Before this, Mr. Andre, of the house of Melchers (Mr. Caler, an intimate friend of mine) had come to the Colonial Secretary and to the European Agent of the rival Opium Farmer (the Farmer then in possession), and I assumed, as a matter of course, that these agents were not conducting the European work of their clients without remuneration.
I have also ascertained from leading merchants in this colony that the remuneration so given to Mr. Pitman is considered as reasonable and perfectly fair, and such as a merchant in his position is entitled to receive for such long-continued services relating to a business of some magnitude.
I understand that the extract, dated 3rd March 1879, read in court by Mr. Mayllar (but which was not sworn to) was not quite accurately translated, and that the sale of the Opium Farm or Licence is not mentioned, but the formation by Mr. Pitman of the amalgamated Company to work the Opium Farm.
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