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certainly hand the drug over to the Police, but this does not constitute the attempt to smuggle it a punishable offence.
It is true the would-be smuggler would suffer the loss of the opium, and the Opium Farmer, to whom it would presumably be handed, would be the gainer, but the offender would get off without further punishment. What is wanted is power to the master of a ship to charge the smuggler with an offence and get him fined at the Police Court for breaking the law, confiscation to follow on conviction in addition.
Hon. Colonial Secretary.
I have etc.
(Signed) R. Chatterton Wilcox,
Secretary.