1939-11-17 — Page 9

11

HONGKONG DAILY PRESS

DIRECTOR OF

Continued from Page 6

DR SELWYN-CLARKE

V

REPLIES

The

Hon. Dr. P. S. Clarke said:-

I am grateful to Your Excel- Jency for giving me an opportunity of replying to some of the points the Honourable. Mr. Pearce has Just raised in his speech.

GENERAL

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, · 1939. -PAGE 9

MEDICAL SERVICES REPLIES TO MR. PEARCE'S POINTS

NOT LIKE MANNA

R

:

Hongkong is of little or no strategie importance and, in fact, might well prove to be an embarrasament,

This is

1

very important

I can hardly believe that the If we assume that the populather reasons for the unsavoury tial organisation of Defence, Civil Empire, is “a rather limited and B is, to be hoped that the Gơy- Honourable Member who criticised | tion at mid-year 1940 will not vary condition of some of the streets Administration and Social Ser- loose one, and that her responsibi-ernment will not hard to make

Pipvision has been vices. the size of the Medical Budget to any appreciable extent from and lanes.

lities therefore are correspondingly further demands. No que l'kes to realy considers that hospital ae- that for the current year, then the made in the Colony's budget for I venture to maintain that the limited and loose. 1 do hot bo- pay income tax, but I am certain commodation should be curtailed per capita expenditure for next the constructions in 1940-41 of a level of income tax in a country leve that view can be a proper the opposition is not due to per« so that a large number of patients year will be in the neighbourhood proportion of the "Dublic latrines provides evidence of the sense of view because it has no foundation sonal grounds. have to be refused admission or of $1.88 per annum-one cent less deemed to he: necessary,

responsibl ity which the com- of truth.

I hope Honourable Members will In addition, a subcommittee of munity has acquired in the carry- It has also been stated that not misunderstand my attitude in Selwyn-nursed on the floor, or even more per head than in ISO,

As regards increase in the stad the Urban Council appointed by out of its fundamental obliga- Hongkong is of considerable strate- speaking on than two to a bed.

this subject. The Nor can I bring myself to credit of the Medical Department in direction of Your Excellency is tions.

reached have been gle Importance to the Empire, and conclusions. That, in fact, a relatively high that it is only right the Honourable Member with the 1938 there were 58 doctors and 277 now considering the possibility of desire that the quantity of food-nurses. The figures in the 1940-41 Introducing a

and proper perhaps a little too hasty and bé- more up-to-date rate of income tax indicates that a that Great Britain should provide fore the Government proposal is costing about 25 cents a day-giren budget show 19 doctors and 355 system than exists at the moment country has accepted and intends for its protection.

fully known. I hope there will be. to the wrecks of humanity treated nurses. This increase may appear of dealing with night-soll as ad- to honour its international pledges; }

an opportunity to reconsider the in our hospitals should be reduced. big at first sight, That is not the vocated by the Health Authorities. that a high level of incorruptible The Honourable Member has re-

question. case frity, because the original Honourable. Members, can, I feel and efficient 'administration has ferred to "the rapid growth of the

It scarcely seems possible that cadre was inadequate four years sure, rely upon the Chairman and been achieved and that the Gov- Medical Department." He has a

the Honourable Member. would be jago: and. secondly, because, Vice-Chalman of the Urbanernment has recogn'sed its duty to considerable advantage over me

prepared to advise" a reduc-whereas the population has prac- Council assisted by the Members Provide for the young, the old, the in having spent so many years of

tlon In the Vote for (and tically doubled in the intervening of that Council to bring about the sick and for those in want. his life in this Colony. I. how therefore in the quantity of) anti-period, the increase in doctors is much needed improvement in the

PART FULFILLED over, by the use of the adjective septics for wounds, anaesthetics approximate 3/5th and in nurses cennlines of the thoroughfares of "rapid" it is intended to suggest for operations, tetanus and diph-considerably less than

Up to the present. Hongkong has. a third. Hongkong. At the same time, any failed a part of the com- "recent" growth. I submit that theria anti-taxin to save the lives This relatively small increase of reorganisation of the service res plex duties of a modern state. this hardly gives a true picture of of sufferers from these diseases, staff has had to cope with over a ponsible for supervising street

The Instrument of income tax, the position for reasons which I

quinine" for majorial patients, thousand additional hospital beds ceanliness is in process of being will give later,

smallpox, cholera and typhold as well as with new clinics and dis- carried out vaccine for use in prophylaxis? pensaries. And yet beds and bedding Bearing in mind the mass of and food and drugs and vaccines poverty-stricken and suffering do not drop ke MANILA from persons in Hongkong does the heaven.

