1909-03-11 — Page 5

1

The Opium Question.

GOVERNOR'S EXHAUSTIVE

MEMORANDUM.

HONGKONG'S POSITION VIS-A-VIS HOME GOVERNMENT'S POLICY.

THE

HONGKONG TELEGRAPH THURSDAY

to Chips, and has only been secured by con stant efforts and some pecuniary loss to the Colony. Recently China has pledged herself to reciprocate by checking the illicit impona tion of prepared opium from China into Hong kong, but her ipability to translate her un doubtedly genuine desire into effective action is shewn by the fact that for the six months | following that la which the agreement was H.E, the Governor prevented to the Legislate (ris, August 1907 to January 1908) the lative Council this afternoon so exhaustive memorandum regarding the restriction of opium in Hongkong and in-Chion. The memoran dum-covers sixteen closely-printed pages of foolscap and, as far as we can judge from a cursory perusal of this latest and valuable con tribution to the mass of literature on the opium controversy, it is an effective reply to the charges levelled against Hongkong that "noib. ing had been attempted-nothing done" in the Colony to assist the Government of China in "their endeavour to restrict the opium traffic.

THE CHARGE AGAINST HONÖKONG, “

Prefacing the memorandum, the Governor writes:

On May 6th, 108, Mr. W. Johnson moved a resolution in the House of Cominous (second. ed by Mr. T. Taylor). opproving the action of His Majesty's Government in progressively decreasing the quantity of opium exported from lúdia to China, and urging the abolition of licensed Opium Dins in the Far Eastern Crown Colonies. Both mover and seconder

average number of seizures of prepared opium illicitly imported into Hongkong bas exceeded ona per diem. The smuggling takes place from various ports. Canton, Amoy, Swatow, Heihow, etc. I have reason to know that the Viceroy at Canton is sincerely anxious to put time Cusoma have done their utmost, but the stop to this practice, and the Imperial Mari effort to suppress smuggling is to attempt the impossible, so long as the price of opium in Calus is only hall the price in-Hongkong.

TWO ESSENTIAL PROBLEMS,"

After devoting several paragraphs" to the subject of "Export from Chias," and the pro blem therein, the Governor states

The two really essential problems, which in my view China has to solve if she intends to carry out her declared intention aro

the cultivation of the Poppy in China. (8) The provision of a revenue to replace

that now. raised on opium.

MARCH II 1909.

ihan the monopply could afford. The pay-only gives an average for, bach divan of 76. races, and in the welfare of the intelligent, in ment, which stood at $2,041,940 in 1905 and Therefore if each person remained. dustrious and most interesting population of 1906 fell in the next contract (March 1907) to hours the average occupants would only China, than the mover and secondar of the re- 5,452,000, In laci, in 1906 the Farmer bad to be 13 or 15 Instead of 30, since, divos solution in the House of Commons, have some suspend the operations of the farm altogether are only open from 6 sm to midnight. A doubts as to whether the common object we all for some months and adulterated opium was

personal fuspection showed them to be quiet bave in view can best be achieved by the parti sold. The average for the period excluding and orderly. The smokers appeared generally cular methode proposed. I have endeavoured these two years in, 5353 chests per annum,

to present a reasoned opinion on this subject to be friends engaged in animated conversationed to submit soms practical suggestions, smoking tobacco, eating fruit and drinking to without going on largely folo the immense with an occasional whiff from the opium pipe field of discussion which this subject, opens There were nous in a state of stupefaction up; and while doing so I trust 1 may claim to though the visit was between to hnd 11 p.m.

have vindicated the Colony of Hongkong from the charge of apalby, and of having made op Government in this matter

¦ INCREASED PRICE AND DECREASED

CONSUMPTION

Since the year 1901, the farm has been in the hands of Singapore marchants, who have put up the local retail price from $3 per tsel (in 1938)'to its present rate [53.37] and by this means-aided by the reduction la the Govern ment real-have succeeded in making it pay, and the loss of the Australian and other in spite of the cessation of smuggling to China

maksts..

This great increase in local selling price would naturally result in in considerable decrease in smoking, far the poorer classes could not afford to buy so much, but since there are no records of the quantities of prer. pared opium imponed had exported (whether legitimately or otherwise) by the farmer, it is bat possible to gauge the decrease precisely, by

Today's Advertisements.

