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Mr. CROW.--I do not think so.
I am not aware that there is an analytical chemist at the Hongkong Dispensary. There used to be one, Mr. Cox, but he is dead. My duties as Government Analyst are supposed to be confined to matters coming within the scope of Government Departments.
Dr. CANTLIE.-Do you know of any means by which that could be corrected— simply by allowing the Analyst private practice?
Mr. CROW.-Under existing arrangements, no. I think if separated from the Hospital pharmacy there would be opportunities for conducting proper analyses, and the Analyst would have an opportunity of making a living.
Dr. CANTLIE.-Are Mr. BROWNE and your two Chinese assistants sufficient for dispensers ?
Mr. CROW.-Yes. The Chinese can be relied upon. Mr. BROWNE and I go on duty at the Hospital on alternate nights. If the Chinese go on duty at night they want extra recreation next day. They are competent to take our place as dispensers in the event of our being out at the same time.
THE PRESIDENT.--Is there any Ordinance preventing the sale of adulterated food in the Colony?
Mr. CROW.There is an Ordinance under some of the provisions of which people are not permitted to sell adulterated food; but there is no Food Adulteration Act, proper.
Mr. THURBURN.--I'occasionally see reports of prosecutions for selling diseased meat.
Mr. CROW.-Yes; that comes under Mr. LADDS' department. What I mean is that there is a general section in an Ordinance under which convictions might be obtained for selling adulterated butter or milk, &c. If any man wanted to prosecute he could go to the Magistracy and lodge a charge, and a summons would be served upon the party charged, and then I might be called upon to make analysis of the article under suspicion. If the Government Analyst were allowed to do general work he would be a more valuable man to the Government. If allowed private work his knowledge would expand. The general run of work we have to do is petroleum, water, milk, and poisoning cases.
Dr. CANTLIE.-Would there be much private work?
Mr. CROW. I do not know. People have made application to me and I have had to tell them I could not undertake the work.
THE PRESIDENT.--If allowed to take private practice, would you take a smaller salary?
Mr. CROW.-Yes; but I should not like my pension to be affected. I have served twelve years in Hongkong. But I would be perfectly willing to give up my quarters, if I got free from the Hospital pharmacy. I have three rooms at present but when the new laboratory is fitted up I shall have to give up one room.
Dr. CANTLIE. You would want an allowance for living outside?
Mr. CROW. If I found that the private practice did not pay.
THE PRESIDENT.--Do you think the pharmacy work is enough for one man?
Mr. Crow.-I do. I think it is absolutely necessary to have European in charge of the Hospital pharmacy. He is assisted by two Chinese.
THE PRESIDENT.-If you were relieved of the pharmacy work and the whole of the duties devolved upon Mr. BROWNE and the two Chinese, how would any of them be replaced in the event of their leaving?
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