Enclosure No. 173
C. O.
NOTICE ISSUED BY HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR
REC. 23.30
Whereas certain bad characters have been spreading lying rumours regarding the treatment of the sick in Hong Kong and the burial of the dead, this notice is issued to remove all doubts and suspicions and to bring comfort to the hearts of the people. Ever since the Plague appeared in Hong Kong, every effort has been made to cure the sick, and many have been cured. Hospitals have been established under Western and Chinese Doctors and people are free to go to whatever hospital they please.
In the case of those who have died, they have been properly coffined, and buried with every care in a cemetery specially selected for the purpose, where grave stones are placed on each grave, with a number and the name of the deceased, so that his last resting place may be duly recognised and so that his remains may not be neglected by his surviving relations. The Governor has also written to the Viceroy of Canton and in consequence some of the sick have been removed to the Canton Hospital, they having expressed a wish to return to their native country.
You people will therefore see from all these measures that my great desire is to benefit the people and to restore them, if possible, to health. Do not then believe lying rumours. The rascals who spread them will most certainly be severely punished. Take heed lest you also become involved in their machinations and repentance comes too late.
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