CO129-412 - Governor Sir May - 1914 [7-8] — Page 63

nclosure

N°

No 260.

sir,

C.O

31772 1500 22 AUG 14

58

GOVERNMENT HOUSE.

HONGKONG. 17th July, 1914.

I have the honour to recommend that the style of

uniform now worn by the Chinese members of the Hongkong Police

be abandoned and replaced by a new uniform similar in pattern to

that worn by the European and Indian members of the Force. I

attach photographs illustrating the present uniform and the one

I propose to adopt.

2.

The present Chinese Constable's uniform which is

a compromise between Chinese and Western styles is somewhat

incongruous and unserviceable. It comprises a bamboo hat, semi-

Chinese coat and trousers, and Chinese felt shoes. The raison

d'etre of the hat has now disappeared with the passing of the

queue and the felt shoes do not afford the wearer the same pro-

tection in wet weather as leather boots. Many Chinese constables

in the New Territories have been at their own request provided

with boots.

3.

The new uniform will be issued in two patterns,

one for summer and one for winter wear. It will comprise a

"topeo" helmet, regulation police tunic and trousers, leggings

and boots. Each man will ultimately possess six summer and

three winter suits though it will not be necessary to issue the

full number during the first year; and he will drew three suits

and two pairs of boots annually.

4.

The initial expenditure involved is estimated at $18,182 and the subsequent recurring expenditure at approximate-

THE RIGHT HONOURABLE

LEWIS HARCOURT, M.P.,

&C.

&C..