CO885-(1-2) — Page 299

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I XV

July 1, 1844.

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Duties of the Emigration Agents in India for the West India Colonies.

PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE

Reference -

111 C.O. 885

Collection of Emigrants.

1. THE Emigration Agent will be instructed by the Secretary of State what number of emigrants he is to provide for the several importing colonies in the West Indies.

2. He will thereupon take steps for endeavouring to collect the requisite number of eligible people to be at the port of departure in the course of the appointed season for emigration.

3. For this purpose he will use travelling agents if necessary, subject to the approval by the Governor-General of his arrange- ments on the subject, and taking care that the total expense up to the moment of embarkation do not exceed the rate of lifteen rupees for each emigrant.

1. Proper provision must be made for the lodging and main- tenance of the people brought from a distance, while at the place of embarkation. In England a moderately sized building is used for the purpose under the name of a depôt; and the opportunity is taken while the people are there, of dividing them into messes, and accustoming them to the regularity, cleanliness, and order, which it is intended they should observe on board ship.

5. In order to save expense the agent should avoid collecting and detaining large bodies of people simultaneously at the place of embarkation, but should only bring up parties in succession as the vessels for their conveyance are expected to be ready. In England it is found that by good management people need seldom be detained at the depôt more than three days. There may be greater difficulties in India, on account of the larger distances, and the probably smaller facilities of communication with the separate emigrants, but the object of the present paragraph is to point out the general end to be aimed at.

6: From Calcutta the whole emigration to the West Indies is to take place between the months of October and February, both inclusive; and from Madras within such period as the Govern- ment there may appoint, bearing in mind the desirableness of avoiding the winter in doubling the Cape of Good Hope,

Ship.

7. The ship should be perfectly sea-worthy, and well found; and in case of any doubt on this point, should not be engaged without a previous survey, of which the expense must be borne by those interested in the vessel. The smallest height admissible between decks is fixed by the Passengers' Act at six feet; but for

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1 PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON