doubtful whether Houghing would peremptorily sanction any large expenditure.
It is best that Mr Chamberlain will not come to a decision until he learns definitely the nature of the work which Sir H Blake proposes to be done and the sum which he wonders may properly be devoted to such an undertaking.
J.Jng 15/4
Sir,
21 Queen Anne Street, Cavendish Square,
12th April, 1901.
503 129.3
Mi Duncan now looks after the vaccine institution. If he retires we shall be able to readjust the duties. In writing to Sir H. Blake, say that in any case the expense must wait for next year's Estimates.
In reply to your letter, No 9257/1901, in reference to a bacteriologist for Hongkong and enclosing copy of a despatch from Sir Henry A. Blake to Mr Secretary Chamberlain, I beg to state that before answering it I made a point of seeing Dr Atkinson, P. C. M. O. of Hongkong who is at present in England and of acquainting myself with his views on the subject the Governor's despatch deals with.
No doubt the investigation of the causes of the diseases endemic and epidemic in Hongkong is highly desirable but I would point out that such investigations are exceedingly difficult and are not likely to be successful or to lead to practical results unless conducted by some man possessing special aptitude, training and experience.
A good bacteriologist is procurable easily enough and for a moderate salary, but I question if the type of man Sir Henry Blake has in view could be
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