1909-03-13 — Page 16

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The Opium Question

GOVERNORS EXHAUSTIVE'

· MEMORANDUM,, »

HONGKONG'S POSITION VIS-A-VIB ́HOME: GOVERNMENT'S" POLICY,

H.E, the Governor prestated to the Legislative

THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH

SATURDAY

MARCH 131909.

be greatly lots in rural districts, The closing of divans in Shanghai and the neighbouring city in sald to have led to no apparent dimint

Victoria School,

DAY OF PRIZES.

THE INSPECTOR OF SCHOOL'S COMPLAINT.

There is no evidence to show that the farmer In any way endeavours to promote the con sumption of opium. No methods of induce divans are not in any way made attractive by

CLOSING OF DIVANS IN CHINA, meretricious devices as are public houses in

China has not hesitated to adopt the clesing England, and sales are in no way pushed.

of divaus, bat ber ideas of justice and vestad a chur are not those which obtain among dur FURTHER PROPOJALS FOR RESTRICTION, salves and to which expression was given in In dider to give effect, to the policy of His the secqat debate on the Licensing Bill, por Majesty's Government it in feasible to enhance has sho to deal (as Hongkong has) with the Prior to the year 1891, he was allowed to draw result, however, is reported to be very unsatis 35a cheats of opium per annum in order to factory, though owing to her detective: Police prepare and soll i Since that your the Force any such order can only be partially number has been fixed at 1,802, and though it operativo. The hardship and injustice is pro THE HEADMASTER'S REPORT is true that he has not as a matter of fact portionally greater in a British Colony, and the drawn anything like this amount, it is Im step more drastic, since it is fully enforced possible, except with his consent, to reduce this number, until the present, contract expires in March, 1910.

if she would trust me I would see to it that no knavish tricks were played upon the mind of the badding geolus, In relation to curiblants our principal aim is to provide for the free! development of their bodies sad minds and the formation of habits of attention, Games Involvi ing laging and breathing exercises are given daily. The hands and Gorers are given from occupation, A child's Inquisitivanest. good use. As the ages, oven infant class, vary fromto 10 yea by shorter attractive lessons in speaking sing suitable action songs, ing, beginning to draw, to write, obser

(a.) The restriction and ultimate abolition of

the cultivation of the Poppy in China. (6.) The provision of a revenus to replace

that now raised on opiumtement or advertisement are red. Opiumtion in the sale and consumption of the dựng, ' "When these two problems are in a fair way of solution it may justly be said that China bas set a alaudard which is worthy of emular tico, and has proved herself to be in earnest.

The following sections of this memorandum deal with restriction of production, how to gauge restriction in China, substitutes for the Council last Thursday afternoon an exhaustive i poppy, supply of medicinal opiam, and unggel the restrictions 'imposed upon the farmer, question of the rights of a monopolist: Th noon last Thursday, Mr E D„C, Wolfe, In- thosadxcercises are supplemented in dus memorandum regarding the restriction of opium ions how to replace the opium revenue in In Hongkong and in China. The memoran dam covers sixteen closely-printed pages of foolscap and, as far as we can judge from a çon. cursory perusal of this latest and valuable tribution to the mass of literature on the opium controversy, is an effective reply to the charger levelled against Hongkong that "noth Ing had been attempted-aathing done" In the Colony to assist the Government of China in thair endeavour to restrict the opium traffic

THE CHARge against HONGKONG.

China:

THE HONGKONG FARM. The Governor partes in review the methods adopted by the Hongkong Government to re- strict and control the consumption of opium within the Colony: Be writes:-1 will add some proposals by which restriction may be inade still more effective in the future, v

The most effective of these, both fos restriction.

and control, has, as experience proves, bees the institution of a monopoly leased for

Gaverament derives from the sale of the Monopoly a sum equal to nearly a fourth of its. entire. Revenue, Sacing that the farm is a re strictive agency this Revenus is entirely legit

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(a) The number could then be reduced

export from China, the supply will moreover be greatly curtailed and the cost proportion- ately increased. The farmer is willing to agree to no immediate decrease (from March, 1909)

so long as any remaja in Hongkong,

ALCOHOL AS A SUBSTITUTE.

