A Big Distribution of Hampers at the Bureau Christmas distinctly ig in, the air: ai, the Employment Registration Gentre, 422" North Soochow oad, where plans are well under way for the second. annual distribution of hampers. Those in charge of the Camere "will be responsible for seventy baskets, packed with poultry, "milk, tea, sugar, Christmas pudain sweets and toys, the last ighly "important. ingredient - pro vided by the Shanghai Rotary Club through the famous Toy Hospital in Chapel. The club played the same role last, year in the Registration Centre Christmas programme, Var-fous organisations, including the U,"s. Marines and the American Women's Club, aswell og ind duals, also are providing for a num dor of families, A special request has been made by Major William Darby, who in charge of the Centre, that dona. tions should be sent well ahead of tim fear. Last Christmas, the Gentre rejoiced in generous contri butions of groceries, vegetables, turkeys and game (including two deer), but many arrived so late that it was necessary to distribute thera after the holiday had passed. Also, if the Centro is informed, of what to expect in the way of donations, afores will not be duplicated, Birthday Celebration "On Friday, the Employment Reistration Contre celebrated its firs: Dixthday, for the doors were opened on December 15, 1982, During the eventful twelve' months, 749 men were registered, this number xepregenting 44 nationalities, with "British and American applicants predominating.
To-day, 916 of them are off the books of the Centre, some having Jeff Shanghai, others getting jobs. Approximately, 220 men have been placed, either here, in the outports vessels running out of Shanghai. This leaves a balance of 433 unemployed on the books. Encouraging is the fact that, among these men, the unskilled applicant is in the' minority, Accountants, draughtsman, chauffeurs, electri clans, engineers, general office workers, garden specialists, mech anies, teachers, wireless operators, and other are available.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.