:
373
Gve
abolished as proposed by the Commission, with the exceptions which they mention and with the further exception of the detective allowances, which vary from 5 to 830 monthly and which are mainly intended to compensate for the fact that detectives do not receive uniform but supply their own clothes, which it may be observed are frequently liable to receive damage during the performance of the officer's duties. I
propose to review these allowances, if their retention is
approved, in order that the payments may approximate in each case to the actual additional expense incurred owing to the non-provision of uniform.
A sum approximating to £30,000 a year is received from theatre proprietors and shipowners in respect
of special Police duties in theatres and on board ships in
the harbour; and it has been the practice to pay the whole
amount to the Police concerned. This money, which would in
future be paid into the Treasury, will form an appreciable set off to the considerable increase in pay; as will also the money saved in respect of the two principal allowances, good conduct badge and ration, which approximates to $27,500
a year.
I would add also that I think that in
view of the increases of salary now proposed the new scheme of pensions, which was approved in Mr. Walter Long's Confi- -dontial Despatch of the 5th October, 1918, should not be proceeded with. Owing to various questions which have arisen regarding the pensions of Indians and Chinese, the scheme has not as yet been officially published. The proposal of the Commission that a Policeman should be allowed to retire at 45 if he has completed 20 years' service is the arrangement at present in force.
17.
As regards the Indian Police it has been represented to me that it would be much more satisfactory if these men were supplied with free rations like the Indian
troops;