*

The presentation of prizes at the Victoria British School (Causeway Bay) took place at spector of Schools, presided. There was a very fair attendance, but not so large as in previous years

Panctually at the appolated time (noon) the ceremony opened, the headmaster (Mr. W. B. Williams) reading his report, au follows

Attendance.—School opened 203 times, and increase of as over 1997. The highest number of scholars registered at one time was 59, the highest average attendance sean et in February and the lowest 31 in September. The average attendance for the whole year was 40, 5 less than

In forme II, 111; IV, all the subjects of ran elementary grounding are taught in a manner- classes, and although each teacher has to take Aultable to the age and capacity of the several at least two classes simuliatcourly this draw. back is minimized where, the numbers are so small that it is possible to give individual us tention. The form Vand VI are, organised As an Upper Schoel under conditions that allow development of the work of the Lower School

ing Claisen

FURTHER RESTRICTIONS ON DIVANS, The divan will gradually disappear with the Cessation of smoking, and till then it is a useful by half, vir, 930, and if Chins perseveres in agent for control. Persons who exceed should bo-treated as babitual drunkards or dip her efforts it may in future years be progressomagjacs are, and placed under control and Profacing the memorandum, the Governor specified period of three years to a Farmer, sively diminished-though for reasons which restraint. Divan licensees on whose premises writes

for the sole right to prepare opium for sale,I will presently give I think it of more such persons are found should be liable-to | in 1907. Siventy pupils were registered during and the introduction of subjects of practical, scholars,After two years, whether he leaves resolution in the House of Commons (second port prepared opium without declaration and altogether. Since the population is rapidly in only be allowed to be open during fixed hours since the school opened exactly. 4 years ago, school or not, a boy should be able with advant On May 6th, 1908, Mr. W. Johnson moved and to sell it, in the Colony, His right to imrban doubilul atility to abolish the supply Gne and cancelladon of licenses, They should the year, making a total of 121 scholars enrolled character bearing on the occupation of the ed by Mr. T. Taylor) approving the action of to export it was also recognised. The farm.itcreasing this constitutes a very substantial dany 7 am, to 11 pm, and ao castomers should and in this period we have had an almost com decreasing the quantity of opium exported from fore is the object of keen competition, and the--tadla and~tho-presumablo, cesixtion of thði, sions of this kind are being placed on divans," "apantog day boing on our-books-still-1b0oginearing courses at Queen's College Evenin His Majesty's Government in progressively a lucrative business and its acquisition there crease. With the decrease of the export from be allowed to sleep on the premises. Restric: piele change of pupils, only 4"enrolled on the age to himself to allend, the commercial or lodia to China, and urging the abolition of licensed Opin Dons in the Far Eastern Crows Colonics. Both mover and seconder Informed the House.fhal In Hongkong "no tblog had been attempted-noiling, dans." have conveyed to the rest of the Empire an erroneous impression of the facts regarding this Colony, which has caused no little soreness ""in a very" loyal portion of His Majesty's over. sea dominions, The Under Secretary in his reply said that His Majesty's Government recogaised that in dealing with the epium question in Hongkong it was essential that we should act up to the standards set by Chlon and in a later debate on July aß he added that it had not been possible to get a reasoned -opinion from Hongkong,

for

The Year's Work-In addition to a period ical inspection of each class the half-yearly examination in the thres Re was conducted by me in July and the corrected papers and reports

mate and in any case is no more subject to an 1,000 chests with 200 extra, if required; *** alcohol · may replace opium. "Ja, Hongkongclusions from these statistics are reliable the i submitted, to the inspector" of Schools::~ The These statements passed unchallenged, and criticism than the licence fees derived from bona fide export to places other than Chipie the danger of alcohol all a substitute for opium average pupil, attends school for little more whole school was examined againging Deg

I will endeavour to the following observations to remove the misunderstanding created by the remarks of Messrs. Johnson and Taylor, and at the same time to present a reasoned opinion as to the measures which may usefully and with justice be taken in order to give effect to the high object which is Majesty's Govern meat have in view, vis, to. restrict the opium habit in this Colony and to assist the Chinese Government in effecting a like restriction in

"China.

After reviewing the attitude of the Eastern Colonies, the Governor denis first with the statement that in Hongkong nothing has been done. His Excellency proceeds: England has already taken oce very definite step. She bas promised to reduce the export of opium from India to China by one tenth each year for the next three years, and to continue thai reduction annually if at the cutt of three years It is shown that China has proportionately reduced the production and, the Cobsumption of this drug.

