Committee may receive for seamen's welfare.
In this year over
$90,000 was raised by the Committee to which Government added a subvention of $75,000.
73. 1956 is the Centenary of the Missions to Seamen, and the Hong Kong Mission has been extensively refurnished in preparation for the celebrations. Accommodation is available there for over 160 men, but the numbers lodged have dropped owing to the quicker turn round of shipping as a result of the embargo. There is however a marked increase in the number of daily visitors, partly occasioned by the recreational visits to Hong Kong of U.S. Navy personnel. The gymnasium was very popular and the boxing tournaments were well attended. During the year a piano, radiogram, 16 mm. projector and a public address system were bought. An encouraging feature was the interest shown by local residents in these activities.
74. This was also the case with the Roman Catholic organization, the Apostleship of the Sea, which cares for all seamen irrespective of creed or race. It was not possible to erect a club on the Canton Road site as hoped as squatters were still in situ, but St. Nicholas' Catholic Club very generously made their facilities available.
75. The Norwegian Seamen's Mission catered for the in creasing number of Scandinavian ships calling at the port. The Pastor made nearly 800 visits to ships and his staff helped with 4,000 letters.
76. The Merchant Navy Club remained very popular with visiting seamen. Nearly 300 games of football were played (on the full-sized pitch) and over 100 tennis matches. It is especially noteworthy that there were no cases of drunkenness or mis- behaviour.
CHAPTER XIV
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND THE KAIFONG
77. By the end of March 1956, there were altogether 23 Kaifong Welfare Associations officially recognized by the Social Welfare Office. Total membership was 41,056 families com-
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