2. The large number of vacancies in the European element, which for several months affected the efficiency of the force, was remerlied in October last by the arrival of twenty well-conducted and intelli- gent men,
who had been carefully selected by Inspector TпомяON from the Glasgow Police.
3. The detective force continues to work faithfully and well, but the great difficulty of getting Chinese to come forward as witnesses is found a serious obstacle to bringing criminals to justice; a more liberal system of compensating witnesses for time lost in attendance at Court, would remove one cause of their dislike to give evidence in criminal cases.
4. On several occasions, Chinese Officials have rendered valuable assistance to this Department. In two cases they have assisted in recovering large sums of money from criminals who escaped from Bri- tish jurisdiction, but were subsequently traced to villages in Chinese territory.
5. A system of mounted and foot road patrols, which was established between the different out- lying villages in June last, has had most satisfactory results in suppressing Highway Robbery, which was becoming frequent.
6. We are indebted to the Naval and Military authorities for the use of Rifle Ranges at Kowloon, which has enabled all members of the force, including the Chinese, who were not previously instructed in the use of the rifle, to go through a course of target practice.
7. Having regard to the great expense and numerous defects of the telegraph instruments now supplied to this Department, I think the Telephone might be substituted with advantage. This instru- ment appears to be in many respects superior to the Telegraph for Police purposes.
8. I had the honour to make special Reports to His Excellency the Governor on the following subjects:-
I. The defective accommodation in many of the Police buildings.
II. The purchase of Steam Launches for Harbour Police work.
III. The enrollment of Special Constables for the better protection of some of the outlying
villages.
9. I enclose Mr. FALCONER'S annual Report on the Police School.
I have the honour to be,
The Honourable J. GARDINER AUSTIN, C.M.G.,
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant,
C. V. CREAGH,
Acting Captain Superintendent of Police.
&c.,
Colonial Secretary, &c.,
&c.