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a letter dated the 15th of October 1877, I had the honour of receiving from Governor Maher, from which it would appear that he thinks Convict labour has been highly prejudicial to the interests of Labuan in the matter of free labour.
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to contemplate the return of Troops to Labuan for the defence of the Colony.
9.
I take the liberty, for your Lordship's information, of briefly commenting upon them.
The free labour market in Labuan was very prosperous. Before I left the Colony, I had been able to improve it; but undoubtedly of late it has fallen back again.
The change for the better in the Labuan Market that took place during my administration coincided with the immigration of some Chinese from Singapore and the employment of Convicts at the Colliery. I agree with Governor Maher in thinking that such Convict labour may be utilized in Labuan could injure the settlement.
Owing to the pardons and...