A large proportion of the survivors suffering from scurvy also were badly berthed.
The master was prosecuted for breach of the Passengers Act, and was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment, and at the trial it was stated that the ship leaked in the deck, top sides and waterways throughout the voyage; that she was "old, hogged, and altogether unfit for the conveyance of passengers"; that the space between decks was very dark and badly ventilated, the only means of ventilation being the main and fore hatches, the latter of which was protected by a spar with a tarpaulin thrown over it, and the former covered by a house through which two tin cowls had been fixed but so insecurely that they had been blown away; that there were no wind sails or ... signalling on board; that the crew was insufficient, being composed principally of South Sea Islanders; and that, with the exception of some biscuit and pork, the provisions were bad, and had been short issued from the day after she sailed.
3. These statements having been communicated to the Government of Hongkong, Mr. Emigration Officer, Mr. Thomorth, answered, as to the condition of the ship, by producing a certificate from the ... Mr. Murdoch.