1930-04-25 — Page 2

HUMOROUS RECORD

SUCCESSES

Columbia Process RECORDS

5447-A Tale of other Times. Norman Long. 9237-Napoleon-

་

Billy Bennett.

9105-Domostio Blisters. 9689-Fourth Form at St. Michaels.. Will Hay, 9829-The 'Ole in the Road. Geo. Grares. 9614-The Chairman's Remarks, Wm. MrCulloch.

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THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH,

POSSIBLE INCREASE

IN TAXES.

TO MEET CIVIL SERVANT SALARIES.

OFFICIAL DESPATCH.

There was yesterday issued to the Press by the Hongkong Government a Sessional. Paper setting forth the correspondence which has passed this year be tween Hongkong and the Secretary of State for the Colonies on the subject of the Report of the Salaries Commission.

FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 1930.

their remuneration and other con-

ditions of service..

In a Despatch on January 22nd from these, 1 would propose to Sion of sterling salaries are powering "special expenditure" Items,

from Sir Cecil Clementi to the Secretary of State it was pointed

In considering how far the Colony can meet the increased cost of the scheme without resort to additional taxation, the Despatch pointed out that the year 1929 eged with a surplus of $1,485,405, raising the Colony's assets to $9,577,038 as against the estimated figure of $7,712,265. As regards 1930 it was thought that the dollar would show some improvement in the course of the year, that savings would be effected, and that in the light of past experience recurrent revenue would exceed recurrent expenditure. His Excellency thought it would be advisable to make provision for an increased recurrent revenue of about $1,000,000.

Chamber's Opposition.

To Meet the Cost.

Question of Taxation.

I.

that

L

She Began Improving: At Once

When The Doctor Prescribed. Baby's Own Tablets.

OECC.

be

are a

Estimated Total Revenue $22,- would have proved inadequate and would require to be raised to 712,920: Deduct Land Sales 3. As a first step copies of the $564,000. A recalculation of the $3,000,000: Estimated Recurrent Keport were issued to the heads effect of the new scheme based Revenue $21,712,920.

Estimated of all departments with an invita-on, exchange rate of 1/6d. and u

Total Expenditure tion to submit to the Colonial Se- detalled application of the new $27,268,515; Deduct Public Works cretary any representations they scales to existing staff raises the Extraordinary $3,840,760; Royal might wish to make regarding the groas estimate to $11,472,554 or Naval Volunteer Reserve (dis- awards to their respective staffs. $2,541,458, in excess of the sum allowed) $25,-433; Certain heavy voted for 1930 and items of non-recurrent special ex- This invitation produced avory actually

over the revised penditure $1,016,000; Gross Re large body of detailed criticism, $1,358,524 in which nearly every branch of estimate at $1-1/10d. of the current Expenditure $22,387,332, the Service participated. Every additional cost of the revision.

10. These figures show an es item in these representations was Any revival in the value of silver timated deficit of $674,412, as be fully and carefully considered and will automatically result in tween estimated recurrent revenue. a decision for or against modifica-reduction of this sum, As the and gross estimated recurrent ex- tion of the Commission's awards Table shows at exchange $1-1/9d., penditure; but I fully expect the was taken. The final recommendn-the net extra cost of the scheme recurrent revenue to exceed the. tions of Government are embodied must, moreover, be borne in mind penditure in the light of past ex-

would be under $1,350,000.

already approved recurrent ex- in the enclosed schedule of recour-that the existing rules for conver-perience. Even without deduct- mendations and observations. Apart

leas to mitigate the effects on the recurrent revenue has for the adhere strictly to the Report. officers with sterling commitments past few years in every caso ex-

4. At the same time copies of the of an exchange of $1-1/6d.ceeded recurrent expenditure. out that the first rough estimate Report were sent to the Labour The sliding scale itself ceases to therefore, view the future with of the cost of revision showed that it would furnish the Govern rate of 1/8d. and the temporary ed estimates might appear to war- Advisory Board with the request be of value below an exchange tess apprehension than the print- total increase of $1,300,000, but

ment with its views on the finding allowance does not compensate for rant. that as the exchange value of the dollar had declined "in the most far as they concerned those any lower rate than 1/9d. There-

"My little girl had a hard time detailed categories of employment which fore, without any revision of startling manner," Л

are embraced by the term salaries, it has already become

getting her teeth," writes Mrs. application of the proposed new

On the request of the necessary to consider what steps

11. On the figures for 1929, it | David Lee, of Lindsay, Ontario, scales to the existing staff raises "Labour".

Unofficial Members of the Execu- should be taken to compensate the would have been possible to meet Canada. "She was feverish, her the gross estimated increase at a 1/6d. dollar to $2,541,458.

coated, her breath "Any ive Council coples were also sent officers with sterling commitments the full cost of the salaries scheme tongue was

offensive and she vomited milk. revival in the value of silver will for general criticism and observa- for this further drop in the estimated at $1,039,934 for

value of the dollar, year and still have shown a sur

"On the advice of our doctor. I automatically result in a reduction, to the Commnitttees of the sterling tion of this sum."

