Miscellaneous Office
| pro- ft the which they had given the Police generally, be expected from a Law imposing a new tax, I vide a suitable Vessel without being guilty of made me unwilling to change them for parties am unwilling to expand its operation so long any undue extravagance, whilst the recent less +perienced. "The old Licensees, therefore, us the influences of the colony do not require such movements of Foreign cruisers about the Island, continue the business, but instead of at a re- aid more imperatively than at present. and the erection of "a cordon of Customs' sta- duced fee of $10,000 per month they pay a fee of I shall not detain you longer with details affect. tions round the Colony, are additional reasons $18,000. Thus one more is added to the nume- ing the Revenue side of the proposed Es why a loss discreditable Vessel should pro- rous list of unexpected and improbable tantes except by calling attention to a slight cured without delay. The expediency of holly so results, which the working of the experiment | diminution in the receipts expected from the was considered by myself and the Executive bas developed. In fact my own despatches on Harbor Department. This arises from the lower Conneil, and appeared to me sufficiently obvious the subject are throughout filled with similar scale of fees exacted now under the Harbor Or- and urgent to justify us in ordering an appropriate revera of previous calculations, and perhaps diuance of 1866, and not from any expected de- vessel to be constructed. So far there was no I am now about to add one more to the series, crease in the number of Vessels frequenting the probability of there being any difference of when I express the opinion that, if Foreigners | Port. It never has been the desire of Govern- opinion-but when at a second meeting of the be excluded, as under any circumstances uust ment to make a surplus Revenue from that! Executive Council it was urged on me that un- be the case, the fee of $18,000 per month will not source, and the success of the Ordinance in re-less such vessel was fitted with steam engines leave the Licensees a sufficient profit to make moving from the Colony the most dangerous she would not be suitable to the wants of the them as careful as is requisite to retain characters and Pirates, permits now some re-colony, felt that the additional annual cost it by attention to the Government Regula laxation of the restrictions hitherto maintained entailed by the pay and maintenance of an tions. These explanations, which moreover have over the movements of Native Craft in the waters engineer. expenditure of coals, &c., could only a special interest of their own, have become of the Colony, Turning now to the expenditure be justified by the previous sanction of this necessary, because the Council should know side you will find that notwithstanding the Connell. Therefore, if you agree with the mem- why the License Fees for the Estimates of the efficiency of every department is provided for more hers of the Executive Council, you will pass the ensuing year are not computed on the basis of effectually in the estimates before you than vote. whilst, if you differ from them, you can so high a figure as they now reach monthly, had ever before been contemplated, there would reduce it to such an amount as will leave you On the contrary the Estimate of the receipts appear to be a decrease on your estimated ex-with a very desirable but less effective sub- for 1869, has been left by me at $156,000 per annum, being the amount computed when that originally proposed for this year, viz. which doubtless none of you wish to retain. the calculations were entered into several weeks 8894,000. On public works and buildings it is pro- Provision has also been made for an As- back. At present the probability is that the posed to expend no less than $155,500 as com-sistant Superintendent of the Gaol, as I can- amount named will be exceeded, but the uncer- pared with $65,500, which H. M.'s Government not but look forward with much anxiety to the tainty attending the subject is too great to finally sanctioned for the current year, which consequences of the resignation, or even absence justify an alteration of the original Estimate. latter amount, however, will probably be ex- on leave, of the present very efficient Superin- Whether I myself, or the Council, or a ceeded. The expenditure on roads, streets and tendent, whilst I am also of opinion, an portion of the community approve or object to bridges, however, is diminished from $105,000, opinion strengthened by recent occurrences, that the receipt of any income from such a source, to $89,000, but includes once more $23,000 for independent of such contingencies, one man the fact that it has nevertheless irrepressibly the Road to the Gap, which has already ap- cannot suffice for the maintenance and thrust itself into and may for some time pewed more than one on your Estimates, but control of the discipline and economy of so ex- constitute part of your annual Revenue till never been carried through, owing to want of tensive and troublesome an establishment.. a better system be devised to accomplish funds available at the time. A similar obser is scarcely fair to expect it, and probably you equally useful results, entitles the Council to vation applies to the proposed reclamation of will think with me that the Public interests the fullest details connected with it. ground near Bowrington, for which the same require an Assistant from Europe, of such ex- Such a Revenue, therefore, is a necessary rate is proposed as in former years, viz., perience and position as may qualify him here- item in your financial calculations, simply $10,000. It would however be most inconvenient, after for the duties which, on the whole, are now because it exists, and therefore must be dealt if I were to attempt to explain now every item so ably discharg