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2.
Governor dated 26th November, 1898, No.91/6, which stated as follows:-
"I have to enclose a license as provided for under the original lease removing the restrictions imposed by such lease".
This is a most important document as it entirely removed the restriction as regards treating Smallpox on this site. Subsequently My Lords desired to purchase an additional area adjoining that already leased, and the fact that it was to be used for the purposes of an Infectious Hospital is mentioned in Colonial Office letter dated 7th October, 1899, No.25795/99.
5. In approving the plans for the Infectious Hospital it was deliberately decided after the fullest consideration, and in accordance with the advice of experienced Senior Medical Officers of the Navy, who are well acquainted with Hong Kong, that under all the circumstances of the case Smallpox could quite safely be treated there. In such cases a good deal must depend on the contour of the ground, and this was fully considered.
5. An argument which weighed strongly with My Lords was the fact that they had received very strong reports against the system of treating such cases on the hulk "Midge", a system they are now asked to revert to.
7. In one of the enclosures of your letter under reply attention is invited to "a recent order issued by the Local Government Board at home concerning the establishment of smallpox hospital".
8. I am to attach a printed copy of the "order" referred to which My Lords have had before them ever since it was issued. It will be seen that it is a memorandum of advice to local Authorities, and it contains certain conditions