Honourable Member really advo- Concurrently with and to some cate a smaller number of doctors extent arising out of the impos- and nurses? sibility of admitting all those to COLONY HAS GROWN

In his speech on Thursday last, my Honourable .. and learned friend Sir Henry Pol- jack referred to tha Over- crowding and dangerous Re- commodation in the Kwong Wah Hospital. These are facts which cannot be denied.

15

Lo also characterised the conges

51

TECHNICAL COMMITTEE

On the subject of squatters. settlements, Honourable. Mem- bers of this Council may be sure that the matter has been given the very closest atten- tion by Government for some time past.

וי

as now proposed by Government is

Hongkong is defended and will continue to be defended largely on the responsibility of Great Britain because it is a British Colony, and I think it is well for the people who in- habit this Colony to realise that this is being done for their interest and security.

measure. If income tax is not accepted it will certainly not add to the reputation of Hong- kong."

COL SECRETARY'S SPEECH

The Hon, the Colonial Secretary said:

•

brought forward as a measure to

Sir-This debate has been so meet the increased cost of the ad-

The MiNtary Contribution re-

predominantly a debate on Income ditional services necessary to give presents but a small percentage of Tax that there remains little for effect to the determination" of the the cost to Great Britain of the me to say on the so-called ordinary British Commonwealth to main defence of this Colony, and I doubt budget which is the subject at the tain freedom, law and order among whether it is realised that the resolution standing in my name. I nations.

amount paid in the form of the am grateful to unofficial members I believe that there are not a Military Contribution is more than for the assistance which they have Many of these squatters are re-tew present in this Council today refunded by the amounts spent by rendered in Committee since the My Honourable friend Mr. M. R. [hospital in need of such care, the i I am aware that it is believed in fugees. Many others were, hither-who look forward to the time when the Service Departments here,

Council meeting of October 17 and staffs of out-patient departments some quarters that the present to good lawabiding citizens until it will be possible to use income!

for their unanimous agreement tion in the Chinese hospitals as and dispensaries are compelled to population is likely to

diminish high rents and

depressed wages tax not only for Defence, but also

FINANCIAL SACRIFICES

with the Government's proposals, a standing disgrace, and he stress- work for long hours: insufficient very considerably pace peaceful made it difficult for them to live for the development of the social If this war is not prolonged, we as modified by that Committee, ed the need for a hospital for time is available for adequate in-conditions obtain in China. There in ordinary tenement buildings.

services, and, in this Colony edu-obviously have much to be thank-which are now presented. children and for tuberculous vestigation, diagnosis and treat-are, however, many present in DANGER APPRECIATED cation, which are so urgently in ful for. If it is a long war, the EDUCATION IMPROVEMENT patients.

ment of patients, many of whom Council today, who, I think, would That danger attends the exis-need of increased finance.

financial side will be nearly as It might be of interest to note have to endure long walts before not deny the fact that Hongkong tence of these squatters both to

The points which Mr. Ll Tse- The argument that income tax important as the military side, tong has raised on the subject of that on the opening day of this being medically examed. Those has grown, as it were, by leaps themselves and to the general is unsuited to the particular set and heavy financial as well as education will be carefully con- debate the Tung Wah Hospital who might be restored to health and bounds, and that many of public from the lack of sanitary of conditions prevailing in Hong-human, stcrifices will be required. sidered by the Director of Educa- had 870 in-patents of whom only are exposed to the danger of be- those who have sought asylum from conveniences, water supplies, and kang calls to mind the opposition I think It is wrong if we are tion and Mr. I'will no doubt pur- 189 had a bed to themselves. The coming chronic invalids-or of disturbed conditions in China at from outbreaks of fire, is well, ap- encountered last year to two not to consider a long war, maternity beds were all occupied dying prematurely.

