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At the end of last month, however, telegrams from Calcutta
were received by Opium Dealers in this Colony to the effect
that the Government of India had announced the following
as the number of chests allowed to be exported annually from
1910 to 1913:-
Year.
Bengal Opium.
Chests.
Malwa Opium.
Chests.
1910
39,600
12,100
1911
31,440
15,160
1912
26,520
14,980
1913
21,540
14,860
The Indian Government has thus discriminated in favour of
Malwa Opium. This discrimination unfortunately seriously
prejudices the Opium Farmers because practically only
Bengal Opium is smoked in the Colony.
As the result of
this announcement the price of Bengal Opium in this Colony
which on the 25th. ultimo stood at $1,800 a chest (without
buyers) rose on the following day to $1,900 a chest (with
buyers) and it stands today at $2,800 a chest (without
sellers). In this connection I enclose copy of correspond-
-ence which has taken place with the new Opium Farmers'
solicitors, whose grant was signed by me in Executive
Council on the 28th. ultimo.
5.
In explanation of my telegram of
the 23rd. ultimo, above referred to, I have the honour to
refer