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As a past president you are consulted by the present Directors ?-Everything has to be decided by the Directors, but I am consulted.
Are subscriptions coming in this year as usual ?-The whole of the subscriptions have not come in yet. I have no idea whether or not they are coming in as usual.
THE PRESIDENT-Do you think if a Chinese gentleman versed in Western medical methods were appointed to the Hospital, that would work satisfactorily?—There would be no objection if you appointed one simply to stay there and record the causes of death and to see to the removal of cases of infectious disease.
And if he was asked to cure anybody there would be no objection to his being there? -If the patients wished him to cure them, it might be allowed; but there must be no compulsion. It should be in the discretion of the patients to avail themselves of his
treatment.
Dr. Ho KAI-Do you know if the appointment to the Hospital of a Chinese trained in European medicine and under those conditions would be objected to by the Kai-fong? -As far as Western methods are concerned the Kai-fong are not agreed.
If the Chinese doctor trained in Western methods was appointed with no power to force a patient to take his medicine, or to be treated by him, do you think there would be any objection ?--In that case I think the Kai-fong would have no objection.
Mr. THOMSON-You do not think the subscriptions would fall off ?-There would be a slight difference this year.
Dr. Ho KAI-Why?-On account of the Government appointing a European medi- cal man who would practise Western medicine.
Mr. THOMSON-We are talking about a Chinese man trained in Western medicine? -I am talking about a Chinese trained in Western medicine. If he is appointed he must consult with the Directors.
Dr. Ho KAI-Do you think the Directors would agree to the appointment of a Chinese trained in Western medicine if he had to consult them and if they had power to dismiss him?--In that case, I do not think the Kai-fong would say a word against it. You must give the power to the Directors.
What would be the effect on the subscriptions, supposing a European doctor were placed in charge of the Hospital?—They would cease entirely. There is some difficulty about getting subscriptions this year. I believe that is because the European doctor goes about the Hospital and makes a noise.
Mr. THOMSON-The Chinese are afraid of what they call the recent interference on the part of the Government?-On account of the interference of the European doctor.
The Commission then adjourned.