We open Monopoly at Macao which still requires refunding of advances from Mr. Parkes is a Revenue matter. There is about $2,350 between this and the 24th March 20th and which practically accounts for bringing this firm back to Hongkong from Macao. The probable revenue to Government from opium monopoly up to 31st March next may now be estimated at $228,000. That received last year was $210,000, and the only tender received for this year was for $11,000 a month for only three months, as the right was proposed to be reserved giving three months notice of termination of the lease. I have great pleasure in bringing to Your Lordship's notice the able manner in which the Opium business and all the negotiations with the licensees working large quantities have been carried out by Mr. Russell. The successful results of the step which the Government has been compelled to take are mainly due to the energetic and skilful manner in all the arrangements have been carried out by him.
A draft Bill prohibiting the sale of Raw Opium in quantities less than ...