This pledge seriously affects.the interests of Hongkong which has long been the mart for the trade in raw opium in the Far East. The anaval value of this trade is given as $312,645 In 1906 and £4,656,218 in 1907. The profits. mads are similar to those secured in any other

public houses here or in England. The Go- versment derives no other revenue from opium, except the negligible licences to divan keeper. I have already in a previous paragraph quoted the conditions imposed by the forms of his licence upon the Farmer, and the privileges reserved to him by Ordinance. In order to proiect his monopoly the Farmer has to emi ploy a large staff of detectives and to offer rewards to informars.

CHECKS SMUGGLING.

..

The former can employ spies and informers, both to check smuggling and to detect illicit boiling, of opium, but such methods should, when possible, be avoided by a Government on any extended scale. The Government, however, renders him all possible assistance and issues search warranti on information sup- plied by the farmer. The farmer's exclie officers also search all persons landing Hongkong, except a few exempted for public service. This search is most nopopular amongst the Chinese and exemption iocidentally 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 odium would be incurred by the Government), unless restriction of opium ceased. Beyond doubt the creation of a Monopoly in Chiqese hands is the most effective method conceivable for controlling the smuggling, sale, and use of opium in the Colony,

INCREASES REVENUE,

A monopoly by Government was tried and resulted in a decrease in the receipts is 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 Government was therefore so much, additional profit to the smuggler, instead of going to the farmer who provides the preventive service and to the Government which uses its profils for the maintenance of police, sanitation, education, etc. A Goveroment monopoly is moreover more likely to tend to venality and corruption of subordinate officials. In view of what I have said it cannot be justly argued that the Government delegater its functions to an io dividual and loses prestige, since it co-operates in the duties of search and arrest, while avoid sog the odium of employing informers and of making a direct profit by the sale of opium

form of trade, and add to the general com marcial business of the Port, by increasing freights, insurance (fire, and marine), bank ing, warehousing, and handling. The extinc tito of the trade therefore would not merely be a loss to the merchants engaged in it but also to the general business and pros- perity of the Colony. No protest, however, has yet been heard from those chiefly interest- ed, who have nccepted loyally the policy of the Home and Indian Governments, but the claim -looking to the magnitude of the trade, and to the fact that it has existed for over rod years that ten years is the minimum time in which new interests can be created to replace those sacrificed, and any diminution of this period would impose too benvy a burden upon them. In this connection f venture to suggest that Although Macao was always a rival in the China should be required to reciprocate by export trade and secured the greater share of abandoning her exports to Biam and Indo-it, the Hongkong Farmer does a certain Chica-both of which countries, like, herself, amount of business in this line. The markets have declared their desire to restrict the cop of Australia and the Philippines are now sumption of opium, qoftë

closed, and more recently (by the prohibiting Urdinance of 1908) that of China also, but it is probable that he still experts about iz per cent of his opium. The actual number of chests withdrawn by him from bond, since 1895, is as "follows frou soRDERED,

MACAO'S RIVALRY.

1895-1,607 1900-1,098 1905-858 196-1,5151 1901-1,03 1905-497 1897-1.587 1902- 919) 1907—715 1898-1,704 1903-9901908-934 1899-1,749 1904- 725

INDEPENDENT ACTION BY HONGKONG, A second step. has been taken in which Hongkong alone was concerned. 'In egoy 'His Majesty's Government proposed to prohibit the exportation of prepared opium from Hongkong. Opium, under the monopoly system is 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 monopoly rights. To prohibit it would.The low figures in 1904 and 1956 were due be, however, a curtailment of the privileges 10 financial embarrassments of the Farmer in under which his contract was signed, and those years, caused by the fact, that he bad might have involved `n moral claim for com tendered for a larger payment to Government pensation, but as China undertook to reciprocate

than the monopoly could afford. Tan pay and to check the smuggling of prepared opium ment, which stood at $2,041,940 in 1905 and into Hongkong the Farmer willingly agreed 1906 fell in the next contract (March 1957) to and the trade was abolished. The Chinese $1,452,000. In fact, in 1906 the Farmer had to Government expressed itself as very grateful suspend the operations of the farm altogether for this action by the Hongkong Government, for some months and adulterated opium was sold. The average for the period-excluding these two years is 1,253 chests per annum. * INCREASED PRICE AND DECREASED

CONSUMPTION.

