CO129-305 - Governor Sir Blake - 1901 [5-7] — Page 60

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III to the sum of $13,479.50 in 1902. It is estimated that the abolition of limited numbers in classes would involve an addition- al expenditure of $1,884 in 1903 plus $2,298 in 1904 plus $4,092 in 1905 plus $3,933 in 1908 plus $570 in 1907, bringing the total up to $25,245,60 after which leaving retirement etc., out of ac- count (which cannot be calculated with any accuracy) the men would all be 1st. class and there would be no further increase. It is obvious that the total increase due to abolition of limited classes would not be as great as shown above as there occur an- nually many vacancies by pension, dismissal, resignation, ill health and deaths, and besides a considerable number of men would not earn their promotion at due date or would be reduced to a low- er class. I estimate that the total increase due to the whole of the recommendations I have made, is not likely to aggregate at any time more than $21,000. Against the increase in expenditure involved by the above recommendations I would set the following:-

Saving on Water Police due to recommenda- tions in C.S.0.2928/1900

1.

$3,036

2.

Additional saving due to the same scheme

by utilising 2 Chinese boatswains instead of 2 European Constables on patrol launches

1,800

3. Reduce number of European Constables

in the New Territory (this can be ef- fected by replacing them by Indian Sergeants) by thres

2.700

$ 7,539.-

*

17.

If the above recommendations are adopted I re- commend that they come into force on the 1st. of January next, and that the Indian Police then in the Force be offered the new rates of pay etc., on condition that they agree to being rationed by Government and to a deduction of such sum per diem out of their monthly pay as will defray the cost of their daily rations. Such sun will until further notice be at the rate of 23 cents a day.

18.

In view of 0.0.0..51 of 1998, I think it might perhaps be well to communicate the proposed new rates of pay to His Excellency the 3.0.0.. to see if he has any objection to raise lothem. It does not appear necessary to consult the Authorities at Singapore for they recently re-adjusted the emoluments of the Indian Police there by granting them exchange compensation without any reference to this Colony. I take this opportunity of stating that I should be averse to a similar grant here in lieu of the privilege of remittance because the latter privilege is enjoyed by all the Indian Troops here, it benefits India, assists recruit- ing by making the Force known and popular in India, and it mili- tates against money landing which is sure to recrudesce among the Indian Police if the remittance privilege is abolished and the

money

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