547
1892, the valuation of the furniture on which 5% was due, was returned at $5324, I asked that copies of the two inventories might be furnished to me. In reply a copy
valne was sent me
of the inventory showing the smaller
with a minute to the effect that there was no old list but a precis of the old valuation was forwarded (copy enclosed)
In allowing the list to be sent to me, His Excellency desired that it should be pointed out to me that formerly
he had been paying on some of the public furniture.
&C.1
On looking into the inventory on which it had been decided that His Excellency should pay interest,
I found it included the boudoir, one bedroom with dressing
room, bathrooms, &c, attached, and a reasonable quantity
of table and bed linen, crockery, cutlery, glass, kitchen
utensils,
at Government House and apparently the
whole of the furniture in use at "Craigieburn", I raised
the question as to whether persentage should not be paid
on the furniture in the schoolroom and in the bedrooms
occupied by the children and staff, and is Excellency
has given a decision that it should not be charged on the
furniture in the rooms occupied by the staff.
Colonial Office Regulation No 284 exempts
the furniture in the "Offices" used by the Private Secretay
and Aide-de-Camp, but not that in the bedrooms, and I have
the honour to ask for your instructions as to whether I am
to take any further action in the matter.
The regulation is not very clearly worded
and it might save trouble in the future, not only as
regards Hong Kong, but also as regards other Colonies, if
the Secretary of State would lay down more clearly on what
furniture the percentage should be charged.
I have &c., (signed) Hilgrove C.Nicolle.