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Dr. CANTLIE.-But that $500 included Dr. MOLYNEUX's pay and travelling expenses? Dr. Lowson. Yes, but ultimately he received allowance for board because I had
to put him up.
Dr. CANTLIE.--And if another man had been got at $350, they would have had to pay his travelling expenses?
Dr. Lowson. If a man had come up from Singapore, he would have got his passage paid and board and lodging at the Peak Hotel. I had to put them up at first myself as nobody would take them. Tram fares would also have to be paid.
Dr. CANTLIE. So that $500 was not much more than was offered by the Govern- ment?
Dr. Lowson. It was less. And it must be remembered that Dr. MOLYNEUX was risking his practice at Ningpo. If I had been granted a free hand in getting medical men, the first thing I would have done would have been to wire to medical men I knew who were within hail. I would have given as salary whatever was asked. The plague epidemic lasted only for a few months, and that is the only way to manage in a case of serious epidemic. There is no use advertising for people here. You cannot expect the doctors at Amoy, Swatow and these places to leave their patients and come down here. The epidemic might break out there; if it is to be done, it can only be done by personal influence of competent men.
Dr. CANTLIE.-Practically, there are no spare men in China for an emergency like the plague? The only men you could get are the medical missionaries.
Dr. Lowson. We do not know where the medical missionaries are, and in the case of the plague they did not volunteer until very late-besides, in an emergency, one wants men whom one can depend upon.
THE PRESIDENT.-You could always get some men from the army and the navy so far as they could be spared.
Dr. Lowson.--I have written down an answer to the second question on the list handed to me-" As to arrangements, none can be made by the Government when they are wanted. They must call in the military and the naval staff, or trust to their own medical men knowing where to get assistance and allowing them to give a decent salary." You won't get men to come here and run various risks and leave their practices for $350. The only place therefore to get them is from the army and the navy and
army and the navy may want their own men.
the
Dr. CANTLIE.-Practically, therefore, the only way to get men is from Australia; that is the nearest point?
Dr. Lowson. Yes, and even that is a month away. There are plenty there, but the emergency may be over before they can arrive.
Mr. MCCONACHIE.-Before coming to question No. 2, would you please inform us what you consider an efficient medical staff for the Civil Hospital alone?
Dr. Lowson. I consider two men always on the spot will be sufficient for the Civil Hospital, the Asylum and the Hygeia work.
Mr. MCCONACHIE.-That is without making any provision for leave?
Dr. Lowson.-Yes; there ought always to be two men there. There is much more work than one man can get through, if he considers his health.
Mr. MCCONACHIE.-Can you suggest in any way where we could get a third man in case of sickness or leave or anything of that sort ?
Mr. THURBURN.—Any re-distribution ?