Estimates-1933 — Page 118

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The Motor Spirits Ordinance passed the Legislative Council on 26th June, 1930, introducing duty at the rate of fifteen cents per gallon on all light oils lying in stock in the Colony on 1st July, 1930, and imported into the Colony on or after that date.

By regulation made by the Governor in Council under Section 3 of the Post Office Ordinance 1926 the rates of postage were increased from 1st day of August, 1930.

1931.

The Estimates of Revenue for the year 1931 reach a total of $27,488,759 an increase of $4,775,839 over the approved Estimates for 1930, an

an increase of $3,422,759 over the Revised Estimate for the same year and an increase of $3,934,284 over the Actual Revenue of 1929.

In anticipation of the increase of 4% on the Rates, Revenue under the head Assessed Taxes is expected to yield $5,665,000 or approximately $1,415,000 more than the Approved Estimate for the current year.

It is estimated that a sum of $300,000 will be paid into Revenue in respect of the proposed new Amusement Taxes.

A slight adjustment in school fees should yield an additional $19,000. Under the former schedule it was estimated that Revenue derived from Public School Fees in 1981 would reach $195,000 but with the adjustment now proposed the revised estinate for 1931 is $214,000.

An additional $320,740 is expected on account of the increase of Light Dues, while increases in the fees for use of Government Buoys, Sunday Cargo Working Permits and other Revenue collected through the Harbour Office is expected to yield an additional $144,832. Revenue from Land Sales for the years 1928, 1929 and 1930 has exceeded 14 million dollars each year. It is proposed, therefore, to es- timate the Revenue under this head for the year 1931 at 14 million.

It is estimated that amendments in the case of certain fees in the Stamp Ordinance raising receipt and cheque duty to 10 cents and hills of lading to 40 cents together with the revision of the Estate Duties Ordinance, whereby the maximum percentage is raised from 8% to 12% should increase the revenue for Stamp Duties by approximately $473,000.

For the year 1931 Revenue derivable under head "Post Office" is estimated at $1,360,000 which is an increase of $390,000 over the Approved Estimate for 1980 and $120,000 over the Revised Estimate for the same year. The increase is due to the revision in postage rates.

Appendix "A" shows the totals for the Estimates of Revenue and Actual Revenue collected for the ten years 1921-1930.