FURTHER ASSISTAŃCE TO CHINA. Farther assistance has been rendered to China by Hongkong through the consistent efforts of the Colony to prevent the smuggling of opium to the Mainland, though such smug- gling was of course in no way injurious to the

Colony itself, and, if unchecked, would add to the value of the Farm. No doubt the decrease in the rental value of the Farm in recent years I in part duo to the cessation of smuggling, "

CHINA'S INEFFECTIVE METHODS.

After dealing with the question of smuggling in detail, the memorandum concludes this section as follows :-)

•

Since the year 1901, the farm has been in the bands of singapore merchants, who have

varying attendance at this as well as at the British School in Kowloon is, I venture to say unique. Of the yo pupils enrolled as were on the books the whole year, 12 for 9 months, for It seem then to be a distinct probability that 6 months, 24 for 3 months and under. If con

(If the farmer for the purposes of operations abould import any prepared opium is a real ons since cheap liquor shops abound, than half the year. I must point out that these he must declare it (as also opium dross, dross Opium is a sedative which tends to inaction, stariling figures refer to the average stiend opium and "halan"), and an equivalent re- and there is a concensus of opinion that it is ance for the school and do not reflect upon the duction will be made from the quantity of raw responsible for ao crime, while alcohol is a

stimulant which disposes towards aggressive regularity of those kept on the books. In oplum he is allowed to draw.

(c.) He may similarly he called upon to reaction and admittedly produces crime. The the summer months. May to September, the port bis monthly sales of prepared and drous effects of opium are rarely visible and are never regulacity fall off 25% in the cooler months, November to April, the regularity reached the In opium, whether in the Colony or exported,acca in public places. Drunkenness on the satisfactory figure of 88% of the possible.

contrary is a Cause of inconvenience in the the Upper School particularly the regularity public sireels, and in a degrading spectacle. was distinctly creditable and absences for Exhaustive references were made to the sub-flimsy reasons are now happily negligibly few. jects of morphin, antisopium pills and te

Altogether 14 boys entered the Uppat school restriction of morphine in Hongkong...

in the course of the year's of these left the Colony the first term, s obtained employment with local firms and 2 became apprenticed engineers.

+

and in the latter cate their destination.

(d) He would be probibited from selling any opium (o women or children, whether for their own usor not.

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 affect to the policy of the Home Govern mast..

There are other important steps which have been taken by this Colony to control and re strict the use of opium, both as regards the question of divans, and (most important of all) as regards the importation, sale, and use of morphine, and compounds of opium (for cat ing), as well as cocaine, including moreover recent action with a view to controlling the transit trade in the former to prevent smug- gling to Chipa. These matters are, however, best dealt with under the subsequent para Rraphs relating to divans, and morphia, &c.

DIVANS DESCRIBED, 6 Divans-which must not be confused with opium shops whose idle is the preparation and sale (or safe only) of opium-are places where opium is sold for smoking on the premises, or where a fee is paid for the privilege of smoking. There is of course no means of preventing per soos from preparing and smoking both opiani and dross in their own houses if they wish to.

do sa.

GOVERNOR'S CONCLUSIONS.

Concluding the memorandum, the Governor

writes:

1 have attempted in the foregoing paragraphs to shew that those who may claim to be not less interested, in the question of the native dustrious and most interesting population of races, and in the welfare of the intelligent, in

solution in the House of Commons, bave some China, than the mover and seconder of the re doubts as to whether the commip object we all have in view can best be achieved by the part cular methods proposed. I have endeavoured to present a reasoned opinion on this subject, and to submit some practical suggestions, without going too largely into the unmouse field of discussion which this subject opens. up; and while doing so trust I may claim to have vindicated the Colony of Hongkong from the charge of apulby, and of having made no sacrifices to promote the policy of the Home Government in this matter.

