C 7
The increase in expenditure is in part accounted for by an increase in the number of the force, in part by the grant of special allowances to Chief Watchmen and detectives on the scale in force in the Police, and by the grant of retiring allowances and pensions.
The strength of the force is now 122 men against 108 in 1909. It was found necessary to extend the patrols further as the Chinese population of Victoria spread up to the higher levels of the town, and to give better protection in certain parts of the town. There were 50 enlistments during the year, 15 dismissals or desertions, 3 deaths and 18 resignations. One vacancy remains unfilled. One District Watchman was fined by the Police Magistrate for riding on a tram-car without a ticket, and one was sentenced to six months hard labour for receiving bribes. It is not easy to find or retain suitable men. There were still three special watchmen engaged to prevent the dumping of dead bodies.
The number of convictions secured by members of the District Watchmen Force was 214 as compared with 193 in 1909.
(iii.)—Permits.
Three hundred and forty-three (343) permits to fire crackers were issued, 246 of these were on the occasion of marriage. 30 permits were issued to hold processions, 39 permits to hold theatricals in temporary buildings, and 32 to hold religious ceremonies.
MARRIAGES.
Ordinances No. 7 of 1875, No. 15 of 1902 and No. 6 of 1903.
The number of marriages solemnized during the year was 163 as compared with 205 in 1909. The number contracted at the Registrar General's Office was 50. In 1909 it was 65.
CERTIFICATES OF IDENTITY TO CHINESE ENTERING THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
Ordinance No. 3 of 1898.
Thirteen (13) certificates were issued to Chinese to enter the United States; 3 certificates to enter the Philippine Islands, and one special certificate to enter Manila for the Carnival Association. For the last mentioned certificate, a fee of only five dollars was charged. One certificate of identity to enter Canada was issued; no fee is charged for this.
All these certificates are limited to Chinese British subjects, resident in Hongkong.
REGISTRATION OF BOOKS.
Ordinance No. 2 of 1888.
Fifty-three (53) books were registered during the year as compared with 38 in 1909.