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Governor Gawler, as William Richards and the newspapers indicated, was very
disgusted at the treatment , or perhaps better said, lack of good treatment of
the emigrants. He initiated an immediate Medical Board to enquire into the
events that had occurred on board the "JAVA".
Proceedings of the
Medical Board.
Minutes of the Meeting of Medical Board appointed to enquire into the
causes of the sickness, suffering and mortality on board the JAVA Emigrant
Ship, and to report upon what appear to have been the causes of this state
of things.Present
J.P.Litchfield, Chairman J.G.Nash,Esq. J.Knott, Esq.
The Board proceeded to examine into the cases of Jane Bassett, William
Price, Mrs. Giles, Mr. Graham Poole, Mr. Landy, Mrs. Harris, Mr. McLeod,
and adjourned its further proceedings until 11 o'clock a.m. on Wednesday
12th of February. Adjourned at half past 3.p.m.
12th February.
The Board met and proceeded to examine Captain Duthie and Mr. Martin and
adjourned its further proceedings till 11 o'clock a.m. on the 13th of
February 1840. Adjourned at half past 3 p.m.
13th February.
The Board met and proceeded to examine Mr. Ward, assistant surgeon of the
JAVA.
A copy of the complaint made by the Immigrant passengers to His Excellency
the Governor was requested. Motion was ordered to be given at the next day
of meeting that the Board would be sending to him any additional testimony
that could be tendered. The Board adjourned for Captain Duthie's statement
which is promised by Saturday or Monday next. Adjourned at 3 of clock.
15th February.
The Board met at 11 o'clock and proceeded to examine James Pearson, James,
George, Isaac Polkinghorne, Robert Barnard, William Hawke and George Hinde.
Received from George Hall Esq., Private Secretary, Memorial addressed to
the Governor containing complaints of 80 Emigrant Passengers on board
JAVA. Adjourned half past 3 p.m. to 11 o'clock Monday 17th February.
17th February.
Board met at 11 a.m. and proceeded to examine Captain Duthie who also
handed in [illegible on original] and abstracts of the issue of stores and
special comforts and a file containing the orders of Mr. Martin for the
same.
Adjourned at 4 p.m.
Thursday February 20th.
The Board met at 11 a.m. and after examining George Jennett and William
Payne adjourned its proceedings at 3 p.m. until Friday 21st.
Friday February 21st.
The Board met at 11 a.m. and proceeded to examine Benjamin Graham {Gahan}
---[illegible] Superintendent upon the issue of stores confided to him.
The evidence was considered sufficient and the proceedings adjourned at
3.p.m. for the preparation of the Report until Monday the 24th inst.
Monday 24th.
The Board met and proceeded to consider their Report, adjourned at 2.p.m.
to 7.p.m. until the attendance of Mr. Knot. Report completed at 9.p.m.
J.P. Litchfield M.D. Chairman |
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