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but funds were limited and only allowed for the barest minimum. Each and every case was considered solely by him and allowances varied according to the quantities of jewelry and furniture available for sale, or the salaries earned by some members of the family concerned. As grants were made each individual was told to return once a month for future grants and in every case was made to keep a budget of expenses in order that they could be checked before further grants were made and also in order that advice could be given as to the types of food most beneficial.
In addition to the opening of a ward in the French Hospital and the periodic medical examinations given these persons, Dr. Selwyn-Clarke in the middle of 1942 employed four teachers and opened so called play centres which were in reality schools for the education of children. A baby clinic in the French Hospital under a Chinese lady medical officer, was also opened for the welfare and care of these children.
As these organisations began to function, many more of these destitutes called for assistance.
To my knowledge Dr. Selwyn-Clarke spent hours daily in personal attendance on their requirements, sometimes even before 8 a.m. and after 8 p.m. He even sacrificed his lunch hour to their needs and went so far on occasions as to give those in most need his own small lunch of a few sandwiches.
There were many other ways in which he gave help to the destitutes and some of these are perhaps worth mention as time was an essential factor and he had little of it to spare. Many could not speak English and after checking their evidence of marriage, etc. he wrote letters on their behalf, even to their landlords, etc. and arranged with the
It was Japanese for the issue to them of ration cards. also left to him to organise the Eurasian Welfare League as the Eruasians themselves were unable to obtain the necessary facilities.
Late in October, 1942, when Hong Kong was bombed the Japanese ordered that he discontinue seeing these dependants in Medical Headquarters, and to overcome this order he opened a clinic at the French Hospital where he saw them after leaving the headquarters office at 5 p.m. and where he continued working until late in the evening.
In January, 1943, the I. RC. eventually took over payments of these people but because of their lack of knowledge of this type of work, Dr. Selwyn-Clarke continued giving advice, forwarding recommendations and running the
As schools, doctors, visitors, clinics and hospitals. prices gradually increased, grants increased accordingly,
No man has and on each occasion his advice was sought. worked harder or in more difficult conditions for the welfare of people of this type and his arrest will be of considerable hardship to those concerned.
F.
BOWEN ROAD MILITARY HOSPITAL.
The doctors in charge of this hospital have every reason to thank Mrs. Selwyn-Clarke and her band of helpers for the very daring work they so willingly under- took on behalf of patients, but they have as much reason to be grateful to Dr. Selwyn-Clarke who spent so much of his time in interviewing the Japanese concerned and in obtaining the medicines and advising the helpers in their work.
In