No. 233.
Hongkong.
April
9th.
Government House
C. O.
26303
Hongkong, 30th May, 1902.
(Received 3 JUL 02)
264
I have the honour to inform you that at the suggestion of the Colonial Treasurer, I have issued an Order in Council under the Rating Ordinance, 1901, fixing the minimum value of rateable tenements at $20 per annum from the 1st July next. I enclose a copy of a letter in which the Treasurer made the proposal in question, from which it will be seen that the change will only cause a loss to the Treasury of $1,273 per annum and will be of benefit to the poorest classes of the community. It will also diminish clerical labour in the Treasury and reduce the difficulties hitherto met with in the collection of rates.
2.
I shall be glad to learn whether the action which I have taken meets with your approval.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient
Humble servant,
Matthew Gascoigne
Major-General,
Administering the Government.
THE RIGHT HONOURABLE
JOSEPH CHAMBERLAIN, M.P.,
&c. &c. &c.