HONGKONG ICE COMPANY, LIMITED.

TT is hereby notified that on and after this "Ang padate, the selling price of leo, twill"ba reduced to HALF A CENT per pound,

JARDINE, MATHESON & Co, Lda?

General Managers, HONGKONG ICE Company, LIMITED Wanglendi. F'.th' March, 190).

The Colonial Sectetary, Mr. May, with 9 sacrifices, to promote the policy of the Home AMERICAN AND MANCHURIAN:LINE

MR. MAY'S EXPERIENCE.

years experiance as Head of Police, who had constantly visited the divans at all hours of the man bere the worse for the drug. He himself, do not recognise the evils of the opium habit.. day and night, stated that he had never seen a trust that nothing I have said in this memo

may lead to the conclusion or inference that 1. though very susceptible even to tobacco had I have quoted on page 11 from the Indian Com- smoked many pipes in succession with no mission to show that they are often exaggerat result. Dr. Ayres who studied the question fared, but I learn from Sir A. Hasie that in 22 years smoked 3 mace (174 grains) consecuti- Szechuan they are deplorable, mainly because Valy, is, as much as a confirmed smoker would the population is very poor, and there is a smoke in a day without feeling any real at tendency for heavy smokers to forego their food, and spend their money upon cplum in- A divan licence in Hongkong costs $10 (61) siead He believed (as many experts do) that

"I

NOTICE TO CONSIGNEES. FROM SINGAPORE AND NEW YORK

HE Steamship THE

BA" BLOEMFONTEIN,”

Captain Lisklater, having arrived from the

above Ports, Consignees of Carga, are hereby, informed that their Goods are being landed at their risk into the: Godowns of the Hongkong and Kowloon Wharf and Godown Company Limited, Kowloor, and stored at Consignees risk and expense,

All broken; chafed, and damaged Goods are

3 r.Ma

All Claims must be presented within fifteen days of the steamer's arrival here, after which date they cannot be recognized

the quantities of raw opium drawn from bond he per annum and in renewable sanually, and the as long as a man, is well nourished opium to be left in the Godowns, where they will be (.) The restriction and ultimate abolition of farmer; It will, however, be noted that this place is comparable to our public houses in smoking does him little or no harm, since post examined on WEDNESDAY, 17th instant, at England, in so far as it affords a resort where décibase in smoking, together with the abolithe tired coalie may rest and enjoy his tobacco tion of the smuggling traffic, have combined to and fruit with a little opium, or where friends reduce the revenue received by Government as of the better classes may meet and discuss rental for the Farm by $588,000, since the last affairs, but it contrasts strongly with a public contract was made. It will be noted also that house is that it is quiet and orderly. Women the ameuat of opium prepared by the farmer and children are absolutely excluded. has greatly decreased since 1898 in spite of the acquisition of the New Territories in that year which added about 'to.the population.

mortem examinations have shown that the organs are entirely unaffected. The victim of indulgence really suffers from starvation. To Hongkong, therefore, where wages are high, and employment easy to obtain, the coolle can afford to feed well, and also to pay for his smoke and so little or on harm is dons: But even in Hongkong smoking is a great economic evil tending to the waste of time, and of money, in unproductive self-indulgence. My sole corned bas been to demonstrate

When these two problems are in a fair way informed the House that in Hongkong "nor of solution it may jubtly be said that China thing had been attempted-anthing done has set a standard which is worthy of emola These statements passed unchallenged, and

tion, and has proved herself to be in earnest.” have conveyed to the rest of the Empire an

"The following sectious of the memorandum arroneous impression of the facts regarding deal with restriction of production, bow to this Colony, which has caused no little soreness is a very loyal portion of His Majesty's over. Rauge restriction in China, substitutes for the sea dominions. The Under Secretary in bla poppy, supply of medicinal opium, and sagger. The restriction of the expost from India will quarters as they are how reported to ba doing object so far as the general question is con› | reply said that His Majesty's Government recognised that in dealing with the opium. question in Hongkong it was essentialika we, should act up to the standards set by China

tinns how to replace the opium revenue in

China.

