ARMED CONSTABULARY FORCE. (ANNUAL REPORT OF COMMISSIONER.)

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1875 Session I, H-10

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1875. NEW ZEALAND.

ARMED CONSTABULARY FORCE. (ANNUAL REPORT OF COMMISSIONER.)

Presented to both Souses of the General Assembly by Command of Sis ZExcellency.

No. 1. The Acting Commissioner, Armed Constabulary Force, to the Hon. the Native Ministee. Sic, — Armed Constabulary Office, "Wellington, 30th June, 1875. In compliance with clause No. 159, of the Armed Constabulary Eegulations, I have the honor to submit the following report for the year ending 30th June, 1875 : — Being merely in command of the Armed Constabulary during the absence (on leave) of the Commissioner, and only having taken over that command on the 11th March last, I have been unable since that time to visit the several districts and inspect the various posts in occupation by the Force. I must therefore base this report on the information to be gathered from the returns received weekly and monthly, as well as the annual reports from officers commanding districts, which are hereto annexed, showing the military and civil duties, public and useful works, on which the members of the Force have been employed in their respective districts. At tho close of the last financial year, the Force consisted of GGB of all ranks. During the year there have been 211 enrolled and 142 discharged, leaving the strength at the close of the year 737. (Vide Tables 1, 2, 3.) The Native Contingent, under the command of Captain Mair, and consisting of 2 officers, 3 sergeants, and 39 privates, also that under the command of Captain Preece, consisting of 2 officers, 5 sergeants, and 41 privates, have been amalgamated with the Armed Constabulary—the former on the Ist October, 1874, and the latter on the Ist January, 1875. There are fifty-six stations in this island, exclusive of Auckland and the depot, "Wellington, in occupation by the Armed Constabulary, being an increase of five during the year. The efficiency in the use of the Snider rifle is well maintained, and is due in a great measure to the zeal displayed by the District Musketry Instructors, as well as by the interest taken by the Force generally. It appears, by the report of the Musketry Instructor of the Force, that the percentage of Marksmen this year is much greater than last, and that forty-six members of the Force qualified for Colonial Prize Firing, being an increase of four in the year. Four men attended the meeting as Government representatives, and thirteen at their own expense. The Cavalry Champion Belt was won by a mounted member of the Force ; and a foot constable tied with the winner of the Infantry Belt. There were thirty-five other prizes taken by members of the Armed Constabulary. During the year 600 Snider carbines were imported from England to replace the medium Snider rifles on issue to the Force, but on arrival it was discovered that, instead of short saw-backed knife bayonets, they had long sword bayonets, very unsuitable either when fixed on the carbines or for use in the bush. They have since been issued to the Volunteer Artillery throughout both islands. Subsequently 700 short Snider rifles with saw-backed bayonets have arrived, and are now being issued to the Force. I beg to draw attention to the exhaustive report submitted by Inspector Broham, of the Auckland Police, and consider that great credit is due to that officer and those under his command for the very effectual manner the duties have been performed, especially when it is taken into consideration the insufficient number of men employed. Notwithstanding the large annual increase to the population, no addition is made to the Police Force, and it is only with the utmost exertions of the police the graver cases of crime receive due attention. Petty thefts, &c, to a great extent remain unpunished, owriug to the paucity of constables. The remarks on the operation of the Destitute Persons' Belief Ordinance are well worthy of consideration. In conclusion, I have much pleasure in stating that the discipline of the force is well maintained. But few constables are brought before their officers, except for offences of a trivial nature, crime being unknown. I have, &c. William C. Lyon, Lt.-Col., The Hon. the Native Minister. Acting Commissioner A.C. I—H. 10.

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Enclosure 1 in No. 1. Sub-Inspector Clabe, Waikato District, to the Commissionee, Armed Constabulary Force. Sib, — A.C. District Office, Waikato, Hamilton, 3rd June, 1875. With, reference to your Circular Memorandum No. 161, of 23rd March last, I have tho honor to transmit the following report of the district under my command, prepared in accordance with the requirements of the former circular therein noted, and showing the general nature and extent of the duties and works upon which the men of the Force have been employed during the past year:— Militaby Duties. 1. Average Strength of Officers and Men. —The average monthly strength of the Armed Constabulary Force stationed in the Waikato district during the year ending 31st May, 1875, has been : —7 officers, 2 medical officers, 1 veterinary surgeon, 20 non-commissioned officers, and 139 constables. Of these numbers, 3 non-commissioned officers and 18 constables are mounted. 2. Parades and Brills.— Inspection parades and drills in marching order have been maintained weekly, as also Divine service parades on Sundays, and occasional light infantry drills throughout the year, as frequently as the general work would allow. These have been under the supervision of the officers or non-commissioned officers in charge of stations and posts. There have also been monthly inspection parade and drill in marching order for the officer commanding the district. The annual course of musketry instruction and drill was conducted in Hamilton, commencing on 29th October, 1874 ; and was brought to a termination on 19th March, 1875. 3. Mails and Despatches. —A weekly public mail has been carried by the mounted orderlies of the Force to and from Hamilton, Te Awamutu, and Kihikihi throughout the year, and another between Alexandra and Harapipi. Weekly communications between the several posts have been maintained in the same manner. 4. Escorts and Guards. —A mounted party consisting of 1 sergeant and 9 constables, and a guard of 1 sergeant and 7 foot constables, proceeded to Auckland from this district, to receive his Excellency the Marquis of Normanby on his arrival in the colony, and remained in attendance until his departure South. No other escort parties have been required during the year, except those for the purpose of conducting prisoners to Auckland Gaol when under sentence or for trial. Night guards or patrols proportioned to strength of detachments have been regularly maintained. Under this head it may be noted that a field party, consisting of 1 officer, 1 sergeant, and 10 constables, was detached in January to the Thames district for temporary duty with the staff employed during the Colonial Annual Prize Firing. Immediately after the conclusion of that service this detachment was removed to Ohinemuri Gold Field, and has remained there ever since employed in civil duties. 5. Target Ranges. —The target range at Cambridge station has been altered to a new position, offering a more extended range, up to 900 yards ; and at Rotorangi a new range has been marked out, cleared, and formed up to a like distance. Both at Kihikihi and Alexandra considerable labour has been expended in extending and improving the ranges already in existence. 6. Issuers and Storekeepers. —One sergeant is employed at head-quarters as storekeeper to the Force in the district. 7. Erection of Redoubts, Stockades, cfc. —A new stockade has been erected at Cambridge. The material used consists of round poles from 8 to 12 inches in diameter, 12 feet in length, adzed smooth down the sides, pointed at top, and planted four feet deep, after charring the butt ends. 750 poles were cut for this work, and brought in from a bush some six miles from the spot. Civil Duties. Nine men of the force are specially employed upon the civil duties of the several townships in the district. These attend the Eesident Magistrates' Courts. One constable is acting as clerk in the office of the Resident Magistrate at Alexandra, and 1 sergeant has been attached to the Immigration Department as agent in Waikato for the reception and distribution of immigrants. Other constables have been engaged in these duties and in attendance upon the coroner from time to time as circumstances have required. Six men were employed in the month of February, collecting information for the agricultural statistical enumerators. Public and Useful Wobks. A small party of 1 sergeant and 9 constables, under supervision of the officer in charge at Eotorangi, has been employed throughout the year in making a new road through the Paikuku swamp. Deep broad drains have been cut on either side of the road, which is 7058 chains in length. 10,270 fascines were cut and laid upon it, and six large culverts made in the course of it. A channel or canal was also cut 155 chains in length, 20 feet broad by 3_ in depth, to divert the direction of Mangapiko Creek, over which at the spot a substantial sawn timber bridge has been erected. This party has also cut and formed a further length of road 8930 chains over rough undulating ground. These works presented considerable difficulty, and have been very laborious, and required both skill and patience. They have been well and substantially completed. Another small party of men was placed under the supervision of the District Eesident Engineer on 24th March, to commence work upon the public road between Havelock's Leap aud Paterangi, and has been employed upon earthworks, cutting and filling. At Alexandra, the small detachment has been fully employed throughout the year on the various necessary and useful works at this station. The redoubt is extensive, and requires constant care and attention to preserve it in good repair: 3,472 square feet of the exterior slope of the parapet have been sodded with couch-grass sods, a work which will add much to its strength and durability ; a large portion of the ditch has also been built up with sods. A twelve-acre paddock has been ploughed and sown

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down, and a subdividing fence put up, for which 1,000 posts and rails were split and brought in from the bush. 19,000 shingles have been split for station purposes, and 12,000 for the public hall of the townspeople and the Maori hostelry. The Maori hostelry was taken down, removed, and re-erected upon a new site by the men of the station. Porty chains of ditch and bank fence have been made around the redoubt reserve. The stable floor has been renewed. At Cambridge, two brick chimneys have been built by members of the Porce, and considerable repairs done to the several buildings and fences at this station. At Pukekura, a new mess-house has been erected, the timber sawn and shingles split in the bush near at hand. Pight acres of the reserve have been cleared and put under grass and clover, and a bathing pool has been formed for the men by banking up the flow of water from the adjacent hills. At Eotorangi, a five-acre paddock has been fenced in and cleared, 3,838 feet of timber cut for completion of station buildings, and all the out-buildings have been newly thatched. At Kihikihi, 7,500 feet of timber have been cut for station purposes. Thirteen acres of land have been ploughed and grassed, 97 chains of post and rail fence have been provided, and a stationgarden of 2 acres has been fenced in also. At Hamilton, the large barrack building, 100 feet by 20 feet, has been substantially repaired, newly shingled, and painted; and a new verandah, 6 feet wide, extending the full length, has been built. A new mess-room, 30 feet by 18 feet, has been erected upon the site of the building destroyed last year by fire, and a well has been sunk near at hand, from which a sufficient supply of water is obtained. The district offices have been newly shingled and painted. The colonial storekeeper's old store has been taken down, and a new store, 60 feet by 20 feet, re-erected on the Government reserve, behind the stabling. Three hundred posts and rails, 200 house blocks, 4,648 feet of timber, and 50,000 shingles have been split or sawn in the bush, some three miles from the station; and a sawn timber tramway, 260 yards in length, has been laid down at the entrance to the bush. The soldiers' graveyard at Bangiriri has been re-fenced, and the graves restored by a party detached from head-quarters for the purpose; and the graves of those who fell during the war, and were buried at Waiare, Te Eori, Te Awamutu, and Eangiawhia, have also been renovated and securely enclosed with fences, for which the necessary material was prepared in the nearest available bush. Eemaeks. The conduct of all ranks, both officers and men, under my command has been exemplary : offences against discipline have been few in number and trifling in character. Although subdivided into many small detachments, they are generally well up in their drill, and exhibit commendable zeal and diligence in performance of duty, and esprit in maintaining the character of the Porce to which they have the honor to belong. I have, &c, William Claee, Major, The Commissioner A.C., "Wellington. Sub-Inspector, in charge Waikato District.

Enclosure 2 in No. 1. Inspector Eobeets, Tauranga District, to tlie Commissionee, Armed Constabulary Porce. Sic, — District Office, Tauranga, Ist June, 1875. In compliance with instructions contained in Circular No. 161, of the 23rd March, 1875, I have the honor to forward for your information the following report of the duties performed by the Armed Constabulary Force in the Tauranga District, from the Ist June, 1874, to the 31st May, 1875: — MILITAET DrTIES. 1. Average Strength of Officers and Men. —Five officers and 58 non-commissioned officers and men 2. Nature of Parades and Brills. —Divine service parades every Sunday at 9.30 a.m.; heavy marching order and inspection parade once every week. In summer, company and light infantry drill once a week, from 6to 7 a.m.; and in winter from 7to 8 a.m. Drill was also practised during the year for a few days consecutively when deemed necessary. 3. Patrolling and Scouting. —No display has been made in patrolling or scouting, although officers in charge of stations have always kept in view and been made aware of the movements of different tribes and suspected individuals by information received through members of the Porce. 4. Conveying Mails and Bespatches. —A weekly mail leaves Tauranga every "Wednesday at 2 p.m., for Opotiki and intermediate stations, meeting the orderly with the Opotiki mail at Otumarakau, and returning on the following day. A mounted orderly is in constant attendance at the Eotorua Telegraph Station. Despatches, &c, are forwarded to Ohinemutu as the exigency of the service requires. 5. Escorts, Guards, Bfc. —Prisoners sentenced to imprisonment in Auckland Gaol were escorted by members of the Porce. An armed sentry takes charge of the prisoners in the lock-up, and escorts those confined to hard labour to work, &c. The sentry is relieved at 9 o'clock every morning. A non-com-missioned officer and 12 constables were sent to Maketu to maintain order, and to act as orderlies during 1 the Hon. the Native Minister's stay at that place. 6. Making and Improving Target Ranges. —At Tauranga new butts were erected, and the range generally repaired before commencing musketry instruction. At Ohinemutu a new range 1,000 yards long was made through tea-tree scrub. 7. Isstiers and Storekeepers. —Constable Todd is employed as storekeeper at Tauranga, and Constable Maycock as issuer at Ohinemutu station. 8. Erection of Redoubts and Stockades. —At Ohinemutu a temporary camp was formed with tea-tree poles and scrub, but was afterwards abandoned through the men being moved on to Te Koutu.

