CO129-152 - Lieut Governor Whitfield - 1871 [9-10] — Page 310

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encies. After the childishly ridiculous comparison of Hongkong to the agrarian istricts of Ireland, the Report lays down that the "dishonesty of the natives, on whom we have to depend for the detection of crine, renders it impossible to maintain an organized detective Police."

And yet it is shown in a subsequent paragraph that, in the Water Police and the rule extends to the general force-"in most instances" the information comes from the Chinese. The only detective force, then, consists of Chinese; and this has been the case ever since crime was detected in this Island. But here are English-speaking Chinese who might safely be employed on good pay to act as Inspectors of the Chinese body of Police, to check acts of dishonesty; and if such men were appointed, the native District Watchmen could then be advantageously incorporat- ed, the result being a fairly efficient Chinese force. With all these proposed iinpro- venents, however, the lack of a man who could command, and make himself respected by the entire force, everlastingly presents itself; and the conclusion inevitably is forced upon us, that an officer with shrewdness, promptitude, practical sense, and an aptitude for command, is the sine qua non to the thorough efficiency of the Police in this Colony. There are other points in the Report upon which much might be said, such, for instance, as the special gubernatorial defence of the Sikh element of the force; the disparity between "the average number engaged in regular Police duties" (493) and "the average strength" of the force (638); and also the business-like Report of Mr. WILLCOCKS upon the laudable efforts to teach the Constables in the evening schools ately established. With a suggestion that a system of training, whereby the Policemen might attain to a passable knowledge of his duty as a Constable, would be found useful, we for the present refrain from further comment upon one of the most remarkable departmental documents ever signed by a Chief of Police in this Colony.

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(“China Mail” of 27th May, 1870.)

Our readers have already learnt that the inquest on the body of a China woman resulted yesterday evening (after a lengthened and patient investigation) in a verdict of wilful murder against some person or persons unknown. As Mr. STEWART (who is the most efficient Coroner we have yet had) truly observed, this case is one of the most extraordinary which has ever come to light, or rather which has been left in utter darkness, in Hongkong. This is saying much, because it cannot be denied that a number of most remarkable crimes have been committed on this Island, and the perpetrators remain undiscovered. In a Colony such as this, detection is admittedly more difficult than in many other places. The Coroner properly gave credit to the Police generally, and particularly to the Inspector in charge, for a certain amount of vigour displayed; but where, we ask, is the result? It cannot, of course, be questioned that there are present all the surroundings of a most profound mystery hanging about this last tragedy; but it does seem as strange as the murder itself that the coolie ACHUN should not have been captured.

Has there been any explanation of the alleged abandonment of responsibility by the Gambling Farmer, touching the detection of crime? Is it the direct business of the speculators in the Gambling Farm to assist detection, or is not? It would almost appear that both the murderer and the Gambling Licensees had res- pectively timed their action and inaction with the departure of the Governor, Sir R. G. MACDONNELL; at any rate, the responsibility of aiding the Police was never avowed on behalf of the farmer until after His Excellency's departure. Even amongst those who ought to know, differences of opinion appear to exist as to the whereabouts of the coolie in question; but whether these differences have interfered or are interfering with the course of justice, it is not for us at present to say, upon as able to clear up the shocking mystery has not been caught, is very certain; and That the only person who is looked the odium inseparable from such a state of things will rest, not only upon the Colony, but upon those responsible for its good government.