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34. In reply to my speech I may here mention that, on behalf of the Unofficial Members and the Community at large, the Senior Unofficial Member, the Honour- able C. P. CHATER, promised that the Government should be loyally supported in all its endeavours to cope with the unfortunate dilemma in which the Colony is placed. That promise will, as I have inferred, involve the Colony in an enormous outlay the amount of which it would be at present rash to predict.
35. I may remind your Lordship that in the case of Mauritius the Imperial Government, about two years ago, came to the assistance of that Colony. I have no doubt that if I should hereafter appeal to your Lordship for similar consideration it would be generously extended to this Colony which is suffering in every direction from the terrible visitation with which it has been so suddenly overwhelmed.
36. The Government and the community, as I have stated in this Despatch, as well as publicly, is deeply indebted to the Military and Naval Forces and espe- cially to the Colonel of the Shropshire Regiment for the great assistance they have rendered, and they regret the loss of one gallant officer, Captain VESEY, and at least one Private, who have fallen victims to the plague. To Mr. FRANCIS, Q.C., Mr. MAY, Mr. MITCHELL-INNES, Captain HASTINGS, Mr. CROOK, Mr. TOOKER, and many other lay volunteers the Government and public are also under great obligations; indeed, I may say that several public officers and especially the medical staff and all the staff of the Public Works Department are doing additional duty unhesi- tatingly and ungrudgingly and with a single desire to aid in the repression of a fell disease the like of which has happily never before been experienced in this hitherto prosperous Colony.
37. In conclusion I have to express a hope that your Lordship will approve of my proceedings as described in this and previous Despatches on the same subject.
I have the honour to be,
My Lord,
Your Lordship's most obedient,
humble Servant,
(Signed),
WILLIAM ROBINSON.