ENG-1959 — Page 66

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HONG KONG ANNUAL REPORT

sometimes their families, in some cases free of charge. In some industrial undertakings canteens, non-profit-making co-operative stores, subsidized meals, free cooking facilities, barber shops, laundries, reading rooms, and school rooms are provided. Many of the large concerns in the Colony provide accommodation for their workers. Among the more prominent of such housing schemes are those of the Taikoo Dockyard and Engineering Co. of Hong Kong Ltd., in association with the Taikoo Sugar Refining Co., Ltd., which pioneered workers' housing projects in Hong Kong over fifty years ago; the Hongkong Tramways Ltd., the China Motor Bus Co., Ltd.; the Hongkong Electric Co., Ltd.; the Hong Kong Telephone Co. Ltd.; the "Star' Ferry Co., Ltd.; and the Hong Kong Spinners Ltd. All these companies provide, in addition, welfare centres attached to the housing schemes. A number of firms pro- vide accommodation of the dormitory type, and, in such cases, canteens are generally provided which serve free or subsidized meals. In eleven cases dormitory accommodation is provided free of charge. During the year the Nan Yang Cotton Mill Ltd. pro- vided accommodation for its work force, numbering 1,800, at Kwun Tong. Many 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, 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 films 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 cater for the welfare of industrial workers by providing hostels and playgrounds. The Salvation Army's Thomson Memorial Boys' Hostel houses 149 young workers and the Y.W.C.A. runs two hostels for factory girls.

Workmen's Compensation. Both employers and workers are be- coming increasingly familiar with the provisions of the Workmen's