1930-10-14 — Page 7

HONG KONG DAILY PRESS, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1930.

WHERE TO FIND MORE DOLLARS.

CHINESE CHAMBER DISAPPROVES OF PROPOSED INCREASE

IN ASSESSMENT TAX.

FIVE NEW SUGGESTIONS TO GO BEFORE GOVERNMENT: RACE TICKETS MAY BE TAXED.

MILITARY CONTRIBUTION CONSIDERED EXCESSIVE: BIG REDUCTION SOUGHT,

That the proposed increase of the assessment tax by four per vent, is likely to be the subject of much controversy between the Government and the Chinese mombers of the Legislative Council' was foreshadowed in a meeting held at the Chinese Chamber of Commerce yesterday in which the proposed increase was unanimously gondemned, on the ground that it would impose' hardship on the population generally at a time when they are least prepared to meet it.

The meeting, however, fully realised that it was absolutely necessary to mise funds to balance the budget and in this connection several interesting channels of likely revenue were proposed and will duly bo brought to the notice of the Chinese representativos in the Legislative Council with a request that they should be brought to the notice of Government.

Included in the suggestions which are tabulated below is a proposal that the Colony's military contribution be drastically reduced, it being pointed out that the present contribution:

is out of all proportion to the Colony's ability to meet its expenditure.

The following were proposed as likely sources of Revenue:--

1. The putting out to tender of monopolica such as 'bus routes and ferry services.

2. The imposition of a tax of 20 per cent, on race tickets.

3.-A tax of ten per cent, on luxuries. Jowellery is included in this category.

4. The raising of the price of Government opium from $3 to 85 a tael,

5.-The collection and contribution of a certain percentage of the purchase price on all

land sales made by the Government."

PAWNSHOP MONOPOLY SUGGESTED BUT WITHDRAWN.

· Pawnshop Monopoly.

In order that the reader may fully | Any increase by the electric or gas | realias the situation it would be companies would mean so much best here to set out the text of a more money out of the pockets of letter sent by the Hong Kong and the public. Kowloon Property Owners Associa tion to the throo Chinese represen- tatives of the Legislative Council. This letter was read at the outset of proceedings at the Chamber of Commerce yesterday:--

To Hon. Sir Suou-SON Crow, To Hon. Dr. R. H. KOTE WALL,

O.M.G.,

To Hon. Dr. S. W. Tao, O.B.E.,

SIRS. At the request of the Hong Kong and Kowloon Property Owners Association, I am bringing to your notice the views expressed by members at a meeting held on Thursday; the 9th inst, i-ai the proposed increase in "rates.

The members are aware that ad ditional revenue must be obtained to balasice the Budget but respect fully suggest that means other thau an increase in rates might first bo considered and that even in the avent of such other means failing to produce the revenue desired, an increase of two par cent. is the utmost which might be levied on rates, without causing unnecessary bardship, leaving any further de ficit to be dealt with by a ruthless wielding of the axe of economy.

Other means of revenue which might ba nariously considered are:

1.-The imposition of tax on cleo-

tricity and gas,

2. The introduction of a mono-

poly in pawnshops. 3-The putting out to tender of monopolies such as bus routes and forry services. -

As regards the question of a monopoly in pawnshops, the meeting was generally against it

་་་་

was pointed out that there were about 130 pawnshops in the Colony each of which employed about ten fokis, The monopolist would undoubtedly re- duce this number to filty or sixty which would mean that some seven to eight hundred men-supporting as many families-would have to look elsewhere for a livelihood. Moreover, it was argued that the monopoliet could not pay the Gov- ornment more than, shy 91,000 per pawnshop go that the revenue from this direction, assuming that fifty to sixty pawnshops would be kopt running after the introduction of the monopoly, would be very small indeed! Moreover, it was mainly the poor people who went to pawn shops and to put hardships on them was considered unjust,

'Bus and Ferry Routes, The meeting was unanimously in favour of putting 'bus and ferry Bervico to competitive tenders, although one section expressed the opinion that in this as in other in stances, competitive tender might mean that the public will have to pay more.

