THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, JULY 30, 1937.
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Alternatively will Government refer to the Committee recently appointed to report on the question of nutrition in this Colony etc., by the way of further reference, the whole question of com- pulsory pasteurization of milk in the light of local circumstances, and await the report of the Committee before taking any further steps in regard to compulsory pasteurization?
The Colonial Secretary replied as follows:-
1. The answer is in the affirmative.
2. The matter has been referred to the Secretary of State for the Colonies and this Council will not in the meanwhile be invited to approve the by-law in question. The Urban Council has been so informed.
3. It is not proposed to consult the Nutrition Committee at this stage.
7. The Hon. Mr. Lo MAN-KAM, pursuant to notice, asked the following questions :---
1. Within the last 12 months how many armed robberies have taken place—
(a) On the Island?
(b) In Kowloon and the Peninsula?
2. Is it a fact that there have been frequent armed robberies of Chinese
goldsmiths shops?
3. Is it a fact that the last three recent robberies all occurred within the
period of a few days?
4. Is it a fact that Chinese goldsmiths shops have been advised by the Police Authorities to close before their customary closing time, in order to minimise the risk of armed robbery?
5. Is Government aware that the frequent occurrence of armed robberies, and the circumstances under which they have taken place, have caused anxiety and uneasiness to the community?
6. Pending the breaking up of the armed robbery gangs, and the restoration of reasonable security from armed robbers in the Colony, can sufficient numbers of the Police Force be diverted from their traffic and/or other comparatively less important duties, such as the control and prosecution of hawkers, so as to enable a greater number being available for con- tinuous patrol, and so that at least one member may become available to be stationed at the end of each street in which there are goldsmiths and other shops which appear to have a special attraction to armed robbers?
The Colonial Secretary replied as follows:-
1. The figures for the twelve months from the 1st June, 1936, to the 31st
May, 1937, are:
(a) On Hong Kong Island
(b) In the remainder of the Colony
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2. There have been seven such cases during the period already referred to. 3. On the 26th May an armed robbery occurred in Queen's Road East, and
on the 1st June two such robberies occurred in Wellington Street and in Yuen Long respectively.
4. The Inspector General of Police suggested to certain Chinese goldsmiths who made representations to him in April last that during the Corona- tion celebrations they should close their establishments at 6 p.m. instead of the usual hour of 8 p.m.
5. Government is fully aware of this, and is now considering suggestions
for dealing with this outbreak of crime.