HONGKONG.
441
32 No. 87.
EXTRACTS FROM THE REPORT OF THE CAPTAIN SUPERINTENDENT OF POLICE
FOR THE YEAR 1886.
Presented to the Legislative Council, by Command of His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government, on the 2nd September, 1887.
No. 21.
POLICE OFFICE, HONGKONG, 22nd January, 1887.
I have the honour to forward for the information of His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government, details of the Police Establishment, the list of Pensioners, and the Criminal Statistics for the year 1886.
The Criminal Statistics show that 8,836 cases were reported to the Police during 1886, being an increase of 2,061 cases or 30.42 per cent. on the return for 1885. In the subdivision of these cases serious crimes (so called) and Minor Offences, an increase of 34 cases or 1.37 per cent is found in serious crimes, and an increase of 2,027 cases or 47.04 per cent. in Minor Offences.
Three murders took place. Two blind mendicants were attacked near Shaukiwán, and one murdered. The names of the assailants were quickly known, but the men took refuge in Chinese Territory, not without, it is supposed, the assistance of the Triad Society. In the two remaining cases the presumed culprits were arrested, and of their actual guilt there was little moral doubt, but the evidence adducible was not deemed sufficiently conclusive to justify a conviction at the Supreme Court.
There was a decrease in the number of Burglaries. Robberies with violence and Piracy; and the other serious crimes call for no special remark. In one case, however, gold coin, to the value of nearly one thousand pounds, that had been stolen, was entirely recovered within three days by the perseverance and ability of a Chinese detective.
In the Minor Offences the principal noteworthy case was the prosecution of fifty one Chinese Constables. Information was given by a man that on a certain day some Constables would receive bribes for affording protection to Gambling Houses. The Officers deputed to inquire into the case brought conclusive evidence, that some fifty men received money to the extent of about ten cents or three pence a piece, but they failed, which is not to be wondered at, considering the notorious bad character of the informant, to prove the object for which the money was paid. The charge therefore dwindled down into one of receiving money without authority contrary to the Police Regulations. The conviction was quashed on appeal. In consequence of this case the security required for the good behaviour of Chinese Constables in the Land Force has been increased from fifty to two hundred dollars. Breaches of the Opium Ordinance show an increase of 686 cases. A number of search warrants have also been issued and returned without result.
The foreshore between No. 2 Station and East Point has silted up in a way that materially affects the utility of the Patrol Launches. The smallest launch drawing 4 feet 6 inches cannot now at low water go alongside Observation Point Pier, which should be lengthened, unless it is considered that it would be more advantageous and profitable to extend the Praya.
I regret that the mortality among the European Police has been unusually heavy, no less than eight having died. In addition, the cases of fever were especially numerous and severe.
The Force was therefore in the autumn from these causes and from the dismissal of the Chinese one hundred men below its effective strength. Whitfeild Station from the number of fever cases had to be temporarily abandoned. A Board held an inquiry into allegations concerning the Triad Society, and evidence was given that tended to show that it exercised a dangerous influence, twelve of the Head men have been banished from the Colony with a beneficial result.
Fires are now of very frequent occurrence and interfere with the general Police Work, owing to the Fire Brigade being so largely manned from this Force. It may be as well to recall to notice the fact, that where premises are insured, the standing Government Orders to the Police are that any prosecution for arson should be initiated by the Insurance Company affected. This is assumed to apply to cases when the supposed offender resides on the premises.
From the experience gained in severe typhoons, it appears that a grave danger to life has been allowed to spring up within the last few years by the multiplication of overhead telegraphic wires. It would be quite contrary to what might be expected, if in a bad typhoon these wires are not blown down so as to dangerously obstruct some of the main thoroughfares.
The Roman Catholic Cathedral having been pulled down and a large number of houses being in the course of erection on the site, the probability of a fire extending to the Central Station is much greater than before, and the danger is materially increased by the dilapidated state of the adjoining bungalows which were purchased some sixteen years ago for the purpose of supplying ground so greatly needed for the extension of the Barracks. The want of accommodation is now more felt than before, as the Force is larger, and fourteen men have ceased to receive quarters in the Markets.