453
L
sufficiently obvious). Under the bonded warehouse system it would be quite impossible for the Government to levy duty on removals from the warehouse as it would restrict local consumption within its present limits. If it were to attempt to do so, raw opium would be smuggled in all over the Colony, and once landed it could be openly prepared and could not be shown not to have paid duty. The farmer is able to protect himself against smuggling while charging a very high price for his prepared opium, by reason of the existing prohibition of the possession by any one except himself of raw opium in quantities less than one chest, and by reason of the extreme efficiency of his preventive service. The price he charges not only renders it possible for him