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 be 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.S.O. No. 341 of 1868, and 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 territory 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. I am indebted to Mr. Deputy Superintendent Creagh for the enclosed Report on the stables.
The Honorable J. GARDINER AUSTIN,
Colonial Secretary.
I have the honor to be, Sir,
Your most obedient Servant,
W. M. DEANE,
Capt. Superintendent.
Degree of Offences.
Return of Felonies coming under the notice of the Police during the Year 1868.
Police Department, 4th February, 1869.
W. M. DEANE, Captain Superintendent.
The attached statement shows the present state of the Police Horses. Nos. 1 to 9 inclusive are the survivors of the batch that I brought from Calcutta in March, 1868. They are all sound with the exception of No. 1, who is now under treatment for a slight strain of the suspensory ligaments of the near fore leg. Of the remaining horses, Nos. 15, 16, 18 and 19 are unsafe to ride and unfit for further service, I would recommend that they be sold and replaced by Japanese or Chinese ponies. The latter, being hardier and requiring less attention than horses, are best suited to out-station work, where of necessity they are at the mercy of a Chinese coolie.
The remaining, Nos. 11, 12, 13, 14 and 17 are beginning to be worn out, but can still perform light work on level roads, they are useful at No. 1, 7, and Showkewan Stations.
The Central Station stables have been recently improved by substituting a stone floor for one of soft brick. The verandah has been closed in with thick mat screens, which protect the stalls from the sun during day and from cold draughts of air at night.
Sickness has greatly decreased since these alterations were made.
The new stable at the East and West Point Stations are, as regards internal arrangement, probably as good as any in the Colony, but their distance from Head Quarters is a serious objection in cases of sudden illness.
The stables at Aberdeen and Showkewan are, as has been frequently reported, unfit for the purpose.
At Stanley no accommodation whatever has been provided. The nature of Police duty renders it peculiarly productive of disease in horses, an animal that has only had patrol work for days has suddenly to go off 8 or 10 miles at a good pace, and that frequently during the hottest time of the day. A walk up and down in the sun for an hour is not a sufficient restorative for an animal that has taken an express 11 miles to this Station and it is unprofitable to Government as well as trying to the horse, not to provide shelter.
I would suggest that a stable be provided at Stanley and Aberdeen, each to contain one stall for the horse or pony attached to the Station and at least one spare stall for the accommodation of horses from Victoria. Until the question of removing the Showkewan Station has been settled, a stable cannot be erected there.
Central Police Barracks, 4th February, 1869.
C. V. CREAGH,
Deputy Superintendent of Police.