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Civil Duties. 1. Steps taken for the Prevention of Crime. —Two constables were told off for special police duty, one for Tauranga and the other for Ohinemutu, and were assisted by other members of the Force whenever their services were required. Three Native constables were the means of obtaining a conviction against a Native for sly grog-selling at Wairoa, for which they received a reward of £2 each. A publican was also convicted at Ohinemutu through the Native Armed Constabulary for selling liquor during prohibited hours. 2. Attending Civil Courts. —Probationary Second-class Poot Sergeant Thomson acts as clerk in the Civil Commissioner's Office, Tauranga, also as clerk in the Eesident Magistrate's Court. Mounted Constable Matravers performs the duties of clerk in the Eesident Magistrate's Court, Maketu. A constable is always in attendance at the Eesident Magistrates' Courts held throughout the district. 3. Taking Census. —The whole of the agricultural statistics for the East Coast were taken by members of the Porce, at a cost of £7 13s. 6d. Public and Useful Wobks. 1. Nature and Extent of Roadworks. —On the Tauranga and Katikati Eoad : Porming of road across a swamp at the Wairoa Bridge, and ditching through swamp. Amount of earth removed, 1,374 cubic yards, valued at £55 Is. Bd. On the Eotorua and Tarawera Eoad at Tikitapu, 7,166 cubic yards were shifted, valued at £179 3s. There is a strong working party of 25 men (Native Armed Constabulary) employed on the above-mentioned road, and the progress made by them is satisfactory. 2. Building Houses, Stalles, Sfc. —At Tauranga, five new partitions in Armed Constabulary stable ; also a loft 30 by 18 feet erected. A boat-house, 28 by 8 feet, built on the beach, for the Government boat in charge of tho Native Department. A wash-house, 12 x 8 feet, built within the Eedoubt. At Te Koutu the following buildings have been put up—viz.: Officers' quarters, 33 by 18 feet; orderly room, 36 by 12 feet; store-room, 18 by 15 feet; two huts, one 50 by 12 feet, the other 40 by 12 feet, also cooking huts. A two-roomed hut, 26 by 12 feet, with stone chimney, has been put up at Ohinemutu for the use of the constable exclusively employed on police duty. All these buildings are constructed of raupo and native grasses, which had to be carried a distance of 3_ miles. In addition to the above, 3,200 feet of timber have been sawn, and 3,000 shingles split, at Te Ngai, for the purpose of building permanent barracks at Te Koutu. 3. Eencing Paddocks and Laying down in Grass. —Tauranga Government paddock fence repaired ; ditch cleared out and deepened. A new paling fence has been put round the greater portion of the cemetery, and the whole fence put in thorough repairs ; also from 4 to 5 chains of a paling fence in front of a building belonging to the Government. A few men assisted to lay down the paddock attached to the new Telegraph Station at Ohinemutu. 4. Building Sea Walls. —A considerable amount of labour was bestowed on the sea wall protecting the cemetery, by placing large boulders against it to break the force of the waves. A finger-post has been erected on the beach between Tauranga and Maketu for the guidance of travellers. The monument erected in memory of the officers and men of Her Majesty's 43rd Eegiment, who fell at the Gate Pa and Te Eanga, has been painted, including all the names. GE_ EEAL EEMAEKS. On the Ist of October, 1874, the command of the Tauranga and Opotiki District was divided with Inspector Goring. I have therefore not included the work done in the latter district previous to that date, presuming that it would appear in that officer's report. The same remarks apply to the Native Contingent for, previous to the date of their amalgamation with the Armed Constabulary Poree —viz. Ist October, 1874 —they were shown on the strength of the Taupo District. The above changes will explain why more work is not shown for the aggregate strength of the district. Clothing, tools, forage, &c, are forwarded by Government dray in charge of a member of the force to Ohinemutu, a distance of 40 miles. Guides and boats' crews have been frequently supplied to tourists by order to Mokoia, Te Ngai, Eotoiti, Eotomahana, Orakeikorako, Waikato, and various other places. During the months of March, April, and May, there has been a great'deal of sickness amongst the Native portion of the force, chiefly from measles and dysentery, there being on an average from 6 to 7 men unfit for duty each month. I have, &c, J. M. Eobeets, Inspector, A.C., The Commissioner, Commanding Tauranga District. Armed Constabulary Porce, Wellington.

Enclosure 3 in No. 1. Inspector Goei_ a, Opotiki District, to the Commissionee, Armed Constabulary Porce. Sic, — Armed Constabulary, Opotiki, 10th June, 1875. In compliance with instructions contained in Circular No. 161, dated 23rd March, 1875, I have the honor to forward for your information the following report of duties performed by the Armed Constabulary" from the Ist of June, 1874, to 31st of May, 1875 : — Average Strength of Officers and Men. —The average strength of the Armed Constabulary in the Opotiki District from the Ist of June, 1874, to 31st of December same year : —One inspector, 3 noncommissioned officers, and 18 constables ; and from Ist of January to 30th of May, 1875—One inspector, 2 sub-inspectors, 1 sergeant-major, 2 first-class sergeants, 4 second-class sergeants, 6 mounted constables, and 57 foot constables. Nature of Parades and Brills. —Inspection parades and drill in marching order once a week ; Divine service on Sundays; weekly inspection of mounted men's saddlery and horse appointments

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by officers and non-commissioned officers commanding stations ; monthly inspection by officer commanding district. In addition to the weekly marching order drill, the men have been drilled one hour a day for at least three months in the year, consisting mainly of skirmishing and squad drill, working in files and fours over rough and broken ground, and sometimes through thick scrub. The regular annual course of instruction in musketry was commenced on the 2nd of December, and finished the latter end of February. Conveying Mails and Bespatches. —A mounted orderly leaves Opotiki for Whakatane with the public mail every "Wednesday ; on his arrival at Whakatane he hands the mail over to the orderly belonging to that station, who proceeds to Matata with it, where he is again relieved by one of the mounted men belonging to the Tauranga district. He returns next day with the down mail, and hands it over to the Opotiki orderly. Te Teko: An orderly leaves this post for Matata every Wednesday with the mail, and waits there until the arrival of the Tauranga mail on Thursday, in order to take up despatches or telegrams from Tauranga or Opotiki. Escorts and Guards. —One officer and 13 men attended on Sir Donald McLean during his visit to "Whakatane. Three men and a non-commissioned officer mount guard at Te Teko and Galatea at 5 p.m., and come off at 6 a.m. Prisoners sent to Auckland or Tauranga under sentence or for trial are escorted by members of the force. Making and Improving Target Ranges. —At Galatea a new target range has been made, up to 600 yards, together with new butts. At To Teko the range has been kept in good order. Issuers and Storekeepers. —Constable Brodkorb acts as issuer at Te Teko Station. Erection of Stockades and Redoubts.- —At Galatea, a new redoubt, GO feet square, with two flanking angles, has been erected and completed with the exception of a small part of the banquette. The whole has been built entirely of sods in a most substantial manner. The parapet is 6 feet 6 inches high and G feet wide, and a ditch 12 feet wide and G feet deep. On account of the nature of the soil (loose pumice sand) the scarps of the ditch had to be sodded up; the latter work took up a great deal of the time and labour; and the earth removed from it had to be trucked to a distance of 200 yards. A strong palisading round the outside of the ditch of the redoubt is in course of erection; two sides have been completed. Civil Duties. Steps taken for the Prevention of Crime. —At Opotiki, one constable has been constantly employed on police duties, and received the assistance of other members of the Force when required. Attending Civil Courts. —First-class Sergeant Mason acts as Clerk of the Resident Magistrate's Court, and one constable attends on all Court days. Taking Census. —One non-commissioned officer was employed in taking census and agricultural statistics from 20th of February to 3rd of March. Public "Woeks. Roadwork. —At Te Teko, 1,651 cubic yards of earth have been removed on the Te Teko and Galatea Eoad. Owing to the men having to be employed in clearing land for grass, no roadwork has been done since March, except a few culverts repaired on the Te Teko and Richmond Road. At Opotiki, 31 chains of road, 38 feet wide, completed; very heavy formation, owing to the swampy nature of the land. At Galatea, on account of the large quantity of work required to be done in erecting redoubt, quarters, fencing paddocks, &c, very little work has been done on the roads there, having been able only to find men at the beginning of May to do any. However, 13 chains of heavy swamp have been embanked and formed, also 4 chains of formation on light pumice soil. At "Whakatane, 25 chains of road have been formed between the village and school-house, also the road between "Whakatane and Opotiki has been repaired, and heavy landslips, caused by the recent earthquakos, have been removed. The distance the road has been repaired is about 3 miles. Building of Bridges and Culverts. —A bridge 19 feet long and 6 feet wide has been built on the road between Whakatane and Opotiki, also bridges kept in repair on road between TeTeko and Galatea. Building Houses and Stables. —At Opotiki, officers' quarters of sawn timber are in course of erection. The dimensions are 32 feet by 16 feet, with a verandah all round; the height of studs is 12 feet, and the verandah 9 feet. Also a cook-house, 1G feet by 9 feet, has been built. At Galatea, barracks have been built inside the redoubt, and partitioned off into compartments as follow:—Orderly room, 10 feet by 14 feet; store, 10 feet by 14 feet; reading room, 20 feet by 14 feet; guard room, 10 feet by 14 feet. Temporarily, until the barrack room is finished, the reading room has been used for mens' quarters. The blocks and plates for the barrack and non-commissioned officers' rooms have been laid. A house for officers' quarters is being built outside the redoubt. At Whakatane, a three-stall stable has been built. At Opotiki, a building has been put up for stabling, 26 feet by 16 feet, and divided into four stalls, with hay-loft, hay-racks, &c. Fencing Paddocks and laying down in Grass. —At Te Teko 23 chains of post-and-rail fencing and 5 chains of ditch and bank have been completed. 990 rimu rails have been split at Ohui, aud a cart-road, 500 yards in length, has been made into the bush to where the rails are stacked. 315 rails, 120 posts, 30 house blocks, and 410 feet of timber have been carted from Ohui, a distance of 10 miles. Eight acres and a half of land in one of the paddocks have been ploughed, harrowed, and sown in cocks-foot and rye-grass. . Planting European Trees. —Poplar trees have been planted on each side of the Te Teko and Galatea Road for a distance of 10 miles, with intervals of 100 yards between each tree. Captain Preece intends planting 2 acres with English and Tasmanian trees at Te Teko (the purchase of seed having been authorized by Sir Donald McLean) —viz., Tasmanian blue-gums, pines, poplars, English oak, &c.; that portion of the country being quite destitute of timber. It is found, too, that the blue-gum will

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grow well on the sandy plains between Te Teko and Tarawera; some trees which were planted in the neighbourhood are growing luxuriantly. They (blue-gums) will also do well on the barren Rangaroa Plains. Remarks. I beg to report favourably of the Porce under my command. The Government bullock-dray has been employed during the last twelve months in carting timber from Ohui to Te Teko, and between there and Port Galatea. The two Government whale-boats at Te Teko have been employed, when required, in carrying Government stores to and from Matata, Whakatane, and Ohiwa. Vegetable gardens are cultivated at each post (except Opotiki) for the use of the force. There is no gaol or lock-up at Opotiki to meet the requirements of that post, and very often prisoners have to be locked up in the barrack amongst the men. The Natives at this end of the Bay of Plenty have been quiet; numbers of them have been employed on the road between Opotiki and Poverty Bay, and other shorter lines of road in different parts of the district. Mr. Crapp, the Public Works Officer, has had great difficulty in keeping them employed for any length of time. In conclusion, I beg to state that, up to the end of last year, there has only been a small body of Constabulary in this district, so that perhaps my report of work done may not compare well with that of other districts. I have, &c, Foestee Y. Goring, Inspector A.C., The Commissioner, Commanding Opotiki District. Armed Constabulary Force, Wellington.

