Health > Intergovernmental conference of Far-Eastern countries on rural hygiene : report by the Preparatory Committee

— 43 —
Libraries are also attached to soldiers' barracks, native hospitals
and other large institutions.
An interesting example of the revival of rural industries
was seen in the Province of Hadong in Tongking. The whole
countryside seemed to have interested itself in native arts and
crafts of all kinds, such as silk work, embroideries, weaving,
carving, metal work and the making of lace, tablecloths and
walking-sticks. There was much enthusiasm in what they all
felt was a great forward movement. Some of their products
—e.g., bronze figures—were exported. The population in these
parts is all agricultural; what they earn by their arts and crafts
is a considerable addition to the family budgets.
In the Punjab, the Commissioner for Rural Reconstruction,
as one of his many activities, has had prepared models of an
Indian village. In one set of models the village is shown in
unregenerate shape, while in the other set the same village
is shown cleaned, replanned, sanitary and attractive. These
models are taken round the countryside and demonstrated
with appropriate explanations and exhortations.
In many parts, weekly village fairs have proved influential
factors for the benefit of the people. The advantages are both
economic and social ; the assembled villagers can be instructed
in agriculture and encouraged to discuss matters of common
concern.
Reafforestation in some regions is a most essential element
in improving conditions in the countryside. Erosion carries
away the most valuable part of the soil and silts up rivers and
other channels of drainage ; rocky bare land diminishes the
rainfall, promotes dry scorching winds and alters the climate ;
and a whole region is denuded of crops, pasturage, firewood
and timber. There is, therefore, in tropical lands the need for
a strong and highly qualified Waterways and Forest Department
to administer the present and safeguard the future.
The indebtedness of the rural population is a most serious
problem in all Eastern countries ; co-operative methods are
probably the best means of providing the remedy. The subject
is discussed later.
On the subject of rural education, the view is common that
it is not well related to the lives of the pupils or to their