Enclosure No. 1 to Governor's Despatch No. 359 of the 11th September, 1901.
From Dr. Ball to the Colonial Secretary C. O. 36043 TREE? REC 14 OCT OF 439
This is of course impossible in Hongkong itself except as far as the Peak is concerned, this place being practically a European Reservation. As to Kowloon it is also, I believe, out of the question now to reserve any part specially for Europeans but where possible Chinese dwelling houses should be interdicted in close proximity to European ones though I am not quite clear how this is to be done. In the New Territory it should be possible to erect most of the Government Buildings in accordance with the rules contained in this paragraph. If the rule now laid down, that all sites and plans for Government Buildings must first be approved of by the Principal Civil Medical Officer and Medical Officer of Health, is carried out I think Government Buildings in this Colony will in future be much healthier.
a. part of his office quarters.
b. This does not apply here as no official sleeps in all having distinct and separate dwelling houses or
c. I am not quite clear what rooms are meant exactly what means would be the best. I am afraid the rule is better in theory than it will be in practice.
d. This is already pretty generally done in this Colony save in individual cases where people cannot sleep under them. The Police in the New Territory are all now supplied.
e. This could easily be done and would tend to the diffusion of elementary knowledge on this important subject. A short resume in Chinese might be placed on the notice boards at the various Police Stations though I doubt their paying much attention to it.
f. Already done here under Dr. Thomson.
g. Any proof of this which comes to our notice will be at once communicated to the Governor.
h. This could be done. For this Colony the wire gauze must be of brass or copper as iron will rust too quickly. Very little use will be made of this method except perhaps in Police Stations as the cost will be very great. All houses here have or should have verandahs which are specially made use of in the summer evenings and to shut in so much space with brass netting and teak or other hard wood frame (soft wood is useless as it shrinks rapidly and a mosquito does not require much room to slip through) would add enormously to the cost of building houses.
i. This is unnecessary here as they can be acquired cheaply here and most new arrivals are early recommended to secure them for their