to
for
n.
PART III THE DISTURBANCES
53
180. The distribution of manpower in Kowloon District at the outbreak of further rioting that night was:
Uniformed Branch
3,600
C.I.D.
Divided between:
ea
re
te
E 2 3 3 3 5 3 3 2 2 =
im
Riot Companies
1,167
its
Stations
1,262
half on and half off duty
de
Mobile Patrols
129
half on and half off duty
es
Foot patrols
757
half on and half off duty
es
in
Key Posts &
unallocated
147
ce
Pol./Mil. H.Q.
138
half on and half off duty
is
ix
356
181. In addition, a number of military units were deployed to police stations or on standby in barracks as described in Part IV, Chapter 3.
Outbreak of disturbances
182. The first incident of the evening occurred when a report was received at 6.20 p.m. of a youth addressing a crowd outside Shaw's Building, which had been the scene of the most serious incident of the previous night. On investigation, it at was found that he was urging the crowd to follow him to the oil installations at Lai Chi Kok; the crowd moved off in a westerly direction and later were dispersed without difficulty. Three arrests were made as a result of this incident.
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1
183. Apart from this, Kowloon appeared generally quiet and no incidents were reported by mobile patrols in the areas in which the previous night's disturb- ances had occurred. However, various witnesses spoke of a feeling of tenseness in the crowds on the streets. e.g.
MR. DUNNING: 'It seemed that people were waiting for something to happen';
Mr. Rose: 'I had a feeling of tenseness and a great many of the youths in these groups appeared to me to be similar to the rioters the previous evening'; and Juvenile Liaison Office report: 'many groups of youths stood around street corners as if expecting something to happen. They appeared to be only awaiting leaders but there was no sign of organization. The situation amongst them was tense
184. The next incident occurred at 9.30 p.m., when a report was received of a crowd of 150 persons at the junction of Argyle Street and Nathan Road-another scene of serious damage where three youths were boasting of their activities on the previous evening. The police sought to disperse this crowd but it became hostile and stones were thrown. Warnings were given, tear smoke fired and the crowd dispersed southwards. Eight arrests were made and the police company returned
to base.
185. This incident would appear to have given currency to reports that crowds entering and leaving the cinemas in this area at about this time had tear smoke