1923-12-15 — Page 5

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HONGKONG'S OPIUM

MONOPOLY,

DO REVENUE OFFIERS GET RICH QUICK?

An unnamed British gentleman" who, at the beginning of the present mouth. was in Peking, and who claims to have "apent some time in Hongkong" and in parts of British North Borneo, and who judging by the space accented him in the Far Entry Times would appear to be a man of some position, has fieen ventilating his opinions regarding the Hongkong Opium Monopoly. While he is one who considers that opium is not the curse it is said to be; he says it "that strikes him a canting hypocrisy

the Hongkong Government which pre- tends to him at the abolition of the traf Go should itself set up a monopoly of it.. One of the outstanding assertions made by this gentleman is that:-

Revenac olivers in Hongkong wake very good thing out of the opian traffic, seeing that they get a good share of the soils. The system under which the revenue officers work breeds

i

corruption, not only among the Chi nese who snuggle the drug but also amongst the officers theniselves, some receiving #10.000 to $15,000 annually." When this sweeping statement was shown to Mr. Lloyd, Superintendent of Import, and Exports in Hongkong, by a Daily Press representative, his comment was: This statement is absolutely ab- surd. In fact, Hongkong is the only piłce where the universal system of pay- ing rewards is an adopted. Rewards are paid at Home, in India and at Singapore and at other places, but no rewards aruj paid to revenue ofEcers at Hongkong. The informer-if there is an informer-- keta the whole reward, and the revenue officer gets nothing" - Mr. Lloyd'added that in cases where the reward amounts to. over $100 it is actually paid over to the informer hissell by the Head of the Department. Small rewards are handed aver to the revenue officer to pay "ver to the informer,

THE HONGKONG DAILY PRESS, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15TH, 1923.

This meant, Mr. Lloyd said, that the "THE RAJAH OF RAJAHPORE"

other two-thirds went to the revenue officer at Hence working in conjunction with the informer. "In Hongkong the in former got the whole of the reward offer- ed, and the racenue officer got nothing. Amplifying this statement, Mr. Lloyd

said

SPORT

FOOTBALL.

CHINESE AUSTRALIAN SOCCER TEÄM A HONGKONG,

This match is being played on the Hongkong ground at 4 p.m. today.

Referee: Mr. Smith: Linesmen: Messrs. Fairburn and Wakeham

The teams:

MUSICAL PLAY PRODUCED BY KOWLOON DOCK A.D.C. An outstanding feature of last night's production of the musical play "The Rajah of Rajahpore" by the Kowloon the informer would be paid Dock Amateur Dramatic Club, was the the full reward on reizures valued up to juvenility of the caste and the confidence $500, half-rate from $300 up to $2,000, the young Thespians displayed on the and over and above the latter figares he stage. There were haps and fairies from received a reward according to what the the age of four upwards. They danced with a freedom and glee more suggestive Government thought it to give him.

Another rule which Mr. Lloyd thought of woods and glades than the stage, and

their choruses were very sweetly given. was, operative at Home reads:

The play has a simple plot. A wicked spirit steals a magic ruby belonging to the Rajah of Rajahpore and much time is spent in the search for it. A poor This was not operative in Hongkong Government servant by ultimately re- and Mr. Lloyd concluded his remarks on covering it wins for himself untold this particular phase of the subject by wealth. a high position in the service, MOTOR BANDITS NEAR THE saying: "The muin point is to get the contraband, and if a man shows excep tional vigilance in geping it he will be rewarded, it not by monetary means then in love... by promotion."

the

"Subordinates are entitled to sole reward on seizures made by them personally unless a superior officer actually be present."

and, more to be desired than all else, the consent of the Major-General to his carrying the girl with whom he is madly

INFORMER AND SMUGGLER TOOatural piece of acting in the play was

Reading further the statement publish ed in the Far Eastern Times, Mr. Lloyd came to the following which he did not pass without comment:-

Io not say that the officers actually become currunt, but they re ceive very substantial rewards for every seizure they make. We will say, for instance, that a squggler in Swatow ship a consigameüt of opium to a ilvaler in Hongkong. The smuggler frequently acting the revenue officer that the drug is being sent, telling him the time and place where it may be found. The revenue officer awaits the arrival of the boat on which it is com- ing, and the seizes it. The revenue cfficer's share in a large percentage of the opium, or its equivalent in money, the informant, who in this case is the smuggler, getting a similar cut from The deal Revenue officers and the Government itself admit that they would make very few seizures indeed if they had to rely upon their own ingenuity They are almost entirely dependent on Suformers who in many casts are the smugglers themselves"

