1841-1886
Time alone is required for the development of this colony, and for the correction of some evils which may have hindered its early progress. Even now, however, the town of Victoria, which has scarcely existed three years, is fast gaining on Macao, which has been established three centuries. Our merchants have all abandoned the latter place, to which they were for some time attracted by the superiority of the dwellings.
Under any circumstances, this colony will always exercise a most important check on the Chinese Government. While under the influence of guarantees I have little fear as to the fulfilment of its engagements; but the negotiations of Captain Elliot glaringly proved that good faith is no inherent or constitutional part of the Chinese character; and when Chusan has been given up, and some less well informed negotiator has taken Keying's place, an independent British colony in the neighbourhood may be found to possess other advantages than those of mere commerce, to the protection and promotion of which it will be subservient.
I have, &c. (signed)
J. F. Davis.
Enclosure 1, in No. 3.
ABSTRACT of Government Officers, Police, &c., Sick and Dead, for Six Months from
1st July to 31st December 1844.
1844.
Government Officers Police, &c. Prisoners Number on the Sick List Number Dead Number on the Sick List Number Dead Number on the Sick List Number Dead July 10 50 7 1 August 10 34 8 September 17 36 October 17 1 November 12 1 December 10 44 38 1 Total 91 1 7 2 Total Deaths, 9.REMARKS.
July - Two policemen died of fever and one of dysentery; one Chinaman died of ulcers on the legs.
August - One policeman died of fever, and one Chinaman of ulcers on the legs.
September - One corporal of police injured in an affray while on duty. Removed to hospital of 08th Regiment, where he died. (Vide Coroner's Inquest.) One policeman died of fever, and one of diseased liver.
Total Deaths, 9. Deaths which could not be entered in the above list, one on the 31st July. (Mr. T. J. Scales).
Victoria, Hong Kong, 24 January 1845.
(signed)
F. Dill,
Colonial Hospital Surgeon.
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