CO129-525-3 Estimates 1931 and other financial papers 16-1-1930 - 1-9-1932 — Page 86

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HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

HON. MR. KOTEWALL.-In regard to the Military Contribution, although Your Excellency has just told us that you held out no hope that the Secretary of State would consent to a reduction of the percentage, I would, nevertheless, ask you to transmit the request of the Chinese community to the Secretary of State.

H.E. THE GOVERNOR.-I will go into the question as to whether there is any objection by the Secretary of State to publish- ing the correspondence between my predecessor and himself on the subject. I think that is the best way to take it at the moment. That was done in the Straits Settlements in connexion with the Military Contribution and I think that the whole of the correspon- dence was laid upon the table. If there is no objection, that will be best in the first instance.

HON. MR. KOTEWALL.-I take it, Sir, the Secretary of State will be made acquainted with our views on this subject.

H.E. THE GOVERNOR.-The Secretary of State will have copies of all speeches that have been made to-day, but as the Colonial Secretary has just pointed out to me the Military Contribution is not part of the Bill. That is a legal obligation.

Upon Council resuming,

The Colonial Secretary reported that the Bill had passed through Committee without amendment and he moved the third reading.

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

ADJOURNMENT.

H.E. THE GOVERNOR.-Council stands adjourned sine die.

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