0003160 G.F. 316
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in obtaining premises on Hong Kong Island, however, the
exact relationship between these two organisations has yet
to be established and it is not known if the F.T.U. did in
fact assist the Society in finding premises. In December,
1968, branch premises located in Lockhart Road, Wanchai, were
purchased for about $70,000; the opening ceremony of these
premises, which took place in January, 1969, received much
coverage in the communist press.
14.
Prior to 1967, the Society had insufficient
strength to organise large scale anti-Government activity,
but the rapid growth of the Society since 1968 has certainly
increased its influence amongst hawkers. The Society has
spearheaded the following instances of opposition to
Government agencies in recent months:-
15.
(a) conflict between its members and the Police and
(b)
(c)
(a)
(e)
(f)
H.C.F. personnel in several areas over arrests
and prosecutions;
opposition to the resiting operation at Yong Shu
Tau, Yaumati, in January, 1969;
opposition to a Police clearance of hawkers in
Sai Yeung Choi Street on 8th February, 1969;
opposition to a Police clearance operation in
Smithfield Road in March, 1969;
opposition to a clean-up campaign organised by
the Resettlement Department in Tsz Wan Shan
Resettlement Estate in April, 1969;
opposition to Social Welfare officials at the
recent Chaiwan squatter fire, by setting up posts
for relief for fire victims in an attempt to
disrupt official relief work.
With its current membership estimated at not less
than 2,500 and with strongholds in the Western, Shaukiwan,
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