The flying of a quarantine flag is not a very oppressive requirement and it is conceived that in all cases of doubt as to the infectious or contagious character of the disease it is better that the health authorities of this Post should have at least an opportunity of exercising a discretion as to the enforcing of quarantine.
3. The term "prevailing" is not precise but I do not think it would be practically possible more exactly to define the condition against which it is required to provide. The responsibility fixed upon the master by rule 15 is absolutely necessary. It is possible though not probable that cases of hardship might occur but on the other hand the interests depending on the strict observance of the rule are of paramount importance. It is suggested that the law may possibly be tyrannically enforced, but the only Court that can take cognizance of offences against its provisions is the Court of Police Magistrate in Victoria from which there is an appeal to the Supreme Court and every case of the kind would be dealt with under the immediate eye of the Executive. On the whole, in the absence of any practical suggestion for their improvement, I would submit that it is better to leave the regulations as they stand.
(Signed) Edward O'Malley,
March 24th 1882