CO129-158 - Sir Kennedy - 1872 [6-8] — Page 309

CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案 All AI Reviewed

297

14)

themselves arouse and keep alive the prejudices and contempt of the people, and whose characters are not such as to command respect, much justification is to be found for this feeling on the part of the Chinese. That the very fact of coloured foreigners being imposed on them as a demonstration of force must in itself be a cause of irritation and hostile feeling. That, therefore, the lamentable indifference so much complained of has probably been to a great extent aroused and fostered by our own action, and might possibly yield in a great measure to a more frank treatment, and an aim at co-operative rather than compulsive action.

(A) That, even assuming that the Chinese would make but indifferent policemen, there is every reason to think they would be better and certainly far less expensive than any coloured races whose services the Colony is likely to obtain.

(9.) That the only chance of animating a large force with that esprit de corps which is so essential to its healthy action, is by making it as far as possible homogeneous, and by filling its ranks with members having a permanent interest in and responsibility for its well-being.

37. The majority of the Commission have, therefore, determined to recommend that the aim of the Government should be directed towards the obtaining of a force composed almost exclusively of Europeans and Chinese: that the elimination of the Indian element should, however, be gradual, all Indians being allowed to serve out their time, and to such as have shown themselves to be valuable and capable officers, an opportunity being given of re-enlistment: that no fresh draughts of men be obtained from India unless for such purposes as are hereafter mentioned in paragraph 49; but that in order approximately to maintain the present numerical standard of the force, vacancies, as they occur, be filled up by Chinese recruited, trained, paid, and officered in accordance with the scheme presently to be explained.

38. To consider in the first place the European element of the Police recommended for the future. The importance of perfecting this portion of the force as far as possible cannot be exaggerated, as upon its trustworthiness and zeal must almost entirely depend the success of a corps composed chiefly of a race at the best but indifferently well suited to their duties.

EUROPEANS.

39. To commence with the Heads of the Department. The Commission recommend that there should not, for the future, be more than two Superintendents, viz., a Captain Superintendent, and an Assistant or Deputy. More than that number must tend to an undesirable division of responsibility, a risk of conflicting orders, and cumbersomeness in the practical working of the Department; while there seems to be no reason to suppose that its duties require for their efficient discharge the three Superintendents now attached to it. In making these remarks, the Commission would recall attention to their observations touching the excess of office work, which appear in paragraph 15.

40. The Commission strongly recommend that the officering of the entire Police should be entrusted to Europeans alone in every grade. The Europeans should in point of fact be the mind of the force. Not to mention the obvious grave abuses which may naturally be expected to have their origin in the granting of discretionary powers to Asiatics, the result of such a disposition of power seems, in the case of East Indians, to have increased expense, and to have diminished efficiency by creating opportunities for much idling. The Commission have been puzzled to find out the exact nature of the duties attached to such posts as Jemadhar and Indian Sergeants, but at any rate such reasons as may have existed for the creation of these officers in the Indian force do not apply to a Chinese Police.

41. The Commission fully recognise the limits imposed by climate upon the utility of European constables; but having regard to the scheme of patrolling the city detailed hereafter, they do not think that the number of Europeans should be less than 150. They are also fully of opinion that, except in cases of emergency, or unusual merit, no recruiting should be allowed in the Colony, but that vacancies, as they occur, should be supplied by draughts of men who have already earned a good character in some Police force in the United Kingdom. Nothing can be more unsatisfactory than the vicious plan of enlistment mentioned above in a quotation from Mr. DEANE's evidence (paragraph 21).

42. One Inspector of the first class might advantageously be added to the present staff. The system of promotion hitherto pursued in the force up to this rank seems, with a few exceptions, to have been well considered, and to have afforded no reasonable ground of complaint; but the Commission are of opinion that promotion should not cease at the rank of first class Inspector, but should, where capability and zeal are shown, be open even up to the head of the Department. The holding out a reasonable hope of advancement to laudable ambition would inevitably lead to beneficial results to the whole force. The Commission cannot recognize the justice or expediency of depriving long service Inspectors of any chance of promotion by the appointment of officers from other Colonies to the higher posts of the force.