Enclosure _ in No. 1. Sub-Inspector Gudgeon, Poverty Bay District, to the Commission cc, Armed Constabulary Force. Sic,— Poverty Bay District, 31st May, 1875. In compliance with instructions contained in Circular Memorandum No. 161, of the 23rd March, 1875,1 have the honor to forward, for your information, the following report of duties performed by Armed Constabulary in this district during the year ending 31st May, 1875: — Military Duties. Average Strength of Officers and Men. —One sub-inspector, 1 sergeant-major, 1 first-class sergeant, 2 second-class sergeants, 4 mounted constables, 20 foot constables. Names of Stations Occupied. —Ormond, Gisborne, and Te Awanui. Nature of Parades and Brills. —lnspection parades once a week, in marching order, with skirmishing and company drill. Divine service parades on Sundays ; inspection of saddlery on Saturdays. The annual course of musketry was commenced on the Ist November and finished on the 2nd December. The shooting was unusually good, 8 out of 16 foot qualifying as marksmen ; and of the mounted potion of the force, Sergeant Armstrong made the best score in the Constabulary. Conveying Mails and Bespatches. —Two mounted orderlies were employed during Sir Donald McLean's visit in carrying despatches to and from Te Wairoa. A mounted constable was sent with Sergeant-Major Smith to Te Wairoa when that non-commissioned officer was transferred from this district. A mounted constable was also sent with Captain Porter to Waiapu, as a witness to Maori signatures, and was absent three weeks on this duty. In addition to the above, the orderlies have been employed in carrying mails and despatches between Gisborne and Ormond, in warning juries for inquests, _c. Escorts and Guards. —At Camp Ormond, a guard of 3 constables is kept. At Gisborne, 2 foot constables patrol the streets day and night, and the sergeant in charge of that station acts as lock-up keeper. At Te Awanui 4 constables mount guard daily. In the month of June last 2 constables were sent to Motu, on the Opotiki road, to bring down a man named William Gill, who had been lost in the bush for about twenty-one days, and had only four days' rations during that time ; the constables performed their work well, and brought the man over 50 miles of rough country. The only escorts performed by the Porce have been those on prisoners to Auckland and Napier, there being no gaol at Poverty Bay : these have probably occurred about once a month. Issuers and Storekeepers. —One constable of the Armed Constabulary is employed at Gisborne as sub-storekeeper under the Public Stores Act, another is employed as clerk to the Militia and Native Departments, and a third as armourer over the reserve of Militia arms now in store. These casualties, though unavoidable, prevent me, with my present small force, from undertaking any public works. Civm Duties. Attending Civil Courts. —During the year about 100 sittings of the Resident Magistrate's Court have been held, and four sittings of the Quarterly Licensing Court. At each sitting the sergeant in charge of Gisborne Station has attended to prosecute, and one constable has attended as bailiff. Collecting Agricultural Statistics. —Three mounted constables were employed for six days in collecting returns over a coast line of 130 miles, from Hicks's Bay to Te Mahia. Steps taken for the Prevention of Crime. —One sergeant, two foot constables, and one mounted, are stationed in Gisborne, and employed chiefly in police duties, which are performed in a very effective manner. The number of arrests made and summonses issued are about the same as last year, but of a much less serious character. The convictions for drunkenness are the same as last year, but are chiefly reconvictions of old offenders. The numerous new settlers (chiefly emigrants) are a well-behaved and orderly class of people. In the more serious crimes, as larceny, malicious injury to property, offences against the person, and breaches of the peace, the improvement is very marked, being 41 cases against

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59 last year. This is chiefly attributable to the change in the behaviour of the Native race. The grass seed season has hitherto been looked forward to as a time when horse-stealing, housebreaking, and petty larcenies of all sorts might be expected, aud such was the case during the first season I commanded this district; but on the last occasion I was surprised to find that, although there were many hundreds of Natives in this district from the Ngatiporou, Opotiki, and Wairoa tribes, scarcely any complaints were received, and only two or three cases brought before the Resident Magistrate. Attending Native Land Court. —On the 21st October the Native Land Court was opened in Gisborne by Judge Eogan, and closed proceedings on the 27th of the same month. The Court was again opened on the 17th of February, aud sat until the 17th of April continuously, during which time the Natives behaved quietly, and manifested the greatest respect towards the Court, very unlike a former occasion. One sergeant and two constables from Ormond attended the Court throughout the sittings. On the 17th of May the Court opened at Waipiro, and closed on the 23rd. The same quiet behaviour characterized the Ngatiporou Court as had done those at Gisborne. Two constables from Te Awanui Station attended the Court at the request of Judge Eogan. Public and Useful Woeks. Extent and Nature of Roadworks. —Four chains of roadway, from main line to the camp, at Ormond, have been formed and metalled 12 feet wide. Building Houses, Stables, Sfc. —Since writing my last report, the officers' quarters at Ormond, 28 feet by 22 feet, have been finished, and the mess-room floored; and about 5,000 feet of timber sawn. Fencing Paddocks and Laying Boiun in Grass. —A temporary paddock was fenced in early in the summer, and about 12 chains of post and three-rail fence erected. On receiving notice that suburban sections 12 and 11, on the Muhunga block, had been set apart for the use of the Armed Constabulary Force, lat once fenced them in with 40 chains of posts and rails. The material was split in the Government bush. The camp reserve, Ormond, has also been fenced with 12 chains of posts and rails, and the Police reserve at Gisborne with 10 chains. The material for the latter place was split at Ormond, and carted into town by the Government horses. Eight acres of grass have been mown for hay, and about 9 tons saved with great difficulty. Very little hay was saved in this district, in consequence of heavy rain in the month of December. Eemaeks. The conduct of the Force has been very satisfactory. During the year 10 foot constables have been transferred from the Depot and stationed at Te Awanui, in the Ngatiporou country, distant 100 miles from head-quarters. They are at present living in the Court-house, by permission of Mr. Campbell, E.M. A carpenter has however been sent from the Ormond detachment, and only awaits the arrival of timber from Auckland to commence the erection of a station—viz., men's quarters, 30 feet by 10 feet; sergeants' quarters, 20 feet by 10 feet; cook-house, 10 feet by 10 feet. I have again to report that the gaol or lock-up accommodation is inadequate to meet the requirements of this rapidly increasing district. There is probably no place in the North Island increasing in wealth and population in the same ratio as Poverty Bay, and the present disposition of Ngatiporou and Te Aitanga-a-Mahaki to pass their lands through the Court cannot fail to cause a rapid increase of population. A large number of violent deaths has taken place in the district during the last six months, as follow: —Burnt to death, 3; drowned, 2; killed by a cart, 1; crushed by fall of timber, 1 ; found dead, 1. I have, &c, W. G. Gudgeon, Sub-Inspector, The Commissioner A.C., Wellington. Commanding Poverty Bay District.

Enclosure 5 in No. 1. Sub-Inspector Gascoigne, Taupo District, to the Commissionee, Armed Constabulary Force. Armed Constabulary Office, Taupo District, Opepe, Sic,— 31st May, 1875. In compliance with instructions contained in Circular No. 161, dated Wellington, 23rd March, 1875, I have the honor to forward for your information the following report of the duties performed by the Armed Constabulary Force in this district, from Ist June, 1874, to the 31st May, 1875. Militaet Duties. 1. Average Strength of Officers and Men. —The average strength of the Force in this district during the past twelve months has been —One inspector, 3 sub-inspectors, 1 assistant-surgeon, 1 sergeant-major, 5 first-class and 5 second-class sergeants, 11 mounted and 72 foot constables. The inspector, above enumerated, left this district in the early part of April last, to assume temporary charge of the Waikato District. 2. Nature of Brills and Parades. —Drills have been held regularly throughout the district, as follow, viz.: —lnspection parade and drill in marching order once a week; side-arms parade for inspection and Divine service on Sundays; and weekly inspection of mounted men's saddlery and horse accoutrements by officers iv charge of posts ; fortnightly inspection in marching order by the officer in charge of district. In addition to these weekly drills the detachments have been instructed and practised (on all occasions that the exigencies of the public business would permit) by their immediate officers in company, squad, and skirmishing drill, manual, firing, and bayonet exercise. The

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skirmishing has been conducted on the principles aud according to the instructions laid down in Circular No. 157, dated Wellington, 16th October, 1874; and all available spots of broken ground, bush, and scrub have been selected for these exercises, in order to accustom, as far as may be practicable, the younger hands in the Force to their probable movements in the field. The regulation annual course of musketry instruction was commenced on the Ist November, and completed on the 15th December, 1874, at head-quarters, under the supervision of the officer then commanding the district, Inspector Scannell. Of the practical results of this course of instruction you have already been informed in the ordinary manner, but it may not be out of place for me here to mention that it was so far creditable to the district that, out of 73 men who went through, many of whom were recruits, not less than 23 qualified as marksmen. 3. Operations in the Eield. —Owing to the extremely peaceable conduct of the Natives there has been no necessity for any operations of this nature during the past year. 4. Patrolling and Scouting. —For the same reason, no duty of this description had to be performed. 5. Conveying Mails and Bespatches. —There is a subsidized service for the conveyance of the public mails, of which there is a delivery from Napier and Tauranga twice a week, so that no men of the Force have been engaged on this duty; but a mounted orderly leaves head-quarters daily en route to Tapuaeharuru, the nearest telegraph station, eleven miles distant, and returns thence the same evening. His duty it is to carry to and fro any telegraphic or other despatches that may arise, and by this means the transaction of the public business is greatly facilitated. Communications are forwarded to the several posts, in the intervals between the deilvery of the mails, by the mounted men of the Force. 6. Escorts and Guards. —No necessity has arisen for the furnishing of any escorts during the past year. A non-commissioned officer and 3 men mount guard, at each post, at 9 p.m., and come off duty the following morning at G o'clock, whenever the strength of the respective stations will permit; but when, as is sometimes the case, large bodies of men are camped out at roadwork, and the number of men actually doing camp duty is thus rendered extremely limited, a night-watchman only is put on to keep a look-out in case of fire or other unusual occurrence. A non-commissioned officer is also invariably on general duty at each station throughout the day. _ . Making and Improving Target Ranges. —The target range at each station being now complete, but little duty of this nature has been required. However, at Tapuaeharuru the range has been considerably improved, cleared of fern and tea-tree, new firing butts erected, and the mantlets repaired. At Opepe the range has been repaired in a like manner. The firing butts on this range have been greatly strengthened by placing slabs all round them, and thus preventing the earth, which is of a very loose and sandy nature, from working away when men lie down to fire. 8. Telegraph Linesmen. —Mounted Constable George Crossman acted as linesman to the Telegraph Station at Tapuaeharuru during the preceding year, up to the 21st September. He was then discharged at his own request, for the purpose of being permanently placed on the Telegraph Department. Mounted Constable Andrew Craig was then appointed linesman, and he is acting in that capacity at the present time. The man who performs this duty is only available for Armed Constabulary orderly work under extraordinary and extremely urgent circumstances, and when no other man can be obtained. He attends parades, drills, and mounts guards only when not required by the Telegraph Department. 9. Issuers and Storekeepers. —Constable E. B. Vincent acted as sub-storekeeper for the district up to 28th February, 1875, when he was discharged for the purpose of being appointed in the Inspector of Stores' Office at Wellington. Foot Constable Donald Blythwas then posted in his stead, and continues to fill the duties now. Constable Maycock was employed as issuer to Captain Mair's Native Contingent, at Te Niho-o-te-Kiore, until October, 1874, when he was transferred to the Tauranga District on the occasion of the amalgamation of the Native Contingent with the Armed Constabulary. 10. Erection of Redoubts and Stockades. —-The palisading and breastwork round each redoubt have been repaired and improved as occasion required, the parade grounds enlarged and levelled, and the whole kept in a thorough state of cleanliness and repair. Civil Duties. 1. Steps taken for the Prevention of Crime. —On the 24th November, by direction of Inspector Scully, of tho Napier Police Force, a man named Charles H. Pope was arrested at Tapuaeharuru on a charge of forgery ; he was taken to Pohui, in the custody of a mounted constable, and there handed over to the civil authorities. 2. Attending Civil Courts. —A sitting of the Eesident Magistrate's Court has been held fortnightly at Tapuaeharuru, presided over by the Eesident Magistrate of the district, and on these occasions two men of the Force have always been in attendance. A non-commissioned officer acts in the capacity of clerk to the Bench, and the men of the force are employed as required, serving summonses and other processes of the Court. 3. Taking Census. —Two mounted orderlies and one non-commissioned officer were employed in February collecting agricultural statistics in the portions of the provinces of Auckland and Hawke's Bay detailed by Lieut.-Colonel Haultain and Mr. T. Begg. Public a_d Useful Woeks. 1. Nature and Extent of Roadwork. —At Opepe all the available men have been employed since January forming a new road on the sections Opepe and Tapuaeharuru, and Opepe and Eunanga. On the former section 90 chains of road have been repaired, heavy rains rendering this constantly necessary ; and GI chains of new road completed —37 chains consisting of formation 20 feet wide, and 24 chains of block cutting, containing 2,665 yards cubic of excavation. On the latter section, 121 chains have been completed, 105 chains of which was formation, and 16 chains block cutting and embankment, entailing the removal of 1,611 yards (cubic) of soil.