The most apirited as well as, the, most

that of Pat, the Major-General's man- servant.. The part was taken by Mr."A. Duncan who assumed the Irish brogue with a success which would have passed muster in the Bog of Alice, and he played the part with a naturalness that gave him distinction in the caste. Miss Doris Puncheon as Nelly O'Neale (the Major General's adopted daughter) also took her part very well, her dancing and sing- ing winning much applause, r. Stewart did not impress one as a dignified and pompous Major-General; but rather sug gested the meek and obedient subaltera In the part of a poor civil servant, Mr. . C. Smith was inclined to be too wooden to impress, one as being an ardent lover. He aung several solos very ac ceptably and came in for a fair share of the applause, The Rajah certainly look ed very handsome in his Indian costume covered with glittering jewels but one could not resist the conviction that a kilt would have been more becoming to Mr. Brown. His acting on the whole was good, but a strong Dorie decent coming from the mouth of an Indian Rajah was unconvincing. The Wicked Spirit (fr. G. White), Ah Sia (Mr. J. S. Nichols) and Electra-the Goddess of Light-Miss Pearl Ogilvie), all filled their parts very creditably. Mr. White looked very wick- el, Ah Sin was amusing and Miss Ogil vie's election was very pleasing.

Asked why the system of paying ro wards was not followed in Hongkong, Mr. Mr. Lloyd declared that the statement Linyd said that, for one thing, the tempta that the informer was often the smuggler tians in the diföction were so great that was altogether wrong. Supposing, he Mention must be made of the effective ness of the scenery. One has only to the Government refused to pay rewards said, a man (the smuggler) attempted to mention that Messrs. G. and A. Duncan in the ground that it paved the way to amuggle a hundred pounds of oplum into were responsible for it. Mr. G. Durcan Bribery and corruption: Revenue officers Hongkong. He would first are to bribe made a name for himself in connection. were paid good salaries which made it somebody for patting it on board at,with the decorations at the St. Andrew's unnecessary that they should look for probably, five renta a tal. He would Ball, and last night he managed, as he always does, to conjure up some very rewards. Promotion was held out is the then have to bribe the ship's crew for pretty and effective scenes. Mrs. Jen main incentivo to zealous revenue officers, taking charge of it, and the usual fee for ner, who undertook the bulk of the work of the actual production, deserves con- and there was plenty of chance to get on this was fifteen centy per tal. It would gratulations upon the result. The music for the men who showed exceptional vigil also cost him another flera cents for was directed by Mr. J. H. Lawreace and total in chorus work particularly, the per- ance. There had been, of course, Mr. landing the opium, making a

formers showed that they had been well

· Lloyd-falù,” exceptions to this general anuggling cost of 33 erats per tal or trained. The dresses and costumes wors rule. In the case of a senior officer, per total of 8120 per pound. As the full re by the performers were a noteworthy haps, who had done really smart work, ward offered in Hongkong for seized feature. That of Electra (the Goddess of Light), that of the Rajah and those and to whom there was no further promo- opium was 32 per pound, the smuggler tion open, the Head of the Department would be at a loss it bo tried to act could recommend to His Excellency the

smuggler nad informer at the same time. Governor that a bonus or gratuity be It was absolutely impossible for a

Hongkong.Angus (Club): Wyana (Police) and Bishop (Club); Alekenvis (Kowloon), Stowart (Club) and Lelliot (R.G.A.): Mason (Kowloon), Forsyth (Club), Johnson (Police), Begg (Club) and Simpson (Police).

Chinese-Lau Hing Cheung Tong: Ng Kum Chuen and Chan So; Lrung Wong Sui Wa and Lam Yuk Ying: Pang Kam Wing, Chang Hsi En. Wong Par Chung: Li Wai Tong and Chan Kwong Ui

P.W.D.?

YESTERDAY AFTERNOON'S

EXCITEMENT.

What is the obvious conclusion that 40

would come to if one saw a man struggling with two other men in a motor-cart Such an incident was witcessed yesterday after. noon and the person who witnessed it came to the most natural conclusion that

first class melo he was witnessing a dramatic motor-car hold up. He did not was to enquire further, but rushed into the offices of the Public Works Depart ment, close to, where the incident took place, and immediately got through to the Ceutral Police Station, informing them that there were motor bandits in Lower Albert Road. The effect of such news was electrical. The alarm bell was rung and the Captaia Superintendent of Police rushed out of his office to super- intend the despatch of all available men' in hot pursuit of the miscreants. cycles and legats hastened to the scene loaded with European detretives, whilst a number did not bother to wait for convey- ances hit ran for the spot is hard us

her could.