HONGKONG'S SACRIFICES.

probably enhance the value of raw opium, and and others to which I am about to refer, will The Governor passes in review the methods further reduce the teader in 1910. This in

thin with the restrictions‹eiraady alluded to,

THE HONGKONG FARM. "

SAATİALTERNATIVES FOR DIVANS,

Men who have bouts of their own will, in the absence of divans, smoks in their women's ia Canton. Tous the evil hitherto excluded from domestic life will be introduced into the tome, where women and children will probably become participators. The idea therefore that smoking at home is less harmful thao smoking"

(a.) That it must be dealt with gradumily and not by precipitate methods.

had in a later debate n July 28 he added adopted by the Hongkong Government to re- itself constitutes a beavy contribution, on is a public divan is based on a' misconception exercised may prove worse than smoking. that it had not been possible to get a reasoned strict and control the consumption of opium the part of the. Colony to the policy in cf the nature of a divan as it exists at any rate.

opinion from Hongkong.

ツ

1

I will endeav ur in the following'observatious 10 remove the nisuideņa dir, created by the remarks of Messrs. Johnson, and Taylor, and at the same time to present a reasoned opibio

as to the measures which may usefully and with justice be taken in order to give effect in -the high 'object which is Majesty's Govern meat have in view, nis, to restrict the opium babit in this Colony and to assist the Chinese Government in eff csing a Ike restriction tu China.TM

After reviewing the attitude of the Eastern Colonies, the Governer deals, first with the

statement that in Hongkong nahing has been done. His Excellency proceeds-England has already taken ons very defaite, step. She has promised to reduce the export of opium' kom India to China by one-tenth each year for the next three years, and in continue that reduction annually if at the end of three years It is shown that China has proportionately reduced the production and the consumption of the drug.

This pledge.seriously affects the interests of Hoogkong which has long been the mart for the trade in raw opiumiɔ the Far East.

The

within the Colony.lie writes:-1 will add same proposal by which restriction may be made will more effective in the future.

The most effective of tlieșe, bath for restriction and control, has, as experience proves, been the institution of a monopoly leased for a spec fied period of three years to a Farmer," for the sole right to prepare opium for sale, and to sell it, in the Colony. Bir sight to im- port prepared opium withour declaration and export it was also recognised. The farm is n lucrative business and its acquisition there Sote is the object of keen competition, and the

Government derives from the sale of the

No Claims will bo adigitted after the Goodar

bave left the Godowns, and all Goods remaining undelivered after the 17th instant will be subject to rent..............' i

No Fire Insurance has been effected. Bills of Lading will be countersigned by

SHEWAN, TOMES & Co, Agents.

Hongkong, 11th March, 1909;

PUBLIC AUCTION,

(35%

"HE Undersignedhave received instructions TY. V. VERNON, Esq

to sell by

(b) And above all that there are other aud worse evils which unless foresight and,care are

And in to far as this Colony is concerned I in Hongkong. It is true that the criminal classes bave hoped to show frequent the divass, because they are often

(a.) That we have not been idle and apathe- smokers, but they go there for no vicious puric in the aspects of the question which seemad pose other than smoking-the place is too

"to us of paramount importance. open and public for discussing secret plans,

(B)"That owing to the control exercised and and there is no immorality.

to the local conditions of the population, the,OUSEHOLD FURNITURE, evil' here assumes a very different aspect from what it does in some parts of China.

augurated by His Majesty's Government, at a time when, owing to a prolonged de persion in trade and to other causes, it is in considerable financial difficulties. Apy serious decrease in revenue, makes it, of course, more difficult to maintain effective police supervision, without which the Farmer would be unable to

CURR WORSE THAN DISEASE. protect his monopoly and prevent smuggling. The alternative resort for those with money of opium into the Colony, or from the Colony is the noisy theatre, or the sestaurant where mach money is wasted, and which is more or into China.

