( 66 )
"You have no power at all to order a Policeman to do any thing any more than any other person has." Every citizen can charge a man instantly and call on the nearest constable to arrest the man. You don't want any authority. The Police only take orders from their own officers. I mention that case because it illustrates what I say about the Pó Léung Kuk members appearing to think that they have power over the Police. I may say, however, that this is not only confined to the Chinese. It was the same with an English gentleman who thought that he had the right to employ one of my detectives as he liked without my knowledge.
Honourable C. P. CHATER.-How long is it since this application for the whistle was made?
A. About 10 days ago.
Q.-Was the applicant a member of the Committee?
A.-He said he was. I don't know. I think he came with a note from you (Honourable J. H. STEWART LOCKHART).
The CHAIRMAN.-No, it was not from me. But it has been a rule for all members of the Committee of the Pó Leung Kuk to have whistles.
WITNESS.-I refused to give them.
The CHAIRMAN. They used to be granted by the Captain Superintendent of
Police.
Honourable T. H. WHITEHEAD.-General GORDON'S predecessor?
A. Yes.
Q.-Under what regulation did your predecessor give those whistles ?
A.—I don't know of any regulation-as a matter of convenience I suppose. Honourable C. P. CHATER.-Do they use these whistles themselves, or are they for the detectives ?
A.-I think they mean them for themselves. I don't think the detectives had them. I objected to issue them. I had a discussion on that subject a long time ago with Mr. MITCHELL-INNES, who was very anxious that the Police whistles should be given-I stuck out against it however and was prepared to refer the question to the Governor if necessary.
Honourable F. H. MAY.-Have you any intimate knowledge of the working of the Society at home which you have referred to?
A.-I have not.
Q. Could you describe the manner in which they work?
A.-I could not.
Honourable T. H. WHITEHEAD.-Are you aware whether any Government Officials are members of the Society?
A.-I believe not, but I am not aware. I believe it is entirely a private Society maintained by private subscriptions with the encouragement of the Government.
Q.-It is entirely benevolent work?
A.Yes, it is a very excellent work.
Q-Supposing the Pó Léung Kuk Society ceased to exist, would it be possible to cope with the work now carried on by them?
A.-I think it is probable that I should ask for a few more detectives from the Government.