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could be derived from the system of training probationers in
the Government Hospitals.
B.
I discussed the matter with the Principal Civil Medical Officer and the Superintendent of the Government Civil Hospital. The latter - Dr. J. Bell - was very doubtful as to the expediency of training any probationers here at all". Dr. Atkinson did not hold that opinion and considered "that there is ample material in the Hospitals attached to the Medical Department to train probationers so that they should be able to take responsible ward duty after a 3 years course under the supervision of the Sisters". I am myself in favour of continuing the training of the probationers partly because I believe that under new conditions they might be made of value to the Government and eventually save further increase in the establishment of Nursing Sisters and even admit of a reduction of those Sisters and partly because I look upon it as important to provide useful employment for the increasing numbers of girls of European descent domiciled at Hongkong and being trained at the various Girls Schools, (Belilios, Diocesan, Kowloon British, French Convent and Italian Convent) of the Colony.
9.
The present probationers are engaged on the agreement and are bound by the rules of which copies are annexed. They receive pay at the rate of $480 to $600 per annum by 6 annual increments and light and fuel allowance of $84 per annum. They enter into no engagement to serve in the Government Hospitals if required beyond the probationary term of three years and on the other hand receive no assurance that if found suitable they will be so employed.
10.