Modular Infotech Pvt. Ltd. - DSpace

C '45
2489. But you have mixed with other tribes here; you speak Hokkien
?-Yes.
. 2490. Well, do you think the feeling, that this is a good cause, is as
strong with the Hokkiens as it is with you ?-1 do not know; I cannot say.
2491. Do you know if there are many Hailams engaged in selling
-opium with licences ?-1 have made enquiries; there are 4 or 5 smoking shopkeepers
and 2 or 3 retail shop-keepers.' .
2492. You support the Government cancelling all licences and opening
cShops themselves ?-1 favour gradual change.
2493. But then, surely, in the cas$! of so awful a thing as opium,
'you should not allow the livelihood of those who have got licences, to
enter into your consideration ?-1 am in favour of the rules against existing
licensees being stiffened considerably.
2494. But supposing the Government decided to take them away, do
you think they ought to pay these people anything?-Yes, they ought to.
2495. That is to say, that if we took them away from these Hailams,
your kongsi would support them and send in a large petition for them to
get compensation from the Government ?-No, the Hailam kongsi would
not interfere.
2496. -M1'. McLean.-Out, of ten Hailams in Singapore how many
'smoke opium ?-One in 20:
2497. Chaimum.-Among Hokkiens, how many ?-More than 2 in 10.
24gB. D1'. Galloway.-If a Hailam goes to Australia do you know
now much he has got to pay to enter ?-1 do not know how much.
2499. They have to pay something, have they not ?-1 do not know
:much about it.
2500. How much does the Hailam pay for coming in here ?-Nothing.
This concluded Mr. TAN KYE KOK'S evidence.
Thl; .Committee adjourned.