TUESDAY, APRIL 12, 1932.
Retrenchment Commission's
Recommendations
Too Little Public Health Work Being Done In The Colony
MORE CHINESE NURSING SISTERS
Greater Co-Ordination Between Various Medico Public Health Authorities Advocated
Magistracies.
цін.
INSTALMENT II. .
THE
trial
CHINA MAIL,
-.
as recommended by the the post of junior assistant should Rutrenchment Commission, and has be filled by a Chinese. In due course given instructions to the Head of the post of Chief Assistant should the Sanitary Department according also be held by a Chinese. ly. The replacement of Europeans Government's "Comment. by Asiatica will have to be gradual, Paragraph 8.--Government is in and the experiment carefully agreement with the Commission re- watched, if it is to prove the success garding the desirability of filling which Government hopes it will be. the posts of assistants with Chin- 3. The Commissioners consider ese if efficiency can be ensured. ed the question of incinerators and Enquiries have been made at the flushing of streets with sea Siccawei and the University of water. They were glad to learn Hong Kong, and it has been found from the Head of the Sanitary De- that a trained Chinese Observa- partment that the latter is already tory Assistant is unobtainable. practised with the consequent The question of training up A relief to the water supply. school or university graduate, with Regarding the former they re- an aptitude for the work, is being gard the capital cost as pro-explored. It may be, however, that! hibitive. They would more- past experience in other places over point out that the evil of shows that it has been difficult to dumping refuse at sea is mild com- obtain Chinese sufficiently reliable) pared with that of discharging in this class of work. sewage direct into the harbour, without first passing it through a septic tank.
POST OFFICE.
4.They would invite the atten- One small reduction has already tion of the Head of the Sanitary been effected in the Past Offles by, Department to the fact, that limita-the abolition of the post of Inspec- tion of the number of hawkers in-tor of Postman. Beyond this the volves Government in the cost of In-Commissioners are unable to recom- carceration of those persons, who mend any reductions. Apart from ⚫ specialists.
The three University commit the offence of hawking local postal work, the Hong Kong professors in medicine, surgery without a licence.
Post Office has to deal with a vast) and obstetrics and gynaecology,"arej Government's Comment. amount of transit mail between
definitely attached to the
Paragraph 4.-It is very neces-south and north China, and China Medical Department as Govern-
gary to hit the number of hawk- and all other parts of the world.] ment Consultants. This regularisa-era-13,748 licences were issued in The mails must be dealt with ex- tion of their position will enable 1929,-and to control those who are peditiously. The Post Office staff is the Medical Officer-in-Charge of licensed. Government Civil Hospital to draw their attention to any apparent extravagance in the ordering of 'extras' in exactly the same way as he does in the case of other Medi- cal Officers under him.
7-With the exception of Victoria catering Hospital the
Admittedly a difficult ques- But with tact and goodwill The only comment that the Com- tion.
now is much more can be done than is the missioners have to make here that it is unnecessary to All the postcase al present. of Magistrate's clerk at the Central Magistry with a legally qualified or An officer legally trained officer. of Class II or at the top of Class III of the Senior Clerical and Account- ing Staff is sullicient provided that the magisterial bench is filled by an eficient person.
Government's Comment. Paragraph 3.--Government white in sympathy with the idea under- lying this paragraph is not aware of any practical scheme of economy which can be evolved therefrom.
4.-The Commissioners under- stand that the Director of Medical and Sanitary Services hus already Government's Comment. Government concurs in this re- submitted to Government his recom- commendation.
MEDICAL DEPARTMENT.
mendations for the reorganization
FIRE BRIGADE.
The Chief Officer of the Fire Brigade who is also the Inspector General of Police,-thus effecting a
not too large. When a new Past! Office is built in Kowloon, central distribution of letters should be instituted, as it has been on the This system is Hong Kong side. economical in postmen.
