CO129-526-12 Proposals to raise additional revenue due to revised salary schemes- etc. 16-6-1930 - 23-2-1931 — Page 39

aus. tel. No. 350

3 July

301

39 END

TELEGRAM from the Governor of Hong Kong to the Secretary

of State for the Colonies.

Dated 16th June.

(Received, Colonial Office, 11.18 a.m., 16th June, 1930).

No.48. It is necessary to raise additional revenue partly to meet cost of new salary scheme partly to meet increase in cost of sterling commitments resulting from fall in exchange. Existing postal rates being based on two shillings and a penny dollar should be revised forthwith. Propose following adjustments. Present domestic rate of circulars, letters, one two cents

recommend two three cents respectively. Empire newspaper rates to Union rates.

Assimilating special

Existing Empire letter

rate four cents recommend eight cents. Existing Union letter

rate ten cents first ounce six cents additional ounces recommend fourteen cents and eight cents. China adopt(s) fifteen cents Union rate. Unable to assimilate on account of delay anticipated in obtaining special new five cents postal stamps.

If you approve please request Post Office formally to notify International Bureau fifteen days beforehand enabling revision effective 1st August also instruct Crown Agents for the Colonies to supply delivery here September 30,000 sheets four cents 20,000 eight cents 5,000 one cent 5,000 ten cent.

Changes

have been approved by Executive Council. Further taxation proposals will be telegraphed later.