30. In April 1961 a U.S.A.F. Dakota aircraft crashed into the peak of Mount Parker after taking off from Kai Tak. There was only one survivor out of a total of 16 crew and passengers. Rescue conducted as a joint Police/Services/Fire Department operation was hampered by bad weather and visibility.
31. In December a large fire occurred at the Chinese Manufacturers' Exhibition which had been opened by His Excellency the Governor only two days previously. Extensive damage was caused, resulting in the Exhibition's closing down for a period of ten days for rebuilding. There were fortunately no casualties. During the outbreak, the Police, as is usual in cases of fire, rendered all possible assistance to Fire Services personnel present at the scene.
32. On two occasions, in April and in May, large crowds assembled outside the main entrance of the Hong Kong Government Football Stadium to express their displeasure over two football interport matches. On each occasion the crowds became disorderly resulting in Police re- inforcements being summoned to disperse the crowds.
33. In the New Territories there was a clash involving rival village factions in December 1961. The cause was a long-standing village dis- pute over the election of representatives for the Shap Pat Heung Rural Committee. The clash resulted in a number of villagers being injured. Police intervened, arrested a number of those responsible, and imposed restraint on the remainder. The election was held in due course.
34. Very heavy rains during the afternoon of 20th April 1961 caused local flooding in the Fan Ling and Sha Tau Kok areas of the New Territories. The floods caused extensive crop damage and some 25 villagers were evacuated by Police. Local organizations provided for the homeless until the floods receded.
ESTIMATED COST OF THE FORCE
35. The cost of maintaining the Police Force during the year was $61,457,247.00. The cost per head of the population was $19.05 based upon the population of the Colony as 3,226,400.
PART II
ORGANIZATION AND ADMINISTRATION
THE CHAIN OF COMMAND
36. The Commissioner of Police commands the Force and is assisted by a Deputy Commissioner.
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