Appendix K.
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL OF POLICE FOR THE YEAR 1934.
GENERAL.
The year 1934 may be described as a quiet year. Though a few serious crimes held public attention at certain times, there were no important economic, political, or industrial agitations which called for serious Police intervention. The depressed state of trade and industry mentioned in the report for 1933, continued throughout 1934. This state of affairs induced still more of the unemployed native population to return to their homes in the country. It may also be regarded as the cause of the number of serious cases of crime remaining high, although the figure was eighty-one below that for 1933. The depression made it more difficult for casual workers to obtain a livelihood, and a certain part of the increase in the number of murders (an increase of eight cases over 1933) may be ascribed to the general economic conditions arising from this depression. The report of the Director of Criminal Investigation, and Table I give a summary of the figures of serious crime.
2. Special precautions in the form of extra Police patrols and picquets were taken on most of the important anniversaries of Chinese and international political events. All passed off quietly. It is satisfactory, and at the same time a tribute to the work of the Criminal Investigation Department, that very little activity by Communists was manifested. During the year legislation for the registration of aliens was introduced. It has worked smoothly and has been of great value in checking the influx of undesirable persons.
3. In Musketry and Revolver Courses, First Aid and Life Saving, good standards set in the past have been well maintained.
4. In October, 1934, the Hon. Mr. E. D. C. Wolfe, C.M.G., relinquished office as Inspector General of Police, when he proceeded on leave prior to retirement, after nearly sixteen years of service in that office, and a total of nearly thirty-four years service in the Colony.
SPECIAL EVENTS.
5. Safety First Campaign.-A Safety First Campaign, the first of its kind in Hong Kong, was held for a period of two weeks commencing 22nd January.