14. The fact that it had been found possible to provide more accommodation on the Tai Hang Tung fire site than was needed for the persons formerly living on that site extremely fortunate as it was this spare accommodation which at last enabled the department to initiate a programme for the clearance of many large sites, the presence of squatters on which was holding up the development of the Colony.
CHAPTER II
CLEARANCE AND RESETTLEMENT OPERATIONS
15. The clearance and resettlement of squatters requires an understanding of the squatter's own position, and the establish- ment of the right relationship between him and the clearance and resettlement organization. In the majority of cases he is not a squatter by choice. He has been obliged by force of circumstances either to rent or to build an illegal structure, often to work in an illegal shop or factory, and perhaps to send his children to an illegal school. On the other hand he is breaking the law relating to the occupation of Crown land and there is no reason why he should be offered privileges denied to the rest of the community. Squatter clearance and resettlement operations are not therefore undertaken primarily for the benefit of the squatter. They are simply the only practical means of removing, in the interests of the whole community, the fire risk, the health hazard, the threat to law and order, and the obstruction to the Colony's future development, which is presented by the squatter areas.
16. The relationship of the squatter to the clearance and resettlement organization is always close and often friendly and every clearance is so handled that each family feels that due attention is being given to its own particular problems. An important consideration is that no squatter should be allowed to feel bewildered or resentful, for this would make him easy prey for the irresponsible agitator. Full use therefore is made of loud- speakers, information leaflets and direct access to experienced officers; if the menfolk do not come home till six then the staff
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