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1. Mr. Chamberlain's circular despatch of 28th May, 1903, is a summary

of steps which have already been taken, and suggestions as regards the future in connection with the investigation of Malaria and the training of medical officers in the treatment and prevention of tropical diseases.

2. It is extremely interesting, as is also the report by the investigators, Drs. Stephens and Christophers.

3. The cost of these investigations has in the past been mainly borne by the Crown Colonies chiefly interested, and to which are sent the medical officers trained at the Schools of Tropical Medicine in England, one of which is in London, the other at Liverpool.

4. The Australian States are now invited to contribute towards further investi- gations of Malaria and other tropical diseases.

5. It appears that South Australia has agreed to contribute on a population basis.

6. The question now for the consideration of Ministers is whether the Govern- ment of this State, in view of the fact that a considerable portion of it is of a tropical nature will likewise contribute.

7. I may mention that an endeavour has been made to establish a School of Tropical Medicine in Australia, particulars of which are contained on another file.

8. Personally I would recommend and prefer that this endeavour should be proceeded with, as any contribution to the proposed further investigation will not increase the knowledge of the medical men in this or any other Australian State be- yond what they can obtain by reports through the medical press.

9.

What is really required in order that practical knowledge may be disseminated among medical men is practical work in a properly fitted laboratory under proper tuition.

10. I have endeavoured to obtain from Dr. Ramsay Smith of Adelaide, some information as to why the South Australian Government had agreed to contribute to the further investigation suggested, but have not received any definite information.

11. A laboratory for the investigation of tropical disease has already been established at Kualor Lumpor in the Federated Malay States, the Government of which has provided the necessary funds for a Director and two Assistants, and arrange- ment has been made by which the Medical Superintendent and Tutor of the London School and the Director of the laboratory at Kualor Lumpor are to replace each other at certain periods.

12. If by the establishment of a proper laboratory in Australia at a centre to be agreed upon and a contribution to be agreed upon a similar arrangement could be brought about, the medical men, and through them the people of the Commonwealth, should greatly benefit.

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Enclosure 4 in No. 181.

November 28, 1904.

HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR,

In reply to Your Excellency's minute of the 21st instant, I have the honour to state that this Government is not prepared to follow the example of South Australia in regard to the investigation and training of medical Officers in the treatment and prevention of tropical diseases,

It will be observed from the report of the Principal Medical Officer that, in his opinion "any contribution to the proposed further investigation will not increase the knowledge of the medical men in this or any other Australian State beyond what they can obtain by reports through the medical press."

The establishment of a School of Tropical Medicine for Australia has already been a subject of correspondence between this and the other Australian States, and although communications have not yet led to a definite result, it is not proposed to allow the matter to end. There is, undoubtedly, a strong necessity for such an institution, and I am hopeful that in the early future the views which have already been expressed on this subject by Western Australia will result in that proposal being adopted.

H. DAGLISH.

November 8, 1904.

THOS. H. LOVEGROVE,

Principal Medical Officer.

Enclosure 3 in No. 181.

THE HONOURABLE THE PREMIER,

Government House, Perth, November 21, 1904. BEFORE sending the minute of the Principal Medical Officer on to the Secretary of State I venture to suggest that the main question, viz,, whether this State will fol low the example of South Australia or not, is left unanswered.

No doubt, aa Dr. Lovegrove remarks, a School of Tropical Medicine for Australia would be more useful in Australia, but, as I understand from his minute, it has not taken a practical shape yet; and in the meantime it seems a matter for consideration whether some help should not be given to a school which, though perhaps not so perfect as one on the spot, may yet be the means of disseminating valuable information on diseases which are common in the tropical portion of this State.

F. G. D. B.,

Governor.

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