I trust that nothing I have said to this memo. may lead to the conclusion or inference that ! da got recognise the evils of the opium habit,

IN

These returns show how difficult it is to ab- tain continuity in the programime of studies and the difficulty which the Tospectorof Schools has to face at the end of the year when he can examian only 25% of the work done. The half yearly examination which he has prescribed for July, each year should serve to give a better indication of the year's work. A moving European population furnishes the maio reason for this vacillating attendancs, Like birds of passageparents come and go with the change of seasons; they move from East Point to West Point or to Kowloon, and arrange for a transfer of their children to the nearest school. We had a case where a boy was ad. mitted, left, and readmitted 3 times in the on

year,

-

Expenditure.Salaries and other charges (in cidentals, books, furniture) absorbed $7,765.19, Fees produced $1,311 (S128 less than 1987), The nett cost of the maintenance being $5,454.19 is equivalent to the exceedingly high I have quoted on page 11 from the Indian Comfigure of $194 as the yearly cost to the Hong- mission to shew that they are often exaggerat kong Government of I scholar in average-nt- tendance. Two scales of feas are charged and Ja Hongkong there are 1go divans. Theyed, but I learn from Sir. A. Hosie that in

in the future it may be found necessary to are under the control of the Police and saai Szechuas they are deplorable, mainly because.

impose the higher charge not only on the tary Department and the Protector of Chinese, the population is very poor, and thera is a

Upper School boys but also upah the large A divat consists of a single room which it eatency for heavy smokers to forego their

number of scholars whose casual attendance quite full might accommodate 30 persons at a food, and spend their money upon opium u. time. Mr. Clementi estimates ibe toral who stead. He believed (as many experts do) that deprives the school of sufficient raveone to meet the cost of keeping a qualified staff of assistant teachers. · smoke in divaus as some 14,465 persons which as long as a mad it well aourished oplam arly gives an average for each divan of 76. ampking does him little or no harm, since port Therefore if each

person remained 3 moxiem examinations have shown that the hours the average occupants would only organs are entirely unaffected. The victim of be 13 or 15 instead of 30, since divans indulgence really suffers from starvation. In are only open from 6 am to midnight. A Hongkong, therefore, where wagen are high, personal inspection-showed-them-10-68-quiet and employment.easy to chinip, the coolie can and orderly. The smokers appeared generally afford to feed well, and also to pay for his to be friends engaged in animated conversation, smoke and so little or no harm is done. But smoking tobacco, eating fruit and drinking, ten even in Hongkong smoking is a great economic with an occasional whiff from the oplum pipe. evil tending to the waste of time, and of money, There were cons in a state of stupefaction in unproductive self-indulgence. My sole though the visit was between to and is p.m. object so far as the general question is con

cerned has been to demonstrate

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

MR. MAY'S EXPERIENCE."

The Colonial Secietary, Mr May, with 9 years' experience as Head of Police, who bad constantly visited the divans at all hours of the day and night, stated that he had never seen a man hers the worse for the drug. He himself though very susceptible even to tobacco had smoked many pipes in succession with ne result. Dr. Ayres who studied the question for 20 years smoked 3 mace (174 grains) consecuti. vely, six, as much as a confirmed smoker would smoke in a day-without feeling any result at all.

A divan licence in Hongkong costs, $10 (41) per annum and is renewable annually, and the place is comparable to nor public houser is England, in so far as it affords a resort where the red coolie may rest and enjoy his tobacco. and fruit with a little optim, or where friends of the better classes may, meet and discuss affairs, but it, contrasts strongly with a public house in that it is quiet and orderly. Women' and children are absolutely excluded.

ALTERNATIVES FOR DIVANS.

Men who have homes of their own will, in the absence of divans, smoke juthair women's quarters as they are now reported to be doing id' Canton, Thus the evil hitherto excluded from domestic life will be introduced into the put up the local retail price from Sa per last home, where women and children will probably in 1931) to its present rate [$3.37] and by this become participators. The idea therefore that means-aided by the reduction in the Governmaking at home is less harmful than smoking ment rent-have succeeded in making it pay, in a public diven is based on a misconception in spite of the cessation of smuggling to China of the nature of a divan as it exists at any rate and the loss of the Australian and other in Hongkong. It is true that the criminal classes fréquent the divans, because they are often markets,

smokers, but they go there for no vicious pur pose other than smoking-be place is too open and public for discussing secret plans, and there is no immorality,

·

CURE WORSE THAN DISEASE,

camber

1: Lower School-la atithmetic the resulta were good, yo% passing, and mental arithmetic marked weak the previous year had received, closer attention and calculations were made in pence. Dictation and hand-writing were not dolinis and coats as well as in shillinge and so good, 70% representing the efficiency, Composition improved to 75% and I was pleased to find that young children in form. III even could intelligently reproduce in writing a simple narrative road to them, Drawing with ruler and free-band ware satisfactory. In the case of a children who failed in most subjects, both of them had been away on holiday at home for months previous. In geography the teachers have care- lully brought home the subject by reference to actual surroundings, by taking walks and the use of a geography garden for illustrating physical features. The subject appealed to: the scholars' interest and to this I attach more importance than the acquisition of text book facis fasrot by heart. Form II showed a very useful knowledge of the geography of Hong kong,

