Report of that officer on the subject.
The difficulties are very great, in fact insurmountable in the way of recruiting the Force effectually here, and therefore it is necessary if anything of the kind is to be done to endeavour to have it effected in England.
GOR A36. 15 Feby 1888.
A former attempt to obtain ticketed trained men of character from the London Police failed, as they could not be spared, and we never had more than six sent out; men of short service, and of whom two have long been dismissed for irregular habits.
3. It is, however, absolutely necessary to make another effort now, and I trust your Lordship will accede to my request. I am aware that it will require a considerable expenditure, but in no other way can money be more usefully expended if we can thereby obtain good, active, and sober men.
4. I propose that at least 30 men, of whom it is desirable that none should exceed 35 years of age, should be sent out, and I also propose that these men should be invited by advertisement to volunteer for Hong Kong, receiving each £30 bonus wherewith to provide themselves.