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power in para. 8 of the petition, and in para. 11 gives the reasons of the petitioners for their demands. I regret I cannot point to any special reports on the Tung Wa Hospital, as after my first arrival I have no recollection of making any and the records were burnt when the Government Civil Hospital was destroyed by fire in 1878. My opinions on this institution have often been expressed in my annual reports. No written instructions have ever been given to me by Government as to the number of visits I should pay or my powers as regards the Tung Wa Hospital. If any evidence is required from me by the Commission now sitting, I shall be happy to attend when required.
I have the honour to be,
The Honourable J. H. STEWART LOCKHART,
Colonial Secretary.
Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
PH. B. C. AYRES, Colonial Surgeon.
Appendix XIV.
(Extract from the "Hongkong Telegraph" of the 13th June, 1896.)
THE TUNG WA HOSPITAL.
ITS PRESENT CONDITION.
In view of the recent prevalence of plague, and the opening of the Lai-chi-kok Plague Hospital, in which, according to Chinese accounts, such wonderful results are shown in the treatment of plague patients, a member of the staff of the Hongkong Telegraph lately sought and was granted permission to inspect the Tung Wa Hospital. Application was made to the Registrar General, who handed our representative over to Dr. ATKINSON. This latter gentleman most courteously made an appointment, and kindly escorted the inquirer over the whole of the institution, pointing out at the same time the alterations made at his request and the still greater improvements which he had recommended, but which the Chinese Committee have not yet carried out.
Entering the compound, the receiving office is soon reached, and here is stationed a European officer who takes a record of the cases, this being, however, merely a temporary arrangement during the prevalence of the plague. After being registered and assigned to a doctor (the six Chinese doctors attached to the Hospital draw lots as to who shall treat each fresh patient!) the sick person is sent to the reception ward, there to remain until seen by Dr. ATKINSON, who visits the place twice a day. This ward is in the building formerly used as the lunatic ward, further mention of which is made below. After being seen by Dr. ATKINSON, if the case is diagnosed as plague, the patient is sent at once to the Kennedy Town Hospital. If doubtful, it is sent to the observation ward, where the temperature is regularly taken, and in a few hours the case can be diagnosed. If not plague, the patient is assigned to the requisite ward, and there remains under Chinese treatment until cured or till death releases the victim from his sufferings. In case of death occurring, or of dead bodies being brought in, the bodies are taken to the mortuary, which is built at the south-east corner of the compound,