together, as I think they ought to be considered together, or possibly be entirely combined.
Among smaller points raised are
- 1. Cost of drugs. On this see Sir M Ommanney's minute which I enclose.
The Governor, you will see, promises to report further. When & Ayres gives more information, we should proceed. But there has been a good long interval now and I think, without waiting for that report, Mr. Ayres should be asked specifically, as Sir M Ommanney suggests, and in the terms of his minute, for specimens of over high prices. Mr. Atkinson tells me that the Government Analyst has often commented on the high price paid for drugs by the Government.
I would propose at the same time to enquire about the disinfectants supplied and used locally, in accordance with Mr. Blake's minute on the subject, which is being circulated on GR1178/1922/32(III).
It is suggested that all Civil Servants be allowed to obtain their drugs from the Civil Hospital at cost price, to which might be added a slight extra charge to cover any expenses which the supply of drugs might entail.
The above words are quoted from the Governor's dispatch, and he goes on to recommend that Mr. Atkinson should be consulted on this suggestion. This I have done. Mr. Atkinson concurs, adding that drugs are very dear in Hong Kong.
He goes on, however, to point out that if this privilege be granted, we shall require a Clerk to keep the necessary accounts, etc. I should be inclined, in spite of this, to allow the privilege. It may be added that at Hong Kong the subordinate government servants are attended free by the Colonial Surgeon without charge.
3. The addition to the salary of the Steward at the hospital can be approved.
4. The Colonial Veterinary Surgeon should certainly receive an addition to his pay in recognition of his work at the Vaccine Institute. The decision has
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