and respectability of the Chinese population. The rapid rise of good native shops in diffe- rent parts of the town is visible to all, and at the same time only one of the proofs which the Government possesses of an in- crease and improvement which mere allega tions cannot unsubstantiate.
A rent of just £1000 per annum is at present paid for an indifferent house, which
correct as a mere legal measure.
In reply to the objection that Government Assessors are empowered arbitrarily to value all house- hold property, it must not be forgotten that there is an appeal open to those who deci themselves over-rated. The moderation of the assessment (whatever the mode may be) is best proved by the deduction of 40 per cent from the gross annual value, in conside-
for houses. The same is to be inferred from the total estimated collection of not more than one-third of the actual expeuse of the Police torce, a body whose efficiency has been generally admitted, and whose protec- tion few are unwilling to enjoy.
did not cost double that sum in building.ration of the exorbitant rents at present paid The daily and increasing growth of dwellings on all sides, each surpassing the other in accommodation, must certainly tend to de- preciate such property as this. It is much better that it should, being the natural result of that law by which supply increases with demand, and price diminishes with supply, until all has reached a more permanent level, With regard to the Opiumi and the smaller licensed farms, which (with the exception of Crown Rents) form at present the chief sources of Revenue, these have been strictly adopted in their details from Singapore, a place generally quoted as a model of free- trade prosperity.
His Excellency the Governor and the Legislative Council will be happy to carry out any alteration which her Majesty's Government may please to prescribe as to the mode of levying the Police-rate. As the present Ordinance was drawn up with the assistance and advice of the colonial Law. officers, it may be presumed to be sufficiently
It may be presumed that if the colonial community were to be charged with the management of the Police, it would be re- quired to provide for its entire outlay, and in this manner the Government would have both less trouble and less expense.
His Excellency the Governor and the Executive Council, for the reasons above stated at length, and because the preparatory measures have already taken much time, see objections to suspending Ordinance No. 2; and they therefore regret that in this respect it is out of their power to meet the wishes of the subscribers to the Memorial.
I have the honour to be, &c., (Signed) W. CAINE,
Officiating Colonial Secretary,
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