1930-06-20 — Page 10

10

MORE

TAXATION.

gratitude to the Committee of the! Association for their peal to Government.

the Colony generally, nor in view of the figures which I have al ready referred to.

nt the same conclusions?

(Continued from Page 9.)

Penalons.

Hon. Mr. R-G. Shewan, on pages

THE CHINA

Justification Pleaded.

MAIL.

Chineso

Not Even the Governor.

than

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seems to me that the Commission forms of taxation might well be evidently shared by the ondeavoured to deal with the pos-raised without there belog any Charaber of Commerce, for in reply Bibility of a greater variation in reasonable ground for complaints. to a letter from the Honourable the recommending that Government I appreciate, however, that Colonial Secretary Inviting an ex- should reserve the power to grant just at the moment it is undesir-presston of their views, they stated a high cost of living allowance. able to increase a form of taxa-that they had no observations or send up the representations to make on the As regards the basic sterling 'tion which may I regret that I do not quite fol low the hon. member's argument salaries recommended by the Com- necessary minimum cost of living. Commission's report; and in a sub- I can assure Your Excellency as regards pénalons. Ponstans are mittee, I am of the opinion that Bofore, therefore, officially consequent communication to the same that it would give me great plea- based on salary on a scheme which they are not higher than is justifi-sidering the question of raising quarter they expressed only the Having regard to the cost of the assessment rate, which might opinion, that, generally speaking, sure to approve without further is more or less uniform throughout ed.

eference the Commission's Re-the Colonial services, and any ro- living, similar salaries in Malaya well be deemed likely to Increase local employees were less generously port, were it possible, and were commendations as to salary heces appear to me to be higher, for, ronts all round, I considered and treated by the Commission there are discussed with my advisers other their sterling-paid colleagues. it in my opinion justified but In sarily have a reaction on pensions; though the salaries

? Public Dissatisfied. all honesty cannot see how it but the question of pensions was quoted in dollars, the fact that the sources. The question of impos-

and an amuse- If it be asked why, holding the is possible without inflicting annet specifically referred to the Com-dollar there is fixed gives them the ing a petrol tax intolerable hardship on trade and mission and it is not likely that effect of sterling rates. My ex ment tax had already been more view I do, I have through the Hox-

Hong Kong would be permitted to perience there showed that, with a or less accepted, though it will ourable Mr. Shenton signified to the 5. make any radical departure from lower rate of salary, the recruit-ret be possible to get the machin-Government my support to the the general principles on whichment of competent and suitable ery ready for the collection of the motion for the appointment of a How far my colleagues will ap: pensions are calculated throughout

officers was almost impossible, and latter this year. Postal rates are Committee to enquire into the re- those rates had to be raised in much below what I might call the commendations of the Salaries Com prove the manner in which I have the Colonial services. expressed my views I do not The hon. member assumes that order to ensure our getting the type Imperial rates, especially with mission, my answer is that I did so

of officer that was know, but on this we are at one the increases in 1919-20-21 were on I am convinced, after many years' figure that it stands at to-day. able member representing the Hong necessary. the dollar at anything like the because, according to the honour- mind that owing to entirely chang-ja generous scale. He admits he ed conditions since the Report has no evidence of this beyond the experience in a large civil service An increase in these rates is more Kong General Chamber of Com merce, the Commissionera admitted was presented a re-survey is ab- fact that to quote his words, in one of our Far Eastern colonies than justified. solutely necessary and essential. "generosity

I have, however, already stat- that they had not deemed it neces and protectorates, that it is abso- was the order of the lutely essential to maintain a high ed that I consider that these in- sary to consult outside employers, SA, Wyndham Street, Tel. 20022 ̧ Without again going over all day."

I deprecate most strongly standard of Government efffelency, creased rates of salary are a debt and had confined their investigations the figures will only remind this attempt to prejudice the minds More is involved than the mere by the Government to their off mainly to Government servants Your Excellency that in alt their of hon. members by assumptions carrying out of normal duties, and cers, which might have been dis- without due regard to the relation consideration and calculations the supported by so flimsy an excuse. Commissioners visualised the dol.

