50
HONG KONG ANNUAL REPORT
accommodation is provided free of charge. Many of those concerns which cannot afford to erect their own accommodation either rent or buy tenement buildings for this purpose.
Some undertakings organize picnic excursions for their workers in the summer and walks in the country in the winter. Welfare facilities frequently include cinema shows, Cantonese opera, table tennis, libraries, sports grounds for football and basketball games, and in a few instances even swimming pools. In some cases free or subsidized schooling for workers' children, and free classes for adults are arranged. During the year several firms took advantage of the Workers' Playtime Programme organized by Radio Hong Kong. Several firms have a Welfare Officer and Welfare Depart- ment, and in others a member of the staff is in charge of personnel matters. Some voluntary organizations also cater for the welfare of industrial workers by providing hostels and playgrounds. The Salvation Army's Thomson Memorial Boys' Hostel houses 154 young workers, and the Y.W.C.A. runs two hostels for factory girls.
Workmen's Compensation. The Workmen's Compensation Ordinance, 1953, which lays down minimum rates of compensation payable to workmen for injuries received in the course of their work, is now operating reasonably satisfactorily. Both employers and workers are becoming increasingly familiar with its provisions. Two amendments to the Ordinance providing an extension of the scope of its application were made during the year, and these are described above in the section on Legislation. Experience suggests, however, that further amendments to the Ordinance may be desirable, and these are at present being studied.
During the year 52 cases of fatal accidents and 4,129 cases of non-fatal accidents were settled. A total of $1,317,546 was paid as compensation, of which $340,764 was awarded by the District Courts to dependants of workmen killed in industrial accidents.
Industrial Training. In view of the rapid expansion of industry in the Colony and the consequent need for providing increasing numbers of competent supervisors, the Government requested the services of an expert in Training Within Industry under the United Nations Expanded Programme of Technical Assistance to make a
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