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7.
and under the enclosed Ordinance. The salary has been fixed partly in reference to the average fees at the rate of 20 dollars for 100 Emigrants heretofore payable to the Officer medically inspecting them.
The following represents approximately the Emigration from Hong Kong in passenger Vessels under the Imperial Chinese Passenger Act, from 1861 to 1866, inclusive:
Year Emigrants 1861 12,840 1862 10,421 1863 7,809 1864 6,607 1865 6,849 1866 2,110 Total 47,641That return shews a gradual decrease in the Emigration which may be regarded as chiefly induced from Macau, in a manner, which may be briefly described as generally amounting to a revival of the Slave Trade.
12. It seems very probable therefore that the Emigration of persons, for whom Government protection is needed, will amount to little during the current year. Nevertheless, to whatever extent it may be carried on, the same supervision of it will continue, and the salary proposed for the medical Inspector, whilst amply remunerative for the work under both Ordinances, will probably secure an independent and efficient officer.
13. I think it right to mention here...