Those in favour of the introduc- tion of a tender on route mono-

polica argue, however, that certain bus routes are operated upon by companies who do not in any way Facts and figures are available benefit the public out of their which the deputation will be pleased | profita. to place before you should you find it convenient to grant them an in- torview,

The members of the association feel that if you are prepared to exert your influence with Govern- ment the above measures will be explored which may prove to be practical solutions "to" a difficult problém. I wish to take this op portunity of expressing, on behalt of the nasociation, grateful thanks for your kindness and sympathetic consideration shown in this and other matters-Yours faithfully,

(Sd.) T. N. Caza. Before proceedings commenced at the Chamber of Commerce yester-

Gambling Tax.

The proposal that race tickets should be taxed was greeted with warm approval. The proposer, Mr. Wong Ping Shun, a race owner in Hong Kong, pointed out that at the race meeting held in Japan a tax of loss than 20 per cent. is charged. In Shanghai and Kiangwan, the Chinese Government charged a small tax. He asked why it was not possible to impose some form of taxation in Hong Kong. There were about 24 racing days a your and a considerable sum of money might be collected if a small tax was imposed.

That this method of taxation day, the Chairman invited members would not be felt by the public was to give their opinions as to whether the general opinion of those who

it was thought desirable that mem spoko in favour of it. It was gen-

|

Land Sales.

PRISON AND BIRCH CORRESPONDENCE.

FOR A THIEF.

SNATCHED EUROPEAN LADY'S BAG,

KOWLOON INCIDENT.

At the Kowloon Magistracy yes- terday, before Mr. H. R. Butters, Inspector. Marke charged Lo Leung with the larceny of a handbag con- taining $13.20 in money, a comb, a powder box, and a bunch of kaya, the property of Mias Winifred Jane Adams..

[For obvious reagunt, tho kleidity of his correspondente must be kunten to the Editor. All lettera intéudet for publication must be accum panied by the same and address of the writer, not for publication, un- lena so desired, but as evidence of good faith, Correspondents who do not give this information will not see their letters in print.-ED.]

MORE ABOUT EDUCATION.

(TO THE EDITOR OF THE i

DAILY FREAK"]

HONG KONG

Bin, The articles on 'Education which have been published in May Giving evidence, Miss Adams said and last week, are most enlighten- that she was walking with a gching. The very cogent points made tleman friend in Nathan Road the should revive the earnest attention previous day at about 10.30 p.m. they deserve. The facts speak for Near the Majestic Theatre, the de-

themselves. There was no bitterncas fendant statebed hor handbag and in the articles, although the cou- ran away, and her friend immedi-ditions of staff pay in certain ately gave chase.

schools in Hong Kong must be und. With regard to the Government schools, I should like to know what are the qualifications of (1) the Headmistress of the Belilios Girls' School, (2) the Headmaster of King's College, and (3) the Senior Mistress of King's College. No. 1 receives a salary of over $1,100 per month; No. 2 $1,000, and No. 3 2000, (or over $400, if locally engag

Mr. I. Docherty corroborated this evidence, saying that be kept the defendant in sight all the time in Saigon Street, where an Indian con- stable stopped the man, Witness anid that, the bag was not found in defendant's possession, but it was picked up in the alreet.

The Indian constable-gavo evi- dence of seeing the defendant with the bag in his hand. On seeing witness, the defendant throw the bag away.

Defendant denied that he stole the bag. He explained that he was running in order to avoid a motor This item also met with the spear when he was arrested, but the proval of the meeting, it being constable said that there was no pointed out that the Government might well pay a portion of the proceeds of their land sales towards. the coffera of the Colony,

Opium Sales,

That the Government should raise the price of opium in the means whereby more money can Colony was also agreed upon as be raised to balance the Budget.

It was pointed out that the Gov ernment, enjoying a monopoly as they did, could do one of two things. They could either tax an opium smoker or they could raise the price of Government opium.

car in the street at the time,

The Magistrato convicted, pans ing sentence of one year's hard labour and 24 strokes of the birch.

MR. DOUGLAS JENKINS,

LEAVES CANTON,

-DEVEN YEARS' RESIDENCE

ON SHAMEEN.

The Chairman asked if it was

[FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.} suggested that all opium smokers should register with the Govern

CANTON, Oct. 13. mont and duly obtain a licence for smoking opium. He also asked

Mr. Douglas Jenkins, for seven what distinction could be made be-years American Consul General in tween the various class of amokers. Canton, left here for Hong Kong The taxing of opium smokers would mean the employment of a new staff

on his way to Shanghai last Friday to see that no ovasion of licences afternoon. Gathered at the wharf took place and that no smoker in the first class should try and smoko opium sold only to second class, etc. The taxing of opium smokers, in short, was a procedure that would entail too much trouble.

