Sessional_Paper_1896 — Page 699

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Meeting held on Friday, March 13th, 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.

Mr. R. K. LEIGH, Mem. Inst. C.E.

THE PRESIDENT-You are a member of the firm of Messrs. LEIGH and ORANGE, Civil Engineers?-Yes.

The Tung Wa Hospital authorities have recently been employing your services with a view to making certain alterations in and additions to the Hospital?—Yes.

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You have written to the Government four letters dated 8th November, 13th See Appen- November, 21st November, 1895, and 14th January, 1896 ?—Yes. I have written other letters, but these four are the most important.

With regard to the improvements that have been made, can you inform the Commission what has been done with regard to latrines, &c.?-The ward running North and South has had lavatory, clothing, and store accommodation attached both to the ground and the upper floors, in accordance with Dr. ATKINSON's original idea. The plans have been seen by him. The term latrine has been used, but I ought to explain that this place was never intended for a latrine but for the reception of night-soil boxes. Previously they were allowed to remain in the wards, and the idea was that if a patient could go to this place he should go, but if too ill the utensil was to be used in the ward and taken there afterwards. It is for the patient's use only and for the storage of the night-soil boxes. There is a lavatory on the other side, and a store fitted with a number of bunkers where the patients' clothing is numbered and kept. They have not commenced to use these places yet. Similar additions were to have been made for the block running East and West, and the original plan was approved of by Dr. ATKINSON; but it was thought better to keep the verandahs open all round to give more light and air to the ward, and the Com- mittee suggested building a detached block which you will see mentioned in some of See Appen- the letters and shown on another plan. This change was approved of by Dr. ATKINSON, and then the new Committee wanted another alteration.

Mr. WHITEHEAD-For what use was this new detached block intended ?

WITNESS-Exactly the same as the other; one compartment for a lavatory, one for night-soil boxes, and the other for linen, bedding, and clothes store.

Mr. CHATER-That was because they did not want to block up the verandahs?—— Yes. The arrangement for the ward running North and South does not block up the verandah, because it is built out into a garden; but in the East and West ward there is no room at the side, only at the Po Yan Street end. The new Committee suggested putting a bridge across connecting the two wards so that the new building to the North and South ward could be used by both blocks. All the divisions in the wards have been taken out, and improvements made in the internal arrangements of the Hospital itself. I think a distinct block of lavatories, linen stores, and night-soil box-room is necessary for each ward.

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Mr. THOMSON--Do you think the latest proposal of the Committee is good enough See Appen- --that the present new building is sufficient for the two blocks?

(Letter of 21st November read.)