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The gradients over the hi% portions of both sections of road, which are very numerous, have all been made easy for drays and other vehicles. Besides this, a side road to the redoubt has been completed, which contains 552 chains, all block cutting, and 643 cubic yards of stuff have been shifted in the course of the work. At Tapuaeharuru, the detachment has been employed repairing the road on the sections Tapuaeharuru and Opepe, and between Tapuaeharuru and Atiamuri, Tuahu Hill section. On this latter portion of road the work consisted of block and side cuttings, formation, embankments, grading, and removing rocks ; and there has been shifted 5,525 cubic yards of earth and 142 cubic yards of rock. At Eunanga the men have completed, on the section Eunanga and Opepe, 218 chains 18 yards of road, consisting for the greater part of heavy block and side cuttings, and the total amount excavated (exclusive of formation) has been 23,367 yards 23 feet cubic. In addition to this, the road has been placed and kept in repair for a distance of nearly 11 miles, extending from the bridge over the Waipunga to that over the Eangitaiki; and the side road, connecting the redoubt with the main line of road, has been kept in constant repair and improvement. All these detachments have been camped out in the locality of their works, at intervals, and when their presence was not actually required in their various stations, for a period extending over ten months; and in the aggregate they have passed at least seven months under canvas. 2. Building Houses, Stables, Sfc. —At Tarawera, the officers' quarters have been lined, ceiled, fittings put up, and generally rendered more lasting and durable. The sergeants' quarters have been lined, partly ceiled, and repaired ; and the men's barrack-room has been lined, and uniform shelves and beds made and fitted. The Armed Constabulary Office has been lined, new spouting made and put up round all the buildings inside the redoubt; and the stable enlarged, improved, and partly lined with sawn timber. Between 4,000 and 5,000 feet of timber have been expended on these various works, which has all been cut by men of the force posted at this station. At Eunanga the barrack-rooms, store-room, officers' quarters, orderly-room, men's mess-room, and other public buildings have all been repaired. A new stable is in course of erection, and a new pumice-stone chimney erected, the materials for which had to be brought a distance of over two miles. At Tapuaeharuru a guard-room, 12 x 12, and an officers' cook-house, 10 xlO, have been completed. An orderly room, 10 x 14, is now being built; and a boatshed for the Government whale-boats, 36 x 14, has been completed. The roof of the library, consisting of raupo and toi-toi, has been renewed; these materials are only attainable within ten miles of the station (on the opposite side of the Lake), and this service is performed by the men of the Force in the whale-boats. The magazine, cook-house, and library chimneys, all which are composed of pumice-stone, have been repaired and re-pointed. At Opepe the barracks have been lined, and a uniform cot fitted for each man, as directed by the Commissioner (Lieut.-Colonel Moule) on his last inspection. A coach-house, lSx 12, has been erected for the ambulance wagons, and a cook-house, 14 x 12, for the Officer Commanding, built of sawn timber. A pumice-stone chimney has been attached to this building, and the whole of the edifices in and round the redoubt have been repaired. The timber required for these works and those at Tapuaeharuru has all been cut by two men at Opepe, who are kept constantly employed sawing. They have turned out upwards of 12,000 feet during the past twelve months, which has all been used on the public service. The buildings at each station have been painted for the purpose of protecting the wood, of which they are composed, from the inroads of damp. 3. Fencing and Laying Bown in Grass. —At Opepe two paddocks, one containing about nine acres and the other forty, have been greatly cleared of stumps, and the fencing kept constantly in a state of repair. The Taupo force must grow all their own forage. The mounted men at this station when not engaged on orderly duty are employed at this work. The large paddock on the road to Eunanga, commenced last year, is not yet complete owing to so many men having been engaged on roadwork, but every available opportunity is seized to forward its completion. Grass seed has been sown in all the paddocks and on all favourable spots of bush land in the neighbourhood of the post, with the endeavour to make the feed as good as possible, which, however, can never be first-class, in consequence of paucity of the soil. At Tapuaeharuru thirty chains of post-and-rail fence have been erected, enclosing about three acres, making a total of fifty-seven acres now enclosed immediately round tho redoubt. A number of bluegums have been planted in and around the paddock, in order to obtain, if possible, some slight shelter for the horses, the site of the redoubt being in winter exceedingly open and bleak. Thirty and threequarter chains of swamp have also been completely and thoroughly drained, and a quantity of Cape and English broom seed sown thereon. At Eunanga an acre and a half have been added to the paddock ; the fences kept constantly in good order and repair, and a large quantity of trees and scrub removed. There has also grass seed been sown throughout, which here affords better feed than in the generality of Taupo paddocks. At Tarawera 800 posts and 2,500 rails have been split, and formed into 37 -_■ chains of fencing (threerail) round the large paddock begun last year. The fence round the small paddock has also been kept in repair, and the parade ground where abutting on the cliff has been fenced. The paddocks have both been laid down with grass and clover seed. The duty of fencing at this station proves a very arduous one, as the posts and rails have to be carried by the men ou a very rough bush track for a distance exceeding a mile. There is now employed at Te Haroto, an abandoned post some ten miles from Tarawera, a detachment of every available man in the district, with the object of preparing land for cropping in accordance with the terms of Circular No. 163, dated Wellington, April 7th, 1875. Tho work is being steadily pushed forward, but I fear will not meet with much success, the ground throughout the district being anything but of a nature to repay tillage, and the work of clearing alone will prove a most laborious undertaking. 2—H. 10.

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Eemaeks. Two drays, two ambulance wagons, and nine draught horses, in charge of members of the force, are kept constantly travelling between head-quarters and Napier, a distance of eighty-four miles, carting Government scores, ammunition, clothing, nails, medicine, saddlers' materials for the repair of saddlery and harness, horse shoes and nails, camp equipments, stationery &c One man of the force is employed as farrier, and another as saddler These mn do all the work of their trades required throughout the district-vi_, keeping draught, troop, and pack.horses Tod carts drays, and all ironwork in repair, and mending and rendering efficient all saddle and harness gear on _ssue and in use for Government service-and they are, especially the farrier, most USefAn^__r man, a mason, has been kept constantly employed at his trade in erecting and keeping in TeV%:l^:tr^Tl^t^ at each post, and, where the requirements of the public service will allow, a man is detailed as gardener. The garden at Tarawera has been fenced with fallen timber lo""-ed and the one at Tapuaeharuru considerably enlarged and improved. 8 The two Government whale-boats, manned by members of the Porce, are despatched on various duties across the Lake whenever occasion requires. . a ______ OrdeTes, horses, guides, &c, are furnished to all officers of the Government visiting the district, and to tourists of distinction upon instructions from the Commissioner or heads of departments. Two mounted orderlies and three troop horses have been detailed to Napier for the past six weeks, in attendance upon the Hon. Sir Donald McLean. _«__«_, Captain Humfries, of the Inspector of Stores' Office, inspected all the public works and defence tools and stores in the district during the month of March last. - , In conclusion, I cannot but point out the exemplary conduct that has characterized the men ot the Porce in this district during the past twelve months. . . Crimes and misdemeanours have been exceedingly rare, and the men and _ non-commissioned officers have ever exhibited an amount of zeal and energy in the execution of their public functions that justly entitles them to be classed as highly efficient and trustworthy servants of the Government and I sincerely trust that their good qualities are as much appreciated by the heads oi the Ministry as they are by the men's own immediate officers. I have, &c, P. J. W. Gascoigne, Sub-Inspector A.L.. Commanding Taupo District. The Commissioner, Armed Constabulary Force, Wellington.

Enclosure 6 in No. 1. Inspector Eichabdson, Wairoa District, to the Commissionee, Armed Constabulary Force. q_ __ Armed Constabulary, Wairoa District, Te Kapu, 3rd June, 1875. In accordance with instructions contained in Circular Memorandum No. 161, from your office bearing date 23rd March last, I have the honor to forward for your information the following report of duties, &c„ performed by the Armed Constabulary Porce, Wairoa District, from Ist June, 1874, to 31st May, 1875. Military Duties. 1 Average Strength of Officers and Men.-The average strength of the force in this district for the past twelve months was-1 i-pector, 3 sub-inspectors, 1 surgeon (M.litia attached), 1 sergeant-major, 7 sergeants, and 52 constables. , , . . , 2 Nature of Parades and _>»77.—Inspection parades, drill and heavy marching order parades, once a week. Divine service parades on Sunday. Weekly inspection of horses and mounted men s appoint ments by officers in charge of posts. Monthly inspection and drill at out-stations by officer commanding dlStrThe annual course of musketry, under Sub-Inspector Bennett, was commenced on the 3rd November, and concluded on 31st December, 1874, every man in the district being put through. 3 Patrolling and Scouting.-At Onepoto Station, the Government boat proceeds across Lake Waikaremoana in the direction of Tikitiki and Hereheretaunga, for tho purpose of patrolling. Officers and non-commissioned officers in charge of posts have also instructions to make themselves thoroughly conversant with the country in the vicinity of their stations, in order to act as guides when required 4 Conveying Mails and Bespatches.-Yrom Onepoto and Ohuka to head-quarters, weekly mail. From Marumaru, twice a week. Ween Clyde and Te Kapu, twice a week. Mounted orderlies to Clyde with and for telegrams, whenever required. Mails arriving by steamer from Napier are also convened to Te Kapu by the constable stationed at Clyde. From Te Kapu to Mahia an orderly every fort_S.it alternating with the contract mail. Special orderlies, with despatches telegrams &c forwaid J, Onepoto' when required ; also to Poverty Bay during sitting of _ative Land Court, and the Hon. the Native Minister's visit. _ •_*•_—_ -__. +v_ 5 Escorts Guards, cfc.—Aii escort of one mounted man was sent to Mohaka and Mahia with the packhorses when the ammunition, &c, lately on issue to the Militia was brought in. A guard is mounted nightly at Onepoto, as well as at the other stations in the district. 6 Makinglnd Improving Target Ranges.-At Te Kapu, Ohuka, Marumaru, and Onepoto stations the ranges have been repaired, kept in good order, platforms and butts re-erected. At Onepoto a new ran-e up to GOO yards has been constructed. This is, however, only available during the summer months, being under water during winter, a circumstance which, owing to the nature ot the country, cannot be avoided.

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7. Issuers and Storekeepers. —A non-commissioned officer of the force (Sergeant Williams) is substorekeeper for the district, under the Public Stores Act. 8. Erection of Redoubts, Stockades. —At Te Kapu Station a redoubt has been constructed on a plan approved by the Commissioner of Armed Constabulary. This redoubt (enclosing barrack-room and magazine) measures 90 by 72 feet, is triangular in shape, with two bastions and the block-house for flanking angles, and surrounded by a deep trench. The slope of the parapet has been well grassed, the banquette staked and wattled. The scarp and counterscarp have been securely turfed, to prevent the earth (mostly loose pumice) from falling in. At Marumaru Station the redoubt has been kept in good repair, and two bastions rebuilt, that had fallen through wet weather. At Onepoto one side of the redoubt had to be rebuilt and staked for similar reasons. At this station a barrack square has been formed and levelled for the reception of the proposed block-house. This work necessitated the removal of several hundred yards of earth, rock, &c. 5,000 bricks for the new block-house have been burnt, and 7,000 prepared ready for the kiln. The weather was most unfavourable for brickmaking during the season. Timber is also being cut and dragged a distance of two miles, up a steep incline of 1,800 feet in that distance, for the same purpose. A brick magazine has been built at Te Kapu station, 10 feet by 8 feet 6 inches, and 7 feet in height. Civil Duties. 1. Attending Civil Courts. —The constable stationed at Clyde attends the Eesident Magistrate's Court regularly, and assists the Provincial Constable (Hawke's Bay) in ordinary police duties. Noncommissioned officers and constables are also detailed for the above purpose whenever applied for by the Eesident Magistrate for the district. 2. Attending Land Court. —One non-commissioned officer and two constables were in attendance at the Land Court held by Mr. Hanson Turton at Clyde from 24th to 29th September, 1874, inclusive. 3. Taking Census.- —The agricultural statistics for No. 6 Sub-district, Auckland Province, and No. 7 Sub-district, Hawke's Bay Province, were collected by Probationary Sergeants Carr and Brownlow, respectively. Public and Useful Woeks. 1. Nature and Extent of Roadwork. —A road has been constructed from Te Kapu to Totara Valley (about four miles), for the purpose of packing provisions, <fee, for the use of sawyers. A track, one mile in extent, has been made from the saw-pit to the river bank, for the purpose of sledging timber. Cuttings have been made at Te Kapu station for carting shingle from the river bed. A dray track has been cleared to the present saw-pit in Te Kapu bush. Eoads have been repaired and cleared in the vicinity of all the posts in the district. Two members of the force from Marumaru station were placed at the disposal of the public works overseer for the district from Ist June to 31st August, 1874 —one being engaged in superintending blasting operations on the Opoiti-Poverty Bay Eoad, and the other as interpreter and assistant chainman to the overseer. 2. Building Bridges and Culverts. —At Onepoto one culvert has been built, and the Kopani bridge repaired. At Ohuka the culverts and bridge, between that station and the Waikare-Taheke crossing, have been repaired and kept in good order. 3. Building Houses, Stables, cfc. —At Te Kapu 20,000 feet of timber (kahikatea) have been sawn by members of the Force, for officers' quarters, stables, Ac.; 18,000 shingles have also been split for the same purpose. Officers' quarters, 36 by 24 feet with 10-foot studs, have been constructed. They contain five rooms, and have two brick chimneys attached. A stable is now in course of erection, measuring 36 by 16 feet, with 9-foot studs and 12-foot rafters. This will contain six stalls and hay-loft. A storeroom and larder have been added to the kitchen and mess-house. The whole of the buildings have been thoroughly repaired and painted, the sergeant-major's quarters finished, and the barrack lined with sawn timber as far as wall plates. At Onepoto a three-stalled stable has been built, the library painted and papered, and the officers' quarters lined and finished. At Ohuka the barracks (four raupo huts) have been re-thatched and kept in repair. At Marumaru a slab chimney has been built to mess-house, and the other buildings kept in good repair. Fencing Paddocks and Laying Bown in Grass. —At Te Kapu, the Government paddocks have been entirely re-fenced with totara posts and manuka top-rail. This was found necessary, as the old fence, being made of kahikatea posts and rails, was perfectly rotten, although only two years erected. For this purpose 700 totara posts and 300 manuka rails were split, and rafted and carted a distance of seven miles. Seven tons of hay were cut and stacked from this paddock, for use of horses during winter months. At Onepoto, about six acres of heavy bush and scrub have been felled, and seven acres grassed, thirty chains of post-and-rail and five chains of scrub fence erected. Two acres were dug up and sown in oats, from which one ton of hay was collected. During harvest-time much bad weather was experienced, and a quantity of hay was lost at both the above stations. At Ohuka, the fencing round the paddock has been kept in repair, scrub and fern cut, and grass seed surface-sown. At Marumaru, the paddock fence has been repaired and securely wattled with inanuku, to make it sheep-proof; fern cut down, and grass seed sown where necessary. At each station, vegetable gardens have been cultivated by the men, and the fences kept in good repair.

