K 40
Annexe A.
REPORT ON THE WATER POLICE.
1. The following return shows the establishment and casualties of the Water Police during the year 1936:—
Nationality. Chinese 255 18 1 7 1CONDUCT.
ab
12
2. The conduct of the Chinese Staff of the Water Police was fair only. There were 435 reports in 1936 as compared with 320 reports in 1935.
"There were 106 men against whom no defaulter reports were made during 1936.
ACCIDENTS.
3. There were sixteen accidents involving Police Launches during 1936, as compared with eleven in 1935. Six of these were trifling, damage being negligible. As a result of enquiries held by the Harbour Master, two coxswains and three engineers were dealt with departmentally. In three cases, it was found that the accidents were due to "Errors of Judgment" not amounting to negligence, and in two cases that the Water Police Officers were free from blame.
CRUISING LAUNCHES.
4. During the year Nos. 3 and 4 Launches underwent survey and annual overhaul. The new No. 1 Launch was placed in commission on June 1st and is proving a most valuable addition to the "Cruising" launch fleet. She was able to render valuable assistance in the stranding of S.S. "Sunning" in August 1936 in a typhoon.
5. The old No. 1 Launch (now known as No. 1B) without wireless equipment and a 3 pounder gun, is still carrying on duty though very old, but will be replaced in the near future by No. 2 Launch on the completion of an extensive refit.