I quote from the speech of the the welfare of a Colony to allow therefore, that it is only reason side the Service. This being the it would be fatal, in my mind, to charged earlier, and I think, of their salaries to those paid out- lar no remaining in the region of about 2/-; they never contem-101 and 102 of the 1919 Hansard the standard to go down, owing to able to make up the remaining de-case, I considered that in a matter plated anything approaching 1/6 "There is only one matter which This is, the view of the Warren balances, which to-day stand at a involving as it would the raising of the payment of inadequate salaries. feit this year out of our available of such importance to the Colony (the figure to which temporary I really meant to refer to I had

Fisher Committee, referred to by very favourable figure of over ten a large sum of money by fresh taxa adjustments have already been the honour to sorve on the Civil

my honourable friend the Colonial, millions.

tion, the Public would be better sat- granted to sterling aalaried | Servants' Salary Commission and I

Secretary.

By the adoption of the afore-iefed if the recommendations of people), how much more then is was rather surprised when I return-

Baid additions to taxation, we the Commission were carefully re- It necessary to review the wholood to the Colony to find that no

I understand that it is the have been enabled to defer any viewed by a Committee which in matter with the dollar at 1/3.omeial announcement had been opinion of many unofficials, both in increase in the assessment rate, cluded representatives of the large Will it for one moment be con-made on that subject.

As to tended that had the Commission pur recommendations I think I may this Council and "out of it, that I must, however, confirm what the employers of labour, who had not an

there is justification for raising the Honourable been called upon to consider thesay without revealing any secrets salaries of a certain number of has already stated,

Colonial Secretary opportunity of expressing their

that it may vlows before the Commission arriv-{" matter on the. basis of these that we approach the matter deter Government officers, but that there be taken as certain that it will 'ed at its conclusion. figures they would

have arrived mined not to lay ourselves. open is some demur to an all-round rise. be necessary. to increase those Before deciding upon the amend- It is to any charges of extravagance. I submit that, once it is granted rates in connection with thement which I have just moved. I had for this reason above all others. We meant to be as economical and that the salaries of a number of 1931 estimates, having due regard gone into the subject with great that I most earnestly beg Your conservative of the Colony's money these officers might justifiably be to the needs Excellency to give effect to the

of the Colony gen-care, and had obtained from the as we could possibly be, but I am raised, it is sufficient admission of erally.

Honourable the Colonial Secretary amendment. (Loud applause.) bound to say that on inquiry into the Justice of the Commission's

A Deprecation.

such figures and Information as the matter, we found that the caso recommendations generally. The MR. C. G. MACKIE SECONDS.

I strongly deprecate the augges-would assist "my investigations. I for the civil servants for the redress ordinary man in the street has not tien, which is on the face of it would like here to express my thanks of their grievance was overwhelm- had the same opportunity Seconding the Hon. Mr. Owenngly strong. They have suffered examining the

of somewhat misleading, that such to the Hon. Mr. E. R. Hallifax for relative duties increases of taxation are merely the facility be thus afforded me. Hughes, the Hon. Mr. C. Gordon long and silently and stoically from and responsibilities of Government introduced in order to pay Gov- The conclusion I have reached is Mackie said inter alia:-In support the fluctuations of exchange, from officers generally, as had the mem-ernment officers a higher rate of that, if the financial condition of of the amendment. proposed by the the high rent of houses and from bers of the Salaries Commission. salary. The payment of fair and the Colony warranted it without ex- hon. member representing the Hong the general increased cost of living Once, therefore, it has been admit- adequate salaries to his employees tailing fresh taxation and without Kong General Chamber of Com- in the Colony. We examined per-ted that there is justice in raising is one of the first, commitments drawing upon our surplus balances, merce, I, as chairman of the Cham-sonally every applicant and in no the salary of a number of Govern- of an employer, for a contented I would support the recommenda- ber, wish to endorse the arguments instance did we recommend any ex- ment officers, I think we are justi and adequate staff is an essential tions of the Commission, with the which he, and, through him, Mr.penditure or any increase that we fied in accepting the general risc part of any undertaking. I con-exclusion of the additional 15 per Shenton, have put fordward against did not think absolutely justified by recommended by a Commission, sider that it therefore comes be-cent. increase to the sterling. the adoption of the report of the facts.

It was a matter of bare who has carefully examined and fore, at all events, many other salaried-officers, and the extended; Salaries Commission. The prin- justice' and nothing more."

compared the duties of all officers. services and must be met either rent allowance to dollar-salaried off- cipal business, interests in the Colony

The Advantages.

