ENG-1951 — Page 88

reason for this. It does not necessarily mean that tuberculosis is

increasing.

Year

Cases

Deaths

Mortality rate

1946

2,801

1,818

64.9%

1947

4,855

1,863

38.4%

1948

6,279

1,961

31.2%

1949

7,510

2,611

34.7%

1950

9,067

3,263

36.0%

1951

13,886

4,190

30.2%

(j) Malaria:

The incidence of malaria remains about the same as in 1950 but the case fatality rate has been reduced to less than half. type did not appear so frequently.

The malignant

In 1951 there have been 526 cases with 35 deaths, as against 502 cases with 89 deaths in 1950.

HOUSING

Due to the overwhelming increase of the population between 1947 and 1950 and to the consequent serious overcrowding in the Colony, the provision of adequate housing, particularly in the urban areas, has become one of the Government's most serious problems.

An encouraging start was made during the year on the project mentioned in last year's Report to build 400 flats for small families at North Point. This scheme is financed by the Hongkong & Shanghai Banking Corporation for the Hong Kong Model Housing Society, the directors of which include representatives of the Government and leading charitable organizations. The entire scheme will cost $3,500,000, exclusive of the site which has been provided free by the Government. At the end of the year the first two blocks, containing 100 flats, were nearing completion.

Colonial Development and Welfare assistance was received during the year for the site formation of a pilot scheme for the construction of small flats on the fringe of the densely populated semi-industrial area of Shamshuipo in the northern part of Kowloon. This scheme, mentioned for the first time in last year's Report, is to be implemented through the Hong Kong Housing Society. At the end of the year the site formation work was almost complete and 1952 should see a contract signed for the construction of 270 flats. The cost of building the flats will be met from the Colony's own Development Fund which has provisionally earmarked HK$15,000,000 to be spent on housing. The project also envisages the establishment of an Improvement Trust to supervise future housing schemes of a similar kind.

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