68
Colony, and it was anticipated by the departments concerned
that a revenue of some six lakhs would be derived from this
source, while Honourable Mr. E. A. Hewett, Chairman of the
Hongkong General Chamber of Commerce. suggested in the debate
in Council that the sum would probably be over a million. I am
however informed by the Superintendent of Imports and Exports
that the net revenue during 1910 was only 8323,468 (exclusive
of Military Contribution). In these circumstances the net
estimate for the present year (8664,500) will (unless the
duties are increased) no doubt prove to be excessive.
you 19816lay
3.
I am therefore compelled to take
into serious consideration such means as may recommend them-
-selves for restoring the financial equilibrium. On this
subject I shall address you later, but I have alluded to it
here in order to emphasize the necessity which this Govern-
-ment is under of availing itself of the ordinary and legiti-
-mate revenue which should accrue from the Telegraph Service.
In my opinion (as stated in paragraph
4.
-
4 of my Despatch of 12th. May, 1909) an opinion to which
Lord Crewe made no dissent the Government of this Colony
should construct and operate the whole line (inluding the
cable