It is of importance to add to the minimum time which a voyage is likely to occupy in order that ships should not run short of provisions in the event of any unforeseen delay occurring, thus, a voyage which by the Admiralty is calculated to occupy very nearly seven days, is for Immigration purposes made one of ten and sixteen respectively depending on the year. I fail to see any reason for exempting the Ships of this Company from the provisions of the Act in question. If they have hitherto been carrying more than twenty Chinese passengers to Singapore, 635 each voyage, it has been in contravention of this Law for which they have rendered themselves liable to heavy penalties.
The Company's Ships having to leave Hong Kong at a specified hour need be no hindrance & the Ships carrying Pacific Mail are carrying Chinese. The last Steamer leaving had over 1200 Chinese on board and left punctually at the time laid down in their Contract with the United States Government, for their departure.
Signed) J. A. Monett, Immigration Officer. 17th May, 1872.
Jane Gothia Smith,
Acting Colonial Secretary.