43. The pay of the Inspectors appears to the Commission to be extremely inadequate. Looking to the constitution of the Hongkong force, and the peculiarly grave responsibilities cast upon this class of officers, the Commission consider that every inducement should be held out to attract and keep really capable and trustworthy men. In Shanghai, the first class Inspectors are paid at the rate of Tls. 135 a month, and the rest of the force in proportion; while our first class Inspectors, who have to perform more arduous duties in a far worse climate, only receive $70 a month. The Commission, therefore, are disposed to recommend the following proximate scale of payment for the whole European force.

44. A first class Inspector should receive (say) $120 a month; a second class Inspector, $90 a month; a third class, $70 a month. Sergeants should receive $60, $55, and $50 a month according to their class. European rank and file should receive $42 a month for the first five years, cases of promotion of course excepted, and then rise to $50 on re-engagement. A scheme (hereto appended, marked 4) for equalising the pay of the Europeans who have been enlisted in the Colony with that of the new men, has been drawn up, at the request of the Commission, by Mr. DEANE, and receives their concurrence.

45. The first point calling for attention with regard to the Chinese constables is the method to be followed in their enlistment. At present no definite system seems to be in force, and any candidate is likely to be accepted against whom no positive objection is known to exist. The majority of the Commission call attention

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297 14) themselves arouse and keep alive the prejudices and contempt of the people, and whose characters are not such as to command respect, much justification is to be found for this feeling on the part of the Chinese. That the very fact of coloured foreigners being imposed on them as a demonstration of force must in itself be a cause of irritation and hostile feeling. That, therefore, the lamentable indifference so much complained of has probably been to a great extent aroused and fostered by our own action, and might possibly yield in a great measure to a more frank treatment, and an aim at co-operative rather than compulsive action. (A) That, even assuming that the Chinese would make but indifferent policemen, there is every reason to think they would be better and certainly far less expensive than any coloured races whose services the Colony is likely to obtain. (9.) That the only chance of animating a large force with that esprit de corps which is so essential to its healthy action, is by making it as far as possible homogeneous, and by filling its ranks with members having a permanent interest in and responsibility for its well-being. 37. The majority of the Commission have, therefore, determined to recommend that the aim of the Government should be directed towards the obtaining of a force composed almost exclusively of Europeans and Chinese: that the elimination of the Indian element should, however, be gradual, all Indians being allowed to serve out their time, and to such as have shown themselves to be valuable and capable officers, an opportunity being given of re-enlistment: that no fresh draughts of men be obtained from India unless for such purposes as are hereafter mentioned in paragraph 49; but that in order approximately to maintain the present numerical standard of the force, vacancies, as they occur, be filled up by Chinese recruited, trained, paid, and officered in accordance with the scheme presently to be explained. 38. To consider in the first place the European element of the Police recommended for the future. The importance of perfecting this portion of the force as far as possible cannot be exaggerated, as upon its trustworthiness and zeal must almost entirely depend the success of a corps composed chiefly of a race at the best but indifferently well suited to their duties. EUROPEANS. 