1939-11-08 — Page 5

OVERNIGHT

Wednesday,

HONGKONG" TELEGRAPH

November 8, 1939.

INCOME TAX OPPOSED Third Team For

NEWS PAGE BY AN OPEN MEETING

Deutschland Sighted

LONDON, Nov. 7 (Router).--- The Rome radio

states that, according to • French souree, the German pocket battleship Deutschland has been sighted. It is expected that British naval forces will take action against her.

RULERS CONFER

Hague, Nov. 1. King Leopold of the Belgions ar- eived unexpectedly last night and

conferred with Queen Wilhelmina until 1.30 a.m.

King Leopold was accompanied by the Foreign Minister, M. Paul Spank. The Dutch Foreign Minister, M. van Kleffens was also present.

Alternative Means of

Taxation Suggested by

Various Residents

The pros and cons of the proposed Introduction of Income Tax In Hongkong were fullý discussed at an open meeting of the Kowloon Residents' Association yesterday, ⠀

There were approximately 70 persons present, including a number of women, and a large majority were against the scheme. Suggestions of alternative taxation, such as taxes on luxuries, sales, gos, electric lighting and running of sweepstakes were made, and finally the meeting resolved that while all were in favour of contributing towards the cost of War, the majority were opposed to the principle of Income Tax in' the Colony.

It was also decided to ask Government to set up a repre sentative committed to consider other forms of taxation, particularly sales tax.

ensure

They are based either on conser- | vatism, or fear, or selfishness, or lack of patriotiam. This Press correspon- dence must go down as one of the most unpatriotic demonstrations any- where in the Empire.

But this brings me to the third point, which is the essential condi- tion of Its imposition. "No taxation with representation" is a slogan which bears the imprint of history upon it. It is a valid objection and the only one. It is little, short of humbug to maintain that there is any real representative Government in this Colony: If we are to havO Income Tax we must have, proper representation on the Government. and that must be elected ret

representa- tion not only by appointment.

Such representation would only be a concession to the right principle. It could not, of course, alter the present system of Government, Bul I am sure it would make a world of difference to the way the Tax is re ceived because it would be based upon an instinctive political sense of Justice.

Cannol Afford Tax

The opinion that the public could not afford to pay Income Tax because other taxes had already been intro- duced since the start of the war was expressed by Mr. J. S. Gibson, who gave an examples the 10 per cent. increase in foodstuffs allowed by the Food Controller without being asked, and the exorbitant rentals which the Government permitted landlords,

Roosevelt?

WASHINGTON, Nov. 7 (Ur). -A pall held by the Institute of Pubile Opinion show that the Democrats aro overwhelmingly In favour of a third term for hic. Roosevelt, despite tradition, If the candidate is willing, but if the candidate is not in favour the cholocs are Mr. Corner Brut, Mr. Paul McNutt second, and Mr. Cordell XKul! third,

Binee Mr. Garner has no diplomatic experience, political circles doubt the prospects, of bis candidacy. If the war con- tinues. Mr. Hull's ́presilge in political circles has mcreased recently, although he emphasises that ho

a candidate. Mr. MoNuit continues to support Mr. Roosevelt's foreign policy which is receiving wider approval than any 'other single aspect of the Administration..

The next session of Congress is likely to decide whether Dir. Roosevelt's domestic prestige can bo continued. Neutral circle= believe that if he refrains from the introduction of controversial social legislation the United Democratic Party will bo samured of victory in the fall elections.

pany's

Kowloon Dock Launching

Major C. M. Manners was in the unfair, unbearable and in every res- Chair, und he enquired whether, pect unjustiflable. names of speakers should be men- As distinct from

the single tioned in the Press. Fourteen standard which is a pre-requisite of favoured publication and 10 opposed applying this basis of taxation, we

The Inunching of the motorship It is stated that "various aspects

the suggestion.

have in this Colony at least three

Hermelin will take place at the of the international situation" were non-publleation would

The Rev. D. Rosenthal suggested separate standards, Le. the Chinese

Hongkong and Whumpon Dock Com the Portuguese and European communi- circles believe discussion being more free. discussed., Political

yards at 0 p.m. to-day. ties, all living under entirely different

Launches will leave Queen's Pier that the reason for the visit is the The Rev. J. R. Higgs suggested that conditions which make comparison question of a possible peace offer or those who did not desire their names between their incomes impossible. "Income Tax," he said, "could not at 5.15 pm.

