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SINGAPORE
FILMS (continued).
446
CONFIDENTIAL
audiences attended each showing, but included a number of Asiatics. After the first performance the authorities were consulted, but thought it was more advisable to allow the advertised programme to be carried through.
The Acting Governor communicated with the Governor asking whether he would return in time to preside at a meeting called to take place in the Cinema Theatre on Friday, the 21st. The Governor's return was delayed until Saturday night; Sir William Murison therefore con- sented to preside at the meeting.
PRESS.
The authorities raised no objection to full use being made of the press, Unfortunately the editor of the leading paper THE STRAITS TIMES" was very opposed to the visit of the Commission, However, we were able to meet him unofficially, a few days after our arrival, and although his views did not, even at the end, fully coincide with the views of the Commission, his uncompromising opposition became effective support for certain measures, The Chinese press was also available, and the Chinese meetings were fully reported.
SOCIAL ORGANISATIONS.
Singapore has no very active social organisations except the Y.M.C.A., which is staffed by Europeans and excellently equipped. It serves all nationalities, but mainly educated Chinese and Eurasians, It is a branch of the American organisation.
The Y.W.C.A. provides hostel accommodation for girls, but mostly occupied by permanent boarders. An experienced Canadian woman has recently been appointed as Secretary, and the Committee have expressed their intention to develop along progressive lines. The need of adequate recreational facilities for the Eurasian shop assistant type was explained. Miss Rutherford went over with the Commissioner plans for (1) Providing welcome for the Stewardesses on incoming ships, (2) The opening of a lunch and reading room for working girls in the town, (3) Social evenings for men and women (suitable passing seafarers could be invited), (4) Various group recreation clubs suited to the races to be provided for. The Chinese Ladies' Association comprised in its membership all the European educated
women.
(Signed) S. NEVILLE-ROLFE.
Educational Commissioner.
(Signed) RUPERT HALLAM.
Medical Commissioner.