There is no evidence to show that the farmer lets associated with the brothel. "For the coglie in any way endeavours to promote the .con- the alternative is the street, or if the desires to sumption of ppiam. No methods of induce smoke and has a home. In which to indulge ment or adve lisement are used. Opiume must pay some rich, man's servants for the divans are not to any way inade attractive by privilege of smoking with them. It is indeed meretricious devices as are public houses in anticipated that abolition of divans would lead to the introduction of bad characters into the England, and sales' are in no way pushed.

quarters of the Chinese servants of Europeans, and may even extend instead of curtailing the habit, Divans are a concomitant, and result of the habit of opium smoking rather than ab incit ing cause and they serve a useful purpose in con. centrating smokers, and thus bringing them under controlandsupervision. They alsotend to diminish smoking of opium in private houses, and to confine it to adult males, and aroa check on dross eating since beither the keeper nor drawn anything like this amount, it is imhe smoker may retain slie dress. Their com possible, except with his consept, to reduce plate abolition would not improbably produce this number, until the present contract expiter

many arile not contemplated by these who have no actual knowledge "of the circum: in March, 1910 1

slanges.

*

FURTHER PROPOSALS FOR›KESTRICTION.

Monopoly a sum equal to nearly a fourth of its entive Revenue. Seeing that the farm is a re- strictive agency this Revenue is entirely legiti. mate and in any case is no more subject to criticism than the licence fees derived from public houses here or in England. The Go. In order to xive effect to the policy of His vernment derives no other revenue from opiunt, M. Jesty's Government it is feasible to enhance except the negligible licences to divan keepers, the reduktions imposed upon the firmer, I have already in a previous paragraph quoted Prior to the year 1895 he was allowed to draw the conditions imposed by the terms of his. 3450 chosts of opium per asnum in order to prepare" and sell it. Since that year the licence upon the Farmer, and the privileges

number has been" fixed at 1,foy, and though it reserved to him by 'Ordinance. "In order to protect his monopoly the Farmer has to emis true that he has not as a matter of fact play a large staff of detectives and to offer towa ds to informers.

CHECKS SMUGGLING.

annual value of this trade in given as 63,312 645 fù 1926 and 64 656,118 in 1997, The profits made are similar to these becared in any other form of trade, and add to the general com: The farmer cho employ spies and informers, bib to check smuggling and to detect illicit mercial business of the Port, by increasing freights, insurance (fite and marire), bank-boiling of opium, but such methods should, log, warehousing, and handling. The exting tion of the trade therefore would not merely

be a loss to the merchants engaged in it but also to the general business and pros parity of the Colony. No protest, however, has yet been heard from these chir laterest. ed, who have accepted loyally the policy of the Home And Lodian Governments, but the claim -looking to the magnitude of the pace, and to the fact that it has existed for over 100 years --that ten years is the minimum time in which new interesis can be created to replace these sacrificed, and any diminution of this period would impose too heavy a burden upon them, In this connection I venture to suggest that Chins should be required to reciprocate by, -abandoning- her exports to Fiam and Indo. China-both of which countries, like herself, have declared their desire to restrict the con- sumption of opium,"

INDEPENDENT ACTION BY HONGKONG, A second step has been taken in which Hongkong alone was concerned. In 1907 Kis Majesty's Government proposed to prohibit the exportation of prepared opium from Hongkong. Oplum, under ibe, monopoly, system in this Colony, can only be "prepared" for sale by the Farmer, it was perfectly legitimate for him to export to China under proper permit and de claration, though such export formed no part

of his mobpóly tights: To probibit it would be, however, a curtailment of the privileges under which bis contract was tigned, and might have involved a moral claim for com- pensation, but as China undertook to reciprocale" and to check the smuggling of prepared opium into Hongkong the Farmer, willingly agreed The Chinese and the trade was abolished, Govorament expressed itself as very grateful for this action by the Hongkong Government.

T1

EXTENT TO WHICH USED...

·BANK_DIVIDENDS.

CHARTERED BANK OF INDIA, AUSTRALIA AND CHINA,

PUBLIC AUCTION, TO-MORROW (FRIDAY), the 12th March, 1909, at a r., within his rasidénce, "Newlands," 37, Onduit Road, THE WHOLE OF THE

THEREIN CONTAINED,

Comprising:-

SILK COVERED DRAWING ROOM SUITE, CHESTERFIELD COUCH and ARM CHAIRS, CHINESE BLOCKWOOD CHAIRS and TABLES, OLD CLOCKS, DESKS, TEAKWOOD EXTENSION DIN- ING TABLE and CHAIRS, SIDEBOARD and DINNER W GGONS with BEVEL-:: LED GLASS, Double and Singia BRASS and IRON BEDSTEADS. with HAIR MATE TRESSES, TEAKWOOD WARDROBES, with BEVELLED GLASS, DRESSING TABLES, CHEST-OF-DRAWERS, MAR ILE-T WASHSTANDS, GLASS,

