& suggest to
f the Straits a rise
in the price to consumer)..
Starti
aband 14731/10
449
No.
Honkong.
sir,
C.O.
33588
Rec?
Red 22 OCT 03)
Government House,
Hongkong, 21st. September, 1903.
496
I have the honour to inform you that
tenders were received on the 31st. ultimo for the new Opium
Monopoly for the three years beginning 1st. March, 1904, and
that with the advice of my Executive Council I decided to
accept the highest tender, that of the present Opium Farmer,
for $185,000 a month, which represents an increase of
$1,470,000 annually over the revenue derived from this source
druing the three years preceding.
2.
I am informed that this large increase is
due to the growth of the population in numbers and in wealth.
The Farmer intends to increase the price of Prepared Opium by
50%
an increase which he seems to think the population is
well able to pay.
THE RIGHT HONOURABLE
THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE
COLONIES.
I have the honour to be,
gir,
Your most obedient
Humble servant,
Governor, &c..
myo