39. To commence with the Heads of the Department. The Commission recommend that there should not, for the future, be more than two Superintendents, viz., a Captain Superintendent, and an Assistant or Deputy. More than that number must tend to an undesirable division of responsibility, a risk of conflicting orders, and cumbersomeness in the practical working of the Department; while there seems to be no reason to suppose that its duties require for their efficient discharge the three Superintendents now attached to it. In making these remarks, the Commission would recall attention to their observations touching the excess of office work, which appear in paragraph 15. 40. The Commission strongly recommend that the officering of the entire Police should be entrusted to Europeans alone in every grade. The Europeans should in point of fact be the mind of the force. Not to mention the obvious grave abuses which may naturally be expected to have their origin in the granting of discretionary powers to Asiatics, the result of such a disposition of power seems, in the case of East Indians, to have increased expense, and to have diminished efficiency by creating opportunities for much idling. The Commission have been puzzled to find out the exact nature of the duties attached to such posts as Jemadhar and Indian Sergeants, but at any rate such reasons as may have existed for the creation of these officers in the Indian force do not apply to a Chinese Police. 41. The Commission fully recognise the limits imposed by climate upon the utility of European constables; but having regard to the scheme of patrolling the city detailed hereafter, they do not think that the number of Europeans should be less than 150. They are also fully of opinion that, except in cases of emergency, or unusual merit, no recruiting should be allowed in the Colony, but that vacancies, as they occur, should be supplied by draughts of men who have already earned a good character in some Police force in the United Kingdom. Nothing can be more unsatisfactory than the vicious plan of enlistment mentioned above in a quotation from Mr. DEANE's evidence (paragraph 21). 42. One Inspector of the first class might advantageously be added to the present staff. The system of promotion hitherto pursued in the force up to this rank seems, with a few exceptions, to have been well considered, and to have afforded no reasonable ground of complaint; but the Commission are of opinion that promotion should not cease at the rank of first class Inspector, but should, where capability and zeal are shown, be open even up to the head of the Department. The holding out a reasonable hope of advancement to laudable ambition would inevitably lead to beneficial results to the whole force. The Commission cannot recognize the justice or expediency of depriving long service Inspectors of any chance of promotion by the appointment of officers from other Colonies to the higher posts of the force. 43. The pay of the Inspectors appears to the Commission to be extremely inadequate. Looking to the constitution of the Hongkong force, and the peculiarly grave responsibilities cast upon this class of officers, the Commission consider that every inducement should be held out to attract and keep really capable and trustworthy men. In Shanghai, the first class Inspectors are paid at the rate of Tls. 135 a month, and the rest of the force in proportion; while our first class Inspectors, who have to perform more arduous duties in a far worse climate, only receive $70 a month. The Commission, therefore, are disposed to recommend the following proximate scale of payment for the whole European force. 44. A first class Inspector should receive (say) $120 a month; a second class Inspector, $90 a month; a third class, $70 a month. Sergeants should receive $60, $55, and $50 a month according to their class. European rank and file should receive $42 a month for the first five years, cases of promotion of course excepted, and then rise to $50 on re-engagement. A scheme (hereto appended, marked 4) for equalising the pay of the Europeans who have been enlisted in the Colony with that of the new men, has been drawn up, at the request of the Commission, by Mr. DEANE, and receives their concurrence. 45. The first point calling for attention with regard to the Chinese constables is the method to be followed in their enlistment. At present no definite system seems to be in force, and any candidate is likely to be accepted against whom no positive objection is known to exist. The majority of the Commission call attention