As regards the officers on dollar by economy in other directions or cera. have clearly shown that the present

The hon. member refers to cer salaries, I think there can be very by an Increase in revenue. Iri salaries of both the sterling and

tain advantages enjoyed by Govern- little reasonable opposition raised view of the light incidence of In this matter of Government dollar paid officers compare favourment servants such as pensions, to the proposed increases. In their taxation in this Colony, I do not salaries generally, I find myself in ably with the salaries paid to em-

rent allow case, the fall in the dollar has consider it necessary or justifiable disagreement with those who con- ployees in commercial and industrial passages, housing or

All employers in the ances, preferential rates for medi-operated even more strongly than to reduce other services, and it is tend that the pay of Government conor have recognised that within cal service, continuity of employ in the case of sterling paid offers, necessary, therefore, to increase servants compares favourably with the last few years the cost of living ment, safety of employment and and I am of the opinion, therefore, our revenue, in order to enable that of men in private employment, Now that the recommendations put for us to carry out various services, having regard to certain advantages has increased and this has been protection against dismissal.

these preferential medical rates ward by the Commission should be including payment of salaries. which the former enjoy, such as allowed for in the present scale of have no practical bearing above the adopted,

FOOK WENG & CO. wages paid particularly to locally

lower grades,

I gather that there is a feeling That is the policy we are adopt-pensions, free passages, free quar-

ters or allowance in lieu thereof. THE ONE PRICE STORE engaged assistanta.

While, however, Government is and security of tenure. It is difficult, continuity and safety of employ that the raising by Government of The all round increase of 20 per ment and protection against anjust the salaries, more especially of its unable to support the resolution particularly in the higher ranks, to cent. to dollar paid employees re-dismissal, but I doubt if they

dollar paid employees, will have commended by the Salaries Commis- sion is, in the opinion of the busi-amount to much as compared with the effect of raising the salaries of proposed by the honourable repre- compare the two kinds of occupa the security enjoyed by any honest the employees of firms and other sentative of the Chamber of Com- tions. It must be remembered that ness interests in this Colony, quite hard working, offker in any of the prove the case remains to be seen!resolution regarding the appoint-precluded by Colonial Regulations has been suggested for the purpose they did not anticipate any subetan- undertakings. Whether this will merce, 7 may say at once that I while Government servants enjoy

am prepared to accept his second the privileges mentioned, they are and I hear that a "Kaifong" meeting recommendations, but unfortunately Large commercial firms. The Gov- ernment service cannot be con- but in any event I maintain that it ment of a retrenchment commit from engaging in business of what of registering the By the adoption of the report of pared with the small business em particular to pay its employees an

protest of the tlal decline in the rate, as is evid- tee. Although my short expéri-ever nature, and even from invest-whole Chinese community against enced in paragraph 7 of their report. the Salaries Commission,

s heavy ploying a small number of clerks equitable, salary and not be rigidly ence here hardly justifies me in ing in certain stocks in the Colony, any increase in the Assessment Tax Even Sir Cecil Clamenti, in para- burden would be thrown on

or assistants. It can only be com- tax-payers of this Colony and would pared with large firms employing bound to what it usually called the giving any definite opinion on the Security of tenure cannot compen or Rates, which is bound to coms graph 6 of his despatch to the be reflected by a still further in large staffa of varied character-

point, I cannot avoid the feeling sate for the chance of prosperity by before long if the Government mo Secretary of State for the Colonies that we are somewhat overloaded which the income of the head of a faon is carried.

at a recent a date as January 22, crease in the cost of living. and araong these it would rank

of personnel, and large firm, who corresponds more The Government is now asking the 1930, said that though by that time understand it is not proposed to probably as the largest. The hon. To turn to the other aspect, in the matter

namely, whether the present is a that further there is room for re-or less to the head of a Government Council to vote the large sum of the dollar had fallen introduce an increase in the rates member speaks as

an low as now, but this will be necessary in Government servants enjoyed my suitable time for giving effect to trenchment in other directions. department, can easily exceed that $1,628,917 to implement the recom 1/64d and had only slightly, re

Governor of the Colony.mendations of the Salaries Commis covered, he did not anticipate that the immediate future if the scale privileges he refers to, but which these proposals, I would point out propose, therefore, to appoint of the

such a committee at once, and Business men also, though they do sion this year. This sum fe increased it would fall as low as 176d, or that of salaries recommended, is brought of the large firms has not found it appointed as far back as October, earnestly hope that, as a result not generally get pensions, receive to nearly $2,000,000, if we take into it would remain at its level of that necessary to provide some form of 1928, and I gather from the of its investigations, it may be the benefit of the almost consideration, as we should, the time-1778. In paragraph 9 of the Any action of the Government pension or provident fund, some Colonial Secretary's speech that possible to effect material universal Provident Fund as well as $377,000 approved by the Finance same despatch Sir Cecil Clementi which tends to pince an additional form of medical aid, some scheme the unofficial members of this economies..

free quarters in many cases. I am Committee on April 10 1980, as a again said that he hardly believed hamper on trade at the present

in no way supporting the cause of temporary High Cost of Living the dollar "would remain at its al- time must be viewed with grave con tem of housing, for its employees? some amelioration was justifled in

the Government, as my amendment Allowance to sterling-paid em- most unprecedented depreciation." cera by all who are dependent on

In need not refer to the hon. view of the fall in the dollar. It the fature prosperity of Hong Kong. member's remarks on how the cost must, therefore, be inferred that,

proves: but I have thought it but ployees. A further $400,000 has yet

The Dollar Exchange, In moving another amendment, fair to express my personal view on to be taken into account since the With these remarks, I beg to of the scheme is to be met an even as long ago as that, there was the Hon. Dr. R. H. Kotewall, the subject-a view based on a Secretary of State for the Colonies the Commissioners been able to From this it would seem that had second the amendment proposed by have dealt with this very fully a feeling that the existing rates of C.M.G., said:

fairly long experience both as a has not acceded to the request of the Hon. Mr. Owen Hughes.. already. His conclusion leads him salary were inadequate. If that

Sir, I beg now to move, as an Civil servant and as a business man, Sir Cecil Clementi to waive the Hen. Mr. J. J. Paterson: I would to his amendment. As I have al- be proved, as in my opinion it has amendment, the following resolu- At any rate, I have no hesitation in Military Contribution of 20 per like to register my support to the ready said, Sir, this amounts been, then it might be urged that tion

saying that both those at the apex cent, on the revenue raised for this amendment, but as the case has been merely to further delay. No good the new rates, should have come "That the recommendations of of the Government Service and those purpose. The total amount involv very ably and fully dealt with, I do is likely to come of a further com- into force not later than January

the Salaries Commission as modi- at the base are Inadequately paid.ed, directly or indirectly, by the not propose to speak.

mittee on the report nor is any 1, 1929. It is proposed to give effect

fied by the Government be not Perhaps between these two extremes present proposal of the Government Amendment Not Accepted. greater finality likely to be reach to them only from January 1 last accepted; and that, as an alter- there are some whose salaries could would therefore be about $2,400,000. The Colonial Secretary:-Sir-1ed, and the Government therefore

If we accept, as I maintain we

native, the temporary High Cost bear reductions; but, speaking gen- Drawing on Surplus. am authorised to say that the Gov-regrets, that it cannot accept the must, the recommendations of the ernment cannot accept the amend- hon. member's amendment.

Salaries Commission as being just, ment proposed by my hon. friend

then. I consider that the payment Mr. Owen Hughes.

His Exovellency the Governor of the new rates becomes a mere In fact much of the delay which Honourable Members: I think that act of justice; It Is In fact a debt has occurred has been due to the It is desirable that I should give which this Government must of desire of the Government to meet my views on this question at this necessity discharge unless it is the wishes of the unofficial members stage.

