(d) There is no change in the system of refuse disposal but the adoption of the Indore process for the conversion of the town's refuse into useful fertilizer is under consideration.
(e) The housing problem appears to be no nearer a solution or even amelioration.
(f) It is expected that the Albany Road Reservoir will be covered and arrangements made for the filtration and sterilization of water in the Pokfulam area during 1940.
(g) Arrangements have been made to bring a school dental service into operation early in 1940. To begin with, this service will be confined to Government schools.
(h) The purchase of a suitable building on a suitable site near the University for the purpose of housing a large welfare centre and a school of hygiene came under the consideration of Government towards the end of the year. Such an institute, by providing post-graduate training in public health, would be of inestimable value in providing adequately trained staff for the Colony's health services.
(i) One new health centre was opened in the western district of Victoria in July, 1939, and is performing excellent work.
(j) The question of transferring the Chinese public dispensaries, now conducted on a semi-charitable basis, to the Medical Department with a view to their eventual development as health centres has been considered and it is expected that steps will be taken to carry out the transfer of certain of the more suitable centres in 1940.
(k) Owing to the unsatisfactory condition of the present infectious diseases hospital at Kennedy Town, the provision of a new hospital to replace it is a matter of great urgency, calling for priority in Government's building programme.
(l) A proper system of nightsoil collection and disposal is overdue and its introduction should not be allowed to await a devastating cholera epidemic.
The present system of disposing of water-borne sewage by discharging untreated into the harbour is so manifestly contrary to the principles of hygiene that Government would be justified in engaging the services of a consulting engineer to advise on a problem which is a constant danger to the health of the community.
It is, of course, appreciated that the disposal of nightsoil cannot be regarded as really satisfactory until an adequate supply of pipe-borne water is provided for flushing purposes and all bucket latrines are abolished within the urban areas.
(m) Health visitors in the United Kingdom are fully trained nurses and midwives who must possess in addition a health visitor's certificate. Facilities for training in health visiting are not at present available in Hong Kong, a deficiency which should be remedied if this essential part of the health services is to be developed in a satisfactory manner. The appointment of a nursing sister, with a health visitor's certificate, to the post of superintendent of health visitors is recommended. She would be responsible for the training and supervision of all health visitors in the Colony.