CO129-519-1 Estimates for 1930 5-9-1929 - 14-11-1929 — Page 34

6.

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Government has much leeway to make up especially in matters

of sanitation and preventive medicine, for which yet larger

sums will, I expect, be required in future years. I do not

disguise from myself the fact that the Colony's revenue is barely adequate for its needs and I have little doubt that,

within the next few years, additional revenue must be raised

for the service of the Government and that the comparatively

cheap price of water will have to be increased. The present

burden of taxation cannot, however, be regarded as heavy and

further revenue can, I am convinced, be raised without

hardship. Provided the year 1930 is one of normal prosperity

unhampered by disturbances in the neighbouring provinces of

China, I have no reason to fear that there will be any

difficulty in financing the Budget now under discussion.

Owing to the difficulty of filling new appointments it is

almost inevitable that there should be large savings on the

Personal Emoluments votes for the coming year and the progress

in construction of public works, and therefore the expenditure

upon them, is generally less than the Public Works Department

anticipates.

12.

The motions to which I referred in paragraph 4

of my despatch of the 6th September, 1929, were unanimously approved by Council after the passing of the Budget.

13.

I shall at a later date address Your Lordship

regarding the raising of the proposed loan and regarding the report of the Salaries Commission, which as Your Lordship will

be aware was received too late for consideration with the

Budget.

I have the honour to be,

My Lord,

Your Lordship's most obedient,

humble servant,

Cement

Governor, &c.