and sue them further in the Board of intervals during the past 20 years preciated by Government, The Health measures, which were in Hongkong is as much concerned Education of which be is a mem and the 'demand on them is so

The death-rate for the first nine or as have, in fact, remained as present policy it to try to persuade troduced to protect this Colony. I with the financial aspect for the ber. great that it is customary for months of 1939 was nearly 34-permanent residents.

those who are retukees without refer to the declaration of Canton period of the war. It appears to mothers to spend only four days considerably over three times that I trust that enough has been means of support to return to their as an infected port owing to an me to be wrong to "use the term In hospital at child-birth.

for England and Wales in 1938. said in this inadequate survey of own country, ' Such persons are outbreak of ams/lpox and to the "War Gift" in connection with Part of the increase in the the position to convince my Hon-given a free passage and an ex introduction of compulsory vaccina-Hongkong's financial responsibility. Realising the urgent need to Medical Budget now under con- ourable friend Mr. Pearce that gratia grant by Government to this tion here in the spring of 1939.

sideration relates Improve both hospital

additional there is no real justification for end. Squatters who are. Hong- There were 'many who shook discuss whether three, or five, or modation and the conditions pre- staff which it is desired to appoint his alarm at the very moderate kong-born citizens or who are an- their heads and prophecled that ten

millions should be given. valling in the Chinese hospitals to meet the heavy demand for increase in the Medical Budget. willing to be repatriated are being the first measure would jeopardise Hongkong may be required to pay here, Your Excellency appointed a medical services. Be it noted that His, alarm was not. I am most provided for in two ways:— | the prosperity of this Colony and Technical Hospital Committee last it is intended to recruit Chinese thankful to say. shared by the

(1) Firstly, women and children that the mtrusions on home pri- no one can forecast the amount.. year over which I had the honour and other local graduates for this other unofficial members when amongst them are given the oppor-vacy incidental to universal vac- to preside. With the concurrence purpose point mentioned by my they considered the provision in tunity, of accepting food, heter cination against smallpox would. The question in dispute is the ganization of the said Board, any

the Honourable Mr. Select Committee.

method by which to raise of the Chinese Directors of the fend,

the suggestions which it may choose medical care" and welfare services be bitterly resented so that the Tung Wah Hospitals. Your Ex-d'Almada in his speech last week.

As the Honourable Mr. Lo point-Your Excellency's wish that the extent of the accommodation

I do not think that it would be the Government camps up to measure would be impracticable.

money in connexion with the war. to submit on these questions will cellency also appointed at the end

It seems to me that the machinery be sympathetically considered. ENTIRELY SUCCESSFUL of the year an Executive Commit-ed out in his speech a week ago. should take up the time of this

now set up must be capable of The same member again raises measures were en trely tee for these hospitals. Both the the loss of life in infants under Council by commenting upon the

extension.

the question of providing Air Raid (2) Secondly, plans are in pre, successful as proved by the lessen- Benior Chinese Member of this one year of age is nearly seven phrase "formidable highly-padd

A year ago the Government set Precautions Shelters for the gen- Council (Honourable M, T. Nimes higher in Hongkong than staff which occurred in my Hon-paration for establishing one camping and, for many months, the

on the Island second on the complete disappearance of the up an Income Tax Committee eral population. On this subject Chau) and the Honourable Mr. M. in the United Kingdom.

ourable friend's speech. The ques- K; Loare particularly valued

tion of salaries is one affecting outskirts of New Kowloon and two virulent strain of amalpox which which was composed of members I made a full statement at the

a heavy of the

best ability and standing meeting of this Council on June members of this Committee. Both Malnutrition is no doubt an im the Service as a whole and it would the frontier between Lokma had previously exacted

and Takuling, to wheb toll of human life. Trade was not in the Colony and who were more 29, 1939, and there is, I fear, noth- would, I feel süre, agree that, al-portant factor in this sad wastage, be difficult to produce evidence. though the conditions in the Chi-and unsatisfactory environment and that the staff of the Medical De- squatters unwing to return to adversely affected and members than able to express an opinion on ng that I can usefully add to that

