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1876. NEW ZEALAND.
ARMED CONSTABULARY FORCE. (ANNUAL REPORT OF COMMISSIONER.)
Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.
No. 1. The Commissioneb, Armed Constabulary Force, to the Hon. the Native Minister. Sik, — Armed Constabulary Office, Wellington, 9th June, 1876. In compliance with clause No. 159 of the Armed Constabulary Regulations, I have the honor to submit the following report for the year 1875-76 : — At the close of the last financial year, the Force consisted of 737 of all ranks. During the year there have been 54 enrolled, and 115 struck off the strength through resignations, discharges, deaths, and desertion, leaving the strength at the close of the year 676. {Vide Tables 1, 2, 4.) During my absence in England on leave, the Armed Constabulary, and stations in the Districts of Auckland, Tauranga, Taupo, Poverty Bay, and Wairoa, were inspected by Lieut.-Colonel Lyon and the late Lieut.-Colonel St. John, —whose reports are attached, —showing that the arms, accoutrements, equipments, the appearance of the men and horses, and the drill and discipline of the Force continue to be satisfactory. Colonel Lyon, in the concluding part of his report, says, " I consider the Force in a most efficient state, and a credit, in every way, to the colony." The number of men at some of the posts is very much reduced, in consequence of the numerous parties employed in making and repairing roads and bridges, over one-third of the Force being so engaged, as shown by the attached reports from officers in charge of districts. The good resulting from the continued annual course of musketry appears in the Instructor's report, by the steady increase in the number of marksmen. At the Colonial Prize Firing, the Force was not so successful as in the previous year. However, eleven prizes fell to the share of the Armed Constabulary. The blue tweed cloth now being made at the Mosgiel Woollen Company's Works, Dunedin, having been adopted for the uniform of the Force, it will add considerably to the appearance of the men, as the serge lately used, from its faded look after being worn for a short time, was scarcely suited for uniform. The Police Force in the Province of Auckland, which forms a part of the Armed Constabulary, continues to discharge its various duties in a highly satisfactory manner. Enclosed are reports from officers in charge of districts, showing the civil and military duties, also the public and useful works performed by the men of the Force. In conclusion, I have much pleasure in stating that the conduct of all ranks has been good, offences against discipline few in number, and, considering the way in which the force is cut up into numerous small detachments, it is more efficient than could be expected. I have, &c., W. Moule, Lieut.-Colonel, The Hon. the Native Minister, Wellington. Commissioner A. C. Force.
Enclosure 1 in No. 1. Inspector Lyon to the Commissioner, Armed Constabulary Force. Sic,— Wellington, 24th April, 1876. I have the honor to report that, in accordance with instructions from the Hon. the Native Minister, I visited in December last the Districts of Auckland, Tauranga, and Taupo, and inspected the several stations therein. The men of the Armed Constabulary doing duty as police in the City of Auckland, are in a high state of efficiency. They have arduous duties to perform ;in fact are overworked owing to their small number in proportion to the population, and the size of the town ; much credit is due for the manner with which they perform their work, and is attributable in a great measure to the zeal and energy displayed on all occasions by Inspector Broham. I—H. 16.
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The men's quarters, arms, &c, were clean and in good order. At the Thames I found the detachment under Sub-Inspector Bullen in a satisfactory state, though I consider there are hardly sufficient constables to do the work. A great proportion are married men. At Tauranga the men paraded for my inspection in heavy marching order. I had no fault to find; arms, accoutrements, Government property, in good order. I observe that the kit was worn across the shoulder instead of knapsack fashion. At Oropi I inspected the road party (Native) in charge of Sub-Inspector Gascoigne, and was much struck by their clean and soldier-like appearance. This is the first time I had seen the Native part of the Force. I rode on to Taupo, and was met there by Inspector Scannell. There were but few men at the station, being at head-quarters for musketry instruction. After inspecting the station, which was most satisfactory in every respect, I went in a Government w*agon to Opepe ; remained there next day (Sunday). The men turned out in heavy marching order, in a highly creditable manner. Inspected the barrack-rooms, Government property, magazine, books in the orderly-room, and found all in good order. Next day I went on by coach to Tarawera, Sub-Inspector Carlyon in charge, and remained there the night. The men at the station were employed on the line of road towards Napier repairing damages done by heavy rains. From Napier I went to Gisborne by the s.s." Bangatira." Sub-Inspector Gudgeon came from Ormond. As the steamer remained only a few hours, I had not time to visit that post, and the road, owing to the heavy rains, was nearly impassable. At Gisborne I inspected all the Government property, block-house, &c, and found everything in good order. In conclusion, I beg to state, from what I have seen during my tour through the districts already mentioned, I consider tbe Force is in a most efficient state, and a credit in every way to the colony. During my term of offioe as Commissioner, there has been no instance of any serious crime. I have discharged a few men whom I considered as detrimental; and I may further add it has been my aim, during your absence, to carry out the same system as laid down by you, and have in no instance that I am aware in any way departed from it. I have, &c, William C. Lyon, Lieut.-Colonel, The Commissioner Armed Constabulary, Wellington. Inspector Armed Constabulary.
Enclosure 2 in No. 1. Inspector St. John to the Hon. the Native Minister. Sic, — Wairoa, 29th December, 1875. I have the honor to report that, in accordance with your instructions, I have inspected in the Wairoa the Armed Constabulary stations as under: — Te Kapu, Ohuka, Marumaru, Onepoto. Te Kapu. —Te Kapu Station, under the charge of Sub-Inspector Bennett, now on the sick list, was inspected on Thursday, 23rd instant. The strength on parade was as per annexed state, the constables at tbis post being 16 for duty and 4 mounted men. I paraded the men ; they were clean and smart ; arms in good order; boots, great coats, and waterproof sheets the same. They were put through drill by Inspector Bichardson, and acquitted themselves fairly. The stores were next seen. Here I found old Enfield rifles and ammunition, which I recommend should be sent to the general store in Wellington. The powder magazine is good. On the subject of saddlery, I forward the proceedings of a Board assembled by my order. Some fresh issue is needed at this post. I learn from Inspector Bichardson and the men who use them, that the saddles obtained in Sydney are thought highly of. The horses at this station, and all of those in the Wairoa, are in first-rate condition, and it is evident, from their appearance, that Inspector Bichardson looks after them well. The feed has been so good that he has been enabled to put his horses on half-rations, thereby effecting a saving. I also find that he has got out of the Government paddock a stack of bay, which should last well over the next winter. The books were found to be kept in very good order, and all the buildings, library, &c, were in a state deserving of praise. Weekly State and Distribution. —On Parade : 1 inspector, 1 sergeant-major, 1 first-class sergeant, 1 second-class sergeant, 4 mounted constables, 16 foot constables ; total, 24. On road work: 2 foot constables. At Ohuka : 1 second-class sergeant, 1 sub-inspector (sick). Marumaru. —At this station I only found one non-commissioned officer and a mounted constable, the other two constables who compose the station being at road work. The buildings (slab huts) are in a shocking state from wet getting through them, and I strongly recommend that this station be abolished. This will give a non-commissioned officer to Te Kapu, and put the two men from it at road work on the strength of Te Kapu. Ohuka. —l inspected this station on my way to Waikaremoana. It consists of a sergeant, one mounted man, and two foot constables. Everything was in good order. I find the two foot constables are necessary here, as this is a pack-horse resting-place, and the daily work cannot be carried on with less. Onepoto. —l then visited Onepoto, the strength being 1 sub-inspector, 2 sergeants, 1 mounted constable, 14 foot constables. The usual inspection took place here, and I had no fault to find with the men of the station, except that they were somewhat slow at the little drill Sub-Inspector McLean put them through before me. The buildings for the men are old, and in a thorough state of disrepair. In such an exposed situation it is really necessary that some fresh buildings should be put up before the winter. Inspector Bichardson has had men sawing, but now he has notice from Heri Wharerangi that sawing is to be stopped in the only bush near Onepoto, where suitable timber is to be procured.
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Heri claims it as being a Native reserve. This matter was reported some time ago, and forwarded by me to the Acting Under Secretary for Native Affairs. I beg to suggest that, if this bush be found to be a Native reserve, some arrangement should be come to with the owners to allow the Armed Constabulary to get from it what building materials they require. I have learned while here that a petition is being forwarded requesting tho Government to reduce the Onepoto garrison, so as to employ more men on road works near Clyde. Merely in a strategical point of view, I would beg to enter my protest against any further reduction at Onepoto. It is our advanced post, and any further reduction there would, I believe, have a bad effect on the Native mind. The position itself is not intrinsically a good one for defence, but having been occupied, and it being the post through which all communications from Wairoa pass to the Urewera, I hope it may not be diminished in numbers. I noted a good deal of improvement since my last visit. There is a nicely levelled parade ground ; water has been brought from a distance by a flume; and ground has been reclaimed, adding to the pasturage for the horses ; the feed for the horses is in abundance. In conclusion, I have very much pleasure in stating that I have never yet inspected any district held by the Armed Constabulary on which I could report more favorably than on the Wairoa, under the command of Inspector Bichardson. I have, &c, J. H. H. St. John, The Hon. the Native Minister. Inspector Armed Constabulary.
Enclosure 3 in No. 1. Inspector Roberts, Tauranga District, to the Commissioneb, Armed Constabulary Force. Sic,— • District Office, Tauranga, 31st May, 1876. In compliance with instructions contained in circular memo. No. 181, of the 25th ultimo, I have the honor to forward herewith a report of the public and useful works performed by tho Armed Constabulary Force in the Tauranga District, for the year ending 31st May, 1876. Militaey Duties. Average Strength of Officers and Men. —4 officers and 61 non-commissioned officers and men. Nature of Parades and Drills. —Divine service parades, every Sunday, at 9.30 a.m.; heavy marching order and inspection parade, once every week ; light infantry and company drill was held from 6 to 7 a.m. in summer, and from 7 to 8 a.m. in winter, when sufficient men were available at head quarters. The whole of the men were also put through the annual course of musketry instruction. Carrying Mails and Despatches. —A weekly mail leaves Tauranga every Monday for Opotiki and intermediate settlements, meeting the orderly with the Opotiki mail at the Otamarakau Biver, and returning to Tauranga the following day. A weekly mail has also been established between Tauranga and Katikati; a mounted sergeant has been stationed at Kati-kati, and a mounted constable at Te Bere-o-te Kahia for this purpose. A mounted constable is also in attendance at the Eotorua Telegraph Station. Despatches are also forwarded to different parts of the district when necessary. Escorts, Guards, Sfc. —Prisoners sentenced to imprisonment in Auckland Gaol are escorted by members of the Force. An armed sentry takes charge of the prisoners in the lock-up ; the sentry is relieved at 9 a.m. every day, and escorts those sentenced to hard labour to and from work. Escorts have also been furnished from Ohinemutu, conveying prisoners to Tauranga. Making and Improving Target Ranges. —The Tauranga range has been kept in good repair, and new pegs marking accurately the different distances have been permanently placed in the ground. The target range at Ohinemutu has also been re-measured, cleared, and levelled. Issuers and Storekeepers. —One second-class foot sergeant acts as sub-storekeeper at Tauranga, and has charge of all articles belonging to the Public Works Department. A constable was also employed up to the end of December last as issuer at Ohinemutu. Civil Duties. Steps taken for the Prevention of Crime. —Two constables are told off for police duty, one at Tauranga and the other at Ohinemutu, and are assisted by other members of the Force when required. The number of convictions for various offences was thirty-five ; four also were committed as lunatics. Summonses are also served throughout the district by members of the Force. Attending Civil Courts. —One second-class sergeant acts as clerk to the Civil Commissioner at Tauranga, also as clerk to the Besident Magistrate's Court. One constable acts as clerk of the Magistrate's Court at Maketu. Constables are also always in attendance at the different Besident Magistrates' Courts throughout the district. Attending Lands Courts. —The attendance of members of the Force was not required. Taking Census. —The whole of the agricultural statistics for the East Coast were taken by members of the Force. Public and Useful Woeks. Nature and Extent of Boad Work. —The Force at Ohinemutu was employed at Tiki Tapu from the Ist June to 25th October, 1875, and moved 16,946 yards of earth, valued at £441 35., forming a deep cutting three-quarters of a mile long, with roadway 30 feet broad. They also removed a large quantity of rock which obstructed the road from Tiki Tapu to Wairoa, besides keeping the bush road clear for traffic. About half a mile of road was also formed through a swamp leading to Ohinemutu, and the approach to the Telegraph Office. Since December the Ohinemutu detachment have been employed on the Tauranga aud Taupo Boad, repairing and improving some twenty miles of road, which work is valued at £663 15s. An average of nine men have been employed since last December on the Tauranga and Kati-kati Boad, the value of work performed being estimated at £197 15s. 6d.