2nd: Upper School-More attention: WAS paid to word building and spelling. The boys. admitted from the Lower School wrote better composition, comparatively speaking, than thore in form VI. Only a boys showed originalty. In connection with the League of the Empire, and power to think but subjects for themselves, letters wars exchanged with pupils in school at home. One. batch of letters from a school in Liverpool revealed autonishing ignorance of our life in the Colonies. Two letters gave a. very careful account of the gamer of cricket the hope that such gaites might interest their and fagiball, gave sketches of a bat and with little cousin suggested that we might intro- duce these forms of sport. In grammar the...: construction of sentences and the right use of different parts of speech were well done bat analysis of sentences was decidedly weak. Geography and History, which wars reported as disappointing, in 1957, receive more attention, a By means of lentera views, pumarons llustrates Staff Mrs. Wilkinson resigned on leaving ed readers and lessons on the geography and the Colony in May, Mrs. Morris was promoted history of the British Empire (la particolar the head mistress, Miss. A C. Rutter promoted week before Victoria Day) the general know 2nd mistress and Miss D. Barrington was apledge was improved. The Inspector of Schoola

set searching a hours' paper in December)! pointed 3rd mistress. Class work redistributed op the 1st Juce, Mrs. Morrie taking the kinder- covering the physical and commercial geo garten classes, Miss Barrington and Miss graphy of Europe, Asia, Africa and North; and Rutter taking Forms JI, III, and IV and South America. Forms V and VI were taken by the Head- master. For special subjects like Physical Drill, Singing, Drawing, Scripture and Hygiene two or more classes were grouped together,

School Premises.-The proposed improve. meats referred to jo the Inspector's last report have all been carried out. An additional storey has been added to the Headmaster's quarters and many improvements have been added to the outbuildings and the drainage. The Bouth and Sonth-East windows were blown in by the (a) That we have not been idle and apathe-July typhoon and did considerable damage to Tic in the aspects of the question whics seamed our furniture and wall pictures. The Public Works Department however quickly effected to us of paramount importance.

the necessary repairs. The swamp in front of the school has been reclaimed and converted into a large and useful play ground. Thus favourably situated, and near the tram termione, from East and West and with every precaution taken by the Public Works Department to ensure sanitary sur

that this site is emilmently suited for a school of this type. Aud yet parents are unreasonable: A case in point-a child was absent y whole months in addition to the usual holidays. The child returned just before our annual examins tion and after a day or two returned home com. plaining ofá headache, due no doubt to unaccus- iomed strain of school work, the inevitable sequel of the examination system. Next day the child was withdrawn, the mother writing that the much regretted having to take this step as the school district was no doubt un- healthy.

(b.) And above all that there are other and worse evils which unless foresight and care are exercised may prove worse than smoking. have hoped to show

And in so far as this Goloby is concerned I

(8) That owing to the control exercised and to the locs! conditions of the population, the evil bere assumes a very different aspect from what it does in some parts of China.

DEPORTEES SHXD BRECTED AT 700cdings, I have no hesitation in reporting

"LAST",

ACCOMMODATION FOR UNDESIRABLES, AT

- TSIM-TSA-TBUJ.

The reiterated suggestions which we have made to Government of late to provide some adequate accommodation for the sumemas and unfortunate deportees, who are arriving here from neighbouring ports, only to suffer untold misary by beteg left in the open in all sorts of weather, have home fruit, A large shed has been erected at. Tsim. tsu-isu fortheir benefit, and everything in ba ing done by the police authorities to alleviate their sufferings daring, their abori stay here. During the last few days no less than 151 un desirables, who were deported from the Dutch East Indies and Saigon were accommodated in this shed, and there is no question that the comfort was much appreciated by the men, especially those in bad health,

INTERESTING ENTERTAINMENT.

rith inst.

