CO129-281 - Governor Sir Robinson & Acting Governor Major Gen Black - 1898 [1-3] — Page 70

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ENCLOSURE 2.

Ra 14 FED 98

Minute by the Colonial Secretary.

There are two classes of opium smoking di-

vans in this Colony one in which the opium is sold and

smoked on the premises: the other in which the opium smoked

on the premises is taken to the divans by the smokers the

keeper of the divan deriving the benefit from the dross re-

sulting from the smoking. In the former class the opium

smoked is dross opium: in the latter prepared opium which is

purchased outside by the consumer before being taken to the

divan. It is obvious, therefore, that the amendment proposed

by the Secretary of State would not include the latter clas

of divans, which would therefore not come within the regula-

tions affecting divans. This is eminently undesirable, so the

Attorney General, after

consultation with Dr.Ho Kai,Mr. Wei

A Yuk and myself,has amended the Ordinance so as to include both classes of aivans. The representative of the new Opium Farmer was present when the amendment was being considered

and stated that he had no objection to the Orainance being

amended in the manner now proposed.

(Sa.) J. H. Stewart Lockhart.

11.1.98.