CO129-280 - Public Offices & Others - 1897 — Page 155

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The Honghong Government Gazette 12 bicembu1896.

As to the question of the abolition of the Gap Rock Light dues, I am distinctly of opinion that they ought to be abolished. They were imposed for a temporary purpose which has been effected, and, more, they have left a Con- siderable credit balance in hand. Thore should be no tax of any kind on shipping, no matter how slight or for whatever purpose, Hongkong was established as a free port. It has attained its present position because it has been a free port. It can only maintain its position by remaining an entirely and an absolutely free port. The landowners, the mer- chants, the traders, the professional men, all who are making their livelihood in Hongkong, owe their prosperity to the presence of the ship- ping. A free port opened on the neighbouring const would draw away a large portion of our shipping, and the establishment of such a port has been and is now in contemplation. The residents in Hongkong should be willing to pay a "bonus" if it were needful to en- courage ships and steamers to this port The Light dues may be a mere trifle in them. selves, but in these days of keen competition and careful calculation of expenses they have to he taken into account. It is the principle of freedom I contend for. I cordially support the request of the Chamber of Commerce for the abolition of the Gap Rock Light dues, and 1 object to the impost of the same dnes under another name. I am not satisfied that it is necessary to salatitate some other source of re- venue, but if additional taxation is an absolute necessity, there are it seems to me other avail- able sources of income. House property more than any other interest derives its value from the shipping, the fees for spirit licences might be increased or doubled, and there are con- siderations arising out of the Opium Farm and spium, and suggestions might be made in con- nection therewith for raising any required addi- tion to the revenue. Had the question been

referred to the Finance Committee of Council within a reasonable period of the date on which the Chamber of Commerce brought it to the notice of Government there would have been adequate time for its examination and discussion, and the expenditure or economy in the cost of the administration could have been simultane- ously considered, but now in the last days of the year the Estimates must be hurried through without delay.

I respectfully protest against this method of bringing forward important questions for debate at the latest possible moment. I further I protest against secret confabulations between the unofficial members of Council on public questions, and at the reduction of the debates

in Council to a mere pro forma discussion on re- solutions already arrived at.

I may be permitted to point out that in the Straits Settlements, with their enormons area

and extensive interests, the Government there laid the Estimates for 1897 on the Council table on the 1st of October last.

I have the honour to request that this my protest may be forwarded at your Excellency's earliest convenience to the Right Honourable the Secretary of State for the Colonies.-I have the honour to be, your most obedient ser- vant,

(Signed) T. H. WHITEHEAD. His Excellency Sir Wm. Robinson. K.C.M.G.,

Governor, Hongkong.

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153

Extract from minutes of

OL

Meeting of the Legislation.

Council held on 3rd December 1896.

N. §. The Governor

With a view of covering the deficit which will result from this abolition five of the Unofficial Members are of opinion that a fixed charge of 24 cents per ton should in future be imposed as light dues on all shipping entering the harbour, and in that opinion I concur.

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