Remember A Day | The first National Day festivities, rabid dogs and angry politicians: headlines from four decades ago
A journey back through time to look at significant news and events reported by the South China Morning Post during this week in history
October 2, 1977
● Police interpreters claimed they had been subjected to intimidation after refusing to handle work which they said was not part of their duties. The allegations came a week after their industrial action in which they refused to translate documents for court proceedings, prepare case summaries and case exhibits, and give advice to rank and file police on personal matters. The case was investigated by the interpreters’ staff association.
● Hundreds of thousands of Beijing residents poured onto the streets and parks in the capital to take part in a massive celebration of the October 1 National Day for the first time under Chairman Hua Guofeng. The 28th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China culminated that evening with a gigantic spectacle in Tiananmen Square, transformed into a large outdoor stage for various performances.
October 3, 1977
● The government issued a warning that a shocking number of the 30,000 dogs in the New Territories had not been vaccinated against rabies. A senior government veterinary officer said the numbers of unvaccinated dogs in rural areas exceeded those in urban districts. In the meantime, the government also provided a service for the “disposal” of all unwanted dogs and cats.