HONG KONG
380
GENERAL
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PUBLIC ENLIGHTENMENT (continued).
include a lecture on Venereal Disease in those schoola where the pupils leave after the age of 14.
Suitable literature would be distributed at all
meetings.
THE PRESS.
We understand there is some doubt as to Chinese opinion on the use of the vernacular press for propaganda purposes.
This medium has, we believe, been extensive- ly used in connection with the work of the Health Education Committee both in Shanghai and in the interior of China. An authoritative presentation of various aspects of publio health proves a useful antidote to the undesirable quack advertisements that at present fill the vernacular press.
As far as Hong Kong Chinese opinion is concerned, we were advised that the meeting of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce we had the privilege of attending, was representa- tive both of the merchants and of the Guilds. A unani- mous resolution was passed at that meeting in favour of an educational campaign that included the Press.
Experience shows that press advertisement in suit- able form reaches the largest unselected group in the population. It is recommended that suitable series of advertisements should be issued continuously through the British and Chinese local press drawing attention to auch points as are considered urgent by the Medical Department. A permanent advertisement as to the local facilities for treatment should appear regularly; other points illustrated in suitable popular advertisement leaderettes periodically: e.g. warnings as to the urgent need for immediate treatment after exposure to infection: information as to the curability of the diseases in their early stages as opposed to their intractability after neglect, etc., etc.
We have provided the Colonial Secretary with a complete set of such advertisements which have been extensively used in this way. Some of them would perhaps be suitable for issue in the local prese, and could be adapted and translated for use in the Chinese press.
Another method of making known the available facilities for free treatment which has been adopted and found satisfactory is by the affixing of notices carefully draw by the Medical Department, in all men's public con- veniences, the cloak-roons of works, firme and business houses, suitable places in the quarters of all Government employees (police barracks), and in any centres where numbers of the hospital-using population congregate.
FILMS.
We recommend that films of service to parents and teachers, such as THE GIFT OF LIFE should be purchased by the Education Department for use in the schools, and on loan to responsible people.