Sessional_Paper_1894 — Page 73

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When this work is completed it is intended to arrange a similar book for the use of Indian Constables.

An endeavour has been made to promote the acquisition of Chinese by European Members of the Force by instituting daily Chinese classes at all the Stations. I have as yet seen no evidence of the results, but the object is such an important one that I shall not fail to give it my constant attention.

For the use of the European Members of the Force, copies of that invaluable little book, the London Police Code, with the references to the corresponding provisions of the local Ordinances marginally noted, have been distributed and have been found useful.

15. A reading room and library has been instituted at the Water Police Station at Tsim Tsa Tsui. The books for it have been purchased out of the Fine Fund.

do.

The Police stationed in Kowloon will thus enjoy the same advantages that the Police in Victoria

A tennis ground has also been constructed and paid for out of the same fund on a waste piece of land in front of the Water Police Station.

years.

16. The health of the Force has on the whole been very satisfactory as compared with former

In the number of admissions to Hospital there was a decrease on the figures for last year of 18 in the case of Europeans, but an increase of 31 in the case of Indians and of 13 in the case of Chinese. There were, however, only four deaths, the smallest number for many years. One European Constable died of small-pox, one Indian of dropsy, one Chinese of cancer and another of heart disease.

It is worthy of special notice that although there were several severe cases no death occurred from malarial fever, a result which is due to the medical and nursing skill of the Civil Hospital Staff.

Two European Constables, one of whom was recovering from the effects of a compound fracture of the leg, suffered from exceptionally malignant attacks, and were so reduced in strength on their discharge from Hospital that it was deemed necessary to send them for a short sea voyage to Japan and back at the expense of the Government.

17. With a view to improving the health and comfort of the Indian Members of the Force, Messes for Indians were instituted last November. Each man had formerly messed himself, the result being that many men, I am convinced, denied themselves sufficient food for the sake of economy. Much of their time which should have been devoted to rest was spent in cooking, and to save themselves trouble they would often cook at one time sufficient food to last for several meals. Portion of their food would thus become stale and unpalatable before the time arrived for eating it. Moreover as there were no mess rooms, the dormitories in which the men had to take their meals suffered much in point of cleanliness.

There was at first some opposition to the innovation, but a beginning was made by establishing two messes, one for Sikhs and the other for Mahomedans at the Central Station.

Before the system was a fortnight old I was invited to inspect the messes at breakfast one morn- ing, when I had the satisfaction of seeing about sixty men seated at two clean comfortable tables and served with a hot appetizing meal. The system has now been extended to Nos. 3, 7 and 8 Stations. As in the case of the introducing the change in the night duty, Chief Inspector MATHIESON gave me most loyal assistance in carrying the mess scheme into execution.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

The Honourable

THE COLONIAL SECRETARY,

Your most obedient Servant,

F. H. MAY,

Captain Supt. of Police.