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Hong Kong Annual Administration Reports, 1841-1941
STATE OF HER MAJESTY'S COLONIAL POSSESSIONS.
conformity with the provisions of Ordinance No. 2, of 1845, to assess all property out of Victoria, the rate being levied from the 1st January.
I am glad to observe from the police returns that though more persons have been apprehended during the past than during the former year the number of convictions has been smaller. This seems to argue the preventive power of the police, in fact, its most desirable function.
The superintendent of police reports that the Chinese inhabitants are becoming better acquainted with the English law and system of police, and more desirous to avail themselves of it, as robberies, however trifling in amount, are now made known, when formerly the sufferers submitted quietly. The burglaries during the year 1847, and most of the larcenies, have been committed upon the Chinese inhabitants, generally from the inefficient mode of fastening their doors and windows.
The superintendent further reports that the police service has been gradually improving, and the change made in diminishing the English and increasing the native force has proved beneficial, as the duties of a preventive system are better carried out. There is conclusive evidence that the establishment of a police at the villages round the island has been productive of the desired effect, both in carrying out municipal regulations and preventing depredations. It may, therefore, be anticipated, that the number of piracies and burglaries will diminish for the future.
The Right Hon. Earl Grey,
&c.
&c. &c.
I have, &c.,
(Signed)
J. F. DAVIS.