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"of prepared Opium," I appointed a Commission consisting of Mr May, Acting Treasurer, and Mr Nye, an Unofficial Member of the Legislative Council, to make full enquiry into the subject.
Their Report I have now received, and I beg to enclose a copy for Your Lordship's perusal. Having carefully considered the suggestions which the Report offers in Executive Council, I have directed the Monopoly to be sold by Public Auction on 7 February for a period of Three years.
There is, I think, no doubt but that those interested in the prepared Opium trade will be willing to pay a higher fee, the privilege being assured to them for a longer period than twelve months. Nevertheless, in order to protect the interests of the Colony, the Notification of 9 November, No 2 (copy enclosed) on the subject expressly states that the Government does not bind itself to accept the highest offer.
I have the honour to be,
My Lord,
Your Lordship's most obedient humble servant,
Governor.
3 November, 1872.