If it is admitted that income tax us pay, but if not, it ut once becomes for 10 passengers, is being built for be collected fairly. If it could, letill have comfortable accommodation The Hermelin, a cargo vessel which closer co-operation between

Bel-published should say so before they glum and Holland.---Reuter,

spoke.

should embrace Addressing the meeting the Chair-munity, it is pertinent to ask what Income Tax for many years in Eng- Skibsaksjeselskap, Drammen,

the whole com- an imposition and unfair tax. I paid the firm of Bruusgoord Kiosterud man said:

steps are being taken to ensure that land and nobody grumbled, because which Messrs, Thoresen and Com- the whole community will be brought it was equally divided." into this scheme.

Mediation Donial

Brussels, Nov. 7,

for

This is the first meeting of the Association since the open meeting in It is semi-omckelly stated

Mr. Gibson said that if a Chinese pany Ltd, are the Hongkong agents. that August last, and owing to the out- The Brst essential is that all Chi- owed Government money and went breaking of hostilities, no meeting of nese partnerships shall be registered. to Canton it would be practically King Leopold's visit to the Hague your General Committee has been The second is that all books of ac- Impossible to get him to pay, although was not connected with any pro-held in the meantime until to-day. count must be kept in the English he could still manage his owsiness in .posal for eventual meiliation.Re72- The period of tension Immediately language with a proper European Hongkong by proxy.

[17

so that it

priror to the outbreak of War, and style of book-keeping, the outbreak of War itself resulted necessary the Revenue Authorities in continuous extra work for the can check up on the returns made Imajority of members of the Com-by the Individual. Imittee.

Scolt

Tripartite Pact Is Approved

ANKARA, Nov. 7, (Reuter). --- A mixed commission of the National the poet with Britain and France. Assembly hus unanimously approved

The pact will Turkish National Assembly for ruti-

come before the

Rcation to-morrow.

Turkey to-day steelded to relax certain export regulations which went into force at the beginning of the wor

"We cannot," he said, "do better Discussed "Foreign Situation"

than to follow the advice of one of our leading residents, Me, The Hague, Nov, 7.

Haraton who recently wrote to the King Leopold coninued his talks 11 was also felt that during the

Checking Dimculty

leading paper as follows: with the Netherlands Prime Minister period of stress coincident with the

it is to be hoped that the Hongkong Unless these elementury points are General Chamber of Commerce will, and Foreign Minister this morning parish pump affairs at a time. of means

declaration of War, the intrusion of enforced, Income tax in Hongkong

that only those who have as in the case of the Chinese ceived by Queen Wilhelminn. until 10 o'clock. He was then re-national crisis was unjustified, Now) adopted modern methods will be sub- Chamber, voice strong opposition to

that some of the dust has cleared jeet to any cheek or scrutiny, and the Government's Income Tax pro- An official statement declares that away and we can see more clearly those who prefer to keep their books posals, and that all the Unofficial King Leopold and Queen Wilhelmina where our individual duty lies, we in Chinese cannot be subject to any Members of the Legislative Council exelianged views some aspects or feel that an organisation such as ours satisfactory check,

will adopt simular altitude, In the foreign sluation. Nothing con- can best serve the community by act- It fellows that income tax will fall which event it will certainty be an BRITISH SHOPS

if of the community outrage on the community the cerning mediation or a military al- ing as a mouthpiece; with that object, on one section lance between the two countries was we have decided to hold our reguler only. That section is not the more Government proceed to the extreme TO OPEN LONGER. discussed. Reuter Bulletin.

quarterly open meeting to-night, wealthy section, but is a section em-measure of carrying such proposals

I now declare the meeting open for bracing all classes whose records of ino effect," Idiscussion of any subject of interest their private affairs are accessible, to the community in general and of while those whosa records are not Kowloon particular.

accessible will not pay the tax. are objectionable In principle as

Income-institution as a

of taxation; their ordinary means

war measure, how ever, can be justified.

