B.
Slaughterhouses
148
Two slaughterhouses are in operation but the number of animals slaughtered is small compared to pre-war figures. Undoubtedly much slaughtering is done outside of the markets and it is hoped to bring the matter under control shortly. As usual, it is mainly a question of shortage of staff.
Markets
The more important markets are in reasonably good condition and the Works Branch is endeavouring to restore electric light, running water and the usual stall fittings so that they might be in working order by the New Year.
There seems to be some legal doubt as to the Administration's right to charge license fees just yet or to terminate agreements made between stallholders and the Japanese.
Restaurants and Eating Houses
Considerable attention was paid to these premises formerly and, in 1940 and 1941, the conditions for licensing became more stringent but many abuses have arisen during the period of occupation. Proprietors have been advised to put their places in order in readiness for new licences, which it is expected to issue shortly.
Factories and Workshops
Owing to shortage of materials, skilled labour and electric power and gas, very little manuracturing is going on but this will naturally increase as soon as general conditions improve.
Port (& Airport) Health and Sanitation
The R.N. Medical Authorities are responsible for Port Health Work and the R.A.F. Medical Authorities for that of the airport at Kai Tak but it is obvious that, when Civil Government is re-established, a civilian Port Health Officer must be appointed and assume full responsibility for the health work of the Port.
The work of the Port Health sub-department in Hong Kong is exceptionally impor- tant and it is rather disconcerting that no information has been received regard- ing the selection of a Port Health Officer and Port Health Inspector for Hong Kong.
It will take time for the Officer selected to become acquainted with local cond i- tions and to acquire sufficient knowledge of local Ordinances and Regulations to enable them to do their work efficiently.
Consequently, the question of providing the necessary staff and equipment for the Port Health Branch should receive consideration as a matter of urgency.
Hospitals and Dispensaries
With the object of re-establishing clinical facilities for the local population at the earliest possible moment efforts were immediately begun to reopen the Queen Mary and Kowloon Hospitals and to establish once again the out-patient work of the various dispensaries. In achieving this object buildings had first to be cleared and reconditioned, staff had to be found and, finally, drugs and other medical supplies had to be obtained. It is fortunate that, during the short latent period that existed while this work was being got under way, use could be made of the Nethersole Hospital, which had been taken over undamaged. The wisdom of the earlier decision to provide Government aid to this and certain other private and missionary institutions was therefore fully justified.
It might be well to pass in brief review the achievement of the past three months in the medical institutions of the Colony:
QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL. This fine modern building, only opened in April 1937, whose seven floors were capable of holding 600 beds, and whose internal structure, excel- lent design and magnificent site combined to make it a truly outstanding hospital,
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