WANGANUI POLICE YEAR REVIEWED

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 259, 31 July 1939, Page 13

WANGANUI POLICE YEAR REVIEWED

Increase In Number Of Licensing Offences CONDUCT OF FORCE SAID TO BE VERY GOOD Dominion Special Service. WANGANUI, July 29. The conduct of members of/the force in the Wanganui poliee district was very good during the past year, states Superintendent J. Lander in his annual report to the Commissioner of Police. _ In many instances a high degree of efficiency was shown in the performance of duty. The report draws attention to an increase in the number of licensing offences, which, it suggests, probably, arise from the increased spending power in the hands of irresponsible members of the community. . , The offences return for the year ended December 31, 1938, shows a total of 1435 offences reported, an increase of _307 on the previous year. The year 1937 showed a decrease of 79 on 1936. Of the total 1435 offences reported, 1394 were accounted for by arrest or summons. The principal increases were: House or shop breaking 13, breaches of leave 13, drunkenness 63, drunk and disorderly 10, bookmaking 18. failing to maintaiiu wives and families 18, failing for 14 days to pay maintenance moneys 15, breaches of prohibition orders 13, found on licensed premises during closing hours 17, selling or exposing liquor for sale with out a licence 17. supplying liquor to natives in proclaimed districts 19, being intoxicated in charge of a motor-vehicle 13, other breaches of the Motor-Vehicles Act 10.