Army. During 1954/55 the former organization assisted 22 prisoners and their dependants, spending a total of HK$1,651 on grants, and the latter interviewed 1,021 prisoners and cared for many families whose main bread-winner was serving a prison sentence, giving HK$14,600 in cash grants besides a great deal of relief in kind such as rice, clothing and milk. Advice and assistance to get a new start in life were also given to the discharged prisoners who asked for guidance.
49. From March, 1955 onwards there was a steady decrease in juvenile delinquency figures mainly attributable to Government's new policy of more liberal granting of hawkers' licences, which resulted in a reduction of technical offences. Increasing use was made of the Probation Section by the adult courts for inquiries and assistance in respect of adult offenders, especially those in the 17-21 age group. Out of the total number of 212 cases referred to the Probation Section during the last quarter of the period under review, over half were adults. Legislation for extending the use of probation to the adult courts is under consideration by Government and in view of this a hostel and reporting centre are being planned.
50. At the beginning of the year no special facilities existed for the reception of juveniles on arrest or on remand, but construction started in October, 1954 on the new Remand Home in Matauwei Road, Kowloon, which will accommodate 60 Juveniles of both sexes and is expected to be ready for occupa- tion by May, 1955.
CHAPTER X
PUBLIC ASSISTANCE
51. Steadily developing local industries absorbed only partially the Colony's surplus man-power. Under-employment reduced a proportion of the population to poverty and want, in the alleviation of which the Social Welfare Office was joined by many voluntary organizations.
16