Noor Labouchure
This question was raised in Sir J. Bowring's despatch of 26th March as I remarked at the time it seems to me to deserve careful consideration. I remark that the return to the system formerly established is urged not merely by Sir J. Bowring but by Sir George Mercer, a man who this plays independent & generally sound judgment.
Considering the rising importance of maintaining a good system of sanitary regulations, I am inclined to think that this proposal to appoint a Civilian with a salary of not less than £800 a year & a seat in the Council is worth entertaining provided that a good candidate can be had. On that point, I suggest that it is perhaps more probable that such a candidate may be discovered through the men who are lecturers or examiners and are brought into contact with the young men of ability in the large schools of London or Edinburgh, rather than through the official channels who are sometimes consulted - such as the Director-General of the Army Medical Department.
If you are disposed to adopt the proposed change, I think Sir J. Bowring may be so informed - but note that you do not think it right to remove Mr. Dempster against whom no complaint has been made merely in order to adopt and introduce a new arrangement. So long therefore as you are content to retain him at his present salary, you think it would be undesirable to make any change.
M 23 Sept.
Very well
MM. 25. J.
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