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Building Bridges and Culverts. —One culvert at Wairoa bas been taken up and re-bedded, and seven large culverts have been made on the Tauranga and Taupo line of road, and three bridges repaired, that is, rotten planks replaced by sound ones, and approaches improved. Building Souses, Stables, Sfc. —At Tauranga, three new stalls have been added to the stable, 18 ft. by 18 ft., the old stalls repaired, and a loft built for forage. A new store, erected in the Government paddock, 30 ft. by 18 ft., and the old building, formerly used for that purpose, has been lined, re-sbingled, and converted into a hospital, a room also being partitioned off for a surgery. The Armed Constabulary mess-room has also been repaired, re-shingled, re-blocked, and a new roof put on the kitchen. The lock-up has been repaired, with new doors and ceilings to cells, as well as a loft for holding prison clothing, bedding, &c, and the chimney pulled down and rebuilt. A lightning conductor has also been placed on the magazine. Temporary whares have also been built at the various road camps, for the use of the men employed at that work, where material for so doing could be obtained. Fencing Paddocks and Laying down in Grass. —The fence round the Government paddock has been kept in good repair, and a double line of wire has been stretched round it, for the purpose of keeping out sheep. The cemetery fence and ground have also been kept in repair. Building Sea Wall. —Owing to the action of the sea on the cemetery wall, a part, 64 ft. long 5 ft. by 3 ft. 6 in., had to be repaired, and a splayed wall, 420 ft. long and 8 ft. by 2 ft. 6 in., erected at its base. The wall has also been extended with cut stone and pointed with cement for 116 ft. in length, and 5 ft. by 3 ft. 6 in. Remarks. I haye pleasure in certifying to the general excellent conduct of the Force, and to the willing and cheerful manner in which all ranks have carried out their instructions. A very great change has taken place in the district since my last report. Mr. G. V. Stewart's special settlers have made great progress in cultivating the land allotted to them, and in erecting substantial weather-board houses, which is having a most beneficial effect in encouraging settlement throughout the district. The Natives in the district are also quiet and well behaved. I have, &c, J. M. Roberts, Inspector A.C. Commanding Tauranga District. The Commissioner, A.C. Force, Wellington.
Enclosure 4 in No. 1. Inspector Scannell, Taupo District, to the Commissioner, Armed Constabulary Force. Sir,— District Office, Taupo, 31st May, 1876. In compliance with instructions contained in Circular No. 181, of the 25th ultimo, I have the honor to forward, for your information, the following report of the duties performed by the Armed Constabulary Force in the Taupo District, from the Ist June, 1875, to the 31st May, 1876 :— Military Duties. Average Strength of Officers and Men. —The average strength of the Force in this district during the past 12 months, has been 1 inspector, 4 sub-inspectors, 1 assistant surgeon, and 79 non-commis-sioned officers and men. Nature of Parades and Drills. —Drills have been held regularly throughout the district as follows, viz. : —lnspection parade and drill in marching order once a week; inspection and Divine service parade, with side arms, every Sunday ; and weekly inspection of mounted men's saddles and horse accoutrements by officers in charge of posts ; general inspection by officer commanding the district, every alternate fortnight, in heavy marching order. The skirmishing has been conducted, according to instructions laid down in Circular No. 157, dated Wellington, 16th October, 1874, through rough country, such as bush, fern, scrub, and over uneven, broken ground. The annual course of musketry instruction was commenced on the Bth November, and completed on 30th December, 1875, at Opepe, under the supervision of the officer commanding the district. Conveying Mails and Despatches. —There is a subsidy for the conveyance of public mails, of which there are exchange mails between Napier and Tauranga twice a week; therefore no men of the Armed Constabulary Force have been required for this service; but a mounted orderly leaves Opepe daily for Taupo Station, the nearest telegraph station (distance 11 miles), and returns same evening, whose duty it is to convey to and fro any telegrams or despatches that may arise. Communications are forwarded to the several posts per mail, but iv the intervals by the mounted men of the Force. Escorts, Guards, fyc. —No necessity for escorts during past year. On account of most of the men being employed on road works, the guards have been discontinued ; a night-watchman only is put on in case of fire or other unusual occurrence. Making and Improving Target Ranges. —At each station a complete target range and butts have been kept in thorough repair by men of the Force. Telegraph Linesmen. —Mounted constable Andrew Craig continues acting in this capacity. The constable performing this duty is exempt from Armed Constabulary duties, except under extraordinary circumstances, and when no other Armed Constabulary man can be obtained. He attends parades and roll-calls, when not otherwise required by the Telegraph Department. Issuers and Storekeepers. —Foot constable D. Blyth acts as sub-storekeeper for the Defence and Public Works Departments. Erection of Redoubts and Stockades. —The existing ones have been kept in a thorough state of repair for defence purposes, and one side of Opepe redoubt has been re-built, having been destroyed when the Government store was burnt. The station at Bunanga has been abandoned by order of the Hon. the Native Minister, on the 3rd March, 1876, and all property belonging to Government taken into store.
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Civil Duties. Steps taken for the Prevention of Crime. —A man acts as town policeman at Tapueharuru, and also at Tarawera, as required. Attending Civil Courts. —A sitting of the Besident Magistrate's Court has been held fortnightly at Tapueharuru, presided over by the Besident Magistrate of the district, and on these occasions two men of the Force have always been in attendance. A non-commissioned officer has acted in the capacity of clerk to the Bench until his death, which happened on the 23rd March, since when constable Thomson has been acting in his stead, and the men of the Armed Constabulary Force are employed, as required, in serving summonses and other processes of the Court. Taking Census. —One sergeant and one mounted constable were employed in February collecting agricultural statistics for the Provinces of Auckland and Hawke's Bay. Public and Useful Works. Nature and Extent of Road Works. —A detachment of men from Taupo Station has been employed from July to December, 1875, in keeping the road in repair between Taupo and Atiamuri Bridge, and another detachment at the same time commenced a new road between Taupo and the Hot Springs (Tapapakura), when excavations to the extent of 528 cubic yards and about 15 chains of scrub were removed, but owing to the slips on the public road, which were exposed, it was discontinued, and the men sent to remove them. From January to May all the available men have been employed clearing, repairing, and otherwise making a good serviceable road between Taupo and Te Niho-o-te-Kiore, from which large slips to the extent of 176 cubic yards were removed, and 250 cubic yards of stone and rock were blasted and spread on road as ballast; 1259 cubic yards of earth have been excavated and. removed, and 217 chains of ruts filled in with fern, manuka, or any other scrub found convenient, also 495 chains of road re-formed, and 25 chains of new formation, making the road in first-class order for any sort of conveyance. At Opepe Station all available men were employed during the last twelve months in keeping and repairing the road between Opepe and Taupo (distance 11 miles) and between Opepe and Bunanga (distance 22 miles). The whole road each way has been maintained in its present efficient state of thorough repair. The work performed on the public road at Bunanga Station until date of abandonment, by all the available men on the station, has been forming and grading 180 chains, excavation of earth and general repairing 50 cubic yards. Rocks to the extent of 50 cubic yards have been blasted and broken for road repairs, also 21 cubic yards of slips and drains have been cleared away and opened, leaving the road in good passable condition. An average of 20 men were also employed from December to May on the road between Bunanga and Kaiwaka. Building Bridges and Culverts. —Five draught horses, two drays, and two drivers were sent to Mohaka to assist in building the bridge and approaches, such as carting earth, stones, and timber, in order to facilitate the early construction of the bridge, but owing to the rough nature of the beach, and the drays being very old, they became unserviceable in a very short time, and were replaced by one dray purchased by the Public Works Department. Building Houses, Stables, fyc- —-Four constables were employed at Opepe Station, up to January, in sawing timber for repairs of buildings; 8,000 feet were cut, a portion of which was sent to Taupo Station, and the remainder reserved for the use of Opepe, and which has been used for different purposes, such as boarding the station-store, and fitting up the library as a store, in lieu of the one burnt, for Defence and Public Works Departments, and other necessary repairs. Fencing Paddocks and laying down in Grass. —At Tarawera, 40 chains of fencing split, carried, and erected, to complete tho fencing-in of the upper paddock, and the fencing of the middle and lower paddocks repaired ; 22 acres of paddock cleared at Te Haroto of heavy fern and logs, ploughed and sown with oats ; crop harvested and stacked. Fencing round paddock of 100 acres renewed. Remarks. Two drays, two express wagons, and nine draught horses, in charge of members of the Force, have been kept constantly travelling between Opepe and Napier, one way, distance eighty-four miles, and Tapuaeharuru, carrying Government stores and any other work required to be performed. One man of the Force is employed as farrier, and another as saddler. These men do all the work required at their respective trades, namely, shoeing and keeping in repair all ironwork, mending and rendering efficient all saddlery, harness, and gear on issue to the district. A new vegetable garden at Opepe has been fenced in, and the timber cleared from it. Other gardens of old standing are still kept in good order by men of the Force, when not actualty required by the Public Service. One of the Government whaleboats on Taupo Lake has been painted and repaired, and is now in serviceable order; the other has been condemned as not worth repairing. The Government store at Opepe was totally destroyed by fire on the 9th October, 1875, and almost all the contents burnt. A furious gale was blowing at the time, which defied all efforts to get the fire under, although all the available water was thrown on it; and owing to its close proximity to the barrack-room, efforts were made to save the latter, which eventually succeeded. On the 31st August, seven troop and five pack horses were sold by auction at Opepe, by order of the Commissioner, Armed Constabulary Force, and three constables dismounted, which leaves the present strength of horses in this district to be 9 draught, 10 troop, and 3 pack horses. A detachment of one sergeant and four men were transferred to Waikato, and two sergeants and three men were sent from there to replace them. Another detachment of one sergeant and nine men were also transferred to Tauranga, and relieved by nine men from that district. During the past twelve months, one sergeant and thirteen constables have left the Force, eight being dismissed as bad characters, and the sergeant and remaining five men at their own request. Sub-Inspector Northcroft and mounted constable Crowther were sent to Tokaanu on the 15th November, on special duty, as it was rumoured that a disturbance was taking place amongst the Natives; but finding the rumour without foundation, they returned to their station on the 19th. Foot constable Paul Jansen deserted the Force, aud was
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arrested at Tarawera. When brought before the Resident Magistrate's Court, he pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to three months' imprisonment in Napier Gaol. After completion of sentence, he was dismissed the Force. His Excellency the Governor visited this district in March. Two mounted constables left for Napier on 15th January, to attend the Hon. Sir Donald McLean, and returned on 4th March. On the 4th February, Sergeant Walker had to carry the Post Office mail from Taupo to Ohinemutu, owing to the neglect of the contractor in forgetting the same. Two deaths have occurred during the twelve months —namely, Sergeant-Major Leslie and constable Andrehen. Captain Humfrey inspected all Defence and Public Works stores, tools, &c, on issue to the district in May, 1876. Lieut.-Colonel Lyon, Acting-Commissioner, inspected the Taupo district in December, 1875, and found the men, barracks, buildings, &c, clean, and in excellent order. I have, &c., D. Scannell, Inspector A.C, The Commissioner A.C. Force, Wellington. Commanding Taupo District.
