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A.-I think about 1,500 chests per month of Bengal opium is sold locally here. Shipments are made out of that to Macao, Manila, Hainan, &c., and a portion of it is boiled; and about 500 chests per month of Malwa on an average.
page 62.
248. We have got the statistics practically from Sir ROBERT HART's reports as Set post to what passes in through the Coasting Steamers, but it is as to what goes to Macao, Manila, and Annam we do not know.
249.-How much do they take in the Straits?
A.-I think about 700 chests per month in Singapore, about 200 in Penang, and about 100 in Singapore for Batavia. At times when they are speculating they may take more than 1,000. That is Benares; I do not suppose they take any Malwa. Penang takes a few chests of Patna.
250.-And does any go to Saigon?
A.-Out of what is landed in the Straits and by the M. M. Steamers direct from Calcutta, I should think about 100 chests per month is shipped to Saigon.
251.-Within how many years do you think the opium Revenue exacted by the Chinese Government has doubled? You say it has increased from Tls. 50 to Tls. 100.
A.-I think since Sir RICHARD MACDONNELL'S time.
252.-Has it increased during the last three years?
A.-Certainly.
253.-Do you refer to the Foreign Inspectorate or the duties collected at the ports that are not open ports?
A.-Opium that is taken by the Chinese from here generally pays duty at the barriers here.
254. Do they charge the same amount as the Canton Customs?
A. They do not charge more.
255.-They charge twenty-five per cent. less on lekin and regular duty, and forty on Hoi-fong?
A.-I have heard that, but I have made inquiries and I find it is the same aggregate sum as is collected in Canton-I mean that if you land opium at Canton and pay your import duty and all other taxes, the aggregate sum would be the same as at the barriers. If it is the case that the charges at the barriers are less I think it is due to the duties being farmed out. The farmer would encourage a larger amount to pass the barriers so that he would make a larger profit.
256.-You furnished the Colonial Treasurer with returns last year shewing the
amounts?
A. Yes I remember.
FREDERICK DAVID SASSOON is examined-
257.-You are the resident partner of the firm of D. Sassoon, Sons & Co.?
A. Yes.
258.-And your firm has been engaged here for a long time in dealing in opium?
A. Yes.