CO129-519-2 Estimates for 1930 19-9-1929 - 19-9-1929 — Page 21

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HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

less sombre colours it is possible that the result would have been less good. As it was, the seriousness of the position was fully brought home to everyone concerned and the strenuous efforts to collect the full revenue and to save where economies were possible have contribut- ed to achieve a better result than any one at that time thought pos- sible. An unbalanced budget is a very serious matter even when the deficit is as small as it was ultimately found to be in 1930 and cannot but cause grave concern to any responsible Government.

The Government is, however, satisfied that the Colony's finan- cial position is sound. The revenue is showing a satisfactory expan- sion and at the end of this half year, that is two days ago, the total revenue amounted to approximately $15,700,000 which is $1,955,000 more than one half of the total estimate for 1931.

I now formally move the first reading of the Bill intituled "An Ordinance to authorise the appropriation of a supplementary sum of $2,486,577.02 to defray the charges for the year 1930."

THE COLONIAL TREASURER seconded and the Bill was read a first time.

SUMMARY OFFENCES AMENDMENT ORDINANCE, 1931.

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL moved the first reading of a Bill intituled "An Ordinance to amend the Summary Offences Ordinance, 1845." He said:- The object of this Bill is to raise from $5 to $25 the fine for begging in the public streets and highways.

THE COLONIAL SECRETARY seconded and the Bill was read a first time.

Objects and Reasons.

The "Objects and Reasons" for the Bill were stated as follows:-

The fine of five dollars for mendicancy in public highways or streets has been found inadequate.

RATING AMENDMENT ORDINANCE, 1931.

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL moved the first reading of a Bill intituled, “An ordinance to amend the Rating Ordinance, 1901." He said: This Ordinance increases the maximum penalties for refusing to give proper information, for false or incorrect information and for obstruction of the Assessor; it also includes as a substantive section of the Rating Ordinance the effect of the resolution passed by this Council on 7th of May.

THE COLONIAL SECRETARY seconded and the Bill was read a first time.

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