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Eemaeks. The officer commanding district and sub-storekeeper attended at Clyde, Mohaka, and Mahia, in February, 1875, to collect militia arms and accoutrements. Those were subsequently packed to head-quarters by Armed Constabulary. The co-operative store, established at Onepoto last year, has turned out a great success. By its means the men receive their rations fully 30 per cent, cheaper than when under contract. At the same time, the canteen is fully under the supervision of the officer in charge of the post. At the other stations the messing is very well conducted, and charges reasonable. In my last annual report I drew attention to the position of the station at Marumaru as being inadequate for the requirements of that part of the district, and again suggest that it would be of far greater advantage to the district generally if placed farther on the inland road to Poverty Bay. I would also beg to draw your attention to the dangerous ford on the Waikare-Taheke Eiver, and recommend that it be made secure by bridging, or in such other way as the engineer may suggest. No accident has occurred hitherto, but communication has frequently been interrupted for a few days together. In conclusion, I would beg to state that the conduct of the men under my command has been uniformly good, and that the officers, non-commissioned officers, and constables have been both diligent and painstaking in the discharge of their respective duties. I have, <fee, W. A. Eichaedson, Inspector A.C., Commanding Wairoa District. The Commissioner, Armed Constabulary Porce, Wellington.

Enclosure 7 in No. 1. Inspector Tuke, Taranaki District, to the Commissioner, Armed Constabulary. Sic, — District Office, Taranaki, Ist June, 1875. I have the honor, in compliance with instructions contained in Circular Memorandum No. 161, of 23rd March last, and in terms of Circular No. 47, of the sth June, 1871, to forward a report upon the various duties performed by the Armed Constabulary Force in the district under my command during the past year. Military Duties. 1. Average Strength. —The average strength of the Force in this district for the past year has been 71, all ranks. 2. Parade and Drill. —The usual parades and drills have taken place throughout the year. The Force has also been instructed in tho new skirmishing drill, and been put through the annual course of musketry. 3. Escorts, Guards, Sfc. —Escorts and guards, wherever required, have been furnished by the Force. 4. Target Range. —A new 600-yard range, capable of extension, has been cleared at Pukearuhe, and the necessary butts, platform, &c, erected. 5. Issuers and Storekeepers. —Two members of the Force are placed under the direction of the substorekeeper for these duties. Civil Duties. 1. Taking the Census. —The agricultural returns of the province were partly collected by members of the Force. Public and Useful Woeks. Works. —1. A deep side-cutting, forming part of the approach to tho Mimi Bridge, has been commenced, and about 3,385 cubic yards of sandstone, clay, and hard blue rock removed. An embankment, containing about 705 cubic yards of earth, has been formed, the earth requiring to be wheeled some distance. About 12,000 feet of rimu, in addition to 25,000 feet timber, already cut for the Mimi Bridge, and for building purposes at Pukearuhe, have been cut; 5,000 shingles split for general purposes, 132 posts split for fencing at Pukearuhe, new saw-pits dug, and many chains of road made practicable for the carriage of heavy timber out of the bush. The redoubt at Pukearuhe has been almost entirely rebuilt, and two new bastions erected. 2. Bridges. —The bridge at the Mimi, the construction of which was long interrupted by unavoidable delay in the transport of timber from Kaipikari, and the want of efficient carpenters, has been recommenced, and several tiers of piles driven. To all appearance this bridge will be finished long before the road on the Native side of the river is ready for traffic. The bridge at Papatiki has been put in thorough repair, and the approaches remade; some small culverts have also been made on tho track between Wai-iti and Pakearuhe. 3. Houses, Stables, cfc. —A barrack room, 60 x 17, has been built inside the redoubt at Pukearuhe. The old hospital at Wai-iti has been removed to Pukearuhe, rebuilt, lined, and generally improved. An orderly-room, with store attached, 30 x 12 ; a cook-house, 12 x 12 ; and canteen, 16 x 14, all substantially built and shingled, have also been erected. All the above buildings have been thoroughlypainted. The district offices at New Plymouth have been improved and painted. The barrack-rooms,

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now occupied by the force at New Plymouth, have been relined and painted. New stalls and racks have been added to the stable, which has also been thoroughly drained and paved. At Okato the quarters have also been much improved. 4. Fencing, Sfc. —Over 20 chains of ditch and bank fencing have been completed to enclose the new Government paddock at Pukearuhe, and about 8 chains of post-and-rail fencing also erected for the same purpose. The fencing at Marsland Hill, New Plymouth, has also been repaired. 5. Miscellaneous. —Many repairs have been required to the old buildings at the camp, frequently injured by bad weather and heavy gales during the year. A paddock of about 20_ acres has been cleared and sown with cocks-foot, rye, and clover, for the use of the troop and pack-horses. Boads about the camp have been partially repaired, and much other work of a minor but necessary nature performed, keeping the force usefully employed throughout the year. Eemaeks. I have the honor to report that the general behaviour of the Porce in this district has been exceptionally good throughout the year. No discharge for misconduct has occurred, and very few complaints of irregular behaviour have been brought under my notice, a result attributable to the careful supervision of the officers and non-commissioned officers in charge of the several posts. The conduct of the working parties at Mimi and Kaipikari, in charge of Sergeants Morley and Eoberts respectively, is deserving of special mention; as also that of a party of mounted men under Sergeant Boyce, employed on special service at Okato. These men, in addition to other orderly and despatch duties, have carried tho daily double telegram since Ist October last, riding over 15,500 miles without a breakdown. This service is an arduous one in the winter months -for both horses.and men. I am glad to remark that much interest is still taken in our Eifle Association, and many lately-joined recruits are becoming fair average shots. The champion at the annual Government Prize Firing was tied by Constable Elder, of this district. The men are now quartered in comfortable barracks, and, as far as possible, substantial buildings have taken the place of tents and old raupo whares at the several camps. I have, &c, Abthur Tuke, Inspector, Commanding Taranaki District. The Commissioner, Armed Constabulary, Wellington.

Enclosure 8 in No. 1. Inspector Tue_eb, "Wanganui and Patea District, to the Commissionee, Armed Constabulary Force. Sic, — Armed Constabulary District Office, Patea, Ist June, 1875. In accordance with instructions contained in Circular Memorandum No. 161, dated 23rd March, 1875, I have the honor to forward a report of the duties performed by the Armed Constabulary Porce in the Wanganui and Patea District during the past twelve months. Militaet Duties. Average Strength of Officers and Men in District. —One inspector, 2 sub-inspectors for duty in district, 1 sub-inspector attached to Survey Department, and 60 non-commissioned officers and constables. Nature of Parades and Drills. —Tho detachments at the various out-stations have been exercised as follows: —At Waihi, H.M.O. parade and drill every "Wednesday. At Opunake, skirmishing and company drill every day, weather permitting, and H.M.O. parade each Wednesday. Divine service parades have been held regularly at every station. Patrolling and Scouting. —Beyond communication by means of mounted orderlies between the various stations, no duty of this nature has been performed. Carriage of Mails and Despatches. —As Cobb and Co.'s coach carries a mail bi-weekly between Wanganui and Hawera, there has been little occasion for employing constables on this duty. On the arrival of mails from Wellington and New Plymouth at Hawera, they are immediately taken on by mounted orderlies. Mounted Escorts, Guards, cfc. —Mounted orderlies, furnished from Otaki station, were constantly in attendance on His Excellency the Governor, during his visit to the Bangitikei District. Civil prisoners, committed at Carlyle or Hawera for trial at New Plymouth, have been escorted thither by foot constables. Number of escorts to New Plymouth and Wanganui, provided from this district, 9. Dp to the beginning of February, 1875, a guard of one non-commissioned officer and three constables was posted daily at Waihi; but since then, the strength of that station being considerably reduced, two constables only have been detailed daily for guard. Police supervision has been constantly exercised at the smaller out-stations. Improving Target Ranges. —The old range at Waihi, being still available, has been kept cleared, and the butts properly attended to. Issuer and Storekeeper. —One foot constable has been employed as storeman throughout the year. Erection of Redoubts, fyc. —At Opunake, distant 28 miles from Waihi and 52 miles from Patea, a new station has been formed, a detachment of a sergeant-major and 21 constables having been sent there direct from the depot. No redoubt has been erected at Opunake, the iron building forming part of the flax-mill having been used as a barracks.

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CiTm Duties. Steps taken for Prevention of Crime. —One foot sergeant and constable have been employed throughout the year on police duty in the township of Carlyle. No alteration has taken place in the police duties of the smaller detachments. At Hawera the mounted constables are often employed in serving summonses. Cases of crime in the district: 43 arrests, of which 40 were dealt with summarily, and 3 sent for trial. Erom the increased population in and around that portion of the district known as the Ketemarae Clearing, it has been necessary to detail a constable for police duty in the clearing; and whereas numerous complaints reached me (previous to this step) of riotous and disorderly conduct being carried on in the vicinity of the public-houses, comparative order is now restored. Collecting Agricultural Statistics, cfc.—Hj direction of the Enumerator for the province of Taranaki, Sergeants Hurrell and Stapp were employed from Ist to 12th February in collecting the agricultural statistics of the district. Sergeant Eortescue was employed as sub-enumerator in the district between Wanganui and Waitotara. Sergeant Eortescue and Constable Lyttelton were employed from the 24th April to the sth May in serving jury summonses in the Wanganui district. In the Fatea District, the constables at the various out-stations have been employed in obtaining the names of settlers and others liable to serve as jurors. Public a_d Useful Woeks. Nature and Extent of Roadwork. —Twelve chains of road, 30 feet wide, have been formed from the entrance to the bush on the north side of Ketemarae Clearing, to Government bush. The work comprised about three chains of through cutting, requiring the removal of 132 yards of earth. Building Bridges and Culverts. —No work of importance of this nature has been performed. One new culvert, 40 feet long, of sawn matai, has been made in the road previously alluded to. Several of the old culverts, in the vicinity of the camp at Waihi, have been taken up and repaired. Building Houses and Stables. —At Opunake an iron building has been shifted (by permission of Mr. Bailey) from the lower paddock to the camp, and is now used as a mess room. A small whare has been erected for the use of the sergeants. No new buildings have been erected at any of the other stations. The officer's quarters, and. non-commissioned officers' and constables' mess whare at Waihi, have been re-thatched and kept in good repair. The stable in course of erection at Waihi has been allowed to remain in a half-finished state for want of labour. I purpose, however, altering the plan, and, in order to utilize the timber already expended in the work, to make the building much smaller. Fencing Paddocks and Laying Down in Grass.- —At Waihi, a paddock of about six acres was laid down in rye grass, which, when mown, gave a yield of about fourteen tons hay. About 8 chains new post-and-rail fence have been erected at Waihi, and the old fences have been kept in good repair. At Patea the fences round the paddock in the rear of the Armed Constabulary huts were kept in thorough repair until the Immigration Department took over the greater portion of the enclosure for building purposes. The boundary of the remaining portion of the original paddock has not yet been laid off; but as soon as this has been done, I purpose securing the small paddock that will be left. The paddocks at Waihi have been kept cleared, and about 46 chains furze hedges clipped and trimmed. Total amount of fencing material split during the year : 200 posts and 350 rails. The boundary fence of the reserve paddock at Patea, about 28 chains, has just been erected. The force at Opunake has been employed in levelling and gravelling a parade ground, and in clearing about five acres land in the vicinity of the camp. They have also cut about twenty-five cords firewood, and this is now ready for carting into camp. Eemaeks. General Aspect of Native Affairs. —The general state of the district has been quiet, although certain turbulent Natives residing between Oeo and Opunake caused some uneasiness by stealing cattle that were being driven from Hawera to New Plymouth, and by threatening to burn down Mr. Bailey's flax-mill at Opunake. I believe, however, that the disturbance was set on foot by a few malcontents, who, when they found themselves badly supported, returned home. At present a tolerably amicable feeling exists between Natives and Europeans. The Natives residing at Waitotara have also been troublesome to some of the settlers living near them, and disputes are constantly arising between the Natives and a settler named Eiddle concerning the ownership of the land on which the latter is located. With regard to the cattle-stealing committed by the Opunake Natives, I would wish to remark that were drovers of cattle or sheep to exercise more care and watchfulness, when camping down for the night, in these isolated districts, the beasts would not stray so much, consequently the Maoris would not have the same opportunity of cutting off stray beasts. On Conduct and State of Efficiency of Force. —I can speak most favourably of the assistance afforded me by the officers in the district, and of their diligence in the performance of their duties. The conduct of the non-commissioned officers and men under my command has also been good; and in their drill they have shown great attention. I have, &c, H. E. Tuenee, Inspector A.C., Commanding Wanganui and Patea District. The Acting Commissioner, Armed Constabulary Force, Wellington.

