MAY 11TH, 1883.
C O.
10813
RECP
REGE 26 JUN 67
202
GENTLEMEN,
I have great pleasure in receiving this deputation from the Chamber of Commerce, the most important public body in Hongkong; which is celebrated not less as a great emporium of trade, than as a Naval and Military Station of the first class. It will always be alike my duty and my pleasure to give my earnest attention to any representations which may from time to time be laid before me by gentlemen who have so large a stake in this Colony, and such a well-informed appreciation of its circumstances and requirements,
I have listened with attention to the arguments which have now been laid before me, and I have perused with care the former letters from the Chamber of Commerce to the late Administrator of the Government on the subject of the Light Dues.
If I understand aright, the main argument in favour of the abolition or reduction of what is termed the "Taxation of Trade" is, that as Hongkong is a Free Port, it is illogical that Light, or other Port Dues should be so levied as to produce a revenue over and above the necessary departmental expenditure. In other words, it appears to be contended that, for example, the Light Dues should merely cover the cost of their collection, and the maintenance of the Lighthouses.
Now, Gentlemen, I am ready to admit that there is much logical force in this argument. But, unfortunately, all practical experience shows that the world never has been governed, and never will be governed by pure logic. There are manifold anomalies and inconsistencies in the fiscal systems of all countries.
The real practical question for consideration is one to which I gave my attention immediately after my arrival in this Colony. It is this: Is the revenue of Hongkong of such amount, in comparison with the necessary expenditure, that the reduction of any existing tax is practicable without finding an equivalent in some new form of taxation?
The Colonial Secretary and Auditor General (Mr. Marsh), whose accuracy and impartiality are known to all, has furnished me with the following facts and figures on this subject.
The balance of assets is, in round numbers, $1,150,000. Now, without taking into account the reclamation of Causeway Bay, and the widening of the Praya, which I should much like to see taken in hand as soon as possible, the Public Works already commenced, or urgently needed, such as the Water Works
Į
MAY 11TH, 1883.
C O.
10813
RECP
REGE 26 JUN 67
202
GENTLEMEN,
I have great pleasure in receiving this deputation from the Chamber of Commerce, the most important public body in Hongkong; which is celebrated not less as a great emporium of trade, than as a Naval and Military Station of the first class. It will always be alike my duty and my pleasure to give my earnest attention to any representations which may from time to time be laid before me by gentlemen who have so large a stake in this Colony, and such a well-informed appreciation of its circunstances and requirements,
I have listened with attention to the arguments which have now been laid before me, and I have perused with care the former letters from the Chamber of Commerce to the late Administrator of the Government on the subject of the Light Dues.
If I understand aright, the main argument in favour of the abolition or reduction of what is termed the Taxation of Trade" is, that as Hongkong
**
is a Free Port, it is illogical that Light, or other Port Dues should be so levied as to produce a revenue over and above the necessary departmental expenditure. In other words, it appears to be contended that, for example. the Light Dues should merely cover the cost of their collection, and the naintenance of the Lighthouses.
Now, Gentlemen. I am ready to admit that there is much logical force in this argument. But, unfortunately, all practical experience shows that the world never has been governed, and never will be governed by pure logic. There are manifold anomalies and inconsistencies in the fiscal systems of all countries.
The real practical question for cousideration is one to which I gave my attention immediately after my arrival in this Colony. It is this: Is the revenue of Hongkong of such amount, in comparison with the necessary expenditure, that the reduction of any existing tax is practicable without finding an equivalent in some new form of taxation?
The Colonial Secretary and Auditor General (Mr. Marsu), whose acen- racy and impartiality are known to all, has furnished me with the following facts and figures on this subject.
The balance of assets is, in round numbers, $1,150,000. Now, without taking into account the reclamation of Causeway Bay, and the widening of the Praya, which I should much like to see taken in haud as soon as possible. the Public Works already commenced, or urgently needed, such as the
Water. Works
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