CO129-422 - Governor Sir May - 1915 [5-6] — Page 226

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there is very little congenial recreation to be found in Hongkong, but owing to the

utter lack of comfort and ordinary decency in the stations the men are practically driven

to find their recreation outside. This cannot conduce to the betterment of the Force.

In the Police Forces at home every effort is made to induce the men to remain in the

stations when off duty so that they are available in case of emergency. Your petitioners

have made many complaints departmentally about the dirty and unsatisfactory condition

of the Canteen and Library at the Central Station but without result. The men of the

Naval and Military forces in Hongkong are far better provided for as regards facilities

for recreation than the Hongkong Police, and in most cases the funds are controlled by

the men themselves. In the Royal Naval Dockyard Police the Canteen is managed by

the men and the profits help to furnish the quarters and reduce the messing expenses

whereas in the Hongkong Police the men have no voice in the management of the

Canteen, and no means of knowing what becomes of the money spent there. Your petitioners therefore suggest that the control of the Canteen and Library be placed in

hands of the men.

In conclusion your petitioners repeat what they stated at the first, and that is that while the list of matters to which they direct Your Excellency's attention is a lengthy one, they respectfully maintain that they regard the presentation of this petition as being in performance of a double duty, a duty to themselves to frankly speak for the improvement of their personal surroundings and the conditions under which they serve, and a further duty to point out that the existence of the matters herein referred to if unaltered can only adversely affect the efficiency of the Force.

Trusting that your Excellency will give a favourable consideration to this

petition.

We have the honour to be

Sir,

Your Obedient Servants.

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