Mr. POINTERasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Protector of Immigrants in Trinidad is about to retire; whether this gentleman stated before Lord Sanderson's Commission that scarcely any complaints were made to him by coolies; and whether, in filling the position vacated by this gentleman, he will endeavour to secure an official in whom the coolies would have confidence?
Mr. HARCOURTI have received no information as to the date at which the Protector of Immigrants will retire, though in view of his age he will no doubt do so before very long. My hon. Friend no doubt refers to Commander Coombs' state-
ment that complaints by coolies grew less and less every year, a gratifying testimony to the general contentment of the immigrant population of the Colony, which I hope his successor may be able to confirm.