}
45
34740/07
34731/07
34720/07
29672/07
121539
1539
-
Each State has two divisions for opium purposes
"Chandu Farm" area and the rest of the State. The
farm area(which is the coast area)is managed much in the same way as the Straits" farms"; in the rest of the
State the preparation and sale of chandu is free to all
who obtain licences. The result is that opium is cheaper (by about 50%) in the part of the State outside the arm. The farms in Pahang and Selangor have recently been
leased for two years from let January, 1908. The Perak
farm is leased for three years from the 1st of January
1907.
A Commission is now sitting to investigate
the Opium question in the Straits Settlements and the
Federated "alay States.
It is inquiring:-
(1) Ae to the extent to mich excessive indul-
gence in opium smoking prevails.
(2) Whether the smoking of opium(a) in moderation (b) in excess has increased.
2015
3. As to the steps which should, in the opinion
of the Commission be taken to minimise and eradicate
arismy
the evils from the smoking of opium.
The Report has not yet been received in the Colonial Office. Inquiry is being made as to when it
may be expected.
In Hong Kong the farming system is adopted; and the farm has been let for three years as from the
1st of March 1907. The annual revenue under the new grant amounts to $1,452,000 or roughly one fourth of the Revenue of Hong Kong, exclusive of land sales.
The Acting Governor in reporting this said "any serious inroad upon this item of revenue cannot be regarded with equanimity. ...as Hong Kong owes its
existence