COPY.
3352
65
ENCLOSURE 2.
Ra 14 FED 98
Minute by the Colonial Secretary.
There are two classes of opium smoking di-
vans in this Colony one in which the opium is sold and
smoked on the premises: the other in which the opium smoked
on the premises is taken to the divans by the smokers the
keeper of the divan deriving the benefit from the dross re-
sulting from the smoking. In the former class the opium
smoked is dross opium: in the latter prepared opium which is
purchased outside by the consumer before being taken to the
divan. It is obvious, therefore, that the amendment proposed
by the Secretary of State would not include the latter clas
of divans, which would therefore not come within the regula-
tions affecting divans. This is eminently undesirable, so the
Attorney General, after
consultation with Dr.Ho Kai,Mr. Wei
A Yuk and myself,has amended the Ordinance so as to include both classes of aivans. The representative of the new Opium Farmer was present when the amendment was being considered
and stated that he had no objection to the Orainance being
amended in the manner now proposed.
(Sa.) J. H. Stewart Lockhart.
11.1.98.