7. Do you consider her to be professionally qualified to undertake the duties of such an appointment as she now desires?
8. Are you aware of any circumstance tending to disqualify her for such an appointment?
9. The Secretary of State will be glad to receive any information which you may have to give respecting her character or qualifications in addition to what is contained in the answers to the foregoing questions.
Ekale Woodward.
Signature.....
ANSWERS.
7. Yes, certainly, judging from her character, and the testimonials I have seen as long as her nursing capacity.
8. None whatever.
9.
Draft My 22/1.
Communications on this subject should be addressed to-
The Under Secretary of State,
Hong Kong
or
Colonial Office,
London, S.W.,
the following number quoted.
[215-24
23312.
Madam,
in the
Downing Street,
July [?]
[2 June]
Chamberlain
55
1901
I am directed by the Secretary of State for the Colonies to inform you that, subject to your being passed by the medical adviser of this Department as physically fit for service, he proposes to select you for probationary appointment as Nursing Sister in the Medical Depot Hong Kong with salary at the rate of $660 a year, rising by annual increments to $900 a year, uniform, lodging, fuel etc. of $120.
2. Margaret Renwick is very light in attendance, will be provided enthusiastic about nursing, where she has been close to home ties, very eager to go abroad. I think she will make a thoroughly efficient nurse, as she is earnest, capable. She is also very pleasant, amiable, will likely get on well with her fellow workers. I have known her intimately, and can speak well of her character.
The value of the dollar varies from time to time and is at present... They sterling will be unein Exchange Compensation i.c. an allowance to half of your Salary to the value of 3/- the dollar make ups.
You will be required, if appointed, to give security to the extent of about $230 not to abscond.
It is to be understood that your engagement is for not more than three years from the date of your arrival in the Colony; and that, if it is established to the satisfaction of the Governor that you are not qualified for efficient service there, the Governor, subject to the confirmation of the Secretary of State, will have full power to cancel your appointment at any time within the said three years without giving you any further compensation than a passage back to England, which will be granted only if the Governor is satisfied that you have, by your good conduct, deserved it.
Your appointment will cease at the end of the said three years, unless it be expressly continued. If not previously terminated, you will be provided with a command back to England.
You will be under the orders of the P.C.M.O. in Hong Kong, and it is to be understood that you will be required to serve in the interest of the public service, in any occupation, professional qualifications, &c. that may be thought desirable.
Headmistress of Gloucester High School for Girls
Address: College Green, Gloucester
Date: 18/1901
It will be necessary for you to express your acceptance of the conditions stated in the 2nd and 3rd paragraphs of this letter before your probationary appointment can be confirmed.
[Miss M. Renwick]
[TURN OVER]