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No. 2.
Sir,
Copy of Despatch from Governor Sir H. Robinson to Sir F. Rogers.
London,
21st May 1863.
I have to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch dated the 25th ultimo, in which you inform me that the Duke of Newcastle is of opinion that it is not to be expected that a rich and flourishing colony like Hong Kong should any longer be allowed an immunity from such a contribution towards the support of the troops stationed there as it may justly be called upon to bear; and that His Grace has fixed that contribution at 20,0001. per annum for the next five years; but that before taking any action in the matter, he would wish to be furnished with any remarks which I may have to make.
2. The question appears to me to resolve itself into two considerations-
(1.) The ability of the colony to meet any such charge as that
proposed; and
(2.) The justice of calling upon it to do so.
3. I observe that the ability of the colony to defray a portion of the military expenditure on account of the troops stationed there is based in your letter upon the assumptions that a surplus revenue ranging between 30,000l. and 40,0001. may be reckoned upon in future years, which would leave, after payment of the contribution proposed, a sum of 15,000l. or 20,000l. per annum available for works of public utility, besides the balance in hand which is estimated by you as likely to be on the 31st December next 90,0001.
4. I am afraid these calculations are altogether fallacious. The permanent revenue of the colony at present, excluding the item of premium on land sales, can only be reckoned at about 105,0007.
In 1859 the permanent revenue was And premiums
£
63,732
1,493
Making a total of
•
65,225
In 1860: Permanent revenue Premiums
+
Total..
::
:
75,069 19,113
94,182
In 1861: Permanent revenue Premiums
88,381
38,860
Total..
127,241
In 1862: Permanent revenue
Premiums
101,929
29,583
Total
131,512
For the current year the revenue is estimated at—
(366)
Permanent revenue.
Premiums
Total..
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103,000
15,000
118,000
E
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