The Chinese branch we cannot regard at present as in a satisfactory condition, The number in the current year's budget is probably sufficient, if all the Indians required are obtained. The quality, however, of the men requires attention. The present Fore is recruited from the coolie class, and it is probable that about half the men should be replaced by others of a better class. So for as we can ascertain better men my be attracted if the pay offered for nergeaiits and constables be raised from $2 to $4 all roun We understand that arrangement> are being made to have a training depot for fifty Chinese constables, and that each constable will be trained for six months, Tu this way 100 fresh men he added to the strength each year. If the period of training ix reduced te four months for the present, 150 men can be passed through each year, or, lowing for wastage, 300 to 400 men in three years.
Assuming that half the present. Force qu ies for the higher wages by their superior intelligence, the Force should be reorganized in three years. From that time if 100 men are through the dept every year the tained. requisite numbers should "be main-
There is a special matter connected with this branch with which we wish to deal, viz., the appointment of competent. interpreters at the stations. At present the interrering is done by men selected from the ranks of the Chinese; these are coolies an elementary' know-lodge of Pidgin English.
There should be attached to each station an educated Chinaman who conipetent interpreter, and be should attend in the charge-room to interpret when ordered to do so by the inspector or in his absence by the sub-inspector or senior sergeant at the time in the station.
THE penkerivE BRANCH.
The Detectisje branch is composed of Chief Inspecgor, one inspector, eleven sergeants and/constables, two Japanese ud forty-tivy: natives. These, with the exception of; the Japanese, are recruited from the uryiformed branch. The numbers are ad: equate for their duties, Original from
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.