No. 344.
4. These are among the ordinary duties of the Police, but in case of any out- break among the native population, or invasion by a Foreign enemy, I would ven- ture to point out that the fighting strength of the Garrison is rarely over 600 men, that an addition of these 300 trained police could not fail to be a valuable assistance ; but that untrained men degenerate into a mere mob, useless in themselves, and calculated only to impede the Troops with whom they may be called upon to serve.
5. To ensure the objects I have had the honour to lay before you, I consider it would be very advisable that a Military Adjutant should be attached to the Force, who, besides assisting the Captain Superintendent in his general duties, would pay special attention to the drill and discipline of the men, and to their Musketry Instruction and care of their Rifles, many of those at present issued being honey-
combed and unfit for use.
6. I would also suggest that a drill Sergeant should be appointed to the Force, with the rank say of Sergeant-Major, and pay of a Sergeant; he could be included in the number of European Sergeants allowed in the estimates; thus no extra ex- pense would be incurred.
7. As the Indian Contingent is a most important branch of the Force, there
should also be a good drill Sergeant for it, and I would suggest that application be made to India for a Havildar Major from a Native Regiment.
8. With reference to a Military Adjutant being attached, I beg to state that during the absence on leave of Mr. DEANE, I shall of course superintend the drills, Musketry Instruction, &c., having been for some years Adjutant of my Regiment before obtaining my Company.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant,
T. C. DEMPSTER, Captain,
Late Captain 28th Regiment, Acting Superintendent of Police.
(3.)
CENTRAL POLICE STATION,
HONGKONG, 17th December, 1883.
SIR,
I have the honour to bring to your notice that from information received, I have reason to believe that large bodies of armed Chinese, smugglers, &c., chiefly from the mainland, are in the habit of proceeding through the streets of the city, escorting Opium to boats at the wharves.