I beg to point out that the proposed change in the status of Medical Officers of Health, from the medical department, to which I was appointed by the Right Honourable the Marquis of Ripon, Secretary of State for the Colonies, in 1895, would deprive me of the privilege of acting as Principal Civil Medical Officer (to which is attached the very high honour of a seat on the Executive Council of Government) during the absences on leave of the Hon. Dr. Atkinson, and would moreover destroy any prospects I may have of ultimately succeeding to that office.
In 1905-1906 I had the honour to act as Principal Civil Medical Officer for a period of eighteen months, and I believe that I performed the administrative duties of that office to the satisfaction of His Excellency Sir Matthew Nathan, then Governor of the Colony, while the accompanying testimonial certifies as to my ability to adequately perform its professional duties.
I believe that Dr. Atkinson wishes to proceed on leave on my return to Hongkong, and may I therefore be permitted to ask that His Excellency the Governor may be put in possession of the facts contained in this letter and testimonial, before the question of altering the status of the medical officers of health in Hongkong is finally decided.
I may add that I am 44 years of age and have been engaged in professional work as a registered medical practitioner for the past 22 years.
I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your most obedient Servant,
Francis Clark
Medical Officer of Health,
Hongkong.
The Under Secretary of State,
Colonial Office.