144 DISCUSSION. 



Dr. Francis ClarTc, medical officer of health, delegate from the Gov- 

 ernment of Hongkong. — In order to strengthen the hands of medical 

 officers concerned in public health administration or in the medical 

 supervision of native laborers, and after consultation with some of those 

 attending this congress, I desire, after the discussion is closed, to move 

 a resolution in regard to the formation of a committee on beriberi. 



The wording is immaterial so long as you are prepared to confirm 

 the principal involved, namely, that this disease is occasioned by the 

 consumption of white or highly polished rice as the staple article of diet. 

 The adoption of such a resolution will yield a practical issue to the 

 discussion and will enable us to take early steps to protect the natives 

 under our care from a disease which is responsible for much suffering 

 and many deaths. 1 



•The following resolution was finally passed by the association (Ed.) : 

 "Resolved, That in the opinion of this Association sufficient evidence has now 

 been produced in support of the view that beriberi is associated with the continuous 

 consumption of white (polished) rice as the staple article of diet, and the As- 

 sociation accordingly desires to bring- this matter to the notice of the various 

 Governments concerned." 