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297 14) themselves arouse and keep alive the prejudices and contempt of the people, and whose characters are not such as to command respect, much justification is to be found for this feeling on the part of the Chinese. That the very fact of coloured foreigners being imposed them as a demonstration of force must in itself be a cause upou of irritation and hostile feeling. That, therefore, the lamentable in- difference so much complained of has probably been to a great extent aroused and fostered by our own action, and might possibly yield in a great measure to a more frank treatment, and an aim at co-operative rather than compulsive action. (A) That, even assuming that the Chinese would make but indifferent policemen, there is every reason to think they would be better and certainly far less expensive than any coloured races whose services the Colony is likely to obtain. (9.) That the ouly chance of animating a large force with that esprit de corps which is so essential to its healthy action, is by making it as far as possible homogeneous, and by filling its ranks with members having a permanent interest in and responsibility for its well-being. 37. The majority of the Commission have, therefore, determined to recommend Futere fores. that the aim of the Government should be directed towards the obtaining of a force composed almost exclusively of Europeans and Chinese: that the elimination of the Indian element should, however, be gradual, all Indians being allowed to serve out their time, and to such as have shown themselves to be valuable and capable officers, an opportunity being given of re-enlistment: that no fresh draughts of men be obtained from India unless for such purposes as are hereafter mentioned in paragraph 49; but that in order approximately to maintain the present numerical standard of the force, vacancies, as they occur, be filled up by Chinese recruited, trained, paid, and officered in accordance with the scheme presently to be explained. 38. To consider in the first place the European element of the Police recom- mended for the future. The importance of perfecting this portion of the force as far as possible cannot be exaggerated, as upon its trustworthiness and zeal must almost entirely depend the success of a corps composed chiefly of a race at the best but indifferently well suited to their duties. EUROPEANS. 39. To commence with the Heads of the Department. The Commission Heads of Police, recommend that there should not, for the future, be more than two Superintendents, viz., a Captain Superintendent, and an Assistant or Deputy. More than that number must tend to an undesirable division of responsibility, a risk of conflicting orders, and cumbersomeness in the practical working of the Department; while there seems to be no reason to suppose that its duties require for their efficient discharge the three Superintendents now attached to it. In making these remarks, the Commission would recall attention to their observations touching Le excess of office work, which appear in paragraph 15. 40. The Commission strongly recommend that the officering of the entire omcering Police should be entrusted to Europeans alone in every grade. The Europeans should in point of fact be the mind of the force. Not to mention the obvious grave abuses which may naturally be expected to have their origin in the granting of European constables. Inspectors. Inspectors' pay. Inspectors' pay. Chinese. (15) discretionary powers to Asiatics, the result of such a disposition of power seems, in the case of East Indians, to have increased expense, and to have diminished efficiency by creating opportunities for much idling. The Commission have been puzzled to find out the exact nature of the duties attached to such posts as Jemadhar and Indian Sergeants, but at any rate such reasons as may have existed for the creation of these officers in the Indian force do not apply to a Chinese Police. 41. The Commission fully recognise the limits imposed by climate upon the utility of European constables; but having regard to the scheme of patrolling the city detailed hereafter, they do not think that the number of Europeans should be less than 150. They are also fully of opinion that, except in cases of emer- gency, or unusual merit, no recruiting should be allowed in the Colony, but that vacancies, as they occur, should be supplied by draughts of men who have already earned a good character in some Police force in the United Kingdom. Nothing can be more unsatisfactory than the vicious plan of enlistment mentioned above in a quotation from Mr. DEANE's evidence (paragraph 21). 42. One Inspector of the first class might advantageously be added to the present staff. The system of promotion hitherto pursued in the force up to this rank seems, with a few exceptions, to have been well considered, and to have afforded no reasonable ground of complaint; but the Commission are of opinion that promotion should not cease at the rank of first class Inspector. but should, where capability and zeal are shown, be open even up to the head of the Department. The holding out a reasonable hope of advancement to laudable ambition would inevitably lead to beneficial results to the whole force. The Commission cannot recognize the justice or expediency of depriving long service Inspectors of any chance of promotion by the appointment of officers from other Colonies to the higher posts of the force. 43. The pay of the Inspectors appears to the Commission to be extremely inadequate. Looking to the constitution of the Hongkong force, and the peculiarly grave responsibilities cast upon this class of officers, the Commission consider that every inducement should be held out to attract and keep really capable and trustworthy men. In Shanghai, the first class Inspectors are paid at the rate of Tls. 135 a month, and the rest of the force in proportion; while our first class Inspectors, who have to perform more arduous duties in a far worse climate, ouly receive $70 a month. The Commission, therefore, are disposed to recommend the following proximate scale of payment for the whole European force. 44. A first class Inspector should receive (say) $120 a month; a second class Inspector, $90 a month; a third class, $70 a month. Sergeants should receive $60, $55, and $50 a month according to their class. European rank and file should receive $42 a month for the first five years, cases of promotion of course excepted, and then rise to $50 on re-engagement. A scheme (hereto appended, marked 4) for equalising the pay of the Europeans who have been enlisted in the Colony with that of the new men, has been drawn up, at the request of the Commission, by Mr. DEANE, and receives their concurrence. 45. The first point calling for attention with regard to the Chinese constables is the method to be followed in their enlistment. At present no definite system seems to be in force, and any candidate is likely to be accepted against whom no positive objection is known to exist. The majority of the Commission call attention