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Enclosure 9 in No. 1. Captain Stack, Wellington, to the Commissioner, Armed Constabulary Force. Sic, — Armed Constabulary Depot, Wellington, 14th June, 1875. I have the honor, in accordance with regulations, to forward you the following report upon the Armed Constabulary Depot for the year 1874-5, and the annual musketry return of the Force. y Military Duties. Average Strength. —The average strength of the depot during the period was 54, of all ranks. Drills and Parades. —There have been three parades for drill, of at least one hour's duration, on all working days except Saturday; a parade in marching order, on Wednesdays, for inspection of the Commissioner ; and a general parade for inspection of the Hon. Sir Donald McLean, Native Minister, on the 25th of September. Escorts and Guards. —The piquets at Government House gate and Magazine guard have been furnished as usual until lately, when, in consequence of the removal of the old guard-house to make room for the building of a new lodge, the piquet has been discontinued for a time; and because of the small number of duty men at the Depot at present, a watchman is kept on the Magazine instead of the guard. Mounted escorts were furnished for His Excellency the Governor on the occasions of his opening and proroguing the General Assembly; and on the latter occasion and two others guards of honor of the Armed Constabulary Force received His Excellency. A mounted escort accompanied him on a visit to the West Coast. Escorts from the depot have also taken charge of prisoners in transitu from one part of the colony to another. Target Practice Ranges. —The old range at the Adelaide Butts is still available for practice up to 400 yards. An alteration has been effected in the Polhill's Gully Eange, which, though it shortens the distance obtainable, is an improvement on the whole. Citil Duties. During the session of the General Assembly, three orderlies were, as heretofore, placed at the disposal of the Hon. the Speaker of the House of Representatives for the maintenance of order in the galleries and passages of the House. Cases seldom have occurred requiring the interference of the men at the depot with persons in their capacity of constables ; but I can report that, when such cases have arisen, the conduct of the Armed Constabulary has always met with the approval of the Bench in the Eesident Magistrate's Court. A strong party of the Armed Constabulary kept order at the railway stations on the day of the Hutt Eaces. Public and Useful Works. —All men not on duty, or otherwise ordered, are employed daily, between the hours of drill, cleaning and repairing barracks, parade-ground, roads, fences, &c. Fatigue parties have also been furnished to other departments at the wharf, and also at the Magazine, shifting ammunition. A party of the Armed Constabulary was furnished, at the request of the officer commanding the Volunteers, to shift the targets at Polhill's Gully, when the alteration of which I have before spoken was made. The full strength of the depot turned out with fire-engine on ten different occasions of alarm of fire during the year, and in one instance the preservation of the premises on fire, a dwelling in Hopper Street, was entirely owing to the presence and exertions of the Armed Constabulary, who, from the proximity of their barracks to the scene of the fire, were enabled to be on the spot long before the Town Brigades appeared. Two constables, mounted and foot, were employed for about a month in collecting agricultural statistics, under the direction of the Superintendent Collector. Annual Musketry Practice. —The annual course of musketry has been carried out in accordance with the altered system introduced last year, and may on the whole, I think, be considered satisfactory, although as I perceive from the information contained in General Orders published at Horse Guards in April, 1874, the figure of merit for the target practice of the Force comes only midway between the minimum standards of " good " and " moderately good," and is 2-55 points below the figure of merit of last year. This, I think, is sufficientlyjaccounted for by the amalgamation of a portion of the Native Contingent, and their practice with the Armed Constabulary ; though I found those of the Natives that I myself put through the course were as apt and quick in learning as could be expected; and I think my view of this matter is borne out by the fact that the percentage of marksmen this year is much greater than last, the figures being, in 1873-4, 1122 ; and in 1874-5, 1404 ; showing that there has been no falling off in the shooting of the Europeans, but the contrary; and this is further confirmed by the results of the firing for colonial prizes, which I shall have to notice presently. Drill and Practice Returns. —These returns have been kept with regularity in the districts, with one exception which I shall bring under your notice, together with some details of minor errors that have occurred in the other returns, prior to your issuing orders for tho course of instruction for next year. Printed forms of return, in accordance with the alterations made in the musketry system, have been procured by the Armed Constabulary storekeeper, and will be forwarded in due time to officers commanding districts. Armed Constabulary Prizes. —Circular Memorandum from the Commissioner's Office No. 155, of the 9th October last, having directed that the money allotted by the Government to the Armed Constabulary, out of the sum voted by the House of Representatives for prizes for rifle shooting, should be distributed in the same manner as in the previous year, I forwarded you on the 15th ultimo an ex-

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tract from the Annual Musketry Return, showing the distribution of prizes for the year, which only reached 54 out of 75 who qualified for these rewards by their shooting. Colonial Prize Firing. —Forty-six members of the Armed Constabulary Force qualified for this firing, being four more than last year, of whom four attended the meeting as G-overnment representatives, and thirteen at their own expense. The performance of these members of the force considerably excels that of any in former years, Mounted Constable Poellnitz having carried off the Cavalry Champion Belt, and Foot Constable Elder having tied with the winner of the Infantry Belt, but, owing to the result of the Seventh Match, taking, as second highest scorer, the National Rifle Association's medal. There were also thirty-five other prizes obtained by the Armed Constabulary. Having observed that it has been stated in some of the public prints that the Armed Constabulary possess undue advantages over others, in having ammunition issued to them free, and so much more time at their own disposal for practice, I would take this opportunity of mentioning how these matters really stand. Exclusive of competitions, for which all alike receive ammunition free, the members of the Armed Constabulary receive 90 rounds each when going through the annual course of musketry ; for all other ammunition they pay 10s. 6d. per 100 rounds. As regards spare time, I will only state that members of the Armed Constabulary are not permitted to fire away even the ammunition they have paid for, except under supervision prescribed by orders. Arms, &c. The arms, accoutrements, ammunition, &c, which have come under my inspection were serviceable and in good order. The medium rifle, so long in use among the colonial forces in New Zealand, is now in process of being exchanged for a rifle on the pattern of the short Snider in use in Her Majesty's service. The new weapon is a decided improvement on the old, I think, for general service in New Zealand, being somewhat shorter and lighter; but Ido not anticipate that it will be found superior, if even equal, to the old weapon on the practice range. The result of the firing in this year's musketry course will, however, afford a very good test of the comparative merits as regards accuracy of these arms. The new rifles have one very noticeable defect as a military weapon, which is that, as they are stocked up to within one and a half inches of the muzzle, it is impossible to "pile arms" with them. The short saw-backed sword bayonet, with which the new rifle is fitted, is much more suited to the requirements of the force than the old bayonet served out with the medium rifle, and possesses, to my mind, a particular advantage in that, should men carrying side arms have occasion to act in an unarmed crowd as constables, the sword cannot be drawn by a person in rear of a man with the ease with which the bayonet can, rendering the latter, as it does, if not drawn by the wearer, more dangerous to him than to his assailants in such a case. I cannot, however, perceive that this sword bayonet answers the intention with which evidently it has been formed —namely, that it should be useful as a saw and chopper, as well as a thrusting weapon. The saw portion is too short and thick to be of any use almost, and the poise of the sword in the hand is not suited to make it a chopping instrument, sufficient weight not having been placed towards the point, which, it seems to me, might easily have been done without injury to it as a bayonet. Remarks. While it gives me much pleasure to be able to refer to the success of the members of the Armed Constabulary at tho Colonial Firing, and the increased percentage of marksmen in the force, I would remark that these results, though most desirable, are not or should not be made the primary objects of musketry practice. Iv an organized force, such as the Armed Constabulary, it is not a few brilliant shots merely are required, but that the men generally shall shoot well, and this end can only be obtained by those who are charged with the carrying out of musketry instruction using their best efforts to improve, in the annual course of training, the bad and indifferent shots. During the year 116 of all ranks have been transferred from the depot to districts. I am glad to be able to state that the conduct of the non-commissioned officers and constables who have served under my command has been very good. The health of the force at the depot has been generally satisfactory. I have, &c, W. Gr. Stack, Captain, Instructor of Musketry, Commanding Depot. The Acting Commissioner, Armed Constabulary Force, Wellington.

Enclosure 10 in No. 1. Inspector Broham, Auckland, to the Commissioner, Armed Constabulary Force. Sir, — Constabulary Office, Auckland, Ist June, 1875. In compliance with the instructions contained in Circular No. 47, of the sth June, 1871, I have the honor to report upon the Constabulary of this district during the past year. Attached are a statistical return of crime for the year 1874, and also an estimate of the cost of police for the ensuing year. The number of persons arrested during the year 1874, as will be seen by the return, was 2,351. Of these, 1,090 were charged with drunkenness, 207 with being drunk and disorderly, 250 with breaches of the Vagrant Act, 232 with petty larceny, 55 with lunacy, 67 with common assaults, 46 with assaulting the police, and the remainder with various offences enumerated in the record. In addition, 695 persons had been summoned by the police for offences under the Municipal Acts.

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A comparison of the criminal statistics of last year with those of 1872 and 1873 shows but a slight difference either in the total number of arrests, or classification of offences during these years; the number of arrests for drunkenness being somewhat less each year, and for other offences perhaps somewdiat greater, but not such as to call for any special notice. Could statistics alone be taken as a proof of freedom from crime, it would be a matter for congratulation that, considering the largo annual increase in the population of this province, no increase has taken place in the criminal records; but, although the population is exceedingly orderly, it would be erroneous to suppose that no increase in crime has really taken place. Each year settlement becomes extended, and population increases in the outlying districts; but, as the police duties in those districts are performed by special constables who are merely constables in name, and not in utility, no notice is taken of the crime committed there, although it is well known that sheep and cattle stealing is carried on to a large extent. The necessity of altering the present system, and of affording police protection to outlying settlements, as well as to centres of population, has been often brought under the notice of the Provincial Government but, owing to the state of the provincial finances, without effect, notwithstanding which I think it necessary to recur to the subject, in the hope that ultimately a system which only tends to bring the law into contempt may be abolished, and in this view have, in the accompanying estimates, set down a sum for the maintenance of nine constables to replace the special constables stationed at Whangaroa, Whangarei, Mahurangi, Mangawai, Port Albert, Waiuku, Hokianga, Panmure, and Worth Shore. As the suppression of crime, as well as the detection of criminals, is part of the duty of police, I feel it necessary to state that it is by taking children off the streets, and removing them from tho evil influence of fathers who are thieves, and abandoned mothers, any great improvement is likely to be made in this respect; and in this view would strongly urge the necessity of liberal grants being made towards the maintenance of industrial and training schools. Since the establishment of the Industrial School in this place numbers of children who must have adopted a criminal career have been reformed and sent to fill respectable situations in the country ; and with the formation of the training school lately established here more benefits still are likely to arise. As bearing directly upon the matter, I think it well to bring under your notice the operation of the Destitute Persons Relief Ordinance. The general bearing of this Ordinance is to make the desertion of wives and families a very venial offence indeed. It authorizes Magistrates to summon husbands who desert their wives and families, and, upon their being brought before them, to inflict a fine not exceeding five pounds for the offence. The time taken for the return of summonses from one province to another affords an opportunity to the offender to leave the country ; but should he not do so, and fail to appear at Court, or to comply with the order made upon him, the cost of bringing him back to the province from which he deserted is so great, and the utmost fine which can be inflicted upon him is so paltry, as practically to render the Ordinance inoperative. Were the Ordinance altered so as to allow a Magistrate to issue a warrant in the first instance, and were the depositions taken in the Court in which the warrant was issued made evidence in the Court before which the offender was brought, so to enable the Magistrate to commit to some local prison at once and for some substantial term, the Provincial Governments throughout New Zealand would not be put to the vast expense they are at present in having to support such a large number of women and children whose husbands and fathers have deserted them ; nor would so many children, homeless waifs in the streets, have to be provided for in the industrial schools. The estimate for the ensuing year shows an increase in the numerical strength of the Force here of one sub-inspector, one detective, five sergeants, and twenty-two constables in excess of the provincial vote for the current year ; and as the stations they are intended to form and augment are given in detail in the estimate itself, perhaps it is unnecessary to state further than that nine of the constables would replace the special constables already referred to, four of them would be stationed at Ohinemuri and Tairua, four as an augmentation to the city police, and the remaining five at Mongonui, Northern Wairoa, Otahuhu, Parnell, and Newton. The five sergeants would be posted as follows :—One at Russell, an important sea-port, where one constable has hitherto endeavoured to perform the duty; one at Onehunga, also an important port; one at Ohinemuri; one at Coromandel; and one at the Thames. The detective would attend to cases of crime occurring in the country, and so obviate the necessity of detaching one of the two city detectives to attend to such matters, as has hitherto been the custom; and the sub-inspector would assume general charge of the city police, and prosecute police cases before the Court, so as to allow the inspector to attend more to the supervision of the district, and free him from daily attendance at the Police Court. In my last annual report I was compelled to bring under your notice the large number of constables who had resigned the Force in this district during the year. I regret being unable to state that any improvement has since taken place in this respect. Out of a force of eighteen constables employed in the city, no less than fifteen have resigned within the year, partly in consequence of the low rate of pay they receive, and partly from being overworked, owing to the insufficient number of men employed, which compels them to perform more duty than would otherwise have to be imposed upon them. Owing to the continual change of constables, the Force loses half its efficiency; and, with a view to some improvement in this respect, I would strongly urge the necessity of some steps being taken to introduce a Pension Act, similar to those in force in Victoria and New South Wales; otherwise, unless the pay is largely increased, it cannot be expected that constables will remain in the Force for any length of time. It takes a training of some years to give a constable a knowledge of his duty, but under existing circumstances such acknowledge is rarely acquired, as the men leave the Force after a few months' experience, and new and inexperienced men supply their places, only to leave in a similar manner. In the hope of temporarily checking the large number of resignations, I have placed a small sum upon the estimates as an allowance to the constables in lieu of clothing. That an augmentation to the city police is required is so apparent, that I think it unnecessary to dwell further on the matter than to point out the danger of allowing the Force to remain numerically 3—H. 10.