Enclosure 5 in No. 1. Inspector Lyon, Waikato District, to the Commissioner, Armed Constabulary Force. Armed Constabulary District Office, Waikato, Sir,— Hamilton, 20th May, 1876. In compliance with instructions contained in Circular Memorandum 181, of the 25th ultimo, I have the honor to forward, for your information, the following report of the duties performed by the Armed Constabulary in this district during the past year:— Military Duties. Average Strength of Officers and Men. —-The average strength of the Armed Constabulary in this district during the past year has been 4 officers, 2 surgeons, 1 acting veterinary surgeon, 17 noncommissioned officers, and 113 constables. Parades and Drills. —Divine service parade every Sunday at 10.30 a.m.; heavy marching order parade and drill once a week. There also have been inspection parade and drill for the officer commanding the district on his monthly visit to each station. The annual course of musketry instruction was conducted at head quarters commencing on the 11th November, 1875, and terminating on the 9th of March, 1876. Mails and Despatches. —A weekly mail is conveyed by mounted orderlies on Thursdays from Hamilton to Te Awamutu and Kihikihi, and on Fridays from Kihikihi and Te Awamutu to Hamilton. On Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, one from Kihikihi to Te Awamutu, to meet the subsidized mail running between Hamilton and Alexandra. A weekly mail is carried between Harapepe and Alexandra, and a bi-weekly one between Alexandra and Paterangi, as also frequent specials between Hamilton and Cambridge. Communication has also been maintained between head quarters and the out-stations by mounted orderlies. Escorts and Guards. —A party consisting of one non-commissioned officer and six constables proceeded to Auckland to do duty at Government House on the arrival of His Excellency the Governor from Wellington, and will remain until he takes his departure South. Two mounted non-commissioned officers and four constables attended His Excellency and staff on their tour through Waikato to the Lake District. Another party of one non-commissioned officer and six constables proceeded to Auckland to augment the police during the stay of the Naval Squadron in harbour. Escorts have also been frequently required in conducting prisoners to the Auckland and Ngaruawahia Gaols. Night guards at the various outposts, according to the strength of the detachments, have been regularly maintained. Target Ranges. —A target range of 800 y.irds has been cleared at Hamilton, and a new marker's butt erected. At Cambridge and Alexandra the ranges have been kept clear and in good order. Issuers and Storekeepers. —Sergeant White is employed as storekeeper and issuer at head quarters. Erection of Redoubts and Stockades. —No new redoubt or stockade has been erected during the past year. Civil Duties. A constable is specially employed upon civil duties at each township in the district, receiving the assistance of others as necessity may arise. Sergeant McGovern is assistant clerk of the Court at Hamilton, and constable Kirk clerk at Alexandra. Sergeant Bernard is attached to the Immigration Department, and receives and distributes the immigrants (of which there have been a considerable number) on arrival from Auckland. Six non-commissioned officers and constables were again employed in collecting the agricultural statistics of the Electoral Districts of Waikato and Waipa. Public and Useful Works. Road Work. —On the Patrol Boad, between Pukekura and Rotorangi, 39 chains of swamp have been formed, for which 1,990 fascines were used, and well covered with ballast. The party employed, on completion of this work, proceeded to Martyn's Bridge, between Hamilton and Cambridge, to fill in the approaches to a stone culvert, which has been built by members of the Force. Between Heathers' Creek and Te Rore 250 chains of road have been formed, and fascined where necessary, with a ditch cut on each side. At Ohote Creek, between Whatawhata and Heather's Creek, a small party have been employed at a very bad spot: 21 chains of road have been formed, and they are now engaged on a sidling. A party have also been employed between Orakau and Rangiawhia, and have performed good work on a piece of swamp hitherto nearly impassable. 4,600 fascines were cut, laid, and well covered with earth: five men of this party have been employed off and on cutting and preparing timber for a bridge on the Patrol Road. In consequence of the constant demand for men for the Auckland District, and the detachment.-, required at the present time for duty there, the strength of the different road parties has necessarily been small.
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At Alexandra the redoubt has required constant care and attention to keep it in repair, owing to its great size. Several loads of ti-tree were cut and carted for the purpose of repairing the banquette the revetement of which has been entirely renewed. In June, 1875, two men were employed shingling the Resident Magistrate's Court, and otherwise completing the re-building of it, it having been previously removed by members of the Force from its position at the rear of the redoubt, where it was used as a Maori hospital. The barracks have been painted inside and out, and two large gates made and painted for the Government paddock: the fences have been kept in repair, for which several hundred posts have been split and carted. At Cambridge, posts and rails have been split in the Pukekura bush for fencing in the officers' quarters and general repair of 'the several fences at the station. A new flag-staff was cut, brought in, and erected. The barrack-rooms and building used as a Magistrate's Court have been re-painted, and the stable has been re-floored. At Rotorangi, the detachment was employed on the Patrol Road between Cambridge and Kihikihi, the flood caused by the heavy rains on the 10th of last December leaving the road nearly impassable. Many culverts had to be repaired, and several chains of fascining done over again. A five-acre paddock has been ploughed, harrowed, and sown with oats, which have been made into hay and stacked, ready for winter use. At Kihikihi, the officers' quarters have been completed, aud a three-rail fence put round; a ten-acre paddock has been re-grassed, and a station garden fenced and cultivated; the redoubt has undergone thorough repair, and a new bridge thrown across tho entrance, the front levelled, and fifty loads of gravel carted a distance of three miles and spread upon it ; six hundred fascines have been cut and laid down on the road into the Government bush, where a new saw-pit has been built, and constables are at present employed sawing timber for a stable at Te Awamutu. At Hamilton, 19,398 feet of timber have been sawn, and 29,000 shingles split, for station purposes ; the gymnasium, a building 40 x 20, has been floored with tongued and grooved boards, and is now used as a school-room for the children of Hamilton West ; the blacksmith's shop has been re-shingled and painted ; the stable and forage-rooms, 80 x 20, have been re-shingled and re-floored; the non-commissioned officers' quarters, 20 x 15, have been re-shingled; and a new floor put in verandah. The large barrack building has been painted inside and out, and the mounted constables' quarters lined with sawn timber. Thirty arms chests have been made to forward arms to Wellington, and for the use of the Sub-Storekeeper here. A flag-staff, 70 feet long, has been cut, carted three miles, and erected in the redoubt. A picket fence, 300 feet long, has been put up round the barracks, containing 2,992 feet of sawn timber, and has also been neatly painted. Two large and four small gates have been made, painted, and hung. Forty chains of fencing have been split, carted, and erected round the Government paddock, and the remainder of the fences about the station put in thorough repair. A constable has been emyloyed to shoe the horses in the district, also doing any ironwork required for the repairs of wagons, drays, &c. The soldiers' graves at Waiare, Te Rore, Te Awamutu, and Rangiawhia, have been kept in proper order. Remarks. In conclusion, I may add that I only arrived in this district from Wellington on the 6th instant. Major Clare, who has been in command during my absence on duty at that place, informs me tho general conduct of the officers, non-commissioned officers, and constables has been good; offences few, and of a trifling nature; and that his orders have been always carried out expeditiously and cheerfully. I have, &c, Wm. C. Lyon, Lieut.-Colonel, Inspector Commanding Waikato District. The Commissioner A. C. Force, Wellington.
Enclosure 6 in No. 1. Sub-Inspector Gudgeon, Poverty Bay District, to the Commissioner, Armed Constabulary Force. Sic, — Poverty Bay District, 15th May, 1876. In accordance with Circular No. 181, of the 25th April, 1876, I have the honor to forward, for your information, the following report of duties performed by the Armed Constabulary in this district from the Ist June, 1875, to the 30th April, 1876 :— Militaey Duties. Average Strength of Officers and Men. —One sub-inspector, 1 sergeant-major, 1 first-class sergeant, 4 second-class sergeants, 3 mounted constables, 24 foot constables. Names of Stations Occupied. —Ormond, Gisborne, Te Awanui. Nature of Parades and Drills. —Inspection parades once a week in marching order; Divine service parades on Sundays ; inspection of saddlery once a week. The annual course of musketry was commenced at Te Awanui on the 14th October, and finished on the 23rd. At Ormond, the musketry course commenced on the Ist November, and terminated on the 24th. The mounted men commenced on the 11th, and finished on the 20th March. The shooting was unusually good throughout—very superior to last year's; and as the men had but little practice, I can only attribute their success to the new rifles. Out of 24 men who passed through the course, 19 are marksmen. Carrying Mails and Despatches. —On three occasions a mounted constable was sent with urgent despatches to Waiapu, and the usual police duties, carriage of despatches, &c., have been performed by the mounted men of the Force.
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Escorts and Guards. —At Ormond aud Te Awanui, only a night-watch of one constable is kept, the whole available Force being employed on the roads. No escorts have been performed by the Force of a military nature. Issuers and Storekeepers. —One constable of the Armed Constabulary Force is employed at Gisborne as sub-storekeeper under tho Public Stores Act; another is employed as clerk to the Militia and Land Purchase Departments. A constable is also employed occasionally in cleaning tbe Ngatiporou reserve of 100 Sniders at Te Awanui. Civil Duties. Attending Civil Courts. —-During the year, about eighty sittings of the Resident Magistrate's Court and four of the Quarterly Licensing Court have been held, and at each Court the sergeant in charge of Gisborne Station and two constables have attended. Collecting Agricultural Statistics. —From the 15th of February to the 2nd March, one constable was engaged in collecting the returns over a coast line of 130 miles from Waiapu to Te Mahia. Steps taken for the Prevention of Crime. —l sergeant, 1 mounted and 2 foot constables are employed at Gisborne Station in police duties. About 160 cases of a more or less serious character have passed through their hands. The more serious crimes are slightly on the increase. Attending Native Lands Court. —The Native Lands Court opened at Gisborne on the 17th June. Sergeant Armstrong and a constable attended the Court throughout the sitting. The Court was closed on the Ist September. The Court opened again on the 23rd February, and was attended by a constable until the 2nd March. The behaviour of the Natives was excellent throughout. The Court opened at Waiapu early in April, and as disturbances were expected from a turbulent section of Ngatiporou, headed by the chief Wi Keiha, I ordered Sergeant Armstrong, in charge of Te Awanui, to withdraw the men from road work, and place the whole of his available force (33 men), at the disposal of Captain Porter, District Officer; fortunately the Natives behaved quietly, and their services were not urgently required. Escorts for Prisoners. —On four occasions constables have been sent to Auckland with prisoners, and on one occasion to Napier. Public and Useful Works. Extent and Nature of Road Works. —Work was commenced by the Force in this district in December, when 8 men were employed on the Motu line. In December, 14_ chains of road-side cuttings under the Waikohu Cliff were excavated, 448 cubic yards of clay, and 143 of rock removed; value of work, £27 10s. 6d. In January, slips on the previous month's work were removed, and 16 chains of side cuttings made ; but this work was not measured or valued, it haying been swept completely away by the high flood which visited the district during the latter part of January. In February, 1 sergeant aud 18 men were employed on the Mangatu and Ormond line, and completed 20 chains of side and block cuttings, 1,203 cubic yards of sidings, and 102J- of block cuttings were removed. Value of work, £50 4s. 3d. In March, 1 sergeant and 18 men were employed, and built one bridge, 20 x 13, and one, 16 x 13, and formed 20 chains of road through the forest, 10 feet wide. Four men were also employed in surveying for eight days. Value of work, £75 12s. In April, 1 sergeant and 18 men were employed on the Ormond and Gisborne main road, repairing damage done by the flood: 1,779 feet of drains dug, containing 1,021 cubic yards of earth, and the centre of the roadway for 955 feet raised by wheeling 283 cubic yards of earth upou it. Sixteen men were also employed for two days in clearing the Muhunga Creek of logs to increase the drainage. Work not valued to date. Building Houses, Sfc. —Since writing my last report, a comfortable station has been built at Te Awanui by the constables of the Force ; one barrack-room, 30 x 10 ; non-commissioned officers' quarters, 20 xlO ; and a cook-house, 10 x 10. A lock-up has also been built of strong slabs at Ormond containing two cells, each Bx6. The old block-house at Gisborne Station, having proved inadequate for the requirements of the Force, has been sold by public auction, and new buildings erected by members of the Force, as follows : —Office, 10 xl 2 ; barrack-room, 22 x 12; two cells, each Bx6. The cook-house and two cells originally built have been moved to the new site, and form sufficient gaol accommodation for some years to come. A square round these buildings has been palisaded with strong timber, cut in the Ormond bush and carted to town by the Government drays. The enclosure is 40 x 50, and 7 feet high. Fencing Paddocks and laying down in Grass. —The Government paddock at Ormond has been enlarged by 10 chains of extra fencing, and 3 acres of it cleared and ploughed and laid down in good grass. The home paddock round the camp reserve at Ormond was completely buried in mud 3 feet deep during the high flood of January, 1876; 7 chains of fencing had therefore to be dug out and re-erected. Eight acres of grass were cut for hay during the month of December, and stacked at Ormond: it was completely destroyed by the flood. Remarks. The conduct of the Force has been very satisfactory. One dray and an ambulance waggon are employed occasionally in carting oats, firewood, for the Gisborne lock-up and palisades : they are driven by a mounted constable of the Force. During the month of April the district was visited by the Marquis of Normanby and suite. A dispute, which at one timo assumed serious proportions, arose during March between a section of Ngatiporou and a settler at Te Awanui. The Natives seized some of his cattle and sold them by auction, to satisfy a claim for rent w;hich they alleged was due them. Their behaviour when summoned before the Resident Magistrate's Court at Waiapu was most bounceable, and they openly stated that they would shoot any one attempting to arrest them, but by the able management of Captain Porter (Native Agent) the affair was settled and the cattle returned.
