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HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL,
The hon. senior unofficial member remarked on the item "Message Fees" on page 9.
"Message Fees" signify wireless message fees together with a small amount collected for advices of vessels from lighthouses.
The Estimate for 1930 was based on the receipts for the period January/May 1929. This period showed a considerable set-back in traffic for the Philippine Islands, and the United States as compared with the same period in 1928, when the Estimate for 1929 was pre- pared. This set-back will probably be compensated to a considerable extent by increased traffic with China stations, viz. Canton and also Shanghai which started operations from 1st July last. But there were not sufficient grounds for anticipating a greater revenue in 1930 than that shown in the draft Estimate, viz. $160,000.00.
With regard to the remarks of the senior Chinese unofficial member on the subject of Tobacco Duties, it is estimated that half the anticipated increase under that head in the 1930 Estimates will be due to the more efficient method of collection rendered possible by the Tobacco Amendment Ordinance of 1929, and the remainder will accrue from normal increase of consumption. Such estimated increase being only 10% in excess of the 1924 collection cannot be regarded as unduly optimistic.
The previous system of taxing tobacco on an ad valorem scale was found unsatisfactory and after due consideration superseded; and a uniform rate imposed in accordance with home practice. The Imports and Exports Department will welcome any suggestions that the Chinese Chamber of Commerce may put forward for combating smuggling, but the Government is satisfied that the new system of duties works satisfactorily.
The Hon. Mr. W. E. L. Shenton called attention to the position under the Widows' and Orphans' Pension Scheme.
On the 1st January, 1909, the Government under authority of Ordinance No. 15 of 1908 took over the Widows' and Orphans' Pen- sions Fund at $371,500, which sum was credited to the General Revenue of the Colony. Since then all contributions have been credit- ed to Revenue, and pensions to the widows and orphans of contributors are guaranteed by their being a charge on the Revenues of the Colony in accordance with the provisions of the Ordinance.
The fund referred to by the hon. member ceased in 1908 when Ordinance No. 15 of 1908 came into force.
It is the practice in many British Crown Colonies, including the Straits Settlements, Malaya and Ceylon, to embody Widows' and Orphans' contributions and the payment of pensions under the scheme in the general finances of the Colony. (Applause.)
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