d by Mr. Douglas. An with in some way, but it does not follow because of expenditure. It is very desirable you should additional Master is also needed for you must deal with it, or because it exists, that bave the fullest explanations on each, but the Central School, an Institution now fulfilling your object has been to create such a Revenue. details could not be compressed within the all the purposes which could reasonably have That is a common misrepresentation of the reasonable limits of an address such as this. been expected from it; whilst the daily atten purpose of myself and my Council, but it can I invite attention, however, to some en-dance there is such as readers it altogether have no logical force till it be shown that our tirely new items, such as that of $15,000 for hopeless that two European Masters can object could be equally well accomplished in good conduct pay and special services of the adequately discharge all the duties, which they some other way unproductive of Revenue, with Police. Till my efforts to obtain a superior are obliged to undertake. With these oh which we are acquainted, and which we refuse to class of European Police shall be more successful servations I leave the Estimates for 1869 adopt. It probably answers however the purpose than hitherto, I object to an indiscriminate in your hands. I am quite aware that of those who use the argument, and who know very raising to the salaries of the different classes, the manner in which they are drawn up, well that most people take no trouble to master though as you will perceive, a considerable in conformity with instructions of H. M, the tedious details of a complicated question, addition has been made in that way also. I Treasury, is not of a very simple or intelligible. but as a general rule accept the popular theory, prefer holding out special inducements for nature. On the contrary, I have always ob- that all who adopt a policy which creates a Re- learning Chinese, and rewards for such services served that the present form leads to very venne do so for the sake of that Revenue. Such as may exhibit unusual intelligence and activity. erroneous comments and conclusions; I need an inference holds good in most cases, because The Government has at least learned by not, however, remind you that it is your.. money is the most general object of men's pur- the experiment recently instituted that the privilege, I might almost say your duty, suits, but in what way such a theory can be magnitude of the sums at the disposal of the to obtain the fullest explanation on every matter applicable to myself or my Council is not gamblers would render a contest with them connected with the disposal of the Public funds. shown. To make the argument conclusive, we hopeless on the part of the Government for The ordinance was then read a first time. should be proved inter sted in drawing a Re-prevention of Police corruption by the mere venue from Gambling Licenses, whereas none raising of salaries. It would probably only of us can have the slightest possible interest in lead with men of that class to the acceptance the matter beyond our desire in the discharge ofa of bribes in addition to increased salaries. duty to the Public to choose the least objection Therefore, the present system which able evil, whilst personally I prefer to raise by tirely removes the possibility of such corrup increased taxation whatever additional Revenue tion 16 once prevailed, seems preferable. may be wanted for purposes that cannot be dis- The item of $7,000 for the Fire Brigade persed with. I have only to add before quitting is also new, but will not nearly cover the this subject that current ideas as to the abstrac outlay for that body, because much of the tion of large sums from regular commerce by heaviest and most necessary expenditure, such either losses or gains at the new play Houses have as that for Fire Engines, will have to be! little or no real foundation. The probability is defrayed this year, and must therefore be that in former times there was quite as much provided for in the Supplementary Estimates. play as at present, whilst whatever be the pro. There is also an item of $40,000 for the fits now they are acquired by men of substance expense of construction and maintenance dur- engaged in general trade, and are only so much ing 1869, of a Colonial Steamer and a Steam added to their commercial capital. The Fees paid Launch. As you are aware the duty of visiting to the Colony are also destined to aid rather than the various out-stations of the Harbor Master impede progress unless they be unwisely ex-round the Island has been hitherto discharged pended. The other new Branch of Revenue, viz., by means of a Junk fitted for the purpose. Her that derived from Stamps, has been estimated want of speed and seaworthiness greatly im at $100,000, but I apprehend that the receipts paired the effective character of her services, from this source may fall short of even that and has been a serious drawback to the working] limited amount. The Return which I lay on of the Coasts and Harbor Ordinance. Above the table shows that the alterations effected by all there is no doubt that a Vessel of that the recent Ordinance No. 7 of this year, have class was very unsuitable to the position hitherto not materially affected receipts from of the Colony. "Her retention therefore so long Stamps, but the general stagnation of trade has in the service was only justified by the cou obviously an unfavorable effect on Revenue sideration that the duty could not be deferred. derived from the number and amount of busi- but had to be carried out in some way, and as the neas transactions. As, however, the Ordinance Colony was unable at the time to afford a more appears to work at present with as little incon. suitable Vessel, there was no option in the venience to the commercial community as CED
| on- matter.
