CO129-472 - Others - 1921 — Page 363

HONG KONG

CONFIDENTA 360

:

PUBLIC HEALTH (continued).

from floor to ceiling; at the foot of the stairs to the top floor was a high barred gate. We were told that the attendant slept up there, but if so one does not see the need for locking the foot of the stairs.

The sleeping accommodation was in dormitories, and we were told that none of the attendants slept in the rooms with the girls.

We were taken to see the recreation ground, which consisted of an open basement room and a narrow walled court-yard. There was no games equipment of any sort. We suggested that swings and gymnasium fittings should be provided, also an instructress. Mr. Kwale, the Chairman, said that he had suggested this to the Committee but they thought it rather advanced.

We asked if the girls learnt cooking and were told that they did not.

The Matron, who is a Christian, but who seemed quite untrained in the management of girls, was in the room with the girls "awaiting marriage", These girls are kept in a separate room, and when we were there, had no occupation whatever.

+ It was stated by both Dr. Hickling (Mrs,), who was Medical Officer to the Home for two years, and by Mies Pitts, who has known it for 20 years, that the Home is largely used as a recruiting ground for cheap supplementary wives by the members of the Committee. (Many of these girls become second or third wives, for the welfare of whom the husband can only be held responsible for one year from the date of marriage).

The Committee have luncheon parties there on Sundays,

Two members of and the marriageable girls attend on them. the Committee are reputed to be owners of the land on which the principal Chinese Brothels are situated, but we had not time to verify this from the Land Register.

PORT CONDITIONS.

The Sailors' Home is well run and an active Chaplain appointed by the Mission to Seamen, Mr. Walters, meets incoming ships and does excellent work among the Mercantile Marine. The Sailors Home is mostly used by Naval ratings, and, as is well known, members of the Mercantile Marine and the Royal Navy never mix.

T

There is a big scheme on hand to combine the Wer Memorial with the local Y.M.C. A. funds and to open a large T.M.C.A. Institute. Difficulties have arisen as the Commander-in-Chief and the General Commander wish to The Y..0.A. have a "wet canteen" in the building. funds, however, may not be used for the maintenance of

When the any premises upon which alcohol is sold. Commission was in Hong Kong the situation was at a dead- lock. At a public meeting the members unanimously decided upon a combined Institute for the Army, Navy and Mercantile Marine, and the difficulty was only dis- oussed after the meeting. Arrangements had been made to secure ground in a suitable part of the town, and it