ENG-1962 — Page 255

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LAW, ORDER AND RECORDS

with drug addiction are provided by the Secretariat for Chinese Affairs, the Medical and Health Department, the Prisons Depart- ment, the Information Services Department and the Preventive Service. Their activities are co-ordinated by the Standing Narcotics Advisory Committee, which is composed of all the Chinese Un- official Members of the Executive and Legislative Councils and two non-Chinese Unofficial Members of the Executive Council, with the Secretary of Chinese Affairs as chairman.

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In addition to medical rehabilitation services for drug addicts at Tai Lam Chung Prison and Castle Peak Hospital, the Voluntary Society for the Aid and Rehabilitation of Drug Addicts has acquired from Government the island of Shek Kwu Chau, where a rehabilitation centre will be established. It will be opened early in 1963 and will eventually take 240 patients.

Juvenile Crime showed a substantial increase, particularly in cases of robberies and breakings committed by young persons between the ages of 16 and 21 years. But compared with 1961 fewer juvenile offenders were prosecuted for serious crime. Action against members of triad societies continued. Their activities are generally confined to extortion and vice. They still pose a threat, particularly in their ability to encourage and prolong any large scale disorder. The public again ably assisted the police in its efforts against crime and 58 letters of appreciation and monetary awards were presented to members of the public who helped the police to apprehend criminals, often at considerable personal risk.

Traffic. The number of motor vehicles registered and in use in the Colony increased by 7,230 to a total of 63,056 on the 31st December 1962. Private cars comprised the highest proportion of new vehicle registrations. The Motor Vehicle First Registration Tax, introduced on 1st March 1961, did not succeed in reducing the number of new cars, motor cycles and dual purpose vehicles being registered. The number of licensed drivers increased by 10,094 to 130,512; 20,848 provisional licences were issued during the year, and 75,404 driving tests were conducted. At the end of the year 17,200 persons were awaiting test.

Road Safety. Efforts to educate motorists and pedestrians in road safety continued. Particular emphasis was placed on the care

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