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There were 314 reports against men of the Indian Contingent as compared with 297 for last year. For drunkenness there were 14 against 12 in 1897; 15 for disorderly conduct against 13; 39 for neglect of duty against 44; 40 for absence from duty against 45; 52 for gossiping and idling on duty against 47; while only 12 were asleep on duty against 21 in the previous year.

Six men were convicted before the Magistrate-1 for Larceny, 1 for Cutting and Wounding, 1 for Misconduct as a Police Constable, and 1 Acting Sergeant and 2 Constables for Assaults.

Twenty-seven Indians were sentenced to one week imprisonment by myself for insubordination, and one to seven days' imprisonment for inciting to insubordination.

A Petition had been addressed by the Indian Contingent to Government praying for an increase of salary on various grounds in June, and before there had been time to consider the Petition, 27 men who had only recently joined the Force refused to sign the paysheets or to receive their pay unless the increase asked for was given them. The 27 men were sent to Gaol for 7 days each and were there given an opportunity of re-considering their position. On being given the option to take their pay unconditionally or be dismissed, 14 chose the former alternative and the remainder were dismissed.

The Chinese Contingent is responsible for 572 reports against 402 in 1897.

There were 3 reports for drunkenness while none were reported in the previous two years for this offence; asleep on duty increased from 22 in 1897 to 67; disorderly conduct from 12 to 19; and absence from station, duty and parades has increased from 117 to 209.

One Chinese Constable was convicted at the January Sessions of the Supreme Court for demanding money with menaces and sentenced to 15 months' hard labour, and one was convicted by the Magistrate for assault, and one for giving false evidence.

The above record is not satisfactory. The large number of recruits enlisted to fill the numerous vacancies that occurred in consequence of the bribery discovered in connection with the Wa Lane gambling house, was one contributing cause. In the large majority of the cases of asleep on duty, for instance, the culprits were such recruits. Another cause was the difficulty in obtaining a good class of recruits.

I have already reported that in view of the rapid advance of rents and the price of food in recent years, the Chinese Police are underpaid and the Contingent will not be placed on a satisfactory footing until the service is rendered more attractive.

23.

REWARDS.

During the year two European and seven Chinese Members of the Force were granted rewards by authority of the Governor for intelligence and promptness in the discharge of their duties, eight Chinese for the courageous manner in which they arrested a number of gamblers in the stone quarries near Shaukiwan, one Chinese for arresting under great difficulties a man wanted for shooting with intent to do grievous bodily harm, another for attempting the arrest, and thereby impeding the flight till assistance arrived, of three European Stokers, while a third was rewarded for prompt action in ex- tinguishing a fire in a house on his beat.

In some of the above cases Chinese Constables shewed great courage in which I may say I have never found them to fail.

Two Indian Constables were rewarded for rescuing persons from drowning while two others gained similar recognition by smartness in arresting three burglars.

Three District Watchmen were rewarded for activity and intelligence in the discharge of their duties.

24.

PLAGUE SERVICES.

The following is a summary of the number of men detailed for special work in connection with the epidemic:-

HOUSE CLEANSING,

One European Police Constable commenced house cleansing on the 16th and two European Police Constables on the 28th February, 1898. Three were employed in March. Seven European Police Constables and one Chinese Constable in April, six European Police Constables, and one Chinese Constable in May, and six European Police Constables and one Chinese Constable in June, until the 18th of that month.

HOUSE TO HOUSE VISITATION.

One European Police Constable was on house to house visitation in March. Seven European Police Constables and sixteen Chinese Constables in April. Eight European Police Constables and nineteen Chinese Constables in May, and eight European Police Constables and seventeen Chinese Constables to the 11th June, 1898.

TUNG WAH HOSPITAL, AND NAM PAK HONG WHARF.

Six Chinese Constables from 2nd May to 10th June.