As indicating the class of men who join, it may be mentioned that numbers of former constables obtained outfits from local tradesmen and decamped without paying for them. Even their Mess Bills have been evaded. This naturally brings the Service into disrepute, and it has been stated during the enquiry that the Police are ashamed to appear in the streets in uniform; five men have been dismissed for misconduct since December last, and the dismissals and resignations of constables since January 1900 amount to 28.
The total establishment of constables is 20.
Great discontent exists as to the discipline and restrictions enforced such as (a) Lights out in barracks at 9 p.m., (b) Men for second watch (midnight) to be in barracks at 9 p.m., (c) All men to be in Yard at 11 p.m. (except by special permit).
We are of opinion that such discontent might be looked for from the class of men entered. The Colonial Police work under similar conditions.
The Police are under the impression that more money should be available for the purchase of newspapers and games. We find that printed forms &c. required for Police Service are provided out of the Fine Fund, a Fund usually set aside in Police Forces for the benefit of the men).
The prohibition as to members of the Yard Police marrying undoubtedly renders the Service unpopular and prevents many steady men from joining.
Loss of half pay whilst in Hospital suffering from illness due to climate is also felt by the men to be an injustice, placing them, as it does, at a disadvantage compared with the Army, Navy and Colonial Police.
As a result of our enquiries, and taking into consideration the abundance of remunerative local employment which will be open, so far as can be foreseen for many years to come, we beg to submit that the following conditions are