Faks of Buckingham - 23 October 1868) £252 of 1869 Pape "You suggest that the funds derived from gambling licences should be appropriated towards the following objects : -
"Good conduct pay to the Police, not exceeding, as you anticipate, $20,000 a year:
The improvement of certain police outstations: 3rd To increase the Police force by seven or eight reliable men, specially appointed to watch the gambling houses at a cost of about $9,000 a year.
The purchase of two steam launches to assist the police in performing their duties in the harbour, and at the out-stations: 5th The purchase of a schooner of 150 tons, to be manned by the water police and to take the place of the junk now in use.
The 1st & 3rd of these objects are clearly within the scope of the instructions which I have already conveyed in previous Dispatches, in regard to the application of the fund derived from these licenses, that you have my full authority for devoting a portion of them to those objects.
I am of opinion, however, that to the second object, the improvement of outstations, the fund is not properly applicable, as it would merely relieve the current revenue from the duty of providing proper quarters for the existing police.
(445) I have had some little hesitation as regards the purchase of the two steam launches and the schooner, but taking into consideration that they will materially assist the police in putting down piracy and gambling in the harbour & boats, which was extensive, you have my authority for applying the funds for the purchase of those vessels."
Lord Granville - 26 March 1869. (S. 64 of 1869 Papers)
I must observe that the objects to which funds derived from that source (gambling licences) are to be appropriated are clearly defined in my predecessor's Despatch of the 23rd October (n° 176) and that the instructions contained in that despatch must not be exceeded without further & special sanction.
Analysis of Authorities
306
The only definite instructions, which have been sent out from the C.D. to Gov. Sir R. Macdonnell, are contained in the Duke of Buckingham's despatch (n°176 of 23rd October 1868) numbered 4 in the annexed list: these instructions distinctly authorize the building of a schooner & two steam launches; thus Sir R. M. has authority for all the expenditure under heads B&C in the statement of accounts, i.e., $13,098 actually spent, $15,769 probably by Crown Agents up to June 30, $10,400 intended to complete contract - in round numbers for $40,000. Is the maintenance of these vessels (new boilers) to be sanctioned for the future?
He has also distinct authority to spend $20,000 a year on good conduct pay for Police, which should appear as follows:
1867 - Sept. 15th to Feb. 28th $5,835 1868 $12,000 1869 up to June 30th $9,000 i.e. $2,626 in round numbers for $36,000also for good conduct pay for 8 extra reliable men assuming these men were appointed at the time of the issue of the Licenses and not after receiving the authority, it should appear as:
1867 - Sept. 15th to Feb. 28th $1,626 1868 $9,000 1869 to June 30th $580 i.t. $9,000