Motor-

It did not take long to solve the mystery. Within a few moments of their despatch the first away from the station ware on their way back again, their amusement cooling, what little annoyance they must have felt. It appears that &

aa, presumably a lunatic, was being taken from his house by motor-car in charge of two men. Near the Public Works Department he commenced to struggle, violently with the men and this is this is what a citizen saw and reported to the police as a case of a motor-hold-up.

TOMORROW'S PETE.

Tomorrow the Society of St. Vincent. of the fairies, being dazzling and effec de Paul will hold its 40th Annual A tivere was a large attendance at the Fresco Fete in the Compound of the performance, the large mould left being Catholic Cathedral, Caine Road. well filled, which means that the Minis 12,000 toys and other articles have been tering Children's League in whose aid

Over

paid to him. This was very rarely done smuggler;informer to make money the affair was held, will benefit consider. specially imported from Europe nail

and, during the period he had been Head of the Department (something over a year), as far as he could remember only one such bonus had been paid.

that system," nid Mr. Lloyd.

ably. -

Following is a list of the Committee. as well as the names of the members of the cast and the chorus:

COMMITTEE.

Chairman, Mr. E. Cork; Vice-Chair- man, Mr. W. Forsyth; Hon. Secretary, W. C. Smith; Messrs. J. C. Brown, A. Mr. C. E. Stewart; Hon. Treasurer, Mr. Duncan, G. H. White, P. J. Jenner, and

THE GENERAL PROBLEM. Discussing the opium problem generally, But isn't it possible for the revenue Mr. Lloyd said he felt sure that the officer to work in conjunction with the Government was quite prepared to sup- infortner, and receive part of the inforina. press the traffic in opium altogether as tion money?" asked our representative, soon as it saw any prospect of this being Mir. "Lloyd" emphasised that all big re carried out with any degree of success. It wards were paid direct to the informer, was all very well to prohibit such a E. Docherty: Lighting Effects, Messrs. The orchestra comprised the follow which practically cut the revenue officer traffe, say, at Home in England where F. C. Coleman and R. Chatterton.

"Of course, there is nothing to the people were helpful and only too atop the informer going up to the revenue willing to put down the use of such a offers after he has received his reward drug. There, public opinion was unani and offering hini a cumshaw. That is mously against opium, which made pro something which has nothing to do with bibition practically an easy matter. In

out

ing

Piano Miss Pepita Lawrence; Ist Violins, Messrs. F. P. Prata, J. Rozario and A. Valoroso: 2nd Violins, Messrs. G II. Osmund, W. Tillery and Jen- rer: Viola, Mr. J. G. Ozoria; Cellos, Mr.

the Department. But if the revenue Hongkong it was an entirely different W. Tavlor and Air. N. U. Botelho; Cor In the first place there was net, Mr. D. Baptista; Clarinet, Mr. F. officer is found out he can be dealt with matter.

public spirit Rozaric: Drums, Mr. J. L. Howell; Con-

ductor, Mr. J. H. Lawrence..

0

by the Head of the Department accord- no such thing as ing to the circumstances and he is liable amongst the Chinese generally. They

in the nature of a bribe.

Mrs. W. Forsyth, Hon. Secretary, Kow

to dismissal if any such cumshawis ärst of all would have to be loon Dock Branch, M.G.L.

Asked if it was at all possible for a educated to abhor the opium evil before revenue officer in Hongkong to make in they would be able to sea, any wrong in

The cast was as follows

Maj-Gea. Bangs)

Miss Doris Puncheon

America, and it is expected that the various stails will present an even more attractive appearance than in former

years..

Among the stalls and side-shows will be the favourite Ten-cent Stall, well stocked as in former years with everything for playing a splendid collection of valuable the youngsters; the American Stall, dis articles; the Kids' Raffle Stall where, at secure a change of winning one of a line 50 cents a ticket, parents will be able to collection of large, toy motor-enes, fire- engines, etc., big enough for boys of 10 or 12 years, and fitted out as almost exact replicas of the genuine articles. Close to this will be the ever popular. Post card Stall, and, on the other side, the Christ- mas Bazaar or Sale Stail, at which a fine assortment of hundreds of toys will appeal to all. Another attractive stall will be be disposed of at prices, which will that at which & Jarge number of nicely decorated Christmas trees of various since will be on sale. Next to this will be Candy Stall, laden with a choice abort

candles "specially imported ment.

of from America Further or will be the stall of the Gremio Social, where a fine display of knitted goods and other usefu! articles will be on sale. Then we shall

ones; the Fishing Pond; the Bran Tubs; heavily laden with prizes for the little the Shooting Gallery, and other attrac tions.