Secret Maintained

Discussion of Tàx

Amsterdam, Nov. 7. King Leopold of Belgium and M. Paul Spaak prrived at The Hague last night discuss the interna. Opening the discussion on tional situation with Queen Wilhel-Tax Mr. C. E. Terry sald: mina. It is announced that the con- versations lasted until 2 a.m.

What I have to say represents a consensus of opinion of a reasonable The Government's fat announce und responsible section of the com- ment caused much speculation, but munity.

Fo far no communque

has been

No Bolshevist Intervention

London Commentary On Moscow Speech

LONDON, Nov. 7 (Reuter)

day.

The main points are:

RUBBING IT IN

from the Western Ukraine.

Information at Mand

LONDON, Nov. 7 (Xeuter).-Shop- closing hours are to be relaxed.

Whereas at the beginning of the war the closing hours were 0 p.m. on week-days and 7.30 p.m., on Saturdays, the now closing hours will be 7 p.m., and 8 p.m. respective-

Reduction of Revenue "Another correspondent who adopt- ed a similar attitude was "Jehu," who wrote, to the same paper, as "There is, one factor which follows: I have not heard mentioned. The proposed Income Tax, by its adversely, affect on the Colony's trade (the harmful) will probably reduce the proposal itself has already been very Colony's normal revenue by a greater sum than will be recovered by In- come Tax. (Applause).

Mr. Gibson then said if it came to

for

Trade Talks. With Spanish Govt.

LONDON. Nov. 7 (Reuter).-Mr. Ronald Cross, Minister of Economic Welfare, revealed in the House of Commons to-day that the British Government were hoping to ope negotiations with the Spanish Gov- ernment on the subject of trade and payments to be taken into account.

speed capital away.

Are you in favour of contributing

In both the above eases the cost of collection would be practically nil, It is, I think, agreed that income since Government is in possession of Issued. Nathing-is stated concerning tax in principle is the fairest means ang tition as rounds properly King Leopold's hour of departure, of taxation, if it embraces all sections and any tax is easily collected on which is believed to be some time of the coinmunity who pay on the investment Similarly, any tax on a capital levy he believed everyone basis of their annual earnings. Such the holdings in public companies is of them would put their hands to their to-day-United Press.

basis of laxation, however, assumes again easily collected since Govern- pockets. But England was not ask A Reuter Spectat adds that close normally organised community with ment can call upon companies to paying for it. Hongkong was contribute secrecy prevalls Leopold's visit in omcial circles. It to all; it also assumes that apart from would reimburse themselves, presun fences and another two million

regarding King general standard conditions applying the tax in bulk, and the companies ing six million dollars for its de is stated that the King will be travel isolated cases, evasion of the tax is ably out of the next dividend payable extra defences. ling by car and will probably slip not possible. Here

in Hongkong. to shareholders.

Mr. W. J. Keates said he favour- out from the capital with the mini (however, we have every possible con- take the form of increased rates for tielsms of which, seemed to him to/coining here or to do anything to

Ancther method of taxation mighted Income tax, one of the main crl- mum of ceremony.

'dilion which makes a tax on income electric lighting and gas. This nguin be that it would be imposed on the is easily collected, since the com- British community largely and not

A Real Menace panies concerned would merely have the Chinese.

