HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
205
THE HON. MR. J. J. PATERSON.-Sir, My Hon. friend, Mr. Mackie, has dealt very fully with shipping, and I have really nothing to added to his speech except to say that I agree with it. Shipping, especially coast shipping, is going through a very serious time and a great deal of money has been lost lately--and we continue to lose money. I am very nervous of the future of shipping, and I therefore hope that if any reduction is possible it will be made. It could be said, of course, that the present taxation does not amount to a very great sum; that it is merely a straw; yet it was a straw that broke the camel's back. (Applause).
THE HON. MR. R. H. KOTEWALL.-Sir, It is my privilege to present the views of the Chinese members of this Council on the Budget.
Assessed Taxes.
The most important problem which engages the attention of the Council at this moment is how to find money to meet the increas- ed expenditure for the coming year. The Government has proposed the imposition of fresh taxation in certain forms, among which is an increase of four per cent. in the Assessed Taxes, which it is estimated, will yield an additional $1,415,000.
This particular impost has caused grave concern among the Chinese who constitute about 95% of the tax-payers. Representa- tions have been made to the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce and to us by public bodies as well as by individuals, urging us to request the Government not to increase this item of revenue.
Alternative Taxation.
On the 13th of this month, a very largely attended meeting of the General Committee of the Chinese General Chamber of Com- merce was held, when the matter was discussed at great length, and the opinion was expressed that in view of the bad times, when cost of living is verg high and the volume of trade abnormally low, any increase in the Rates would have an immediate reaction on the prosperity of the Colony. Means of raising revenue other than an increase in the Rates were suggested, such as the taxing of race sweepstakes, the taxing of luxuries including jewellery and other articles of personal adornment, the letting out of the ferry and bus services to public tender, the creation of a monopoly in pawnshops, the taxing of electricity and gas, and the increasing of the price of prepared opium sold by the Government.
A resolution embodying the first three suggestions was un- animously carried, as was a resolution expressing the opinion of the Chamber that the amount now payable for Military Contribution is excessive, and that representations should be made to the Secretary of State for the Colonies with a view to having the percentage reduced.
60