57
118
The Colonial Secretary next moved the second reading of “A Bill to authorize the appropriation
supplementary
of
Sum
of
THE HONG KONG WEEKLY PRESS &
nl taxation was distasteful, but that it was hoped that this in- gredient in the medicine which we must necessarily take for our con- $2,486,577.02 to defray the charges dition had been correctly prescri- of the year 1930.
bed." There is always the danger that a patient may suffer from too munch medicine. Knowing what a wise physician Your Excellency is, the community confidently looks to you for a period of recuperative rest, without further doses of phy- sic.
HON. MR. SHENTON. After it had been seconded by the Colonial Treasurer the Hon. Mr. Shenton said: I arise on behalf of the Unofficial Members of this Council to express our ap- preciation of the successful ad- ministration of the Colony's fin- ances for the year 1930.
was an
The year under review extremely difficult one; circumstan- ces arose, mainly due to the pheno- minal fall in exchange, creating situations, the ultimate result of which it was difficult to foresee.
Your Excellency's keen foresight and sound judgment has carried us through a difficult period with an actual deficit of $301,178 only - a position which was hardly an ticipated.
Whilst we have weathered the
H.E.'S SPEECH.
His Excellency the Governor, addressing the Council, said:- advisers, I thank the honourable "On behalf of myself and my members for their remarks. I may say that the revenue of this year is coming in very satisfactorily the time the Budget was introduced and although it was anticipated at
last year, that there would be a dollars, I think there is good reason deficit approaching two million
to hope that we shall be able this year to balance our revenue and storm of 1930, we venture to think achieved, it is nevertheless due
expenditure. If this success that the present year be a difficult one.
largely to restriction of desirable
works.
will also
The Colony, is still experience ing diffeult times financially, but we hope that your Excellency will find that our revenue is sufficient and that no increased taxation will be called for in connection with the forthcoming Estimates.
Since the various items in the appropriation account have receiv ed the approval of the Finance Committee and have been adopted by this Council, we have no com- ments to offer on the Bill.
HON. MR, KOTEWALL.
The Hon. Mr. Kotewall said:- Your Excellency: The remarks of the honourable senior unofficial member represent completely the sentiments of the Chinese
un-
officials. Nevertheless, as the senior representative of the Chines", who constitute at least 95 per cent of the
taxpay- ers. I have felt it incumbent upon me to try to add emphasis to the plea that no fresh taxation should be imposed in connection with the forthcoming Estimates.
During the short period of less than a year, the assessment rates have been increased by 4 per cent, shipping charges have been raised, the duties on liquor and on tobaceo have been substantially augmented, the stamp duty has also been in- creased, while a tax has been put on certain forms of entertainment,
Outlook in China.
The world-wide trade depression has not shown any appreciable sign of diminution, while the un- certainty of the political outlook in China is having an adverse effect on trade between the neigh bouring provinces and this Colony, which is no longer able to bear any additional taxation, whether it is or is not lightly taxed in compari- son with certain other colonies.
When referring to the question of extra taxation in connection with the Estimates for 1931, the Hon. Colonial Secretary said that
is
Our financial position to-day is very much more satisfactory than most of us ever hoped for and I have no hesitation in saying that it compares very favourably with any British Colony. It is neces- sary, however, that we should con- sider carefully how far the re- striction of public works should be continued,
No Further Taxes?
It is difficult to foresee quite so far ahead and I can only add, at the moment, that I echo the hope that it will not be necessary to increase the taxation in connection with the Budget of 1932 so long as we are able, on the present basis, to maintain the necessary standard of efficiency.
The Bill was put to the meeting and duly passed its final stages.
Other Business.
The following Bills passed their second reading yesterday :-
A Bill to amend the Summary Offences Ordinance, 1845.
A Bill to amend the Rating Ordinance, 1901,
A Bil to amend the Criminal Procedure Ordinance, 1899,
A Bill to amend further the Public Health and Buildings Ordinance, 1903.
A Bill to provide for the in- corporation of the Hop Yat Tong Church of Christ in Hong Kong. The Bill to amend the law relat- deaths, which was to come up for ing to the registration of births and its third reading, was postponed, postponement on the ground that the Attorney General asking for the
ceived in connection with the Bill certain suggestions had been re- since the second reading and that there had not been time to consider these suggestions.
The following motions, made by adopted :- the Colonial Secretary, were also
That the report of the Finance Committee (No. 7), dated July 2, 1931, be adopted:
[July 2ła
That the order dated of July 1931, made by Justice under section 3: Supreme Court Ordinan be revised and approved.
That the order dated ↑ of July, 1931, made by f Justice under section 71 Probates Ordinance, if approved.
That the rule of court 10th day of July, 1931. the Chief Justice under se of the Bankruptcy Orf 1891, be revised and appre
That the order dated 1 of July, 1931, made by th Justice under section 26 Bills of Sale Ordinance, revised and approved.
FINANCE COMMITT
QUESTION OF OFFIC
SALARIES.
The Finance Committee an the meeting of the Leg Council and
votes $249,755 were approved.
tu!
A question of practice, h was raised by Hon. Mr. P in connection with the follow Public Works Departm Personal Emoluments: $2 Provision made in Esti
$1,650,203.
Provision of the amou: required has already been under Public Works Loa count, the details of which under Appendix VI. (c) pa of the Estimates.
ment
Meantime, and until i tions have been received fr Secretary of State fo: Colonies approving the of the Pensions covering the salaries of seconded to loan work, it necessary to charge these si to personal emoluments supplementary vote in requested.
&
An appropriate re-imburs to revenue from loan fund be made in due course. salaries officers seconded to Mr. Paterson thought
loan, but the Colonial Secr work should not be charged t
nittee) thought it was pro (Chairman of the Finance
tioned that such a step was charged against the loan, and tioned in the standing orders.
Wrong in Principle. Mr. Paterson said he unders that, but nevertheless he thoug opinion was wrong in principle. specially engaged from outside that only pe Colony for the purpose of the! should be charged against the
was
sreonded to special work, cas will agree, that officers, if they Hon. Mr. Southorn: Surely
charged to that work?
Yes
that in municipal work at hom Hon. Mr. Paterson: Can you
The Col
Secretary: Government work.
Hon. Mr. Paterson: The Gore ment can do anything.
The Hon. Mr. Bell said that but he thought Mr. Paterson agreed with the Colonial Secreta
right. He had ari
instance
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