The annual meeting of the electors ofthe British Concession at Chinkiang was held on January 25, when twenty-eight votes out thirty-seven were represented. Mr. B. G. Tours, H. M. Consul, presid-
Messrs. H. Balean, L. H. Howell, Chas. Lee and H. Lambooy, the only nominees for the Municipal Council, were elected, four being the number prescribed by the land regulations. On the proposition of Mr. Lee, seconded by Mr. Balean, the report and accounts for the ye ended December 31, 1915, were passed, subject to confirmation at a special meeting of electors to be convened in February, when the report of the auditors will be submitted.
The budget proposed by the retire ing Council, published in the 1915 annual report, together with the recommendations attached thereto, were approved and adopted and the Council was authorized to impose, collect and recover the rates due and the fees recommended therein.
In connexion with the resolution Mr. Killion asked whether the passing of the resolution would give the Council power to increase the land-tax in accordance with the proposals contained therein and whether he was right in assuming that his Company's land-tax would be increased from $125 to $163.32 per annum. A reply was given in the affirmative and Mr. Killion proposed that the land assessment in force in 1915 be maintained.. There being no seconder to this proposal, Mr. Killion protested against the property of the Standard Oil Company being assessed at the highest rates.
The Chairman pointed out that it was competent for any ratepayer to protest against any resolutions passed, within fourteen days from the date of the meeting, and the
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.