Page:The Collected Works of Mahatma Gandhi, vol. 2.djvu/225



(APPENDIX K)
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DURBAN, December 24, 1896

TO GOODRICKE, LAUGHTON & COOKE

GENTLEMEN,

Your letter of today to hand. I am endeavouring to do my duty as Health Officer with due regard to all interests.

I am willing to authorize the placing in quarantine on the Bluff, at the cost of the ships, all persons intended to be landed. And when this is arranged for, pratique may be given to the ships after my instructions have been carried out.

Yours obediently,

(Signed) D. BIRTWELL AG. MEDICAL OFFICER OF HEALTH

(APPENDIX L)
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Durban, December 25, 1896

TO DR. BIRTWELL, ESQ., M.D. ACTING HEALTH OFFICER

SIR,

We have your letter of yesterday, but before replying thereto, we would draw your attention to the fact that you have given us no reply to the question contained in our letter of yesterday. On receipt of an answer thereto, we shall be in a position to answer your letter of the 24th inst.

In view of the fact that each day’s detention of the vessels represents a loss of £150, and great risk to the health, if not the lives, of passengers, we trust we shall receive your reply during the morning, and you shall have ours immediately thereafter.

We are, Dear Sir, Your obedient servants, (Signed) GOODRICKE, LAUGHTON & COOKE