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so weak aa it is at present. With the utmost exertions of the police only the graver cases of crime receive due attention. Petty thefts, breaches of the City By-laws, _c, to a great extent remain unpunished, in consequence of the paucity of constables; and for the same reason those who in other places are known as " larrikins," a rising element here, do pretty much as they like out of Queen Street, and are a continual source of complaint on the part of those who have to traverse the streets at night. An increase in the pay of the detectives of 2s. per day has been estimated for, as the pay they at present receive is far below the salaries ruling iv other places, and not sufficient to induce them to remain in the Force. In the Southern Provinces and throughout the Australian Colonies, detectives are paid at the rate of from 12s. to 15s. per diem, while here they receive only 10s., a salary which will never induce really clever detectives to remain long in the Force ; and the employment of any except really able and trustworthy men is worse than useless. Detectives are often put to considerable expense in the detection of crime for which they are never recompensed, and upon the commission of any crime are harassed and worried, in a manner none but a police-officer can well understand, in their endeavours to secure the arrest of the offender. The estimate provides for one mounted constable in the city, and three for Otahuhu, Papakura, and Mercer. Mounted constables are not only much wanted in these places, but are likewise required in many of the outlying districts, as foot constables, in being confined to the townships, afford but slight protection to the settlers at a distance. The sums set down for the conveyance of prisoners, travelling expenses of constables, rations of prisoners, &c, do not exceed the actual cost of these services during the year 1874 ; and, as the requirements of the Force are daily increasing, an increase in these charges from year to year must be anticipated. Provision has also been made in the estimate for the erection of stations at Papakura, Mercer, Northern Wairoa, and Mongonui. From the first, the constable at Papakura has resided in a cottage rented by the Provincial Government, and situate about half a mile away from the lock-up, no cottage being available at a nearer distance. It is absolutely necessary that police stations should be within the shortest possible distance of the lock-ups ; otherwise escapes are likely to be made, and the cost of re-capture, as sometimes happens, may be as great as the expense of erecting police quarters. The constables at Mercer and Mongonui also live in private cottages, and, as permanent populations have settled in all these places, it would be a saving to the Government, apart from other considerations, to have stations erected forthwith. A station and lock-up are urgently required at the Northern Wairoa, to which place a constable has recently been sent by order of his Honor the Superintendent. No cottage can be rented for the constable's use, as there are none to be let there, and the constable must, in consequence, reside at an hotel until a station is built. I need scarcely state that all hotels are unfit places for constables to reside in. The gaol at Russell consists of a single cell of about fifteen feet square, and often contains as many as twenty prisoners. The sides of the cell, which are of weatherboards, are quite rotten and crumbling to pieces, necessitating immediate repairs. An additional cell is absolutely required. The sum set down under the heading "Contingencies" would be required for the purchase of forage, shoeing of horses, payment to constables for destruction of clothing, &c. The Newcastle Gaol is much in need of repairs, and the cost would be at least the sum estimated. Many other necessities, besides those estimated for, require to be brought under your notice, the more prominent of which are the want of police stations in the suburbs, at Parnell, Newton, and Freeman's Bay, at which places cottages have up to the present been rented for the use of the police, but, no lock-up being attached, the constables lose half their usefulness, and the cost in rent being lis. per week for each, it would be both more economical and expedient that cottages were purchased at once and lock-ups erected ; otherwise the cost in rent will become greater year by year as the suburbs increase in population, and property in value. The city police occupy quarters in the Albert Barracks, but, as the Improvement Commissioners may require the removal of the cottages at any moment, it is desirable that some provision should be made to meet such a contingency. In the event of police constables being employed to replace the special constables in the districts which have been mentioned, provision would also require to be made for their accommodation, and for the erection of lock-ups. A new station was formed at Freeman's Bay in the early part of the year, and within the last month constables have also been sent to form stations at Mongonui and Northern Wairoa, by order of His Honor the Superintendent. It would have afforded me great satisfaction to have been able to furnish an estimate which would not have exceeded the provincial vote of last session, but for years past the vote for police has been quite inadequate, and, although within the last five years the population has been largely increased, no increase whatever has been made in the vote for this department. The vote for police in Otago during last year was some £25,000, and in Canterbury about £18,000, while for the Province of Auckland for the same period the vote was £7,501. These figures require no comment, and clearly show that the estimate now furnished is not unreasonable, but far below the cost of police in the Southern Provinces. It affords me great satisfaction to be able to state that the conduct of the Thames Constabulary, under Sub-Inspector Bullen, has been everything that could be desired during the year, and that Sergeant-Major Pardy and the sergeants and detectives throughout the district have given very general satisfaction, while the constables, notwithstanding the numerous resignations which have taken place, have upon the whole performed their duties in a very satisfactory manner. I have, &c., T. Bkoham, The Commissioner, Armed Constabulary, Wellington. Inspector A.C.

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Estimate of Police Expendittjbe for 1875-6. £ s. d. Auckland.—1 inspector in charge of district, at £400 per annum ... ... ... 400 0 0 1 sub-inspector, second class, in charge of city police, at £200 per annum ... 200 0 0 3 detectives (two for city and one for country cases), at 12s. per diem ... 657 0 0 1 sergeant-major, at 10s. per diem ... ... ... ... ... 182 10 0 2 sergeants, first class, at 9s. per diem ... ... ... ... 328 10 0 2 sergeants, second class, at 8s. per diem ... ... ... ... 292 0 0 1 mounted constable, at 7s. 6d. per diem ... ... ... ... 136 17 6 22 foot constables, at 7s. per diem ... ... ... ... ...2,810 10 0 Parnell.—2 foot constables, at 7s. per diem ... ... ... ... ... 255 10 0 Newton. —2 ditto at 7s. per diem ... ... ... ... ... 255 10 0 Freeman's Bay.' —1 foot constable, at 7s. per diem ... ... ... ... ... 127 15 0 Onehunga.—1 sergeant, second class, at 8s. per diem \ „„„ , r . 1 foot constable, at 7s. per diem j " "f "' :" Z'6 l0 U Otahuhu. —1 mounted constable, at 7s. 6d. per diem ~> ,,„, ,„ _ 1 foot constable, at 7s. per diem j Papakura. —1 mounted constable, at 7s. 6d. per diem ... .. ... ... 136 17 6 Mercer. —1 mounted constable, at 7s. Gd. per diem ... ... ... ... 136 17 6 Howick. —1 foot constable, at 7s. per diem ... ... ... ... ... 127 15 0 .Russell.—1 sergeant, second class, at 8s. per diem 7 „,.„ .. r „ 1 foot constable, at 7s. per diem j -" "• — '" Zi6' l0 U Mongonui.—1 foot constable, at 7s. per diem ... ... ... ... ... 127 15 0 North Wairoa. —1 foot constable, at 7s. per diem ... ... ... ... ... 127 15 0 9 foot constables, to replace the special constables at Whangaroa, Whangarei, Mahurangi, Mangawai, Port Albert, Waiuku, Hokianga, Panmure, and North Shore, at 7s. per diem ... ... ... 1,149 15 0 Thames. —1 sub-inspector, first class, at £250 per annum ... ... ... ... 250 0 0 1 sergeant, first class, at 9s. per day ... ... ... ... ... 164 5 0 1 detective, at 12s. per day ... ... ... ... ... ... 219 0 0 1 foot constable (inspector of slaughter-houses, bread, &c), at 8s. per day ... 146 0 0 7 foot constables, at 7s. per day ... ... ... ... ... 894 5 0 Coromandel.—1 sergeant, first class, at 9s. per day ... ... ... ... 164 5 0 1 foot constable, at 7s. per day ... ... • ... ... ... 127 15 0 Ohinemuri.—1 sergeant, first class, at 9s. per day ... ... ... ... 164 5 O 4 foot constables, at 7s. per day ... ... ... ... ... 511 0 0 Bents of stations ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 130 0 O Eations of prisoners at Auckland and out-stations ... ... ... ... 100 0 0 Conveyance of prisoners from out-stations ... ... ... ... ... 244 0 0 Travelling expenses of constables ... ... ... ... ... ... 363 0 0 Gras, firewood, and stationery ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 150 0 0 Dog collars ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 15 0 0 Eewards to police ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 50 0 0 Allowance in lieu of clothing, 73 men at 6d. per diem ... ... ... ... 666 2 6 Contingencies ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 150 0 0 New stations at Papakura, Mercer, Northern Wairoa, Mongonui, and Ohinemuri, five, at £200 each ' ... ... ... ... ... ...1,000 0 0 New lock-ups at Northern Wairoa and Ohinemuri, at £80 each ... ... ... 160 0 0 Eepairs to lock-up at Eussell, and addition of another cell ... ... ... ... 80 0 0 Total ... ... ... ... £14,013 17 6 Estimate oe Local Gaols Expendituee. £ s. d. Thames. —1 gaoler, at 8s. per diem ... ... ... ... ... ... 146 0 O Fuel and light ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 25 0 0 Eations for prisoners ... ... ... ... ... ... 80 0 0 Contingencies ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 20 0 0 Newcastle.—1 gaoler ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 120 0 0 Fuel and light ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 20 0 0 Eations for prisoners ... ...» ... ... ... ... 60 0 0 Eepairs to gaol ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 250 0 0 Contingencies ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 10 0 0 £731 0 0 T. Bboham, Inspector A.C.

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H.—lo.

RETURN showing the NUMBER of PERSONS and CASES brought before the POLICE COURTS in the AUCKLAND DISTRICT by the ARMED CONSTABULARY, from 1st JANUARY, 1874, to 31st DECEMBER, 1874.

ABBESTS. Total Number of Convictions. Number Total Total S__tMONSES. Total Number. Number Convicted. Number Discharged. BB__B_S. ___KS. Nature of Offences. Cases. M. F. M. 1 2 F. ■Convicted. Discharged Nature of Offence. Absconding Witnesses Arms Act Armed Constabulary Act ... Assault, Common Assault on Police Assault, indictable Bestiality Bigamy Breaking and Entering Warehouses Breach of the Peace Burglary Coinage Act Concealment of Birth Customs Regulation Act ... Disobeying Summonses Destitute Persons Relief Ordinance Drunkenness 3 2 1 67 46 5 1 1 6 4 1 2 1 3 2 4 1,090 3 2 1 61 46 5 1 1 6 4 1 2 , . ... "6 2 1 43 44 1 1 "4 ... 18 2 4 ... "2 ... 2 1 47 44 1 1 1 2 20 2 4 Abusive Language Breach of the Peace ... City By-Laws Customs Regulations ... Dangerous Groods Act Destitute Persons Relief Ordinance Dog Nuisance Act Drunkenness Foreign Seamen's Act... Harbour Regulations ... Impounding Act Inciting to Commit Assault Licensing Act Marine Storekeepers Act Malicious Injury to Property Act Medical Practitioners Act Municipal Police Act... Neglected and Criminal Children's Act Public Health Act ... Protection of Animals Act Quartz Crushing Regulations Rural Police Act Slaughter-house Act ... Vagrant Act... Larceny 4 2 188 2 2 12 41 29 2 1 7 3 2 163 1 8 35 28 2 1 6 l 25 1 2 4 6 1 148 of this I number of cases were committed in the City of Au ckland, and the remainder at the Thames. "l "l 6 3 1 ... "l ... ... 6 3 1 "l "2 "2 1 3 2 4 926 i 1 "2 1 1 2 3 1,060 1 2 3 899 1 25 ... "2 1 30 ', 788 were first convictions, remainder reconvictions. 187 were first convictions, remainder were reconvictions. 1 52 3 "25 1 27 3 164 161 "5 Drunk and Disorderly Embezzlement ... Forgery and Uttering Foreign Seamen's Act Gaolers and Prisoners Act Horse and Cattle Stealing Housebreaking ... Indecent Assault Illegally Pawning Incendiarism ... Larceny, indictable Larceny, summary Lunacy Manslaughter Master and Apprentices Act Merchant Shipping Act ... Municipal Police Act Malicious Injury to Property Act ... Murder Naval Training Schools Act Naval Discipline Act Neglected and Criminal Children's Act Obtaining Money by False Pretences Passengers Act ... Perjury Railways Regulation Act ... Receiving Stolen Property Resident Magistrates Act Robbery with Violence Shooting with Intent to Murder Threatening Language L'nnatural Offence Vagrant Act 207 12 1 38 3 10 2 2 2 7 9 232 55 2 2 80 5 53 2 5 23 56 11 5 1 4 1 2 1 1 25 3 250 183 12 38 3 10 2 2 1 4 7 214 43 2 2 80 4 52 2 5 23 39 11 5 1 4 1 1 1 1 22 3 168 24 180 11 1 38 3 6 1 22 I 3 1 2 202 11 38 3 6 1 5 ] 1 10 5 5 ... 1 204 1 178 "26 ... ... ... ... 18 18 17 7 1 11 ... 4 1 2 4 1 2 1 3 2 18 12 1 "l 2 16 10 6 5 147 33 2 1 16 11 4 2 66 10 3 1 3 1 6 163 44 2 7 3 69 11 5 12 2 60 3 3 9 2 49 O 2 3 11 3 - 2 19 1 7 ... 2 19 1 7 "l 1 61 3 45 2 5 22 34 8 2 1 1 ... ... 61 4 46 2 5 22 51 8 2 ... "l 1 5 3 3 1 1 1 1 "l7 j 17 3 3 1 1 1 "5 ... "3 I » 3 ... "l '"3 1 1 15 147 1 ... , 1 1 7 2 23 1 " _ 1 1 1 16 1 210 9 2 40 82 63 "l7 Totals ... . - I 2,351 1 I 2,015 1 J 1 1 1 I 336 I 1,786 ! 300 I 223 i 2,086 265 42 Totals ... 695 555 140 Note.— This Return does not include the number of prisoners arrested in the Waikato, Tauranga, and Poverty Bay Districts. T. Beoham. Insi lector, Armed Constabular

H.—lo.