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A foot constable was employed as clerk to Judge Rogan (Native Lands Court) from June, 1875, to February, 1876, when he returned to his duty. Another constable conversant with the Maori language has since been transferred from Te Wairoa in the same capacity. Since my last report the following casualties have taken place in the Force in this district: —l sergeant died; 1 sergeant and 3 constables discharged at their own request; transferred to other districts, 1 sergeant: total 6. Transferred from depot, 1 sergeant and 10 constables; from other districts, 1 sergeant, 1 constable ; enrolled here, 1 constable: total, 14. I have, &a., W. G. Gudgeon, Sub-Inspector, Commanding P.B. District. The Commissioner, Armed Constabulary Force, Wellington.
Enclosure 7 in No. 1. Inspector Tuke, Taranaki District, to the Commissioner, Armed Constabulary Force. Armed Constabulary District Office, New Plymouth, Sir,— 25th May, 1876. I have the honor to forward annual report of the various duties performed by the Armed Constabulary under my command in this district. Military Duties. Average Strength. —The average strength, since Ist July, 1875, has been 69, all ranks. Parades and Drills. —The usual parades, drills, and musketry instruction have taken place throughout the year. Conveying Mails and Despatches.- —The regular system of communication between head-quarters and the various out-posts or stations has continued in force. Escorts, Guards, fyc —Escorts and guards have been furnished whenever required. Target Ranges. —The target range has been kept clear of fern, and in proper repair. Telegraph Duty. —A party of men at Okato still continue to carry telegrams twice daily, meeting the Natives employed on that duty from Opunake. Issuers and Storekeepers. —Members of the Force are detailed for this duty. Redoubts, fyc. —Existing redoubts and earth works have been kept in repair. Civil Duties. Steps taken for the Prevention of Crime. —Every assistance required has been rendered to the civil authorities for the prevention of crime. Agricultural Returns. —The agricultural returns of the province were principally collected by men ofthe Force. Public and Useful Works. Nature and Extent of Road Works. —At Pukearuhe, about 60 chains of the main North Road have been formed. The remainder of the road between Pukearuhe and Wai-iti, has been kept in repair. At Mimi, the main North Road has been formed half a chain in width a distance of 49 chains, in addition to completing the side-cutting mentioned in my last report, removing 165 cubic yards of earth. The road to the bridge from the North is now available for carts. The main road at Urenui for a distance of 30 chains has been rounded up, ditches cleared, and road gravelled, occupying the whole party a month, some very dangerous holes being filled up. The main road on both sides of the ford at Mimi River rounded up, ditches dug, &c, a distance of 11 chains; the Ouairo Hill repaired; making a total of about 100 chains of road completed. A horse track through Native land on the north side of the Mimi Bridge has been cut through fern and scrub a distance of 127 chains, 18 chains, being a side-cutting 4 feet in width, the whole ofthe distance requiring levelling with the spade. At Kaipakiri, 10 chains of road through bush to saw pits have been made, and roads in vicinity repaired. Building Bridges, Culverts, S(c. —The Mimi Bridge is now completed so far as to be available for cart traffic, the hand-rails, &c, and painting not being completed. It contains about 39,000 feet of timber, consisting entirely of rimu. The driving of the piles has proved a work of much greater difficulty than was expected, the river bottom being very soft, the three centre tiers of five piles each being driven 30 feet into the river bed before getting to a solid bottom, necessitating splicing tbe piles, and causing delay while procuring extra timber. The winch used to hoist the monkey being a hand one, and the piles driving about i inch to \ inch to a blow for such a length of timber, rendered it very tedious work. Bridge at Waiau. —The bridge over the Waiau Stream, 26 feet in length, has been repaired and re-floored, new hand-rails fixed, &c. Sawing and Splitting Timber. —At Kaipakiri, 9,304 feet of rimu have been cut since the date of my last report —namely, for Mimi Bridge, 4,387 feet, and for camp at Pukearuhe, 4,917 feet. 19,000 shingles have been split, consisting of red and white pine. Timber has also been split to repair culvert on Tikorangi Boad. Buildings, Sfc. —At Pukearuhe, a guard-room, 12 by 14 feet, has been built and painted; the library, stables, and men's mess whare kept in repair and thatched. A portion of the quarters of the sub-inspector in charge has been weather-boarded, painted, and the roof shingled. The hospital has been lined and painted. At New Plymouth, the building used as a district office and store has been new shingled and repaired. 2—H. 16.
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Fencing Paddocks. —At Pukearuhe, 14 chains of post-and-rail fence has been split and put up in the Government paddock, and 7 chains of fencing along the edge of the cliffs. The ditch and bank fence round the Government paddock has been repaired, and the ditches cleaned out. The fence round the paddock at New Plymouth has been kept in repair, and all other necessary work promptly attended to. Remarks. I have much pleasure in again reporting favourably of the general conduct of the Force in this district. The men have been kept usefully employed, and worked as well as can possibly be expected when it is taken into consideration that most of them (excepting the bridge party) are totally unused to manual labour. I bave noticed a considerable improvement in drill, and can safely say that quite two-thirds of the men are now fair average shots, in a great measure owing to private practice, which I continue to encourage as much as possible. The mounted party at Okato have carried the daily telegrams over 22,000 miles since my last report, without accident and in all weathers, for which they deserve credit. The bridge party has had to contend with many unforeseen difficulties, and have now completed their work satisfactorily. I should here mention that the piles of the Urenui Bridge, which sunk some inches, and were re-driven under the direction and superintendence of the District Engineer, have again sunk owing to some peculiarity in the strata, showing conclusively that no blame could attach to the constabulary work in the first instance. I would venture to suggest that the Force should be concentrated for at least a month or six months annually, and instructed in field work of all sorts in addition to drill. Such a course would, I am satisfied, prove beneficial, especially to recruits who have but little opportunity of instruction in this respect, while so many men are required for road and other work. I have, &c, Arthur Tuke, The Commissioner, Armed Constabulary. Inspector, Armed Constabulary.
Enclosure 8 in No. 1. Inspector Richardson, Wairoa District, to the Commissionee, Armed Constabulary Force. Armed Constabulary, Wairoa District, Te Kapu, Sir,— 13th May, 1876. In compliance with Circular Memorandum No. 181 from your office, I have the honor to forward, for your information, the following annual report of the duties, &c, performed by the Armed Constabulary Force, Wairoa District, during the past twelve months : — Military Duties. Average Strength of Force in District. —One inspector, 2 sub-inspectors, 1 surgeon, 6 non-commis-sioned officers, 7 mounted and 40 foot constables. Nature of Parades and Drills. —Divine service parades every Sunday; heavy marching order and inspection parades once every week; general inspection and drill at out-stations by officers commanding district monthly; weekly inspection of horses and mounted men's appointments by officer in charge of stations. Since the employment of the Force on road works, the road parties are drilled monthly. The annual course of musketry was commenced on 11th November, 1875, and finished on 26th February, 1876. Patrolling and Scouting. —No duties of this nature are now required, except at Onepoto Station, from whence a patrol is occasionally sent out in the Government boat on Lake Waikaremoana. All Native settlements in the district are also occasionally visited, but without any appearance of espionage. Conveying Mails and Despatches. —From Onepoto and Ohuka to head quarters, weekly mail; from Te Keinga and Opoiti, weekly; and from Marumaru, bi-weekly communication; between Wairoa and Mahia, an orderly every fortnight, alternating with the contract mail; between Clyde and Te Kapu, an orderly daily; the mail from Te Kapu Post Office to Clyde Post Office being also conveyed bi-weekly. Urgent despatches have been frequently sent to Onepoto, on application from Messrs. Locke and Hamlin. One sergeant was sent to Poverty Bay, with books, papers, &c, belonging to Native Lands Court under Judge Rogan ; and one mounted constable was sent to Poverty Bay with election papers. A mounted constable is also detailed to act as orderly to Judge Rogan. Escorts, Guards, &jc. —At Onepoto, two men were mounted nightly, until that station was reduced to its present strength, since which time one constable acts as night-watchman. At Te Kapu, stable and barrack orderlies by day, and night-watchman. At the other stations also night-watchmen are told off. In June, 1875, a Native prisoner was escorted to the Mahia, and handed over to the Gisborne police. Making and improving Target Ranges. —At Te Kapu, Ohuka, Marumaru, and Onepoto Stations, the ranges have been cleared and kept in good order and repair ; butts, platforms, and mantlets being erected. Issuers and Storekeepers. —One non-commissioned officer (Sergeant Williams) is appointed substorekeeper for the district under the Public Stores Act. Assistance is also rendered towards cleaning spare arms belonging to Militia and Volunteers in store. The Force in the district messing themselves, no issuers are required. At the different stations and road parties the officers and sergeants are held responsible for all tools, both Public Works and Defence. Erection of Redoubts and Stockades. —No fresh works of this nature have beeu constructed. At each station the redoubts have been kept in repair, and in some cases partly rebuilt. The brick magazine at Te Kapu has been covered with a coat of cement.