On & special stand, facing the entrance, the motor car, piano-player, motor-cycle, and the many other prizes

the Grand Charity Draw, will be display:

this way as much as 310,000 to $15,000 n it. What can you do with such a traffic Nelly O'Neal (Adopted Daughter, of--

when year as alleged, Mr. Lloyd said that it as opium 1 asked Mr. Lloyd, was practically impossible for any of you have Chinese who are willing to run them to do so. Even in the case of n big a packet of contraband cigarettes on Maj. Gen. Bangs, V.C. Mr. O. E. Stewart to the large Christmas Tree, seizure which came only once in a blue which they can make two cents. We get Rajah of Rajakpore. Mr. J. C. Brown Mr. W. CSmith moon the informer himself could not such case every day, and such cases are Harry (A Civil Servant) make that, let alone the revenue officer, only an example of what they are doing

Pat-(Maj.-General'a Manservant) He called to mind the sensational opium and trying to do with illicit opium."

Mr. A. Duncan seizure made at Aplichau about a year Even though the Hongkong Government ago when eight and a half tons of opium has the Raj. Rakshasha

Here, also, will be the platform on which will stand the his drum kindly were discovered. The informaer to that the Colonungly for trading inopiam in Bai. The icked Spirit) Mr. G. White

Mr. J. S. Nicols lanned to the Society by Mr. U. Rumjaha case expected to get something like trade in the drug being carried on, he Ah Sin (Rajah's Manservant). 300,000, but I can assure you he did said, and if there was no Government

Electra-(Goddess of Light)

from which, at 10.30 p.m., will be not get anything like that amount," said control, the truths in opium would be

For Miss Pearl Ogilvie drawn the lucky winning numbers Mr. Lloyd. The police sergeant concern worse that what it at the present

what it is at the prescue In the chorus were

There will be a Tea Room, conducted by in the seizure got nothing at all. The moment. biggest seizure during the present year, Mr. Lloyd aid that he had been going Gladys Ramsay, Elsa Bell, Florence a number of lady helpers; also a Refresh- was the finding of over a thousand pounds through a number of papers, recently Neave and Molise Groundwater (all ment Ecom for those who do not hold of opium on the 5.5. Funnan and the seized, which showed that large quantities: friends of Nellie O'Neal), Daisy Witchell, with Pussyfoot. reward paid direct to the informer in of illicit opium were coming into Bong-Mattie Gourley, Ena Allen, Irene Sprad-The grounds will be open in the after- that case was a little over $1,000. Sokong. One document stated that 800,000 bury, Laura Paton, Mrs. J. McKelvic, non from 2.30 to 0 jim, when certain you can see how impossible it is for tacls were expected in Fakhoi (part of Mrs. R. J. Groundwater, Mrs. J. Dick, stalls will be open and amusements speci revenue officers to make the sums of which was for Hongkong) by such and Mr. H. Duncan and Mr. D. Ogilvie, ally suitable for children will be provided, Fairies: Mary Rattey, Dorothy John. The Fete proper will, however, begin at money stated

such a ship, whilst another stated that To support his statement as to the forty to fifty thousand tanis had arrived ston, Margaret Dixon, Winnie Hender 9.30 p.m. when the grounds will be son. Margaret Adams, Nan Docherty brilliantly illuminated. Be kind permis, difference between the Regulations re by another ship. garding revenue officers here and at Mr. Lloyd-chserved that the whole of Nellie Docherty, Nessie Gillespie and sinn of Major RC Campbell and the officers, the Band of the East Surres Home Mr. Lloyd produced a copy of China was still trading in opium on a Eileen Steel the Customs Code na used at Home and large scale. According to returns, 940,000 Emps: Wm. Matchim, J. Gourley, R. Regiment will play both in the after- pointed out Clango 129 which was as charts of brians passed through Hankow Groundwater D. Groundwater, B. Paton, noon and evening,

The Star Ferry Co. is very kindly pro follows:

alone. Whist such conditions lasted it C. Paton, V. Allen, f. Grondwater, L was practically impossible to stop it in Allen D. Dixon, F. Hartley and T. viding a special inte. Jerry for Kowloon,

which will leave Hongkong at 1 am. the small Colony of Hongkong. We are Neave,

Bolo dancers: Winnic Henderson and The Peak Tramway have also arrange perfectly willing to wash our floor if we

Chrissie Dixon

to run a late car at 12.46. p.m.

a

"Any case in which Boizures have best made on information the reward to informers will be one third of the sum granted as a reward.

can keep it clean," he concluded,

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