C 5
which was reconstructed in 1930 and which now contains 40 beds will be converted into staff quarters, and the block containing 120 beds which is the so-called "New Hospital," opened in 1902, will be demolished and reconstructed as revenue-producing houses and shops. When the reconstruction scheme is completed there will therefore be a total of 450 beds as against a total hitherto of 560. This reduction in numbers, combined with the spaciousness of the new structure, is in accordance with the policy of avoiding over-development in the congested Central District and furthering development at the new Tung Wah Eastern Hospital which stands in more suitable surroundings at Sookunpo. But a considerable demand will inevitably remain in the Central District, and this reconstruction is designed to meet it on up-to-date lines.
25. The work of reconstruction is being undertaken in two sections; first, a main block the estimated cost of which is $170,000.00, including equipment, and later two wings, each to cost $60,000.00. The greater part of the necessary funds had already been raised by the Directors when on October 17th, 1933, the Foundation Stone of the new building was laid by His Excellency the Governor in the presence of a large gathering representative of the Chinese and European Communities. This reflects great credit on the energy and persistence of the Directors as well as on the charity of the donors.
26. The site vacated by the Po Leung Kuk has been utilised for the erection of shops and house property which will produce revenue to be devoted to the maintenance and extension of the various Hospitals under the control of the Tung Wah Committee. The Foundation Stone of these buildings was laid by the Hon. Mr. E. R. Hallifax in December 1932, and the work of erection was completed during 1933. It is estimated that the rent roll will eventually bring in about $20,000 per annum, but at present some of the buildings are being used for hospital purposes to overcome the shortage of accommodation caused by the reconstruction now in hand.
27. The number of free schools for poor children maintained in various parts of the Colony by the Hospital in 1933 was twelve, with a total of approximately 1,250 pupils.
28. At the Tung Wah Eastern Hospital a ward containing twelve beds has been set aside since June 1933 for the treatment of Opium Addicts, and up to the end of the year 177 cases had been dealt with. The expenses of this special treatment are defrayed by the Hong Kong Government. This experiment is being made as a result of the Agreement reached at the League of Nations Opium Conference held at Bangkok in 1931.
29. A detailed report on the medical work of the Hospital by Dr. H. L. Clift, M.B., Ch.B., Visiting Medical Officer, will be found in Annexe B.