Mrs. Rolfe's Scheme for Combating Social Evils in Shanghai It was mentioned at the inaugural meeting of the British Women's Association that the idea of that scheme originated with Mrs. Neville-Rolfe, a very active and influential member of the Commission which recently visited Shanghai. From the same source comes another interesting proposal which should command the sympathetic attention of all who are interested in social welfare. In submitting to the Shanghai Moral Welfare Committee a scheme for the establishment of a Social Service Association, or Guild, or League, Mrs. Neville-Rolfe observes:
During the recent public health campaign the close relationship that exists between social welfare and public health seemed to be clearly recognized. It was agreed that if a community is to be kept healthy it should be congenially occupied. The struggle for existence makes it necessary that the working hours of the self-supporting men and women should be filled—and this is the case—but a corresponding necessity for congenial recreation far the leisure hours and comfortable housing conditions has not yet been met.
Yet there are many women of leisure and men of means in Shanghai, and ample allowance of intelligence and ility. Could not the available forces be mobilized and directed into channels of social service which would inevitably react favourably on the health and happiness of both this and future generations?
It would ire some effort of organization, the voluntary services in their leisure hours of a score or so of men and women for the needs of Shanghai to be met.
The directing body would make known to the public what fresh developments were necessary, and where increased support for existing organizations was desirable.
The interest and enthusiasm aroused should find practical expression without delay. One would therefore like to suggest that in the meat future a conference should be convened of the representatives of all responsible groups and interests in Shanghai to consider the ce-ordination of existing, and the development of fresh activities through the formation of some kind of Social Service Association. The Commercial, Banking, Shipping, Seafaring, and Dusiness men and women's interests would be primarily concerned. The governing authorities could not fail to look benevolently on a determined effort to improve local conditions, while the existing charitable and educational activities would take a share in defining the policy of such an Association.
As to the policy of such a body, the writer suggests that a Social Service Association would co-ordinate and stimulate (1) Recreation for all groups in the Settlement.
(2) Living accommodation for business men and women and mercantile marine officers and men, (3) Interest in educational questions.
(4) Interest in public health questions.
(6) Law enforcement and protective work, and such other activities as experience might prove necessary.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.