When the salary of the Colonial Surgeon was reduced from £500 per annum, the services of that Officer were not intended to be given to the Police in hospital, but to the Prisoners in gaol, and such other duties as might be indispensable on behalf of the Govt.
It was always the Chief duty to attend upon the Prisoners. If that force has been much stressed it would seem equitable to augment the salary, but it is to be remembered that the Govt. has not received the same amount of service.
The late Governor, Sir George Bonham, on the 20th April, 1848, wrote to the Honorable Major Malcolm, the Colonial Secretary, to report on whether an allowance should be made to the Surgeon.
At a moderate calculation, the expenses necessary for the performance of the duties of the Colonial Surgeon in this climate are exceedingly heavy. This addition renders the duties of the Colonial Surgeon very great.
Since my appointment to the Officer, the duties of the Colonial Surgeon have been increased by an augmentation of the Police force generally, the establishment of Stations at distant parts of the Island, being successively in an extended line twenty-two miles from the centre Station, and the arrival here of an armed and manned Police Boat, and of additional Police within the Bay.
I am inclined to think it may be necessary to make some allowance to the Surgeon, but perhaps the subject may wait until we receive an answer to the despatch of the Major General.
Copy.
73
Sir,
Hongkong, April 20th, 1848.
Victoria,
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