2
Kong, in transmitting the present despatch and its enclosures to the Secretary of State, has anticipated his instructions on the subject.
2. The "Bayspring" sailed from Hongkong on 21th May with a number of Chinese Passengers variously stated at 94, 96, 98, and 99. 106. It arrived at Melbourne after a voyage of 64 days.
A number of deaths took place on the voyage, stated by the Immigration Agent at Melbourne to be equal to 27½% of the Adults. A large proportion of the survivors were suffering from scurvy, attributed by the Master to the insufficiency and bad quality of the provisions. An enquiry was instituted when it appeared that the issue of provisions had been reduced by the Master the day after the Ship sailed; that except the rice and pork, the provisions were of bad quality and frequently unfit for food; that towards the end of the voyage, the passengers received nothing but rice; that the supply of water was short; and that the Master had maltreated the passengers on several occasions.
The Master was in consequence prosecuted and was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment with hard labour.