Sessional_Paper_1896 — Page 688

( 8 )

Mr. WHITEHEAD-We would later on have an opportunity of examining him upon the points raised by the Colonial Surgeon.

Mr. THOMSON-We might not remember all the points.

THE PRESIDENT-I do not think members would allow serious accusations to be brought without giving the Committee an opportunity of answering them.

Mr. WHITEHEAD--If the Colonial Surgeon or any other witness has any charges to make, these can be taken down and inquired into later on.

Mr. THOMSON--It was my opinion that the Colonial Surgeon and the Tung Wa Committee might be present at the same time supposing any accusations were to be

made.

THE PRESIDENT--I think the Tung Wa Directors would rather have an oppor- tunity of reading the evidence than of being present during the inquiry, as suggested.

Mr. WHITEHEAD--I think it would be somewhat irregular for the Commission to approve of such a course being followed as is suggested by Mr. THOMSON.

Mr. THOMSON-I do not see that.

THE PRESIDENT-It is not a question of accusations being brought against the Hospital at all. We are appointed to inquire if the Hospital is fulfilling the objects for which it was called into existence.

Mr. WHITEHEAD-Is there a doubt that it is not fulfilling these objects fully?

Dr. Ho KAI-We have to inquire and see.

THE PRESIDENT-And if it is not fulfilling its object we have to make certain recommendations; and I think everybody concerned, whatever his views may be, should have an opportunity of giving expression to them.

It was agreed to adjourn sine die, the President undertaking to see that all the papers and documents to which he had referred should be printed and circulated amongst the members prior to the next meeting.

Meeting held on Friday, 6th March, 1896.

Present:-Honourable J. H. STEWART LOCKHART, Colonial Secretary (President).

Honourable A. M. THOMSON, Acting Colonial Treasurer.

Honourable C. P. CHATER.

Honourable Dr. Ho KAI.

Honourable T. H. WHITEHEAD.

Dr. J. M. ATKINSON, Acting Colonial Surgeon.

THE PRESIDENT-The Commission appointed to enquire into the Tung Wa Hospital has asked you to attend to-day in order to have the benefit of your opinion regarding the institution. You are Acting Colonial Surgeon ?—Yes.

How long have you been acting ?--Since the last week of April, 1895. Since then I have regularly inspected the Tung Wa Hospital. I have made a daily inspection except occasionally when another medical officer has attended. From time to time I have sent in my reports thereon to the Government.

These reports refer generally to the transfer of patients from the Tung Wa Hospital to the Government Civil Hospital, to the discharge of patients from the Tung Wa Hospital, and to the refusal to admit patients into the Tung Wa Hospital?—Yes; generally speaking.