Various questions would, no doubt, In his opinion, British- to add an extra two or three cents on ers in Hongkong were in a differ

be discussed by the Committee the cost of each unit sold.

ent position from the Chinese be appointed by the Government and Other minor forms of taxation cause. the war involved Britain and which he understood were now set- Nazis Salute Portraits worthy of-bound tax, and business he did not care if the Chinese diti erament spokesmen would probably consideration are: a pull not China. Therefore, for his part, ing up a draft bill. But the Gov- Of Hated Red Enemies tax, all of which could be collected escape paying Income Tax so long have answers to every objection

at moderate cost. MOSCOW, Nov. 7 (Reuter)-At a

Faceting of as the Briushers in Hongkong con-raised, and therefore As a War measure it is not un-tributed their share.

this kind where dificulties concern- parade of Soviet might in the Red reasonable to call upon capital to Square in honour of the Bolshevik contribute to

Sales Tax Proposed

ing the principle of Income Tax could the cost rather than revolution, and before the Finnish income earned by individuals. Broad-tax in the fem of tax on sules, as lating to Inconic Tax, the Chairman

be discussed was most useful, The suggestion that an alternative delegation, M. Litvinoff made an un-ly spanking, if this war is lost, a man done in the United States, was put then put the following resolutions to This being all the discussion re- M. Molotoff's speech and the expected appearance beside M. Stalin with capital will lose his all, where forward by Mrs. A. C. Jeffreys, and the meeting: Comintern manifesto do not and other Soviet leaders.

ns the wage carner is probably cap she was supported by Mr. C. M. represent any new way towards the cost of the and too much importance should of Lenin's tomb by a new delegation himself and his family in reasonable tion involved in this scheme was the war? not be attached to them, states As the bands played the "Inter-won; therefore capital should pay itinerant check could be handled in in the affirmative.

comfort, whether the war is lost or registration of business houses. An The meeting unanimously replied a special commentary issued to nationale," the German delegates and not income.

spring to attention, those with hats

a very easy manner and n stiles tax, Income Tax Favoured talking them off.

in his opinion, was worthy of con-ot income tax in Hongkong? A large Are you in favour of the principle Protraits of Germani Communist the Rev. J. R. Higgs said: Speaking!

Speaking in favour of Income Tax, sideration.

Speaking on behalf of part of the

majority answered in the negative, -Emphasis on neutrality. The leaders and of Dmitroff the Com- us a member of the KR.A. Corn Chinese community of Hongkong only five voting in favour specch held out little hope of a more munist who defied Goering at the mittee for several years, but obvious which he represented, Mr. F. C. Mow seconded by Mr. Terry, the follow

On the proposal of Mr. Murray, active intervention on the German Reichstag fire trial, were borne post ly expressing only my own opinion, Fung said most of them considered ing resolution was also put

the German representatives at the confess I must take the unpopular Hongkong on their home. They, like meeting:

to the 2.Tho fact that Germany is Parade,

line and agree in the main to the majority of the British population, Governments' proposals.

That Government be asked to sai were anxious to assist Government

representative committee, to I have formed in the last week or British Government.

sales tax. Only three particularly two. For years I have advocated the As regards those Chinese who members voted against the resolution introduction of income tax into this were' here only to make money, he which wal Colony But, naturally as the war has agreed with Mr. Terry it would be agreed that any taxation

corried.

was also made it more urgent, the Govern almost impossible to collect income from war needs should be for the SPECIAL TO THE "TELEGRAPH“

resulting WASHINGTON, Nov. 7, (UP) —A|ment Iself now makes the recom-tax from them. meeting of the House Ways and mendation.

No one can doubt that Income Tax Tax should be continued indefinitely ing concerned playgrounds, high

Mrs. Kentes suggested that Income durution of the war, only.

Other matters raised ot, the meet- Since, 03 everyone knows, the Means sub-Commitee, charged with

re-examining the Federal Reserve is right in principle. It is the only and not only for the duration of the mentals, the beggar problem, and the Comintern and the Soviet Govern-structure, refused to consider war fair way by which everybody accord-War because of the lack of social saving appliances on ferries. ment are both equally under Stalin's

Ing to his ability can assist the Gov services In the Colony, Income Tax, control, it shows that the Govern profits taxes, ment's professed solidarity with said: "We are not in the war and

