CO129-020 - Sir John Davis - 1847 [5-8] — Page 138

Circumstances at the same time drew the attention

of the Executive Government to the necessity of improving the Water Police of the

Colony,

and I have the honor to transmit herewith a

detailed Report from the Superintendent of Police, pointing out the deficiencies which ought

to be supplied.

The Executive Council, after maturely

considering the subject,

came to the conclusion

that it became indispensable to make the

suggested additions, vir :

1 Indian Acting Sergeant at £2.10.0 per month:

of

Police Constables @

.1.17.6

1.5.0

1 Chinese Police Constable @

With incidental charges for blothing, &c, the total annual expense of the above addition to the "Water Police was estimated at £235.16

10.0

The annual charge of the experimental Gun boot has exceeded £1000, and on comparing her actual usefulness, with the benefits to be derived from the improvement

امل

Se Minutes Executive Council. 14th June, 1847.

133

----

in the system of the "Water Police, it was calculated that the prevention of piratical acts would be equally, if not better, attained at less than a quarter of the expense.

The Council, therefore, did not hesitate

in coming to the conclusion that, with

a view to

proper economy, it became expedient to discontinue the experimental Gun-boat, and to adopt in its stead the additions and improvements to the "Water Police, at a

Lovo per

Ja

saving of upwards of

annum.

deemed it proper to address the

enclosed Letter to the Naval Commander-in-

N. 2.

Chief, detailing the

reasons which had influenced

the decision of the Colonial Government, because, though the Gun-boat,

5 was

both experimentally instituted

and paid by the Colony, she had been attached as a Fender to the Flag-ship.

I have the houn tebe,