Mathematica-Algebra and Geometry were taken by Form V, with trigonometry added for Form VI. Four boys in VI took mechanics at Qaser's College Evening Classes. At the annual examination Form V was set a Sid VI paper and VI worked a Std. Vit. Oos failed the rest aggregated 75 per cent. In Algebra and 85 per cent. in Geometry, In arithmetic the examination resulis gave 71 per cant, for both forms. One boy in form V 100k a VI. paper ia, addition and obtained Bo par cent. One boy in VI obtained a maximum on the VI paper and 77 per cent on the VII paper. Through-the-kindness of Mr. D. Templeton the special prize for the boy who stands highest in mathematics on the year's work is awarded now for the third time. The prize falls this year to the boy who was prox Acc. last year-George Hoskins. The boy who won this priza last year is putting his knowledgo to some use, Leaving school in Jane he was entered for ■** 4 years' course of study in engineering at the California School of Mechanical Arts. At Christmas he was promoted to 3rd years' work in Mathematics allowing him extra time for other subjects.

Singing All the scholars were gathered together for this exercise. Of the eight hymns i offered five were entered wholly or in parti. Iis all the time and tine were good. The vigour was prominent as the children knew the hymns well and enjoyed singing them. At times the been paid to light and shade; a little more top- vigour was a little harsh though attention had ing down is needed to parts

Regarding the school as a whole the resplie of the examination are thoroughly unisfactory considering the time allotted, the ages of those in any one class and the frequent absences.

The laspector of Schools examined the Lower School in "all-subjects" and "Upper School orally in reading and general know- edge as well as a written examination in chosen subjects,

The general health of the scholars appeared satisfactory Owing to the prevalence of a disease of the eyes-trachoma-regulations were issued by the Medical Officer of Health requiring children to be periodically examloed and reported. This has been done regularly since March with, I believe, good results.

Discipline. The general conduct and tone. amongst the scholars has been satisfactory in four years I bave had to record only 14

Scripture Teaching-The Rev. OH, Hick cies of corporal punishment. This healthy The alternative resort for those with money.

influence I attributo both to the discipline andling very kindly and thoroughly examined the

much money is wasted, and which is more or is the noisy theatre, or the restaurant where ALEXANDRA CINEMATOGRAPH, courtesy learnt by the boys in the Cadet Corps year's work in this subject and he reports as

with its effect upon the rest of the children follows:

infants.In this section 16 ware present, 31 lees asociated with the brothel. For the mole

and also to the attention and supervision given. the alterative is the street, or if he desires to

to the school games by all the staff. The fair being recent comers. The age varied from make and bas at home in which to indulge

competition (o games of football, and cricket') to 10 years, la the Old Testament, stories has had a fitting response in the keenness for were offered from, the Creation of Joseph he must pay some rich man's servants for the privilege of smoking with them. It is indeed

The Alexandra Cinematograph have already promotion to class and I am particularly In the New Testament stories from the

had been taught. Selections of thaan were p anticipated that abolition of divans would lead established a name for itself in that it is respon pleased to report that our best boys at play Birth of Jesus to the Cleansing of the Temple to the introduction of bad characters into the sible for some of the faest pictures shown is have been our best boys at work, be quarters of the Chinese servants of Europeans, the Colony, and which still maintain their repu

Qurriculum.-I shall briefly outline the made and questions put, With one or two-ax sad may even extend instead of curtailing the tation for par excellence by reason of their ab. school curriculum for the information of those ceptions ait were alert and ready to answer the questions. The answers were mostly cor habit. Divens are a concomitant, and result of solute freedom from flicker. Last night, bow-whose children are eligible for admission who the habit of opium smoking rather than an incitever; in addition to the excellent comic and may not be attending school. It may also rect. The 23rd Psalm was repeated by individ ing cause and they serve a useful purpose in cop instructive films which are nightly thrown on give assurance to those already allending, uals and by the wholo Host had a thorough- One allersson, aller school bours, an anxious grip of it. Foundation work being done here centrating smakers, and thus bringing them the screen, the enterprising management made under controlandsupervision. They also tend to complete departure from their usual custom mother called to report to me a serious matter, is good. diminish smoking of opium in private housts,

