CO129-597-2 Estimates 1949 1-3-1948 - 14-7-1949 — Page 239

Hoad 21. Ponsions

15.

G

239

Estimato 1948/49

Revised Estimate 1947/48

Approved Estimate 1947/48 Actual Expenditure 1946/47

$6,031,000

6,205,469

4,463,000

6,825,816

When the Estimates for 1947/48 were prepared, insufficient information was available in regard to the additional recurront commitments which the Colony had incurred as a legacy of the war. Heavy pension payments had boon met in London, of which no details wore available locally at the time, and it was believed that a greater proportion of those represented arrears in respect of the occupation period than was actually the caso. In point of fact, injury additions are still being awarded to officers whose health suffered as a rosult of their internrcnt, but it is believed that the present estimate will prove to be reasonably accurate.

Icad 22. Police Force

Estimate 1948/49

Revised Estimate 1947/48 Approved Estimate 1947/48 Actual Expenditure 1946/47

$10,393,574

6,235,000

5,966,943 6,056,811

A further reduction in the overall establishment of inspectors and sub-inspectors has been possible owing to the retirement of more officers during 1947/48. It will be recollected that it became necessary to engage a number of inspectors on short term contracts to carry on the policing of the Colony while officers on the permanent establishment were recuperating from the effects of internment. This naturally resulted in the authorised establishment being excouded.

The cstablishment of constables has been increased by 107. It is considered important that Police drivors should bo trained to replace civilian drivers of Police vehicles who are not subject to discipline. Provision has accordingly been made for 55 civilian drivers to be replaced by Police during the coming year, and as the change ovor is effected, the services of the civilian drivers will be dispensed with.

32 additional constables are required for duty as Railway Police and, although shown on the Police establishment, financial provision for them is included in the Railway Estimates. They will prove more expensive than the watchmon now employod but the greater efficiency expected will mako the extra cost woll worthwhile.

A further 20 constables are being provided to form a special squad for the control of hawkers. The temporary emergency unit has boen merged into the Indian contingent, or rather that portion of it that has returned to duty.

Provision is made for the recruitment of 20 addition:1 constables for the Water Police, who will gradually replace the dock staff on the Police launches which now consists of personnel not subject to Police discipline. The seamen at present manning the Water Police launches, who have been recruited since the war, have boon transferred to the Temporary Staff Voto in view of this replacement policy.

The increase of 22 in the establishment of coolics actually represents a reduction on the number employed in 1947/48 as a number of additional coolies were paid from the Temporary Staff Voto. There is a reduction of five boatmen.