THE HONGKONG GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 16TH SEPTEMBER, 1893. 971
Within the last few months a number of establishments have been opened in Hongkong, to which those who have acquired the habit of opium-smoking have been induced to resort for the purpose of having a preparation of opium adminis- tered by means of subcutaneous injections. As the charge made for each injection is very small, large numbers of Chinese have been induced to frequent these houses, and, we believe, that a considerable diminution in the receipts of the Farm arising from the sale of prepared opium for local consumption has been owing to this cause. Under these circumstances we would ask you to be good enough to suggest to the Government either some modification of the law with reference to the sale of preparations of opium, or else that a law might be passed making the subcutaneous injection of drugs, except under certain restrictions and by a duly qualified medical man, a punishable offence.
We are informed that a large number of persons have been seriously injured in their health by having recourse to the places above mentioned, and as the practice is at the same time likely to affect permanently the revenue of the Colony as well as the present Opium Farmers, we feel justified in urging you to bring the matter to the serious attention of the Colonial Government.
We have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient Servants,
The Honourable N. G. MITCHELL-INNES,
Colonial Treasurer,
&c.,
&C.,
Se.
HAU FOOK COMPANY, Opium Farmers.
(Minute by Assistant Registrar General.)
HONOURABLE REGISTRAR GENERAL,
Apparently the practice of injecting Morphia has arisen only within the last few months.
Injections can be obtained at the following places :---
312, Queen's Road West.-A branch open about a month. 50 or 60
people go there a day.
1, New Street.-Opened a fortnight. Plenty of patronage.
1st floor, 2, East Street.-Opened 2 weeks. 60 or 70 a day. Fee at
above places, 1 cent an injection.
2nd floor, 18, Taipingshan Street.--Opened 3 weeks. Fee, 2 cents. 2nd floor, 10, Kwaiwa Lane.-Opened in November. Number increased
from 10 to 40 a day. Fee reduced from 2 to 1 cent.
367, Queen's Road Central.-Opened in March. Number of patients
increased from 20 to 60.
98, Bonham Strand.--Opened 14 months. 40 or 50 a day.
41, Stanley Street.-Branch of Kwaiwa Lane establishment. About 60. 179, Queen's Road East.-Opened 2 months.
104, Bonham Strand.
85, Bonham Strand.
65, Third Street.
91, Queen's Road West.
50, Praya West.
* Attached is a notice by a hospital, in Canton, recommending the adoption of the injection of Morphia.
* Not priuted.
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