46
# Chapter XVII.
MISCELLANEOUS.
On the 21st February nine Japanese planes crossed the border into British territory and bombs were dropped at Shum Chun. As a result of the extension of Japanese activities on the border a large influx of refugees entered the Colony and necessitated the re-opening of two refugee camps at North and South Fanling Station on the 21st February. On the following day the Government Medical Department re-opened a third camp at Gill's Cutting. Some 2,000 refugees were accommodated in these camps.
2. In February a restricted steamer service between Canton and Hong Kong was resumed as a result of negotiations between the British and Japanese authorities.
3. In April compulsory registration of British subjects was commenced with the passing of the Registration of Persons Ordinance, No. 12 of 1939. The Compulsory Service Ordinance, No. 32 of 1939, was passed in July. Medical examination under the Ordinance was commenced in August and the first meeting of the Compulsory Service Tribunal was held on the 28th of that month.
4. In July a Town Planning Board was appointed by the Governor. The functions of the Board were to draw up zone schemes and other town plans as advised by the Housing Commission.
5. The M.S. "Breconshire," the largest vessel to be constructed in Hong Kong dockyards, underwent official trials on the 21st July.
6. On the 27th July the first compulsory blackout exercise took place.
7. On the 15th August a Hong Kong-Manila-Chungking radio telephone service was inaugurated. This service was, however, suspended on the out-break of war.
8. Two committees were appointed by the Governor during the year namely, a Nutrition Research Committee on the 9th January and an Income Tax Committee which held its first meeting on the 3rd November.
9. Rear-Admiral A.J.L. Murray was appointed to the newly created post of Rear-Admiral of the 5th Cruiser Squadron on the China Station as from 14th April.
10. Many war time innovations centre round the declaration of war with Germany on 3rd September. Press censorship was instituted on 26th August. The control of shipping and aircraft was announced on 3rd September. Many local German residents were interned in La Salle College immediately on the outbreak of war.
On 8th September control of foreign exchange was instituted and on 9th September the liquidation of German firms was commenced. The Chinese and Sikh community in the Colony sent loyal messages to the Governor pledging their support of the British Crown. Control of food prices was announced on 5th September.
11.
Among the Honours conferred by His Majesty during the year were :—
## New Year Honours.
C.B.E. Hon. Mr. R. M. Henderson, M.I.C.E., C.C.E., M.I.M.E., M.I.W.E.
O.B.E. (Civil Division)---Mr. M. F. Key.
M.B.E. (Civil Division)-Chief Inspector A. K. Taylor.
## Birthday Honours.
O.B.E. (Civil Division)-Prof. K. H. Digby.
M.B.E. (Military Division)-Capt. J. S. Rodrigues.
46
Chapter XVII.
MISCELLANEOUS.
On the 21st February nine Japanese planes crossed the border into British territory and bombs were dropped at Shum Chun. As a result of the extension of Japanese activities on the border a large influx of refugees entered the Colony and necessitated the re-opening of two refugee camps at North and South Fanling Station on the 21st February. On the following day the Government Medical Department re-opened a third camp at Gill's Cutting. Some 2,000 refugees were accommodated in these camps.
2. In February a restricted steamer service between Canton and Hong Kong was resumed as a result of negotiations between the British and Japanese authorities.
3. In April compulsory registration of British subjects was commenced with the passing of the Registration of Persons Ordinance, No. 12 of 1939. The Compulsory Service Ordinance, No. 32 of 1939, was passed in July. Medical examination under the Ordinance was commenced in August and the first meeting of the Compulsory Service Tribunal was held on the 28th of that month.
4. In July a Town Planning Board was appointed by the Governor. The functions of the Board were to draw up zone schemes and other town plans as advised by the Housing Commission.
5. The M.S. "Breconshire," the largest vessel to be constructed in Hong Kong dockyards, underwent official trials on the 21st July.
6. On the 27th July the first compulsory blackout exercise took place.
7. On the 15th August a Hong Kong-Manila-Chungking radio telephone service was inaugurated. This service was, however, suspended on the out-break of war.
8. Two committees were appointed by the Governor during the year namely, a Nutrition Research Committee on the 9th January and an Income Tax Committee which held its first meeting on the 3rd November.
9. Rear-Admiral A.J.L. Murray was appointed to the newly created post of Rear-Admiral of the 5th Cruiser Squadron on the China Station as from 14th April.
10. Many war time innovations centre round the declaration of war with Germany on 3rd September. Press censorship was instituted on 26th August. The control of shipping and aircraft was announced on 3rd September. Many local German residents were interned in La Salle College immediately on the outbreak of war.
On 8th September control of foreign exchange was instituted and on 9th September the liquidation of German firms was commenced. The Chinese and Sikh community in the Colony sent loyal messages to the Governor pledging their support of the British Crown. Control of food prices was announced on 5th September.
11.
Among the Honours conferred by His Majesty during the year were :—
New Year Honours.
C.B.E. Hon. Mr. R. M. Henderson, M.I.C.E., C.C.E., M.I.M.E., M.I.W.E.
O.B.E. (Civil Division)---Mr. M. F. Key.
M.B.E. (Civil Division)-Chief Inspector A. K. Taylor.
Birthday Honours.
O.B.E. (Civil Division)-Prof. K. H. Digby.
M.B.E.
(Military Division)-Capt. J. S. Rodrigues.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.