b.
7
230
either to supply their wants at exorbitant prices from the licensed Dealers or to purchase @ 700, for 400 It is quantity probably of 4 Chests worth front.
which they have not the funds. not surprising that applications for License, are for it is understood, that the parties now holding them, do not make not the numerous Amone.
6. They This is partly owing to the speculations are led into and partly to the expense of the preventive service, which for the protection of their privilege, they are obliged to keep up.
While the system therefore does not work well for them it seriously injures trade, as I have already shown. But it does this in another way as serious as the other. It gives occasion to those employed in the preventive service on the plea of protecting the rights of their employers, to act in a way calculated to deter and frighten traders of Europeans, how much more is it likely to be so in the case of Chinese who when they have an opportunity to squeeze all never fail to extort.
I consider that there should be no restriction in buying and selling opium in any quantity not less than a Ball (16) but that opium smoking and retail shops should be licensed the same as those for Spirits which is a matter of police.
that 1 from AJ seems necessary and I think this sum might be raised. Revenue of £600___ Salt License. This I understand is sold to a Chinaman or to a Firm of several persons for about £500 per annum.
They have the privilege of weighing all the salt that comes into the Harbour for transhipment and charging the Junkmen what they think proper. It appears very objectionable to give such a privilege from the Port and to give it to a person or body of men. By their acts and measures, the salt-carrying Trade might be interfered with and stopped altogether.