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(Enclosure No. 1.)
POLICE OFFICE,
13th January, 1904.
SIR,-I have the honour to submit a report on the distribution of Police in the New Territory during 1903. The Table attached shews the distribution in New Territory for 1903. A reduction was made in September, which is given in the seventh column, with the dates of the reduction in the remarks column.
There were 14 Europeans, 96 Indians, and 43 Chinese with 10 Boatmen stationed in the New Territory on land up to September: after September the num- bers of Indians was reduced to 80, while another crew of five boatmen was added.
Six Europeans and 40 Chinese did duty on the launches; the increase in Chinese being due to the stationing of a larger launch at Tai Po, requiring a double
crew.
Table of Serious Crime attached. The increase in the gang robberies was not due to a general relapse but was the work especially of two particular gangs: most of the members of both have been arrested and convicted. The last two months of the year shewed an immediate improvement in consequence.
Kat O Station was closed on 18th September; a temporary Station of 7 Indians was opened at Castle Peak on May 7th, and was again closed on September 7th,
Major CHAN LEUNG KIT, who has been in charge of the Chinese Force station- ed over the border for the last few years, was transferred from the district in December, 1903. No one appears to have been sent as yet to take his place, and while this is so, incursions across the frontier may be expected to increase. It will be difficult under any circumstances to find a substitute for Major CHAN's ability and energy.
The Police were employed in addition to usual Police duties in collecting Crown Rent a task which occupies a great deal of time--and in acting as Bailiffs for the execution of Land Court Distress Warrants. The Water Police have further licensed boats and received the fees on account of the Harbour Master.
I have, &c.,
E. R. HALLIFAX,
Acting Deputy Superintendent of Police.
Capt. LYONS,
Acting Captain Superintendent of Police.
Table showing Serious Crime.
1900.
1901.
1902.
1903.
Gang Robberies,
20
23
11
18
Boat and Junk Robberies,
5
8
3
6
Highway and Street Robberies, ..
7
3
32
35
17
29
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