is a typical vaudeville actress of no mean boy bad come home the previous day and whsent, the ages ranging from 8 to 12 The ex- ability. There was a full: house present, who able to read, two or three pages of his new amination comprised stories from Genesis and testified to their appreciation of her efforts by book and to tell her all about it. I anticipate the Life of Moser shrangbout, so the life of repented demands for canores. This young ed that she was of the opinion that the little Jesus as writen by St. Matthew There lady's accomplishments are not confined to say chap was learning far too quickly for his great variety as to readiness and cleargens one forts, but incluid whistling turns, recitation age but to my astonishment the proceeded asiwer but the average was very good, for and capital renderings of catchy songs with bar in no half-hearted manner to severely cen questions beyond the actual text showed. own accompaniment ou the piano. Her whist sure my allowing young children to learn some of the scholars had taken, considerabl Hing in particular is very sweet and remarkably to read before learning the alphabet by interest in the subject. The Beat well stained. Altogether those who attended hear from A-to-Z It was only pitationg plate forms of answer were very the Alexandra last might foran evohing's enter suffering, and an hour's patient explanation of showing care and bean takon fort taiment did not go away) disappointed and we the kindergarten system for young children dess, The Ten Commandments were would strongly advise those food of light cator that I was able to assure her that our educas- though some of the scholars were isinmeal to go to the Alexandraginematograph, I tional methods were not fads of our own sag - cenals and the order was

This great increase in local selling price The efforts of the Hongkong Government in would naturally result in a considerable recent years (and before the present agitation decrease in smoking, for the poorer classes began) have therefore been consistently direct-conld: got afford to buy so much, but since ed towards the abolition of illicit trade ip there are no records of the quantities of pres either raw or prepared opium to China and pared solum imported and exported (whether there is evidence to show that its efforts have exitimately or otherwise) by the farmer, it is been attended with a large measure of success. was possible to gauge the decrease precisely, by This is a benefit of the very first importance the quantities of raw opium drawn from bond by tõ ̈China, and has only been secured by con

former. It will, however, be noted that this stant efforts and some pecuniary loss to the decrease in smoking, together with the aboli- Colony Recently Chine has pledged herself iụn of the smuggling traffic, have combined to to reciprocate by checking the illicit importa reduce the revenue received by Government a tlon of prepared opium from China into Hong: rental for the Farm by $588,oco, since the last kong, but bar inability to translate her - contract was made. It will be noted also that doubtedly genuine desire fato effective action the amount of opium prepared by the farmer is shown by the fact that for the six months has greatly decreased since 1898 to spite of the Following that in which the agreement was acquisition of the New Territories in that year made (vis,, August 1907-to-facuary 1908) the which added about the population,... average number of seizures of prepared opium

HONGKONG'S SACRIFICES. ficllly imported into Hongkong has exceeded

The restriction of the export from India will one per diem. The smuggling takes place probably enhance the value of raw opiuni, and from various pants, Canton, Amoy, Swalow this with the restrictions already alluded to, Viceroy at Canton is sincerely anxious to put

on dross eating since neither the keeper nor a stop to this practice, and the Imperial Mari. further reduce the lender is 1910, This, in itself : constitutes, a hedvy contribution on

the smoker may retain the drass. Their com- time Customs have done their test, but the the part of the Colony to the policy in plete abolition, would not improbably produce effort to suppreas smuggling is to attempt the. impossible, so long as the price of opium inaugurated by His, Majcaly's Government, many evils not contemplated by there who China is only half the price in Hongkong.

at a time when, bring to a prolonged de have no actual knowledge of the circum pression in trade, and to other causen, it is in Bancos, medte

* EXTENT TO WHICH DERD MENU TYO,IBEENTIAL PROBLEMS.

considerable financial difficulties. Any serious' After devoting -anteral pangmeks to the decrease in revenue makes it, of course, more is to be noted that in Hongkong, where subject of Export from Chine, and the pro difficult to malotain effective police supervision, the Adult male population, (who alone smoke) blem therels, the Goverfor states:

without which the Farmer would be unable to in nearly equal to the total of women and The two really essential problems, which in protect his monopoly and prevent smuggling children combined, the number who smoke in my view China has to solve if she intends to of opium into this Colony, or from the Colony divans if only in the proportion of about 3 to 5 carry out her declared intention are (**)

Into China,

who smoke outside, This porportion" would

Heibow, aid. I have reason to know that the and others to which I am about to refor, will † and to'coofing it to adult males, and area cheby securing the service of Miss Rosa Barnes, Stie was greatly pertaibed bosķuse her little Lower School,In this section: 11 wore pla

who