q
2
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Taylor of the Imports and Exports Department by telephone.
on 8th May and a European
This was at about 4 p.m.
Revenue Officer was immediately despatched to the Opium
Shop. He arrived there at about 4.45 p.m. only to find
that the manager had disappeared, taking with him the cash
($383.35) and the balance of the stock which had been seen
a few hours earlier by the Assistant Auditor. In spite of
the fact that a constant watch has been kept on the
premises and that a warrant for the arrest of MAK MAN has
been taken out, it has not so far been possible to apprehend
him.
3.
In view of the present shortage of opium supplies
it has lately been found necessary to ration the quantities
issued to shops and it is surmised that MAX MAN had "farmed
out" some of his stock of Government opium for sale at
his cash and
prices higher than the authorized prices;
stocks would no doubt have been found in order on the morning
of May 9th, when a European Revenue Officer was due to deliver
fresh stocks and collect cash, but he did not reckon on a
visit from Audit in the meantime. Thinking that the
authorities had evidence of the farming out
in fact the case he took refuge in flight.
-
which was not
This has
4.
MAK MAN, who is a retired Chinese Revenue
Officer, was secured by a cash bond of $500.
been forfeited to revenue. He was also in receipt of
a pension of $154.35 per annum and it is unlikely that
he will make himself liable to arrest by appearing to
collect any further instalments of his pension. I might
add that it has lately been the policy to put Government
pensioners in charge of these shops in the belief that
the loss of pension rights would furnish a deterrent at
least as powerful as that of the cash deposit.
I have the honour to be,
My Lord,
Your Lordship's most obedient, humble servant,
N6. Sunth
Officer Administering the Government.
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