Sessional_Paper_1898 — Page 158

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It is satisfactory to note that among the Water Police there was no case of extortion or the like. This I attribute to the effect of the improvement in the status of the Contingent made by the increase of pay given and increased security required during the year.

21.

HEALTH OF THE FORCE.

The year under review was not a healthy one.

The admissions to Hospital were during the last 3 years as follows:-

Europeans,

Indians,

1895. 1896. 1897,

81 90 100

233 366

325

Chinese,

113 120 113

Table F. shows the admissions to Hospital from each station and the strength of the Police at each. Stanley has again become unhealthy. Yaumati was less healthy, and Aberdeen more healthy than in 1896.

Admissions to Hospital for venereal disease have much increased especially in the case of Europeans. In 1895 there were 4.46 % of the European Contingent, in 1896 15,17 %, and in 1897 18.75 %.

22.

EDUCATION.

Fifteen members of the Force passed the first examination for certificates of the St. John's Ambulance Association.

During the year one European and nine Indians obtained certificates for knowledge of Chinese. I append a report from Mr. ARTHUR on the Police School.

23.

BARRACKS.

During the year I have recommended certain additions and alterations in the Police Stations at the Peak and Hunghom, for which provision has been made in the Estimates for the current year.

A sum has also been inserted with which to make a beginning of the building of a new Station at West Point which is urgently required. An entirely new Station is also required at East Point, and No. 5 Police Station (the Central Fire Station) requires very large additions and improvements, which, I trust, will soon be taken in hand. The three last named Stations are in their present condition by no means a credit to the Colony, and must be injurious to the health of the men stationed in them.

24.

DISTRICT WATCHMEN.

In accordance with my recommendation the District Watchmen (numbering on the average 40) on duty in Victoria from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. were on the 7th of June placed on Police beats and subjected to the supervision of Police Inspectors and Sergeants on patrol duty.

The object was to improve the efficiency of this very useful auxiliary Police Force, and to bring them into closer touch with the Police.

The scheme has so far worked well.

EXECUTIVE STAFF.

25. Mr. T. A. Howe, an Officer of the Royal Irish Constabulary holding the rank of District Inspector, was seconded from that Force to act as Deputy Superintendent of Police during the absence on leave of Mr. F. J. BADELEY, and took up his duties in the Colony on the 17th of October.

The Honourable

THE COLONIAL SECRETARY,

$c.,

&c.,

&c.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your most obedient Servant,

F. H. MAY,

Captain Superintendent of Police.