ANNUAL POLICE REPORT

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIV, Issue 173, 22 July 1903, Page 3

ANNUAL POLICE REPORT

SUNDAY DRINKING AND GAMING,

COMMISSIONER TUNBRIDGE'S VIEWS.

(By Tede-grap-b.-— Parliamentary Reporter.)

WELLINGTON, this day

On March 31st last the total strength of the police force of till ranks was (states the annual report of the Commissioner of Police, presented to Parliament to-day) Gl3, an increase of nine during the year. There were 8209 persons charged with drunkenness during 1902, against 8057 during the preceding year. Auckland was responsible last year for 1154 "drunks," Wellington for 1740, Christchureh for 871, and JJunedin for 480. Wellington showed a large increase in arrests for drunkenness, but the other three centres showed a decrease. There were 135 arrests for drunkenness in the four centres on Sunday s . These Sunday arrests, says Commissioner Tunbridge, continue to demonstrate that Sunday trading still exists to a considerable extent, and he reiterates that until the law is amended in the direction of making it illegal for persons other than lodgers or bona-fide travellers to be on licensed premises during prohibited hours, it will be absolutely impossible for the police to keep this illegal ;trading within reasonable bounds. ft is further stated that 33.G9 per cent, of male drunkards, and (36.2 per cent, of females, had been previously convicted, and 13.30 per cent, of males were not These unfortunate persons, says the Commissioner, should be treated as if suffering from a disease, and, for their own sake, as well as for the benefit of the community generally, should be placed in some institution and medically treated. In connection with gaming offences, the report again emphasises the necessity for legislation against the illegal '•'tote" betting man, and attention is also drawn to the evils of billiard saloons. With regard to the conduct of the force, it is mentioned that two men were dismissed during the year, and that thd services of four others were dispensed with. Forty-eight men were taken on during the year to meet the legitimate requirements of the community. The Commissioner considers an augmentation of at least twenty-five constables necessary. This would represent an increase of about one penny per head of the population per annum. In conclusion, Commissioner Tunbridge, in severing his connection with the colony, embraces the opportunity to express gratitude to the Government for having practically adopted all the recommendations made by him for the benefit of the force.