Sessional_Paper_1900 — Page 205

17.

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES.

199

During the year, the Examiner of Weights and Measures (an Inspector of l'olice) made the following verifications:--

Chinese balances,

European scales,

Chinese measures,. European measures,

Correct.

Incorrect.

.2.207

50

652

100

365

8

410

4

In respect of the balances, scales and measures found incorrect, 26 prosecutions were instituted and a conviction obtained in 25 cases.

There were five prosecutions and an equal number of convictions for obstructing the Examiner. No prosecution has been instituted when weights and ineasures are only slightly incorrect. European measures include liquor measures which have now been procured by the publicans according to law,

18.

FOOD AND DRUGS ORDINANCE.

Twenty-five samples of intoxicating liquor were obtained from public-houses and licensed grocers and submitted to analysis. On the report of the Government Analyst one prosecution was instituted and a conviction obtained. The licence has been in this case cancelled. The cheap liquor which was formerly sold is not now met with.

19.

MENCIDANTS.

In addition to 20 beggars dealt with by the Police Magistrate, 151 were suminarily deported to Canton and one to Kowloon as follows :-

HOW OFTEN SENT AWAY.

CANTON.

KOWLOON.

Once,.

Twice,

Thrice,

TOTAL,

141

1

151

1

20.

LICENCES.

The following licences were issued by this Department during the year :-

21.

575 Hongkong Jinrickshas.

70 Kowloon

25 Quarry Bay

1,074 Private Vehicles.

570 Hongkong Chairs.

30 Hill District Chairs.

7 Gharis.

8,923 Drivers and Bearers.

Dogs Ordinance.

1,805 dogs were licensed.

12 watch dogs were licensed.

77 dogs were destroyed.

35 dogs were restored to owners.

5 dogs were ransomed.

POLICE FORCE.

Table E shows the Strength, Enlistments and Casualties in the Force during 1899.

Thirty-eight European recruits were engaged during the year. Three came from the Plymouth Police, two from Edinburgh City Police, one was an approved candidate on the roster for the Royal Irish Constabulary, twelve were volunteers from the Royal Marines, and 19 were obtained locally, viz., three from the Army, sixteen from the Mercantile Marine, and one who had purchased his discharge but re-enlisted after four months' absence. Of the men obtained locally three were dismissed for drunkenness and two for being absent from duty and station, eight resigned either during their term of three months' probation or when their probation expired, and six are still serving. The men obtained from the Mercantile Marine were enlisted for the Water Police, and proved for the most part totally unfitted for the responsible position of Police.