Government's Commen' The recommendation contained
in Govern-saving in the salary of Chief Officer,
-has already reduced the number in the last two sentences will be of the health service in Hong Kong,ment hospitals is done by contract. of 2nd class firemen from 80 to 60 borne in mind when a new Post and that his report is being con- The question of whether it would
more prosperous
sidered by a Committee. It would not be cheaper to do it department-and of motor drivers from 35 to 82. Office has been built in Kowloon. be idic therefore for the Commis-ally, which it is understood has been The Commissioners do not recom- This desirable work will, however, aloners to go into this matter in the experience at Victoria Hos-mend any further reductions, either have to wait for
in the European or Chinese per- times. detail. They would however stress pital, should be gone into.
sonnel, as the Fire Brigade is an the point that it is wasteful to have two separate authorities within
essential service. Government for health work.
After most careful consideration the Commissioners feel unable to in this recommend any reduction.
Considering the den- department, aity of the population, probably higher than in any other city in the world, it would seem that if any- 5. The Commissioners know it thing too little public health work has been suggested that the Medical is done. At most they recommend Department should obtain surgical, that the extensive schemes-at any medical and gynaecological speci- rate so far as regards those involv-alista. The University already has ing the expenditure of extra money eminent experts in each of these -for reorganizing the Medical and branches, and the Commission can Sanitary Services be deferred until see no necessity why the posts It is only should be duplicated. The fact more prosperous times. two years since a medical man, the that Government medical officers Bon. Dr. Wellington, was brought to are eligible for these posts should the Colony for the speci. not be forgotten. fle purpose of reorganization. And it is still more recently that the first fundamental step towards the stamping out of malaria was taken by the appointment of a Malarialo- The Commissioners hesitate gist. to recommend that the post should be abolished
6.--Government should take up with the University authorities the question of the ordering of 'extras' of dressings, the and the supply cost of which has to be borne by Government,-for Univeralty ward patients in the Government Civil Hospital. They are ordered far 2-The Medical Department Eas more lavishly by the University pro- Government for some years past employed Chin- fessors than by the
This practitioners. -medical officera.
The practice should practice should be extended to the cease.
Government's Comment. Bacteriologist's and the Government
Paragraph 5 and 6.-It is not the only the head should be a Euro-intention of Government to obtain
peen.
esc as
Analyst's sub-departments. At both
The assistants, one at the
former office and three at the latter,
should be replaced by Chinese. The Chinese for Euro- substitution of
Nursing Sisters should be poun pushed on as rapidly as suitable local recruits are obtainable.
Government's Comment. Paragraph 2-A vacancy haa te- cently occurred in the Bacteriolo- gical Office by the transfer to British Guiana of Dr. Minett. The Director of Medical and Sanitary Services has been instructed to endeavour to obtain a Chinese for the post of Assistant and it is hoped that he will be successful. It will not be easy to find a train- ed Chinese analyst, but the speration of the University is be- ing sought. It is obvious, however, that the requirements of Govern- ment alone for trained analysts
not
enough large make it worth the while of the University to institute any special course of training.
are
-03
to
The gradual replacement of European by Chinese Nursing Sis! ters has been and will continue to he Government's policy. In the printed draft Estimates for 1932 it will be seen that the establish- ment of European Nurses has been reduced by four.
8. In addition there are certain steps that can and should be taken whereby the Colony would receive better value than it does at present for the money spent on public bealth, without in any way increas- And that is by ing expenditure. greater co-ordination between the various medico public health au thorities. There are the Govern- ment medical service, the private practitioners, the University, the Chinese hospitals and dispensaries, the Sanitary Board and the Sanitary Department. The aim of all la the same, the health of the people, Let them take counsel together as to how beat they may achieve their
LOCAL SHARE MARKET.
Signs of Stagnation.
LITTLE BUYING POWER.
The official summary issued by the Stock Exchange to-day states:
Once more the market is again showing signs of stagnation, and although there is scarcely any change in rates, there does not seem to be much buying power about.
Sales.
Hong Kong Banks, $1,550/1,555. Union Insurances, $471. Providents (old), $4.90. Providents (new), $24. H.K. Realties, $11.45 Ewp Cottons, Tls. 14.80. China Lights (old),*#21.10. H.K. Electrics, $741⁄2. - Wataona (Right), $31⁄2.
Buyers. Union Insurances, $470. Douglases, $26. Bengueta, $184. Docks, $20.
