207 



to us, in the neighbourhood of Fenwick's Bazaar, as 

 Thakoor Lalla's depot ; and a hut, a few feet square, 

 only now in course of completion, was said to be the 

 sole accommodation. This square resembled rather 

 the half-dried bed of a small tank, greatly defiled by 

 the surrounding people, than anything else that we 

 can compare it with. A spot more repulsive to 

 sight and smell we could not imagine ; and having 

 assured ourselves beyond all doubt that the Con- 

 tractor's labourers did really congregate here, we felt 

 no surprise at the stories which we heard of the 

 numbers that yearly fall victims to disease in his 

 hands. We found no person in this place who would 

 acknowledge any connection with Thakoor Lalla, 

 nor any sort of preparation for the reception of hu- 

 man beings, except the hut above mentioned ; and 

 we were forced to conclude that the proprietor, hav- 

 ing heard of our intended visit, had removed all that 

 belonged to his depot from fear of more damaging 

 disclosures/ The supply of women is stated to be 

 out of all proportion to the supply of men, the rate 

 being only 5 to 15 per cent. The smallness of this 

 proportion is considered by the Planters to be the 

 principal cause of the very numerous desertions 

 which take place during the river passage and after 

 arrival." 



" Ignorance, neglect, and misconduct worse than 

 either, on the part of those intrusted with the care 

 of immigrating bands of coolies/' again says the 

 Committee report, " have been brought to light in the 



