# Rules for the Management of Emigration Depots in Hongkong, and for the Collection, Inspection, and Despatch of Emigrants.
The natural inference appears to be that he had changed his opinion as to the impossibility of detaining Emigrants from Hongkong without violating the Chinese Law. But if so, there is no reason why our West Indian Colonies should not receive the benefits of the change.
The Emigrants would be sure of better treatment and more faithful observance of their Engagements in our Colonies than in Foreign Countries, and even if the whole number that British Guiana & Trinidad do not desire could be procured, they would no doubt be willing to receive whatever number of effective laborers they could obtain.
Under these circumstances, I would submit that Sir R Macdonnell should be requested to state whether he adheres to the opinion he formerly expressed that Emigrants for our West India Colonies could not be obtained in Hongkong except from the mainland in violation of Chinese Law, and if so, how he expects the Depots to which the ruler of 14th July last refers, to be brought into operation.
I have the honour to be,
Your Obedient Humble Servant
HW Murdoch