Hongkong General Chamber of Should it prove necessary to aban-plus at the end of the year. The Commerce and the Hongkong Chi- don the sliding scale and to con-position for 1930 is not quite so gave her Baby's Own Tablets and nese Chamber of Commerce. vert sterling salaries at current favourable owing to the drop in she began improving at

rate with the maximum temporary exchange and I consider that it She had not slept well at nights allowance on the resulta so obtain would be advisable to make pro- for three months and I was almost 5. Replies were received from ed, and assuming an exchange rate vision for an increased recurrent worn out caring for her.

"Now the child's food digestsTM the Chinese Chamber of Commerce of 1/6d., it would be necessary to revenue of about $1,000,000. I on the 27th of November, 1929, increase the sum voted for 1930 by have already under consideration properly, her breath is sweet, her and the Labour Advisory Board on $797,653. The maximum cost of a tax on petrol, which should bring the 6th of December, 1929, the the revision if the dollar should in some $200,000 and the possibili- tongue clean and she is quiet and to mothers as they former offering no observations fall to 1/6d. may therefore be put ties of an amusement tax and of good. I can strongly recommend or representations on the Report, at $2.541.458 over the sum voted a tax on betting are being in- the Tablets

I cannot an- did my baby good when nothing for 1930 but at only $1,743.805 vestigated.; but while the latter conveyed in

Physicians general terms an opinion on the over the sum which it may in any ticipate any large revenue from else did."

prescribe Baby's case be necessary to vote if the these sources. The only taxes part of its commercial members dollar should fail to and remain at which bring in large sums are the Own Tablets because they know. that the Government was already 1/6d. I do not however anticipate Assessment Tax, the Stamp Tax that they contain absolutely no paying its labour adequately. The that the dollar will fall as low and the taxes on, liquor and

can injurious Ingredients, Committee of the General Chamberan 1/6d. or that it will even remain liquer and tobacco have recently given with perfect safety even to

tobacco. Of these the taxes on of Commerce has not yet replied at its present low level. but has reported progress in an

been reviewed and are probably the youngest infant, and interim letter. It seems fairly

as high as it is wise to make them specific remedy in cases of simple constipation, collc, in- clear from this letter that so far as

at present, though they may be fever, 7. It is necessary at this point capable of future enhancement. digestion, diarrhoea, teething trau labour is concerned the awards of the Commissioners will not find to consider how far the Colony can The Stamp Duties I should prefer bles, croup and colds, also to favour with the European business meet the increased cost to add not to disturb. There remains the expel worms. Of chemists avery-

scheme without resort addi-Assessment Tax. The present where 60.cents per vial. community of this Colony and the

tional taxation. The estimates general rate is 13% and it is ex- opposition may extend to the re- for 1929 as framed. foreshadowed pected to yield $4,250,000 in 1930. commendations for Chinese Staff deficit of $2,521,050. The final This cannot be called a high rate generally or even to the whole Re Bgures for the year will not be in comparison with other large port. But I may say at once that available until the Crown Agents cities, and I think it could be cannot do otherwise than accept accounts are received, but the result raised by 4% without any appre the view embodied in paragraphs of the year's working as estimated ciable rise in rents or other undue 21-23 of the Report that the by the Treasurer shows, in place of hardship. An increase in the wages now paid by Government to the deficit, a surplus of $1,485,405 Assessment rate by 4% should bring in about $1,800,000. From the $1,500,000 thus raised it would method of calculation to deduct 20% or $330,000 as Military. Con tribution, for which the Colony ed on this additional revenue. 6. With regard to cost a com- that a deficit of only $379,368 was will obtain no additional benefit.

Finally, His Excellency asked parative table of the amounts pay-anticipen

Your Lordship will no doubt PUDLO for permission to lay the recom-able under the existing regula-but even this estimate proved un- realize that this deduction of 20% tions and under the recommenda- duly pessimistic, and (as stated acts as a very strong deterrent to mendations of the Commission, as modified by a schedule enclosed, tions of the Report, at exchange above) the year ended with a sur- the raising of additional revenue before the Finance Committee of rates of $1-1/10d., 1/9d. and plus of about $1,485,405. We and, if Your Lordship could ar- 1/6d., respectively is enclosed, therefore, start the year 1930 with range that Military Contribution the Legislative Council, with A view to putting the scheme into The Estimates for 1930 were the sum of $1,864,778 more than should not be charged on this ad- the basis of an we expected. As a result of this ditional revenue, necessitated as it effect as from January 1st., 1930.

