lio. 175.
Hongkong.
Sir,
MO 17854
?
C.O.
Government House,
Hongkong, 26th April, 1904.
607
With reference to Mr. Chamberlain's Despatch No. 184 of the 19th May, 1903, and his Circular Despatch of the 8th July, I have the honour to inform you that provision has been made in this year's Estimates for the initiation of the system of identifying criminals by impressed finger marks, and that when Mr. Badeley, Captain Superintendent of Police, was recently in England on leave of absence he studied the system described by Mr. F. R. Henry, as used in Scotland Yard.
2.
An effort was made to secure the services of an expert from India for the purpose of inaugurating the system in Hongkong, but the rate of salary demanded was exorbitant and the Captain Superintendent of Police is satisfied that the services of such an expert are not now required. He has brought from England the necessary apparatus, and Mr. Henry's system is being already worked under Mr. Badeley's guidance. The classification of the finger marks is undertaken by him personally.
3.
I may add that the system will be carried out in connection with the working of the Women and Girls Protection Ordinance.
THE RIGHT HONOURABLE
ALFRED LYTTELTON, K.C., M.P.,
&c., &c., &c.
200..