602
and opin
farther most of the skilful boilers live close to it. In case the former merchants fear but others will apply for licences to boil for export. Of the opinion that for export, there is no dealers, there is not one who is not pleased with the Government taking over the management of the farm, and consequently they all rushed forward to get their licenses lest they should be too late. This is because formerly they were always under the restraint of the farmers, and the license fee was very high, whereas the fee at present is very small. Moreover they are not under coercion now, but are all treated alike.
Farther in the future when large quantities are exported, there will be no fear of the business being interfered with.
On former farm occasions when the farm was let to certain people, persons boiled in Macao for export to various ports, and although this did not succeed, yet it inevitably caused some disturbance and uneasiness here. At present as all people will apply for licences to boil for export from the Colony, there will be no fear of such trouble.
The reason why people prepared opium in other ports is due to the fact that the license fees were too heavy. The Governor in Council has now established new regulations by which a fee of $225 is charged for...