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matter to the extent of from 5 to 15 grains per gallon will severely tax the resources of the filter beds. However in any case the engineers will be able to fall back on the alum treatment. In the form of an appendix to this report will be found a few general observations on the application of this process to turbid waters of the Pokfulam type. I understand that the works now in course of construction for improving the quality of this water will include special facilities for treating the suspended matter by the alum method.
12. At the request of the Honourable Surveyor General periodical analyses of this water were made during the rainy season.
13. Private Well.-In October an analysis was ordered by Government of the water from a well within the precincts of the Hongkong Club. Now that there is an abundant supply of water from Taitam no excuse can be made for the use, for dietetic purposes, of water from shallow wells within the City of Victoria.
14. Mineralogical.-One specimen of Galena was examined in October.
15. Students.-Both the senior and junior student apothecaries have worked well during the past year. The pressure of work has at times been so continuous as to necessitate arrangements being made for one officer to be always on duty. In the undermanned condition of the Department this measure has made serious raids on the time that should be devoted to recreation. Both students deserve commendation for the cheerful assistance rendered during an unusually heavy year.
16. An important change has been sanctioned by Government respecting these native assistants in the Hospital Pharmacy. In 1881 a scheme was inaugurated on the recommendation of my pre- decessor under which Chinese youths would receive a training in the pratice of Western Pharmacy, They were required to enter into an agreement to serve a pupilage of five years
Provision was made for their receiving an allowance of $10 a month rising by annual increments of $24 to $18 a month. It was presumed that, at the end of their pupilage, they would be able to secure remu- nerative positions as trained pharmacists amongst their fellow countrymen. The majority of the youths appointed have, however, formed an opinion after becoming practically acquainted with their duties that the chance of their finding employment would be very remote.
17. Dissatisfied with their prospects two out of the three appointed since 1881 have sent in their resignations before serving half the period for which they engaged themselves. I might here point out that the primary object in appointing these students was to so relieve the Apothecary of mere routine work as to enable the Department to manufacture pharmacopoeial preparations that hitherto had been obtained from England. In the original scheme it was contemplated that a new student would be appointed once in every two years and a half.
18. Under these circumstances it will be readily understood that the continual presence of un- trained or half-trained youths in this branch of the Department would be a source of endless anxiety to the officer responsible for their actions. In May last the Government approved of a modification of the original scheme under which if the present students make satisfactory progress with their studies they will be retained as permanent assistants. Under the new arrangement the students will receive pay during their pupilage at the rate of $10 a month rising by annual increments of $60 to $30 a month. It has not yet been decided what their pay will be if the Government retain them as permanent assistants at the close of their pupilage.
19. Laboratory. The Government analytical work has been conducted in the temporary laboratory provided in this Hospital. I understand that within one year from this date, the new laboratory attached to the quarters for a portion of the Medical Staff will be finished, when it will be possible to finally dispense with the existing make-shift arrangements.
20. A proposal has been made that I should be allowed to devote full time to analytical work in order that I may undertake the periodical examination of the Colonial gas supply and also the analyses required by the Sanitary Department in connection with The Public Health Ordinance. In my dual capacity as Apothecary and Analyst I have been compelled to relegate to a subordinate place the analytical work contemplated in the duties of the office to which I was appointed in 1883, viz.: that required in cases of criminal poisoning. Any extension of these duties must obviously be accompanied by a corresponding limitation of the calls to be made on my time in respect of the work in the Hospital Pharmacy.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant,
W. EDWARD CROW,
Apothecary and Analyst,
Civil Medical Department,
Dr. PH. B. C: AYRES,
Colonial Surgeon and Inspector of Hospitals.