Health > Intergovernmental conference of Far-Eastern countries on rural hygiene : preparatory papers : report of Japan

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attempting to educate the inhabitants in rural housing by
holding competitions with prizes for model farmhouses.
Moreover, the prefectural authorities are taking similar steps
with the co-operation of the health and social sections of the
prefectural Governments. In order to educate the inhabitants in
housing matters, model houses have been set up in the rural
high schools as well as in the agricultural schools.
In certain districts where greater attention is given to the
problem of rural housing, prize competitions for the construction
of model houses are held under the auspices of the health and
social sections of the prefecture, and the plans thus selected are
submitted to the inhabitants or to the authorities of towns
and villages, carpenters and contractors, for their use, while
courses in the construction of model houses are given with a
view to educating public opinion and stimulating interest in
housing.
There are also certain districts where officials in charge of rural
housing reform are appointed to investigate and advise on the
various problems.
A few localities are also granted low-interest loans by the
prefectural authorities for their building funds and an amount
corresponding to half the interest on the loan is set aside for
the builder.
When an investigation reveals faulty construction, the chief
of police of the district is ordered to consult with the owner,
administrator or occupant with a view to rebuilding the house.
Local authorities are considering suggestions for the improvement
of rural kitchens, having regard to local conditions. These
kitchens have hitherto had insufficient lighting and inadequate
ovens. Since 1927, in parts of the Shimane prefecture, ten to
thirty housewives in every village have been trying, under the
voluntary leadership of women’s clubs, to improve their kitchens
by mutual agreement. The expenses incurred are defrayed by
the clubs in turn. Improvement in lighting, ventilation,
boarding of ceiling, equipment of shelves, water supply, and the
addition of a clock, mirror and a new oven have received
attention.
In other districts, credit societies aiming at kitchen reform and
mutual credit societies have been organised on the initiative of