Chief Magistrate &
Victoria Hongkong February 15th
It being indispensable that the whole of the Drains, Sewers and water courses as well as the streets and lanes already built or being built in this city should be most perfectly cleared and cleansed of all filth, stones, rubbish and impurities that have collected, or may have been deposited in them previous to the commencement of the approaching rainy season with the great view under God's blessing of averting the extensive and fatal sickness by which this Colony was visited during last year, I am directed by His Excellency the Governor in Council to inform you that Government have resolved to appoint a Superintendent of Police with a sufficient Establishment who under your special supervision and instructions shall for the present at least devote their exclusive attention and efforts to this most important object.
His Excellency in Council is of opinion that a permanent Establishment consisting of the Superintendent of Police with two European Overseers and twelve Chinese scavengers will be sufficient for the above purpose, but as it is obvious that they would not be sufficient to effect the desired end within the requisite period (as the Rainy Season may be looked for in a month or at most six weeks) I am further directed to request that you will carefully examine the extent of work to be done and will as soon as possible furnish Government with your opinion as to the amount of extra ...