the Governor of that settlement a retire. (which Serviet) of the annual Revenue, amounting to the very large sum of £51,482 of which nearly one half, or £22,757, is derived "from the farming of Opium, a system of collections which of all others is the best adapted to a Chinese population. As the farmers themselves have a perfect knowledge of their own countrymen and the personal interest which they have in the collection, renders them incomparably the best tax-gatherers in a case of this kind. In respect to salt, which is a great source of revenue in China, we have already submitted to the Legislative Council a proposition for licensing it on somewhat a similar plan. From the great success which has attended the system of Licences at Singapore, I shall be tempted to resort to it, whenever practicable.
No 3.
I consider it practicable, as being the most economical, and at the same time the most efficient; of all others.
Both gambling and prostitution have been suggested to me as subjects of taxation; but the first has been already prohibited by a special Ordinance; and the indirect countenance given to a positive vice by making it a source of income would always render such a measure objectionable. I draw a distinction between positive vices and the materials or instruments of vice, as between gambling and dice or cards -- drunkenness and wines or spirits - the abuse of Chandu and Opium and chandu, and other materials.
Tobacco and spirits will be proposed as subjects for licencing; and it has been suggested that a tax of about 5 per cent on Auctioneers and Pawn-brokers...