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Civil Duties. Attending Civil Courts. —The probationary sergeant in charge of the Clyde Station attends the Resident Magistrate's Court twice per week, being employed as clerk and interpreter to that Court, and also accompanies the Resident Magistrate to Mahia (36 miles) and Mohaka (15 miles) every three months. One constable proceeded to Mahia in March with the Resident Magistrate's Court, and constables are frequently detailed for this purpose on the application of the Resident Magistrate. Steps taken for the Prevention of Crime. —The public-houses at Te Kapu and Marumaru (three in all) are under close police supervision. Constables have been frequently stationed at Clyde for ordinary police duties during the absance of the district constable. While the Land Court was being held at Clyde such strict police supervision was held as to call forth a high compliment from His Honor Judge Rogan, on the marked freedom from crime and disturbance during the time that 500 or 600 Natives were in attendance. Attending Lands Court. —Three constables attended Judge Rogan's Court at Clyde, from 29th October to 12th November, 1875, and from 26th to 29th February, 1876, both inclusive. After the sitting of the Lands Court, Messrs. Locke and Hamlin, Native Lands Purchase Commissioners, held large Native meetings at Te Kapu for the purpose of paying Natives for land, and a strong body of Armed Constabulary attended every day for police duty, rationing, &c. Taking Census, Sfc. —The agricultural statistics for No. 8 sub-district, Hawke's Bay Province, and No. 7 sub-district, Auckland Province, were collected by Sergeant Brownlow and mounted-constable Tunks. One sergeant acts under instructions from the Auckland Provincial Treasury as collector of educational rates, Auckland Province. Probationary Sergeant Carr was employed as Deputy Returning Officer from 14th to 16th January, 1876, at Mahia, for the Eastern Maori Electoral District. Public and Useful Works. Nature and Extent of Roadworks. —The road between Te Kapu and Waikaremoana, a distance of 30 miles, has been kept in repair since Ist July, 1875, slips removed, fresh cuttings made, bridges and culverts newly constructed and repaired. After tbe heavy freshet in the Waiau and Waikare Taheke Rivers in January last, this road in places had to be entirely re-made. At that time 22 men were employed thereon. Two men are now constantly at work keeping the portion between Te Kapu and Ohuka in repair. From Ohuka to the Tarapatiki Crossing this work is performed by the members of the Force stationed at Ohuka. From Tarapatiki to Onepoto the men stationed at the latter place keep the road in order. A canoe and posts have been placed at the Tarapatiki Crossing, where a wire rope will now be stretched. Great difficulty was experienced during the early part of the year owing to this crossing being unfordable for the space of two months, during which period a difficult and circuitous route had to be taken. On the 14th February, when the Onepoto Road was opened sufficiently for horse traffic, the road party commenced repairing the damage done to the dray road between Wairoa and Opoiti by the January floods, being a distance of 12 miles. This work was finished on 11th March. From the 10th October, 1875, this road has been kept in repair by 2 constables detailed for that purpose. In repairing this damage 1 sergeant and 17 constables were employed, working altogether 408 days. The whole of the cuttings had to be thoroughly repaired, and in some places re-formed, the old cuttings being in many places swept bodily away; 2 culverts were replaced, and the approaches to 4 bridges repaired. From 13th to 16th March, 1 sergeant and 18 constables were employed repairing the approaches to the Scamperdown Bridge and dray road between Te Kapu and Wairoa —6 miles. On this road the men were employed a total of 76 days. On the 17th March work was commenced on the Wairoa-Whakaki Boad, clearing line for dray road between Clyde and the beach, If miles being cleared of manuka, flax, toe-toe, &c, and 13 chains of ditching and formation finished up to 12th May. On this road 1 sergeant and 12 constables were employed in March for 169 days; in April, 209 days ; and up to 12th May, 1 sergeant and 10 constables a total of 110 days. On the 17th March, 4 constables were detailed to Marumaru to keep the road between Te Kapu and Opoiti in repair, and 2 constables to keep the road in order between Opoiti and Te Eeinga, a distance of 7_ miles. The Marumaru party besides keeping the road in good repair, have cut a new line of road across the Marumaru Flat for IJ, miles, clearing manuka, &c, and here formed a passable road across Cohen's Flat (1 mile). During March, 4 constables were employed 52 days in April, 1 sergeant and 4 constables 110 days, and up to 12th May, 1 sergeant and 4 constables, 48 days. The road between Opoiti and Te Reinga has been kept in good order, slips removed, and water-tables opened. During the month of March, 2 constables were employed a total of 54 days; during April, 54 days; and up to 12th May, 20 days. I would here take the opportunity of stating that it is but recently that road works of any extent have been carried out in this district, and that at the beginning the weather was very unfavourable. On the 3rd April, Sub-Inspector Maclean visited and reported on the road works then being carried on by the Natives at Ahinunu, on the inland road to Poverty Bay. Bridges and Culverts. —Between Te Kapu and Ohuka, 4 bridges and 19 culverts have been either replaced or entirely rebuilt; between Ohuka and Tarapatiki, 2 new bridges built and 4 culverts replaced ; between Tarapatiki and Onepoto, 2 bridges and 2 culverts repaired; on the Wairoa-Opoiti Road, 2 bridges repaired and 4 culverts replaced. All the above bridges are small works, the largest being about 24 x 8 feet. The approaches to the Scamperdown and Hikairai Bridges on the Wairoa Road have also been repaired. Houses, Stables, Sfc. —At Te Kapu Station, the stables (6-stall, loose box, and hay-loft) have been finished, 5,000 feet timber being sawn for that purpose by members of tbe A.C. Force. All the buildings have been repaired and kept in good order. At Onepoto Station an addition has been built to the officers' quarters, for which purpose 1,000 feet timber were sawn by the men of that station, the buildings painted and repaired. At Ohuka the whares (raupo) have been re-thatched.
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Fencing Paddocks and laying down in Grass. —At all the stations in the district the paddock fences have been repaired. At Onepoto, 5 acres dense bush and scrub have been cleared and sown with grass seed. At Te Kapu and Ohuka, fresh quantities of grass seed have been sown with most beneficial results. Sixteen tons of hay were cut and stacked at Te Kapu Station for food during the winter months for the Constabulary horses, troop and draught, the pack horses being turned out to grass during the winter. Ferrymen. —One constable acts as ferryman over the "Wairoa Eiver at Te Kapu Station. At Opoiti one man is stationed to keep the ferry over the Maungapaiki Stream, on the inland Poverty Bay Road. During the floods a constable was temporarily stationed at Makahuea from 18th January to Bth March, to act as ferryman over the Waikare Taheke Eiver. Remaeks. Remarks. —One dray and 2 draught horses are employed between Clyde and Te Kapu in carting stores, such as clothing, tools, ammunition, <fee, arriving at the former station for the Armed Constabulary ; also in conveying forage to head quarters, shifting road camps, &c. The district is rapidly progressing, great benefit being already felt from the road works now in progress, communication throughout the entire district being improved. Native affairs are quiet. The Government having lately acquired a valuable estate of considerably over 150,000 acres, the settlement and prosperity of the district is now certain. Since the establishment of road works, the men have worked cheerfully and perform a fair amount of work. Sub-Inspector Maclean is the superintending officer of road parties, and I have received no complaints from him on this head. Assistance was also rendered to the Trigonometrical Survey Party, under Mr. Smith, by the Onepoto detachment, in the formation of station at Pane Kiri, &c. Guides and horses were furnished to a deputation of intending immigrants (German) who inspected the district, with a view to settlement, last March. During the months of January and February floods of an unprecedented height occurred, and communication with the outposts of Ohuka and Onepoto was completely cut off for some considerable period. To reestablish this communication was at first a matter of some little danger and a great amount of labour, for which I brought under your notice the names of several members of the Porce who rendered good services. Since Ist June, 1875, 5 men were discharged at their own request; 4 men were discharged for misconduct; 2 men were enrolled by order of Lieut.-Colonel St. John on his inspection of this district in December last; 3 sergeants and 2 constables have been transferred from, and 1 probationary sergeant to, this district. With respect to the projected abolition of the province, it might not bo ont of place in this report to advert slightly to the difference that will thereby be made in this district. At the present moment, the police arrangements in the district are divided, and such division of authority might, by clashing at an inopportune moment, be injurious to the public welfare. This district is about equally divided between the Auckland and Hawke's Bay Provinces; in the former, the Armed Constabulary perform police duty, while in the latter the sole control is vested in the provincial constable, who has, however, to apply periodically for Armed Constabulary assistance. This will be more and more required as the population of the district increases, and it is with a view to amalgamate this divided authority into one harmonious whole that I introduce this subject into my report. Again, the out-settlements of Mahia and Mohaka are now absolutely without any police supervision whatever; at each place there are two publichouses ; at each place the floating population is considerable ; in both places the two races, Maori and European, are living in close contact, and although disturbances are perhaps few and far between, there are often arising breaches of the peace that now have to pass unnoticed. At the Mahia, too, there is a very rough element consisting of whalers, mostly half-castes, who really require supervision. As both these outlying settlements are situated in the Hawke's Bay Province, if the Armed Constabulary exercise police duties in them, such should also be the case throughout the whole district, and I would, therefore, respectfully solicit your attention to this important subject. The conduct of the men under my command has been exemplary, but few and trivial offences having been committed. In conclusion, I would bring under your favourable notice the assistance afforded me by the officers of the district, who, together with the sergeants and constables, have shown the utmost zeal and diligence in the faithful discharge of their respective duties. I have, &c, "W. A. Richaedson, Inspector A.OF., Commanding "Wairoa District. The Commissioner, Armed Constabulary, Wellington.
Enclosure 9 in No. 1. Inspector Titbneb, Patea District, to the Co_u.missio_eb, Armed Constabulary Force. Sic, — Armed Constabulary, District Office, Patea, 30th May, 1876. In accordance with instructions contained in Circular Memorandum No. 181, of 25th April, 187(3, I have the honor to forward the following report of the duties performed by the Armed Constabulary Force in the Whanganui and Patea District during the past twelve months ; — Militaey Duties. Average Strength of Officers and Men in District. —1 inspector, 3 sub-inspectors, 1 assistant surgeon, and 70 non-commissioned officers and constables. Nature of Parades and Drills. —Divine service parades have been held regularly at every station; marching order parades usually every Wednesday or Saturday.
