# H 3
20. Most of the petty larcenies and forestry offences were due to poverty. Unfortunately the Refugee Camps would not admit such persons even if first offenders because of their alleged criminal taint. Much use has been made of the power of expulsion granted to Magistrates this year and many grants to such persons have been made from the Poor Box to aid them on their journey back to their village. It is true that in some cases the money so given has been used to pay their fare back to Hong Kong but many have been successfully repatriated by this means.
21. Crimes by juveniles shew a slight increase. Gangs led by adults are still appearing in the Courts. Little of a reformative nature can be done in the absence of the necessary reformatory.
30th March, 1940.
H. G. SHELDON, First Police Magistrate.