REHOUSING OF BOAT DWELLERS ON LAND
6.
Unfortunately it is not always possible to provide housing
in the immediate vicinity of the boat dwellers' place of work,
particularly in the crowded urban areas. But Hong Kong is a
relatively small place, with a steadily improving public
transport system. New employment opportunities are also being
developed in the New Towns where much of the new public housing
is being built.
THE LAWS GOVERNING PUBLIC MEETINGS AND DEMONSTRATIONS
7. The law requiring a week's notice of public demonstrations
is necessary because, in the crowded conditions of Hong Kong,
the Commissioner of Police needs adequate time to make
arrangements to ensure that demonstrations cause the least
inconvenience to other members of the public. This is not a
repressive law. Permits are usually issued unless there are
grounds for believing that the demonstration will represent a
threat to public order, or will be used for an immoral or
illegal purpose. Nor is the law enforced blindly in all cases,
as was clearly indicated in the case of the Yau Ma Tei boat
dwellers, who were given several warnings before action against
them was taken. At no stage did they make any attempt to seek
an official permit for any of their demonstrations.
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