CO129-483 - Others & Individuals - 1923 — Page 237

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system is applicable only in those districts where the number of smokers is comparatively small and where the licensees can be easily controlled by Government authorities and police. The system was considered unfit for vast centres of the population with large numbers of opium smokers,

VI. In the beginning, endeavours were made in those centres to fight the opium evil in a different way.

For years already, the names of the buyers and the quantities pur- chased by them, have, as far as possible, been recorded. It frequently happened, however, that false names were stated, and for this reason a stipulation was laid down for those parts where adequate super- vision was deemed essential and where the adoption of a licence system was not yet possible. In pursuance of this stipulation, only such persons were allowed to buy opium, as could produce a certil- icate of identity with portrait. The main difference between the system of certificates of identity (identification system) and the licenct system is the following: the identification system has for chief object the curtailment of purchases, but does not preclude the possession of opium by others than the holders of a certificate of identity. The intention was to extend this system by degrees to all parts where the licence system was considered impracticable. Thus, it would at least be possible to know and duly control the buyers and to preven the export of opium from these districts to parts of the Netherlands Indies where, owing to the restrictions in force, opium was difficul to obtain. It was expected that such identification would immediaci involve reduced sales and that, guided by this system, it would event ually be possible to adopt more drastic measures and gradually suppress the use of opium. The identification system, however, not extend beyond certain districts, preference being given to plan of applying the licence system referred to in § V, likewise those parts where a large number of opium smokers were living.

§ VII. This plan was carried into effect when, a few years the opium habit increased to an alarming extent in consequenst the marked revival of trade, industry and cultures, attended by wages and substantial revenues for the lower classes of the pore lation.

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quantity formerly allowed to one person. When this measure proved to be ineffective, a licence system was gradually introduced in the large centres of the population. The object of this measure is not to restrict the use of opium at once to existing smokers. Persons newly arriving and temporary inhabitants can likewise obtain a licence. It I is, however, anticipated that, through this system of non-transferable licences, the customers will buy no more than what is needed for their own requirements. The Government hopes that a strict super- vision, rendered possible by an occassional extension of the police force, may prevent the licit trade in opium from being supplanted by contraband traffic.

It is only in small parts of the Netherlands Indies that the licence system is not being applied and that opium-smoking is allowed with- out a non-transferable licence, though also here smokers have to conform to general rules and to stipulations laid down for the pos- session of low maximum quantities.

It cannot yet be stated with any certainty whether adoption of the licence system has produced the desired effect in regions where the number of smokers was considerable. The quantities of opium bought at the Government selling shops have indeed shown a substantial decrease since then, but this is for the most part attributable to the all-round collapse that manifested itself about the same time, while, moreover, the fear of an increased illicit traffic may not be without foundation.

§ VII. Another means of putting a check on the use of opium, applied with gratifying results, is an enhanced selling price.

Formerly there was a wide difference between the prices of opium uling in various parts of the Netherlands Indies. This was partly due to the farming system which prevailed in certain districts, and partly to the fact that the opium trade was not everywhere a Government monopoly. In some parts of the Archipelago this trade Was either entirely free or only governed by stipulations laid down by the native Princes.

On the gradual establishment of the Régie, prices had to corres- pond with the existing ones, for fear of creating a large-scale con- Braband traffic. Though all the opium supplied by the Régie is of the same quality, it was sold in 1907 and 1908 at prices of f 3 and 25 per tahil. By degrees the low prices were enhanced and, at the

Especially in the large towns and in all parts where no restrict were in force, heavy quantities were bought at the Government selland of 1922, the price ruling in an extensive part of the Netherlands shops, not only for the buyers' own use but frequently destineddies was f 30, in another part f 25 and further f 20 and f 18 per clandestine export to other parts of the Netherlands Indies. Al sahil. The prices of f 20 and f 18 must prevail in the vicinity of the

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