78
Extracts from the South China Morning Post of 24th Sept.1929.
DEBATE ON THE ESTIMATES.
UNOFFICIALS PERSIST IN
IN OPPOSITION TO VOTES REGARDED AS UNNECESSARY.
DIVISION FORCED ON ROAD ITEM.
GOVERNMENT TO BUILD NEW CIVIL
HOSPITAL AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
PLEA FOR NAVAL VOLUNTEER SCHEME
Unofficials finally
the number of Harbour Depart- ment launches, the Government un- dertook to submit the matter to the newly constituted Harbour Board,
by the Board's decision. and the Unofficials agreed to abide
Despite the full replies of the Government hinted at Unofficial cedence. The Government spokesmen to their inconsistency, they having previ- secured the reduction of the votes criticisms of the Estimates for ously passed a vote for the same to cover new machinery only. 1930, the Unofficial members yes- were content with placing their un-jections to the proposed increase in purpose. Finally, the Unofficials In reply to the Unofficials' ob-
terday refused to pass
certain animous opposition on record. votes which they regarded as un- Strong objection was taken to the necessary. Particularly uncompro- votes to extend and improve the mising was the opposition to the printing shop at the Gaol. The commencement of the road encircl-the need for a new Gaol, so much Unofficials urged that in view of ing the New Territories, which, money should not be sunk in the Of the Official speeches a not- the Government contended, would old. They also showed that the able one was that of the Director open up hill sites for Kowloon re- plan was uneconomical. The Gov- of Medical and Sanitary Services, sidence. The Unofficials forced a lernment replied that the new gaol who outlined a plan for anti- division, and were defeated.
would not be built for another ten malaria and other Health work and On the subject of the Naval years.
The new Government Civil said he had recommended the Volunteer Reserve another divi- Hospital, which will be constructed establishment of an advisory Health sion was demanded, although the as soon as possible, must take pre- 'Board.
UNOFFICIALS TWITTED FOR INCONSISTENCIES.
The Hon. Director of Medical and Sanitary Services said:
Sir,-With reference to the observations made by the Honour- able Unofficial Members in con- nexion with the Budget I have the honour to reply in so far as the Medical and Sanitary questions are concerned:
a new
The Government Civil Hospital.
The shortcomings of the Government Civil Hospital and the need for
Institution have not been overlooked, but pressure of other urgent matters has prevented my examining in detail all the many important factors which have a bearing on the subject and which must be considered before a final decision can be made. The P.W.D. and the Medical Department are working in close co-operation and there is every reason to believe that final recommendations will shortly be submitted.
With regard to the Medical Staff at the Government Civil Hospital there are now two Resident Medical Officers, one European and one Chinese. In addition there is one Chinese Medical Officer who is not resident.
The Mental Hospital. With regard to the Mental Hos- pital this Institution is intended primarily as a place for temporary detention and observation and not as a permanent abode for the insane. Arrangements have bcen made with the Government of Canton for the reception and treat- ment of mental patients of Chinese nationality. European patients are sent to Europe at the earliest opportunity.
Chinese Probationer Nurses. 27 Chinese Probationer Nurses are now undergoing training at the Government Civil Hospital. A Nursing Sister who has knowledge I of the Chinese language
and
experience in teaching Chinese nurses is at present in England undergoing a special course in order that she may fill the post of Tutor Sister. Provision has been made to add three more to the establishment in 1930. It is proposed to further increase the number training when the Tutor Sister has returned and when house accommodation is available.
nurses
a
Travelling Dispensaries. Travelling Dispensaries in the Federated Malay States fulfil very useful purpose and it is probable that one would be of value in the New Territory. This proposal will be considered by Government in connexion with the 1931 estimates.
Venereal Clinics.
A Venereal Clinic has been in existence at the Government Civil Hospital for more than a year. Experience has shown that Venereal Clinics serve their pur-