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In addition to the annual course of musketry instruction, which was held at Waihi during the months of November and December, the detachments have been frequently exercised in light infantry and the new skirmishing drill. During the month of September, the mounted constables were put through a course of drill. Special parades have been held at Opunake, Patea, aud Waihi once a month, for the purpose of inspecting arms, accoutrements, and saddlery. Patrolling and Scouting. —Little or no duty of this nature has been performed; communication by means of mounted orderlies between the various stations has at times been required. Carriage of Mails and Despatches. —Waihi furnishes an orderly for the conveyance of outgoing mails between that station, Norraanby, and Hawera, three times every week. The constable stationed at Hawera is also employed tri-weekly in carrying mails to Waihi and Normanby. Cobb and Co.'s coach carries a mail tri-weekly between Whanganui and Hawera, and bi-weekly between Hawera and Opunake. Mounted Escorts, Guards, Sfc. —2 mounted constables, furnished from Waihi, attended as orderlies at the Colonial Prize Firing, held at Whanganui in March; and 1 non-commissioned officer, and 10 constables were employed on the same occasion as a fatigue party. Civil prisoners committed for trial at Whanganui or New Plymouth have been escorted thither by foot constables ; and numerous arrests have been made which required escorts from out-stations to Patea. Up to the 16th May, 2 constables mounted guard daily at Waihi, but owing to the reduced strength of that station, the number has been since altered to 1; and for the same reason, 2 constables only mount guard daily at Opunako instead of 1 non-commissioned officer and 3 constables, as formerly. At the out-stations, the duties of the constables partake more of the nature of police supervision than guards ; but one constable constantly remains about the barracks. Making and Improving Target Ranges. —The rifle range at Waihi has been kept in good order, and new butts have been erected thereon; and at Opunake a short range was cleared, but no further improvement was made, ..as, by direction of the Government, the Force at that station was not permitted to be exercised in musketry. Issuer and Storekeeper. —One constable has been employed as sub-storekeeper throughout the year. Erection of Redoubts, Sfc. —The palisade and block-houses at Waihi have been kept in thorough repair, but there has been no necessity for the erection of any new defensive works. Civil Duties. Steps taken for Prevention of Crime. —One foot sergeant and 1 foot constable have been employed throughout the year on police duty in the Township of Carlyle. At Keteinarae, Hawera, Manutahi, Wairoa, and Waitotara, a constable is detailed daily for police duty. Cases of crime in the district numbered 41 arrests, and of these 4 were sent for trial. The constables stationed at Hawera are frequently employed in serving summonses, 12G being served by them during the year. The sittings of the Resident Magistrate's Court at Patea and Hawera are attended by constables of tho Force. Collecting Agricultural Statistics. —The following members of the Force were employed in the Taranaki Province on this duty:—Sergeant Hurrell, from southern boundary of the province to the Manawapo, and Constable Weatherly, from the Manawapo to the Waingongoro Rivers. In the Wellington Province, Constable Burrow was employed collecting agricultural statistics between the northern boundary of the province and the Waitotara River. Public and Useful Woeks. Nature and Extent of Road Work.— One foot sergeant and 8 foot constables have been employed on road work between Patea and Oeo since the beginning of March, 1876 ; and Opunake Station has, since the 21st February, supplied a party of 5 constables daily for road work between Umuroa and Punehu. The latter party has, during that period, cleared 255 chains 69 links, more or less, of main drains ; 58 chains 27 links water tables ; and 255 chains of flax and scrub. They have also kept in repair the approaches to the bridges between the before-mentioned places. The party between Oeo and Patea has been employed in keeping in repair the existing road between those places, stretching over 47 miles. They are shifted about as occasion requires by direction of an overseer holding office under Mr. 0. Carrington, Engineer in charge of West Coast. Building Bridges and Culverts. —With the exception of a small culvert, 14 by 12, built at Waihi, no new structures of this nature have been erected. Two constables from the road party were employed a considerable time in effecting certain necessary repairs to the bridges over the Patea and Whenuakura Rivers. The bridges over the Tongahoe and Manawapo have been attended to by the road party. Building Houses and Stables. —Officers' quarters, 27 by 22, with double brick chimney and verandah, have been erected at Waihi. 5,000 feet of timber and 9,000 shingles were required for these quarters, the whole of the material being supplied by Constabulary labour. At Opunake, the magazine, an iron building, 14 by 12, was removed from Opunake to Te Namu, the proper Constabulary camp, and re-erected in the Government paddock, and a small whare has been built for use as a guard-room. In my last report I alluded to the half-finished state of the stables at Waihi. I have since then had that portion already built removed from the bank of the creek to a more convenient spot in the paddock behind the redoubt. Fencing Paddocks and laying down Grass. —At Waihi, 5 chains of new post-and-rail fencing have been put up and 20 chains repaired, the whole requiring 100 rails and 50 posts, which were split by the men at that station. At the same station 7 acres were mown, and yielded 12 tons of good hay. At Opunake, the total amount of fencing material supplied by the Force at that station amounted to 1,000 rails and 250 posts, and this quantity had to be carried out ofthe bush a considerable distance by the men, to be erected thence about 2? miles to camp.
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This material has been used in fencing in with post and 4-rail fence a paddock of over 7 acres. Under this head might also be included the garden, which had to be fenced in and tended by the constables, there being no means of obtaining vegetables by any other source. Miscellaneous. —At Waihi, 100 cords of firewood were cut by the Force at that station ; and at Opunake, 25 cords ; and numerous necessary repairs haye been executed at the various stations. Remaees. During the past year Native matters in this district have remained quiet, and beyond the Native land-trespass case at Waitotara, no disagreement between the races has occurred. At the time the Natives concerned in the above case were examined at the Resident Magistrate's Court, at Carlyle, I thought it advisable to augment the police force at Patea ; consequently I removed the road party (11 in number) to Patea on temporary transfer, Sub-Inspector Kenny, from Waihi, accompanying the detachment. From the Bth to 14th April, a guard of 1 non-commissioned officer and 3 constables mounted daily over the Maori prisoners committed for trial at Supreme Court holden at Whanganui. I can speak most favourably of tho general conduct of the Force under my command for the past twelve months, and I may add that at the various Armed Constabulary stations the men seem to have shown a desire to please their immediate superior officers. The road party was for a time, at the request of the Engineer in charge West Coast, without the supervision of a non-commissioned officer, but as this arrangement was not found to work well, I placed Sergeant Fortescue in charge. During the past year, 7 constables in this district obtained their discharges at their own request, 2 were dismissed for misconduct, and 7 transferred to other districts. I have, Ac, H. F. Tuenee, Inspector A.C, Commanding Whanganui and Patea District. The Commissioner Armed Constabulary Force, Wellington.
Enclosure 10 in No. 1. Captain Stack, Wellington, to the Commissioneb, Armed Constabulary Force. Sic, — Armed Constabulary Depot, Wellington, 31st May, 1876. In accordance with regulations, I have the honor to forward you the following report on the Armed Constabulary Depot for the year 1875-76, covering the Annual Musketry Return ofthe Force: — Militaey Duties. Average Strength. —The average strength of the depot during the year was 55, of all ranks. Drills and Parades. —With the exception of an interval of about ten weeks, when all the men were employed in forming the Polhill's Gully Rifle Range, under the direction of an officer of the Public Works Department, three parades with drill have taken place on all working days, except Saturdays, when there have been two ; and parade in marching order once a week for your inspection, or that of the Acting Commissioner, during your absence from New Zealand. Escorts and Guards. —The piquet posted at Government House gate was, on the 15th of July last replaced by a guard of one sergeant and three constables, which mounted daily till His Excellency left Wellington on the 15th February. A look-out piquet has been maintained on the magazine as heretofore, when there were not a sufficient number of men here to allow of mounting a regular guard. Mounted escorts attended His Excellency the Governor on the occasions of his opening and proroguing the General Assembly, and on the latter occasion a guard of honor of Armed Constabulary received His Excellency at the entrance to the Legislative Council Chamber. Escorts on prisoners remanded from one jurisdiction to another have been furnished from the depot as required. CrviL Duties. During the Session of the General Assembly, constables were, as usual, placed at the disposal of the Hon. the Speaker of the House of Representatives for maintenance of order in the galleries of the House, and also during the sittings of the Court of Appeal orderlies have been told off for their Honors the Judges of the Supreme Court. In consequence of the presence in Wellington of an efficient body of provincial police, the men of the Armed Constabulary stationed at the depot for drill and instruction are rarely called upon to act in the capacity of constables, nevertheless some arrests have been made, and convictions against the offenders obtained in all cases. Public and Useful Woeks. Men not on duty or special employment have been always occupied between the hours of drill in cleaning and repairing barracks, gravelling parade ground, forming roads, and putting up fences on the Government property at Mount Cook. Fatigue parties have been furnished constantly to other departments, notably lately on the removal of the Treasury and Audit from the old Government Buildings to the new. All men available turned out with the barrack fire-engine on nine several occasions of fire during the past year, and particularly at the serious fire which commenced in Messrs. Turnbull's store on the 25th March, and did excellent service, as was acknowledged by the public and the Press of Wellington, and were, with the sanction of the Hon. the Native Minister, handsomely remunerated by the firm mentioned, and by others who were or might have been sufferers had the fire not been subdued. Agricultural statistics were collected by a sergeant of the Armed Constabulary, under the directions of the Superintendent-Collector. Target Ranges. —The old Adelaide range may now be said to be no longer available for practice. Alterations are in progress on the Polhill's Gully range, already referred to, which, when properly completed, will be of great advantage.
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Musketet. Annual Musketry Practice Return. —The Annual Musketry Return of the Force shows an improvement of I'sB points in the figure of merit of this year over last, and an increase of 490 points in the percentage of marksmen. The percentage of marksmen is very good, but the figure of merit has not yet reached that standard ; however, it is to be remembered that the members of the Force this year fired with a weapon entirely new to them, the short Snider, and of which I said, in my report to the Acting Commissioner last year, that, while I believed it superior to the medium rifle for general service in New Zealand, I did not anticipate that it would be found superior, if even equal, to the old weapon on the practice range. Drill and Practice Returns. —These returns appear to have been kept in accordance with regulations. In the returns received from two of the districts, there were points which I thought required explanation, and these I have brought under your notice in my letter No. 16, of the 16th of May last. Armed Constabulary Prizes. —tt was directed by a circular memorandum from the Acting Commissioner, No. 172, of the 22nd of October last, 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 three preceding years ; I therefore, on the 16th ultimo, forwarded you an extract from the Annual Musketry Return, showing the distribution of the prizes for the year, which only reached 54 out of 83 who were qualified for those rewards by their shooting. Colonial Prize Firing.—ln this firing the Armed Constabulary were not so successful as last year. Of the foot portion of the Force, only six qualified, and only the three Government representatives attended the meeting. Of the mounted men, five qualified and three went to the firing at their own expense, besides the one Government representative. Asms, etc. The arms, accoutrements, ammunition, &c, which I have inspected were serviceable and in good order. The new material now being issued for clothing will, I feel sure, give general satisfaction, and, with the new cap approved of by the Hon. the Native Minister, will very greatly improve the appearance of the Force. Remabks. I observe that a general order was issued in March last, considerably altering the regulations for target practice in the annual course of musketry in the army. I trust that during the year they may be introduced into the training of the Armed Constabulary. They are not numerous though important, and tend rather to simplify and shorten the course of instruction than otherwise.- one modification being, that men are to fire at only two distances in each period ; at 200 yards, standing ; at 300 yards, kneeling; and at all other distances, in any position. In future there.are to be prizes given for judging distance, and a man's failure in this practice will no longer disqualify him for a reward as marksman. These alterations will, I think, appear to those who study the subject to be improvements on theold system. It gives me much pleasure to be able to render the same report as in past years of the generally excellent conduct of the non-commissioned officers and constables who have been placed under my command, and also that the health of the members of the Force at the depot has been exempt from any attack of disease of a dangerous nature, and from serious accident. I have, <fee, W. G. Stack, Captain, Instructor of Musketry, Commanding Armed Constabulary Dep&t. The Commissioner Armed Constabulary Force, Wellington.
Enclosure 11 in No. 1. Inspector GoEnsro, Opotiki District, to the Commissioitee, Armed Constabulary Force. Sic, — . Armed Constabulary, Opotiki, 31st May, 1876. In compliance with instructions contained in Circular No. 181, dated April 25th, 1876,1 have the honor to forward, for your information, the following duties performed by the Armed Constabulary from Ist June 1875, to 31st May, 1876 :— Average Strength of Officers and Men. —The average strength of the Armed Constabulary in the Opotiki District from the Ist of June, 1875, to 31st May, 1876—1 inspector, 2 sub-inspectors, 1 sergeant-major, 2 first-class sergeants, 4 second-class sergeants, 8 mounted constables, and 56 foot; total all ranks, 74. Nature of Parades and Drill. —Inspection parades and drills in marching order once a week, Divine service on Sundays, weekly inspection of mounted men, saddlery, and horse appointments, by officers and non-commissioned officers in charge of stations, and monthly inspection by officer commanding district. The annual course of musketry instruction was commenced on the 31st of November, 1875, and finished January sth, 1876. The shooting on the whole was fair, two constables qualifying as marksmen. Conveying Mails and DespatcJies. —A mounted orderly leaves Opotiki for Whakatane with the public mail every Monday; on his arrival at Whakatane he hands the mail over to the orderly belonging to that station, who proceeds with it to Matata, where he is relieved by one of the mounted men belonging to the Tauranga District. He returns to Whakatane next day, and hands the mail over to the Opotiki orderly. Te Teko: An orderly leaves this post for Matata every Monday with the mail, and waits there until the arrival of the Tauranga mail on Tuesday. An orderly leaves Galatea for Te Teko, and waits the arrival of the mail from Matata, when he returns to his station. Since the Armed Constabulary have been employed on the Ormond and Opotiki Road, an orderly goes to the camp once a week with the mail. Escorts and Guards. —No escorts except conducting prisoners to Auckland and Tauranga Gaols, when sentenced to imprisonment or committed for trial, have been performed in this district during the past year.
