# ANNEXE A
# REPORT ON THE WORK OF THE PO LEUNG KUK FOR THE YEAR 1938
(Tables A, B and C)
The Po Leung Kuk Society was founded in 1878 to aid in the detection and suppression of kidnapping especially of girls and women, and to shelter such girls or women as had been kidnapped in the interior and brought to Hong Kong for sale or emigration. Its name means "institution for the preservation of virtue". The initiative in its formation came from the Chinese themselves, and ever since by subscription and personal service they have continued to support it.
2. The staff consists of a Chinese matron, two lady teachers, one nurse, one drill instructress, ten amahs, one shroff and two clerks who are secretaries to the managing committee. A determined effort has been made to deal with the problem of skin-diseases, and beri-beri; the continual influx of new inmates drawn from the poorest classes makes this very difficult. A more varied dietary and greater attention to physical training and games out of doors has, however, considerably improved the health of the inmates. A new isolation room has been prepared and arrangements have been made for regular weekly visits by the Lady Visiting Medical Officer.
3. The Po Leung Kuk Committee meets every evening from Monday to Friday at 7 p.m., the principal meeting of the week being held at 12 noon on Sunday. It not only manages the Po Leung Kuk, but acts as an advisory committee to the Secretary for Chinese Affairs in all cases affecting women and children and Chinese family life generally. It corresponds, when necessary, with charitable institutions and private persons in various parts of China, traces parents of lost children and shelters for the night any Chinese woman or girl who chooses to go. When parents and relations cannot be traced, the Committee arranges for the girls in its care to be given in marriage (never as concubines) or in adoption, always under bond and always with the consent of this office; and in every case this office ascertains the girl's willingness before giving consent.
4. In addition to the annual Committee there is a Board of Permanent Direction, which serves to maintain continuity of policy and of which the Secretary for Chinese Affairs is the ex-officio chairman.
5. The following were elected in April to serve as the Managing Committee for the year:-
6.
Mr. Chan Kam-po. Mr. Chan Lan-fong.
Mrs. Ho Leung. Mrs. Chau Sik-nin.
Miss Alice Kwok.
Mr. Fung Tsz-ying. Mr. Lam Pat-nam.
Mr. Tang Man-tin. Dr. Chau Wai-cheung.
Mr. Wong Sik-chung
Dr. Li Ping-sum.
Dr. Tseung Fat-yin.
The number of inmates of the Po Leung Kuk on January 1st, 1938, was ninety-six and during the year 650 persons were admitted as against 465 in 1937. The circumstances of admission and the action taken in regard to them are set out in Table A.