Sessional_Paper_1890 — Page 299

29.5

No. 15

90.

HONGKONG.

DESPATCHES RESPECTING ADJUTANCY OF THE POLICE FORCE.

Laid before the Legislative Council, by Command of His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government.

Secretary of State to Governor Sir G. W. Des Voeux, K.C.M.G.

HONGKONG. No. 26.

SIR,

DOWNING STREET,

8th February, 1890.

I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch No. 380 of the 19th of December, and to convey to you iny approval of your suggestion that the adjutancy of the Police Force should be abolished, and the appointment of Assistant Superintendent of Police revived in its place, Mr. HORSPOOL being appointed to the latter post on two years' probation with a salary of $220 per

mensem.

2. You will no doubt consult Captain DEMPSTER'S convenience as far as possible in fixing the date when these changes should come into effect, and it appears to me that three months' notice should be given to him of the' termination of his employment under the Colonial Government.

3. You do not state whether or not it is proposed to fill up the post of Chief Inspector at present held by Mr. HoRSPOOL; if so, the change will hardly result in the saving which you contemplate.

4. The Crown Agents have received instructions with a view to securing the services of Sergeant JOHNSON to whom your despatch No. 393 of the 24th of December last refers. for the post of Musketry Instructor and Officer in charge of Stores. A copy of the letter to them is enclosed.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your most obedient, humble Servant,

Governor Sir G. W. DES VEUX, K.C.M.G.,

(Copy.)

&C.,

&c.,

&c.

Colonial Office to Crown Agents.

KNUTSFORD.

DOWNING STREET,

GENTLEMEN,

7th February, 1890.

You will observe from the enclosed copies of despatches from the Governor of Hongkong that an Ex Non-commissioned Officer is asked for to take charge of the Musketry Instruction and the stores in connection with the Police Force of the Colony, and that Sergeant JoHNSON has been recommended as a suitable man for the post by the Secretary to The Army and Navy Pensioners' Society.