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Mrs. Colter (of the British Women's Association in Shanghai) investigated every case and recommended what grants should be made to allow each a little pocket money. The amounts varied from $2 to $5 per week according to their needs and number of children. Mesdames Dicken, Gerrard and Wolf afterwards visited the Centres weekly to distribute these allowances. At one time the recipients numbered over ninety but these were gradually decreased as the total refugees diminished. In all $4,580 was distributed in this way. The Committee spent a great deal of time in investigating the individual cases and deciding what help should be given.
Passages, etc.
There were several cases of refugees who for business, family or health reasons wished to return to Shanghai or to go to Singapore, but who had not the requisite funds. In some cases refugees who wished to go to England could find part but not all of the fares. The Committee felt that they should help in this matter as the cost would otherwise fall on the Government. Only the cheapest passages were provided and the total spent was $1,999.
Grants were also made, to a total of $1,635 for landing expenses, railway fares, etc., on arrival at their destinations. On the final repatriation to Shanghai of the remaining refugees similar grants were made, which are included in the above total.
Help to Mothers.
Many of the refugee mothers had four or five children to look after and in cases where the youngest were only babies the Committee paid for an amah and pro- vided rattan perambulators. When a mother was unable to look after her child the Committee paid for its maintenance at the French Convent.
Dental Aid.
Some refugees needed dental attention and the Committee paid for this.
Fresh Fruit.
It was felt by the Committee that fresh fruit was necessary for the children, and as this was not supplied by the caterer at Laichikek and Central British School this was purchased from welfare funds and distributed twice a week. During the cholera epidemic only imported oranges and apples were given, but later Dr. Valentine authorized bananas and pumeloes.
Milk.
Klim was provided by the Committee for babies, young children and patients in the Laichikok hospital. Lactogen and "Cow and Gate" were also supplied when necessary; also fruit, milk and eggs to a few refugees in outside hospitals.
Miscellaneous.
Three mattresses were bought by the Committee for the hospital at Laichikok, and the Matilda Hospital very kindly donated 12 hot water bottles.
Conclusion.
Before closing this Report the Welfare Committee wish to express their deep gratitude to Mr. J. H. Taggart for his magnificent donation without which much of their work would have been impossible.
They also express their thanks to all others who in various ways helped in the work, by gifts of money or in kind, by providing entertainments, and by personal
service.