China can be sent. They will be of the general population were the subject. nese hospitals still leave a very amorance of mother-craft coming partment was. in fact, "formid- great deal to be desired, the pro- next in importance.

able" in the face of its respon-rovided with a water supply and most helpful and co-operative in In the Medical Budget, provi-sibilities or that the salaries were vices, but they will have to pro-munity.

simple medical and sanitary ser- securing a well-vaccinated com-

I was under the impression that question of increasing the number gress made during the first eleven months of the work of this Com-stan is made for a few thousand "high"

the Committee recommended that of locally recruited officers in the 1 would urge that argumenta. mittee has fully justified its ap-dolars to increase by one the Knowing the Honourable M. vide thier own but accommodation

During the period in Lumber of Chinese lady doctors Pearce's humanitarian outlook, In proper alignment, adequate atsimilar in content, were brought income tax was the best form of Government service. question Government has assisted and by a small handful the num- think that I should not be faritention being paid to fire-breaks, forward when income tax was fTSL) peace-time needs. I stand to cor- of economy is still the considered I can only repeat that this form

pointment.

accom-

MALNUTRITION

4

h

tions which I have taken the

to

Government

available.

chap

ventilation, drainage, etc.

DEFENCE PURPOSES

Both

A

introduced into the United King-

It seems to me that we should not

to the limit of its resources and

14

THE BEST FORM

taxation to meet the Government's

I would only say that the newly established Teachers Training College and the re- vised code of subsidies for vernacular schools indicate that, although much still re- mains to be done when funds permit, the improvement of vernacular education has not been unduly neglected.

As to the constitation and or-

statement.

·

GOVERNMENT SERVICE

Mr. D'Almada has revived the

The Chinese Sanitary Inspectors, sacrifices, of financial which no the disputes. On Gov. for example, are gradually allow ernment proposing to introduce ng reductions to be made in the European staff, and I understand Income tax, there is heavy, or that the experiment of recruiting ganised opposition, which I const Chinese for senior posts in the der to be a very surprising situa-Police is working satisfactorily. A

scrutiny of past and present estimates will show how far this policy has advanced in the Medi- cal Department.

4.

Income tax is universally ad- mitted to be the only fair form of raising revenue. In Hong- kong, where a large section of

TWO QUESTIONS the population is very poor, it

Mr. Dodwell has raised two ques- is clear that the limit in In-

tions which are not entirely within direct taxation has been reach-

the competence of this Govern- ed and cannot be extended

ment. The disciplinary control much further.

over Government servants and On the other hand, there is here particularly the steps necessary to a section of people who enjoy a dismiss officers in case of incom- very high standard of living and petence are common to are very prosperous. It will seem Colonies; and the same la true of SPEECH

that any other form of taxation the system on which stores are the Crown w other than income tax is not purchased through Excellency the General likely to be distributed equally and Agents. Officer Commanding, Major-Gen- fairly,

Mr. Dodwell and Mr. Prázce eral A. E. Grasett said.

déplore the growing contiiness of the machinery, of Govern- · ment, but several members suggest an expansion in vari- ous directions of the social services which it undertakes,

all

with a grant-in-ald of $400,000 to ber of Chinese nurses and health wrong in assuming that he would the Tung Wah Hospitals.

If Your Excellency would allow dom and, indeed, in relation to rection if I am wrong, but in any policy of the Government when, visitors to extend the welfare ser- be prepared to answer the ques me the privilege and you, sir, and many forms of social legislation.

case there was then a strong feel ever it, can be shown that the The Report of the Technical vices.

