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THE HONGKONG GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 16TH MARCH, 1895.
199
14. A batch of recruits was obtained from the London Metropolitan Police, and has on the whole given very great satisfaction.
Twelve recruits were obtained from India and have given great satisfaction.
Very little recruiting was done for the Chinese Force, vacancies being filled up from the Water Police and recruits taken on temporarily for that branch in order to enable the necessary reduction to be made at the end of the year in view of the introduction of the system of substituting steam pinnaces for rowing boats for policing the harbour.
A trial was made of selection by competitive examination in the Chinese language.
The experiment was not a success. The Chinese that offer themselves as recruits being as a rule so illiterate that but small distinction could be drawn between their attainments.
15. I attach a report on the Police School by Messrs. ARTHUR & JAMESON. The latter had charge of the school for nine months during the former's absence on leave.
The translation of the new Instruction Book has caused much delay and the book is not yet out of the hands of the printer.
Five members of the European Force obtained certificates from the Board of Examiners for know- ledge of Chinese. One passed the third and highest standard. He has since been transferred to the Post Office as first clerk.
Fourteen Indians obtained certificates for knowledge of Chinese, and three Indians and one Chinese for knowledge of English.
16. The health of the Force has been very satisfactory. The admissions to Hospital were, compared with last year, as follows:—
Europeans, Indians, Chinese,
1893.
134
.255
.133
1894.
127
244
134
I attach a list shewing the number of fever cases sent to Hospital from each Station. It will be seen that the Aberdeen Station is by far the most unhealthy Station and the figures for it demand serious attention. Every European and Indian stationed there during the year contracted fever, and only three Chinese (including servants) escaped catching it.
The number of deaths from ordinary causes is the same as last year. No death occurred among the Europeans.
Of the four Indians whose deaths are recorded two committed suicide and one was shot on duty, while of the eleven Chinese that died seven were claimed by the Plague and one was shot by an Indian Police constable.
17. The Indian messes have proved a success, and there are messes now established at all the Stations except Pokfulam, Aberdeen, Stanley, Shau-ki-wan, Hung Hom, and the Block House, Fuk Tsun Heung.
18. I have drawn attention in a separate report to the unsatisfactory condition of the Barrack accommodation in the Eastern and Western Districts, and I have also recommended the building of additional bath-rooms and of a drying room at the Central Station. Improvements in these directions are urgently required, and I trust that it may be found possible to carry out my recommendations at an early date.
It has been found possible during the year to improvise drying-rooms at Nos. 1, 3, and 7 Stations, Yaumati, and Aberdeen. The men at those stations are now able to dry their uniform and clothing in wet weather, and it is probable that the improvement in the health of the Force is partly attributable to this cause.
Japanese hot water baths, which are self-heating being furnished with a charcoal stove, were supplied to the following stations:-
Central, Nos. 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, Mount Gough, Aberdeen, Stanley, Yaumati, Tsim Tsa Tsui, Hung Ham, Shau-ki-wan, and the men were instructed to take a hot plunge when returning wet and cold off duty at night or in the early morning.
The men have used the baths to a fair extent, and will no doubt use them more as they become accustomed to and learn to appreciate them.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
The Honourable
THE ACTING COLONIAL SECRETARY.
F. H. MAY,
Captain Superintendent of Police.