CO129-269 - Governor Sir Robinson & Public Offices - 1895 [12] — Page 225

Cind

develope.

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Paragraph 5 is answered by the Society of Apothe-

caries. Of course unless second quality medicines were asked

for they would not have been justified in supplying them.

The reply of the Society of Apothecaries to para-

graph G shews the difficulty of instituting comparisons as

to price. Prices constantly vary, a revised list being

published each month, and comparisons must be synchronous

or they are worthless. This continual variation also forms

a serious difficulty in establishing a standing contract.

Drugs stand on a footing different from that of

any other article of supply. They cannot in practice be

effectively inspected either prior to shipment or on arrival,

and the consequences of an inferior consignment may at times

be very serious. We are therefore of opinion, after care-

fully considering the circumstances, that the interests of

all concerned are best guarded by continuing to deal as

heretofore with the Society of Apothecaries, which has

never receded from the highest standard of quality in its

supplies. At the same time we are indebted to the Govern-

ment of Hong Kong for its valuable suggestions.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your Obedient Servant

Mulawern

4.