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domestic matters, and that the Committee recommend the Government to further support the existing Institutions so that they may extend their labours". Mr. Noronha did not subscribe to the above opinion but placed the following on record:-
"I am also of the opinion that the existing institutions, especially the two Convents, should receive further support from the Government, but I still maintain that a League would be able to do much useful work in Hongkong.
"The rate of infant mortality in the Colony is abnormally high, and the field is large enough for several institutions doing similar work.
"The league would not work in opposition to the existing institutions but in conjunction with them. One of its objects would be to overcome Chinese pre- -judices and enlist their sympathy, and there need be no interference with domestic matters.
"No valid argument has been advanced against the formation of the league and I do not therefore agree with the views of the majority that such a step is in- -advisable".
The existing Institutions" to which the Committee referred are the French and Italian Convents, the Government midwives under the Supervision of a lady Doctor, the Maternity Hospitals and the Chinese Public Dispensaries.
4.
I caused the Committee to be thanked for the work it had done, and at the same time I appointed a smaller Committee consisting of the Principal Civil Medical Officer, Secretary for Chinese Affairs, Mr. E. J. Noronha,
Mrs. Hickling, the Honourable Mr. Ho Fook and Mr. Chan Kai-
-ming to advise the Government from time to time as to how
the existing organisations for arresting infant mortality
may
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