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The circumstances which led to the building of this hospital remind one of "I came, I saw, I conquered" inasmuch as Mr. Aw Boon-haw "went" to Cheung Chau and he "saw" and he "gave" and thus "conquered" the difficulties with which the Island inhabitants were faced, with little or no medical attention.
It happened that one Sunday Mr. Aw Boon-haw was visiting the island of Cheung Chau, and being interested in hospital work, he visited the St. John Clinic and maternity centre which was housed in a tenement building on the waterfront.
There were 40 to 50 patients downstairs waiting for the doctor. Upstairs 10 beds all occupied (with no room for further mothers). Two nurses were occupied with a maternity case, help also being given by Dr. Martha Hou, one of the St. John voluntary doctors who often sacrificed their hard-earned rest by doing voluntary work in the New Territories on Sundays.
While so occupied, another expectant mother applied for admission. Mr. Aw then learned that owing to the insufficient accommodation the nurses were compelled to deliver cases in junks although within a short distance from the clinic.
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SUITABLE SITE
In consultation with Mr. Ip Kwai-chung who was with Mr. Aw, the Commissioner, Mr. Morris and Dr. Na Luk who were inspecting the centre, Mr. Aw walked over the Island to discover a suitable building site for a hospital.
After much negotiation, first with one and then with another, through the kind and sympathetic help of the District Officer South, Mr. Hawkins, the present site was secured.
The first estimate was $20,000; this crept up to $30,000 and subsequently to $40,000, but the final cost was $45,000 (over double the original amount) and still, there remains much to be done.
The St. John Ambulance Association has contributed from its funds the sum of $10,000 for electrical and sanitary fittings and for steel window frames money raised by Flag Days, and theatrical performances, organised by Mr. Ip Kwai-chung. In addition, the Association has spent $1,000 on beds and equipment.
Surgical equipment is badly needed - the operating theatre needs furnishing, a steriliser and other necessaries are urgently required.
It is hoped that some philanthropic gentlemen with the welfare of their fellow creatures at heart will subscribe for this; all gifts to the Hospital will be suitably recorded.
THANKS EXPRESSED
The Chapter General of the Order of the Hospital of Jerusalem, said Mrs. Langley, has graciously awarded Mr. Aw the Donat's Badge in silver, for his generous and merciful gift.
To Mr. Ip Kwai-chung the Donat's Badge in bronze for interesting Mr. Aw in the work of the Order and for raising sums of money.
The St. John Ambulance Association are deeply grateful to the following who have helped in various ways:- Our Hon. Architect, Mr. Siu Ho-ming, The District Officer South Mr. McDougall.
Mr. Chui Ching-po, the haifongs, for donations of blackwood furniture for the hall and visitors' room, furniture for the