I am "confident that Hong-

inf in favour of income tax

duties of a post can be performed Hospital Committee has just been I can hardly believe that the liberty of putting to him with an the Honourable rembers of Coun

kong, which has met so many

The situation now is that a war by such infiltration without loss published and will, no doubt, re Honourable, Member really thinks emphatic negative. Yet it is these c1l would bear with me for a few

upheavals and so successfully moments konger, I should like to

has arisen, and with it heavy de-

of efficiency. ceive the sympathetic considera- that the al too few clinics for very services that account for so

adjusted itself to changed con-

mands tion of this Government. The mothers and babies should be cur- much of the expenditure of the a few words on the question

ditions, will accept this new Honourable Member can rest as- talled.

Medical Department which it is of income tax which occupied the

form of taxation In that sured that there is unlikely to be It is scarcely necessary for me our duty to develop for the well- more prominent position in the

courageous spirit wmen it ama any extravagance in this conne to remind. Honourable Members of being of the community for whom speech of the Honourable Member. If we review the very low

often shewn in the past. the burden of suffering and loss of we are responsible, xon.

standard of living in the Colony,

It has been my privilege to work' The Technical Hospital Com-ife which occurs from preventible STREET CLEANSING

the increase in mood prices, the for the past eighteen months in tion. mittee concluded that the dearth epidemics in Hongkong.

All are Turning

the Honourable of hospital beds in Hongkong familar with the outbreaks of Member's second point, namely widespread malnutrition, the high close contact with several of the amounted to at least 5,000, taking cholera, sa ipox and cerebro-spin- that relating to street cleansing, rents, the tragic overcrowing the Chinese members of this Council. the population at the very low a meningitis which have amicted I hasten to assure him that. the high infant mortality and death-During that time, it has been my figure of 14 millions, The Com- the Colony in the past few years Health Authorities share his views rates, we must agree that the invadiable experience that they mittee was satisfed that this lack aggravated by the very overcrowd- on the subject wholeheartedly, poorer sections of the community have always been wiling to set results in many sufferers, included condition of the town and the As the result of representations cannot have any further burden aside their own interests and the interests of a class. for the sake of ing cases of infectious disease, re-flowered standard of living follow which were made by the Medical placed upon them.

the community whom they serve maining in crowded tenements, ing upon the refugee influx.

Department to

as a whole, To combat these conditions staff and thereby producing a vicious circle

Hence, I have no which received at Least Money has to be raised, how-doubt as to the ultimate outcome since they act as sources of intec-and material are, of course, essen-in part, the support of the Urban sver. for Defence purposes, bath

of their deliberations in support of tion to others- leaving aside af- t'al and cost money.

Counci more refuse lorries in relation to the special needs of this measure. together the humanitarian aspect. Would the Honourable Member have been purchased and put into Hongkong and the war against

In point of fact, Government advocate the reduction in the commission and about 200 addi-aggression in Europe in which this MAJ.-GEN. GRASETT'S "has already taken steps to initiate meagre staff of Health Officers tional labourers have been taken Colony is so intimately concerned.

My friend the Honourable work on site formation for a new responsible for preventing disease? on. infectious diseases hospital and. Is it the view of the Honour- Like Oliver, the Department Mr. Caine has so ably and. in possibly, a new general hospital at

would like to see more transport my view, rightly maintained the Kowloon Medical Centre.

and more scavengers available for that income tax is the mori With Your Excellency's en-

this necessary work,. It has some equitable form of raising re couragement and support efforts

hope that the Honourable Direc-

vegbe, Rates and "Import have been made to increase" the

tor of Public Works, may find 11 duties have always been found

my views on the rather compli- alternatives to income tax. There available accommodation on very Now, if we take 1936 as a normal possitre to allow a certain amount to bear most how ay on those' cated question of income tax be- have been suggestions as lotteries, simple lines. For example, the year in so far as concerns medical of water to be used for washing sections of the community

cause it is one I do not pretend tax on enema tickets and so on, fonner prison át Lai Chi Kok now expenditure, since this perkod pre-¡ down the streets and pavements least able to sustain them

none of them, I to have any detailed knowledge, provides beds for 500 patients, the ceded the outbreak of hostilities, in some of the more insanitary

Looking at the problem from the since I returned from the North Members will accept as reasonable. huts at Kennedy Town Hospital we find that the approved expen-parts of the urban area."

point of view of a doctor and not I have been reading the speeches Mr. Dodwell may have to spend contain: 45 beds, and the matshedsditure was $1,851,778.

