No. 39

1. It is unnecessary for me to preface this communication by
detailing the very great importance of an efficient Police Force in
this as in other portions of Her Majesty's Dominions.

2. The necessity for such a force sufficient in number and efficient
in organization becomes still more important in this Colony where
there are no regular Troops.

3. I find that the whole Police Force in this Island consists of
eight Constables, two Serjeants, and one Superintendent who are
stationed and employed in the City of Victoria.

4. There are neither Police nor Magistrates in the outlying
Districts, with the exception of Nanaimo where there is one paid
Magistrate and an insufficient allowance for one constable.

5. It is needless for me to enlarge upon the inevitable consequences
of this state of things—drunkenness, and violations of the Law,
endangering the lives and property of the citizens and settlers.

6. The men obtainable for the Police Force in this colony are of a
most undesirable class and hence constant changes are occurring in
the Force by the introduction of new and untrained men who are of
little use and frequently compromise its character.

7. With a view to remedy this evil I am desirous of obtaining some
trained men from the Irish Police, or men who have retired on pension
from that Force.

8. Some of these men, were on my application sent to Western
Australia some years ago and acquitted themselves very creditably.

9. The inducements I can offer to such men to take service in this
colony are as follow: The pay for constables is one dollar and a
quarter per day, with clothing, namely, coat, trousers, hat. If they
live in barracks they have a cook found them, with fuel and soap.
Serjeants receive one dollar and three quarters per day.

10. Their duties would be principally confined to the City of
Victoria.

11. The climate is equal to that of the South of Ireland, and public
lands are obtainable for one dollar per acre with a highly
remunerative price for produce.

12. The Colony will bear the expense of the passage of the men, (but
not that of their families) on condition of their entering into bonds
with the Agent General that they will refund the amount of passage
money so paid in the event of their quitting the service or being
dismissed for misconduct, within a period of two years after arrival.

13. I will further authorize the Agent General to defray the cost of
passage for the
families of such men on condition of their entering into bonds
for the repayment of such advances by quarterly payments of one sixth
of the sum so advanced to be deducted from their pay.

14. The number of men immediately required would be six and they may
be sent as soon as arrangements can be completed by the Agent
General.

15. I need hardly impress upon the Officer entrusted with the
selection of the men that steadiness and good character are all
important requisites. Their duties will be light compared with those
they have been trained to, and it will be my desire to make their
position comfortable and respectable.

16. I would wish two of the six men to be selected if possible from
the mounted branch of the Police.