( 43 )
Dr. CANTLIE.—Yes, they do. They pay $250 or $50 a year. One or two came in free at the start, but the greater number paid the whole sum at once. No man is taken in now unless he pays. I think ten students have entered during the last three years.
Dr. Lowson.-I have information to an opposite effect. I do not think the educa- tion they get is sufficient. The way to begin is to give free scholarships-give big prizes to some of the men in Victoria College.
Dr. CANTLIE.-We have done that; and we have Belilios Scholarships as well.
Mr. THURBURN.-If these men do not get a proper training they are not fit to undertake the control of these dispensaries.
Dr. CANTLIE-Are these dispensaries likely to be of any use or not, in your opinion?
Dr. Lowson. I would say it is a gross waste of money to establish them. I would not say they will be of absolutely no use; they are bound to fill somebody's pockets. Until I get more satisfactory proof I can only say most of these men are of no use as dispensers.
THE PRESIDENT.-In the event of a recurrence of plague what medical arrange- ments should be made for the removal of patients from the Colony?
Dr. Lowson.--I do not know the meaning of that question.
THE PRESIDENT.-How are they to be moved? By Government supervision? or are the Chinese to be allowed to take them away out of the Colony?
Dr. Lowson. This brings up the Laichikok question. Removals to Canton could be made at any time, but removals to places at a short distance from the Colony should be prohibited. There is only one proper way about it. If the patients are going to be removed from this Colony they have got to be removed a certain distance from it.
THE PRESIDENT.-Is Laichikok a safe distance
away?
Dr. Lowson.No.
THE PRESIDENT.-How far away would you consider safe distance?
Dr. Lowson. Twenty miles.
THE PRESIDENT.-Absolutely away from English waters altogether?
Dr. Lowson.-Yes.
THE PRESIDENT.-Is there enough accommodation for patients in case of an epidemic?
Dr. Lowson. As we do not expect epidemics, I think we have quite enough accommodation. If, in the event of a recurrence of the plague, patients are to be moved to Canton, I would be quite content with the Kennedytown Station and matsheds (which could be quickly constructed) along the foreshore. All arrangements for a recrudescence of plague are satisfactory (as far as they can be said to be satisfactory after my previous evidence) in the medical department, if we are only let alone.
·
THE PRESIDENT.-Are matsheds sufficient, even in wet weather.
Dr. Lowson.-Yes; they are very good.
Dr. CANTLIE.-So that, if in the event of a recurrence of the plague, you have no objection to the dead and the living being removed, under European supervision ?
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.