Copy.
Sir,
Enclosure. D
Police Department,
15th. May, 1895.
C. O.
14529
150
IREC? (Red 19 1U0 95,
In submitting the annexed scheme for compensating marks, there is
no suggestion of stultifying the Additional Regulations published in
Govt. Not. NO.48 dated the 4th. February last, and I would point out that
whilst the black marks are retrospective only one part of the compensat-
ing or red mark system can be retrospective.
2. The mark system was not introduced with the object of curtailing the
pensions but presumably only to introduce some definite standard by which
a man's conduct was to be judged.
3. Its introduction has however had. I have every reason to believe, a very
disheartening effect on the men, especially the Indians, its action being
retrospective they (the men generally) argue, and with considerable show
of reason, at the time the offences were committed we were punished, in
most cases fined heavily, had this prospective punishment accruing there-
to been also in force, doubtless our Officers would not have punished so
heavily in view of the after effects.
4. To illustrate my meaning Sergeant Baker was fined by the late General
Gordon $25 for being absent from roll call and duty. A severe punishment
and meant to be so, albeit the man bears an excellent character but would
*
General Gordon have in addition to the fine have reduced the man's pensio
52?
The Honourable,
The Colonial Secretary.