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there is no suspicious case on board. In their turn they are subsequently boarded by the Port Health Officer (why I have never quite understood) and an Official report obtained. Vessels are inspected under the Immigration Ordinance and Bills of Health signed as usual, no attention being paid to river traffic or traffic by launches and junks. As soon as a place is declared "infected" all vessels without distinction proceed to the quarantine anchorage and remain there until inspected. This last is what gives rise to loss and irritation and for reasons I have already stated I am and always have been against it. If it is enforced I certainly think some distinction should be made in the case of vessels carrying qualified Surgeons or carrying no coolies.
The "infected" ports have increased so much since my time that I think there is too much work for one man as at present, and I think an extra Port Health Officer should be added to be solely under Government. He would be under the present Port Health Officer and assist him in his work, leaving the present Port Health Officer with his private practice and partial Government work. This would be much less expensive and would meet all objections. He would have in Dr. Jordan an experienced man to consult with in doubtful cases and at the same time an experienced Officer in Official matters. When Dr. Jordan returned from leave we would then have 3 Officers to do the work which should prevent all delay. I think one launch would be sufficient.
System No. 3.
That "quarantine of inspection" should be abolished in toto as being useless and impossible to carry out under our local conditions and all vessels of every kind be allowed to enter without restrictions save only when there has been a death on board (the cause of which is not apparent) or there is a case of illness of a dubious nature and in cases of "infected ports" any death or illness unless certified to by a Medical man. Then only the vessel should proceed to the quarantine anchorage and be dealt with in the usual way. The Port Health Officer would still inspect under the Immigration Act and sign Bills of Health.
Under this system the present arrangement would be quite and amply sufficient and the least expensive and is the one I advocate. I need scarcely say under this system the Captains would take all responsibility for evading the Law and a few heavy fines would stop any tendency to do so.
July 22nd., 1901.
(sd.) J. Ball. P.C.M.D. (Actg.)