Sessional_Paper_1895 — Page 103

99

No.

5

95

HONGKONG.

LETTER No. 385 OF THE 27TH FEBRUARY FROM THE ACTING COLONIAL SECRETARY TO THE HARBOUR MASTER RELATIVE TO THE ALLEGED EXISTENCE OF

CORRUPTION IN THE HARBOUR DEPARTMENT.

Laid before the Legislative Council by Command of

His Excellency the Governor.

No. 385.

SIR,

COLONIAL SECRETARY'S OFFICE,

HONGKONG, 27th February, 1895.

With reference to paragraph 12, of page 56, of the Evidence appended to the Report of the Retrenchment Committee, I am directed to inform you that Mr. THOMSON denies the accuracy of the words therein attributed to him by the Chairman, but admits having made a confidential statement before the Emigration Committee to the effect that from current reports amongst the Chinese, of which he, as Acting Registrar General, was informed confidentially, there was a certain amount of reason to believe that corruption existed in the passing of emigrants.

As, however, no proof appears to be forthcoming in support of the accuracy of such rumours, I am to state that the Government cannot place any credence therein, and I am to express regret that by inadvertence publicity was given to what appeared to be a charge of corruption but which, on investigation, is found to be the repetition of mere rumours unsupported by a vestige of evidence.

I am to add that this letter will be laid on the table at the next meeting of the Legislative Council.

I have the honour to be,

Sir.

Your most obedient Servant,

The Honourable

THE HARBOUR MASTER.

J. H. STEWART LOCKHART. Acting Colonial Secretory,