Providents (old), $4.85. Provident (new), $2%. Hotels (Cam. Right), $193⁄41⁄44- H.K. Realties. $11.35.
Chinese Estates; $95. Benguet Explorations, 28 cents. Ewo Cottons, Tls. 14.85. Hong Kong Trams, $214. Peak Trams (old), $151⁄2. Hong Kong Electrics, $74. Telephones (P.P.), $25. Amusementa, $22.10; Constructions (new), 81.55. Govt, Loans, 3 per cent. Prem.
Sollers,
- International Assos., Tii. 4.
Humphreye, $17.
China Lights (old), #21%. 6.C. Enterprises $20;:
Government's Comment. Paragraph 7-The catering for all Government hospitals, includ ing Victoria Hospital, is by con Government is satisfied tract.
that this is the cheapest method.
FEES TOO LOW.
No comments.
DISTRICT OFFICES.
SECRETARIAT FOR CHINESE AFFAIRS.
The duties performed by the staff of this department are multifarious,
The two District Offices are both extending as they do from liaison one work between the Government and small departments with but executive head for each, and a total the Chinese community to inspection are of of three European land bailiffs be- of factories. It is cvider that the opinion that the fees at present tween them. The Chinese stuff is work of the latter description, in charged in Government hospitals proportionately small. The Com-fact all social welfare work, will consider that increase in the near future. It is for medical attendance and opera-missioners do not
8.-The Commissioners
Government's Comment. Paragraph 8.--Fees In Govern- ment hospitals for operations and treatments have recently been rais-t ed.
No comments.
BOTANICAL AND FORESTRY DEPARTMENT.
moreover,
tions are too low. They understand there is a possibility of any reduc- right that Hong Kong should pro-
gress in this direction; that their revision is already undertion here. consideration.
there is the League of Nations with its various committees and missions: continually urging that more be done. It is probable that the staff will tend to grow larger rather than This is another small department smaller. There is, however, one to raise the fees for medical at- which appeared to the Commis-small reduction that should be made, tendance; these were increased insioners to be run most economically. and that is the post of the European 1929.
The area to be looked after is the Police Sergeant attached to
It is not considered desirable
the
9. The Commsisioners have alwhole of the Island and the New Secretariat for Chinese Affairs for ready reported to Government their Territories, scattered throughout inspection of boarding houses. That! views on the desirability of building which are Government plantations, work could be adequately performed a new Government Civil Hospital In addition the Botanical and by the ordinary staff of the depart-
Not reproduced.
Forestry Department performs work ment. Government's Comment.
for and advises other departments, Paragraph 9.-The building of a notably the District Offices, on all Liew Government Civil Hospital matters appertaining to trees, etc. will be undertaken as soon as funds! No reductions are recommended. can be made available.
No comments.
SANITARY DEPARTMENT.
ROYAL OBSERVATORY.
Voluntary Censorship Suggested.
2. A system of voluntary censor- ship accompanied by a bond or eash deposit, might be substituted for the present form of censorship con- trol, in the case of the larger and Chinese news- For the work to be done the Com-
Hong Kong la one of the few more responsible
A reduction in the censor- missioners do not consider that this Colonies which has an Observatory papers, department
+
is overstaffed. In department of any size functioning ship staff could then be effected.
B. Payment of compensation for their opinion there are only two as a self-contained unit. But Hong methods by which retrenchment can Kong is peculiarly situated geografung shui' should be discontinued.
Government's Comment. be effected. Firstly that street phically, and as a result has to
The reduction recommended in cleansing be done by contract. The perform weather reporting services
1 has been effected,{ Head of the Sanitary Department for the large amount of shipping paragraph stated that this would be much that uses the South China seas. Very little time is spent on the cen- cheaper than the present system off Depending as it does for its very soring of responsible Chinese news- So far as Government is doing the work departmentally, existence on shipping it is but right papers. though he doubted whether It would that the Colony should undertake aware no monetary or other valu
able.consideration is given for The risk of this work." be done as efficiently.
"ung shui" (lit. wind localities). this cannot be avoided if savings are to be effected.
