12.
200 or more and an increase of 2027 or 47.04 per cent in minor offence.
3.
Three murders took place. Two blind mendicants were attacked at Shau-Ki-Wan, and one murdered. The names of the assailants were quickly known, but the men took refuge in Chinese Territory, with, it is supposed, the assistance of the Fried Society. In the five remaining cases the presumed culprit was arrested, and although there was little moral doubt of their actual guilt, the evidence adducible was not deemed conclusive to justify a conviction at the Supreme Court.
4.
There was a decrease in the number of Piracy, Robbery with violence; and the other serious crimes call for no special remark. In one case, however, gold coin to the value of nearly one thousand pounds that had been stolen was recovered within three days by the perseverance and ability of a detective.
A noteworthy case was the prosecution of 51 Chinese Constables. Information was given by a certain person that some Constables would receive bribes for affording protection to Tambling Horses. The officers deputed to inquire into the case brought evidence that money to the extent of about 10 cents three pence a piece was received by fifty men, but they failed to prove the object for which the money was paid. The charge therefore dwindled down into one of receiving money without authority contrary to the Police Regulations. [The prosecution omitted to prove that the Regulations in question had been approved.