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3.
On January 18th, the Sanitary Board informed the Government that the examination of rats was considered by Professor Simpson to be a most necessary means of localising plague, and that such examination should be undertaken not by the Government Bacteriologist but by three Assistant Surgeons from India, specially trained in bacteriology. The matter was also referred to in paragraphs 4, 11, and 15 of Professor Simpson's Memorandum of January 20th.
4.
The Members of the Executive Council were unanimously in favour of carrying out the wishes of Professor Simpson and the Board, and a telegram was accordingly sent to the Indian Government on the 30th January, asking whether they could spare or recommend three Assistant Surgeons, Anglo-Indians, Eurasians or natives, specially trained in the manner already indicated, for eight months' employment in Hongkong under the Sanitary Board at a salary of $200 a month each and free quarters.
5.
Before a reply was received to this telegram, it was strongly urged by Professor Simpson that besides the three Surgeons already asked for, the Government should if possible obtain the services of five additional Surgeons, also trained in plague work but not necessarily in bacteriology. The increase in the weekly returns of plague cases, and the desirability of checking the advance of the disease by drastic measures while it was yet in its earlier stages, seemed to justify the extra expenditure which the engagement of these Doctors would entail, and after submitting the matter to the Executive Council on the 30th January and obtaining their approval