As regards the raising of the price of Government opium, the Chairman asked the proposer whe- ther be meant the raising of the price by $5'n taol.__a

Several voices: Too much! A member: Why is it too much, do you smoke opiùm ↑

Another member: $1 per tael in quite a heavy increase.

about 83 per tael 1

Yet another member: What

It was finally decided that the Government should be recommend. ed to raise the price by 83 to 85 pór taol.

One member pointed out that the increase in the price of Government opinm was impracticable because it would encourage smugglers.

Retrenchment.

od).

I have been given to understand Certificates, (2) is a trained certi- that (1) only has Kindergarten feated teacher with no degree, and (3) has no teacher's certificato. I am open to correction on these points.

Nos, and 3 aro husband and wife, and, after twenty-five years' service will receive somewhere be- tween £900 and £1,000 a year as pension that is thirty-sixtieths of £1,100 plus, £750, equals £050 per

annum.

I montion this point of pensions because pensions, repairs to build- ings, etc., are not included in the Education Estimates..

With regard to feca--why should the sons of wealthy Chineas com- pradores and other business men receive for their sons such cheap education when they are quite will

fees at King's and Queen's Colleges ing to pay more? Could not the

be made higher? They are now 800 per annum for Classes 1 to 3, to bid him farewell and wish him | and only 860 per annum for Classes success were the members of the American Consulate of Shameen, host of friends, both Chinese and foreign, and a number of ligh off cials of the Canton Government, including General Gaston K. Wong, Dr. C. B. Chang, Mr. Loung Tic Wai and General Au Yang Kui.

Mr. Jenkins will take charge of the American Consulate in Shang- hai for the next six months.

DETECTIVE STABBED BY

ROBBER SUSPECT,

PRISONER MAKES HIS ESCAPE.

A man who was arrested as a

Other discussion that took place suspect following an armed robbery was over the question of expendiat 203, Laichikok Road, on Sunday, ture. It was pointed out that if proved to be a desperate character the expenditure was kept low.ex- penses would be easier to meet. The obvious course for the Govern ment was retrenchment on an 'ex- tensivo scale. Efficiency was neces sary, but it was argued that wher- ever possible a reduction of ex- penditare should be considered.

Military Contribution. That the military contribution

portion would be of great assist ance to the population of Hong. Kong was the opinion voiced by one of those present.

hark of the Press should be permiterally, adopted, as a far better made by the Colony was cxccesive ted to be present at the meeting. It might here be explained that Fressource of revenue than an increase and that a reduction in dractic pro- representatives were invited by then assessment tax. Chamber itself to attend the mest

Luxuries and Jewels, ing. After a brief discussion as to

Those who buy Juxuries and the advisability of allowing the Press to remain or otherwise, the jewellery may find themselves hav- Chairman stated that as the matter ing to pay a tax of 10 per cent appeared to be an important and on such purchases in the future, public one, there could be no barm as this wou also proposed as an in allowing the reporters to re-alternative to the proposed intro-

Tax on Electricity.

duction of an increase on the pre- sent assessment raten.

The levying of 20 per cent. for too heavy. It was quite proper in military purposes was considered the early days of the Colony when the total revenue was very small that such a high figure as 20 por cent, should be sought, but to day when the contribution was in the vicinity of 85,000,000, a revision was felt necessary.

4 to 5: Why not fix the fees at, say B150 to 8200 per annum, and allow reduced foes of 800 and $co to boys whose parents or guardians sign a paper saying they cannot afford to pay the full fees.

A day scholar's fees at some schools in England are as much as £30 to £55 per annum, that is 2300 to 8500 at a normal rate, of ex change. In Shanghai they are $15 to $20 a month for nine to ten months in a year.

