Shanghai, June 5, In a teller forwarded tothe Municipal Council of the French Concession, the Chinese Ratepaye: Association in the Concession asks Council to reconsider its proposal for increasing the "Jand tax" and "vehicle tax" as from July 1. Tt contended that the budget "shows 'a surplus and that therefore an Increase of taxes is not necessary. While not belittling the importance of taxation as a source of income, retrenchment 1s strongly advocated.
stated in the letter that the proposed increase of taxes is an all-round. inet the highest inex ease being over 40 per cent, The problem of livelihood has " been Yendered more difficult than before since the withdrawal of Chinese authorities from Shanghai, it is explained, and the impending increase in the taxes will give a pretext to landlords to increase rents, which in turn will give rise to rent disputes, is also. contended that increased taxes will cause merchants to. increase prices. Price Increases are contrary' to the policy at present adopted by the Concession authorities, aiming at reducing prices, it is stated. Furthermore, it ts pointed out, increased taxes will affect peace and order.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.