467
7. The Dangerous Goods Ordinance, 1873 and 1892. Of petroleum 103 samples were examined and were found to give off inflammable vapour at temperatures considerably above the 73° F. limit. Three other samples of petroleum were examined as to purity and for use as fuel.
8. Morphine Ordinance.--There were four prosecutions under this Ordinance and eighteen exhibits were forwarded for examination, of which fourteen contained Morphine Hydrochloride. 9. The Food and Drugs Ordinance, 18 of 1896.—Sixty-three samples were examined. The following table shows the results :----
Description.
Whisky
Beer,
Brandy,
Gin,
Rum,
Port wine,
Porter,
Earth nut oil,.
Milk,
No. of samples.
No. found genuine. No. found adulterated.
29
21
8
5
5
0
16
6
10
2
0
2
2
0
1125
1
1
2 2
Water was the adulterant present in the condemned samples.
10. Chinese Fireworks.-A number of experiments were made to ascertain the degree of inflam- mability of the Chinese fireworks that are so largely used in this Colony especially at the Chinese New Year Festival. The kinds mainly used are:-
1. Pou-chang.--A firework about six feet in length containing 5,000 crackers. Weight
about seven pounds.
2. Ng-loong-to-chi --A small firework which vomits squibs.
3. For-chin.--A squib which rises in the air about 40 feet carrying a piece of wood.
4. Fa-tung.--Coloured fire and crackers.
5. Kim-chin-po-ap.-Duck with a squib of yellow fire issuing from its base.
6. Ngou-ni-oi-Coloured fire above a cylinder of crackers.
7. Kim-chiu-pou.--Missiles which explode when thrown on a hard surface.
8. Kum-pun-hi-yüt.--Fish with a squib of yellow fire at its base.
9. Ye-ming-chu.—Squib.
10. Fa-tung.--Coloured fire only.
11. Tin-lan-fa.-Barns dropping sulphur which explodes on touching water.
12. Kim-pun-hi-yüt.--Ignited on a plate whirls a height of 40 to 60 feet.
13. Fa-tung. Small coloured fire and crackers.
The fuse in all descriptions consists of a thin coil of nitrified paper about 7 inch in diameter, the interior of which is filled with gunpowder. The gunpowder is native made, in moderately fine powder, and contains the same ingredients as the European make.
To ignite a firework the incandescent end of a smouldering joss-stick is placed on the fuse and ignition is affected after about one second. Experiment showed that Chinese fireworks take fire when a spark is applied quite as readily as the best English manufactured fireworks.
The Chinese, however, being from an early age accustomed to their use, ar、 well acquainted with their inflammable properties, and accidents seldom occur. It is customary amongst all classes of Chinese to receive presents of fireworks on certain occasions. Thus it is but an ordinary occurrence for a coolie about to marry to have in his possession three large crackers, weighing altogether 21 pounds, and 10 pounds of other fireworks.
11. For the purpose of the Alcoholic Liquors Commission an investigation was made of the Chinese liquors known as "samshu." Samshu is a name which is derived from the Chinese word "Sam Shiu," or thrice burnt. The term samshu refers to that variety of Chinese liquor known as Sam Ching Chau, but as now used it covers the three spirits known as Leu Pun Chau, Sheung Ching Chau, and Sam Ching Chau, all of which are obtained from rice. Moreover, the name samshu is frequently loosely applied so as to include any spirit of Chinese production, such as beverages in which either Leu l'un Chau, Sheung Ching Chau, or Sam Ching Chau forms a part, and also to the liquor known as Fa Chau-a spirit obtained from molasses, and to the beverages prepared from Fa Chau.
There are three well-known varieties of samshu :-
1. Leu Pun Chau.
2. Sheung Ching Chau, or twice distilled liquor. 3. Sam Ching Chau, or thrice distilled liquor.