5.
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the Billeting Committee of the Council had under consideration a scheme to effect a more equitable distribution of internees throughout the Camp. Failing to secure additional living space from the Authorities, such a scheme had to await the impending departure of the American inte:nees, and it is anticipated that by this means, eventually more suitable living quarters will be found for the women and children and the aged and infirm and at the same time relieve some of the serious overcrowding in so mary Blocks in the Camp.
The formation by British women of a British Women's Group received the warm approval of the Council. Already this Group is making its influence felt, particularly in the matter of assistance to so many men whose knowledge of hou se wifery 18, as yet, incomplete.
From the first day of internment at Stanley, the matter of a cash allowance to internees has always been to the forefront, and the Council has never neglected an opportunity to remind the Japanese Authorities of the necessity for such. As a result of repeated representations, the Japanese Authorities at last offered such an allowance in the form of a loan to the three Communities in Camp: $300,000 was the sum involved. After much negotiation,
it was finally agreed by the three Camp Councils that this sum should be expended for the purchase of goods suitable, in the main, to individual requirements. Accordingly, it was decided that the sum of approximately 105 due to each internee $75 should be expended by the individual and the balance should be set aside for food and goods suitable for use in communal kitchens. A loan Purchase and Distribution Committee was appointed and eventually three buyers were permitted to proceed to Hong Kong. Meanwhile $50,000 of the Communal portion of the Loan was distributed in cash involving the provision of $17.40 per capita. At the moment of writing the American and Dutch Communities have been served through the scheme and the British internees eagerly await the arrival of the parcel of foodstuffs, etc., so necessary for the maintenance of their health and comfort. must also be made of the fact that the repayment of this loan has been guaranteed by the Hong Kong Government and/or the British Imperial Government.
Record
In the course of this short review, it has not been possible to note in detail all of the activities carried on in the Camp but mention must be made of the parts which Religion and Education have played during our enforced stay at Stanley. In addition to Roman Catholic and Lutheran Church Services, from the outset there have been United Church Services held in the Great Hall of St. Stephen's College. These Services have been arranged by the Ministers and Clergy Group, under the Chairmanship of the Rev. F. Short, and in themselves, considering the number of demominations represented, have formed a remarkable approach to unity
The Communal School for British, American and Dutch children which opened in St. Stephen's Hall on 9th February, conti- nues to carry on under great difficulties, there still being a few books and little equipment available. The School has an enrolment of approximately 160 and is served by 27 qualified teachers. school work ranges from Kindergarten up to Matriculation.
The
The cultural side of life in Camp has by no means been neglected. From the early days of confinement at Stanley a library was formed in St. Stephen's Block and, in due season other libraries were introduced into Blocks occupied by British internees. A circulating system for the exchange of books is now in force. Concerts, Dances, and Lectures have also been held from time to time, the large attendances at which have testified to the need of entertainment wherewith
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