1
D
t
145
251257
principal increases, of which explanations will be found in the foot-notes, occur. in the items Assessed Taxes, $233,200; Boat Licences, $51,500; Carriage, Chairs, &c. Licences, 86,500; Liquo Licences, $28,000; Opium Konopoly, 81,426,800; Pawnbrokers' Licences, 87,000; Engagement and Discharge of Seamen, 28,500; Fees for use of Government Buoys (new item), $22,500; Public Schools Fees, $24,000; Sunday Cargo Working Permits, $5,000; Water Excess Supply and Leter Rent, $15,000; Coaching Through Traffic, Kowloon-Canton Railway, $76,000; Miscellaneous, Kowloon- Canton Railway, 87,000; Leased Lands (Crown Rent), 87,000;
睿
Markets Rent, $10,000; and Widows and Orphans' PensionsContri- butions, 11,600.
6.
The large increase in revenue derived from the Opium Monopoly has been due to the retail price of the drug hav- ing been raised in order to prevent angeling. In accordance with the instructions contained in your despatch No.173 of 10th July, 1914, I have included in Appendix II to the Estimates for 1915 a sum of 3089,675 as the total expenses to be deducted from the Opium Monopoly receipts for purposes of calculation of the Defence Contribution. The statement on page 124 of the Estimates shows in detail how these figures are arrived at.
The foot-notes and Appendix III to the Estimates of Expenditure explain every item of an unusual nature comprised therein as well as the differences under sub-heads.
7.
8.
Sterling expenditure other than 80% of salaries hes, on the advice of the Treasurer after consultation with the Chief Manager of the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking, Corporation, been calculated at ls.10d. to the dollar.
9.
Additions to the establishment of the Colony which have been included in the Estimates in anticipation of
your approval are as follows:·
Governor:-
Allowance to Inspector of Stores, Public Worke