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*We consider that the scheme referred to is practicable to this extent, viz.- that the young women, whom it is proposed to train, should be trained on the understanding that they can qualify as Nurses only and can never attain to the rank of "Sisters" to whom they will and must always remain subordinate. We are of opinion that they cannot be trained locally with a view to ultimately taking the place of the European Sisters, and that even if they could be it would be obviously undesirable on the grounds of their nationality and origin to accord them such equality. Subject to the above limitations, we are prepared to recommend the scheme as a tentative measure and on the grounds of economy.
We understand that in the future two of the Sisters will be away on leave at the same time, and it is anticipated that, with the assistance of the young women whom it is proposed to train, the remainder of the Nursing Staff will be able to carry on the work satisfactorily and that the necessity of obtaining an extra Sister from home to enable members of the Nursing Staff to take leave when it falls due will thus be obviated.
We are also prepared to recommend the Scheme on independent grounds in the hope that, if it succeeds, the want of an outside Nursing Staff, which would be available for private cases, would be gradually supplied. Whether or not the training of these young women will ultimately enable the Government to reduce the Staff of European Sisters we are unable at present to say. It is possible however that if they prove to be capable Nurses, the duties of the Sisters may gradually become of a lighter and more supervisory nature, and in that event their number might eventually be reduced to what is necessary