Sessional_Paper_1908 — Page 633

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h. The Chamber of Commerce appear to contend that the amount imposed upon shipping is too great, and that other interests should contribute a portion. Only a half of the cost is asked from the shipping, and though I am not at present able to forecast the financial requirements of next year and shall not be in a position to do so till the draft estimates are before me, I fear that the shipping interest is by no means likely to be the only one which will have to submit to increased taxation, looking to the large increase of Revenue necessary for pay- ment of interest on Railway expenditure, the fall in exchange, the prospect of decline in opium revenue, and the continued loss due to discount on subsidiary

"coins.

7. The Chamber of Commerce urge that the sum to be raised should be spread over a longer term of years, with a proportionate decrease in the extra dues. There is no point which has been more strongly emphasized by the respresentatives of the Community in Council than that the construction of the Refuge should be pushed on with the utmost rapidity, and should not be allowed to occupy so long a time as the Post Office and Law Courts are doing. A period of 5 years lias been estimated for the work, but if it should take longer than that time, it may be possible to spread the contribution for the last year or two over a longer period. Government however is not able to supply the capital for the commencement of the work, and to rely on gradually recouping itself over a long series of years, nor, in view of the existing Loans which amount to above one tenth of Revenue, am I able to recommend to the Secretary of State, nor would he agree to a proposal for a Loan for such a purpose. I do not enter into this matter in letail in this Memorandum however, since it has already extended to consider- able length.

8th May, 1998.

(S.). F. D. LUGARD.

HONGKONG GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE,

HONGKONG, 23rd May, 1908.

SIR-I beg to acknowledge with thanks the receipt of your letter of yesterday's (?) date forwarding the copy of a memorandum by His Excellency the Governor with plans and estimates of the proposed New Harbour of Refnge to be constructed at Mongkokisui.

I have placed these before my Committee and hope soon to be in a position to reply.

Hon. F. H. MAY. C.M.G.,

Colonial Secretary.

T'have, &c.,

E. A. M. WILLIAMS, Secretary.

COLONIAL SECRETARY'S OFFICE,

HONGKONG, 17th June, 1908.

SIR, I am directed to acknowledge the recept of your letter of the 23rd ultimo and to inquire whether your Committee is now in a position to reply to my letter No. 9266 of 1907 of the 20th ultimo.

I have, &c.,

The Secretary, HONGKONG GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

F. H. MAY, Colonial Secretary.