Sessional_Paper_1895 — Page 616

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Mr. CROW.-No; but what they are more likely to sell would be sandalwood oil and the oil of peppermint. For diarrhoea we would have chalk and opium mixtures ready made.

Dr. CANTLIE.-The only things they are likely to sell are remedies for venereal diseases?

Mr. CROW.-Yes; and quinine. If they had a patient who was suffering from diarrhoea and they decided to give him a chalk and opium mixture, I take it they would not write out a prescription but would merely give the patient two tablespoonfuls. The dispensing would be all arranged beforehand. It is not really a matter of prescription at all.

Mr. MCCONACHIE.-The object of establishing these dispensaries is to spread a knowledge of Western medicines. Do you think the scheine is worth a trial?

Mr. CROW.-Yes. As a start I would recommed four or five dispensaries. Mr. MCCONACHIE.-Where would you put them? Do you think it is necessary to have them in the town where there is the Civil Hospital and the Alice Memorial Hospital?

Mr. CROW. I think you might make a start at Yaumati. I would recommend the trial of one. I could superintend that one without any extra staff. I or my

I or my assist- ant could visit the place once a week. I think once a week would be sufficient.

THE PRESIDENT.-Did you at one time act as Secretary to the Sanitary Board?

Mr. CROW.-Yes; from October, 1887, to March, 1889. The Secretary was away at the time on sick leave. I was Acting Superintendent as well, precisely the same as Mr. MCCALLUM now. At first I was appointed Acting Sanitary Inspector under the old Ordinance of 1883, the first Sanitary Board Ordinance, and then in May, 1888, under the new Public Health Ordinance, 24 of 1887, I was appointed Acting Sanitary Superintendent and Secretary. Mr. PRICE was Chairman, and then my old chief.

Mr. THURBURN.-Have Mr. MCCALLUM's duties increased.

Mr. Crow.-Very considerably, I think more particularly as regards the Secretary's work.

Mr. THURBURN.-And not the out work?

Mr. CROW.-Not to the same extent, I think. He is paid as Superintendent of the Board, the Secretaryship is an honorary post.

Dr. CANTLIE.-There was an epidemic of small-pox while you were in charge; did you have any difficulty with it?

Mr. CROW.-Yes, we had an epidemic, but we did not have much difficulty. It was said to be a very severe one considering the population. I had no assistance or any extra doctors or inspectors. I found it necessary to ask for a small supplementary vote-$500-at the end for disinfectants. I do not remember the exact number of

The mortality was about 600. Every place reported was disinfected.

cases.

THE PRESIDENT-How were the patients accommodated?

Mr. CROW. In the garden at the back of the Civil Hospital. The observation ward was, at least; but it was soon filled up, and we had to erect two matsheds imme- diately behind the staff's quarters. All the cases were treated there.

Dr. CANTLIE.--Was there not some other place available at the time?

Mr. CROW.-No. There were many other places recommended as soon as we got over the difficulty. Mr. PRICE was still Chairman of the Board. A recommendation was drawn up and transmitted to the Government that for the purposes of an epidemic