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degree, of enteric fever and small-pox. The inadequacy of the measures adopted by the local Government in dealing with so grave a crisis may, we submit, be regarded as equivalent to a tacit admission on its part that it is beyond its power, of its own initiative, to undertake the gigantic task which a thorough and efficient reform of the Sanitary conditions of the Colony, with the heavy expendi- ture and sacrifices attending it, would involve The conviction has consequently been forced upon us that no really effectual measures will be taken to grapple with the Sanitary problems of the Colony and to arrest the progress of disease until an appeal is made to the responsible Minister of State for his intervention. These annual epidemies are pressing acutely on the Comaierce and Industries of the Colony, and it is becoming increasingly difficult to obtain labour, whether European or Chinese. This year the lague has again produced a cessation of Emigration, and the loss to the Shipping and Trade generally through quarantine restrictions. and other delays has been very great. Native workmen are leaving Hongkong in thousands, and there is not an important industry or commercial undertaking in the Colony, employing and dependent on Chinese labour, that has not suffered.

Under the circumstances hereinbefore referred to your Petitioners most humbly Pray that you will be pleased

1. To appoint a Commission consisting of a person or persons wholly unconnected with the Colony to proceed forthwith to Hongkong to investigate and report

(a) On the Sanitary Condition of the Colony;

(7) On the measures to be adopted for the im- provement of the City of Victoria and of the Colony as it at present exists.

2. That you will be pleased to attach to the said Com- mission some independent Sanitary Expert to advise. 3. That after receiving and considering the eport of such Commission, you will give directions for the Recommendations of that i ommission to be forthwith carried into effect.

Dated this 25th day of June, 1901.

T. H. WHITEHEAD, J.P. (Mem. Legislative Council) J. C. VICTORIA (Rt. Rev. Bishopf Victoria) L. M. PIAZZOLI (Rt. Rev. R.C. Bishop of S. China) JNO. J. FRANCIŠ, K.C.

EDWARD OSBORNE, J.r. (Mcm, Sanitary Board)

C. GERLACH, M.D.

WILLIAM HARTIGAN, J.P., M.D., D.S.M.

F. OSMUND STEDMAN, J.P., M.D., B.S. (Loxd,)

J. W. NOBLE, D.D.8.

FREDERIC H. BOWERS, D.D.S.

B. PROTHERTON HARKER, C.E. W. H. WICKHAM, A.M.I.E, F., A.M.IO.E.

R. K. LEIGH, J P., M.I.C.E.

ED, ROBINSON, J.P.

H. W. SLADE, j.p.

H. A. RITCHIE, J.P.

W. HUTTON POTTS, J.P.

J. ORANGE, J.P., M.I.C.E., M.I,M,E., M.AM,S,C,E,

CLEMENT PALMER, J.P., F.R.I,B,A.

AGOSTINHO G. ROMANO (Consul-General for Portugal)

G. MONTAGU HARSTON, J.P., M.R.C.C., L.R.C.P. (LOND.) J. J. LEIRIA (Vice-Consul for Brazil)

R. MACBEAN GIBSON, M.D., C.M. (EDIN.)

L. R. BELL, D.D.S.

ROBERT LAMORT, M.D. *

G. APACIBLE, M.D., B.A.

F. P. SOARES, P.M.

HERBERT W. BIRD, A.R.I.B.A. CHRI. B. THOMAS, A.R.I.B. A. WM. DANBY, J.P., M.1.C.E. A. DENISON, J.P., A.M.I.C.E. L. GIBBS, A.M.I,C,E,

W. D. BRAIDWOOD, M.A.

J. A. SWANN, J..R.C.S., L.M., L.R.C.P., L.M.

F. MAITLAND, J.P.

J. H. COX, J.P.

W. J. McLOUGHLIN, PH., CH.

B. BYRAMJEE, J.P.

M. S. SASSOON, J.P.

E. SHELLIM, J.P.

A. J. RAYMOND, J.P.

C. S. GUBBAY, J.P.