At the approaching meeting of abatebolders, of the Chattered Bank of India, Australia and China, the directors will recommend a divi- dead for the past half-year at 15% per aum, CROCKERY and E.P. WARE, CARPETS free of income tax, that 15,000 be written off and TAIR CARPETS, ENGRAVINGS, Bank premises account, that £50,000 be placed - 010 PAINTINGS, WATER COLOURS, to reserve, (which will then stand at 1,575,000), &c, &c. 1 that £134,000 be carried forward as undivided profit and that a bonus of 10% be paid to tha staff of the Bank.

·YOKOHAMA SPECIE BANK. The manager of the Yokohama Specie Bank informs us that at the balf-yearly meeting of shareholders of the Bink held at the head office, Yakohama, as the 1:th inst., it was res solved to pay a dividend of t1% p.a for the half-year ending the 1st December, 1903, to add to the reserve fund Y403,000, and to carry forward the sum of ¥1,140,000 to the next

account.

LAST.

be greatly less in rural districts. The closing DEPortees shed rrected at of divans in Shanghai and the neighbouring city is said to have led to po apparent diminu tion in the sale and consumption of the drug.”

(a) The number could then be reduced by half, viz., 950, and if Chipa perseveres in her efforts it may in future years ba progres. It is to be noted that in Hongkong, where when possible, be avoided by a Government o Boy extended-scale, The Government, sively diminished-though for reasons which the adult male population (who alone smoke) however, renders him all posable assistance will presently give thick it of more is nearly equal to the total of women and and issues search warrants on information sup- than doubtful utility in abolish the supply children combined, the number who smoke in plied by: the farmer. The farmer's excise altogether. Since the population is rapidly indivana is only in the proportion of about 7 to 5 officers also search all persons landing increasing this constitutes a very substantial de. who smoke Lulside. This porportice would Hangkot, except a few exempted for public service. This search is most unpopular amongst the Chinese and exemption incidentally stimulates men to come forward for public service. The farm is disliked in consequence of the search which, however, it would be equally necessary to maintain if the farm were abolished, (in which case the odiam would be incurred by the Government), unless restriction of opium ceased. Beyond doubt the creation of a Monopoly in Chinese hands is the most. effective method conceivable for controlling the muggling: sale, and use of opium in the Colony.

INCREASES REVENUE

ACCOMMODATION FOR UNDESIRABLES AT TSIM-TSA-TSUI.

ALSO

A Quantity of PLANTS in POT3. Catalogues will be issued. Oo'view TO-DAY.. The Sale will be continued on Saturday, 13th isatant, at;11 a.m., if necessary,

· TERMS >--ÅS usual,

HUGHES & HOUGH, Auctioneers.

Hongkong, 11th March, rong.

PUBLIO AUCTION.

"HE Undersigned have received instructions to sell by. PUBLIC AUCTION,

TH

FOR ACCOUNT OF THE CONCERNED,

I 00

SATURDAY,

the 13th March, 1909, "at 15 AM1, at their Sales Rooms, No. 8, Des Vœux Road, comer of Ice House Street,

A QUANTITY OF WINES AND SPIRITS. TERMS —As pṛUAL.

crease. With the decrease of the export from Jadia and the presumable cessation of the export from China, the supply will moreover agreatly curtailed and the cost proportion-

CLOSING, OF DIVANS'IN CHINA, ately increased. The farmer is willing to agres

China has not hesitated to adopt the closing to an immediate decrease (from March, rgcq) to 1,000 chests with 200 extra, il required, for of divans, but her ideas of justice and vested fights are bot those which obtain among our-

The reiterated suggestions which we bave ha fide export to places other than Chica, (b) the farmer for the purposes of bis selves and to which expression was given in made to Government of late to provide some operation's should import any prepared opium the recent debate on the Licensing Bill, nor adequate accommodation for the numerous he must declare it (as also opium dross, dross has she to dea!" (as Hongkong has) with the and unfortunate deportees, who are arriving opium and. "halan"), and an equivalent requestion of the rights of a monopolist. The

beis from reighbouring party, only to suffer duction will be made from the quantity of raw result, however, is reported to be very unsatis- untold misory by being left in the open opium be is allowed to draw.

factory, though owing to her detective Police in all sorts of weather, bave borne fruit. SHANG Force, nay, such order can only be partially large shed, has been erected—arTrim- operative. The hardship and injustice isprotsatsui for their benefit, and everything in be- portionally greater in a British Colony, and the ing done by the police authorities, to alleviate.

