693745-1875-Police-Annual-Report-1874- — Page 2

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THE HONGKONG GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 20TH FEBRUARY, 1875.

bers two hundred persons, of whom scarcely a moiety are Chinese. There appears to be little reason why the executions here, as in England, should not take place in one of the yards of the Gaol and, if deemed necessary, in the presence of the convicts.

5. In my Report for 1873, I alluded to the decrease of Piracy, but remarked that it would be very imprudent for European sailing vessels to rely on immunity from attack, and to sail unarmed, until it was known what would become of the men thrown out of employ by the closing of the Macao Barracoons. In 1874, no European sailing vessel was attacked, but the steamer Spark was, on the 22nd of August, captured by Pirates on her way from Canton to Macao; and the result of the want of proper precautions having been taken for the safety of the crew, and the protection of the vessel, was painfully shown. The Captain and five others were murdered, and one European pas- senger, and five others of the crew were seriously wounded, whilst the Pirates retained possession of, and plundered the vessel for five hours. One of the head-pirates was arrested in this Colony, and executed. At Canton six Pirates were executed, one died of wounds received at his capture, and two others were in November last waiting in prison the result of further inquiries. In addition to the above, five men were arrested in Hongkong, but released for want of sufficient evidence; and here I may remark that I can remember no case in which the malefactors were seen by so many people, and yet so much difficulty experienced in obtaining testimony. Notwithstanding the efforts of the Authorities at Macao, where the passengers chiefly lived, those who were capable of giving valuable information maintained a steady indifference to the matter, and pretended a difficulty in being able to identify men who were for five hours in their company. The Chinese Authorities applied for the arrest and rendition of two other men for the same offence. effected, and the prisoners committed for trial at the Supreme Court, but the witnesses failed to appear; the investigation however before the Magistrate threw great doubts on the guilt of the ac- cused. In each of two other cases classed as piracies three men were arrested, and on application given up to the Chinese Authorities for trial.

The arrests were

6. As might have been expected from the cessation of the emigration of Chinese coolies from Macao the number of cases of kidnapping of that class has greatly diminished. In 1873, this Government passed an Ordinance for the better protection of Chinese women and children. A number of cases arise from the breach of this Ordinance, more especially as Chinese custom permits the buying, and selling of women and children.

There is every reason to suppose that this Ordinance has a deterrent effect, but it will be some time before the lower classes of Chinese women, accustomed as they are to such practices in China, learn to avail themselves of the protection offered. One defect in the Ordinance has already come to light in the investigation of cases, which is that no section applies to those where a sale has already taken place.

7. With reference to Burglary and Larceny in dwelling houses during the night time, in the past year the European Community has been very free from such attacks. Out of six cases reported, three occurred in British Kowloon; in two other cases, a door or a venetian blind was left open, and in the third a false key was used. The whole property stolen in these six cases was valued at $268.00. A very dangerous gang of burglars who attacked outlying Chinese houses was captured in August last, and eight of them were convicted.

8. In the month of September, a Typhoon of unusual force passed over the Colony, and caused a great deal of work to be thrown on the Police. The number of those killed was so great that the Government Contractor for the removal of dead bodies was, after the first day, wholly unable to fulfil his contract. But, with the aid of Convicts, the Police assisted at the removal or burial of nearly 650 corpses.

9. I enclose a list of men who have been arrested during the past year for breach of Conditional Pardon or Deportation Warrant.

10. The state of the Police Force is similar to that reported last year. The Inspectors continue to work faithfully, and steadily, and as a body the men have behaved very well. I am glad to be able to record that the cases of drunkenness are fewer in number. The exception to the general rule of good behaviour has been in the conduct of some of the Chinese Water Police, six of whom committed offences against the Criminal Law.

11. I have the honor to enclose the following Returns:-

Tables A., B., C., D., & E., as in 1873.

Table F.-Return of men arrested for breach of Conditional Pardon or Deportation Warrant. Table G.-A Report on the Police School written by Mr. FALCONER.

I have the honor to be,

Sir,

Your most obedient Servant,

W. M. DEANE,

Captain Superintendent of Police.

The Honorable J. GARDINER Austin,

Colonial Secretary,

HONGKONG,