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Para. 1. of the Chinese ratepayers, how many are Naturalised British subjects?
Para. 2. I have, on many occasions, protested against the practice, common in Crown Colonies of levying payment for all services, such as water, lighting and the like, in one common rate or tax. Each municipal service should stand for itself.
Para. 3. The drought of 1901-2 was undoubtedly exceptionally severe, but it is to be remembered that water-supply has been more or less inadequate, ever since the construction of the Tai Tam works. Only during one, or at most two seasons, has it proved possible to maintain the constant supply, throughout any one year. The water-year referred to in such cases may be taken to commence and end with the monsoon. The necessity for preventing waste and controlling consumption is proved.
Para. 4. The proposed Ordinance makes alterations prejudicial to the interests of the Chinese population as follows:-
(*) Enforced use of meters. Paragraph 13 of Ordinance prescribes that water supplied through any service (presumably to dwelling houses) shall be measured by a meter. This is a return to the system, originally proposed in 1892, which was objected to by the Unofficial members of the Legislative Council, as already stated. I maintain that the meter system is the only system of rating, which is thoroughly efficient and equitable. In the interests of Public Health, it is essential that a reasonable daily quantum of water should be...
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