"(c.) He may similarly be called upon to re- port his monthly sales of prepared and dross opium, whether in the Colony or exported, and in the latter case their destination:

- (ɗ). Ha, would be prohibited from selling any opium to women or children, whether for their own use or not.

A monopoly by Government was tried and resulted in a decrease in the receipis in the second year to less than half those of the first year, due to the impossibility of coping with the smuggling and illicit. "preparation" of opium, The revenue lost by Governmesi was therefore so much additional profit to the snuggle, instead of going to the farmer who provides the preventive service and to the Government which uses its profits for the maintenance of police, sanitation, education, šic—A...Government manapay is morcoyorment.- mare 1 kely to ter à to venality and coruption of subordinate officials, In view of what ‚1

have said it cannot be justly argued that the Government delegates its functions to an in- dividual and loses prestige, since it co-operates the duties of search-and-arrest, while suoid. ing the odium of employing it farmers sad of making a direct profit by the sale of oplum.

MACAO'S RIVALRY.`

י .

These restrictions would of course decrease the value of the farm, and thereby involve a loss of revenue to the Colony, which would however be expended in a practical effort to give effect to the policy of the Home Govern

step more drastic, sit ce it is fully, enforced.

their sufferings during Their short stay here. FURTHER RESTRICTIONS ON DIVANS.During the last few days no less than 164 un- The divas will gradually disappear with the desirables, who were deported from the Dutch cessation of smoking, and till then it is a unelul East todies and Saigon, were accommodated agent for control. Persone who exceed should in this shed, and there is no question that the be treated as habitual drunkards or dip comfort was much appreciated by the men, somaniacs are, and placed under control and especially those in bad health, restraint. Divan licensees on whose premises such persons are found should be liable to fine, and cancellation of licenses. They should ALEXANDRA. CINEMATOGRAPH. There are other important steps which have only be allowed to be open during fixed hours- been taken by ibis Colony to control and retay y am, to is p.m. and so customers should strict the use of opium, both as regards the be allowed to sleep on the premises. Restric question of divaps, and (most important of all)tions of this kind are being placed on divans, as regards the importation, enle, and use of so long as any remain in Hongkong. morphine, and compounds-of-opium-ffoment ing), no well-ai cocaine, including moreover

recent action with a view to cantrolling the FURTHER ASSISTANCE TO CHINA.

transit trade in the former to preveni smug: Further assistance, has been rendered to Chian' by Hongkong through the consistent Although Macko was always a rival, in thegling to China. These matters are, however, efforts of the Colony to prevent the smuggling export trade and secured the greater share of best dealt with under the subsequent para ol oplem to the Maioland, though such smug it, the Hongkong Farmer does a certain graphs relating to divans, and morphis, &c. gling was of course lo do way lejurious, to the amount of business in this line. The markets Colony Itself, and, if unchecked, would add to ↑ of Australia and the Philippines are now the value of the Farm. No doubt the decrease closed, and more recently by the prohibiting In the rental value of the Farm in recent years Ordinance of 19 8) that of Chica also, but it is is in part due to the cessation of smuggling, "probable that he still exports about £2 per cent

* CHINA'S INFFFACTIVE, METHODS, -

of bis opium. The actual number of chests withdrawn by him from bond, since 1895, is a follows:-

Af er dealing with the question of smuggling in detail, the n.morandum concludes this spotina ds follobes ju

The efforts of the Hongkong Government in iserant years (and before the present agitation began) have therefore been consistently direct- ed; towards the abolition of licit, trads in

el bor raw of prepared opium to China 'abd

there is erideros to show that its efforts bave Born attended with 3 large measure of success. This is a bencse of the very firm importagen

1897-1.589

་་་་་་་

ALCOHOL AS A SUBSTITUIE.

