Sessional_Paper_1898 — Page 585

[viii]

H.M.S. "TAMAR," AT HONGKONG,

10th March, 1898.

Drunkenness in the Royal Navy.

SIR, I have the honour to submit the following answers to the questions in the letter from the Secretary of the Alcoholic Liquors Commission, dated 5th March, 1898, re drunkenness amongst meu of Her Majesty's Fleet at Hongkong:-

1, and 2. By scale of punishment laid down by the Admiralty a man ordinarily drunk may return to his leave and get off with a small punishment, whereas from excessive drinking he most probably breaks his leave, and of course, gets a heavier punishment which affects his career and pension. 3. No; but on all stations there are places where vile liquor may be obtained, and the quality of the liquor will often knock over immediately men who are not accustomed to drink on board.

4. Not in this ship, but, being a stationary one, men get much more leave

and consequently make their money spread over a longer period,

5. Yes.

(a.) Caldbeck, MacGregor & Co., and MACEWEN, FRICKEL & Co. principally. The spirits supplied are the same as used in the Hongkong Club.

(b.) Considerably. The Club is open till 11.30 p.m. Amusements are provided with good and cheap liquor, consequently men have not the inducement to go to outside places.

I would suggest that, as at Malta, all public houses should be under police super- vision by periodical taking of samples of the liquor sold, and, if found bad or adulterated, that house be put out of bounds.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Commodore

SWINTON C. HOLLAND, A.D.C.,

30..

fc.,

Sr.

Your obedient Servant.

W. H. F. TAYLOR,

Commander.

H.M.S. "IMMORTALITÉ," HONGKONG, 13th March, 1898.

4

Drunkenness amongst the men of the Royal Navy, Hongkong.

SIR, I have the honour to submit the following remarks called for by you relative to drunkenness amongst men of the Royal Navy at Hongkong.

1. Not known.

2. The usual punishments for drunkenness naturally affect the career of seamen or marines. I have often noticed that drunkenness leads to the very serious crime of smuggling liquor into the ship.

Page 585Page 586