CO129-472 - Others - 1921 — Page 462

SINGAPORE

-9-

GENERAL REPORT

459

!

SUPPRESSION OF PROSTITUTION.

(Cont.)

We understand that there is no intention at present of altering existing legislation. We realise that certain persons believe that the licensing of brothels and the regulation of prostitution is desirable from the public health point of view. We hope, therefore, that the evidence to the contrary laid before the Legislative Council and other bodies by the Commission, will convince them that the best results in the interests of public health are achieved by keeping all legislation with reference to venereal disease on the lines of other public health regulations, and in no case using such regulations administratively for the purpose of regulating prostitution.

At a meeting of the British Medical Association on Thursday, January 20th, it was recommended unanimously that a Committee should be formed to enquire into the best methode of dealing with the loose prostitution.

We are convinced that the large commercial interest which exista in Singapore leads to considerable stimulation of the demand for opportunities to prom- iscuity.

If it is considered that any useful steps could be taken in this direction we would suggest that a small Commission of open-minded individuals should be appointed to consider the position. We believe that administrative machinery under the existing legislative powers would prove sufficient to meet the needs.

PUBLIC ENLIGHTENMENT.

During the visit of the Commission certain courses of lectures were held for Nurses, Teachers and Medical Practitioners. Special efforts were made to reach the rank and file of the English speaking population, British, Chinese, Tamil and Malay.

Teachera. Four teachers' meeting were very well attended. The film "The Gift of Life" was shown and much appreciated. At the request of the Chief Inspector of Education an additional showing was given to the Eurasian women teachers.

As a result of Hese conferences the Director of Education is acting as a Vice-President of the local Council. He will advocate the introduction of nature study into the schools, and proposes arranging for parents' conferences to take place each term. He will confer with the Chinese Committee of the Branch with reference to the translation and adaptation of certain of the educational literature of the Council for uJO among Chinese and Tamil parents.

Medical. (For Medical Lectures see pg. 6.)

Chinese Meetings. The Commissioners met the Chinese Advisory Council (advisory of the Government) under the Chairmanship of the Protector of the Chinese.