exchange of $1-1/10d. and our assets on the 1st January, is by the normal expansion of ac- A telegram from the Secretary sterling salaries were calculated 1930, are raised from the estimativities and by an increase in the of State on March 25th, approved under existing regulations at the ted figure of $7,712,265 to cost of living, it would go far to of the scheme being submitted to privileged rate of $12 to the £1 $9,577,638 of which $8,041,363 are, remove any opposition to the pro- the Council, but expressed surplus a high cost of living allow-considered to be liquid. Speaking posed increase in Taxation. prise that the cost of living in ance of 8% or 16% for unmarried generally, therefore, the financial Hongkong is higher now than in and married officers respectively. position of the Colony cannot be 1920. "I regret that I can see no The total so payable would have regarded as unsatisfactory. grounds under existing arrange- been $8,931,096 and the first rough 9. Turning now to the

for 1930, I would quest Your Lordship's authority, ments for proposing that addi- estimate of the cost of the revisiontimates tional revenue should be relieved made at the time of the introduc- first premise that the unexpect-if possible by telegraph, to lay the recommendations of the Commis- value assessment for Defence tion of the Budget and calculated ed fall in the exchange

casion, as modified by the schedule Contribution....I agree to the at the same rate of exchantre of the dollar has upset our

of showed # total increase of culations both proposals in your telegram

as regards the herein, before the Finance Com- 14th. March that the exchange $1.300.000.

has salaries scheme and as regards mittee of the Legislative Council compensation scale should be subsequently been revised and the sterling expenditure on salaries with a view to the approval of a vote enabling me to put the new As however I re scheme into force with effect from extended down to exchange 1/6." cost of the scheme at $1-1/10d. and material.

Full extracts from the corres-is now estimated at $10,114,030 or marked above, I can hardly believe the 1st of January, 1930, and at an increase of $1.182.934 over the that the dollar will remain at its the same time to proceed with my pondence will be found below:

Despatch of 22nd January, 1930, sum voted in the 1930 estimates. present almost unprecedented de- from the Governor to the Secretary Since then the value of the dollar preciation and I look for some im- proposals for raising additional bas declined in the most startling provement in the course of the *f State:

Special Bonuses. 2. I desire årst to express my fashion until it reached the un-year. There is, moreover, little! great indebtedness to the members Precedented figure of 1/62d. from doubt that the savings which

13. In conclusion I invite Your BATTERY CHARGING of the Commission and in particu-which it has only slightly recover- inevitably occur every year will

ed. This fall in exchange has more than offset the loss from the Lordship's attention to paragraph lar to the Chairman, Sir Henry already involved the Government fall of the dollar. If the liquid 183 of the Report. I appreciate Gollan, K.C., C.B.E.. for the meti-in payment of temporary allow surplus balances of the Colony, es- the Commissioners' tribute to the culous care with which they Dances at 18% and 9% instead of timated on the 1st January. 1930 at work of the officers mentioned and proached, this intricate problem 16% and 8% as provided for in $8,041,363 may properly be used venture to recommend for your up- and for the very able report which the estimates, the additional cost to supplement normal revenue for proval of the following bonuses:.-] they have presented as the result of which, if extended throughout the purpose of meeting votes for To Mr. W. J. Carrie-Secre- of their long and elaborate en- the year, is estimated at $214,500 Public Works Extraordinary and quiries. Their recommendations over and above the $420,000 voted for certain heavy items of non-re- To Miss V. R. Harrison-

Stenographer cannot but prove of the utmost for the high-cost-of-living allow-current expenditure included un- value in arranging for the just and ance. It has been found from the der the heading of special expendi- To Mr. Un Ting-fan-In- equitable treatment of all officers experience of 1929, that even at ture, we are left with the follow-

terpreter of this Government in regard to 16% and 8% the vote of $420,000 ing analysis for 1930:

"I have already under con- sideration a tax on petrol, which should bring in some $200,000, and the possibilities of an amusement tax and a tax on betting are being investigated." Stamp Duties and the taxes on liquor and tobacco were considered high enough, and there remained only the Assess- ment Tax, the present general rate of which is 13 per cent estimated to yield $1,250,000 in 1930. An increase of 4 per cent. would bring in about $1,500,000, of which $300,000 would have to be deducted for Military Contri- bution. His Excellency asked if it could be arranged that Military Contribution should not be charg

CHERRY BLOSSOM TIME from

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Write Tsingtao P. 0. Box 225

for booklet and for list of recommended Hotels and Boarding Houses or for any other information.

SALESMAN SAM

MORATING", MRS. GOOGOD! 1 UNDERSTAND YA HAD A GREAT CHRISTMAS AT YOUR, HOUSE.-

its lowest regular servants are in-revenue showing a surplus of adequate and that amelioration $940,350 and expenditure being must begin from this level and $3,066,105 below the estimate. be necessary under the presenti spread upwards.

framed

WE SURE DID! WITH SEVEN KIDS AROUND THERE'S AL

WAYS LOTS DOING!

The Cost.at 1/6d.

OII

The estimate

8. When the Budget for 1990 Iwas introduced in September last, the position had so far improved

am's Got Her Wrong

AN I SUPPOSE YOU'RE GLAD "THE DAY HAS PASSED ·

BLONG

OW!

NOT AT ALL-AS A MATTER OF FACT, I'M SORRY-I LOVE THI

MERRY SPIRIT OF

CHRISTMAS-

CHEST

FOR SALE

ex-

Authority Requested.

12. I would accordingly re-

revenue.

tary

$1,500

500

75

(Continued on Page 13.)

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