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House all bounce £200
}
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K Mr 28/91
us Inspector General of Police
Also £200 as Poor Law Commissionez.
Dr Deane
receives
Salary 2800 as head of the Police
allowances Z125–
RSZ
29/1/71.
The Daily Press
HONGKONG, AUGUST 31st, 1871.
THE MEETING OF UNOFFICIAL JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.
A Meeting of Justices of Peace, not being official members of the Government, was held at the Hongkong Club yesterday, the 30th August, at 11 a.m., pursuant to notice, issued by the Hon. P. Ryrie, Senior non-official J.P.
Present: Hon. P. Ryrie, Hon. R. Rowett, W. Wilson, Esq., T. G. Linatead, Esq., S. J. Gower, Esq., G. McLean, Esq., T. Pyke, Esq., E. Arthur, Esq., E. D. Sassoon, Esq, J. Ber wick. Esq, J. M. Vickers, Esq., and E. R. Belilios, Esq.
Mr. RYRIB stated that it had been thought advisable to call a meeting of the Justices of the Peace, who were not officially connected with the Government, to consider whether, under the circumstances of the alarming increase of orime in the Colony, and the apparent power- lessness of the police to prevent it, or even to discover and arrest the offenders, some steps might not be taken on behalf of the Community at large, to ascertain the cause of the existing state of matters and inaugurate some reform for the future. His attention had long been directed to this subject, and as a member of the Legislative Council be had some time ago en- deavoured ineffectually to procure an investi- gation, with what result the following corres. pondence would shew :-
HONGKONG, 16th November, 1870.
My dear Mr. Austin,-
As it is my intention to propose at the next Meeting of the Legislative Council, that a commission be appointed, composed of a certain number of Government Officers and non-official Justices of the Peace, to enquire into the entire system and management of the Police Force, I shall feel obliged if you will inform me if any previous notice of such is required to be given. The complaints of all or nearly all the owners of property in the place, of the ineffi- ciency and very heavy expense of the Police are so loud, that I feel it my duty, as a Member of Council, as well as a private indivi- dual, having a large amount of house property belonging to friends under my management and care, to call for a thorough investigation,
Yours truly,
P. RYRIE. In reply to this an intimation was given that any anch information should be applied for officially, and an official answer would be given.
Mr. Ryrie accordinely addressed a letter dated 30th November, 1870, to the Colonial- Secretary, which, with its reply, was read:
HONGKONG, 30th November, 1870. SIR, There exists in the Colony at present
80 much dissatisfaction regarding the manner in which police work is conducted, as also with regard to the very great cost of the force, that I consider it my duty to propose that a com- mission be appointed to enquire into the entire system of police management, said commission to be composed of equal numbers of Government officers and non-official Justices of the Peace, and its proceedings to be open to the public. It is my desire to make the above proposal at the next meeting of the Legislative Council, provided, of course, that the same meets with His Excellency the Lient.-Governor's approval. I have, &c., &o,
(Signed) P. RYKIE.
To the Hon. J. GARDINER AUSTIN,
Colonial Secretary, &c., &e. COLONIAL-SECRETARY'S OFFICE.
HONGKONG, 2nd December, 1876. SIR,-1 have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 80th ultimo, and to acquaint you in reply, by desire of the Lieut. Governor, that as in accordance with instruc tions received from the Secretary of State, full police reports bave been already transmitted to Downing Street, and no changes whatever can therefore be made until replies have been re- ceived, His Excellency cannot consent to any motion being made by you in the Legislative Council, for the appointment of a committee to enquire into the state of the police.-1 have, &c., &c.
(Signed) J. GARDINER AUSTIN,
Colonial-Secretary.
The Hon. PHINEAS RYBIE, &c., &e.
Some conversation then ensued, wherein the ananimous feeling was confirmatory, and in extension of the Chairman's remarks, and the great cause of complaint existing in conse- quence of the police ipefficiency.
It was then proposed by Mr. Maclean, se- conded by Mr. E.-D. Sassoon, and carried unan- imously:
"That the whole body of non-official Justices of the Peace, waits pour H, B. the Governor by appointment, and ascertain if any, and what, ini- mediate steps are being taken by the Govern- ment with regard to the reformation of the Police Force,"
It was then proposed by Mr. T. G. Linstead, and seconded by the Hon. P. Ryrie, and carried unanimously-
"That H.E. the Lieut.-Governor be also re- quested to appoint a commission consisting principally of residents not official members of Government, with full power and authority to enquire into the existing state of the Police Force, the result of such enquiry to be made public, and that the former official report of the commission of 1869 be as a preliminary placed in the bands of the commission now desired to be appointed."
The CHAIRMAN consented to ascertain when H.E. the Lieut.-Governor would receive the deputation, and the meeting then adjourned.
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