385
given in by Mr. May to the Government which Memoranda were not forthcoming; while the papers of which they professed to be a summary (four or five baskets full of Books and entries relating to the dealings of a disreputable Chinese tradesman transported with the necessary vouchers for his transactions) had been destroyed at the direction of the Government.
Mr. Anstey and Mr. May charged the Government with having destroyed Memoranda and the necessary papers in order to screen Mak Chow Wong.
Caldwell was induced to make a grave charge before the Caldwell Commission and at a trial for libel which he caused.
The destruction of the papers was explained at the time (and as far as I could see, satisfactorily) - and the Commission appear to have absolved Mr. Bridges, the Acting Colonial Secretary who had authorized that destruction, from any blame.
The non-appearance of the Memoranda is now explained by Mr. Wade.