643
not at all an uncommon thing to have destitute seamen provided
with a passage to this place from other Colonies and left ashore
here without any visible means of subsistence.
Such a procedure is most undesirable and
we want to have power to take proceedings under the Vagrancy
Ordinance with respect to the expenses of dealing with such men.
The Secretary of State in his Despatch of desires
the 29th. December directs us to embody the modifications and
amendments suggested by the Board of Trade, but I would submit
that the above difficulty ought to be brought to his notice, as
it may possibly have escaped attention.
Probably His Excellency might like the
Harbour Master to report at first hand on this subject, giving
particulars of statistics as to the number of destitute seamen
brought here during 1898.
(Sat) 8. E. Pollock,
Acting Attorney General.
24/2/99: