Sessional_Paper_1938 — Page 154

Witness to above

signature.

Signature

Address in SHANGHAI

Occupation

150

This form must be signed by every person who wishes arrange- ments for their return to Shanghai to be made by the Government of Hong Kong.

Full payment will be exacted in due course in Shanghai.

W. J. CARRIE, Chairman,

Shanghai Refugees Committee.

Appendix 8.

46

SHANGHAI REFUGEES COMMITTEE.

REPORT OF THE LADIES WELFARE COMMITTEE.

News was received in the Colony on Monday, 16th August, 1937, that the Consular Authorities in Shanghai had decided to evacuate British nationals to Hong Kong. A men's committee, called the Shanghai Refugees Committee was at once formed here and preparations were made to receive the refugees. It was felt that a Ladies' Committee would be needed and Mrs. R. A. C. North kindly offered to form one.

Mrs. N. L. Smith, Lady MacGregor, Mrs. Lindsell and Mrs. Hender- son were invited to join this Committee and the first meeting was held on Friday, 20th August, with Mrs. North as Organizing Secretary. The first refugees arrived in the s.s.

Rajputana" and these and subsequent arrivals were welcomed by some members of the Committee and other voluntary helpers who tried to make them forget their distressing experiences and settle down in their new quarters. A general meeting to which all helpers were invited was called for Saturday, 21st August, and at this meeting the name "Ladies Welfare Committee" came into being. A Welfare Bureau was inaugurated and a duty list for workers drawn up. From then onwards the Bureau was open daily with helpers in attendance to give advice and information to the refugees and to supply them with clothing and other necessities.

The health of the Refugee Centre was in the capable hands of Dr. Lilias Dovey who ran a hospital and a dispensary with the help of voluntary and one or two paid nurses. This department, which was under the Men's Committee, worked in close and friendly co-operation with the Ladies Welfare Committee.