In fairness to the Honourable from that of a business man, my of the Honourable Members deli- £30 more or petrol and Mr. Pearce it the Kwong Wah Hospital men-

Director of Public Works, it must conception of income tax follows vered a week ago, and it occurred way have a wine bill of £100, but. loned by 'Bir Henry Pollock house The mid-year population in 1938 be admitted that he is faced with these lines:

to me that the wider issues of this these are of no interest to them, as soon as we have time to think of anything except the war, it will bo. cump beds placed side by side was 985,345. The per capita ex-a very heavy and responsible task Government endeavours to work question had perhaps bean ignor They are only of great importance be necessary to come to some -1 ́practically continuous rows. penditure thus amounted to $1.87 to provide enough water for at out as farly as possible, the ed.

to those with an income of. 883, agreed policy on the balancing of These additions make little im- per annum-a little over 270 least 1 million people.

minimum sum necessary for the What are the facts? The facts £500 a year.

such claims, including of course ression on the main hospital The Medical Budget for 194071941 A part of the nuisances encoun adequate feeding, clothing and are that the British Empire is en- Fears have been freely express the propriety of the direct finan- Dyblem, and many of the sick now submitted to this Council for tered in the streets are the result housing of an individual.

war of the greatest ed on the consequences of the cing of certain services, as Mr. M. Dir with should be admitted have approval makes provision for the of the careless habits of large It then examines the financia gaged in a tobe turned away, unless room sum of $3,835,700 for the period of numbers of refugees who have responsibilities of that individual magnitude, the result of which no nancial stability of the Colony K. Lo suggests, which are at pre- one can predict. Hongkong is as were income tax to be imposed. I sent undertaken by the various cd be made for them by discharg- 15 months. This is the equivalent come to Hongkong for safety from whether or not he has a wife, & much concerned, in this war as have no knowledge to dispute charitable organizations with o inpatients not yet sufficiently re- of $2,909,568 for a period of 12 vlages in the war areas where it child or children and mng or more cored from their finesses, but in months. On a conservative basis, is customary to depaalt wastes of dependent parents and relatives any other part of the Empire, and these tacts, but it seems to me that without subsidies from the public lesdire need.”:”

the mid-year population for 1939 all kinds in the alleys and open and piskes allowances according if things go wrong Hongkong will the risks must be taken and that funds

PRINCIPAL ASSETS GRA 11s sometimes forgotten by amounted to 1 millions. I use the spaces adjoining their houses.

ly. Only when the total for these be the first to suffer. I think the possible consequences must be

I hardly, think that a

“pront and tho more used to western con-word "conservative" advisedly, be-

commitments (and, I assume, in Hongkong is fortunate at this mo- accepted in certain circumstances.

RELATIVELY SMALL TAX loss account such as MF. M. K. Lo cepins of medical care of the cause expert statisticians have Shortage of public latrines and this Colony, for education) has ment that the war is so far from ziekpoor that thousands upon expressed the view that the popu- as yet, an inadequately organised been ascertained does the Gorem its shores M

The tax proposed by the Govern- has attempted on the effect on ment so far is a relatively small the Colony of China's recent thounds of the poorer Chinese lation calculated at June, 1939, was system of collection and disposal ment ask for a contribution from live grossly congested dwellings then within ten per centum of the of night-soll from houses lacking the balance towards the mainten I have heard it mentioned that one, and the burden will fall on troubles is entirely justifiable. quitangutted to home nursing. two milion, mark

a water-carriage system are furance or extension of the essen- Hongkong's membership of the those well capable of bearing it.

able Member that there should

· be less accommodation for dangerous infectious Diness,-* on for victims of the-tuber-

·culosis scourge?

POPULATION-

PUBLIO LATRINES, A

I had not intended to take up the time of this Council by giving

NO TRUTH

NO REASONABLE ALTERNATIVES

I have not heard any reasonable

but

am sure,

and particularly an acceptance of certain of the liabilities which are now the concern of charitable organizations.

It can hardly be doubted that

Continued on Page 18