SINGAPORE
457 GENERAL REPORT
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The Medical Commissioner was invited to address the members of the Malay Branch of the British Medical Association. The meeting was attended by about 70 members. The principle of free diagnosis and treat- ment was agreed to without diesent, and a resolution was passed in favour of an enquiry being held concerning the best methods of dealing with the local prostitution.
SEAFARING POPULATION.
Port Conditions Very little difficulty exists with reference to the visiting of ships in harbour by women. It does occur in the case of various ships lying alongside but efforts are made to check it and the police have full powers which are used. solicitation by post and rickshaw from Eurasian
Considerable prostitutes occurs.
With reference to recreation and accommodation of officers and men of the Mercantile Marine. The seamen, as in the other porte, are mainly Asiatice. The problem is, therefore, to provide increased accommodation and recreation for officere. The existing home has some available accommodation for officers. The building is in bad repair and is badly managed. The Committee intend to rebuild. It is available for seafarers of all nations except Asiatics.
One British Line maintains a bungalow as 2 residential club for the use of their officers. The extension of this scheme was strongly advocated at all representative meetings of shipowners, etc.
A special Conference was convened by the Mayor on January 24th between the Commissioners and the Harbour Board, Municipal and Port Medical Authorities, Representatives of the Navy and the Mercantile Marine, the Seamen's Home and the I.M.C.A. (American).
The P.C.M.0. reported his intention of opening
a free clinic at Tanjang Pagar without delay.
The question of accommodation and recreation were raised. Housing accommodation is inadequate throughout the Colony, and it is improbable that anything effective will be done in the direction of hostel accommodation. The absence of recreation was acknowledged, and it was agreed that a recreation ground on Harbour Board land should be made available for the use of the Mercantile Marine, and that much more might be done to mobilize existing facilities. A Committee of five were appointed with power to oo-opt.
The Acting President of the Municipal Counc11. The Chairman of the Harbour Board.
The Port Medical Officer.
The Physical Director of the Y.M.C.A.
with
The President of the Cricket Club Captain Hacker, R.A.M.C. es Honorary Secretary.
The following day a well attended drawing-room meeting was held at Lady Murison's, presided over by Her Excellency Lady Guillemard, at which a representative
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