CO129-392 - Governor Sir May - 1912 [9-10] — Page 139

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that exception way reasonably be taken to wie extent to which this privilege was granted in this particular case. The men were however housed quite near the station, tro in a matshed just behind the station and Z in a Chinese house a little way down the street. As to this being without the authority of the Covernment the power to allow native police to live out of barracks has always bem vested in and exercised by the Captain "uperintend- -ant of Folice without specific reference to Government

in each case.

As to its being without the knowledge of the Government I would respectfully subedt tust it has been going on for

many years, quite openly, and that during that period

the place has boen repeatedly inspected by several

Governors all of whom were accustomed to enquire into all matters with the utmost minuteness. I have curtainly

supposed that be arrangement was known to them. This

remark would also apply to (a) on the supposition that I

did not obtain sunction at the time, though as I havo

said I feel sure that I did.

(c). Uno ermed can seems to mo sufficient to protect the

station and it's contents against ordinary theft or mis-

-chiof. The usual thing at skall stations is for only

one man to be awake on station charge. ne others would be asleep in their beds, and in my judgment 2 or 3 men

fast asleep after the day's work would nave afforded,

against determined and well-armed murderers, no additione

-al protection at all.

(d). I find it difficult to imagine how any effective con-

-carted action could have been taken in this affair even supposing all the men had been living in the station. Except for the station charge there would have been

only