536
THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, AUGUST 4, 1933.
The history of this abnormal increase in opium convictions is as
follows:
In accordance with the recommendations of the Bangkok Opium Con- ference this Government has replaced most of its licensed retailers of opium by Government shops. It has also as a precaution against the dissemination of illicit opium under forged or re-used Government labels introduced the tube-system, the Government's supply being obtained from the tube-packing plant of the Straits Settlements mono- poly. Neither the shops nor the tubes have been popular with smokers here and a very heavy decrease in sales of Government opium has occured, which in the light of past experience the Imports and Exports Department could only regard as indicating a correspond- ing growth in the consumption of illicit opium, and of the divans in which it is smoked. A special campaign against divans has therefore been instituted the results of which have fully justi- fied the Superintendent's fears. The effects on the Gaol popu- lation are unfortunate, but we are pledged to keep opium smoking in bounds with a view to its ultimate confinement to smokers of Government opium, who can first be registered, then rationed and finally eliminated.
MOTIONS.
5. Opium Amendment Bill.--The Attorney General addressed the Council and moved the First reading of a Bill intituled An Ordinance to amend the law relating to Opium.
The Colonial Secretary seconded.
Question put and agreed to.
Bill read a first time.
6. Supreme Court Amendment Bill.-The Attorney General moved the Second read- ing of the Bill intituled "An Ordinance to amend further the Supreme Court Ordinance, 1873.”
The Colonial Secretary seconded.
Question—put and agreed to.
Bill read a second time.
Council in Committee on the Bill.
On Council resuming, the Attorney General reported that the Bill had passed through Committee without amendment and moved that it be read a third time.
The Colonial Secretary seconded.
Question-put and agreed to.
Bill read a third time and passed.
7. Code of Civil Procedure Amendment (No. 2) Bill.-The Attorney General moved the Second reading of the Bill intituled “An Ordinance for the further amendment of the Code of Civil Procedure.”
The Colonial Secretary seconded.
Question-put and agreed to.
Bill read a second time.
Council in Committee on the Bill.
In section 2 the word “aforesaid
the last line.
was substituted for the word oforesaid " in
$