people in Hong Kong is happily not such a large and difficult problem as elsewhere. It is important that the changes in values and attitudes. brought about by industrialization and urbanization should not have the effect of weakening the strong sense of respect for, and obligation towards, the aged felt generally by the Chinese people. But with increased life expectancy, the number of aged people who are without relatives in Hong Kong or who have families which lack the resources to provide for them is likely to increase and there has never been enough room in the existing homes for the aged to accommodate all who need care. The Sin Tin Tao Home for the Aged was expanded and the St. Mary's Home at Aberdeen were opened by the Little Sisters of the Poor during the year, providing a welcome increase in accommoda- tion of over 500.
73. A summary of voluntary organizations and institutions for the physically handicapped and the aged is at Appendix 18.
74. During the year, 567 attempted or threatened suicides were referred, mainly by the Police, for interview. 186 were found to have complex problems which required further attention; they were given every possible help in coping with these problems, by way of counselling and support in dealing with personal relationships or other social difficulties, assistance in obtaining employment or medical treatment and material and financial help, where necessary. Slightly more women than men attempted suicide and the two main precipitating factors were found to be personal conflicts and financial stress, with illness ranking third in order of importance. 57 persons who seemed to have symptoms of mental illness were referred to the Psychiatric Service of the Medical and Health Department.
75. The resettlement of leprosy and tubercular patients and drug addicts after clinical cure presents a special problem owing to the continued difficulty of securing social acceptance for their return to the community. At the end of the year there were 507 cured lepers and 479 cured tubercular patients on the register. Some were given training at North Point Camp or at Tai Hang Tung and a number were found accommodation in resettlement estates. A rehabilitation centre for drug addicts with an initial capacity of 250 is being established by the Society for Aid and Rehabilitation of Drug Addicts at Shek Kwu Chau Island near Cheung Chau. By the close of the year the centre was virtually ready to receive patients.
76. The welfare of industrial workers is mainly the concern of the Labour Department; but the Special Welfare Services Section investi-
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