Police-1958-1959 — Page 49

THE BAND

MARINE DEPARTMENT LIBRARY

}

196. The following engagements were filled by the Band during the

year:

Concerts in public places

Concerts at police establishments

Beating the Retreat in public

Official rehearsals, parades, and functions

77

35

14

170

296

PART VII

WELFARE AND RECREATION

GENERAL

197. The welfare of the Force is the main task of the Social Services Officer who is assisted by an inspector. As may be imagined a large part of the work of the Branch consists of investigating and advising on rank and file problems. Considerable success has been achieved by Force Welfare Staff in the solving of family disputes, and assistance has been given to rank and file families who have had school, accommoda- tion and hospital problems. Apart from family matters the Social Services Officer has advised on problems affecting the Force as a whole, such as Health, Feeding and Quartering.

WELFARE FUND

198. The mainstay of Force Welfare continues to be the Welfare Fund. This fund proves its value when financial assistance is required by a member of the Force speedily and with the minimum of formality. All applications for financial assistance are thoroughly investigated before approval is given, but the number of cases found to be undeserving are exceedingly few. During the year 593 interest-free loans or grants were made to members of the Force for diverse reasons such as house repairs, removal expenses, maternity expenses, marriage expenses, badly needed extra clothing, school fees and funeral expenses. The Fund also provides special amenities for men in hospital or convalescing, medical aids for crippled children, social entertainments and outings, assistance to dependents of police officers and additional comforts for the rank and file officers quarters in Police Stations and Posts. Each Division and Branch has a small monthly allocation made from the Fund with which to organize entertainments and recreation.

39