35. The Children's Playground Association, which manages the Wai Memorial Welfare Centre and the Queen Elizabeth II Youth Centre has playgrounds, known as the Southorn and MacPherson playgounds, attached to these and two more at Maple Street and Willow Street. All are equipped with miniature football and basket ball pitches and were in constant use by school and non-school children, young apprentices and shop assistants. Extra playground equipment was installed at the Southorn and MacPherson playgrounds with the help of C.A.R.E. Inc. and the Urban Services Department. An additional play- ground in the congested Sham Shui Po area has been brought back into use through the initiative of the Hong Kong Junior Chamber of Commerce.
CHAPTER VII
FAMILY WELFARE
36. Family welfare work in Hong Kong is directed towards improv- ing the quality of family life and restoring harmony where there has been a breakdown in relationships. When a quarrel develops over inheritance or unhappy differences arise between husband and wife, it is customary for the Chinese to appeal for arbitration in the dispute; individuals of recognized standing, organizations with traditional influence or official authorities are approached to make peace or to propose a compromise. Whether the adjudication is carried out by a prominent individual, by Kaifong members or village elders or by an official of the Secretariat for Chinese Affairs, of the New Territories District Administration, or the Women's and Girls' Section of the Department, much deference is paid to Chinese law and custom which still largely regulates family affairs among the Chinese in Hong Kong. These agencies often enlist the help of the Child Welfare Section of the Department in deciding on the custody of children.
37. In cases where family maladjustments are traceable to economic difficulties, excellent work continued to be done by the Hong Kong Family Welfare Society in giving financial assistance, as well as advice. The Society, which was established in January 1949, now runs five centres with a staff of fourteen caseworkers. More than 7,600 families were assisted and all of them were visited in their homes. Whenever possible, an attempt is made to aid the family to regain its independence and to this end loans are frequently made for such purposes as buying equipment or tools for skilled workers. Capital has also been provided for small farming projects and hawker businesses. The great majority
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