and filing tags etc. New lines are being developed, among which paper products and cotton waste have proved to be of commercial value and thus been put into production, with a view to diverting the workers from declining or less lucrative trades. The construction of two addi- tional storeys to the Advanced Training Centre to accommodate courses in piano tuning and massage is under way, and is expected to be completed in June, 1968.
109. 6 more blind telephone-operators have been helped to find employment, making a total of 16 working with various Government departments, open industries and commercial firms. With the co- operation of the Urban Services Department, an experimental scheme has been started whereby 5 blind musicians were granted permits enabling them to earn their living by playing musical instruments at designated sites in public parks and playgrounds.
110. There centres providing club activities and sheltered employ- ment are being run by the Department to assist the newly-registered and the aged blind in their social adjustment to their disability.
THE DEAF
111. School places for deaf children are still insufficient. The Depart- ment therefore continues to operate clubs for those deaf children unable to enter a special school in order to provide them with daily training in basic knowledge and healthy recreation. The five clubs which cater for 250 deaf children are almost always full. During the year, 22 of them 'graduated' and took up vocational training and employment. There are now altogether 70 young deaf persons receiving vocational training in centres run by this department and voluntary welfare agencies. Plans are underway to provide club activities for deaf children living in the New Territories who have no way of receiving special education. Gifts of a movie projector, sports equipment and hearing aids were received by the clubs from the 'Operation Santa Claus' Fund.
112. Departmental officers acted as sign language interpreters for deaf persons involved in court cases and applying for legal aid.
PHYSICALLY DISABLED
113. In the past year, the responsibility of this Department in caring for young disabled children was somewhat lightened because the new Red Cross Tsz Wan Shan Day School was able to take in 120 disabled
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