695758-1874-Police-Report-on-for-1873- — Page 2

THE HONGKONG GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 21ST FEBRUARY, 1874.

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7. I find that boats to the number of 1086 are used solely as residences by Chinese. These boats are unlicensed, and are in every way a source of trouble to the Police. Not only are they convenient receptacles for stolen goods and places of refuge for bad characters, but they are the means of propagating and spreading disease.

8. It appears to me highly desirable to entirely prohibit the Chinese from using boats solely as residences, but if this is considered too extreme a measure, I would desire to suggest that they should be numbered and their occupants registered. The number of these boats is reported to be as follows:-

Sháu-ki-wan,

35 used as residences and fish lans.

{390 used solely as residences.

Aberdeen,.

Ap-Li-Cháu,

168 "" 115

27

"}

11

*>

"}

Yaú-Ma-Ti,

141

}}

Causeway Bay,.

171

21

""

**

Stanley,

66 19

"}

Total,.....

1,086

>>

POLICE FORCE.

9. The conduct of the Inspectors has continued to give me every satisfaction. Last year was, I believe, the first since the establishment of the Force during which no vacancy occurred in this rank from resignation or dismissal.

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10. There have been a great number of changes in the body of the Force, no less than 158 men of all nationalities having been struck off the Roll from different causes. The expiration of the terms of five years' service of several Indians caused many vacancies in that portion of the Force. It became necessary to dismiss for misconduct three of the men (exclusive of one who absconded) who joined from Scotland, and three who joined from England.

11. The Government has authorized the purchase of bedding, &c., from the revenue of the Department. These articles were previously paid for from the Fine Fund, the limited resources of which prevented many articles being supplied which were desirable.

MISCELLANEOUS.

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

A.-Return of Crime during 1873.

B.-Return of Miscellaneous Offences during 1873.

C.-Comparative Table of Crime during 1871, 1872, and 1873.

D.-Punishments inflicted on Constables during 1873.

E.-Casualties during 1873.

F.-Police School Report by Mr. WILLCOCKS.

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.

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