CO129-268 - Governor Sir Robinson - 1895 [7-11] — Page 375

the exception of land sales and the

premia based on

on leases, would appear to be

that of the contribution to be paid by Singapore,

which is also

17/2 for cont. Permit us, however, to

point out a

1

fact, which

may have

escaped

the notice

of

the Secretary of

of

state, namely that the revennes

the hoo Colonies are on a somewhat

different basis, for Singapore has a Municipal Council, and so a distinct municipal revenue, which is exempted from the l

Military Contribution, while Hong long the figures of the muni= cipal and of

are shown

clear to us

the rest of the reserve together.

10. It does not appear from the Secretary of State's despatches whether he recognises the existence of this difference, as he seems to include the municipal revenue e of Houghong in the aurouunt on which the 17/2 per cent has to be paid. Against

1 protest,

this we must

and we would

(

369

beg to lay before him some most im portant considerations against such proceeding.

We consider that the muni

cipal revenue of stong Kong should be treated on the same

that of Singapore,

the

A

footing

more 20,

be

faut mumi :

cause most of the important

cipal works of Hong Kong have been

means of

paid for by

loans. From

many of them we derive a consi- derable revenue, out of which we have to find the interest on the loans and

· provide a sinking fund; and it seruus hardly

hardly reasonable to ask us

at the same time to do this and also

for

to be paying of the Military Contribution 171/2 fir

r cant

of

2. If

these revenues.

objected that

the municipal

be

may

if

the amount

revenue, say

of $700,000,

be subhacked.

from the total estimated revenue of

the Colony,

the Military

Contribution.

beg.

would