མ༣;
495
*..
3.
contained in the tification above referred to. It is obvÍOUB that if clauses 1, 2 and 3 are carried into effect, the regult will be that a certain number of native eɛtablishments selling raw and prepared opium will be ascertained, registered and licenced, and this will curtail the sale of raw opium, and only the native establishments registered and licenced will be com- patant to purchses raw oplum from the British Vendor, and whether the purchase by the native opium shop be made direct or through an agant, the result will be the #me. In effect the British Merchant will have his trade cut down to the limits of those who are permitted by the Provincial Authorities of the Two Kwonga to trade with him. Such a monopoly would prevent other dealers from participating in the opium trade, thug destroying healthy competition and thereby crippling business and causing heavy loca to importers who will be at the mercy of the few native shope who hold licences authorizing them to purchase raw opium. Holders
of licence would be able to combine to dictate purchasing prices, feeling œ nfident of their poɛition as monopolists in the Trade.
We submit that the scheme is illogical and le contrary to Treaty, and is illegal.
With regard to clsuge 4, viz :- "that after ascertaiment "and registration of the number of opium shops in the province "of the Two Kwonge c
new opium chops doing business in the buy-
"ing and selling of raw and prepared opium may be established", the result of this clwee will be that & monopoly will be created amongɛt a certain number of existing opium chope, which shops will, as time goes on, decrease in number by either (a) retire- ment from bugineee, (b) seizure and closure by the authoritieg
of shops for an infringement or alleged infringement of the law, (c) the purchase by ca,italiate of the shops and of the licences. In the courge of time, therefore, the sale of raw opium will bu in the hands of a few, thus creating a monopoly. In this
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