Christmas, 1921, like its three predecessors, was, through the kind action of the '"North-China Daily News," again a season of good. cheer and happiness at the Mission and in the homes of many ricsha ven. Open house was the rule at the Mission for three days, and all _coolins who came were regaled with substantial and delectable Chinese food. Large quantities were also distributed on Christmas Day at the street shelters, homes, and on the roads, to those who could not come for it- Many hundreds of warm garments and suits of clothing were supplied to shivering men. The generous Christmas fund may really be said to be one of the big factors in the maintenance of the work, for not only is there a feeling of goodwill and confidence created at Christmas, but all through the year, the money lasts, it enables the Mission to supply the additional food and clothing which add so much to the health and comfort of the men, who unite with the Mission in most sincerely thanking the "North-China Daily News" for the continued kind initiative, and to all contributors to the fundy.for their liberality. Street shelters erected by the Municipal Council prove of great service and are much appreciated by the men.
In consequence of the great development of the work, the need for suitable accommodation is increasingly felt each year. The present (only -available) method of renting Chinese shops and converting them into halls, sleeping accommodation, kitchens, etc., has not much to commend it, except that it the only one possible unless the Mission can build its own premises. This has become so urgent a need that a building fund has been begun, and high hopes are entertained. that, ere very long, a good, well-ventilated Chinese building suitable for the requirements may be erected. The main difficulty at present is the serious one of securing a suitable site which would be accessible to the coolies.
Sincere thanks are tendered te all who have forwarded the work during the year, by donations, subscriptions or gifts.
The report contains some inter esting statistics of distributions and work, namely:—Distributed during the year:—Meals, 99,150; special Christmas food parcels, 15,000; garments 3.050; sandals and stockings, 5,160; meetings in halls, 744; monthly attendance (average). 13,000: visits to stands, shelters and districts, 4,070; visits to homes of coolies, 4,400: week-attendance at Sunday (average), 800, - number sleeping in halls, 12,600 (no blankets
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.