CO129-158 - Sir Kennedy - 1872 [6-8] — Page 319

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APPENDIX A.

Mr. DEANE'S REPORT AS TO PAY OF OLD AND NEW EUROPEAN CONSTABLES. (May 10th, 1872.)

As to the pay of the Europeans, I have to report that the present rate is as follows:-

Sergeants,

-

Men enlisted in England by agreement, European Constables enlisted here,

$40 a month.

$40

- $32

20 men 1st class.

*

$30

20 2nd

27

7

$26

( 20 3rd

27

20 West Indians.

P. C. 76, joined in January, 1870. Punishment during 1871,

Fine, $8,

Fine, $1.

Reprimand,

Fine $5,

Confined to Barracks, 7 days,

( 35 )

Value.

64

8

2

401

21

104

307

"

In 1869, the rates were:-

3 Sergeants,

$40 per mensem.

»

$36

27

*

2

$32

33

Acting Sergeants,

$32

2

$31

>

3

$80

$28

J

33

20 Constables,

}}}

20

25

"

$26

$24

22

It will therefore be seen that the pay of all but three men has been raised since 1869. The difficulty of apportioning the pay of the old to that of the new men arises from the fact that the now men all had at least fifteen months good conduct service in England, whereas although some of the older men have longer service here, yet their conduct cannot be considered wholly good. I believe therefore that the best way to reconcile the two classes of men would be to leave the rates of pay as at present, but, besides the present good conduct allowances for special services, to establish classes for general good conduct coupled with length of service. In estimating what constitutes general good conduct I would suggest that the decision should be arrived at from the scale below, estimating under 20 black marks as worthy of 1st class; between 20 and 40 black marks as 2nd class; and between 40 and 60 black marks as 3rd class; over 60 marks not worthy extra pay. Scale: 1st class $9, 2nd $6, 3rd $3 a month.

Kind of Punishment.

Caution,

Reprimand,

Equivalent to.

1 black mark.

P. C. 76 would therefore not be allowed anything beyond his present pay. By the above plan the old men in the service who are deserving can obtain consideration for their services, and the Government would not be bound to a perpetual increase of pay for men who may hereafter join in the Colony.

Whilst on this point I may observe, that besides their pay the men get furnished quarters and two suits of uniforma a year; the lowest class Constable gets about $8 a month clear, after his messing and a quart of beer a day have been paid for. The objection to a high rate of pay to men joining is I think serious. It is not for some six or nine months that a safe conclusion can be arrived at as to the conduct and capabilities of a recruit. It often occurs that the conduci of a man in the daily routine of duty is such that no specific charge can be alleged against hira, but some occurrence slightly out of the common way happens, and it is at once shewn that the man will never be fit for a higher grade. Again, a man may be never drunk or never absent from duty, but he may go over the same beat day after day without bringing a case to Court; another man may be put on the same beat, and again and again will bring up cases that deserve punishment. It is therefore only by experience, after a man has served some months, that a true estimate can be formed as to whether

he is really doing service to the Government în proportion to the pay received.

I am therefore strongly of opinion that the pay given to men at first should only be such as will provide them with the necessaries of life in their position. Afterwards I think the pay should be higher than is at present allowed to old Constables.

The supply of recruits has undoubtedly been materially affected by the falling off in the number of sailing vessels that frequent the harbour. So many steamers now run, the crews of which have signed undertakings for the voyage out and home, whereas in sailing vessels the undertaking would be often for the outward voyage only. For the class of men who can now be picked up in the Colony I think the present rate of pay sufficient at first.

I believe that the efficiency of the force can only be secured by procuring a half-yearly supply of recruits from England.

2

**

Severe reprimand,

#

+1

Fine, 25 cents and under,

2

13

Each 25 cents above,

2

21

Drill, each day, -

2

35

Confined to Barracks, Imprisonment,

P. C. 11, joined in 1866.

Punishment during 1871.

Fine, $2,

Reprimand,

Reprimand,

3

1

per diem.

6

17

EXAMPLE.

Value.

16

2

2

Fine, $1,

8

28

P. C. 11 would therefore be entitled to 2nd class allowance.

To the

MEMBERS OF THE POLICE COMMISSION.

I have &c.,

(Signed)

W. M. DEANE.

Captain Superintendent,

APPENDIX B.

MINUTE OF POLICE SCHOOL COMMITTEE,

CENTRAL POLICE STATION,

December 27th, 1870.

After the 1st Jaunary, 1871, no one will be admitted into the Police Force who cannot real, write, and use the first four rules of Arithmetic. Certificates of scholarship will be granted to Police Constables with a view to their promotion in the Force, and promotion will not, as a general rule, be granted except to the holders of such certificates.