[LI]
One of the patients was willing to come and the other seemed doubtful. I told Mr. UI KAI to explain matters more fully to him.
As these cases were not sent to this Hospital on the 18th, I enquired how this was, and Mr. U I KAI informed me that the Chinese doctors after my visit had dissuaded both these patients from coming in.
As, in my opinion, the way these cases were being treated or rather mistreated would, if continued, lead to serious and possibly fatal results, I ordered the Sergeant on duty to transfer them to this Hospital.
This accordingly was done. Both patients are now here and seem to be quite com- fortable and happy in their surroundings. The second case referred to was operated on yesterday and is so far progressing favourably; he would have had a better chance of recovery, however, had the operation been performed earlier.
The Chinese doctors admit that they have no surgical knowledge, and I cannot be responsible for the surgical enormities which have been and still will be carried on there if they are allowed to treat such cases.
I have the honour to be,
The Honourable
J. H. STEWART LOCKHART,
Colonial Secretary.
Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
J. M. ATKINSON,
Acting Colonial Surgeon.
(Enclosure in Acting Colonial Surgeon's letter of 20th August.)
REGISTRAR GENERAL'S OFFICE,
HONGKONG, 19th August, 1895.
DEAR ATKINSON,
This is the Chairman of the Tung Wa Hospital Committee. He is anxious that only patients who are willing to be moved should be taken to the Civil Hospital. I do not think that those who are unwilling should be compelled to go.
I am sure you will agree that there should be no compulsion. In haste.
Yours, &c.,
J. H. STEWART LOCKHART.
(Acting Colonial Surgeon to Colonial Secretary.)
GOVERNMENT CIVIL HOSPITAL,
NO. TIT.
SIR,
HONGKONG, 20th October, 1895.
I have the honour to report that two patients at present in the Tung Wa Hospital are suffering from surgical injuries which cannot be properly treated there, and I request that His Excellency the Governor will order their removal to the Government Civil Hospital.