SOCIAL SERVICES
mothers. In 1952 the Kaifongs, at the request of a committee appointed to investigate rent control, success- fully undertook a survey of conditions in a large number of premises. These associations have also undertaken the collection and distribution of funds contributed by the public for the relief of the victims of the fire and flood disasters which occurred during the year.
Youth and Child Welfare
In Hong Kong, early economic and social maturity is forced on the majority of the community and youth welfare work is carried out mainly for boys and girls between the ages of nine and sixteen.
The Boys' and Girls' Clubs Association, a volun- tary association, engages in this work among the poorer children who have homes. It runs 20 clubs with 650 members and has 59 affiliated clubs with a membership of 2,637 children, among which are the 12 clubs run by the Social Welfare Office. Other branches of youth welfare work are represented on the Standing Con- ference of Youth Organizations. During the year this Conference completed its first course in youth leadership and five trained social workers qualified in this field. The Conference was presented by the Rotary Club of Hong Kong with a building on an island holiday resort, where children could spend camping holidays. This camp has proved extremely popular, and has been of great benefit to poor children who live most of their lives in slums or shack districts, as well as to those in orphanages.
Considerable progress has been made during the year in the provision of playgrounds. On her visit to the Colony, H.R.H. the Duchess of Kent laid the
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