Marine police station at Mui Wo on the hill overlooking Silvermine Bay (at rear). Living quarters for the Divisional Sub-Inspector in command were on the first floor. Quite basic, but a great view was to be had from the balcony. I lived here with my parents 1962-3.
Mui Wo Police Station 1962.jpg
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Submitted by Mui Wo
Date picture taken (may be approximate):
Monday, January 1, 1962
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Connections:
- Mui Wo Police Station 1962.jpg shows Place Mui Wo / Silvermine Bay [????- ]
- Mui Wo Police Station 1962.jpg shows Place Mui Wo Police Station [????- ]
Comments
Mui Wo Station
Thanks for posting this photo; brings back memories. Actually 2 quarters; 1 was for the SDI (Sub-Divisional Inspector) and 1 for the ASDI, (Assistant...).
I was there in 1978 by which time the vegetarian was a tad more dense!
Mui Wo Police Station
Dear Tideswell27,
I should have replied to this way back, so I am sorry about the delay. I am pleased the photo brought back memories for you. I must get around to uploading a few more. On the subject of the two quarters on the first floor. That's an interesting point, because at the time this photograph was taken I do not believe there was such a thing as an ASDI at Mui Wo. The most senior ranking officer below the SDI was the Station Sergeant. I have a couple of station group photos from October 1962 and March 1963 and it pretty clear from these that an ASDI is not present. The SDI and the Seargent are seated centre front in both.
I am not able to verify how much of the upstairs space my family occupied - I was only one at the time - except that the living room was on the side where the balcony is. I have several photos of the living room area and the doors that opened up onto that balcony. Many years later, in 1992 I think it was, I was able to go and visit the place. I was interested to discover that what had been our living room had been converted into a mess with a bar along one side. I have tried to visit again since - on more than one occasion - but the HKP does not allow people like me to do such things any more, at least on spec. Last time was in 2019. Sadly, the characteristic granite facade of this period Hong Kong police station has been entirely covered in a rather ugly grey metal cladding. I will see what I can do about putting up a few more photos of the place.
All the best,
John O'Regan
Mui Wo Police Station
My turn to apologise. Upon re-reading my earlier post, I note that the word "vegetarian" appears. That should, of course, read "vegetation." Much to be said for proofreading before sending!
You are quite right about the dull, grey cladding surrounding Hong Kong Police stations now. This substance may be practical but it presents a depressing uniformity. Every station looks the same.
On the subject of Mui Wo; I didn't actually live or work in the station, although I did spend time there. I was stationed at Islands HQs at Cheung Sha and lived in Pui O village. I do have experience of living in a quarter in a Police station, having been SDI at Stanley in the mid-1980's. I was required to occupy a flat on the top floor of the station.
Mui Wo Police Station
Thanks for your reply. Yes, you are so right about the vegetation! It is remarkable just how barren the surroudings were at that time. From the Mui Wo pier below you would have got a clear view of the station up on the hill, but it is very difficult to see now unless you walk around to the beach at Silvermine Bay. See here for a photo of that view in 1963.
When I visited Mui Wo in the early 1990s, I met the then SDI, and it was him who kindly showed me around. He said he had a plan to put on display in the station a roll call of all the SDIs at Mui Wo. I have no idea if he ever got around to it, but even if he did, the current regime would almost certainly have removed it. As I recall my father telling me, it was Pat Nash who was the first SDI to live out there, followed by my father. But the station itself is older than that would suggest. I am not sure, I think it is 1930s, maybe older.
On the subject of the stations, I once I had a large calendar which was made up of photographs of all the old stations. I am not sure where that calendar is now so it is good to be able to look the stations up on Gwulo.
Incidentally, it is possible to correct inadvertent errors in your posts. Look for the edit tab beneath your post, click on it, and then you can make a correction and save it.