each of the last six
1888
years,
viz:-
3771 Chests
#
1889
1746
1890
2511
#
1891
1878
1892
1620
1893 January to October inclusive
1467
#1
#
account or return
no
But it is open to the farmer to export any quantity of boiled, or prepared, opium that he pleases without rendering any account thereof, and there are therefore no means of ascertaining with certainty what portion of the opium boiled by him is exported, and what portion remains for local consumption. It is estimated by persons who are somewhat interested in the subject that the local consumption of opium in Hongkong averages about three chests a day.
This estimate is probably approximately correct, but it cannot be guaranteed. The amount of opium which the present farmer, whose monopoly commenced on March 1st, 1893, is allowed to boil for all purposes whether of export or of local consumption, is limited to a maximum of 300 chests in two consecutive months. He therefore cannot boil more than 1,800 chests in the year, and can boil that amount only if he boils the maximum 300 chests in each period of two consecutive months.
The Secretary
I have to
G. J. M. O'Brien,
Colonial Secretary.
Royal Commission on Opium.
Calcutta,
India.