That though the numbers fluctuated considerably, no material increase took place until after the 7th of September, being the date at which the cheap fares from Canton to Hong Kong commenced. From that date the weekly increase of Neubus is very marked, and I therefore have every reason for accepting that in Arthern Kenand had good reason for Sin. A. Kennedy's opinion. Connecting that increase with the cheap fare from Canton, I have fully borne out the statistics.
It is true, however, as pointed out in your despatch no.48, that the increasing number of recommittals and convictions generally may to some extent be accounted for by defects in the prison system, especially the discipline of the gaol not being sufficiently severe to act as a deterrent. I have to point out that in my Despatches no.57 of 28th May and no.72 of the ... June, I have already desired you to take the whole subject into consideration.