I am therefore bound to establish English cleanliness in it, if possible, both as a sign of civilisation, and as a measure especially necessary in this climate—and in districts so densely built over as the principal Chinese quarter.
The number of pigs bred in the town, though sufficient in some places to pollute the atmosphere and sewerage, cannot sensibly affect the price of pork, which is almost entirely supplied from the Mainland.
You must therefore make such arrangements as you best can—and I hope to assist therein.
Even in the matter of occasional visits from the Health Officer, I cannot fairly make a distinction between you and Europeans. I must however admit that I hear with surprise and regret, that you think it possible any Officer discharging a duty under this Government, could do so in a rude manner, or so as to wound unnecessarily the feelings of residents—especially women. Keep your houses clean, and free from bad smells, and try that your neighbours shall do the same.
At least this is in your power, and if you do it you will not be troubled with many visits from the Health Officer. The Registrar General has long had power to visit every room in every house. Yet, I never heard that any one had reason to complain of the mode in which he has discharged that Duty.
One thing I wish you especially to remember, viz. that there is no connection whatever between the Stamp Ordinance and the other laws to which you allude. The Stamp Ordinance is passed to increase the Revenue of the Colony. The other laws are intended to improve the Police Regulations and health of the City. The Colony will have to expend for these purposes nearly 28,000 Dollars per annum more than it can possibly receive under those laws.
I believe however that the money will be well spent, and that you will find the town both a safer and healthier residence; so much so that, I hope, your business will proportionately increase and your property here become more valuable. Is it too much, if I ask and expect you yourselves to aid me in accomplishing these benefits, and to desist from spreading unfounded rumours of the intentions and provisions of the recent Ordinances?
Of one thing be certain, that, as soon as they are proclaimed to be the law, those who disobey them will be punished.
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