Sessional_Paper_1907 — Page 437

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1938

1941

2002

111.-Dr. F. W. CLARK, recalled

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Mr. Humphreys. And as I say, limewashing is not recommended by them. They recommend the burning of the houses.

A. That is not possible here.

Q.-They recommend segregation.

A.-That is not possible, we haven't the land.

Q. And they recommend, but limewashing is outside the Report.

A.--But that does not convince me that liinewashing is not necessary from a sanitary point of view for Chinese houses in Hongkong.

The Chairman.-We know that this limewashing costs the community an enormous

sum of money every year. Do you think there is any good in that?

A.-Yes, as a cleanser, and as an improvement to the lighting of the room.

Q. Do you think it contributes much to killing gerins, and reducing sickness?

A.—I dont think it kills the germs so much as killing vermin.

Q. And do you think therefore that the inconvenience and expense which is caused to the community by this limewashing is justified by the results?

A. I think so, yes. I think the place would be hopeless, if we had no cleansing and limewashing. The houses would be much darker and much dirtier than they are at present ̧

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111.-I look upon limewash as one of the ways of keeping those dark rooms a bit lighter. Really, the effect is very great. It may not last two months or three months, but it does have a marked effect, and of course it is the tenants that are to blame if it gets dirty. The tenants smother the ceilings with smoke, when they light their lamps, and they wont use the chimney shafts when they are cooking with their chattie. That is at the bottom of a great deal of this.

306.-Dr. J. M. ATKINSON, sworn :-

Q. And you think the Board had that power before the Ordinance 23 of 1903 was passed, but since then they no longer have that power?

A.—No longer.

Q.--And that was done with your approval,—it was justified?

A.-I thought that the Board would be better as a Department. I mean the whole of the Public Health Work of the Colony would be better done by Sanitary Department, than by a Board as at present constituted, or as constituted under 1 of 1903.

Q.-You held that opinion before 23 of 1903 was passed?

A. Yes,-1901.