Sessional_Paper_1896 — Page 880

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Appendix III.

MEMORANDUM BY GOVERNOR SIR RICHARD GRAVES MACDONNELL, C.B., CONCERNING THE "I-TS'Z" OR CHINESE HOSPITAL FOR

MORIBUND PATIENTS.

MEMO. No. 470.

5th May, 1869.

(Enclosure

1.)

Mr. AUSTIN,

In reference to the evidence taken before the Coroner-as to the deaths of two men sent from an Emigration Depôt in this City—and also referring to the various docu- (Enclosures ments and memoranda in this Office relative to the gross abuses and disgusting scenes 2 & 3.) in the "I-Ts'z," or Chinese Hospital, I think the opportunity favourable for establish- ing a really good hospital for sick and moribund Chinese, conditionally that its regu- lations and general superintendence be subject to Government control.

Having regard to the great wealth of many of the Chinese residents here, and the large sums of money which they expend on their puerile national processions and "shows" every year, I think an appeal to them to forego some of that expenditure and apply the money to establishing a well conducted hospital for the relief of their country- men might be partially successful. In fact, I believe that in any case there are many Chinese who are quite willing, if properly applied to, to give material aid; and some $12,000 to $15,000 might be raised for the purpose in this town. The Government might from public funds, or in ground, give $5,000, or even much more if it could be bestowed with advantage, and were it not that it already maintains the Civil Hospital, which is mainly resorted to by Chinese, the Government night fairly be expected to (Enclosure give a yet larger sum. I enclose a document showing that the idea of a Chinese

hospital is not a new one.

4.)

The hospital ought to afford accommodation for at least 100 Chinese sick, of whom 20 might be regarded as the moribund class for whose accommodation Chinese prejudice and superstition require apparently some place like the notorious "I-Ts'z," only that if properly kept and attended to it would be unobjectionable. It ought also to com- prise a residence for a native doctor and a dispensary for native and European medicines, and should be visited by a European medical man almost daily.

I presume the annual expenses would be little short of $7,500, and this expense might be met by guaranteed subscriptions of the Chinese and a grant from funds at the disposal of Government.

In the above observations I merely note down the suggestions that occur to me as most natural; but I mean to appoint a Commission to. inquire into the subject, and I expect from that Commission a full report of the action which they would recommend in the matter.

The Colonial Surgeon, the Acting Registrar General and Mr. Stewart ought to be able to ascertain the views of the Chinese community on the subject, and to be prepared with a statement in a short time as to what can be effected, and with a recom- mendation as to the best composition of a Committee of Management for getting up such an hospital and working it afterwards. I therefore appoint them to be a Com- mission of Inquiry for those purposes.