $650,000 (being estimmt Lasis for the 1935 Estimates, and feel ties of courage and statesmanship. 1930, strong protests were raised by ed loss entailed by the new method of confident that by the end of that your From Your Excellency, the Chinese community. At a meet ABACARient). This is admittedly Aur position from this cause will be the Hon. Colonial Secretary who has
bo much better that administered the Government on ing of this Council held on the 20th considerable num. and would further found to
the gap between anticipated.
many occasions with Kuch ability and Octobor, 1030, when the Budget for greatly widen the ensuing year was under considera extinintel revenue and expenditure. In his romneks on the surplus success, wo, may look for thiess tion, I stated that the proposed in Nevertheless, I urgo my suggestions halances of the Colony, the Hon. qualities. Your Excellency's single- eroso. had caused. great concern on the Government without hesitation Colonial Secretary referred. to the minded devotion to the welfare of the among the Chinese, and that re- and with a full senso of my respon- necessity for maintaining there baian community is known to all, and it is presentations had been made to the sibility, for it is my firm conviction ces at a high gure pwing to heavy a matter for congratulation to our-i Chinese members of the Leglalalive that in their adoption will be found one commitments not yet completed. At tolves that during these most dificult Council by public bodies as well as effective means of improving the the same time, however, he referred times our public affairs should have by Individuals urging that the rato present situation,
to certain sources of revenue still been presided over by an administrator should remain at 13 per cent.. I also One of the chief indices of the depth untapped, from which future replenish with so sure a grasp of our needs, and said that the opinion had been ex- of the economic depression is found in nient of our balances may be expected, so great a readinions to foster and
the property values which have I conclude from this, and from the promote our interests. pressed that in vlow of the bad fimos,
"
48
to of auch duy's Aranomiasiens. Announcements Call Blen Frequency Wavelength
from
B0
090
****
CSE
690
17,390 k.. 16,66 ‹ matres 152180 ko." 1983 · betres 11.166 Ke. 25.78 25.63 31,160
lowtran *.*. 31.80 maires
matred
(Coutinted on Page 10.)
It's Spicy!
POWELL
KAY
FRANCIS:
JEWEL ROBBERY
SUNDAY ALHAMBRA
IN OUR WINDOWS
THIS WEEK
we are showing three kinds
of light weight dress shirts,-
each one suitable for the
present humid weather, "cach
one undoubtedly correct.
A soft pique fronted shirt with two soft collars, to match, as now being worn at the Ambassadors Club, London.
་
A shirt with soft marcelin or pique front and cuffs with a light weight body.
A stiff fronted shirt of extra light weight, most gullable
for mess wear or the more formal 'tween season
functions.
MACKINTOSH'S
MEN'S WEAR SPECIALISTS.
The Damage Done by
Moth is Woll Known
Why not arrest further damage by having your Carpets vacuum cleaned and stored at a very moderate charge
by
Arts & Crafts Ltd..
CARPET CLEANERS & STORERS
4A, Des Voeux Road, Central.
Telephone 24173.
COLLECTION & DELIVERY FREE.
OPTIMISM
and high spirits, should never be disturbed
by kidney troubles which are a constant danger in this climate.
Take 6'HELM ITO
TABLETS
at the first symptoms. They effect a thorough Internal cleansing of the organism.
"HELMITOL'
taken in water and sweet- ened to taste is a palatable.
and refreshing beverage.
HELMITOL'
is a "Boger« product.