15.
118
X
of artisans and semi-skilled labour. A permanent Labour Advisory Board was therefore established early in November consisting of representatives of all branches of the Services and of Civil Affairs and the larger European employers of labour. On the Board's recommendation the Administration has now accepted a full grading scheme which establishes basic hourly wages for all grades and classes of artisans and daily paid labour. The variable factor, i.e, the rehabilitation allowance in wages at about their current level, has been increased from $1.- to $1.50 but it is now tied to the current prices of ten items of food and fuel and provision has be en made for its gradual reduction and elimination as these prices are reduced.
91.
Weekly food and fuel statistics are being prepared and circulated by the Labour Officer on the pre-war basis.
92.the The flourishing Trade Union movements fostered by Labour Officer before the war were obliterated during the occupation. Pending the introduction of new Trade Union legislation to replace the scanty pre-war enactments, all Trade Unions and Employers' Guilds are being encouraged to record particulars of their organisations and help and advice is made available for the foundation or re-forming of unions and guilds. At some sacrifice to other branches of the administration, the strongest available team has been assigned to labour duties of this and allied kinds.
93.
94.
The inspection of factories is now being resumed.
Four incipient strikes were dealt with during the period under review. None of them became serious and all were due to economic causes and were not inspired by political agitation.
CUSTOMS & EXCISE REVENUE.
95.
The collection of duties on liquor and tobacco under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance commenced on October 29th, and between that date and 25th November, the total revenue collected amounted to:-
95.
Liquor Tobacco
$131,429.50 $256,472.35
Licences have also been issued for the several forms of trade in these commodities with the result that
a further $212,387.70 has accrued to revenue under this head.
DANGEROUS DRUGS & OPIUM.
96.
The Opium Monopoly was formally abolished and possession and control of opium for smoking purposes became illegal in September, 1945, on instructions from H.M. Government in U.K. By October it was hoped that with the total prohibition the opium traffic in Hong Kong would cease, but during November the water front patrols reported that raw opium in small amounts was appearing in Hong Kong and after investigations a number of seizures were made.
97.
The
There is nothing to report concerning other dangerous drugs like Heroin, Morphine and Cocaine. machinery for their import and control has been established.