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the matter was brought to the cognizance of O. & T. The Governor was the result of His Excellency's direction by Sir R. Alcock to the Consul at Canton to take evidence on certain points and accordingly in October 1866 Quok Achung himself with a European Engineer and Chinese witnesses were examined before Mr. Mayers, Vice Consul, in my presence though this Gentleman, under Consul Robertson's orders, refused to allow Counsel to conduct the examination. There was also a Notarial Declaration establishing beyond all doubt the truth of the matter and the loss of the S.S. [likely "Sunk" should be the name of the ship, but it is unclear; assuming it is correct as is] forwarded to the Government to the Consul for Sir R. Alcock's information.
These facts shew conclusively that there were no laches on the part of Quok Achung only, and that it was when the Consular Authorities declined to act further that he applied to the Governor of Hong Kong.
Counsel in the case state confidently that the evidence was so consistent throughout as to be indisputable in support of Quok Achung's statements, and it is worthy of note in this behalf that the only evidence taken or adduced by the Chinese Customs was to prove the presence of the Steamer in a Treaty Port and I state unhesitatingly...