(4)
Dr. AYRES.-There is this to be said: Dr. MARQUES was put in under exceptional circumstances. I must say I was very much against his appointment but Mr. POPE HENNESSY insisted upon appointing him. None of the Europeans will have anything to do with him; they come at once to me.
He is not liked.
Dr. PRESTON.-None of what Europeans?
Dr. AYRES.-You see he is a Portuguese, and the European in the service do not like him and make complaints. It caused a good deal of trouble in the Hospital.
THE PRESIDENT.--That comes under another question. Do you consider MARQUES is competent to take over the duties of Medical Officer of the Civil Hospital, in the event of necessity?
Dr. AYRES.--No, sir; certainly not.
Mr. MCCONACHIE.-I should like to be clear on this point; if the Health Officer of the port were to devote his whole time and attention to the Government duties, and the present doctor of the Gaol also did so, which he does I believe, would it not be possible, if the Health Officer of the port were put on the permanent staff, to do away with Dr. MARQUES?
Dr. AYRES. It would not be possible. If he were Health Officer for the Colony we could give him the work at Kowloon and the out-stations round the Island. We have a great difficulty in attending to them now. If there is any trouble over at Kowloon I have to send the Assistant Superintendent.
Dr. CANTLIE.--Do you mean by Health Officer of the port the same man as the Health Officer of the Sanitary Board?
Dr. AYRES.No.
Mr. MCCONACHIE.--That is what I say, you want three men altogether. Could you not amalgamate the duties of the Medical Officer of the Gaol and of the Health Officer who goes afloat?
Dr. AYRES.-If you saw the work that was done by Dr. JAMES for the Sanitary Board you would understand better. He assisted us as Sanitary Board Medical Officer during the plague, and if you look over his report and see the condition of things you will see the necessity for a Health Officer.
THE PRESIDENT.-Do you not consider it would be a better arrangement to have an officer in place of Dr. MARQUES under the control of the Colonial Surgeon, and available both at the Gaol and Civil Hospital, if required ?
Dr. AYRES.-Yes. We could make use of him. Then in case of sickness any of these officers could be substituted. We are hampered now; if one man is down it is hard work, but if two are gone as is the case just now, there is only myself and Dr. MARQUES to stop the gap. It is utterly impossible for Dr. JORDAN to give us his services. He does give his services for consultation and helps me in midwifery cases, and also helps in operations at the Hospital if wanted, and he goes a good deal out of his way to give us assistance.
Dr. PRESTON.-If he had no private practice he would be a great deal more at liberty to give his assistance.
Dr. AYRES.-Certainly. And the out-stations would be better looked after.
Mr. THURBURN. Does the Gaol work take up much time?
THE PRESIDENT.—What authority have you as Colonial Surgeon over the Health Officer of the port ?