-~
4.
186
destroyed. There is nothing to report concerning other Dangerous Drugs (Heroin, Morphine & Cocaine). The machinery for their import and control under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance has been established
but up to the date of this report there have been no applications for the necessary Certificate of Official Approval of Import.
(e) Staff.
The department is very understaffed as regards its European personnel owing to the fact that most of its
officers are on leave for health reasons. Temporary Revenue Officers
have been engaged and they have proved a valuable aid and after a certain amount of experience and coaching they should be able to pull their weight. The Chinese Staff both indoor and outdoor are working well and without their unstinted help it would be impossible for the department to function.
(f) Transport.
This continues to be a great handicap
we have no launch (in 1941 we had three) and though two small cars are available in Hong Ko a very unreliable Morris 8 is the only means of transport for Kowloon and the New Territory. Bicycles and Tricycles are called into use for transport and the siдht of a six foot excibe officer, perched on the back of a bicycle being pedalled along the street by a Chinese coolie, does make one realise the importance and necessity of adequate transport on water and land for a Revenue Department.
(s) Import Licences.
A system of Import Licences for
most Manufactured Goods and Raw Materials is being put into force on November 26th. This will be on lines ordered by the Secretary of State. Certain essential goods and foodstuffs from Sterling areas will be outside this system. Goods from Gold Currency areas will requił a special Import Licence as their import involves currency control. There is a large barter trade in goods which are strictly China Products and are exported to the United States and elsewhere not against currency but in exchange for American or other manufactured goods. The handling of both these classes of goods in their progress totheir ultimate destination is carried out in Hong Kong. This handling brings employment to many persons in the Colony. Trade of this type should be encouraged otherwise it will be driven through other ports whereas Hong Kong is its natural route.
Note Weste
S. I. E.
28. 11. 45.
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