THE NEW ZEALAND CONSTARULARY.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume I, Issue 32, 31 July 1880, Page 3

THE NEW ZEALAND CONSTARULARY.

From tbe annual report on the New Zealand Constabulary, furnished by Lient.Colonel Eeader to the Defence Minister, we learn that only one casualty from sickness occurred amongst the force, numbering upwards of 700 men, on this coast — that of Constable Wallis, from fevei*. at Opunake; but Constable Foley, of Pukearuhe, died from the effects of a horse accident. *• It was to have been expected," writes Colonel Eeader, " that in so largely increasing the force, in so short a time, notwithstanding every precaution, a proportion of bad characters would find their way in, but thp comparatively few of this class who ioined were soon found out, got rid of, and replaced by good men." ColoDel Roberts " speaks most highly of the zeal of the officers and good conduct of the men" under his command. From Colonel Roberts' report, which bears date 20th. May, we learn that " since the commencement of the native disturbance on this coast, the strength of the force in the district has been gradually increased until on the 15th February ia&b, the iohal sbrengbh was 940This has been slightly reduced, and on tbe 31st March the strength was 734, consisting of : — One lieut.-colonel, one superintendent, one inspector, one sergeant-major, eighteen first, twelve second, twenty third-class sergeants, two first, fifty-three second, six hundred and twelve third-class-constables. At "Waihi., the ditch round two sides of

the redoubt has been deepened, and a- ditch dug in the front, a banquette has been erected inside, and the level of the square lowered. At Waingongoro, a redoubt was erected on a position commanding the bridge. At Oakura, a strong bastion ed redoubt, capable of holding 300 men, was erected for the defence of the inhabitants if required ; fill a strong square redoubt ■was also built at Bayly's farm. The redoubts at Opunake, Okato, and Pukearuhe have been kept in good order and repair. Small temporary redoubts have been thrown np at the various catups as bhe road pm-Hes have advanced. During the months of July and August, 1579, 181 Maoris -were arrested for illegal trespass and ploughing ou European land. A number of these prisoners were ti"ied at New Plymouth, and sentenced to two mouths' imprisonment, and to find sureties to keep tbe peace for twelve months, the remainder are awaitinsr their trial. A constable has been employed at Normanby on police duty, also one at Okato. Agricultural statistics wei-e partly collected by members of the force. At Waihi, a road has been made from tbe station to Normanby main road, 3S chains long, principally side cuttings. A bridge has been placed over the Waihi stream, 22 feet span ; the timber being cut and prepared in the bush by the Constabulary. A road, 50 chains long-, has also been made leading to the Hawera main road, and two culverts built and placed in positiou. Nearly 13 miles of road were completed on the Waimate Plains. The general conduct of the force under my command has been very good, crimes of a serious nature heing almost unknown. Great praise and credit is due to that portion of the force forming the road parties, for the general industry and ability displayed in the formation of the Waimate road. The general health has been good ; a few cases of fever, however, occurring during the summer. In conclusion, I would respectfully call your attention to the high slate of discipline and efficiency in drill and the duties of a soldier to which the men in this district have been brought through the exertions of tbe officers in charge of the different companies, great care having been taken by them in the proper training and instruction of the recruits on joln'ng."