210
THE HONGKONG GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 17TH APRIL, 1869.
14. Under the head of Piracy (21 in 1868-35 in 1867) will be found a great many cases affecting small Fishing Boats and which should rather be described as Robberies in Chinese Waters. The only attack on a European vessel was that on the North German barque Lesmona, on the 25th May, off the Island of Hainam. The vessel was captured and scuttled by the Pirates, the crew narrowly escaping with their lives. The distance of the place of attack, 300 miles from Hongkong, prevented the Police of this Colony being successful in arresting any of the culprits, although they obtained information as to the place where two of the piratical junks were for a time lying. Their seizure was however unaccomplished, through a misunderstand- ing on the part of the Officer in command of the Gun-boat that was sent in search, as to the proper place to visit. As His Excellency is well aware, although these offences are placed on the Police Returns, the Police themselves have no power or means to act without the waters of the Colony.
15. As to miscellaneous offences, there is little worthy of remark, except the large items of the arrest of 427 as suspicious characters and 324 for hawking without license. It is under the former heading that a large number of persons, who have been connected with more serious crimes, have been convicted; when the main charge through the absence of witnesses, or non-production of property, would have broken down. The number of licensed hawkers is very great and thus several persons screen themselves in the crowd from taking out licenses. I may here remark that the Police are at present powerless to stop the street cries of these men, unless some person is ready to prove at the Police Court that he was annoyed or alarmed. 16. Although the diminution of crime is often traceable to external circumstances, yet the daily increasing knowledge of their duties by the Police must, in a great measure, have tended to the above effect. The Sikh constables are rapidly becom- ing more acquainted with the nature of their work and many are endeavouring to obtain a knowledge of the Colloquial to increase their usefulness; whilst, as a body of disciplined men, it is unquestionable that they would be of great service if in the event of any disturbance, the necessity should arise.
17. External assistance has been rendered to the Police during the past year through the continued employment of district watchmen, and the co-operation of informants in the pay of the licensees of the Gambling Houses. The former have paid any especial attention to cases of Kidnapping, Larceny and Breaches of the Peace; and the latter to reporting the return of well known criminals.
18. As an increased means of keeping up a proper supervision over constables on their beats, the Mounted Force has been increased and a larger amount of patrolling is done. Apart from the benefits arising from rapid communication with the out-stations, I think a marked improvement is visible in the deportment of constables on duty.
19. The conduct of the Police is apparently improving, especially since the latter part of the year, when the severe example of two Inspectors being dismissed for drunkenness took place. The mess of the Europeans has, under the superintendence of one of the Inspectors, been more carefully attended to and certain conveniences added. The men consequently remain more together in Barracks instead of frequenting the Town when off duty.
20. Much has been done during the past year towards the improvement and repair of Barracks of the Force; but still the want of greater accommodation, both for men and horses, is urgently felt at the Central Station.
21. The Fire Arms of the men are now worn out and will require to the replaced.
22. The removal of the Water Police from a Station on land to a floating Hulk has quite answered the expectations. entertained. Communication is rendered more easy both from the shipping and the Central Station; and the duties appear to be carried out more efficiently.
23. Improved as the means of communication are with the out-stations through the increase of horses attached to the Police, I must urge the advantages that would result from the introduction of telegraphic wires. This matter I have already referred to in C. §. O. No. 341 of 1868, and it is, I believe, under consideration.
24. The disturbed state of British Kowloon, owing to the lawless and desperate characters that reside there, and its proximity to Chinese territory has rendered it necessary to strengthen the Police detachment there. A large space of ter- ritory is still however left comparatively unprotected. The question of adopting here and in small villages on the Island the Indian plan of punitive Police Stations, the expenses of which are defrayed by the villagers, should any grave outrage occur, may be deemed worthy of consideration.
25. The out-stations of Aberdeen, Stanley and Showkewan have, owing in a great measure to the care of the Inspectors in charge, been exempt from any serious crime.
26. Í am indebted to Mr. Deputy Superintendent Creagh for the enclosed Report on the stables.
I have the honor to be,
Sir,
The Honorable J. GARDINER AUSTIN,
Colonial Secretary.
Your most obedient Servant,
W. M. DEANE, Captain Superintendent.
Return of Felonies coming under the notice of the Police during the Year 1868.
Remarks.
4(a) One Prisoner committed
Suicide before Trial.
Degree of Offences.
No. of Cases.
1868. 1867. 1868. 1867.
Persons Im- [No. of Persons] No. of Persons plicated. Convicted. Discharged.
Executions.
1868. | 1867. 1868. | 1867. 1868. | 1867.
Murder,
2
2
10
1
1
2
1
1
Attempt at Murder,
3
3
Piracies,.
21
35
? a
9
12
14 10
Burglary,
76
119
165
318 38 52
Highway Robbery,.
41
150
92
329
Embezzlement and Extortion,
15
8
18
12
Kidnapping,
68
53
94
69
Unlawful Possession,
215
360
285 434
172
Larceny,
805
719 1,090
962 616
Counterfeit Coin,
12
9
33 10
Arson,
1
1
1
1
32:
13
5
16 94
14
59
12
11
36
· 36
36
31
303
113
130
526
308
385
9
5
24
5
1
1
:
Total,
1,256 1,458 |1,788 2,146
909 1,043
531 626
1
5
Police Department, 4th February, 1869.
W. M. DEANE, Captain Superintendent.