APPENDIX 
1 53 
The Naval Service consists of a 
Commandant (Commander Percy Cullen, R.N.R.) and 
3 other Naval Officers, all of whom are chosen from the Royal Naval Reserve; and 
4 Warrant Officers, who are pensioners in the Royal Navy; 
A Chief Engineer, and 4 other engineers ; 
4 Indian Artificers ; 
Other European carpenters, clerks, store-keepers, &c.; and about 
80 “ Sidi Boys,” or native seamen. 
BARRACKS AT FORT JOHNSTON 
There are at present in the service of the Protectorate on the Upper Shire and on 
Lake Nyasa, 3 gunboats, 1 barge, 5 steel boats, and 2 daus (Arab sailing vessels). The 
war vessels are well armed with suitable guns. A new gunboat of considerable size is 
being built for service on Lake Nyasa, and should be launched at the beginning of 1898. 
The most important “ item ” in the service of the Protectorate is probably the 
“ Collector.” This official superintends the collection of Customs Duties, the assessment 
and levying of native taxes ; he directs the Civil police in his district; administers justice 
to Europeans and between Europeans and natives where he holds a Warrant from the 
Secretary of State to act as a judicial officer ; superintends the administration of native 
justice ; and acts generally as political officer and Tribune of the people. In all Civil 
matters he is supreme in his District, and only subordinate to the Commissioner. In 
many cases he is also responsible for the conduct of the postal service. If he possesses 
a great deal of power he is at the same time almost invariably an overworked individual, 
with many cares and responsibilities on his shoulders. 
Justice is administered to British subjects and other Europeans and foreigners under 
