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THE HONG KONG DAILY. PRESS, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 1929.
DR. FAWCETT'S CRITICISM OF.
HONG KONG.
“INTELLECTUAL AND SOCIAL STARVATION.”
DR. KOCH PRAISES HIS RETIRING COLLEAGUE.
THE COLONY A "DULL AND BACKWARD CHILD."
"
}
A startling, indictment of local official life was made by Dr. Hugh A. Fawcett, the Medical Officer of Health, at the meeting of the Sanitary Board yesterday, The Doctor is abortly leaving the Colony and Dr. Koch had appealed to the Board to represent to the Government the necessity of retaining the services: ¿" on officer of such proved capacity and practical ex- perience.!
The Chairman, Mr. W. J. Carrie, did not agree that it was within the Board's province to make such a representation and Dr. Koch's resolution was lost. The Board, however, placed on "record their keen appreciation of Dr. Fawcett's real, capability, and enthusiasm."
ROUTINE AND
?
́SELF-SATISFIED COMPLACENCY.”
To a casual observer, it would ¦ "The population of the Colony | He concluded by observing that appear that a rather tense atmos¦ has increased by leaps and boundshe would like to impress the Bourd phere prevailed when Thr. Koch rose
with the fact that the majority of to ask the following questions:-
the unofficial members of the Board were of the opinion that the Joas of Dr. Fawcett would be a loss that Hong Kong could ill afford.
Will the Head of the Sanitary Department inform the Board
whether it is nerect that the Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Fawcett, is leaving the service within a short time 1 (to) If this be so may the Board be informed of the reasons
either on the part of the Government Or of the Medical Officer of Health? (b) Docs the Government not!
consider it desirable and even necessary that efforts Should be made and induce¦ ments held out to retain the services of an officer of such
proved capacity and real" The Chairman then made the fol- lowing reply:-
The auswer is in the affirma- tive. Dr. Fawcett leaves towards the end of October. Tunder
stand that Dr. Fawcett tendered
sona.
his resignation for private re
The Government is not aware of any inducements which would counteract these reasons."'
"A Grave Mistaka.” Dr. Koch then moved the follow- ing resolution--**
"This Board being informed that the services of the Medien Officer of Health, Dr. Faweet!, will shortly terminate would res pectfully represent to the Govern ment the necessity of retaining the services of an officer of such proved city and practical ex-
•perience."
|
and at the present time we have only one M.O.H. functioning and an assistant appointed a few months ago.
I do not forget our M.0.H. on leave but practically there is only one on duty now, I venture to say this solitary officia! is very | overworked especially with duties which do not strictly belong to the regular duties of a M.O.H.
Health Conditions, "The progress of the health con- ditions of the Colony must neces sarily be retarded under these con. ditions. The authorities ought to take measures to deal with the
whole question of the personnel by increasing the number of M.O.H.'s and of inspectors. There is money enough in the Treasury for this purpose which might be diverted from more showy and unnecessary schemes.
"As a matter of fact, the whole subject of public health should be thoroughly overhauled and, instead of an Advisory Board, the Govern ment should take its courage in both hands and deal with the whole matter from a broad and states- manlike point of view, forming a Board of Health to supersede this Board which should have wide powers of action:
The work of such a Board, or indeed of any Board, is to carry on its improvements day by day so that when any crisis arises, such as the onset of an epidemic. panicky work will not be indulged in and cumbrous and ineffective committees nominated to deal with
matters.
"In submitting this resolution to the Board for its approval," he¦It is for these reasons that I said. "I need hardly say that I have ventured to bring this motion have had no communication with forward so that we might place on the M.O.H, regarding the matter, record our appreciation of the work and I should may he has no idea that it has been my intention to bring the subject up for considera tion. But having been associated with him on this Board for the
A Dissentient Voice, Mr. M. K. Lo said he would yield to none in his admiration of Dr. Fawcett's sterling qualities, his skill, zeal, energy, ability and the wonderful work he had done. He had been indeed glad to work on a Board having such an efficient Medical Officer of Health.
Yet he felt he was in an embar rasting position because he was one
of three members of the Board concerned with a private and con- fidential communication touching upon certain attitude of the Board toward the M.0.H. In view
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That I have not always had
of the answers given by the Head the power nor the opportunity to of the Sanitary Liepartment, he was make more practical use of my
[8419
In fact. I have great sympathy for. but very little, sympathy with the place and its people. Commer- cially, its destination is clear, but
not sure that it was quite appro-knowledge for five years is unfortune a civil community-I have a
priate for the Board solemnly to pass the resolution which had been proposed.
ex:
Ife suggested that the Board substitute another resolution pressing its regret that Dr, Fawcett was leaving and placing on record their appreciation of his invaluable work. I that resolution was fram- ed, he would put up both hands in favour of it. He could not support Dr. Koch's resolution, however.
