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2 I need scarcely inform Your Lordship that during my tenure of the Office of Harbour Master, Marine Magistrate, and Customs Officer of Emigration of this Colony I have always favoured, and I hope not ineffectually, to perform my duties with satisfaction to the several Governors whom I have had the honour of serving. They comprise Sir Hercules Robinson, Sir Richard G. MacDonnell, Sir Arthur Kennedy and Sir John Pope Hennessey in addition to the following Officers who have temporarily administered this Government, Honourable W. H. Mercer, Major General Whitfield, and the Honourable J. G. Austin, and it was not till July of last year that I had cause to suppose that the performance of my duties and the efficiency of my Department were not everything that could be desired.
93. In April 1878 a question arose in connection with Chinese emigration to the Straits Settlements as to the legality of contracting under the laws of this Colony from which emigration is conducted. These laws are contained in 18 and 19 Vic: Cap: 104, and Ordinances No 5 of 1874 and No 3 of 1876. The then Attorney General, (J. Phillippo) gave the following opinion on the subject:
"I do not think the parties referred to by the Colonial Secretary for the Straits Settlements can be considered as parties having entered into Contracts...