15. SOCIAL WELFARE AND RELIEF.
cont'd.
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 Pussians), 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. Yost of these have elected to remain behind for 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 altogether and there still remain some 5,000 to be cared for.
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