CO129-508-7 Opium on Macao market 10-1-1928 - 9-11-1928 — Page 62

CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案 All

When the Farm terminated in June of last year, it was decided by the Government of Macao to take over the management and control of opium themselves, this being the practise becoming more prevalent in all countries concerned with the sale of opium, certain Conventions and Agreements having been enter- ed into under the League of Nations. The old monopoly had to come to an end and plaintiff was appointed Superintendent and Administrator in the new Farm, taking into his employment as ad- visers people who had been connect- ed with the opium monopoly before, as he had had no previous experi- ence. He had been in the Govern- ment service for several years and had retired, going into banking and other business ventures but being re-appointed to do this work. Defendant's Alleged Grievance. The defendant had not to any serious extent suffered, continued counsel, and there was no reason why he should. He seemed, how ever, to have suffered from intense resentment that he was not con- sulted or made a figurehead in the new administration. This, claimed counsel, appeared throughout the petition to the Governor of Macao which counsel proceeded to read in full.

The petition set out the various benefactions to Macao by defend- ant. Having fulfilled every ob- ! ligation under the contract with the Government and having done more than it may be expected of any member of the community in Macao in rendering services to the Government, your petitioner feels that he should be given, if not pre- ferential, at least fair and sym- pathetic treatment at the hands of the Government in any case where the interests of your Petitioner or the Company is concerned. Your Petitioner also expected that he and the Company should enjoy the confidence of the Government in connection with matters concerning the Opium Monopoly and that they should be consulted in the event of any change in the management."

Counsel contended that the peti-. tion showed that defendant was bent upon attacking everyone con- nected with the new Opium Depart- inent. It had been sent to various lawyers nominally for professional opinion but actually to give it the widest possible publicity.

The plaintiff Mr. Jose Pedro Lobo, the recently appointed Opium Administrator, stated in evidence that he regarded the statements complained of, which appeared in Mr. Lee Hysan's petition as libellous as regards himself and as suggesting that the Government of Macao conducted public affairs im- properly.

Cross-examined by Mr. Potter, the plaintiff agreed that if any responsible person received evidence -which he had no reason to dis believe that improper conduct was taking place, it would be a duty to call for investigation. Plain tiff's objection to the letter was that he had been accused of having received $50,000 to pay to others in order to put a deal through. This, in his opinion, meant that he was using his influence improperly.

Mr. Potter: You will agree with me that a company does not make announcement to shareholders of bribes paid to Government officials?

structor, on his good work, and gave the college a half-holiday.

Mr. Ralphs in his annual report said that the building and equip ment were good, the staff was ade quate, and the discipline excellent He also stated that the written work throughout was exceptionally good, that the physical exercise: deserved special mention, and tha each year saw a steady and marked improvement in the college.

Dr. Minett in her half-yearly re port said that the premises were in good order and that the improve ments made had given more room and produced better conditions She also said that the dormitories in our newly-opened Boarding De partment were good, light, and

airy.

Boarding Department. During the summer vacation w made plans for adding a boarding department to the college and ad vertised for boys. We provider room for only fifty boarders, and i was filled on the first day after the re-opening. At the end of the yea we enlarged it, and it was again filled on the first day of the new school year.

Our branch school at Yaumati hac 270 on roll during the year. The staff consisted of nine teachers. We occupied six very unschool-like flats at Portland Street, one of the noisiest quarters of Yaumati,

In the second half of the year we bought a piece of land at Nelsor Street and erected a

new school- building on it. It was completed at the beginning of this year, and we moved in after the Chinese New Year vacation. Mr. Chow Cheng Lam, B.A., is the Headmaster.

Sports.

our

During the year our football team played several matches and boys also competed in the Volley Ball League. The lack of a suitable playground is a severe hindrance.

We held our annual gymnastic competition in January. There were more competitors than in the pre- vious year. Every year sees an in- crease in the number of boys who take exercise on the parallel and horizontal bars under the expert guidance of Mr. Mauricio.

Examination Results.

All the students of Class 1 enter- ed for the Matriculation and Senior knew of certain other lawyers who were receiving retainers of $1,200 a year from the Opium Company.

The Colonial Treasurer, Mr. | Plinio Tinoco, said that he was sent for by the Governor of Macao who showed him a copy of the petition received from Mr. Lee Hysan. He understood that the re- ference to $50,000 applied he himself and not to the Treasury. Witness then sent for Mr. Lobo, because it was stated in the letter that the money was handed to him through Mr. Lobo.

Witness had also written to Mr. Lee Hysan asking if he (witness) was meant in the letter. Mr. Lee Hysan replied by letter in English saying that the Government De- partment was referred to and not anyone in particular. He (witness) asked the Macao Government for an Inquiry but the Governor was of opinion that it was not necessary as no suspicion attached to him.

At this stage the Court rose for the day.

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