Police-1959-1960 — Page 57

MARINE DEPARTMENT LIBRARY

PART VII

WELFARE AND RECREATION

GENERAL

222. The Welfare of the Force continues to be regarded as a subject of the utmost importance and the Welfare section of Headquarters, under the direction of the Social Services Officer, has been the centre of much activity during the year under review.

223. Owing to the over-crowding of Police Headquarters it was necessary to move the offices of the Welfare Section to rented premises in a building nearby. The location is quite convenient and officers and their families can now approach this section with more privacy than before.

POLICE WELFARE FUND

224. This fund, established under the provisions of the Police Force Ordinance provides the solution to many welfare problems which arise by means of direct financial aid to Police personnel. During the year, 542 applications were received for loans or grants to cover needs rang- ing in diversity from house repairs to funeral expenses and of these the majority were found to be genuine and financial assistance was given.

POLICE SCHOOLS

225. The schools located in three of the blocks of rank and file married quarters in the Colony extended their classes still further this year with the result that an additional 305 children received primary education. The total number of children receiving primary education now stands at 1,932.

226. To meet the increasing need for educational facilities, occa- sioned by the expansion of the Force as a whole and by an increase in the marriage rate of younger officers, a new school is now under con- struction in Kowloon in connexion with the Cheung Sha Wan rank and file married quarters project.

227. The scholarship scheme continued to operate, enabling pupils from Police Schools to further their studies in Government Middle Schools, with medical fees paid and school books provided by the Welfare Fund.

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