CO129-358 - Governor Sir Lugard - 1909 [10-11] — Page 379

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Board, and I was informed that his name really stood for a

syndicate composed of his father, who is Compradore of

Kessrs. Jardine, Matheson and Company, Limited, Mr.

Lau

Chú-pak, also a member of the Sanitary Board, and Compra-

-dore of Messrs. A. S. Watson and Company, Limited, Mr.

Leung Tan-po, Compradore of Messrs. Gibb, Livingston and

Company,

Mr. Ng Li-hing, a Chinese Banker, and Mr. Chan

Kai-meng, Beerétary to the present Opium Farmer. This

syndicate was extremely wealthy, enjoyed considerable local

influence among the Chinese, and had a thorough knowledge

of the Opium business.

6.

I considered the matter in

Executive Council on the 4th. ultimo and was advised that

the highest tenderers "were men of straw without experience

and that it would be hazardous to let the Opium Farm to

them". Accordingly upon the unanimous advice of the

Council I decided to accept the second tender of $98,600

on condition that the name Ho Shai-kit was changed to the

names of the members of the syndicate whom he represented,

ultimo

and I enclose copy of a letter dated the 7th. instant

signed by all the members of the syndicate accepting the

grant of the Opium Farm. The figures in my telegram are

arrived at as follows:-

For