72
13
upon
required by Statute was not found
what is technically described as the upper deck" alone - is not I think material as regards the inquiry into the cause of the unusually large survivability on board the Royal George; that is if the facts be as stated that a space of between 7 and 8 feet for
"
each adult was available
the upon upper decks, i.e. main deck and
Poop.
12.
I am inclined to think, therefore, that the mortality cannot fairly be attributed to the absence of the space for each adult on board the "Royal George" required by the provisions of the Passengers Act - After careful perusal of all the papers,
I am
280
disposed rather to ascribe it, in some slight degree perhaps to defective ventilation but, mainly, to the sudden change from a life of labour upon rice diet, to one of idleness and comparative high living.
15. When emigrants have been unaccustomed to regular diet (as in the case with those leaving China) I think the Medical Officer should be strictly enjoined to restrict the issue of provisions at the commencement and during the voyage if necessary as will tend to the preservation of health - And in the case of private ventures, (like the "Royal George") whenever the provisions supplied by the Ship are