Playground Criilelam The Chairman, Mr. Jere Cooper, ernment,

in her view, was quite fair becausé The columns of the. Preas in the a capital lovy was bound fall on Mr. Hall pointed out that the con- Germany does not go very deep.

dition of the playground in Middle Nazism will doubless try to ex-do not expect to be in war; there last week or two have been alive poor people. plain away the manifesto but it will pronts taxes arising now."

foro, there is no question of war with exeuses but, only one valid Both Mr. F. C. Clemo and another Robd was rapidly deteriorating and reason why we shanid not have member who did not wish his name suggested that more attention be Income Tax. If the tax is right in mentioned, spoke in favour of a tax paid to it. principle it should be adopted. Those on luxuries, while Mrs. Mackie sug- The Chairman replied that the who try to evade it can be quickly gested that the best way of getting matter was in the hands of the Play- taught that it doesn't pay to cheat money for the war was to run Kround Sub-Committee and the at- the community by the infliction of sweepstakes.

prison sentence without the option. The mennee of income tax to drawn to the mailer. I understand that most of our capital was referred to by Mr. F. Several other members also raised OSLO, Nov. 7. (Router)The Chinese friends are much opposed to S. Cassidy, who said that Hongkong, the question of playgrounds in Uin WASHINGTON, Nov. 7 (Reuter). commander of the German prize the tax. Surely it is not too much as a unit of the British Empire, was Youmati area. One suggested that The Maritime Commission's op-crew of the City of Flint stopped at to ask them to pay for the privilege unique because it was the only an entrance fee be charged in some proval of the transfer of United States Haugesund on instructions from the to live in the Colony. They would Colony which was not or practical in order to prevent dirty children Line ships to the Panamanian registry German liner Schwaben, according probably have lost their money alto ly so, u producing Colony. It was making use of them.

s in abeyance following Mr. Cordell to reports, AbARR

gether they had stayed in China. casenially a financial and commer-

hu qurs: A memcer, naked that ¿Hull's opposition on the ground that it The, Schwaben passed close to the

British Objectious cial contre and it was most import-on of high rentals be investigated would impair the Integrity of the City of Fint and hailed it, these As for the British objections to the ant. It seemed to him, that one in view of the fact that there was Neutrality Act

jsume reports state.

Porte partex they can be readily set aside, should do nothing to deleg capital PLEASE Turn To Pago 2,

side.

altacked in the manifesto and not in

น up

German attitude of the Soviet Gov- NO WAR PROFITS, This I may say is not a judgment to raise money to forward to the consider other forms of taxation,

the speech. The now offctal

ernment has never

pro-

been precisely

reproduced in the emanations of the

Comintern designed for consumption. abroad (except of course in Germany) which han continued to altuck Fascism in general,

hovertheless remain a thorn in their alde.

Neutrality Bill

Evasion Opposed

TAXES FOR US.

Someone Must Have Blundered

יד.

It

tention of the Government had been

NEW

WOOLLIES

Made of all wool or pure cash- mera in various plain colours and fancy designs, some with and same without sleeves.

Light in weight yet warm, eli- minating the cumbersome feeling associated with the thicker gar- 'ments.

Prices range from $13.50 to $35.00

All Loss 10% Cash Discount

MACKINTOSH'S LTD.

MEN'S WEAR SPECIALISTS

ALL STEAMSHIP

SAILING DATES AIR-LINE

DEPARTURES-

FARES

LATEST INFORMATION CENTRALISED

IN

COOK'S

THROUGH WHOM IT COSTS

NO MORE TO BOOK AND SAVES BOTH TIME AND TROUBLE- THOS. COOK

& SON, LTD. Queen's Bldg.-Telephone 20524

THE LATEST from NEW YORK

BEARSKIN

TWIN SETS and SWEATERS

WOOLLEN MATERIALS FOR COATS AND DRESSES

CHOOSE EARLY

NEW SHADES

Beautifully made and guaranteed to fit

SALLY

ALSO NEW COATS ALL SIZES, ALL STYLES

ELITE Styles

SHELL HOUSE

HONG KONG

Page 5Page 6