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297

14)

themselves arouse and keep alive the prejudices and contempt of the people, and whose characters are not such as to command respect, much justification is to be found for this feeling on the part of the Chinese. That the very fact of coloured foreigners being imposed them as a demonstration of force must in itself be a cause upou of irritation and hostile feeling. That, therefore, the lamentable in- difference so much complained of has probably been to a great extent aroused and fostered by our own action, and might possibly yield in a great measure to a more frank treatment, and an aim at co-operative rather than compulsive action.

(9.) That the ouly chance of animating a large force with that esprit de corps which is so essential to its healthy action, is by making it as far as possible homogeneous, and by filling its ranks with members having a permanent interest in and responsibility for its well-being.

37. The majority of the Commission have, therefore, determined to recommend Futere fores. that the aim of the Government should be directed towards the obtaining of a force composed almost exclusively of Europeans and Chinese: that the elimination of the Indian element should, however, be gradual, all Indians being allowed to serve out their time, and to such as have shown themselves to be valuable and capable officers, an opportunity being given of re-enlistment: that no fresh draughts of men be obtained from India unless for such purposes as are hereafter mentioned in paragraph 49; but that in order approximately to maintain the present numerical standard of the force, vacancies, as they occur, be filled up by Chinese recruited, trained, paid, and officered in accordance with the scheme presently to be explained.

38. To consider in the first place the European element of the Police recom- mended for the future. The importance of perfecting this portion of the force as far as possible cannot be exaggerated, as upon its trustworthiness and zeal must almost entirely depend the success of a corps composed chiefly of a race at the best but indifferently well suited to their duties.

EUROPEANS.

39. To commence with the Heads of the Department. The Commission Heads of Police, recommend that there should not, for the future, be more than two Superintendents, viz., a Captain Superintendent, and an Assistant or Deputy. More than that number must tend to an undesirable division of responsibility, a risk of conflicting orders, and cumbersomeness in the practical working of the Department; while there seems to be no reason to suppose that its duties require for their efficient discharge the three Superintendents now attached to it. In making these remarks, the Commission would recall attention to their observations touching

Le excess of office work, which appear in paragraph 15.

40. The Commission strongly recommend that the officering of the entire omcering Police should be entrusted to Europeans alone in every grade. The Europeans should in point of fact be the mind of the force. Not to mention the obvious grave abuses which may naturally be expected to have their origin in the granting of

European constables.

Inspectors.

Inspectors' pay.

Chinese.

(15)

discretionary powers to Asiatics, the result of such a disposition of power seems, in the case of East Indians, to have increased expense, and to have diminished efficiency by creating opportunities for much idling. The Commission have been puzzled to find out the exact nature of the duties attached to such posts as Jemadhar and Indian Sergeants, but at any rate such reasons as may have existed for the creation of these officers in the Indian force do not apply to a Chinese Police.

41. The Commission fully recognise the limits imposed by climate upon the utility of European constables; but having regard to the scheme of patrolling the city detailed hereafter, they do not think that the number of Europeans should be less than 150. They are also fully of opinion that, except in cases of emer- gency, or unusual merit, no recruiting should be allowed in the Colony, but that vacancies, as they occur, should be supplied by draughts of men who have already earned a good character in some Police force in the United Kingdom. Nothing can be more unsatisfactory than the vicious plan of enlistment mentioned above in a quotation from Mr. DEANE's evidence (paragraph 21).

42. One Inspector of the first class might advantageously be added to the present staff. The system of promotion hitherto pursued in the force up to this rank seems, with a few exceptions, to have been well considered, and to have afforded no reasonable ground of complaint; but the Commission are of opinion that promotion should not cease at the rank of first class Inspector. but should, where capability and zeal are shown, be open even up to the head of the Department. The holding out a reasonable hope of advancement to laudable ambition would inevitably lead to beneficial results to the whole force. The Commission cannot recognize the justice or expediency of depriving long service Inspectors of any chance of promotion by the appointment of officers from other Colonies to the higher posts of the force.

43. The pay of the Inspectors appears to the Commission to be extremely inadequate. Looking to the constitution of the Hongkong force, and the peculiarly grave responsibilities cast upon this class of officers, the Commission consider that every inducement should be held out to attract and keep really capable and trustworthy men. In Shanghai, the first class Inspectors are paid at the rate of Tls. 135 a month, and the rest of the force in proportion; while our first class Inspectors, who have to perform more arduous duties in a far worse climate, ouly receive $70 a month. The Commission, therefore, are disposed to recommend the following proximate scale of payment for the whole European force.

CO129-158 - Sir Kennedy - 1872 [6-8] — Page 309

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