Table No. 1. RETURN showing the MONTHLY STRENGTH of the ARMED CONSTABULARY FORCE, from 1st JULY, 1874, to 30th JUNE. 1875.

Table No. 2. RETURN of MEN ENROLLED in the ARMED CONSTABULARY FORCE, from 1st JULY, 1874, to 30th JUNE, 1875.

Table No. 3. RETURN showing the NUMBER of OFFICERS, NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS, and CONSTABLES struck off the Strength of the ARMED CONSTABULARY FORCE, from 1st JULY, 1874, to 30th JUNE, 1875.

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Offi. :ers. Xoi i-eommissioned Officers. Hoi _. Year. Month. _ eo IJ O) 4- (___, » (_ rH a t-t 00 -. to o_ eg _ — 8 .5 JL □ M .5 *_ y 3 _ o o _ S3 —< — 0_ £ o . _ _ C _ •2 N _ — 1 o 6 _ 3 _ ■ . c S_ S .. '!» __ ■ .i o - CD _ _i K* CO | ap fc. .5 rt _! cj 1 e a _ I •5 s a c - bo _ _ _ co -> WJ TO =* l S O -_> £°_ _ 00 ; 1° '« . £r_ | _ _ 1 « I 3 <_ CO : c o O - M "a 3 o _ B <_ 6 a o to j) ■ Si O w _ o E-i o o u _ _ _ 1874 July 7 15 7 3 4 2 8 35 46 546 675 7 113 35 25 180 _ August ... 8 17 6 4 3 2 7 33 45 558 686 7 114 35 25 181 )) September 8 17 5 4 3 2 7 34 44 562 689 7 97 38 26 168 _ October ... 8 18 6 4 3 2 8 39 39 593 723 8 97 38 26 169 )J November 8 18 6 4 3 2 8 39 41 578 710 8 102 38 22 170 _ December s 17 6 4 3 2 9 38 41 571 702 8 102 39 22 171 1875 January ... 8 IS 7 4 3 2 9 35 46 606 741 8 102 89 22 171 » February... 8 18 7 4 3 2 9 37 45 603 739 8 100 ■10 27 175 », March 8 18 7 4 B 2 9 35 46 600 735 8 100 38 27 173 H April 8 18 7 4 8 2 9 35 46 595 730 8 98 38 27 171 If May 8 15 7 4 8 2 9 35 46 605 737 8 98 38 27 171 » June 8 16 7 4 I 2 9 35 46 604 737 8 90 38 27 169

Year. Month. Number of Men enrolled. Remarks. 1874 July August September October November December January February March April May June 35 18 13 ■15 8 5 52 10 3 6 13 3 _ M _ . 1875 ,» tt u ,, », Total 211

mse of becoming Non-effective. Discharged at own Request, or at Completion of Service. Dismissed for Misconduct. Transferred to Detective Branch, under Arms Act. Total. Deserted. Deceased. 94 142 _—H. 10.

H.—lo.

Table No. 4. RETURN showing the STRENGTH and DISTRIBUTION of the ARMED CONSTABULARY FORCE, also the STATIONS occupied by them on the 30th June, 1875.

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Serg( iants, Consl ables. Nal ives. H O 1 _ o_ J 4_| __ r-f „r 1O O £ 0D I r/j ■ _« .3 3 c. o - I O 3 E _ M ■ >_ t-> S <u M oa 3 a _ o fi /" 3 O fi ;c _ - .5 41 <D _ E , O 3 a> M s* a H CO E O •a o 3 E 43 Hj a p _ O "3 a B 4_ S3 1 ■ b_ E B GQ _i "So E B 02 ■ _ r. 13 _J a 3 _ 1st :lass. 2nd slass. Stations. 7* a o _ - 7. _ r« 1 J •3 ~ - "2 — a _ _ -i fi a o a fi 3 o a B o a _ ■ _ E a o O o — 3 _ — o o _ _> o o • _ o o 3 o H Hamilton Alexandra Auckland Cambridge Ford Redoubt Harapipipi Havelock Leap Road Party* Kihikihi Mangapiko Road Party Ngaruawahia Ohinemuri* Orakau ... Paikuku ... Pukekura... Raglan Rotorangi Te Awamutu ... 1 1 2 ... 1 ... 1 2 1 1 1 1 2 6 3 29 11 It 17 1 16 2 1 1 i i 2 10 2 1 1 1 1 2 9 11 10 15 o H -i M H ... ... "i 1 7 3 11 4 4 8 1 7 1 8 4 13 _ 4 . 9 1 9 4 ... i !!! i ... ... i ... i i i 1 2 ... l 5 1 3 6 9 16 119 New Plymouth ... Pukearuhe Urenui Okato Mimi Bridge Party Kaipikari Bush Party* 5 a i 162 _H i i 1 i 1 1 2 2 3 2 7 8 33 15 41 2 8 8 1 ... i i 1 . 4 4 1 l 1 i 2 l i 4 14 52 Opepe Napier Runanga ... Tarawera... Tapuaeharuru Te Harate 1 78 o S 1 l i i 2 8 29 2 7 3 10 12 ... ... ... ... i l i l l 1 1 2 13 a 10 6 15 14 i i 2 1 l 2 1 i i 3 i 4 12 63 i H H . r H |m \ w . , . ca y o" _ Ormond ... GHsborne ... Awanui* ... 1 i i i 2 1 3 1 7 5 10 i 16 7 11 91 — — 1 l 4 22 Te Kapu ... Clyde Onepoto ... Marumaru Ohuka i i 3 i 34 l i l i i 3 1 1 1 1 . ( o M I. <• i 1 i i 1 1 1 19 18 5 2 28 2 _2 7 4 —I I— i l i 1 2 i i 2 i 7 44 Tauranga... Maketu ... Matata Ohinemutu* Tiki Tapu Road Party* 3 63 l 1 2 i 2 i 2 2 1 2 14 - i. 1 i i 3 24 2 1 18 10 1 l 24 26 j 1 1 3 1 1 3 l 7 17 i Opotiki ... Whakatane TeTeko Galatea* 34 71 i o] O <- ... 1 i 1 1 1 2 1 2 1 1 2 13 2 5 1 i 1 2 15 17 21 6 2! 22 i 1 Patea Opunake* Waihi Hawera ... Manutahi... Wairoa ... Waitotara Wanganui Otaki and Foxton i i 1 2 4 6 21 i 35 73 r 1 1 i 3 2 1 6 16 19 2 3 2 2 2 12 21 2(1 4 3 o 2 1 4 E •* 2 i i 3 2 i 4 L 1 1 2 l l 1 1 5 10 50 2 Depot 75 '2 l 2 2 1 1 3 22 35 Auckland 1 l 1 7 3 1 41 55 ... * New Stations.

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EXTRACT from the ANNUAL, RETURN of MUSKETRY PRACTICE of the ARMED CONSTABULARY for 1875, showing the Distribution of Prizes for the Year. MOUNTED.

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District. __ Rank and Name. _ ° . ■ a _j _ .*_ . o gil "§_ - o fc _ f. _ O 6 fc - 3 O s Remabks. Poverty Bay ... Waikato Te Wairoa ... Depot Te Wairoa ... Opotiki Waikato Waikato 1704 326 1684 2006 1096 1091 1825 1583 2nd Class Sergeant A. Armstrong Probationary „ J. T. Steel... Constable B. Read „ C.W.Sherwood G. Taylor „ J. Savage W. H. O'Neill „ J. Hinton 29 26 25 25 25 24 24 24 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th £ 6 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 Prizes, £20 and Five Badges. 63 in 1st period. 56 „ „ 44 „ „ 59 „ „ 47 „ 43 „ „ Foot. Point ;s in District. _ C 2 _ _ ._ '_a <_ _t Rank and Name. -i . o _ •r* _ -_ _o d a _ _ 2 t_ 'u _ to — _o _ *. _ CO _ _ - fi <-. o 6 _ 3 O s R-MAEKS. "a . o - Taupo ... Waikato Opotiki Depdt Waikato Taranaki Wanganui-Patea Taupo ... Te Wairoa Taupo ... Wanganui-Patea Taupo ... Taupo ... Poverty Bay ... Taupo ... Taupo ... Wanganui-Patea Wanganui-Patea Poverty Bay ... Taupo ... 1126 1844 1158 2017 1928 679 700 2083 2105 121 1677 2073 537 748 564 533 1979 1191 1919 1830 2nd Class Sergeant C. R. Dutton ... 2nd „ „ C. E. S. Rose... 2nd „ „ Robert Smith... Constable T. H. Sewell „ J. Charlton Probationary Sergeant Wm. Todd 1st Class Sergeant Thomas Lister... Constable L. Davies Probationary Sergeant H. H. Carr 1st Class Sergeant H. R. Ballard ... Constable J. Lawton „ M. Cropp P. M'Hugh 1st Class Sergeant T. E. Shirley ... 2nd „ „ T. Strauchan ... Constable P. Le Masurier „ J. W. Byrne F. Sisley W. Dudley ,, J. L. Neighbour... 48 53 48 51 50 53 44 36 38 41 49 34 40 44 47 48 45 48 31 39 38 32 34 30 30 27 35 40 38 33 25 39 33 29 26 25 27 24 39 31 80 85 82 81 80 80 79 76 76 74 74 73 73 73 73 73 72 72 70 70 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th 11th 12th 13th 14th 15th 16th 17th 18th 19th 20th £ 10 4 4 4 4 4 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 Prizes ... Badges ... ... £110 20 £130 Te Wairoa 2057 „ F. Blackwell 39 31 70 21st 54 in 1st period, 9 in 3rd period, 1st class, J. D. P. 54 in 1st period, 10 in 3rd period, 2nd class, J. D. P. Waikato Waikato Tauranga Poverty Bay ... Waikato Taupo ... Waikato Waikato Taupo ... Taupo ... Taupo ... Taranaki Waikato Taupo ... Wanganui-Patea Depot ... Poverty Bay ... Taupo ... Poverty Bay ... Taranaki Te Wairoa Te Wairoa Poverty Bay ... Taupo Poverty Bay ... 2264 1916 1559 1838 1710 1953 1956 416 1685 1470 31 2118 1539 1673 1719 1998 1917 767 1263 1253 2137 1964 164 2102 1816 „ E. Davey ,, John Forbes 2nd Class Sergeant A. C. Mathias Constable Henry Froggatt „ Q-. Macpherson „ G. Lloyd C. O'Brien „ R. Qualtrough ... „ A. M. Moon „ T. Crosswell „ D. Campbell „ W. Parkinson ... „ J. Mullins „ L. Stott E. Wilson Probationary Sergeant G. Y. Gouge Constable John Walsh „ A. M'Knight 2nd Class Sergeant F. Stanhope ... Probationary Sergt. W. H. Roberts Constable George Rigby ... „ J. Finnucane „ J. Henderson ... „ W. Strew ,, James King 40 41 42 36 43 44 48 31 37 38 39 33 84 37 37 38 31 32 35 33 33 33 36 37 39 29 27 26 31 21 23 22 34 28 27 26 30 29 26 26 25 31 30 27 2S 28 28 25 24 22 69 68 68 67 67 67 67 65 65 65 65 63 63 63 63 63 62 62 62 61 61 61 61 61 61 22nd 23rd 24th 25th 26th 27th 28th 29th 30th 31st 32nd 33rd 34th 35th 36th 37th 38th 39th 40th 41st 42nd 43rd 44th 45th 46th 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 57 in 1st period. 55 in 1st period. 49 in 1st period. 43 in 1st period. 42 in 1st period. 'rice Is.] By Authority : Geobqe Did sb uby, Government Printer, Wellington.—1875.