Dr Lowson-Yes, I do. In Canton I asked the director of the hospital where he buried his bodies and he said a few had been taken away, but that he had bought a piece of ground outside the city for burying these cases alone. If the disease goes much further here a piece of ground ought certainly to be set aside for burying the bodies if it can be done. That would keep you on the safe side. Then as regards a house-to-house visitation, that is absolutely necessary, but the worst of it is we have no doctors to go round and see really who is suffering, but I think the Inspectors might go round, and I am sure Dr Ayres and myself will be only too glad to go when reports are made and see if the people are suffering and have them removed if they are.
Dr Ho Kai-And not only to see who is sick, but to see as to cleanliness and sanitation.
Dr Lowson-Yes, they will all have to be turned out while that is going on.
The Colonial Surgeon-We must see that houses that are not infected are kept in good order.
Mr Francis-Would you make any provision for the distribution of medicine, or must the cases be removed at once?
Dr Lowson-They must be removed at once. I don't think it is any use distributing medicines to healthy persons as you would in an epidemic of cholera.
Mr Francis-Then as to providing accommodation and medical aid?
Dr Lowson-I think we can look after that on the Hygeia.
Mr Francis-And as to disinfection.
Dr Ho Kai-We cannot go round and disinfect the whole of the houses,
Dr Lowson-You must do as many as you can.
The President-We will give you the assistance of district watchmen as far as we can.
Mr Francis-Is it necessary to provide additional accommodation to the Hygeia?
Dr Lowson-I think we could speedily erect a matshed if the accommodation on the Hygeia is not sufficient, but if our measures are carried out promptly it would have a great effect in stopping the disease.
Mr Francis-Then we ought to be prepared with such accommodation if necessary.
Dr Ho Kai-I think we ought to have a place ashore, because many people will object to go to the Hygeia.
Dr Lowson-I have spoken about that in my report. If you (Dr Ho Kai) and some of the leading Chinese will go and see the Hygeia and if the Chinese are satisfied that the patients will have their own attendants, I think people would not object to go there. As long as they get fresh sea-air the patients will be in the best position to get better.
Dr Ho Kai-I am satisfied that the cases in the Tung Wah must be removed, but what about cases occurring in private families?
Dr Lowson-Isolation must be applied; if they saw the Hygeia I believe they would go there.
The President-If a private house were large enough to allow of isolation?
Dr Lowson-But they must be removed from the infected district.
After some conversation as to the most favourable site for a temporary hospital on shore,
Mr Francis asked if it would be necessary to destroy the clothing.
Dr Lowson-It might be disinfected.
Mr Francis-Do you believe, Dr Lowson, that the disease is endemic? Do you believe it arises from causes in the Colony or that cases have been brought from Canton?
Dr Lowson-It is extremely difficult to give a definite opinion; but I should say it is endemic, arising from conditions of poverty and dirt, and the want of rain to wash the filth away.
Mr Francis-Do you think that steps ought to be taken for the examination of all junks and boats arriving here for the prevention of the disease?
Dr Lowson-That is a very big order. Personally I have always said that steamers bringing a large number of coolies ought to be examined.
Mr Francis-Do you think it is advisable or necessary for the prevention or checking of the disease?
Dr Lowson-I do not, because the disease is with us. People are not allowed to leave Canton now. There is an order prohibiting coolies from leaving.
Mr Francis-Presuming that it could be carried out, do you think it advisable to examine junks with a view to the removal of cases?
Dr Lowson-I think that the junk inspector might be asked to have a careful look on board these boats and be most careful to get statistics about sick or healthy persons. About the river steamers, I think it would be advisable to have someone waiting on their arrival. A man could spot them at once. It is advisable.
Mr Francis-It would only require a small force to detect such cases.
Dr Lowson-I think the Health Officer could spot them.
Mr Francis-Can you say that the colony is threatened by any formidable epidemic, endemic, or contagious disease?
Dr Lowson-If proper measures are not taken you may have a large number of cases. If proper measures are taken it will probably be stamped out in no time.
Mr Francis-Then the colony is threatened?
Dr Lowson-Yes, it is threatened.
Mr Francis-Then I beg to move that the Government be addressed with a view to the issue of a proclamation under Section 31 of the Health Ordinance.
Mr Humphreys seconded. Agreed.
The President-I would now suggest that a small Committee, consisting of Mr Francis, Dr Ho Kai, and the Captain Superintendent of Police, be appointed to draft the new by-laws. It is very important that they should be drafted at once.
The Captain Superintendent of Police and Mr Francis agreed to draw up by-laws which had already been drafted by the Acting Secretary (Mr E. A. Ram).
The Chairman-I may say that anticipating this action of the Board a meeting of the Executive Council has been convened for this evening at 6 o'clock, so that the proclamation may be issued to-day. The only other thing to do now is to thank Dr Lowson for the very valuable information he has given us.
This concluded the discussion.
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