Sessional_Paper_1896 — Page 113

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CONDUCT.

9. The conduct of the European Police has again been satisfactory, as has also been that of the Indian contingent.

Offences amongst the Chinese Police have been mainly the outcome of their inability to conform to discipline. The serious offence of being asleep on duty has decreased all round.

The number of reports made against European members of the Force was 48 against 74 last year. Of these 8 were for drunkenness as against 10 in the previous 12 months, 4 for disorderly conduct, assaults and fighting, and 3 for sitting down on duty, as against 3 and 3 respectively, 5 for neglect of duty and 5 for asleep on duty, as against 12 and 10 in the previous year.

Against men of the Indian contingent there were 162 reports as against 214 in 1894.

Of these 12 were for drunkenness, as against 18 in 1894, 11 for disorderly conduct, assault and fighting, as against 25, 15 for neglect of duty, as against 41, 22 for absence from duty, or beat and late for duty, as against 17, 33 for gossiping, sitting down and idling on duty, as against 39, 9 for asleep on duty, as against 15, and 7 for leaving beat before being relieved as against 5.

Amongst Chinese Constables there were 512 reports as against 397 in 1894.

It should be noted in this connection that the Chinese Force was increased throughout the year by 30 men, to make up for 40 deficiencies in the Indian contingent.

There was 1 case of drunkenness in the Chinese Force as against 2 in 1894, in other respects increases are noted, as 203 reports for absence from duty or beat, and late for duty, against 161, and 41 for leaving beat before being relieved, against 6 the previous year.

There was a decrease from 48 to 44 for asleep on duty.

1 Indian Constable was convicted before a Magistrate and fined $10 for neglect of duty.

1 Chinese Constable was fined $5 for using disrespectful language in Court, and one was fined $5 for being in possession of prepared opium.

HEALTH.

10. The health of the Force has been satisfactory. The admissions to Hospital were, compared with last year, as follows:—

Europeans Indians

Chinese

1894.

1895.

127

81

244

233

134

113

Attached is a return of fever cases sent to Hospital from each Station, Aberdeen Station appears to have improved.

SCHOOL.

11. I attach a report from Mr. ARTHUR on the work of the Police School during the year.

I have the honour to be,

The Honourable

J. H. STEWART LOCKHART,

Colonial Secretary.

Sir,

Your obedient Servant,

WM. C. H. HASTINGS,

Acting Captain Superintendent of Police.

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