Dr. Fawcett's Explanation.
At the Chairman's invitation,' Dr. Fawcett then rose to address the meeting.
nate, and leads me to one of the sense of unreality and cannot quite reasons for my resignation. In spite understand who or what I'm work.. of the proverb and however skilfuling for... the workman, he cannot produce a bigh standard with poor raaterial and indifferent tools.
Half-Measures,
+
** I have one 'definize regret, which is that my association with this Board has produced so little in pro- gressive resulta. I have striven to give opportunities and material to work on, but so far, beyond much Paper and argument, there seems must and will come, of course. nothing to show. Needed reforms.
"In science, half measures and compromise have no place. It deals with frets, and facts are not always pleasant, nor are their surveyors always popular. Perhaps this ae- counts for my sudden rise to fame on the eve of my 'departure!
"Among many other reasons for my departure, I may not specify those of a departmental character, hat I can mention some personal ones as they affect my daily life it is very difficult in the circum- and career.; For instance, I might originators of great schemes and
"Gentlemen," he said, I feel owe you some explanation. My silence might be misconstrued, bat
that Dr. "Fawcett has done and en- deavour to prevail upon the Govern. atprices to know what and how much nient to retaia kis services. He has ta say. I could any a great deal, ideal Health but am not yet at liberty to de proved himself an Officer with a wide knowledge, not only of ordinary public health matters in general, but what is
80.
First, I must thank you for the appreciation which you have
After n
remind you that, in any case, I am only the acting M.O.H prolonged struggle. I have got my correct title of 2nd M.O.H., and, very shortly, if I were staying even,
"Hong Kong cannot remain for ever the dull and backward child of the Public Health School, but I should have liked to have acen this present Board take the chance to gain the credit from posterity. Too often, this credit goes to those who are not by any means the
reforms."
Chairman's Appreciation.
he was at one with all that had been The Chairman anid that although
I. should no longer be a member id by Dr. Koch and Mr. Braga
greater part of the year and being more important, of tropical health expressed. Whatever else may have of your Board. no longer perhaps. with regard to the excellent ser
in a position to form an opinion of his work I feel it would be a grave mistake tacitly to approve
of the action of the Government in allowing him to terminate, his ser- vices without some effort on their part to retain them.
staff."
the
questions. It takes time for a tenu caused me "to record some unforty- have any personal control of Public to acquaint hirasetf with our local 'nate impressions of this Colony, Health matters. I should return conditions and he has shown n
the sincerity
of and generosity again to that comfortable clerical this appreciation will brighten the good grip of them.
position, which is designated and "He has, moreover, been tactful rather depressing picture that I in filling a difficult position as bewust take away with me. The zeal tween the Board on the one hand, į —I think that has been mentioned the Government, the Medical De -must already have infected others nartment, and the Sanitary De- and, whatever the apathy of the The uanitary problems of this partment and he has been of the peet, this is most hopeful for the Colony are complex and varied. greatest uso in the discussions at future. We are trying to introduce the this Board and given his opinion "elements of sanitation among a and advice without fear. but with
population which has only a rudi- | tact." mentary knowledge of such matters
Mr. Braga Agrees, -in rural and remoté vilinges
The Hon. Mr. J. P. Braga second nature assists the people-but in
ed the resolution. Ho said it was A town like Victoria the overcrowd-
Classes strange coincidence that, with ing among the especially, is so appalling that the out any consultation having taken authorities have to step in and com- place. Dr. Koch's ideas, embodied pel the observance of elementary in his remarks, should have pre- rules of health and hygiene.
vent
poorer
Arbitrary Rules.
.
reded an idea, the speaker had committed to a confidential paper which had been circulated to mem- bers of the Board. Not until read ing the Orders of the Day did be become aware that Dr. Koch would move a resolution to the same effect.
