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in favour of it, but it is probable the initial cost of erecting the necessary apparatus may cause them to alter their opinion, although I do not think it will. Be that as it may, it should be insisted on. The storage for twenty-four hours of infectel excretal matters and their subsequent removal through the streets cannot be done without danger to the community."

36. We also think it would be an improvement if the wards were warmed, as sug- gested by the same witness, by placing a stove in the middle of the ward instead of having. as at present, a small fire-place at the end of each ward.

37. Provision should be made on the upper floors for slop sinks, to the absence of which the Medical Officer of Health (Dr. CLARK) has called attention.

38. In order to prevent overcrowding we recommend that a board be suspended in each ward and room stating the number of persons each ward and room is allowed to contain without infringing the law,

39. As to bedding we think coverlets or quilted hedding should be abandoned for blankets as recommended by Dr. AYRES and Surgeon-Colonel EVATT. The latter witness informed the Commission that coverlets were formerly used in India, but that blankets have now taken their place. It is almost impossible to keep coverlets clean whereas blankets can be washed from time to time. Care should also be taken to have the mats on which patients sleep renewed when necessary. With respect to the clothing of patients definite rules should be laid down that it, as well as the bedding, should be changed once or twice a week. We are also of opinion that it should be made a rule of the Hospital that every patient on admission should, when possible, have a bath before being supplied with a clean suit of hospital clothing.

40. With regard to the removal of patients to the Civil Hospital who are not willing to go of their own accord, we strongly deprecate resort to anything in the shape of com- pulsion. At the same time the following suggestion of Dr. AYRES, if acted upon with tact, may lead to good results:—

"I would also suggest that the Visiting Surgeon should daily report on the

"surgical cases admitted which he considers stand a fair chance of recovery

''

or relief, if removed to a European hospital, that if possible they may "be removed for treatment to the Government Civil Hospital or Alice "Memorial Hospital if arrangements could be made with that institution. "As the attendance there is almost wholly Chinese, they might have less "objection to removal."

H. At present there is in existence a list of infectious diseases drawn up by the Sani- tary Board and embodied in Bye-laws approved by the Legislative Council on the 25th November, 1895. Persons suffering from these diseases are taken to the hospital for infectious diseases to prevent the danger of the spread of infection. Dr. ATKINSON and Dr. AYRES have recommended that certain diseases which do not now appear on that list should be included. We consider this is a matter deserving careful consideration and recommend that the list should be reviser.

42. Dr. ATKINSox has called our attention to the fact that patients are discharged from the Tung Wa Hospital before being thoroughly cured. In the case of infections diseases discharge before cure would evidently be a danger to the health of the public. But if the list of infectious diseases is so revised as to include the diseases which Dr. ATKINSON has especially enumerated, there is not much likelihood of the danger referred to occurring. If a person is not suffering from an infectious disease and desires to leave hospital, we do not see under what authority he can be detained.

48. Misunderstandings have arisen occasionally regarding cases which the Tung Wa Committee has refused to admit into hospital. On enquiry the Committee almost

Appeara P. ZAXX.

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