28
456
29
but also the kindred habit of opium eating; Statements, moreover, resting on facts and figures, not on hearsay evidence, seem well-deserving of my Government's attention. Nor are they without bearing on the political, financial, and philanthropic questions connected with the trade in opium.
13. The suggestions on other subjects of Dr. Ayres, and of Dr. Wharry, the Superintendent of the Civil Hospital (whose Report is appended to that of the Colonial Surgeon) will receive due attention from myself and from my Government.
In conclusion, it cannot, I fear, be denied that Dr. Ayres' Report, like that of Mr. Chadwick, presents a lamentable picture of past neglect. But I would remind Your Lordship that the principal sanitary works recommended by him and by Mr. Chadwick are now in course of preparation or construction; including (among others):-
a. The improvement of the Police Barracks.
b. The reclamation of the Causeway