48
apart for defence purposes had, from change
of circumstances, or from an altered
scheme of defence, ceased to answer the purposes
for which they were set apart, and were, in
consequence, surrendered by the Military
Authorities, their value was to be treated
as forming a capital applicable, either
immediately or from time to time, so far
as it would extend, to providing other lands or
buildings which might be required in the
Colony for such purposes.
Hong Kong alone of the Dependencies
Pays a contribution fixed on a percentage
of assessable revenue of the extent of 20
although a similar system was in
Operation until recently in the Straits
Settlements, when, by agreement between
His Majesty's Government and the Legislative
Council of that Colony, a fixed annual sum
Was substituted.
It must be appreciated that the
Hong Kong Defence Contribution is appropriated
by