[xi]
H.M.S. ARCHER," Homow,
27th March, 1898....
The Alcoholic Liquors Commission.
SIR-In compliance with your letter dated 5th March, 1898, I have the honour to forward the attached remarks.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
Commodore
S. C. HOLLAND, A.D.C.,
Hongkong.
CH. E. KINGSMILL,
Commander.
The Alcoholic Liquors Commission.
1. I am unable to answer these questions as Archer's returns for 1897 have gone home, ship having paid off on December 31st, 1897.
2. Ruins his career. I have no instance to quote for same reasons as question (1), 3. (a) No; (b) In most cases, not only in Hongkong, but more especially in out- ports, where Chinese have control of retailing liquor on their lands, due to quality of liquor.
4. Not in Archer.
5. Yes.
(a) Unable to state,
(4) Most decidedly does the Naval Club induce the men to neglect the city taverns and saloons. I have always found that the men I have had to punish for drunkenness stated that the bad liquor they drank in the neighbourhood of the brothels was their excuse for their offences.
CH. E. KINGSMILL,
Commander.
HONGKONG, March 5, 1898.
Messrs. JARDINE, MATHESON & Co.,
General Managers,
CHINA SUGar Refinery.
GENTLEMEN,I have the honour by direction of the Commission now enquiring into the manufacture, importation and sale of alcoholic liquors in Hongkong, to invite you to furnish the Commission' with full and definite answers to the following ques- tions :-
1. What was the total quantity of Rum distilled by you, in the Colony, during
1897 ?