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SUB-HEAD 45.-The amount has been increased on account of the large increase in telegraphic correspondence arising out of the war.
HEAD 19. POLICE FORCE.
Most of the increases shown in the various sub-heads of Other Charges are due to higher costs of materials and to increased personnel. The war has of course entailed a considerable expansion of Police activities.
SUB-HEAD 12.-For 1940-41 a token sum of $10,000 was provided which has
had to be supplemented to the extent of $120,500. Assuming that present con- ditions will continue in 1941-42 and allowing for the large expansion of the Police Reserve (whose pay is, inter alia, met from this vote) which has been approved, it is considered expedient to provide a sum of $150,000.
SUB-HEAD 27.--The contract price for rations supplied to Indian Police has increased from 21.5 cents per ration in 1939 to 33.5 cents in September, 1940. The amount provided for 1941-42 is based on a 50-cent ration.
Personal Emoluments.
Provision is made for one additional Police Cadet, which will temporarily in- crease the number of commissioned officers from 17 to 18. When Mr. King's leave prior to retirement is ended the actual strength will revert to 17.
In the Cantonese Contingent provision has been made for the replacement of two posts of Inspector at $900 by one post of Detective Inspector at $1,080 to $1,464 by $96 annually and one post of Inspector at $960 to $1,344 by $96 annually. The Commissioner of Police points out that the salary scale of an Indian Inspector is $1,200 to $1,800 by $100 annually and considers that the present great disparity should be lessened by improving the scales of the Cantonese Inspec- tors. At the same time he considers that the salary of the Detective Inspector should be higher than that of the Regular Duty Inspector in view of the heavier and more responsible work done by the former. These two posts should not be confused with the posts of Sub-Inspectors on a salary scale of $900 to $2,750; the Sub-Inspectors have not risen from the ranks but are men of superior educa- tion who have been recruited in recent years with a view to their undertaking duties previously performed by Europeans.
The strength of the lower ranks of the Cantonese Contingent is also being increased by the addition of 139 Constables, 14 Lance Sergeants and 7 Sergeants. A large number of men have had to be removed from regular duties on account of the war while on the other hand more beats have to be covered in newly de- veloped districts and more regular duty men and more detectives are needed to cope with a serious increase in crime in the overcrowded city areas.
HEAD 20A. POST OFFICE.
SUB-HEAD 8.-In order to provide facilities for the public in outlying districts arrangements have been made for certain shopkeepers to sell postage stamps in return for a small monthly gratuity. Sale of postage stamps on a commission basis is not permitted by the Secretary of State and it was found that shopkeepers were unwilling to act as agents without remuneration.
SUB-HEAD 14.-In 1940-41 provision was made for a special Centenary Issue of Stamps, but for 1941-42 provision is made for only a normal year's supply.
HEAD 21. PRISONS DEPARTMENT.
SUB-HEAD 17.--Provision for the cost of rations for Indian Warders has been made on the same basis as for Indian Police (Head 19, Sub-head 27).
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