CO129-304 - Governor Sir Blake - 1901 [1-4] — Page 170

167

*

propagation. The Hongkong returns do not prove it to be

a dirt disease, Before the outbreak of last year's

epidemic the number of rats was reported to be compara-

tively mall. But it is a curious fact that before the

epidemic of 1894, and 'again in the early part of last

year there was noted a considerable amount of Rinderpest,

and it is just possible that there may be found to be a

connexion between the two diseases.

6.

There is a considerable amount of

Leprosy in the New Territory. I visited the wretched

settlement of Lepers on my last visit and went through

their miserable shanties put together by themselves of

the materials of old packing cases &c. I have directed

the Director of Public Works to prepare an estimate for

the erection of suitable mall houses for them. With

proper accommodation their lot will be as bearable as it ever can be, for they do not want for food, the Chinese being very charitable, and regular arrangements being made by the villagers to support the Lepers. A Chinese gentleman in Hongkong having assured me that to his personal knowledge a case of well developed Leprosy had been cured by rmedies supplied by a Chinese

"doctor"

I arranged with him that a case should be treated in the

4

Tung Wa Hospital, under the supervision of Dr. Thomson.

The Leper having presented himself has been examined by

two Medical men who have certified that he is suffering

from