No
98.
518
27174
REC
Gov 31251
Sir,
•
REG 4 JUN 18
GOVERNMENT HOUSE.
HONGKONG. 256th. March, 1918.
Goo 23103/17
With reference to my Despatch No. 79 of
the 14th of March, 1917, I have the honour to inform you that Unofficial Members of the Legislative Council recently brought to my notice allegations which had reached them on the subject of abuses in connection with the searching of passengers for dutiable articles by native searchers, and of inadequacy in the patrols in Victoria by European Police after midnight.
The former subject was investigated last year by a small Committee copy of whose report was enclosed in
2.
my Despatch No. 84 of the 12th. instant. In additional copy is attached for convenience of reference. As the only remedy for the abuse is better supervision by trustworthy officers, I have arranged that such supervision shall be obtained from the Police Reserve; and to replace these on patrol duty in the City and to strengthen the patrols after mimight, I have with the permission of the General Officer Commanding borrow- -ed 15 men from the 25th. Battalion of the Middlesex Regiment. These men have been sworn in as Special Constables and are housed in the Central Police Station. They will be paid at the rate of 75 cents each per diem. It is understood that they will return to their Regiment in emergency immediately upon being requisitioned by the Military Authorities.
E RIGHT HONOURABLE
WALTER LONG, M.P
&c.,
&c.
I