Colonial Chaplain to Acting Colonial Secretary.
Sir,
Hongkong, 18th November, 1881.
I reply to your 11362, of the 11th ulto., I beg to submit for His Excellency's consideration the following brief observations.
The question, so far as it is one of expediency, and such it would appear to be from the above-mentioned letter), will necessarily involve others, such as that of consideration for the spirit and oversight of Victoria Gaol and the Government Hospital, and the convenient provision of a place for religious services for the Military stationed in the Colony.
With respect to the Government Hospital, I have ever been about to suggest to His Excellency the setting apart of a small room being set apart for public worship, in any extension of the building.
At present there is no room available for such a purpose, as is the case in public hospitals at home; and the patients have from time to time complained to me of the want of the privilege of public worship.
Whether it would be desirable in future to discontinue all Annual Allowances for Ecclesiastical purposes is a serious question, which I should hesitate to reply to, except generally and to this extent, that I myself see reason for such a charge.
The proposal to withdraw support for Ecclesiastical purposes, which has been once given for sufficient...