with the Director of Information Services of aspects of Police work which can be publicized without risking operational security. We do not expect to create interest and sympathy in place of apathy and mistrust overnight, but we are confident that, by advising the great majority of decent law-abiding people in advance of Police policy and intentions, we shall create an increasing reservoir of good-will and understanding. There will always be small sections of the community who, out of prejudice, criminal intent or sheer foolishness will remain beyond persuasion, but if our increasing efforts to communicate adequately with the public lead to greater harmony between the Police Force and the law-abiding majority they will have served their purpose.
INCIDENTS INVOLVING THE POLICE
Crime
5. On 3rd May, six men being remanded on a charge of armed robbery, overpowered their escort while being placed in the cells of South Kowloon Magistracy, snatched two revolvers and barricaded them- selves in the cells together with other prisoners as hostages. It was some hours before they gave themselves up, during which time two P.C.s were wounded. Two of the prisoners were subsequently convicted for wounding.
6. On 21st September, an explosion in a wooden hut in Tai Hang Sai (apparently being used as a gambling den), killed three persons and injured 21 others. Subsequently two men were charged with causing the explosion and convicted of the murder of the persons killed.
Major Fires
7. There were several major fires throughout the year with Sham Shui Po once again being one of the worst affected areas. Probably the worst and costliest fire of the year was the one involving The Chung Kiu Chinese Products Emporium in Kowloon, in which 4 persons died and 13 officers of the Fire Services were injured. The damage was estimated at $4,000,000.
Aircraft Crash
8. On 24th August a U.S. C130 Hercules Transport crashed on take- off into Kowloon Bay. Of the 71 persons aboard, all U.S. Service Per- sonnel, there were only 13 survivors.
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