09
Royal Hospital, and one to French Convent.
In considering the Tung Wa Hospital statistics, it is necessary to bear in mind that a considerable proportion of the patients are brought in moribund, the hospital being largely used simply as a house to die in. This is done partly for superstitious reasons, and partly to avoid the interference with business caused by the rites observed at a Chinese funeral. During the quarter, also, the dead bodies of 69 males and 25 females, 94 in all, were brought to the Hospital mortuary to await burial, and in the case of these an approximate diagnosis of the causes of death for purposes of the Registrar General's returns was made by inspection of the bodies and cross-examination of relatives as to the symptoms and duration of the illnesses preceding death.
I enclose a copy of minutes made in the Visitors' Book by visiting Justices during the past three months, with remarks by myself on one or two points that seemed to require note.
In view of the approaching change in the Directorate of the Hospital, I take this opportunity of expressing my sense of the kindness and courtesy which I have unfailingly experienced in my relations with the present Board of Directors. I have always found them willing to give