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We would also draw your attention to the fact that under Notification No. 169 Schedule to Merchant Shipping Consolidation Ordinance, 1899, passed on the 4th February last, the License Fees for cargo boats and lighters has been increased 100 per cent. We should feel obliged if you would kindly enlighten us as to why this tax has been increased and to what purpose the Government intend to devote the revenue derived therefrom.

We shall be obliged if your Committee will give their attention to the points we have raised before replying to the letter addressed to your Chamber by the Colonial Secretary.

(Signed) F. J. Abbott,

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We are, &c.,

Acting Superintendent-P. & O. Steam Navigation Co., Butterfield & Swire,

Agents, Ocean Steamship Co., Ltd.,

China Mutual Steam Navigation Co., Ltd., China Navigation Co., Ltd.,

Jardine Matheson & Co., Ltd.,

General Managers, Indo-China S. N. Co., Ltd.,

Indra Line,

Agents,

Dodwell & Co., Ltd.,

W. E. Clarke,

Secretary, Hongkong, Canton & Macao Steamboat Co., Ltd., J. W. Craddock,

General Traffic Agent, Canadian Pacific Railway,

Douglas Lapraik & Co.,

General Managers, Douglas Steamship Co., Ltd.,

Gibb Livingston & Co.,

Agents, Eastern & Australasian Steamship Co., Ltd.,

“ Ben” Line of Steamers,

Shewan Tomes & Co.,

General Managers, General Agents, Agents,

McGregor Bros. & Gow,

China & Manila S.S. Co., Ltd.,

American Asiatic S.S. Co.,

Shire Line of Steamers Ltd.,

General Managers, Glen Line of Steamers.

The Chairman, HONGKONG GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

COLONIAL SECRETARY'S OFFICE,

HONGKONG, 20th May, 1908.

SIR, I am directed to acknowledge,receipt of your letter of 1st May on the subject of Light dues, with its enclosure,

His Excellency is anxious that your Chamber should be in full possession of the reasons which have led him to the conclusions he has formed, and he has therefore desired me to enclose a Memorandum which he has prepared on the subject for

on the subject for your information.

I enclose the plans and estimates* for the scheme, which, as you are aware, from the official reports in the Gazette of the proceedings of the Legislative Council, have already been submitted to the Public Works Committee of that body. The subject of the cost of the shelter is dealt with in His Excellency's Memorandum.

With regard to the question asked in the ante-penultimate paragraph of your letter, I am to state that the revenue derived from the increased fees on cargo boats, lighters and water- boats was made in the interest of General Revenue since it was considered that the fees were low.

The increase based on last year's receipts will amount to $18,000 per annum.

* Not printed.

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