3
664673
Enclosure No). in C.S.O. N. 1303//
THE BRIARLY MEMORIAL
Hongkong, 2nd April, 1873.
To the Right Honourable the Earl of Kimberley, Her Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for the Colonies.
The Humble memorial of the undersigned Residents in the Island of Hongkong.
SHEWETH
1.-That in the opinion of your Memorialists, a great injustice has been done to one of Her Majesty's subjects in this Colony.
2.-That application has been made to the local authorities for redress, but without avail, and therefore your Memorialists feel constrained humbly to submit the following statement for your Lordship's consideration.
CASE.
3.-That George Briarly, for seven years a member of the Royal Irish Constabulary, and for nearly three years a member of the Metropolitan Police Force, had, whilst acting in the latter capacity, his attention directed to the following passage in the "Metropolitan Police Force Orders," dated 6th December, 1872.
Volunteers for Duty in Hongkong.
**The superintendents will submit by first despatch bag on the 9th, a list of single men properly qualified, willing to proceed to Hongkong. The constables selected must be of good character, of at least three years' service, under 32 years of age, of fair height and of good constitution. The pay of the constables is fixed at 40 dollars, equal to 9 pounds a month, and the men selected will have to enter into an agreement binding them to serve for a period of five years: an annual supply of clothing and free quarters will be provided. A free passage will also be given, and the expenses of each man paid to the place of embarkation. The men selected will have the option of renewing their engagements at the expiration of the term for which they agree to enter, or of being sent home at the public expense.**
4.-In consequence of the above notice the said George Briarly presented himself to Charles Vandeleur Creagh, Esq., who had been authorised by the Colonial Government of Hongkong to enrol men, in accordance with its provisions, and, having satisfactorily proved himself to be in possession of the qualifications mentioned therein, was forthwith enrolled.
5.-That the said Charles Vandeleur Creagh, Esq., not being in possession of copies of the Regulations of the Hongkong Police Force, informed the said George Briarly, at the time of enrolment, that the rules of that service were similar to those of the Metropolitan Police Force.
6.-That the said George Briarly, on the faith of the said representation, proceeded to Hongkong, in company with the other men accepted by the said Charles Vandeleur Creagh, Esq., for the aforesaid service, and arrived thereat on the 10th day of March last.
Page 264
Notes on the Briarly Memorial
Mr. Breaghs having been instructed by telegraph was necessarily unprovided with a copy of Regulations, but he heard however been informed by the enrolling officer that the men formerly enlisted were quite satisfied.
A comparison between the Rules of the Metropolitan and Hong Kong Police shows a strong similarity.