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Target Ranges. —The target ranges have been kept in good order throughout the district. Issuers and Sub-Storekeepers. —Foot-constable Mayhew, lately transferred from the depot, acts as sub-storekeeper. Stockades and Redoubts. —The palisading round the Galatea Redoubt, which I reported last year as in the course of erection, is now finished. Civil Duties. Steps taken for the Prevention of Crime. —At Opotiki, 1 constable has been constantly employed on police duties, and receiving assistance from other members of the Force when required. First-class Sergeant Mason acts as clerk of the Resident Magistrate's Court, and a constable attends on all Court days. One non-commissioned officer was employed in collecting agricultural statistics from the 10th to the 22nd of February. A Native named Himiona Rua was arrested by Sub-Inspector Preece for the murder of Tukino te Marai near Te Teko. A good deal of difficulty had to be overcome by that officer before the TJrewera would give him up, and I think that his success lay in his showing great firmness. Public and Useful Woeks. Road Work. —The following is the amount of road work performed by the Armed Constabulary in this district: — On the Te Teko and Galatea Road, 2,895 cubic yards of earth have been removed, side cutting, and 51 chains formation, 20 feet wide. On the Te Teko and Matata Road, maintenance and repair. On the Whakatane and Te Teko Road, 214 cubic yards of earth, filling in approaches to bridges, 122 cubic yards excavation, two men twenty days each assisting Public Works bridge carpenter. On Whakatane-Oropi Road, 69. yards rock excavation and. 30 yards of earth filling. On the Whakatane and Matata Road, 41 chains of clearing. On the Opotiki and Ormond Road, 196 chains of side cutting, containing 8,184 cubic yards, 261 chains of bush clearing, 32 miles of maintenance, 45| chains stripping rock, 40 cubic yards block cutting, and 5^ chains formation. Building Bridges and Culverts. —Three bridges have been built on the Te Teko and Whakatane Road; two bridges on Te Teko and Galatea Road have been temporarily repaired; one culvert on the Whakatane and Oropi Road has been built 18 feet long and 2\ feet deep. Building Houses and Stables. —At Opotiki, the officers' quarters which I mentioned in my last annual report as in the course of erection, are finished, also fenced and paled. Another building has been erected in Government paddock, measurement of. which is 46 feet by 16 feet, walls 12 feet high, with a verandah 5 feet 9 inches wide and 9 feet high; the building is divided into 4 rooms, viz. district office, surgery, sergeant-major's quarters, and library. There is also a lean-to at the back of building, which is used as a store-room. Barracks and Government store shingled, the iron roofing which they had before not being weather-proof. At Whakatane, a building is in course of erection which will be finished very shortly, measurement of which is 30 feet by 16 feet, with verandah in front and ends 6 feet wide. At Galatea, the officers' quarters which I reported last year as in course of erection are finished, and the dimensions are 36 feet by 16 feet, divided into three rooms; a kitchen has also been added, 9 feet by 12. Cook-house, and sergeants' quarters have been thoroughly repaired, old chimneys pulled down and new ones built; temporary stables have been erected. At Te Teko, a stable, 36 feet long and 14 feet wide, is in the course of erection, and will be shortly finished. Fencing Paddocks and laying down in Grass. —At Opotiki, 400 posts and same number of rails have been split to fence in Government paddock, a part of which has been ploughed up and laid down in grass. At Whakatane, 16 chains of new fencing have been erected and grass sown. At Te Teko, 7^chains of post-and-rail fencing, with 3 feet bank and ditch; 2| chains of paling have also been put up. The fencing round the Government paddock has been kept in repair. At Galatea, 16 chains of post-and-rail fencing with a 3-foot bank and ditch, 4 chains of paling fence enclosing officers' quarters, 8 chains of manuka stick fence to enclose sergeants' quarters, cook-house, and garden. Eight acres of heavy manuka and flax land have been cleared and ploughed, 6 laid down in grass, and 2 in green oats, feed for troop horses during the winter. Sixteen acres of grass were destroyed by the late heavy floods. Carrots were sown at each station for use of Government horses. Timber Sawn, Sfc. —At Opotiki, 1,400 feet of timber cut and 15,300 shingles split. At Te Teko, one man employed sawing bridge timber with Public Works sawyer ; and an average of three other men has been employed rolling logs on pit, and splitting posts, rails, and shingles. At Galatea, 13,456 feet of timber sawn for building bridges (Te Teko and Galatea Road), barracks, and officers' quarters; 300 palisading posts, 100 palings, 900 rails, 650 posts, 1,200 shingles, and 230 slabs have been cut. Some of the bridge timber has been carted to the different bridges on the above-mentioned road. Planting Trees. —Trees were planted all round the Government paddock at Opotiki; but owing to the late floods having destroyed the fence, cattle got in and destroyed a great number; but now that a new fence is being put up, fresh trees will be planted during the winter. The trees which I mentioned in my last annual report as having been planted by Captain Preece on the Te Teko and Galatea Road, are doing well. There is also a large nursery of different sorts of pines and Tasmanian gums at Te Teko; these are coming on well. Trees have also been planted at Galatea and Whakatane. Remaeks. I beg to report favourably of the Force under my command during the last twelve months. I would wish more especially to bring Sub-Inspector Bluett under your notice, for the zealous way which he has pushed on the work on the Opotiki and Ormond Road. One man has been employed packing tools, &c, to Ormond Road party. The Public Works bullocks and dray were transferred to Tauranga during the present month.
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Vegetable gardens have been cultivated at each station for the use of the men. The Natives in this district have been quiet during the last twelve months, and their trade with the Europeans gradually increasing. The two Government whaleboats have sometimes been used for carrying stores to and from Ohiwa for use of up-country stations. On one occasion, while bringing arms, the boat was upset on the Ohiwa bar, and 44 stand lost (Snider). Captain Humfrey, of Inspector of Stores' Department, inspected the Government property at Opotiki during the present month. The health of the Eorce throughout the district has been good The value of road work done by the Eorce in this district amounts to £890 Is. lid. I have, &c, EOBSTEE T. GOEING, The Commissioner, Armed Constabulary Force, Wellington. Inspector A.C.
Enclosure 12 in No. 1. Inspector Beohah, Auckland, to the Commissioneb, Armed Constabulary Force. Sic,— Constabulary Office, Auckland, 13th May, 1876. In compliance with the instructions contained in Circular No. 47 of the sth June, 1871, I bave the honor to report upon the Constabulary of this district during the past year. Attached is a statistical return of crime for the year 1875, and an estimate of the cost of police VM the ensuing year. The number of persons arrested during the year 1875, as will be seen by the return, was 2,717. Of these, 1,269 were charged with drunkenness, 235 with being drunk and disorderly, 322 with breaches of the Vagrant Act, 201 with petty larceny, 83 with lunacy, 78 with common assaults, 27 with assaulting the police, and the remainder with various other offences enumerated in the record. In addition, 733 persons were summoned by the police for breaches of the municipal by-laws, &c. A comparison of the criminal statistics of last year with those of the preceding four years, shows but a slight difference either in the total number of arrests or classification of offences. The arrests for drunkenness during 1875 exceeded those for 1874 by 179 cases, but the arrests for the same offence during 1873 were equal to those for 1875, and thus the number range for the last five years a few more or a few less for each year, but upon the whole averaging about an equal number; and the same relative proportion has been held as regards all other offences. During those years, a large increase has occurred in the population by the introduction of immigrants and otherwise, and it is so far satisfactory to learn that, notwithstanding, no corresponding increase has been shown in the criminal records. The only case of crime calling for special remark, which occurred in the district during the year, is that of the murder of Edwin Packer by a Maori named Henare Winiata, which was committed at Epsom on the morning of the 27th January last. The facts of the case are well known and do not require recapitulation. Every exertion was made by the police to arrest the offender, but unfortunately without success; and several persons who have lately arrived here from the interior state that he is now at Te Kuiti, and harboured by the King party. The formation of the school for neglected and deserted children some five years ago, and later still, of the Naval Training School, has conduced much towards towards the suppression of juvenile crime, and must tend materially to reduce crime in the future. The children who are sent to these institutions are of the classes which in most countries form the criminal portion of the population; and the wisdom of removing them from criminal association here, and of thus striking at the root of crime, cannot but be of vast benefit to the future of the colony. A new station has lately been formed at Kawakawa, in the Bay of Islands District, and stations have also been formed at Panmure and Helensville, at which places police have been much required. The police station at Howick has been broken up, and the constable removed to Panmure, which is more central, and only four miles distant. The propriety of stationing members of the Eorce at those places where special constables are now employed, and which appear in the estimate, has been brought under your notice for some years past. Every effort has been made to keep the estimate for the ensuing year within the limits of the provincial vote for the last year j but it has been found that, owing to the formation of new stations, and to the growing demands of the public for more police, an increase on the provincial vote is absolutely required. The number of men at present stationed in the city is totally inadequate to the requirements of the plate, and the increase of four men estimated for, and which would, if granted, only give me a force of twenty-two men for city duty, is the least which could be expected to efficiently perform the duty. At the present time, when there is no large gathering of the public, the police can generally preserve good order; but upon holidays and at races, or when fires occur, or any disturbance takes place in Queen Street, the men are fairly overpowered by numbers, and find it impossible to keep back the crowd, or to preserve order, or to make an arrest if required. Prisoners are often taken from the police in Queen Street when disturbances arise, not generally through any intention on the part of the public to effect a rescue, but from the crowds sometimes numbering as many as a thousand, who upon the slightest commotion will press upon the one or two constables who, perhaps, may be only engaged in taking a drunken man to the lock-up, and forcibly take their prisoner from beyond their reach. Such cases have frequently occurred of late, and must increase unless the Eorce is somewhat augmented. Provision has been made in the estimate for several new stations in places where private cottages are at present rented for the use of the department; and, in addition to these, lock-ups are urgently required at Parnell, Newton, Ereeman's Bay, Panmure, and Kawakawa, at which places constables are stationed, but who lose half their sphere of usefulness in being unable to effect any arrests of drunkards or other offenders against good order. The sum set down for various services for the year, such as the rents of stations, transport of prisoners, &c, are the actual amounts expended in such services during the past year ; and as the various services are still required, no reduction can possibly be made in the items. 3—H. 16.
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I would again draw attention to the fact that tho three suburban stations at Parnell, Newton, and Freeman's Bay are private cottages rented by the Government at a cost averaging lis. per week for each, and which must go on from year to year until steps are taken to purchase sites for police stations. As the value of property in the suburbs is largely increasing, the cost of purchasing sections for police purposes will be the more expensive the longer it is delayed. The city police still reside in cottages of the Albert Barracks, which may be at any moment required by the Improvement Commissioners. To meet such a contingency, it is desirable that steps be taken to purchase new quarters. months since the detachment in Armed Constabulary stationed at Ohinemuri was transferred to this district, and have since been employed on the roads to Waitekauri and the Kati-kati. They are now engaged on the latter road, and, under the charge of Sub-Inspector Newall, have made considerable progress in its formation. I am pleased to be able to state that the conduct of the Ohinemuri Constabulary, under the command of Sub-Inspector Newall, and the Thames Constabulary, under the charge of Snb-Inspector Bullen, has been entirely satisfactory during the year; while the Constabulary of this station, under the charge of Sub-Inspector Pardy, have been no less deserving of credit.for their careful attention to their duties. I have, &c., Thomas Broham, The Commissioner, Armed Constabulary Force, Wellington. Inspector A.C.
