CO129-291 - Governor Sir Blake - 1899 [5-6] — Page 111

CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案 All AI Reviewed

108

(a) increase Assessed taxes by one per cent. This is calculated to yield an additional 45,000 per annum.

(e) abolish the existing Light dues, and impose in lieu thereof a tax on shipping, in the form of Harbour dues, at the rate of 5 cents a ton, the number of payments in the case of Ocean-going steamers not to exceed four in any one year, and in the case of River steamers, twelve.

The incidence of such a form of taxation would fall mainly on the larger shipping trading between this port and foreign countries, which obtain higher freights, and would not appreciably affect local trading vessels. Moreover the vexed question of "Light Dues" would be finally disposed of, as the new "Harbour dues" would include such charges.

The nett additional revenue that would be produced, after deducting the present receipts from "Light Dues", would amount to about $95,000.

13.

I have consulted the Executive Council in regard to the above proposals, and the members, including the Un-officials, concur that the forms of additional taxation proposed are fair and reasonable, as touching all classes of the community and not prejudicial to the special interests of any particular class. I should, perhaps, mention that I have had some difficulty in persuading the Senior Un-official member, Mr. Chater, who is a strong advocate for a further loan, of the necessity of additional taxation, and I anticipate some opposition from the Un-official members of the

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108 (a) increase Assessed taxes by one per cent. This is calculated to yield an additional 45,000 per annum. (e) abolish the existing Light dues, and impose in lieu thereof a tax on shipping, in the form of Harbour dues, at the rate of 5 cents a ton, the number of payments in the case of Ocean-going steamers not to exceed four in any one year, and in the case of River steamers, twelve. The incidence of such a form of taxation would fall mainly on the larger shipping trading between this port and foreign countries, which obtain higher freights, and would not appreciably affect local trading vessels. Moreover the vexed question of "Light Dues" would be finally disposed of, as the new "Harbour dues" would include such charges. The nett additional revenue that would be produced, after deducting the present receipts from "Light Dues", would amount to about $95,000. 13. I have consulted the Executive Council in regard to the above proposals, and the members, including the Un-officials, concur that the forms of additional taxation proposed are fair and reasonable, as touching all classes of the community and not prejudicial to the special interests of any particular class. I should, perhaps, mention that I have had some difficulty in persuading the Senior Un-official member, Mr. Chater, who is a strong advocate for a further loan, of the necessity of additional taxation, and I anticipate some opposition from the Un-official members of the
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.. () ? 108 (a) increase Assessed taxes by one per cent. This is calculated to yield an additional 45,000 per annum. (e) abolish the existing Light dues, and impose in lieu thereof a tax on shipping, in the form of Harbour dues, at the rate of 5 cents a ton, the number of payments in the case of Ocean-going steamers not to exceed four in any one year, and in the case of River steamers, twelve. The incidence of such a form of taxation would fall mainly on the larger shipping trading between this port and foreign countries, which obtain higher freights, and would not appreciably affect local trading vessels. Moreover the vexed question of "LightDues' would be finally disposed of, "LightDues as the new "Harbour dues' would include such charges. The nett additional revenue that would be produced, after deducting the present receipts from "Light Dues', would amount to about $ 95,000. 13. I have consulted the Executive Coun- cil in regard to the above proposals, and the members, in- cluding the Un-officials, concur that the forms of additional taxation proposed are fair and reasonable, as touching all classes of the community and not prejudicial to the special interests of any particular class. I should, perhaps, mention that I have had some difficulty in persuading the Senior Un- official member, Mr. Chater, who is a strong advocate for a further loan, of the necessity of additional taxation, and I anticipate some opposition from the Un-official members of the
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108

(a) increase Assessed taxes by one per cent. This

is calculated to yield an additional 45,000 per annum.

(e) abolish the existing Light dues, and impose in

lieu thereof a tax on shipping, in the form of Harbour dues,

at the rate of 5 cents a ton, the number of payments in the

case of Ocean-going steamers not to exceed four in any one

year, and in the case of River steamers, twelve.

The incidence of such a form of taxation would fall

mainly on the larger shipping trading between this port and

foreign countries, which obtain higher freights, and would not

appreciably affect local trading vessels. Moreover the

vexed question of "LightDues' would be finally disposed of,

"LightDues

as the new "Harbour dues' would include such charges.

The nett additional revenue that would be produced,

after deducting the present receipts from "Light Dues', would

amount to about $ 95,000.

13.

I have consulted the Executive Coun-

cil in regard to the above proposals, and the members, in-

cluding the Un-officials, concur that the forms of additional

taxation proposed are fair and reasonable, as touching all

classes of the community and not prejudicial to the special

interests of any particular class. I should, perhaps, mention

that I have had some difficulty in persuading the Senior Un-

official member, Mr. Chater, who is a strong advocate for a

further loan, of the necessity of additional taxation, and I

anticipate some opposition from the Un-official members of

the

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