2.
I agree with Dr Murray many of the reasons advanced by him in favor of being allowed to engage in private practice. Under the existing arrangement, the Colonial Surgeon's professional abilities would necessarily deteriorate, because his practice is almost entirely confined to two or three classes of diseases; and he is further consigned to professional inaction for the greater portion of every day, his time being far from fully occupied by duties.
3. On the other hand, the privilege of private practice is liable to abuse; and the salary of the office was raised to £800 almost solely in consideration of the restriction imposed.
4. I would recommend, then, that the salary of the Colonial Surgeon be reduced to £500 per annum, and that he be allowed private practice so long only as the Governor is of opinion that such a permission is not detrimental to the public Service. It being clearly understood that the Governor has the power of reverting to the present arrangement.
For John Bowring, 11057 of 13 June, 1859.