Reason for believing "that there was a good deal of corruption": "on the part of the men passing who were the immigrants, that they received heavy bribes in order to pass men who were never going". Although her serious charge against members of the Harbour Dept. has been made public in the Colony, I have to instruct you to take steps to have the matter thoroughly sifted, and to be advised of the result. Thomson, or Dr. Ho, does not admit the precise accuracy of this allegation, but it appears from Jun's despatch of the 27th October that he admits having made a statement somewhat to that effect.
Kai, who appears to have confidentially supported the charge, is unable to prove the allegation in a confidential communication. As no proof has been brought forward in support of the charge, it should cause a letter to be written to the Harbour Master, to the effect that the charge is accordingly withdrawn, and that regret is expressed that by inadvertence publicity was given to a charge, which was unfounded.
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