CO129-319 - Governor Sir Blake - 1903 [10-11] — Page 591

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that art by his predecessor.

584

I find by an inspection of the books that the Water Folice have been peculiarly unfortunate with the pinnaces. One of them has been laid up since the end of last Warch. On the Eth. of July 3 pinnaces out of 4 were laid up leaving only 1 pinnace and 1 launch for duty the complement being 4 Stean Vessels. This continued till 19 August when one of the 3 pinnaces laid up came on duty followed on 14th. September by another. On 25th. September the Launch referred to was sold having been condemned some time ago. Ahile the pinnaces were laid up the crews were utilised to patrol in boats. But it seers screwhat extraordinary that 3 out of 4 pinnaces should be unavailable for service at one and the same tine.

No attempt has been rade to recruit seamen for the European section of the Aster Police. The Acting Captain Superintendent of Folice informs me in answer to an enquiry of rine on this point that his object has been to obtain quiet well conducted men for this Franch of the Service. But it is obvious that every endeavour should be made to obtain seamen for the

for landsmen are placed at a serious disadvantage in the performance of the duties appertaining to the Water Police If they have no ancwindge of seamanship. Moreover the European Mater Police are placed in charge of launches, pinnaces and boats and the crews of these scon becore alive to the fact whether the Officer in charge of them knows his work or otherwise, and they have no respect whatever for a man who knows less of his business than they do themselves.

i would like to make scre suprestions as to

the furopean leaders of this Branch.

In Inspector Langley the Government is for-

a seaman by

-

tunate in possessing a young and active officer profession- who is well qualified to take charge of the later Folice.

He should in my opinion be continued in

charge