INTERESTING ENTERTAINMENT,

It seems then to be a distinct probability that alcohol may replace opium. Io Hoogkong the danger of alcohol as a substitute for oplum is a real one since cheap liquor shops abound. Opium is a sedativa. which tends to inaction, DAYANS DESCRIBED.

and there is a poncensus of opinion that it is Divans-which must not be confused with responsible for no crime, while alcohol 'js ä plan shops whose rule is the preparation and simulant which disposes towards aggressive sale (or sale only) of opium-are places where action and admittedly produces crime. The opium is sold for smoking on the premises, or effects of oplum are rarely visible and are never where a fee is paid for the privilege of smoking. I seen in public places, Drunkenness on the There is of course no means of prevening per contrary in a cause of inconvenience in the sons from preparing and smoking both opium pablic streels, and is a degrading spectacle. Tady accomplishments are not confined to any and dross in their own houses if they wish to do so.

1895-1,607) 1900-1,198 1935-858. 1896-1,515 1900—1,036] 1966='497|7|

1902— 9191. 1907-735 In Hongkong there are 90 divans. They 1963 — 999; - 1998— 934 → are under the control of The Police and Sadle 1899),749 · 19047254.tary Department and the Protector of Chinese: The low flures in 1904 and 19.5 ware due divan copsists of sogle room, which if

1895-1,724

to financial embarrassments of the Farmer in quite fall might accommodate 30 persons at'a

HUGHES & HOUGH,

"Auctioncom.

Hongkong, rith March, 1999..

THE

STEAM TO

tass

AI, NAGASAKI, MOJI, KOBE

-AND-YOKOHAMA..

P. & O. 3. N. Co's Steamship

"SUMATRA

Captain F. W. Bruce, will leave for the above places, TO-MORROW, the 12th instant, at 4 P.M.

For Freight or Passage, apply ta

E. A. HEWETT).

Superialandent." Hongkong, rith.March, 1999.

NOTICE TO CONSIGNEES.

HE P. & O. S. N. Cols Steamer

"SUMATRA,”

THE

FROM ANTWERP, LONDON, MALTA,

PORT-SAID, SUEZ AND STRAITS, EV Consignees of Cargo by the above-named vessel are hereby informed that their Goods are. being landed and placed of their risk in the Hongkong and Kowloon Wharf and Godown. Company's Godowns at Kowloon, where each consigament will be sorted out mark by marky and delivery can be obtained as soon as the Goods are landed

The Alexandra Cinematograph have already established a name for itself in that it is respon sible for some of the finest pictures abown la the Colony, and which still maintain their repu. tation for par excellence by reason of their ab. solute freedom from flicker. Last night, bon ever, in addition to the excellent comic and instructive films which are nightly thrown on

Optional Goods will be landed home unleas the screen, the enterprising management made a complete departure from their usual custom actions are given to the contrary before

6 hours, by securing the services of Miss Rosa Barca,Goods not cleared by the 38th instant, who is a typical vaudeville actress of no mean 4'P.M., will be subject to rent, ability. There was a full house present, who testified to their appreciation of ber efforts, by repeated demands for encores. This young eap forte, but include whistling turns, recitation and capital renderings of catchy songs with ber owa rccompaniment on the piano,. Her whis!" ting in particular-ie-very swoot and remarkably well sustaiped. Altogether those who attended the Alexanden last night for an evening's enjar- phs | laimant did not go sway disappointed and, wa would'strongly advise those fond of light eater. tainment to go to the

Exhaustive references were made to the sab- Jects of morphia, Batloplum pills and the restriction of morphise in Hongkong?”

"GOVERNOR'S" CONCLUSIONS, Concluding the memorandam, the Governor writes -

I have attempted in the foregoin

those years, caused by the fact that he had me Mr. Clementi estimates the total who to show that those who may claim to be not tendered for a larger payment to Government - aminke in diraus mi kome 14,465 partops which, lous interested, in the question of the

No Fire Insurance will be effected by me la

any case whatever,

Damaged Packages must be left in the Godowns for examination by the Consigners and the Company's representative, at lo appointed hour,

All claima" must be presented within ten days of the steamer's arrival here after which date they cannot be recognized.

No claims will be admitted after the- have left the Godowasi:

Hongkong, zith Marsh, Loon

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