Let me say that I feel the writor of the articles has performed & publio service. It makes one feel far removed from lack a daisical and "maskee" - spirited "Hong Kong-Yours, etc.,

HoNo Koso, October 13

JUNK PIRACY,

MASTER'S SON SHOT.

master of a junk, his vessel left According to Leung Yau, the

as ho made a daring escaps after | Yaumati on the 5th instant with a wounding a Chinese detective. crow of five, their destination being At about 8 o'clock in the evening trict. Whilst the craft was be- Wai Ping, in the Wai Chow dia- the detective took the suspect to calmed off To Tan, eight or nine a taller's shop on the first floor of men cam enlongside in a small boat and fired at the junk, wounding the 66, Wellington Street, in order to master's young son, Leung Tai interrogate the inmates of the place. As the robbers were boarding the

suddenly picked up While he was doing so the prisoneriabing, junk, the master jumped

overboard. a pair of

The occurrence took place at scissors and stabbed the detective 8 pm. on Friday last and be was Hot picked up until 8 o'clock the by another fishing boat and taken following day when he was rescued

walked to Aberdeen to report the to Banley, from which place ho.

in the stomach.

The detective made na effort to hold on to his man, but he was dragged to the verandah where the Apparently he was not injured in man jumped over into the street. the fall and succeeded in making his escape. The police have been making efforts to recapture the fugitive, who had not been traced. until a isto hour last night.

It is understood that the detee- tive, who is in hospital, was not seriously wounded.

matter.

WORLD'S RECORD · HAUL OF HEROIN.

VALUED AT £38,000.

**As reported in our issue of. Friday, a big haul of heroin was made by Revenue Officers on board the Italian steamer. Hilda. Tho seizure comprised 41 large wooden packing eases, some of which con tained jam and others

It was stated by Mr. Ho Wing, who The first question discussed was made the proposal, that those who the question of a tax on electricity buy jewellery were mostly monied It was decided that the Chamber and gas. This was probably the people, and therefore a tax on their would take up this matter at a

A sequel to the attempted robbery basis of the rumour in Ice Houss purchase would not be so keenly later date as it had nothing to do was the appearance of another man Street last week when word was felt. Jewellery, it was explained, with the question andor discussion. befors the Kowloon Magistrate on rassed round to the effect that cernaturally included all gold and

The meeting was presided over by a charge of wounding the inmates tain companies at present enjoying silver articles as well as articles Mr. Li Yick Mui, supported by Mr.. of the house, a shopkeeper and a a. business monopoly in Hong Kong whore precious stones were used, Chau Yuo Tang (vice-chairman) and would be taxed.

woman, "during the attempted rob AAN FEBarile luxury, the

on Chineza MBT Teng Pak inGLAVNI DEY AN ALomazza. Nitagathon, a tired of The meeting

Er were unanimous in term simply means nuything un- | Those present included Mr. Ho dagger being said to have been in its opinion that such a tax, if no necessary. In this category would Wing, Mr. MK Lo, Mr. Wong worse than an increase of asscas fall perfames, face powders, scent Ping Shun, Mr. Loung Fat Yue, Mr. Meadows said it was a committal lbs. of heroin the value of which mens rates, was certainly no better, ed soaps, and other toilet roli Hoi Tung and Mr. Kwok Chun,

inco, rich and poor were one and quisites, as dear to the faminine also many representatives of various | 48 hours, which was granted, to believed to be the world's record: all patrons of the Electric Company, - sex.

business guilds.

GLYN'S HATS

FOR MEN.

"GLYN

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W

Snup edge. Lined or Unlined,

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and

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R

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Call and let us demonstrate them to you we know they will be of interest.

Other qualities

$12.50, S16.50

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10, Ice House Street.

HOME BIG SELLERS: by the CELLESTE OCTET

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WITH CHOIR, TRUMPEIS

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LOOSE COVERS

Now is the Time for Benewing your Old Ones, When selecting material it is generally a good plan to choose a Fabric that will give effect of Harmony and Restfulness. But at the same time you must remember that Covers for Settees and Chairs got a Lot of Hard Wear, and only Materials should be chosen on which the good Wearing Qualities are Guaranteed.

SUNDOUR FABRICS

Satisfy both these Points and are therefore ex- cellent Materials for this purpose, being both

SUNFAST AND TUBFAST

WE INVITE YOUR INSPECTION

his possession. Detective Sergeant of the tins has revealed about 500 LANE, ORAWFORD, LTD.

caso when he asked for a remand of is placed at some £35,000. This is

haul of heroin.

make further investigations.