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and Kowloon. However, none were built and the Chinese Public Dispensaries to-day occupy the positions which under other circumstances would have been filled by departmental institutions.
63. There are now nine Chinese Public Dispensaries, five on the island of Hong Kong and four in Kowloon. Each Dispensary is controlled by a separate Committee of Chinese gentlemen who work in close touch with the Secretary for Chinese Affairs. Responsible to the Committee and in direct charge of the Dispensary is a Chinese Medical Practitioner qualified in Western Medicine. He is assisted by an English-speaking Chinese clerk and a staff of dressers and coolies. The services of Government midwives may be obtained through the Dispensaries.
64. Two of the Dispensaries are still housed in rooms attached to temples. Another, that at Aberdeen, consists of two rented shops temporarily adapted for the purpose. Gradually up-to-date buildings are taking the place of the temporary ones. The Dispensaries at Shaukiwan and Wanchai are excellent buildings of their kind, as are those on the Kowloon side at Yaumati and Kowloon City.
65. The year has been marked by still another general increase of patients in the Dispensaries. Equipment has been further improved and more new instruments purchased. All the Dispensaries now have complete sets of tooth forceps and sufferers from toothache are no longer forced to seek the services of itinerant dentists with their antiquated methods and septic instruments.
66. Sick persons too serious for out-patient treatment are transported to hospitals by means of ambulances.
67. Once a week at each of the Dispensaries a gynaecological clinic is held by one of the Visiting Lady Medical Officers. In some there are two clinics a week.
68. Very good propaganda work has been done during the year by four Public Health Street Orators appointed by the Chinese Public Dispensaries Committee and it is hoped to extend the scope of these activities in the near future. The Orators also gave valuable assistance to the Police by lecturing and distributing pamphlets during the "Safety First" Campaign which was held at the beginning of the year.
69. Last but not least, each dispensary has a room attached to it where dead bodies can be received for transport to the ...