the subject of the Strangers' Home for Asiatics, and to ~ forward in reply
closed
the
en.
copy of a report by
the Harbour Master.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Four Most Obedient
Humble Servant,
William Robins
6th October, 1896.
Enclosure.
Report by the Harbour Master.
0.0
23152
Res 10 NOV 96
28
The Board of Trade Instructions say that distressed seamen "are to be sent to the United Kingdom or elsewhere", also that foreign seamen "may be sent either to the country in which they were shipped, or to their own country whichever may be cheapest or most convenient."
As there are no ships usually going from Hong Kong to Arabian or African ports, seamen of these nationalities would most probably be sent to United Kingdom.
The case of the Burman alleged to have been sent from Hong Kong cannot be traced in this Office; it is possible that he was so sent, though earlier in the letter it is stated that he was sent by the Master Attendant at Singapore who of course has nothing to do with sending men from Hong Kong.
There is no prohibition of anyone landing in Hong Kong as far as I know, except under the Vagrancy Ordinance, but no seaman black or white is allowed to be discharged unless there is some sort of guarantee that he will not become destitute nor does there seem any good reason why Hong Kong should relieve the "Strangers Home" (towards which it subscribes $10.10.0 a year) of Arabs, Burmans and Africans whom the Home wishes to be rid of.
6. October 1896.
Sd. R. Murray Rumsey,
Harbour Master.
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