At present this Government can pro-
Miscellan
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which they had given the Police generally, be expected from a Law imposing a new tax, I¡ vide a suitable Vessel without being guilty of made me unwilling to change them for parties am unwilling to expand its operation so long any undue extravagance, whilst the recent less +perienced. "The old Licensees, therefore, us the fluances of the colony do not require such movements of Foreign cruisers about the Island, continue the business, but instead of at a re- aid more imperatively thum at present. and the erection of "a cordon of Customs' ata- duced fee of $10,000 per month they pay a fee of I shall not detain yon longer with details affect. tions round the Colony, are additional reasons $18,000. Thus one more is added to the nume- ing the Revenne side of the proposed Es why a loss discreditable Vessel should pr rous list of unexpected and improbable tintes except by calling attention to a slight cured without delay. The expediency ofholly so results, which the working of the experiment | diminution in the receipts expected from the was considered by myself and the Executive bas developed. In fact my own despatches on Harbor Department. This arises from the lower Conneil, and appeared to me sufficiently obvions the subject are throughout filled with similar seale of fees exacted now under the Harbor Or- and urgent to justify us in ordering an appropriate revera of previous calculations, and perhaps diuance of 1866, and not from any expected de- vessel to be constructed. So far there was no I am dow about to add one more to the series, crease in the number of Vessels frequenting the probability of there being any difference of when I express the opinion that, if Foreigners | Port. It never has hean the desire of Govern- opinion-but when at a second meeting of the be excluded, as under any circumstances uust ment to make a surplus Revoune from that! Executive Council it was urged on me that un- be the case, the fee of $18,000 per month will not source, and the success of the Ordinance in re-less such vessel was fitted with steam engines leave the Licensees a sufficient profit to make moving from the Colmy the most dangerons she would not be suitable to the wants of the them as careful as is requisite to retain characters and Pirates, permits now some re-colony, felt that the additional annual cost it by attention to the Government Regula laxation of the restrictions hitherto maintained entailed by the pay and maintenance of an tions. These explanations, which moreover have overthe movements of Native Craft in the waters engineer. expenditure of coals, &c., could only a special interest of their own, have become of the Colony, Turning now to the expenditure be justified by the previous sanction of this necessary, because the Council should know side you will find that notwithstanding the Connell. Therefore, if you agree with the mem. why the License Fees for the Estimates of the efficiency of every department is provided for more hers of the Executive Council, you will pass the ensuing year are not computed on the basis of effectually in the estimates before you than vote. whilst, if you differ from them, you can so high a figure as they now reach monthly, had ever before been contemplated, there would reduce it to such an amount as will leave you On the contrary the Estimate of the receipts appear to be a decrease on your estimated ex-with a very desirable but less effective sub- for 1869, has been left by me at $156,000 penlitare. $828,000 for 1869, as compared with stitute for the vessel which you now possess, and per annum, being the amount computed when that originally proposed for this year, viz. which donbtless none of you wish to retain. the calculations were entered into several weeks 8894,000. Ou public works and buildings it ispro- Provision has also been made for an Aa- back. At present the probability is that the posed to expend no less than $155,500 as com-sistant Superintendent of the Gaol, as I can. amount named will be exceeded, bat the uncer- pared with $65,500, which H. M.'s Government not but look forward with much anxiety to the tainty attending the subject is too great to finally sanctioned for the current year, which consequences of the resignation, or even absence justify an alteration of the original Estimate. latter amount, however, will probably be ex on leave, of the present very efficient Superin. Whether I myself, or the Council, or a ceeded. The expenditure on roads, streets and tendent, whilst I am also of opinion, an portion of the community approve or object to bridges, however, is diminished from $105,000, opinion strengthened by recent occurrences, that the receipt of any income from such a source, to $89,000, but includes once more $23,000 for independent of such contingencies, one man the fact that it bas nevertheless irrepressibly the Road to the Gap, which has already ap- cannot suffice for the maintenance and thrust itself into and may for some time pewed more than one on your Estimates, but control of the discipline and economy of so ex- constitute part of your annual Revenue till never been carried throngh, owing to want of tensive and troublesome an establishment.. a better system be devised to accomplish funds available at the time. A similar obser is scarcely fair to expect it, and probably you equally useful results, entitles the Council to vation applies to the proposed reclamation of will think with me that the Public interests the fullest details connected with it. ground near Bowrington, for which the same require an Asssistant from Europe, of such ex- Such a Revenue, therefore, is a necessary rate is proposed as in former years, viz., perience and position as may qualify hiu here- item in your financial calenlations, simply $10,000. It would however he most inconvenient, after for the duties which, on the whole, are now because it exists, and therefore must be dealt if I were to attempt to explain