356
to satisfy the Emigration Officer that the Emigrant understands whether they are going, and that there is no reason to suspect that fraud or violence have been practised in their collection.
The examination is under the supervision of Commander R. W. Hastings, the Assistant Harbour Master and is conducted by the 27th Clerk of the Harbour Department, an officer of more than 25 years' service, who speaks Chinese, and in whom I have entire confidence; In the case of female Emigrants the examiners are also assisted by a Clerk detailed for the purpose from the Registrar General's Office.
I earnestly beg Your Lordship to observe (1) that here is a charge of corruption made against the examining officers, not in general terms, but specifically described as that they received heavy bribes (2). that the charge was made before a Board which included two gentlemen (unconnected with the Government) of high standing and influence in the Colony (Dr Ho Kai and Mr Keswick). (3) that it has been published in the Report of the Emigration Commission (page 56), (4) that no opportunity was given to the officers of answering the charge which, with the greatest respect for Your Lordship, I will ask leave to be allowed to rebut.