Appendix E.
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF IMPORTS AND EXPORTS FOR THE YEAR 1934.
I. LIQUOR.
1. The net revenue collected showed a decrease, as compared with 1933, of $211,332.99, due chiefly to decreased consumption and the higher rate of exchange, which of course, as regards imported liquor, entailed a lower factor. There was a slight increase in the consumption of local beer, which, however, did not compensate for a large decrease in the imported article. Similarly though Empire brandy showed an increase, other brandy showed a more than corresponding falling off. The gallonage of whisky, gin, and sherry was more than maintained, but the factor was lower and sherry alone showed an increase of duty collected. There was a decreased consumption of native spirit, both locally distilled and imported. There was little decrease in the consumption of spirits of wine and spirituous liquor.
2. Illicit distilleries continued to give trouble, and activity in the neighbourhood of Tai Pak, on Lan Tau Island, was unabated, despite frequent visits by parties which on every occasion dismantled all the plant that could be found. An elaborate illicit distillery was discovered near Tai Wan Tau, Clear Water Bay, including a cemented catchwater, a pipe-line, two matsheds and a tin-roofed shed, a brick furnace, and a remarkably large metal still. 250 gallons of spirit were found there, and an even larger number of jars of fermenting rice. The place had apparently been occupied for a considerable time and turned out to be an encroachment on Crown Land. Illicit distilleries were also discovered by the Police in the New Territories, and by the Revenue Officer now stationed at Fan Ling; and a number of successful raids in this connection were also made on houses in Kowloon.
II. TOBACCO.
3. In spite of a decreased consumption of cigars and cigarettes the net revenue from Tobacco showed a pleasing increase over the revenue for the preceding year, due chiefly to an increase in the amount of clean and of raw tobacco leaf imported.
4. Smuggling of Chinese smoking tobacco continued prevalent, over 13,000 pounds being seized in the course of the year. The crews of river steamers continued to be noticeable offenders in this respect.