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Conneil.
3.
It is inferred from the concluding paragraph of Your Lordship's despatch No.183 of the 28th August ultimo, (directing that the proposed alteration in the pay of the Police should be, in the first instance, voted by the Council) that the above-mentioned course is in harmony with Your Lordship's views.
This question of the rates of pay for the Police at Hongkong has become of immediate urgency in consequence of the Municipal Council of the English settlement at Shanghai having recently increased the rates of pay of their Police. We have already lost one of the best of our Inspectors, and are likely to lose several of our best English Constables, who are attracted by the larger remuneration offered in the more healthy climate of Shanghai.
I enclose a report on this subject from the Acting Captain Superintendent, which will be presented to the Legislative Council. There is no doubt but that...