CO129-618-1 Institute of Medical Research- proposed construction 21-4-1947 - 5-12-1947 — Page 37

3 Appendix C.

to be sold within 5 years, the lots are to be given to bona-fide residents or house owners. A scheme of this nature will not burden financially on Government or the tax payer, in fact it will benefit Treasury in increased rates and taxes.

9. INDUSTRIAL CONCERNS.

The location of shipyards, large industrial concerns and factories determine to a large extent the employment of labour and houses to accommodate the workers.

If industrial concerns follow the good example set by the Taikoo Dock Company by providing quarters for their workers and families, several thousands of workers' families would thus be provided for.

SETTLEMENTS FOR THE POOR.

(i)

The provision of "settlements" or "community centres" for the poor, not designed to yield a profit, depends either on public or private philanthropic enterprise. Prior to the last war, I was asked to design plans for an improved type of Chinese tenements for Bishop Hall, a scheme which the energetic Bishop hoped to build as an experiment a few houses for poor workers' families but this did not materialise on account of the war.

(ii)

"Poor houses" were erected by the Canton Municipality some 10 years ago in different parts of the city for the poor. No doubt there are centres of this nature in other cities of other countries, run either on voluntary lines or with aid from local authorities concerned.

(iii)

Housing for the poor is a pressing need and a social problem which concerns the welfare of the community and it seems a pity, however, that it is nobody's responsibility to ensure that such settlements should be built. Government should encourage and where necessary assist or subsidise charitable organizations for the establishment of "settlements" in the slum areas. There can be no doubt that when they are well managed and run, this would greatly help towards the development of a "community feeling" and a blessing to the poor.

(iv)

Buildings. Permanent buildings are too costly to erect because of prevailing high building costs. A simple type one storey semi-permanent structure (9" x 9" brick supporting piers with 42" panel walls) with wooden roof would be cheap and easy to ereot. Buildings are of two types; (1) for families of 4, and (2) Dormitory type for single working men or women with detached kitchens and lavatories. Huts are designed not for "looks" but in a simple practical way with through ventilation and allotted floor area and air per person. The disposition of the huts, kitohens, etc., are only arbitrary; same have to be reconsidered for each particular site and requirement. Families could oook their own food, a small allotted space for two cooking stoves is provided for each family in the kitchens. Working men or women will probably have their food from street stalls or a central kitchen provided for them where cheap wholesome food can be obtained at control prices.

I would suggest that something should be done and started for the unfortunate poor and I have no doubt that our energetic Director of Medical Services will use his good offices and effort to urge Government in the establishment of these "settlements".

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