176
customs proposals. Total estimated effect Rs.1,230,000 by retrench- ments and salary cuts and Rs.300,000 from customs. Abstaining from other new taxation proposals until informed how far Govern- ment is prepared to reduce expenditure.
Above proposals are being examined by Executive Council and further observations will follow. Proposals for increased customs duties have already been made by Government covering greater part of articles suggested. Rules for levying excise duties on local wine at a lower rate than proposed by Members are also in the course of preparation.
C. 93938/32 [No. 3].
No. 63.
Despatch from the Secretary of State for the Colonies to the Governor of Mauritius.
177
3. With regard to the Section relating to Magistrates, I share your opinion that it would be desirable for the entire control of the Magistracy to be vested in the Supreme Court, and I should be glad if you would communicate further on this matter after discussion with the Chief Justice.
4. I have not at present the advantage of knowing what your recommendation is on the Commissioners proposal to abolish one of the posts of Magistrate, and other appointments, which they estimate to produce a saving of Rs. 65,664, but I should be glad to be informed of your views on this matter in due course.
I have, &c.,
P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER.
159
(Confidential.)
SIR,
DOWNING STREET,
C. 93921/32 [No. 49].
13th April, 1932.
No. 64.
I have the honour to refer to your Confidential despatch of the 17th of November, 1931, and to express my general approval of the recommendations of the Financial Commissioners with regard to Law and Police outlined in Chapter 3 of the Report of the Commission.
2. The improvement of the Police Force would appear to be a matter of administration to be undertaken gradually. It depends partly on the appointment of an additional number of European commissioned officers. Several such appointments are now being made, and it is hoped that the Police will show a gradual improve- ment. At the same time, it seems to me very desirable, though I do not suggest that you should make any public announcement on the subject, that the importance of improving the efficiency of the Police Force, and if necessary of making some improvement in the conditions of service of officers and men, should be borne constantly in mind. It does not appear to me that the wide distribution of the Police Force in very small detachments about the island can be conducive to efficiency. You might consider, not only as a measure of economy, the abolition of some of the smaller Police Stations and the concentration of the Force in larger units which can be more efficiently cont plled and trained. I agree that the title ** Sub-Inspector" should be retained instead of ** Second Class Inspector as proposed by the Commissioners.
* No. 40.
Telegram from the Governor of Mauritius to the Secretary of State for the Colonies.
(Received 9.56 a.m., 18th April, 1932.)
[Answered by No. 66.]
18th April. No. 64. Confidential. My telegram No. 59. After careful review with the Executive Council we agree, forced to con- clusion, that occupying tax proposed. by Financial Commission is open to strongest objections. It is very unequal in its incidence and it is in our view impracticable to require township boards and municipalities to assume larger responsibility while withdrawing Government subvention and at the same time encroaching so heavily Insistence of this source must on their principal taxable resources. probably involve the Government assuming these functions which Executive we are not in a position to do without special new staff. Council therefore recommended that this tax should be dropped but think that the present house tax in extra urban areas might be increased on houses of higher values; and part of subvention to township and district boards withdrawn saving about Rs. 130,000. Township boards could then increase rates to make up deficit. Position of Port Louis municipality is still under consideration.
* No. 62.
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