Sessional_Paper_1885-1886 — Page 88

HONGKONG.

DESPATCH RESPECTING THE PROPOSED ESTABLISHMENT

OF A SPIRIT FARM.

85

No. 4.

Presented to the Legislative Council by Command of

His Excellency the Governor.

The Right Honourable Fred. Stanley, M.P., to Governor Sir G. F. Bowen, G.C.M.G.

HONGKONG.

No. 28.

SIR,

DOWNING STREET,

6th August, 1885.

I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch, No. 253, of the 3rd of June, proposing the establishment of a Spirit Farm in order to raise the taxation which will be required to meet the charge for interest and Sinking Fund of the new Public Works Loan which it is proposed to raise next year, and enclosing a report upon the subject by the Colonial Treasurer, together with a Draft Ordinance which had been prepared on the model of the similar Straits Settlements' Ordinance, the opportunity being taken at the same time to consolidate the existing laws relating to distilleries and to the sale of intoxicating liquors.

2. I observe that the duty proposed to be leviable on Spirits is left blank in Clause VI of the draft Ordinance, but I assume that Mr. LISTER's calculations are based upon the rate of duty of 75 cents per gallon inserted in the draft Ordinance, submitted by Sir J. HENNESSY, and which I conclude would be the rate to be adopted in the present Ordinance.

3. Assuming, as appears to be the case, that fresh taxation is necessary, I concur with you in thinking that the establishment of a Spirit Farm would be the most convenient method of raising it, and I see nothing in the details of the pro- posed measure which appears open to objection, you have my sanction, accordingly for submitting the proposed legislation for the consideration of the Legislative Council.

I have, &c.,

Governor

Sir G. F. BOWEN, G.C.M.G.,

30.

&c.

(Signed),

FRED. STANLEY,