121
J.
An unsuitable man who could not be got rid of would be an intolerable nuisance and a drag instead of a help to the institution.
I can readily understand how difficult it must be for the Director of the Institute to attend to important original work, and, at the same time, to carry on current examinations and questions that must be almost daily submitted to him.
I think that, so far as possible, in order to free the Director for the more difficult and more important work of investigation of local diseases, these examinations and questions should be dealt with by the permanent Assistant, the Director himself being only troubled with the matter in case of doubt.
The other arrangements proposed seem to me excellent, but I rather regret that the important subject of beri-beri has been relegated to the back-ground.
In my opinion, there is no better sphere for fruitful work than this disease in Kwala Lumpor.
Dr. Hamilton Wright's reports are interesting, but, so far, by no means conclusive or convincing.
I consider that the gaols and public institutions of Kwala Lumpor lend themselves to crucial experiment on the important subject of the causation of this disease, and that the medical staff of the State has shown itself able and eager to make good use of the opportunity.
I think that a plan of experimental investigation carefully thought out and conscientiously carried through would succeed in revealing the mystery of the causation of beri-beri, and indicate the best method for its prevention.
Possibly a conference amongst the medical officers, with a view of elaborating such a scheme, would be attended with good results.
in the present state of its finances, where the means are to come from for a contri- bution.
5. At a recent meeting of the Legislative Council of this Colony, I submitted for its consideration the question of a contribution by this Government, when it was resolved that, while it did not see its way in the present financial position of the Colony to grant assistance in the direction indicated, it was agreed that the matter should again be considered with the Estimates for 1904-5 when, if the general con- ditions permitted, the Council would be prepared to make a grant.
I have, &c.,
42073
No. 114.
GRENADA.
GEO. MELVILLE,
Acting-Governor.
ACTING-GOVERNOR SIR G. MELVILLE to MR. CHAMBERLAIN.
(No. 165.)
(Received November 19, 1903.)
[Answered by No. 122.]
St. Lucia, October 28, 1903.
FORWARDED with reference to your circular despatch of the 28th August*
[ May]. Please see also my despatch, No. 164, of this date.†
42072
I am, &c.,
PATRICK MANSON.
GEO. MELVILLE,
Acting-Governor.
Enclosure in No. 114.
(Grenada. No. 16.)
622
}
No. 113.
WINDWARD ISLANDS.
ACTING-GOVERNOR SIR G. MELVILLE to MR. CHAMBERLAIN.
(Received November 19, 1903.) [Answered by No. 122.]
St. Lucia, October 28, 1903.
(No. 164.) SIR,
I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your interesting circular despatch of the 28th May last, in which you summarise the steps which you have taken, and the results which have followed in connection with the investigation of Malaria and in the training of Medical Officers who will be selected for service in Colonies, where they have to deal with the treatment and prevention of tropical
diseases.
2. This despatch has been widely circulated throughout this Colony, and has been perused with much interest by members of the several Executive and Legis- lative Councils, and by the Medical Officers, who have all expressed their apprecia- tion of the prospective benefits which will be derived from this scheme for the alleviation of diseases, which not only affect the general welfare of the Colonies where such tropical diseases exist, but also the health of the residents in those parts of the Empire, and of the officers of the Navy and Army and Colonial Service who have to visit and reside in them for a time.
3. I have the honour to forward separately a despatch† which I have received from the Administrator of Grenada on this subject, the Government of which re- commends that a sum of £50 per annum be placed on the Estimates for five years commencing from the next financial year, with the object of assisting in the forma- tion of the contemplated fund for the prosecution of the proposals so fully explained in your circular despatch under acknowledgment.
4. The Government of St. Vincent, while fully realising the benefits which will be enjoyed by the community generally in that Island, regret that it does not see,
• [Cd. 1598], June, 1903.
† No. 114.
SIR,
Government Office, August 12, 1903. I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of the Secretary of State's circular despatch of 28th May last, and to state that this Government has read with interest and satisfaction of the valuable progress which is being made, with the co-operation of the Secretary of State, in the investigation of tropical diseases.
2. The Government of Grenada is most anxious to assist, according to its means, in the establishment of the contemplated fund for the, further prosecution of this important work, and, with the advice of the Executive Council, I recommend that the sum of £50 per annum be placed on the Colonial.Estimates for five years, commencing from next financial year, with this object.
3. May I point out that no mention seems to be made in the circular despatch of the donation from Grenada in January, 1900, of £150, to the London Tropical School of Medicine; see the Secretary of State's despatch, No. 23, of 6th March, 1900.‡
I have, &c.,
EDWARD DRAYTON,
Administrator.
&c.,
His Honour the Administrator of The Windward Islands,
&c.,
&c., Saint Lucia.
40505
SIR,
No. 115.
FEDERATED MALAY STATES.
COLONIAL OFFICE to Sm F. SWETTENHAM.
[Answered by No. 118.]
· Downing Street, November 23, 1903.
WITH reference to your despatch to Mr. Chamberlain, No. 501, of the 16th
of September, § a copy of which is enclosed. I am directed by Mr. Secretary Lyttelton
· [Cd. 1598].
9:05
↑ No. 113.
‡ 5367 : not printed.
$ No. 105.
PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE
Reference :-
TLLIC.O.885
7
ALLY WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE BE REPRODUCED PHOTOGRÁPHIC- COPYRIGHT PHOTOGRAPH-NOT TO
PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON