with the instructions contain_
9
ed in your despatch Nog of the 11th January last I caused
to be written to the Harbour. Master, and which was laid. on the table of the Legislative
re-
Council on the 19th instant
From the above en- closure Your Lordship will observe that the charge ferred to could not be proved. I have the honour to be, My Lord Marquess, Your Lordship's Most Obedient
Humble Servant,
Witham Robingry
Gir 224749
Enclosure
0.
6434
451
RECR Ace 15 IPR 90
HONGKONG.
5
No.- 05
LETTER No. 385 OF THE 27TH FEBRUARY FROM THE ACTING COLONIAL SECRETARY TO THE HARBOUR MASTER RELATIVE TO THE ALLEGED EXISTENCE OF CORRUPTION IN THE HARBOUR DEPARTMENT.
No. 385.
SIR,
Laid before the Legislative Council by Command of His Excellency the Governor.
COLONIAL SECRETARY'S OFFICE,
HONGKONG, 27th February, 1895.
With reference to paragraph 12, of page 56, of the Evidence appended to the Report of the Retrenchment Committee, I am directed to inform you that Mr. THOMSON denies the accuracy of the words therein attributed to him by the Chairman, but admits having made a confidential statement before the Emigration Committee to the effect that from current reports amongst the Chinese, of which he, as Acting Registrar General, was informed confidentially, there was a certain amount of reason to believe that corruption existed in the passing of emigrants.
As, however, no proof appears to be forthcoming in support of the accuracy of such rumours, I am to state that the Government cannot place any credence therein, and I am to express regret that by inadvertence publicity was given to what appeared to be a charge of corruption but which, on investigation, is found to be the repetition of mere rumours unsupported by a vestige of evidence.
I am to add that this letter will be laid on the table at the next meeting of the Legislative Council.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
The Honourable
THE HARBOUR MASTER.
Your most obedient Servant,
J. H. STEWART LOCKHART, Acting Colonial Secretary.