now every item so ably discharg d by Mr. Douglas. An with in some way, but it does not follow because of expenditure. It is very desirable you should additional Master is also needed for you must deal with it, or because it exists, that bave the fullest explanations on each, but the Central School, an Institution now fulfilling your object has been to create such a Revenue. details could not be compressed within the all the purposes which could reasonably have That is a common misrepresentation of the reasonable limits of an address such as this. been expected from it; whilst the daily atten purpose of myself and my Council, but it can I invite attention, however, to some en-dance there is such as readers it altogether have no logical force till it be shown that our tirely new items, such as that of $15,000 for hopeless that two European Blasters can object could be equally well accomplished in good conduet pay and special services of the adequately discharge all the duties, which they some other way unproductive of Revenue, with Police. Till my efforts to obtain a superior are obliged to undertake. With these oh which we are acquainted, and which we refuse to class of European Police shall be more successful servations I leave the Estimates for 1869 adopt. It probably answers however the purpose than hitherto, I object to an indiscriminate in
your hands. I am quite aware that of those who use the argument, and who know very raising to the salaries of the different classes, the manner in which they are drawn up, well that most people take no trouble to master though as you will perceive, a considerable in conformity with instructions of H. M, the tedions details of a complicated question, addition has been made in that way also. I Treasury, is not of a very simple or intelligible. but as a general rule accept the popular theory, prefer holding out special inducements for nature. On the contrary, I have always ob. that all who adopt a policy which creates a Re. learning Chinese, and rewards for such services served that the present form leads to very venne do so for the sake of that Revenue. Snch as may exhibit unusual intelligence and activity. erroneous comments and conclusions; I need an inference holds good in most cases, because The Government has at least learned by not, however, remind you that it is your.. money is the most general object of men's pur- the experiment recently instituted that the privilege, I might almost say your duty, suits, but in what way such a theory can be magnitude of the sums at the disposal of the to obtain the fullest explanation on every matter applicable to myself or my Council is not gamblers would render a contest with them connected with the disposal of the Public funds. shown. To make the argument conclusive, we hopeless on the part of the Government for The ordinance was then read a first time. should be proved inter sted in drawing a Re-prevention of Police corruption by the mere venue from Gambling Licenses, whereas none raising of salaries. It would probably only of us can have the slightest possible interest in lead with men of that class to the acceptance the matter beyond our desire in the discharge ofa of bribes in addition to increased salaries. duty to the Public to choose the least objection Therefore, the present system which able evil, whilst personally I prefer to raise by tirely removes the possibility of such corrup increased taxation whatever additional Revenue tion 16 once prevailed, seems preferable. may be wanted for purposes that cannot be dis- The item of $7,000 for the Fire Brigade persed with. I have only to add before quitting is also new, but will not nearly cover the this subject that current ideas as to the abstrac outlay for that body, because much of the tion of large sums from regular commerce by heaviest and most necessary expenditure, such either losses or gains atthe new play Houseshave as that for Fire Engines, will have to be! little or no real fonudation. The probability is defrayed this year, and must therefore be that in former times there was quite as much provided for in the Supplementary Estimates. play as at present, whilst whatever be the pro. There is also an item of $40,000 for the fits now they are acquired by men of substance expense of construction and maintenance dur- engaged in general trade, and are only so much ing 1869, of a Colonial Steamer and a Steam added to their commercial capital. The Fees paid Launch. As you are aware the duty of visiting to the Colony are also destined to aid rather than the various ont-stations of the Harbor Master impede progress unless they be unwisely ex-round the Island has been hitherto discharged pended. The other new Branch of Reveune, viz., by means of a Junk fitted for the purpose. Her that derived from Stamps, has been estimated want of speed and seaworthiness greatly im at $100,000, but I apprehend that the receipts paired the effective character of her services, from this source may fall short of even that and bas been a serious drawback to the working] limited amount. The Return which I lay on of the Coasts and Harbor Ordinance. Above the table shows that the alterations effected by all there is no doubt that a Vessel of that the recent Ordinance No. 7 of this year, have class was
very unsuitable to the position bitherto not materially affected receipts from of the Colony. "Her retention therefore su long Stamps, but the general stagnation of trade has in the service was only justified by the cou obviously an malavourable effect ou Revenne sideration that the duty conid not he deferred. derived from the number and amount of hasi- but had to be carried out in s me way, and as the neas truusactions. As, however, the Ordinance Colony was unable at the time to afford a more appears to work at present with as little incon. suitable Vessel, there was no option in the venience to the co...mercial community as CED
|
matter.
on-
At present this Government can pro-i
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