ENG-1959 — Page 259

THE COURTS, POLICE, PRISONS AND RECORDS

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analysis reveals that of the total of 855, no less than 654 were filed in the second half of the year, reflecting a revival in building operations in Hong Kong during that period.

Applications under the Adoption Ordinance totalled 119 as compared to 91 in 1958.

In the Probate Department 544 grants were made during 1959, the figures for the past three years being: 452 in 1956, 478 in 1957 and 579 in 1958.

POLICE

The problems of the Police Force are those usually associated with a major sea port and city. They are multiplied, however, by the continuing rapid development of the whole area and increasing density of population. Victoria and Kowloon together now con- stitute the fourth largest city in the Commonwealth. Continuous vigilance, re-deployment of duties and re-assessment of ideas and methods are demanded by the ever-extending network of business houses and commercial undertakings supplying the needs of the Colony, by the expansion of modern and progressive industrializa- tion and by the resettlement of a large section of the community.

Despite the swift moving changes that occur and which neces- sitate constantly revised methods to deal with specific problems, in Hong Kong, as elsewhere, the Constable on his beat is a familiar part of the daily scene. A great part of his training is devoted to stressing the necessity for co-operation with the public, and this, together with the growth of civic mindedness, has resulted in the Force obtaining increased help from the public in combating crime and maintaining law and order.

Other methods of police watch and ward, such as radio car patrols, support the man on the beat and are readily available to assist members of the public. In each of the three Districts, Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the New Territories and Marine, there are Emergency Units which provide a tactical reserve ready at all times for special operations or to deal speedily with any localized disorder or disaster. These measures were further strengthened by the formation in 1958 of the Police Training Contingent with the dual object of training personnel of all ranks for internal security duties, and at the same time providing reserve units readily avail- able at short notice.