SOCIAL SERVICES
The conditions of service for qualified teachers in sub- sidized schools have been improved and they are now paid at the same rates as similarly qualified teachers in government and grant-aided schools. Teachers in urban subsidized schools are permitted to participate in the School Health service and receive medical attention at inexpensive rates.
The Education department maintains two libraries; one largely reference, but with borrowing facilities extended to teachers; the other is a textbook library at the Northcote Train- ing College. The University of Hong Kong possesses both an English and a Chinese library, but membership is restricted. The British Council and the United States Information Service libraries cover a wide range of fiction and non-fiction and are open to the general public. The Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce has a library consisting mainly of commercial publications. The Junior Chamber of Commerce has been very active in establishing libraries for children in schools and welfare centres, and is considering the question of a travelling library. It is expected that provision will be made for a public library in the new city hall when this is erected.
Government provision for technical education includes the Technical College, and two junior technical schools. Enrolment in the day department of the Technical College was 177, and in the evening department 1,993. Courses at the Technical College included building, telecommunications, navigation, mechanical engineering and commerce. The Junior Technical School enrolment was 255 and a four-year pre-apprenticeship course was offered including general subjects and woodwork, metalwork and technical drawing. The Ho Tung Technical School for girls had an enrolment of 229. The course begins with general subjects and then branches out into domestic, commercial and industrial courses, with specialist instruction as a preparation for employment.
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