J 12
ANNEXE A.
Report on the Water Police.
All the launches from 1 to 9 have completed their overhauls and are in good order.
No. 1 Launch has had extensive repairs during the year including a new high pressure cylinder and propeller. Built in 1900, this launch is about the fastest launch in the harbour, and is in good condition.
No. 2 Launch built in 1900. This launch was very badly strained when ashore during the typhoon of September, 1906, and was surveyed and condemned in May, 1914, as being unfit without very considerable expenditure for Police work. She was sold at public auction to Kwong Hip Loong for $6,055 and the steam launch "Mee Lee" was chartered and fitted for Police work, pending the construction of a new launch.
The Mee Lee is in every way satisfactory, being fast, economical and commodious.
No. 3 Launch built in 1901 has been running well until quite recently when she developed boiler troubles. I anticipate a complete set of new tubes will be required at an early date.
No. 4 Launch is running well and is an excellent sea boat with good cruising speed. This launch has been fitted during the year with two new deck water tanks.
No. 7 Launch was fitted with a steel "engine and boiler room casing", and also a new funnel, and is now running well.
The Motor Launch No. 9 has been running extremely well during the year and with a very small cost of upkeep, i.e., $360. This included a new cylinder. This launch costs about 45 cents per mile to run, for fuel alone.
An "Even-rude" overstern motor was fitted on a specially built boat and supplied to San Tin Station for the Deep Bay patrol, and I understand is satisfactory.
During the year a new Police sailing boat was built and supplied to Tai O Station. Also the boats from Aberdeen and Sha Tau Kok were overhauled and painted. All the Station boats were also overhauled and painted.
During the year quarterly practice with Maxim and rifle at a mark has been exercised, and in December the 3 launches, i.e., 1, 2 and 4, practised firing at a moored target 5 feet square, whilst steaming full speed along a line of 3 buoys, laid at right angles to the target