OPY.
Enclosure 2.
No. 1.
232
H. B. M. Consulate,
Swatow, May 7, 1913.
Sir.
In reply to your letter of the 5th. instant, I
beg to inform you, on the authority of the Port Kedical Officer, that the examination of coolies emigrating from Swatow to Samoa and Deli is conducted in the following manner.
For Deli, the medical examination is made on board the ship. The men pass along in single file with their coats off and their trousers tucked up above the knees. They have their groins rubbed to examine for enlarged glands, just as the Singa- -pore men have. Only in doubtful cases are the trousers let down
to examine the parts. The eyes and skin are also noticed as the
men pass.
For Samoa, there have been only two ships within the last two years, and, in each case, the above procedure has been carried out, except that, when the last vessel left for Samoa, the men were preliminarily examined in the yard attached to the dispensary.
Speaking generally, the examination is the same as for Singapore, except that it is more strict, and many men are rejected who would be allowed to go to the Straita: e.g.men with varicose veins, lack of good muscular development, etc.
The details of the Samoa contract were set
forth in a proclamation by the Chinese Authorities. Monthly pay, 20 marks. Work only agricultural labour: no dangerous or excessive- -ly hard labour. Men to receive, over and above their wages,
quarters, food, medical attendance and medicines. Work hours, ten
per day. No work on Sundays and holidays. Out of work hours, men
may move about as they please. They will have frequent facilities for sending letters home, and, when they remit money, will not be
charged
The Honourable
The Colonial Secretary,
Hongkong.