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Annexe A.
REPORT ON THE WATER POLICE.
The four large Police Cruising Launches Nos. 1, 2, 3, and 4 have all been thoroughly overhauled during the year besides being slipped quarterly when all small repairs necessary are effected. These Launches are, with the exception of No. 3, in first class running order. No. 3 is showing marked signs of wear and tear.
A more suitable launch is required for Mirs Bay.
The Harbour Patrol Launches Nos. 5 and 7 have run continually on the Harbour Beats during the year. They have been thoroughly overhauled and are now running in a satisfactory manner. The Prize Launch "Hapag", which was hired from the Prize Court and had been running for nearly three years on Police work, proved herself in every way a valuable addition to the police fleet, but was unfortunately stranded and lost on the west side of Kowloon Bay in a Typhoon on 21st August. The Engines and Hull of this Launch were afterwards salved and bought by Government and a new hull of the same measurements laid down for the Water Police patrol.
The old Pinnaces Nos. 6 and 8 which had been laying up for considerable time were sold at public auction and were replaced by a new 40 feet Motor Boat No. 8 which has been running daily since December and gives every satisfaction. The Kelvin engine of the wrecked No. 9 was installed in this hull owing to the delay from England of the 30 H. P. Gleniffer motor engine ordered and a new hull on the same lines laid down for this engine. In November the Police got on loan from the Public Works Department a small 20 feet Motor Launch used by them on Construction Work in the New Territories. This launch has proved very useful but is to be replaced early in the year by a shallow draft fast Motor Launch (No. 11) built specially for the shallow waters of Deep Bay and Sham Chun River. When the launches now under construction for early delivery 1920 are ready, i.e.,
New Steam Launch (No. 6) in place of "Hapag",
New 40 feet Motor Launch (No. 9) with Gleniffer engine,
New Shallow Draft Motor Boat (No. 11) for Deep Bay,
the Water Police Flotilla will be in a much higher state of patrol efficiency than ever before and will consist of:-
4 Cruising Launches,
3 Harbour Launches one of which can be used either
for harbour or outside work,
4 Motor Boats all fast commodious and good sea boats.
All pulling boats and gear are in good order and condition. During the year No. 2 Police Launch has carried out most of her night patrols in Deep Bay. The searchlight and dynamo are working very satisfactorily and are valuable for police work in this area.
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