CO129-590-11 Commission of Enquiry into irregularities in Immigration Departments 22-4-1941 - 19-12-1941 — Page 328

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Mb. Forrest returned to the Colony in November, 1938 and took over his duties of First Police Magistrate.

In the summer of 1939 he was granted four weeks vacation leave to visit Indo-China. Unfortunately, an influenzal bout while on his leave prevented him from enjoying the full beneficial effects.

In January, 1940, Mr. Forrest was appointed Postmaster- General. At the end of September, 1940, he was entrusted with the inauguration of a new department (The Immigration Department) in addition to his duties as Postmaster-General. The above facts are mentioned because it is felt they have a direct bearing on subsequent events.

It is very evident that during the few months

when Mr. Forrest was in charge of the Immigration Department, the work preyed on his nerves.

Worry and anxiety and lack of sleep forced him

to resort to moderately large doses of soporific drugs (mainly amy tal).

Work preparatory to the commission of inquiry into the workings of the Immigration Department doubtless served to aggravate this state of affairs.

However, on 11th March, 1941, he attended the first sitting of the Commission.

On the following day Dr. Selwyn-Clarke, Director of Medical Services, saw lir. Forrest. He reported as follows:·

"He is in a very highly strung condition and, in my opinion, it is desirable that he should be admitted to Queen Mary Hospital for observation without delay.

Mr. Forrest is reluctant to accept this advice, since it would deprive him of the opportunity of questioning witnesses at present giving evidence for the Commission of Enquiry.

It would certainly facilitate matters, if it were found possible to postpone further hearings for a short while.

Mr. Forrest has been suffering from severe insomnia for some time past and, unless he comes under medical care with the least possible delay, I fear that a complete breadkown (with certain obvious consequences) may occur.

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Mr. Forrest was admitted to the Queen Mary Hospital on the afternoon of the 12th of March and was discharged very much improved in health on the 16th of March. medical notes are appended.

Mr. Forrest resumed his duties and attended the resumed Inquiry on Tuesday, the 25th March.

The

On Easter Monday, the 14th of April, lir. Forrest was admitted to the Queen Mary Hospital, a very sick man.

He complained of severe headache and a general feeling of lassitude. His face appeared pale, pasty and puffy. There was slight aedema of the ankles. Examination of the urine showed presence of albumin, also a fair number of erythrocytes, a few pus cells, granular and hyaline casts.