Sessional_Paper_1884 — Page 64

The Finance Committee on 21st June, 1883, approved of His Excellency's appro- val to increase the pay of the Police, but no definite sum has been voted and a formal vote of Council is therefore necessary. Since the question was submitted to the Finance Committee by His Excellency's orders, an additional reason for increasing the pay of the Force has been furnished by the higher rates of pay now offered by the Municipality of Shanghai. One of our best Inspectors has claimed his pension and is going to serve in the Shanghai Force, and another is I believe going to follow his example. These men will not only get better pay at Shanghai, but will also draw at the same time handsome pensions from Hongkong. Fortunately only a limited number can be em- ployed there, for it would be to the advantage of all men who can claim pensions here to retire at once and re-enlist at Shanghai, thus getting pension and pay at the same time.

The Acting Captain Superintendent of Police suggests that there should be two instead of three classes of Inspectors, that the rank of Acting Sergeant should be abolished, and Corporals appointed instead. If his suggestions are adopted, the extra sum to be voted will be increased from $6,684 to $7,524. This latter question is left by the

Governor for the consideration of the Finance Committee.

W. H. MARSH.

SUGGESTED THAT THERE BE BUT TWO CLASSES OF INSPECTOR,

ABOLISHING THAT OF 3RD CLASS.

The

pay

to be as follows:-

Per month.

Per year.

5 1st class at $100,

6 2nd

""

80,

$6,000

5,760

-$11,760

Increase,.

..$1,200

SERGEANTS.

11 Sergeants at $52,.

$ 6,864

Increase,..

924

CONSTABLES.

88 Constables at $45,

Increase..........................

$47,520

.... 5,280

420

120

*Allowances to 10 as Acting Sergeants at $3,............$

Increase...

Total Increase,...

*The Rank of Acting Sergeants to be abolished, and that of Corporal substituted.

.$7,524

A savings bank if possible to be established, or a Constable to be allowed to leave his pay or portion of it in the hands of the Government, and to receive interest.

(Signed)

T. C. DEMPSTER, Acting Captain Superintendent of Police.

17th October, 1883.