IT is with regret that I have to report that Dr. _____ in the Service of this Government has been nearly a year on the sick list. He also suffers from the disadvantage of having only one eye. He is otherwise an able man devoted to his work, for whom I have a high regard. In the interests of his health and indeed of his life, he should, however, remain in a temperate and healthy climate.
3. I am of opinion that the Officer selected to fill this post should be a fully qualified Medical man, on a salary of £480 rising to £720 by increments of £40 without house allowance, which is the present rate for Medical Officers in this Colony.
4. I enclose an extract from a minute by Dr. J. Bell, Acting Principal Civil Medical Officer, in which he recommends Dr. H. Macfarlane for the appointment, and I would suggest that Your Lordship should ask the opinion of Dr. J. M. Atkinson, Principal Civil Medical Officer, who is at present on leave in England. If he considers Dr. Macfarlane a suitable man for the post, I should be glad to recommend him on the same emoluments as he at present receives.
5. Dr. Macfarlane is at present on leave in England, and if he is offered and accepts the appointment, he will not be due to return to his duties till the