JAN.
VERH
(5)
343
appreciation of the humour of the situation. If the Colonial Secretary desires to pursue the enquiry I could bring evidence to show that there was a very bitter feeling, not only at the time but afterwards, amongst many of the passengers against Dr. Swan for the action he took.
Para: 5. With regard to Dr. Swan's remarks in para: 5.- Noon was the advertised time for the sailing of the "Coptic" and the passengers for that vessel on the "Coromandel" naturally objected to being "rushed" (for want of a better expression) and, moreover, the Captain of the "Coptic" strongly objected to receiving passengers from the "Coromandel", which, in consequence of Dr. Swan's action, he regarded as being infected by smallpox. To show that such was the case, three passengers (out of thirteen) were transferred to the "Coptic" under charge of this Company's passage clerk. Captain Rinder most emphatically protested against receiving them and referred the matter to the Agent of the O. & O. Co. who decided that as three passengers were already on board they might proceed but that no others from the "Coromandel" should be allowed to embark. The P. & O. Co. have a tug and launch, which is more than any other Mail Co. possesses in this port, but as the "Chusan" was leaving with the Homeward Mails at noon it was impossible to keep these craft in attendance on the "Coromandel" until pratique was granted. Various efforts were made to hire launches but without success, as it was an exceptionally busy day in the harbour, but eventually Messrs. Shewan, Tomes & Co were good enough to lend us their launch.
Had Dr. Swan inspected the "Coromandel" when she anchored instead of nearly 3 hours later, the difficulty with regard to launches would not have occurred, and it is absurd