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ness prevailing throughout the neighbouring Provinces of China, the accessibility of the littoral and islands to attack by robbers and pirates, and the multifarious duties which in this Colony, are thrown upon the Police, the numerical strength of the Force set down by me for the New Territory is more than is required.
I would add however that my estimate of it is based on the assumption that no British Military Force will be stationed in, or beyond the northern boundaries of the New Territory.
If a force is so stationed there some reduction in the number of the Police might with safety be made.
7. With regard to the accommodation of the Police in the New Territory, I have to state that at Kowloon City and Sha Tin the buildings formerly occupied by the Imperial Maritime Customs have been converted into Police Stations: at Tai Po, Fu Ti Au and Un Long temporary matsheds have been erected; at Ping Shan, Fai O and Cheung Chau Chinese houses have been rented, and that at Tung Chung and Yung Shu Wan the Police are stationed in the quarters of the former Chinese petty Military Officials. No stations have yet been opened at Fu Tau Chau, Starling Inlet, Tsin Wan and Sai Kung. At four places only in the above list viz. Kowloon City, Fu Tau Chau, Tung Chung and Yung Shu Wan the building of permanent Police Stations