vices rendered by Dr. Fawcett, and although he appreciated to the full his capacity, ability, and experi face, his unbounded knowledge and tireless zeal, he did not think the Board was the proper body to Proference For Being In Control, make the suggested recommenda- tion to the Government as the For a young man starting his Board would practically be criticis doub career this is good enough. Noing another department of the
nfter many years in
Government. chorus ()" BR An under- It is, I always feel, that rather study, I should be given a leading could not support the motion. Even He regretted, therefore, that he self satisfied complacency, so easily part. But by then my life's career if it was worded differently, he. acquired here, which is 50 dau- would be dearly over. Long resid- felt it was not a resolution that the
ence abroad and my advancing Board could adapt or follow. gerous. Personally, I am one of those restless, perhaps unfortunate years would destroy all hope in people, who are never quite satis these rapid. competitive days of a fied. Nothing is so good that is post at Home. It is a question of this little far-away right not be better, and some dis staying on content, even some indignation, is island for all my active years or a good sign. It is the sauce to the of going while the going's good." more stodgy and, tasteless routine
I choose to go. fare of life.,
"If I have contributed nothing else to public health here, I have at least dragged some of its old carpels into the open, beaten them in the wind, and taken an inven- tory, as it were, of its more moth- ecten effects and sorted them out. I have, I hope, set the ball rolling, and it is for others now to keep it going. With some of the rough work begun, and with these facts and data before him, my successor should have a much easier task to
If the Board wished, they could frame a resolution expressing their own and the Colony's appreciation of Dr. Fawcett's servicca.
. Dr. Koch: Is this Board not allowed to criticine ary action of the Government dealing with Public Health matters!
Chairman: Yes, certainly Dr. Koch: But you" made, a re- mark indienting that we must not interfere with the Government's actions.
It is, of course, a grave risk. Brains are not very marketable in these democratic days, but I would rather take to chances of a modest but responsible position in control in my own land than the enervat ing security of a nobody here. I Chairman: I said it was undesir comfortable financially, here in my should, of course, be secure and able for this Board to state opinions to the Government with regard to uppointed groove rising, no doubt, personal appointments, whether my abilities were good or Two members voted for Dr. Koch's bad, in the natural passage of time, resolation and four against. The It is, of course, the penalty of motion was accordingly lost. officialdom that ability, or the lack Mr. Beaga May I ask, Sir, if of it, matters so little. The pon- a report of these proceedings can derous machine keeps strictly to its h sent to the Government? Some Impressions,
rails. That is perhaps necessary The Chairman: The usuni repórt here were that Public Health and much of that.
My impressions when I arrived į but my nature is not suited to too will be forwarded.
I am sure the
Mr. Braga: The minutes of these Preventive Medicine, as the most plodder is of great value but per meetings are only bare statements in modern civilisation, had scarcely less kind, too. The desk of routine sions. I suggest that the newspaper important and fundamental factors haps the world needs the more rest and contain no record of diseus-
been considered. True, there was existence is good for some and the reports, which are generally very began and ended at that. "scavenging," but it practically wider field of netion for others, complete,, be sent to the Govern
One bas to experiment to find one's | ment; true level and I know now, that I am at my best when in control, when, organising and doing things, and we all want to be at our best.
My other personal reasons in clude a feeling of social and in tellectual starvation. I live only half way up the Peak at present, you see?
"Many of these rules are, per- haps, apt to be considered arbitrary and one can understand that either active or accidential evasion, may take place. We have to deal with
In seconding the resolution be- disense not only from a preventive fore the Board, the speaker felt point of view but we have to there could be no two opinions as adopt measures which would preto the value of the services to the endemic disease becoming community of Hong Kong of the epidemic.
Medical Officer of Health whom "The Board has numerous other they were about to lose. matters under its surveillance, not- But, in view of the opinion ex-perform. ably in its relation to other depart pressed by no less an authority menta, when the assistance and tact than Dr. Koch himself, whose wide of the M.OH. is conspicuously re- experience of the Medical and quired. The public health condi- Sanitary needs of the Colony, were tions of this Colony require the known to them all, he hoped that services of at least four Medical suitable representations would he Officers of Health, as I have point-addressed to H.E. the Governor ed out many times, To obtain expressing the earnest hope that these the Colony must experience Dr. Fawcett might be asked to re- the incidence of a serious epidemic consider his decision to leave the apparently. There were four at one Colony. time, appointed on the recom- "If he leaves us;" declared Mr. mendation of the Plague Commis- Braga, the Colony becomes poor sion in the ninetics. There being er by the loss of an officer whose no recrudescence of the epidemic ability zeal, experience and un-irreducible base on which all pros- two of these officers, in a quiet way, stinted energy can ill be spared. seemed to disappear and their I speak from experience because I to ask that its ministers be acknow- places were not filled and the work was associated with the Doctor on was carried on by two-when onela Standing Committee formed by was not on leave..
this Board"
"It has scarcely yet been realised that not only is health n funds. mental essential, to life, but the perity is calculated. Is it too much
ledged and honoured in. some pro- portion to the value of their ser vices ?
The Chairman informed Mr. M. K. Lo that his proposed resolution that the Board place on record their keen appreciation of Dr. Fawcett's valuable services would, by virtue of the Board's Standing Orders,, have to be given in writing together with the asual notice for the next meeting of the Board.