There will be no legislative impediment here to the prohibition by legislation of the sale of liquor by licenced publicans to Soldiers in uniform, leaving the Military Authorities unfettered to make such canteen arrangements within the Barracks as they may think proper. I learn that all licensed Grog shops are in the main street, save one Billiard Hotel and one Billiard Room, neither of which is frequented by the Military. The question as to the Number of Public Houses has been referred to the Bench of Magistrates and although the opinions of these Gentlemen will not be before me prior to Your Excellency's departure, I am unwilling that Your Excellency should leave Hong Kong under the impression that no regard has been given to Your Excellency's representations on this important subject.