shown that it is abolutely im- that the acheme should not be pro- There appear to be two main possible for it to find the ceeded with until the views of the aspects of this question: First, money. The payment of ade- Chamber had been first ascertain whether the recommendations of quate salaries to Government I submit this amendment with a the Colony by no means Justifies owing to a combination of circum- red and than considered, both local the Salaries Commission, as re- officers for services rendered is juft due sense of responsibility and with any substantial increase in expendi- stances, and with so many other and gards basic salaries, are justified, as much a legitimate debt as the considerable difference, realising to ture of this nature. At no time more urgent demands on ita revonUG Moreover the Chamber's repre- second, whether, assuming that payment to a contractor for more the full the eminence and compet-during the last three decades, except which must be increased to meet sentatives, with members of the they are justified, this is the proper vices performed. If it had been once of the three gentleman who during the short period of the them, can the Colony bear the pro- special commities had interviews time to put them into effect. possible to submit the report of the composed the Salaries Commission, Strike and Boycott of 1925-6, has posed additional expenditure neces both with members of the commis. I approached this question with Salaries Commission to the Secre- who spared no pains to bring out an business in the Colony reached as sitating special taxation and draw. alon and with representatives of the an open mind, but with some ex- tary of State earlier, it is prob-exhaustive report of permanent low an ebb as it has reached to-day ing upon our surplus balances 7 I Government. The recommendations «perience of a similar question in able that the new rates would value, which eatalled months of Certainly, never in the history of believe that the Colony cannot bear of the Commission have been very Malaya, and I have studied the re- have beek brought late force as heavy labour; and also the necessity the Colony has exchange, fallen so It." The Public also belleves that fully ventilated in the Press. The port of the Commission very care-from January 1, 1929, for an unblased mind in approach-low. The Public is in such a state the Colony cannot bear it. It has full facts are bafore us and I am fully pole Where Money Comes, From. ↑ - Ing a subject which affectu, as in of mind that it resents any proposal often been said that, unlike a private at loss to know what the hon. It has been argued that, owing to have given, long and, careful this case, the opposing interests of to impose fresh taxation in order to business, a Government need not cut member hopes to gain from a fur the fall of the dollar fons considera to the question of the Civil Service and of the Public, improve the pay of Civil servants, its cost according to its cloth, but am how funds are to be provided to My diffidenca is the greater because Already opposition has arisen from should find the right length of clotli -- increased = {liability, while, on the one hand, I do not con- all aides, the Kowloon. Residents' to at its coat. To this principle I

Secretary as set alder the recommenda

concern.

unjustified.

►

A Hamper On Trade.

into force.

1

I

ly and by the Secretary of State,

ther committee on the except delay, and

There is a certain

though only

is incumbent on

market rate.

Government in

A Debt.

that the Salaries Commission was

of naslated passages and some sys- Council were then of opinion that

Governor's Defence.

have materially changed

fore,

of the opinion that this fact does| meet=

fundamentally, alter, the bale The.

out

the gen

In norm

times rates and

ing.

HON. DR. R. H. KOTEWALL.

...

now

for

your dress & your baby's frock

from.

China bldg.. Phone 24628.

of Living Allowance approved by erally, I think that the pay of Goy- In addition to this large figure s the Finance Committee on April ernment servants. Ja not excessive. considerable sum of money has to 10, 1930, be continued until this though their number may be re-be found to meet the substantial Council shall otherwise decideduced; and were the financial post- difference between the rate on which and a similar allowance equival- tions of the Colony sounder or more the Estimates for 1980 were framed, ant to Ten per cent, of their hopeful, I would not be loth to sup-namely 1/10d, and the present rate salaries be granted to the dollar-port a proposal to make a-perman which is round about 1/3d, in the paid employees of the Civil Service ent improvement in their salaries. existing sterling commitments of of Hong Kong with effect from Colony at Low Ebb. the Government. January, 1, 1950.*.-..-

However, the financial position of Now, with its trado at a decline

of the Association has raised its voice of agree, with, this reservation: where o' uncertain way, the there is little cloth to be found, even -& Kowloon. Property: Is Government must be content with ssociation and the Chinese a short : cost. Since the Salaries hamber of Commerce have Commission made its Report, the

ofe2/, that

sion base

53, Queen's Road Central

THE

ENTER

PRINTING.

NEWSPAPER PRISE LTD., General and Commercial Printers, "China Mal?" Offices.

3A, Wynham Street, Tel. 20022.

visualise the present rate of 1/3d their recommendations would in all with all its serious consequences,

probability have taken a different form. It seems equally probable that had Sir Cecil Clementi Been confronted with this rate, he would have modified his recommendations. The Estimates for 1930, were

framed on a 1/10d dollar, and it was stated at that time (and even-.. tually reported to the Secretary of the cost of the recommendations of State) that, calculated at that rate, the Salaries Commission would in- veive an additional expenditure of (only $1,800,000. Since then the (Continued on Page 11.)

QUEEN'S

COMMENCING SUNDAY

William Fos

A SONG of KENTUCKY

f