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relatives from the country, which, in combination with the strong regard for family ties, leads to large numbers of relatives congregatng under one roof, in preference to splitting up into groups in separate dwellings. Whatever the cause the existence of this tendency must be recognized. Overcrowding alone is a factor which strongly tends towards the creation of slums; coupled with lack of repair and proper mainten- ance of property rapid deterioration into slum conditions is a certainty.

36. The great majority however live under overcrowded conditions from necessity and not from choice, and if given a chance will react favourably to improved environment. That some tuition in the art of living is necessary must be conceded. They must be taught the value of personal and household cleanliness, the proper use of sanitary appliances, respect for property and the ill effects of overcrowding.

37. In many European housing schemes it is the normal practice to employ caretakers, whose duties consist not merely in collecting rents and securing the proper maintenance of the property, but who, in addition, take a personal interest in the tenants and if necessary influence them towards the higher standards of cleanliness and comfort. In Holland, and in the City of Westminster Housing Estate in London, this service goes even further. Women property managers, with experi- ence of working class life, arrange tenants in their new homes and help them in every possible way.

38. A high standard of cleanliness and order, as a social obligation, can be instilled by precept and guidance and, if necessary, by some measure of discipline. Although the great majority improve with improved environment there is undoubtedly a minority who do not. In Holland and France there is a system of segregating undesirable tenants. In Holland special colonies are set aside for this class. In France they are not so completely isolated, but have a special portion of housing schemes set aside for them. In both countries, when the tenants show evidence of improved social conduct and responsibility, they can qualify for removal into an erdinary house. The drawback to such an arrangement is that, by segregating the worst elements, the environment, especially as regards children, is very little improved; in fact, in some respects it is made worse as there is no leaven of better types with which they can mix. Probably the interspersion of undesirable tenants among the better types will do more good, with the possibility of segregation as a disciplinary measure if required.

39. The only supervision for the slum dweller in Hong Kong is that provided by the law, mainly through the Sanitary Department, who, periodically, see that houses are cleaned out and whitewashed, and inspect to prevent overcrowding and nuisances. This cold official supervision is submitted to without resentment.

That a more human and intimate supervision would be tolerated, and even welcomed, is evidenced by the results of the work of the Society for the Protection of Children, the number of whose cases, brought forward voluntarily by the people themselves, is increasing year by year. The clinics too show that, more and more, the poorer Chinese are welcoming advice and assistance towards improved family management.

40. It seems highly desirable that, as a preliminary to rehousing, the required personnel should be made available, trained in property management and with experience of the life and difficulties of the poorer classes, ready to assist them in their problems, when improved housing and environment are available. Most of the Universities in England have their "settlements" in the slums, where they can carry out social services. There is ample room for similar settlements in Hong Kong. Such settlements would prove an ideal training ground for the property managers and public health workers of the future. There is not the slightest doubt that, for very many years, this type of property manager will be essential to the success of any rehousing policy.

Hygiene and Standards.

41. The unit of occupation is the family and standards should be based on the requirements of family life. I have endeavoured to show that the present standard tenement, under existing economic circumstances, is not adapted to family