258
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think it their duty to call particular attention to the evidence of Mr. GRIMES on this subject (p. 119).
57. Of the Police seconded to other departments, by far the greater number Seronted Polico. are employed as a gaol guard. The Commission are unable to see that any parti- cular advantage accrues from this arrangement, and if their suggestions as to the reorganisation of the force be adopted, it will become impossible, as there is a special unfitness in Chinese for this work, and Europeans could not be afforded The Commission are unanimously of opinion that, having regard to the nature of the duties, and to the heavy military contribution paid by the Colony, Mitary Contribution. they should be performed by the military. But in default of the military authorities accepting this plain duty, the Commission advise that the Superintendent of the Gaol be instructed to provide a sufficient permanent gaol guard drawn from such sources as he thinks best for the purpose.
for it.
Seconded Police.
58. With regard to the other seconded Police, they are few in number, and are orderlics. mostly Indians. These having become familiar with their duties, there would be little advantage in removing them from their posts. The question, however, of Police orderlies stands on a different footing, and the Commission are strongly of opinion that Policemen, highly paid to do Police work, should not be taken from that important duty to perform tasks which, for the most part, could as well be done by ordinary Chinese messengers.
59. The Police Fire Brigade seems to be an admirably devised scheme, and Fire Brigola. the only available public provision of the kind which was possible in the Colony The Commission cannot recom- without incurring a most unnecessary expense.
mend any interference. with this body, further than that of placing, when opportunity occurs, one of the superior officers of Police in the post of one of the Assistant Superintendents of the Brigade. This step seems necessary to prevent a clashing of orders.
60. The force of District Watchmen seems on the whole to have been a useful District Watchmen. body of men, and the Commission, therefore, reconmmend that they should be left alone for the present, but that, as the reorganisation of the Police proceeds, they should be gradually disbanded or absorbed into the latter force. Should the advice of the majority of the Commission be accepted, and result, as they hope it will, in
a better understanding between the Government and the Chinese touching Police matters, the raison d'étre of the District Watchmen will cease.
61. In regard to the officers employed to supervise brothels, markets, and Inspectors of brothels, &c. nuisances, these men hold posts created by special Ordinances. Their functions seem, on the whole, to have been satisfactorily performed, and the Commission see no reason for recommending any material changes in their position. They consider that these duties have been advantageously attached to the Police force, as they open a door for promotion to a class of men whose steadiness and good conduct deserve recognition, but whose abilities and education hardly fit them for the more important duties devolving on ordinary Inspectors. It is, however, regarded as a grievance by the latter that these men should wear Inspector's uniform, and there is no doubt much justice in the complaint. The Commission, therefore, think that the use of Police Inspectors' uniform should be discontinued by these officers; nor is it the intention of the Commission to recommend that they should be paid in accordance with the scale of pay for Inspectors mentioned in paragraph 44.
Trying Defaulters.
Barracks.
Canteen.
Canteen.
Savings Bank.
Uniform.
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62. The Commission agree with the evidence laid before them (pp. 93, 94, 96, 108) that offenders against Police discipline should be tried, as a rule, by the Captain Superintendent himself and not by any Deputy. They think such a rule would in every way be more satisfactory than the existing practice. A separate ward in the Gaol doubtless ought to be set apart for such defaulters. It is also important that the Captain Superintendent should not be allowed to exercise the functions of a Justice of the Peace except to carry out the provisions of the Police Ordinance. In regard to this point the Commission would refer to Mr. MAY's evidence (p. 91).
63. The existing Barrack accommodation is fair, but rather limited as to room. The Commission trust that the new arrangements now in contemplation will afford sufficient space. The question, however, of quarters for married men will continue to demand much more attention than has been given to it. A representation has already been made by the Commission, in a letter of the 3rd May last, as to the condition of the urinals, latrines, and water supply, and they take this opportunity of further impressing on the Executive the urgent necessity of inmediate action to remedy the present disgusting and unhealthy state of things.
64. The canteen is a subject which has caused the Commission some anxiety, the institution being one which under proper management is highly beneficial, but which is capable of being converted into an intolerable abuse. The following important evidence upon this matter will be found at page 118:-
The canteen was badly managed, and was tite cause of much drunkenness at the Central Station. It was established "by SIR R. MACDONNELL, beer only being supplied, limited to a quart per man per day. This rule was relaxed under "Mr. Rice, and the result was drunkeuness, gambling, and card playing all through the barracks. Mr. DEANE put a stop "to this, and limited the allowance again. Beer and porter only, of good quality, should be sold."
Another trustworthy witness says:
"I cannot say much for the canteen. I think it needs a more stringent control. Men get unlimited drink, and on "credit too. I have known men have to pay left after settling for messing and beer. I would give no credit at the "canteen, and would allow a man only three pints a day. I think the canteen induces a certain amount of drunkenness.
No spirite are supplied at the canteen now."
65. The above quoted evidence can leave no doubt that the canteen has been made a source of the gravest evils. Although they are glad to recognise the fact that most of these have been vigorously suppressed, the Commission are not at all satisfied that the canteen is yet what it should be. They emphatically deprecate the supply of rum or other spirits to the men, on any pretext, and they consider that the system of credit should be most strictly limited to a moderate daily allowance of inalt liquor. Under these precautions the canteen will, no doubt, be a serviceable institution.
66. The establishment on sound principles of a Police Savings Bank would be a boon of no ordinary kind and is well within the power of the Government to bestow on the force. The Commission feel sure that such an institution would, in its steadying results, amply repay any trouble bestowed upon it.
67. Great laxity seems to have prevailed in the matter of uniform. Care ought to be taken that no doubt should be possible as to the uniform which every officer is entitled and bound to wear.