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event of attack on the Colony by "bandits" coming from across the border, coupled with internal disorders in the shape of strikes and riots. This operation yielded useful lessons in the co-operation which will be needed between the Police and Services in the event of trouble. The press were given full facilities to follow the opera- tions.
They gave considerable publicity to them but with little in the way of editorial comment.
8.
The Budget of the Colony for the forthcoming year was presented to the Legislative Council during the month. The press followed the ensuing debate with more than usual interest. Much space was given to criticism that the community should be given a greater voice in Government. Some impatience was expressed at the delay in implementing the Municipal Council proposals which were published in summer of 1947. The general line of comment was that the Municipal Council scheme was not sufficient, and that the "democratic" needs of the Colony would be better served by an enlarged Legislative Council with a greater unofficial representation. Following on the establishment during February of a Reform Club composed mainly of Europeans, a Chinese Reform Club is now in the process of being organised.
9.
March was again a quiet month for labour. short strike in a match factory, involving some 400 workers, was satisfactorily settled.
C. B. B. HEATHCOTE-SMITH
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