7. The year was free from any important labour or industrial disputes. The visits of several distinguished persons on various occasions called for special Police services and precautions which contributed to prevent any untoward incidents:
8. The returns for Musketry and Revolver Courses showed some improvement in marksmanship in the various contingents in 1936. The good standard set in First Aid and Life Saving in previous years was well maintained.
9. In December 1935, Mr. D. Burlingham, Divisional Superintendent, was invalided from the Force. In May 1936, Mr. L. H. V. Booth, Divisional Superintendent, proceeded on leave. He had not been in good health. Upon medical advice in England, Mr. Booth retired from the Service upon expiration of his leave. He had been Director of the Criminal Investigation Department for a considerable time, an office in which he displayed conspicuous ability. The loss of two senior officers in a small cadre has been a severe handicap and thrown additional work and responsibility on junior officers.
10. No new buildings or reconstruction were undertaken during the year, except that a start was made in December on the new Sub-Station at Ta Ku Ling. There are still several reconstructions and extensions which are urgently needed.
11. In accordance with Government instructions, ten Probationary Chinese Sub-Inspectors were recruited in September. Effort was made to secure a younger and better type of candidate than those recruited in 1933. The Probationers entered the Police Training School to undergo a course of training in all branches of Police work. It is hoped that these officers may later be able to undertake some of the supervisory work at present carried out by European officers. One recruit deserted three days after engagement.
12. Instruction of the Police Force in Anti-Gas measures was commenced in February 1936. Full details are given in the report of the Principal of the Police Training School.
13. During the year, ten Indian Special Guards were replaced by recruitment of Indian Police, in accordance with the decision approved in 1935. Twelve Guards remain to be similarly replaced.
14. On various occasions during the year, the Hong Kong Police received valued assistance and co-operation from officers of the Bureau of Public Safety for Kwangtung and from Chinese officials and officers administering territory adjacent to the British border. I take this opportunity to acknowledge my grateful appreciation of these services.