49
to me shortly after my arrival and after very careful consideration I came to the conclusion that it was desirable to restrict the sale of opium pills and wine in the manner suggested.
I consider that as long as the sale of opium is allowed in this Colony the policy which will best advance the interests of the general community is that a maximum revenue should be obtained from a minimum consumption of the drug. The constantly increased sums which have been paid for the Opium Farm tend to the realisation of this policy. It will however be departed from if compounds of opium, that is opium in another form, can be sold without payment or profit to the Opium Farmer and consequently without contributing to the revenue of the Colony. There seems to be no doubt that the enhanced price of opium has resulted in an increased sale of these non-revenue paying compounds of opium and it is therefore desirable that this sale should be checked. Nor do I recognise any inherent right to the unrestricted sale of an article of which the unrestricted consumption is deleterious.
9.
The Bill passed through all its stages without any opposition nor has the Opium Farmer been able to take any serious exception to it.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient
Humble servant,
Mr. Nathan
Governor, &c.,
MDD
49
to me shortly after my arrival and after very careful consider-
ation I came to the conclusion that it was desirable to res-
trict the sale of opium pills and wine in the manner suggested.
I consider that as long as the sale of
opium is allowed in this Colony the policy which will best
advance the interests of the general community is that a maxi-
ILUM revenue should be obtained from a minimum consumption of
the drug. The constantly increased suns which have been paid
for the Opium Farm tend to the realisation of this policy. It
will however be departed from if compounds of opium that is
opium in another form can be sold without payment or profit
to the Opium Farmer and consequently without contributing to
the revenue of the Colony. There seems to be no doubt that
the enhanced price of opium has resulted in an increased sale
of these non-revenue paying compounds of opium and it is there-
fore desirable that this sale should be checked. Nor do I re-
cognise any inherent right to the unrestricted sale of an
article of which the unrestricted consumption is deleterious.
9.
The Bill passed through all its stages
without any opposition nor has the Opium Farmer been able to
take any serious exception to it.
I have the honour to be,
sir,
Your most obedient
Humble servant,
Mr. Nathan
Governor, lcc..
MDD
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