An official who declined to be quoted told a representative the "North-China Herald" that the press comments against the Chinese opium suppression work were based on inaccurate and biased reports. That the suppression measures had been rigidly enforced Chinese territory, he said was con Mrmed by the following—figures obtained from authoritative sources: a total of 1,200 boxes of 1,000 ounces opium each was consumed' per month in 1982-3; the number was reduced 10 600 boxes per month in 1094-6, and this was further reduced to 300 boxes in the 19867 period.
While admitting the imposition of 10 cents tax onan ounce of opium, the official said the action was auth: erizod and the revenue has been set aside for opium suppression work, such as the establishment of a factory for cured addicts, so that the latter may. obtain suitable work Tater' on, There are many opium suppression organizations, he satd, but they cooperate closely, contrary to current comments, Regarding clinics, he said one may be found in Nantao, one in Chapel, fand one in Lunghwa, in addition (6 private institutions. "Each clinic is curing a total of 500 addicts a month, The Lunghwa clinic together with snather institution in the same Gistriet for drug addicts are curing between 500 to 100 persons a month. According to statistics obtained from oMelal sources, he said, 4,928 addicts were cured between July and Decem-1935. In the year 1996, 11.513 were cured. Between Jantary and Apri this year, 908 addicts were cured. These figures did not Include those cured in private institutions,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.