the licencing of the wholesale and possibly also of the retail trade into its main hands, head Kentridge raised this question in despatches to the Straits Settlements and Hong Kong. Some time prior to going out of office, and Lord Ripon after some weeks ago pressed the Governors to a reply. The question is one of much varied opinion with interest. Of course the syndicate which stands behind the farmer has a shiny interest and many indirect influences in stimulating the Opium habit. On the other hand, the Officials drift in their pronouncements on which there is illicit trade as well as other "Fanna". Since the delay in administrating...