Work More for Mariners, 2. There is a tendeney however Government'eTM“Comment. on the part of the Observatory staff Paragraph 1-Government does to devote a part of their time, to not consider it desirable to have, taking magnetic and other observa- street cleansing done by a contractions which, though no doubt of tor. The system was tried before, great
tory.
interest
IMPORTS AND EXPORTS
DEPARTMENT,
With the exception of the Trea-
.to International Bury the Importa and Exports De-
COLUMBIA
NEW PEDESTAL MODEL.
(CHROMIUM PLATED FITTINGS)
THE MODEL HAS MET A REAL
DEMAND FOR A FLOOR ́IN-
STRUMENT AT A MODEST PRICE THAT EMBODIES THE
FAMOUS COLUMBIA TONE.
PRICE $220
(less 10% Discount for cash)
CALL AND HEAR IT AT
The Anderson Music Co., Ltd.
Ice House Street.
TRY
SHAKING!
Sola. Agents—
Tel. 21322.
ROSE'S LIME JUICE CORDIAL
AND
COATES' PLYMOUTH GIN
FOR
GOOD GIMLETS.
CALDBECK, MACGREGOR & CO., LTD. (Incorporated under the Companies' Ordinances of Hong Kong.) Prince's Building,
Ice House Street.
Telephone 20025.
PALL MALL
MEDIUM
VIRGINIA CIGARETTES
at
65 cts.
per tin of 50's.
Sole Agents →→
TABAQUERIA FILIPINA
28 Queen's Road Central
الي
& Rothman's
Pall Mall
By Special
to Him. the
Appointment KING OF SAME
VIRGINIA
MEDIUM
MARTELL'S BRANDIES
V.S.O.P.
BOTTLED IN
COSKLE
A
COGNAC AND
CORDON BLEU.
BLE
and the results were not satisfac meteorological institutions, are of partment is the largest revenue THREE STAR
Street cleansing is most no benefit either to Hong Kong or to collecting of all the Government de- Important from the health point of local shipping. Such work should partments. The staff is, however, not be undertaken, for if it is, there chiefly occupied in the prevention is the danger that the proper func-of smuggling and evasion of excise tions of the Observatory will be duties. Hong Kong is so situated
view.
ASIATIC INSPECTORS.
2. Secondly the replacement of neglected. Moreover it necessarily that it is peculiarly easy for the European Sanitary Inspectors by entails the purchase of expensive smuggler of opium, liquor and Asiatica. This policy has been instruments; those for the magnetle tobacco to bring his wares into the
(also in square pints
and flanks)
adopted in Mainya, and has proved hut at Au Tau for example coet Colony. The staff of eighteen V.V.E.S.O.P.
satisfactory. There the only Euro-38,000 is addition to $12,000 for European and ninety-six Chinese peans are the chief inspectors. It the building. The Observatory Revenue Officers is not too large for
the is claimed for European should confine its activities to work the work to be performed. The that he has greater integrity for raariners.
more that smuggling can be pre and 16
Ho more reliable.
Paragraph 2It is impossible vented the greater will be the ls, however, very much more to serve shipping adequately with- zevenue. It was for this reason. expensive. The
Commissioners out doing a certain amount of work that the Commissioners informed recommend that the scheme be beyond the sanding out of storm the Government last September that given a thorough trial. It might warnings and weather reports, they agreed to the building of a be necessary in the first instance to The Government is not prepared to new launch for the department. obtain through the Malayan au-jadmit that the work of the Observa-2--No reduction is recommended thorities a nucleus of Asiatic inspec- tory has been unduly extended. In the staff of the Statistical tors from that country. NA 3 The Commissioners, reconi- Branch: "
Government's Comitent,mend that on a vacancy occurring, Paragraph 2Government la pre-which will probably be soon, on the pared to give the scheme a thorough retirement of the present Director,
MARTELL
GUARANTEED
PURE GRAPE
BRANDY
BY
-MARTELL & CO.
GANDE, PRICE & CO., LTD.,
WINE & SPIRIT MERCHANTS,
George's Ballding, les House" Street,
No. Comments
Dal 20135.
(Continued on Page 11.)
Houn