10
Public Order
As in 1968, the year was relatively free from serious incidents and the police force was able to continue to devote most of its time to training, to reviewing much of its administration, to planning and to normal constabulary duties.
Undoubtedly, the most significant event of the year as far as the police were concerned was the announcement by the Prime Minister in the House of Commons on April 17 that Her Majesty, the Queen, had accorded the title 'Royal' to the force. The title 'Royal' was also accorded to the Auxiliary Police Force and it was also announced that Her Royal Highness, Princess Alexandra had consented to accept, in an honorary capacity, the appointment of Commandant General of the two forces.
Some minor incidents did occur during the year and some tension arose with the development of labour disputes in two factories. One of the factory disputes required the police to protect Court Bailiffs who were evicting workers from the premises where they had been sitting in defiance of a court order, but the situation returned to normal when the workers decided to take legal action in respect of their dispute with the management.
During August, after twelve-and-a-half inches of rainfall was recorded in 24 hours, the lower Shing Mun dam overflowed into the Pak Tin Valley near Sha Tin. Rescue operations were mounted by police, who evacuated approximately 1,000 persons and assisted in the relief measures. Despite extensive flooding and damage to crops and property only one hut was destroyed by the floods.
During the year the emphasis on improving police public relations was maintained. As a new venture, a police exhibition on road safety and crime prevention was held at the City Hall. The three-day event proved extremely popular, attracting over 20,000 people. Three police 'open days' were also arranged, one in each of three of the police districts of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New
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