CO129-287 - Public Offices & Others - 1898 — Page 515

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and to a strong adverse feeling throughout the Colony

driving His Excellency the Governor into an embarrassing

position. For there is already a deficit on the esti-

mates for 1898, to be met by increased taxation and a

further fresh taxation would be thereby involved.

The universal feeling throughout the Colony,

is that the Military expenditure is already unduly

heavy. It stands as follows for next year.

Military Expenditure

Approved Estimate

1897.

Estimate

1898.

ntribution to Imperial Government in aid

Military Expenditure (174 per cent of evenue exclusive of that derived from

nd Sales).

409,294

414,435

ntribution towards "Barrack Services"

49,000

40,000

lonial Defences, Expenses of the lunteers.

12,000

12,000

ntribution towards Defence Works.

30,000

$470,294

$496,435

4.

There are moreover so many questions pending

between the Colonial Government and the War Department

in Hong Kong that I submit that it is highly desirable

and indeed very necessary that we should work harmonious -

ly with the Colonial authorities, and meet their con-

venience