}
545
14.
It was anticipated that Mr. Pollock would
move for a Commission of Enquiry into the administration of the Medical Department on the occasion of the Second Reading of the Supply Bill yesterday; or perhaps for the appointment of an un-official permanent Committee to advise the Govern- -ment on, or assist it in, the management of the hospital, He took neither of these courses owing, as I am informed, to the lack of more than one supporter (the member nominated by the Chamber of Commerce) among the Un-official Members. He, however, mentioned in his speech on the Bill that he would at a later date move for a Commission, I took the opportunity
to suggest to him and to other Un-official Members that
before asking for a Commission they would do well to get into
touch with the Honorary Visiting Physician and Honorary
Visiting Surgeon of the Hospital and with two ladies at least
in the Colony who have had experience of hospital nursing in
other Colonies. I referred to Mrs. Churchill, wife of the
First Assistant Director of Public Works, who was formerly
matron of a large Government Hospital at Colombo and Miss
Crowe, who was recently employed in a very large Goverment
Hospital in British Guiana. I had an interview after the
Council with Mr. Pollock, with whom my reletions have always
been quite friendly, and I gave him permission to visit the hospital and see with his om eyes the conditions there and to examine the books of the Storekeeper and Accountant, which he asked my leave to do. I warned him at the same time of the desirability of referring also to the Principal Civil Medical Officer and the persons alluded to above. At the same time I intimated to him that I could not accept a resolution for a Commission and that the idea of a Committee was impracticable since the Institution was under the supervision and general
control of the Government.
I have the honour to be, sir,
Your most obedient, humble servent,
Governor, &c..
P.S.