47
for military contribution, and that the averages
mentioned above might therefore be regarded as
being too high to be taken as the basis for a new
method of assessment. Nevertheless, he would
personally be prepared to consider a 12% basis if
by that means a permanent settlement could be
obtained. At 12% of the annual valuation the
figures for military contribution for 1925/9 would
have been as follows:-
1925
1926
:
$2,768,494.
1927
1928
1929
:
:
3,410,983.
...
3,499,779.
3,627,055.
3,799,431.
In sending these proposals to the War
Office, the Secretary of State said that he
12/1/2/% considered that the proposed new basis of 12% on
the annual valuation made during the preceding
year, while yielding approximately the same amount,
would be much more convenient in that it would
enable the Government of Hong Kong to know its
liability a year in advance and also to avoid
continual disputes as to what constituted revenue.
He added that the amount of the contri bu tion would
grow automatically with the growth of the wealth
of the Colony. If, however, the new basis was not.
acceptable to the War Office, it would be necessary
to take up the various claims to relief under the
existing system.
if all
The Hong Kong Government estimated that
before the deductions claimed under the existing
method of assessment had been made, the military
contribution for 1926 and for 1927 would have been
$2,367,584.