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I have discussed this question at some length under the section of Housing. The above paragraph is included to help to give a background to the larger question of social welfare and relief. If conditions like the above persist there can be no There is no real social well-being and some solution of the problem must be found. one solution and there is no easy way out of the situation. Under other sections I have touched on some of the factors adversely affecting social well-being in Hong Kong and have suggested an enquiry on a high-up level into all the possible factors giving rise to disease and destitution. I have recommended that within the scope
of this investigation should be included research into such factors as the induce- ments to immigration to Hong Kong, the likely trend of immigration in years to come, the immigrational capacity of Hong Kong with and without expansion of housing accommodation, and the devising of some method whereby an estimate of urban popula- tion may be made from time to time.
Co-
Relief is generally under Lt. Col. W. Kay, the S.0.1 Relief Officer. operating with him is the Hong Kong Social Welfaro Council which integrates the activities of religious groups, including the Y.M.C.A., the Salvation Army and the Eritish Red Cross. The Hong Kong Social Welfare Council is an advisory Body mainly responsible for relief. Its function could with advantage be expanded to include the whole question of social welfare provided the representation on the Council were expanded to include Government Departments interested and there was at a high level
This is Government Officer whose job it was to take charge of social activities.
a matter which, no doubt, Misc Hindor will take up when she arrives here.
During October 24,000 free meals were supplied daily from the different kitchens in Victoria and Kowloon City. This figure has been reduced to 1,700 and is expected to decline gradually to a much smaller figure, as destitution diminishes. From what I have seen of these kitchens only a small proportion of those attending are really destitute.
The number of non-Chinese destitutes is however increasing and there are one thousand on the roll. This figure should also gradually decrease as repatriation of this class, (it includes many Latin Americans and Russians), becomes more effective and opportunities for work increase. In addition six hundred orphans in various institutions are supplied with free rations. There are something under one hundred British ex-internees remaining in the Colony. Most of these have elected to remain behind for a spell and are engaged on essential work.
During a visit to Macao I visited the centre where British refugees have been looked after by the British Consul. Throughout the period of the occupation of Hong Kong Mr. Reeves has devoted much time and attention to this problem and has obviously had it much at heart. He kept careful charts and records of the refugees. Medical attention was given by refugee doctors coming from Hong Kong, of whom three remain in charge. At the peak period there were some 7,000 British refugees alto- gether and there still remain some 5,000 to be cared for.
16. SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS
It
1. Personnel. The chief public health problem is the control of infectious
Conditions disease with the Colony and the prevention of its entry from outside.
sculiar to Hong Kong, such as the policy of not limiting immigration, render it specially vulnerable. Since re-entry three months ago there has been an absence of infectious disease within the Colony but this immunity is unlikely to continue. is important that trained European supervisory staff should be available, especially during the period of resettlement. Col. Fehily has, however, no U.K. recruited Health Officers at present and the question of meeting his needs in this respect is very urgent.
Other technical staff is also deficient and he is badly handicapped by a serious shortage of high-grade clerical assistance. He also requires urgently a Veterinary Officer.
A
2. Drugs, Medical Supplies and Equipment. None of the Young Working Party Units supplies are to hand nor are they expected to arrive for several months. considerable stock of drugs has been recovered but many essential drugs and biologicals are lacking. Some of this deficiency is being met by supplies from the Scrvices and further supplies have been requested from SACSEA.
Nevertheless many
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