CO129-367 - Acting Governor May - 1910 [6-7] — Page 177

Enol, No. 3,

Copy.

Hon. Mr. E. A. Hawatt,

Chairman,

HongKong, 5th May, 1910.

175

Dear Sir,

HongKong General Chamber of Commero:

We beg to enclose copies of 3 proclamations issued by the

Opium Bureau at Canton.

You will observe therefrom that from the lat day of the 4th

Hoon (1.e. the 9th instant), the Chinese Authorities intend levying a

heavy tax on raw opiw, amounting to no less than $ 300, per chest,

which is a flagrant violation of the Additional Artioles of the CheToo

Convention, according to which no taxes whatsoever can be levied on

opium while in transit from the Fort of entry to the place of consump-

tion. The levying of this tax is farmed to one Kwong Wing Yuen, who

will collect it from all the opium dealers, and as it is to be imposed

on raw onium at the port of entry, the same opium could be taxed over

and over again while passing through the hands of the different grades

of dealers before it reaches the actual consumer, It was obviously

with the intention of guarding againat such an abuse that the proviso

referred to was inserted in the above Convention,

This illegal tax, if allowed to be imposed, will be a very

heavy burden on the trade, and we cannot too strongly protest against

this high-banded sotion on the part of the Canton Authorities. AB &

matter of fact, it has already had the effect of creating a soare among

the dealers here, and as a consequence the market is demoralised, and

deliveries have fallen off considerably,

Under the circumstances, we sinoprely trust that the Commit-

tee of the Chamber will take such steps as may be necessary for the

protection of our interesta.

We are, &0.,

DAVID SASSOON & CO. MID.,

(8gd.)

R. Joseph, Manager,

#

E. D. Bassoon & Co..

E. Pabaney.

(Sgd.) J. R. Michael & Co.,

•

S. J David & Co.,

(Sgd.) C. Falanjee & Co.,

#

H. M. H. Nemazee,

"

愁。 F

E. Ellias.

P. P. Talati.