JAVA 1840

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, February 12th.
Adjourned at half past 3.p.m.

FEBRUARY 12th   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.
FEBRUARY 13th   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.
FEBRUARY 15th   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.
FEBRUARY 17th   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.
FEBRUARY 20th
  Thursday 		  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.
FEBRUARY 21st
  Friday 		  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.
FEBRUARY 24th
  Monday 		  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