ENG-1949 — Page 15

in Kowloon and the new Cheero Club in Hong Kong; these were organised and run by the Forces Civilian Entertainment and Welfare Committee under the chairmanship of Mr. D. Benson. This Committee, appointed by the Governor in July, 1949, was responsible also for organizing concert parties and private entertainment as well as a wide variety of miscellaneous activities such as the provision of wireless sets for unit billets and the arrangement of special broadcasts for the forces. The Committee's funds were drawn partly from public subscription and partly from Government grants. Government in addition contributed $250,000 to the General Officer Commanding in Chief's fund established for the improvement of recreational facilities. The St. John Ambulance Brigade collected books and magazines for distribution to camps and hospitals and the British Red Cross Committee arranged outings by car and launch for con- valescent troops and assisted with hospital libraries.

The increase in military traffic has added to the conges- tion of the already crowded roads and has imposed a further strain on the surfaces which has entailed an increase in maintenance work. Construction of new roads has been undertaken as a joint enterprise between the civil and military authorities. While the increased number of troops has affected the whole colony, their presence has been most noticeable in the New Territories. The good relations which have been maintained between the troops and the local inhabitants of all classes say much for the high standard of conduct and discipline of the troops and the cooperation and good sense of the residents and the authorities con- cerned. The employment given directly by the Army and indirectly on the major and minor works arising out of the increase in the garrison has been especially welcomed by the inhabitants of the New Territories, and Government has of course been most scrupulous in the payment of fair compensation for any loss or damage to property.

One of the most pressing problems was that of water supply. During the summer months this presented no difficulty and camps were supplied from the nearest stream source, but looking to the future when heavy consumption by the Army might endanger local irrigation supplies, a big scheme was put into operation for supplying almost all major camps from one or two points where there was ample water, for example the Tai Lam river.

Hong Kong Defence Force

The new Defence Force came into being on 1st March, 1949 and recruitment started at once. Under the command of a volunteer Commandant, Colonel L. T. Ride, C.B.E. E.D., the Force has an inter-Service headquarters staff and

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