1966 Hong Kong riots

Star Ferry
Industry	Transportation
Headquarters	Hong Kong, British Hong Kong
Products	Ferry services

The 1966 Hong Kong riots, frequently referred to as the 1966 Star Ferry riots, consisted of four consecutive nights of unrest in Kowloon, Hong Kong. These events were sparked by the British colonial administration's decision to increase the fare for Star Ferry foot passengers.

The disturbances resulted in one fatality, numerous injuries, and the detention of more than 1,800 individuals.

1960s

Throughout the 1960s, Hong Kong remained largely underdeveloped, with a significant portion of the workforce earning very low daily wages. The region experienced financial turmoil characterized by several notable bank runs that triggered economic instability. In 1961, a run on Liu Chong Hing Bank was only resolved after intervention by both the Hongkong Bank and the Chartered Bank. A more intense crisis unfolded in early 1965, beginning with Ming Tak Bank and spreading to institutions such as Canton Trust, Hang Seng Bank, and other banks owned by Chinese entities. Governor David Trench responded by limiting daily cash withdrawals to HK$100, while Hongkong Bank acquired a controlling interest in Hang Seng Bank to restore confidence. Ming Tak Bank failed in February 1965, and Canton Trust was unable to resume operations, collapsing by May. The loss of savings among many depositors deepened public skepticism toward both the government and corporate sector.

Fare increase

Prior to the inauguration of the Cross-Harbour Tunnel in 1972, the Star Ferry served as a crucial transportation link connecting the Kowloon Peninsula with Hong Kong Island. On 1 October 1965, Star Ferry submitted a request to raise fares: increasing first-class ticket prices by ten cents and raising monthly pass costs up to HK$10. Although this request was initially kept confidential, it was leaked to the public, generating fears that other public transportation fares might also escalate.

When the Transport Advisory Committee (TAC) sanctioned the fare increase in March 1966, Urban Councillor Elsie Elliot voiced opposition and spearheaded a petition that garnered 20,000 signatures. Despite the largely peaceful demonstrations, government authorities responded with harsh crackdowns, which further inflamed public resentment.

Underlying cause

During the 1960s, dissatisfaction with British colonial governance intensified due to poor living standards, challenging working conditions, and pervasive corruption among officials. Distrust was particularly pronounced toward a corrupt police force and uneven application of laws.

Demonstrations

4 April 1966

On 4 April, So Sau-chung (), a 27-year-old translator, initiated a solitary hunger strike at the Star Ferry Terminal. He wore a black jacket bearing slogans such as "Hail Elsie" and "Join hunger strike to block fare increase". His solitary act quickly drew widespread public attention.^[1]

5 April 1966

The following day, Lo Kei () joined So in his hunger strike. At 16:10 hours, So was detained on charges of obstruction. Young supporters subsequently presented a petition to Governor David Trench at Government House.^[2]

That same evening, more than 1,000 demonstrators assembled in Tsim Sha Tsui to protest both So's arrest and the fare hike. The crowd marched between Mong Kok and Tsim Sha Tsui.^[2]

Escalation

6 April 1966

So received a sentence of two months' imprisonment from the Western Magistrates' Court.

By 8 pm, large groups had assembled in Kowloon, with violence erupting around 10 pm.^[2] On Nathan Road, mobs hurled stones at buses and set several vehicles on fire. More than 300 individuals assaulted the Yau Ma Tei Police Station. Riot police deployed tear gas, but the crowds intensified after cinemas closed at midnight.

Looting occurred alongside arson attacks targeting public infrastructure such as fire stations and power stations. Police responded with tear gas, wooden baton rounds, and carbine gunfire—discharging a total of 772 tear gas canisters, 62 wooden rounds, and 62 carbine bullets throughout the night.

The British Hong Kong Garrison was called in to patrol Kowloon, enforcing a curfew introduced after 01:30 using bayonets.

7 April 1966

Authorities advanced the curfew to 7 pm, issuing warnings that rioters might face lethal force. Despite this, crowds reassembled on Nathan Road near Mong Kok, setting vehicles ablaze and attempting to ignite police stations at Yau Ma Tei and Mong Kok.

Security forces employed 280 tear gas rounds and 218 baton rounds. The clashes resulted in one death, four injuries, and 215 arrests.^[2]

8 April 1966

The curfew remained set at 7 pm. Due to early work departures, public transport saw long lines, leaving the city nearly empty before the curfew.^[2] Approximately 3,500 police officers patrolled the streets. Stone-throwing incidents were reported in Chungking Mansions and Nam Cheong Street within Sham Shui Po. Plainclothes police operations led to the detention of 669 agitators.^[2]

Aftermath

Around 300 people faced legal proceedings, with 258 receiving sentences of up to two years' imprisonment. The disturbances gradually ceased, and the curfew was lifted by 10 April. The fare increase was officially approved on 26 April. Estimated property damage was at least HK$20 million.

In response to the unrest, Governor David Trench's administration established the Kowloon Disturbances Commission of Inquiry under Justice Michael Hogan to investigate underlying causes, emphasizing social factors fueling the violence. The commission's report pointed to youth alienation, insecurity, and grassroots distrust of government exacerbated by economic downturns, unemployment, and housing shortages. It recommended appointing district officers () to improve governance and communication between authorities and residents. However, Elsie Elliot condemned the report as "a farce."

After the riots, Lo Kei was arrested on theft charges. In January 1967, he was found hanged in Ngau Tau Kok; his death was officially ruled a suicide though Elliot and So contested this conclusion. So and others continued protests in Mong Kok until April when So was detained and confined for 14 days at Castle Peak Psychiatric Hospital.

Implications

The 1966 disturbances signified the rise of civic activism in Hong Kong, marking the territory's first major social movement with substantial youth participation. These events revealed deep-rooted social grievances that contributed to the widespread leftist riots across Hong Kong in 1967.

The Edinburgh Place Star Ferry pier—the riot's initial flashpoint—was later included in the contentious Central waterfront redevelopment plan of 2007. Demonstrators opposing its demolition connected their cause with So’s earlier protests.