477
467
the
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As
a
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such
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measure
4. If
you think it expedient to raise revenue, a duty on spirits would be open to serious objection. Besides bearing no proportion to the amount of spirits sold in the Colony, it appears to me that such a tax would practically harm. The effect of differential duty on spirits made in the Colony in favour of foreign spirits imported for home consumption is strong, as Hong Kong is a free port.
The most suitable means of raising revenue would be by retailers' licenses, which might be fixed at a high rate consistent with the prevention of illicit sale.
I request you will take this point into your early consideration. The question of the consumption of inferior spirits is...
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