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who were formerly the strongest tendered $25,000 a year (in 1888 they tendered $11,000) and if they got the farm 3,600 Chests a year above their requirements. Irons thought however that if they were to compete in the trade it would be able to have a large supply. As a fact, the Hongkong Farmer has to compete with people in the Foreign countries, and therefore draws 3600 Chests of Opium for legitimate trade. It has been alleged that he draws 10 Chests a day, that his monthly drawing into the farm is 174 of all sorts instead of 300, but the way he is drawing at present is legitimately what your Excellency knows.
The Farmer pays the Government $15,300 per annum against $15,300 paid by the previous Farmer, whilst therefore in the interests of the public revenue shared be $13,800. When the Kat lerie Campel lost his farm, the position becomes different if he has to pay, he is driven to unlawful methods to meet his engagements, and I am afraid from the evidence in the papers that he does not stand to be borne in mind.