978
16.
was a success, but considers that it is necessary to repeat it
at intervals.
It is therefore proposed to have another this
year, and again next year.
Head 21, Prisons Department.
The continued growth in the prison population of the
Colony is reflected in the net increase in "Other Charges" under
this Head. Sufficient has I think been said on this subject on
more than one previous occasion, so that there is no need for me to go into it again to-day. It is not a satisfactory position,
but this Colony must carry outs its international obligations as
regards opium. Another aspect of this policy is shown in the
very much reduced revenue which we expect to get from sales of
Government opium next year. There is no change in the establish-
ment of prisons staff.
Head 22, Medical Department.
In the earlier part of my speech when dealing with
new posts generally I referred to those required for the Disin-
fecting and Fumigating Bureau and the Rat Searcher. In addition
to those there are the following :- On page 56 one Class VIB
Clerk who is required by the continually growing work of Births
and Deaths Registration, and an Office Attendant for the head
office; on page 57 an extra coolie for the Central Medical Store,
and an Assistant Matron for the Government Civil Hospital with a
corresponding reduction of one Nursing Sister. The liatron of the
Civil Hospital occupies a responsible position and needs an
Assistant to help her; the net increase in cost is not large.
One other Nursing Sister is replaced by two Midwives on a
dollar salary; they appear on the next page. On this same page,
58, there is one new post of Probationer Dresser. The work of
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