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After examining these witnesses, it will be a question whether we want more information. Is there any other information, you think, we might obtain for the Com- mission in the meantime before we meet again? I think it would be a good thing if the members of the Commission could arrange to visit the Hospital so that we may all become acquainted with the site and surroundings under present conditions.
Mr. WHITEHEAD-Is not a portion of the premises of the Tung Wa still at the disposal and occupied by the Pó Léung Kuk ?
THE PRESIDENT-No, the Pó Léung Kuk has a site opposite.
Mr. WHITEHEAD-Does the Tung Wa still house the women and girls?
THE PRESIDENT-No; the Pó Léung Kuk is in New Street, but the Tung Wa still houses male destitutes, and to that the Colonial Surgeon has already called attention. That is one of the points we will have to consider.
Mr. WHITEHEAD-Then, I understand that the Pó Léung Kuk building is distinct and apart from the Tung Wa?
THE PRESIDENT--All except the Clerk's room. No women or girls under the protection of the Pó Léung Kuk have lived in the Tung Wa since the epidemic of 1894.
Mr. WHITEHEAD-Which houses are they in now?
THE PRESIDENT-In New Street, the first floor.
Mr. WHITEHEAD-Is it not very suitable?
THE PRESIDENT-No, but I expect the new premises, of which H.E. The Governor laid the foundation stone the other day, will be ready for them about October of this year.
Mr. THOMSON-I was thinking that perhaps it would be expedient to allow representatives of the Tung Wa Hospital to be present during the examination of witnesses.
THE PRESIDENT-I have no objection if they wish it.
Mr. CHATER-On every occasion ?
Mr. THOMSON-No, but when witnesses are being examined to suggest questions.
Mr. CHATER-We will have to examine the Chairman and Treasurer, and the man who makes up the books.
THE PRESIDENT-I think after all it would delay matters considerably to have representatives of the Tung Wa present during the inquiry, because all the evidence of the European witnesses would have to be translated into Chinese for them. If there is anything in the evidence of any of these witnesses calling for reply by the Committee, we can supply the Committee with a Chinese translation of it, and when they come up question them about it,
Mr. WHITEHEAD-I do not see any reason why we should not, at a later date, cross-examine them on any points raised by witnesses, such as the Colonial Surgeon, while the inquiry is proceeding. If certain points are raised we could have the views of the Tung Wa Directors subsequently, and this, I think, would serve Mr. THOMSON'S object.
Mr. THOMSON-But don't you see in some matters, accusations by the Colonial Surgeon against the Tung Wa for example, we might accept his answers without thinking any more about it, accepting the meaning as it appeared at first sight, whereas if a representative of the Tung Wa were present to criticise the statements it might have a modifying influence upon our opinions.