§ DR. FARQUHARSON (Aberdeenshire, W.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been directed to the exceptionally heavy recent rate of mortality among European officials on the Gold Coast; and, whether anything is being done, or can be done, to remedy this unsatisfactory state of matters?
§ MR. J. CHAMBERLAINYes, Sir; my attention has been directed to the exceptionally large number of deaths which occurred among the European residents, unofficial as well as official, in the early part of this year, and on March 11 I wrote to the Governor begging him to consider what further steps could be taken to improve the conditions of life on the coast. It cannot be hoped that all the causes of malarial fever will be removed; but much has been, and is still being done, by the erection of new buildings in better situations, and providing means of recreation, to keep the European officers in good health, and attempts are being made by boring to obtain a supply of good water, which will be of immense benefit to the whole community. The Governor, Sir William Maxwell, is giving the most careful attention to the subject, and will be supported by me in any improvements he may be able to introduce.