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and possibly at the expense of a certain amount of efficiency.
The largest sum under Special Expenditure is
$18,500 for motor cycles, $12,000 of which is in connection
with the scheme of reducing the number of European section
sergeants by substituting motor cycle patrols. The difference between the pay of ton Lance Sorgeants, at the minimum, and
the cost of twelve motor cycles is $26,000; and the cost of the
motor cycles does not form an annual charge. The twelve push
cycles will serve the dual purpose of making more efficient
the patrols in the northern part of the New Territories and
along the boundary, and of enabling a small but compact body
of men to be rushed to any danger spot. The provision under
Sub-head 35 includes a motor cycle combination for similar
work. It is hoped that as a result of the sc measures
kidnapping and armed robberies in the New Territorios will be
effectively checked. The forty revolvers arc replacements
for the European contingent.
HEAD 24 PRISON DEPARTMENT.
Hy
There is a reduction of five European warders and
a corresponding increase of ten Indian guards. This is the
first half of the scheme for the replacement of ten Europcans
by twenty Indians recommended by the Retrenchment Commission.
There is also a further increase of ten Indians, which as the
footnote cxplains is due to understaffing. About 50, or 41% ›
of the Indian warder staff are twelve months or more overduc
for home leave. This increase of ten will be a permanent
incrcase, but in order to work off present arrears of leave it
will probably be necessary to engage temporarily for six to
ning