[x]
as Mr. CALDWELL says that out of 600, only 290 have been chosen, 310 miserable creatures have been thrown on the Colony, who will almost all be buried within a few weeks at the public expense. I quite understand now what I have been hearing from Dr. COCHRANE as to the great mortality amongst the Chinese.
I think section 8 of the Emigration Ordinance is very clear as to the medical requirements of even "Intending Emigrants" and "all matters and things in any way relating to the comfort and well-being of such emigrants both before their departure and on their voyage."
I do not wish for a moment, however. to put away any of my own responsibility in the matter. I feel utterly grieved and ashamed that such horrors should exist in a Chinese community with which I am in such intimate relations. I had, however, in- spected this place before, and found it empty of patients, and clean (so to speak). And as I said before, if they would take care of the patients the place might do well enough. I had no idea that care was not taken of them, and I think that its horrors must have been the growth only of the last few weeks, as Dr. MURRAY tells me that the place has always been known to him, and has been inspected regularly by the Inspector of Nuis- In fact it was a false alarm about some coffins (vide correspondence, May last, in C. S. O.) which first sent me down to the place, which I know Mr. SMITH never
ances.
saw.
24th April, 1869.
ALFRED LISTER,
P.S.-On re-reading Ordinance 8 of 1858, section 19, I find that my hitherto interpretation of it has been correct, and the one suggested to me last night by the Honourable the ATTORNEY GENERAL is, I submit, erroneous, as the words "bonâ fide engaged" apply to the ship not to the coolies. I was intending, before this happened, to bring the whole subject before His Excellency's notice. The emigration people com- plain that they are to pay fees to the Harbour Master, and also to me, and thus they are doubly taxed.
(Minute by The Governor.)
The control of the Registrar and his right of entry into every building where there
may
be a Chinese is indubitable. The question is of persons in a tenement not in a vessel.
There can be no question as to his exclusive right to visit the so-called hospital. Dr. ADAMS does not seem to have had a chance of seeing the sick, as they appear to have been sent away from the Depôts. I shall be very happy to assist Mr.LISTER in his efforts to put matters right. Let him see me.
R. G. McD.
24th April, 1869.
(Memo, by The Governor.)
26th April, 1869.
No. 466.
Mr. AUSTIN,
sure 2.)
Transmit the enclosed paper (C.S.O. No..1077) to Mr. TнoмSETT. I had not (See Enclo intended sending it to him till, in company with Mr. LISTER, I had visited the Emigra- tion Depôts and the Chinese hospital to which the enclosed, and the various minutes thereon, relate. Mr. LISTER's illness-the result, I believe, simply of overwork-
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