RETURN showing the NUMBER of PERSONS and CASES brought before the POLICE COURTS in the AUCKLAND ARMED CONSTABULARY DISTRICT by the ARMED CONSTABULARY, from the 1st JANUARY to 31st DECEMBER, 1875. Arrests.
Nature of Offence. Total No. of Cases. -/* I _ s r. Number Convicted. Numl Dischai Der •ged. Total Number Convicted. Total Number Discharged. M. F. M. 1'. Absconding from Bail Armed Constabulary Act, Desertion Assault, Common ... Assault, with intent to commit a Rape... Assault on Police Assault, indictable ... Attempting Suicide ... Bestiality ... Breach of the Peace Burglary ... Breaking and Entering with intent to commit a Rape ... ... . Coinage Act Customs Regulations Cruelty to Animals ... Disobeying Summonses Destitute Persons Relief Ordinance Drunkenness Trunk and Disorderly Embezzlement Forgery and Uttering Foreign Seamen's Act Fraudulent Insolvency Jaolers and Prisoners Act ETorse and Cattle Stealing EIou6e .Breaking ... ... .. v Regally Pawning ... Regally Removing a Dead Body [ncendiarism Indecent Assault Larceny, Indictable ... Larceny, Summary ... Lunacy Masters and Apprentices Act... Merchant. Shipping Act Municipal Police Act Malicious Injury to Property Act Murder Saval Training Schools Act ... Naval Discipline Act Neglected and Criminal Children's Act... Dbtaining Money, etc., by False Pretences Dbstructing Police ... Passengers Act Perjury ... Quartz Crushing Regulations... Railway Regulal ions Receiving Stolen Property .hooting with Intent rhreatening Language Unnatural Offence ... Vagrant Act 2 1 78 1 27 6 4 1 4 2 1 2 2 1 3 9 *1,269 235 2 14 30 2 1 7 3 1 2 9 3 28 201 83 5 112 2 35 4 36 29 70 12 15 1 4 1 1 3 1 28 2 322 2 1 76 1 27 6 4 1 4 2 1 2 2 3 9 1,052 208 14 30 2 1 7 3 1 2 6 3 25 176 66 5 112 2 30 1 36 29 42 12 14 1 2 1 1 2 1 26 2 221 2 1 217 27 1 1 52 "26 5 1 3 2 1 2 2 3 3 1,033 201 2 12 30 1 1 2 i 1 212 27 1 24 1 1 1 4 " 1 6 19 7 a o 6 1 1 2 5 1 10 50 18 3 16 i 5 1 1 53 "26 5 1 3 o 1 2 2 1 3 3 1.245 228 2 12 30 1 1 2 1 25 1 1 1 4 1 6 24 7 2 2 6 1 1 2 8 1 11 51 21 3 16 3 3 25 17 1 2 15 126 48 2 96 2 25 2 24 14 3 1 1 3 1 2 17 150 62 2 96 2 29 "5 3 34 29 38 6 13 1 1 1 1 1 1 17 4 5 1 2 i a 34 29 6'i 6 13 1 1 1 1 1 1 18 6 4 2 28 1 28 4 6 1 4 6 2 i 2 1 2 3 "i 1 i "2 2 1 9 2 47 i 10 2 03 ibi 174 85 k; 259 Totals 2,717 2,279 438 2,018 399 261 39 I 2,417 300 * 1,036 different lersons were arrested for drunkenness, and 219 >r beini drunk id disorder!
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Table No. 1. RETURN showing the MONTHLY STRENGTH of the ARMED CONSTABULARY FORCE, from 1st JULY, 1875, to 31st MAY, 1876.
Table No. 2. RETURN of MEN ENROLLED for the ARMED CONSTABULARY FORCE, from 1st JULY, 1875, to 31st MAY, 1876.
>,monses. Nature of Offence. met S © 2 -3 C Q Q _) GD Sj M o ■ 5 Nature of Offence. _ H _ "0 o . a o O -i o £ f' 1 M a _; p. Lbusive Language Ldulteration of Food Lssaults Lssaults on Constables !ity By-Laws .ustoms Regulations !ruelty to Animals )estitute Persons Relief Ordinance )og Nuisance Act )runkenness 3 14 7 3 263 4 2 2 50 97 1 1 21 12 41 6 1 2 5 6 3 244 4 2 1 I 9 1 19 j Malicious Injury to Property Medical Practitioners Act Municipal Police Act Maiming Cattle ... Naval Training School Neglected and Criminal Children's Act Prisons Act Public Health ... Protection of Animals Pawnbrokers Quartz Crushing Regulations Rural Police Act Slaughterhouse Act Vagrant Act 9 1 84 2 2 12 1 3 5 2 4 11 7 62 4 1 79 2 2 11 1 5 5 i forgery failing to appear as Witness larbour Regulations mpounding Act .icensing Act .arceny .ord's Day Act ... 44 95 2 6 2 1 4 io 3 "_ 3 9 5 44 3 1 2 1 a 2 18 1 17 12 31 3 1 Totals ... 733 635 98 Note.—This return does not im ied Constabulary Districts. :lude the number of lersons arrested in the Waikato, Tauri mga, and Povei •ty Ba; Tho: as Broiiam, Inspector, Armed Constabular
Non-commissii Officers. med Offi< :ers. Horsi :.. Year. Month. _ J. JJ) Is o_ to U oo o jS I © o ! £"_ Ft © a a « 5. oe? E o U DO C ~ £*o .5. 3 02 *- O oo I P.O IB a-o m a _D N a 02 s °? a a 3 <u .2 'to ■ *. hs i S o c; SO .t*» a ■J . . a u O ; I i a i—i E p o : •_? I _ =3 <_ | 02 ■_■_ "'■ §.- <U in 02 i-i </T to — <i. a a go —— -. a 02 N _ a o O _ a ■ . _ 0D o ■ t_) 02 rr_ E v i o a c c - '_- 5s p a _ a _ _ o H 1875 July 8 1 16 7 4 3 2 9 36 46 603 736 8 97 39 27 171 )J August ... 8 1 16 7 4 3 2 9 36 45 598 731 8 99 43 24 174 )) September 8 1 16 7 4 3 2 9 36 45 598 731 8 84 40 19 151 JJ October ... 9 1 16 7 4 3 2 9 36 45 •601 735 8 83 36 11 138 J> November 9 1 16 8 4 3 2 8 36 46 597 732 8 78 40 13 139 J) December 9 1 16 8 4 3 2 8 35 46 594 728 8 79 38 15 140 1876 January ... 9 1 16 8 4 3 2 8 35 46 594 728 8 78 39 14 139 February 9 1 16 8 4 3 2 8 35 46 587 721 8 78 40 12 138 » March ... 9 1 16 8 4 3 2 8 33 46 580 712 8 82 38 11 139 April 8 1 16 8 4 3 2 8 33 46 556 687 8 82 38 11 139 JJ May 8 1 16 8 4 3 2 8 33 42 549 676 8 82 38 11 139
Year. Month. Number of Men enrolled. Remarks. 1875 ... July August September October November December January February March April May 6 5 7 16 3 10 4 J) tt tl 1876 '.'.'. ,, 3 Total... 54
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Table No. 3. RETURN showing STRENGTH and DISTRIBUTION of the ARMED CONSTABULARY FORCE, also the STATIONS occupied by them, on the 31st May, 1876.
E . o ll — a, 0_ a M Sergi fants. Stations. o "8 a -^ no M I* _> oo 0 II 5 Be •_- 0Q 4P B OS °o_i to < a o fi bo _ 3 b oJ P '*. B ■*- S . s § "3 . - r-l 1M CD E O o 3 E 4a oo P I—I "in P u o * a a E BO E v 02 1st, .lass. 2nd .lass. Nati tves. o5 1 _ P o O ■ i rt _= -— o ~a o H o s H R no _c_ a 00 H 2 o a Of OD § O to -L E EC T3 0 Am a 0 o _ -Jo o - i v a a o a o p r. T3 a "3 O _ o o .2 a i iu - M a h N02 Hamilton Alexandra Auckland Cambridge Harapepe Kihikihi Ngaruawahia Raglan ... Road Parties Rotorangi Te Awamutu i 1 1 i 1 ... 1 1 2 2 2 19 4 11 6 1 5 4 1 SI 1 2 i ... i i i 2 i i. o H i 1 i 2 ... 3 i 2 i 2 I 2 i I Li. I ... 4 6 7 85 in _| v. - E-i New Plymouth ... Pukearuhe Urenui ... Okato Roads i 1 i i i 1 1 i 1 2 2 2 2 7 5 16 I ... i i 20 41 i 1 l l I l i 13 Opepe ... Napier ... Tarawera Taupo Te Haroto Roads 2 1 i 1 i 1 1 1 4 11 2 4 4 1 31 53 I c - i l 1 i l i ••■ i 2 2 4 1 2 i 1 11 11 2 -■■ i ••• 1 Ormond ... Q-isborne Te Awanui Roads I ■■■ i - 7 I - 1 «. i l i 1 1 2 2 2 4 4 5 IS I i ... I "i i ... i l 1 l 3 4 31 Te Kapu Clyde Onepoto... Ohuka Marumaru Roads I ■■■ _ c ■ i i i . 1 l 1 l 5 7 1 5 2 6 14 35 i 1 1 i i i 2~ l 1 l l i Tauranga Maketu Kati-kati* Matata Ohinemutu Te Rere-o-te-Kahia Roads 7 i 1 2 l 2 1 4 2 16 2 o 6 IH i 1 1 1 i i i." 1 3 2 4 9 i 20 23 l 1 i l 1_ 9 86 1 H . c pC Opotiki ... Whakatane Te Teko... Galatea ... Roads 1 1 i 1 i 2 i 4 2 1 1 n 2 4 1 1 5 28 1 1 1 1 l 2 8 8 18 i l 34 M . _ fcf-. . H Patea Opunake Waihi ... H.fwera ... Maimtahi Wairoa^. Waitotara Whanganui Roads 1 1 2 1 i i 3 1 1 3 1 7 12 14 1 1 2 2 1 8 48 I ... I ... i 13 13 21 3 1 2 2 2 9 66 ... 1 l 1 I' 2 1 5 1 Depot i l l_ ii l 2 1 1 2 2 7 25 41 ... ... Auckland Roads 2 1 1 2 1 7 4 2 6 f 1 43 17 59 20 79. 2 ' 1 i 1 I i - I I - 60 I ... I ■•■ * New Stations.
21
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EXTRACT from the ANNUAL RETURN of MUSKETRY PRACTICE of the ARMED CONSTABULARY FORCE for 1876, showing the Distribution of Frizes for the Year. MOUNTED.
District. Rank and Name. CD .9 > . Sa.J 1*1 u oPh 1° d 'u O d Remarks. u u 4,3 XI ■a U>2 a 3 O i Poverty Bay Te Wairoa Waikato Waikato Waikato To Wairoa Poverty Bay Waikato 1704 1964 418 326 327 1265 2176 330 2nd Class Sergeant A. Armstrong Constable J. Finucane ... J. T. Webb 2nd Class Sergeant J. T. Steele... 1st Class Sergeant C. Chitty Constable Thos. Tunks ... „ Frank Arden ... „ Charles Johnson 82 29 26 25 25 26 28 28 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th £ a 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 Prizes, £20 and Five Badges. 59 in 1st period. 56 „ „ 46 „ „ 43 „ „ 63 „ „ 55 „ „ Foot. Points in District. Rank and Name. T3 . •g m S | ri o . T S *5 CO t-i N •E A O 6 Remaeks. U u CJ 0) ll o H § o i Waikato ... Taupo Taupo Taupo Poverty Bay Taupo Poverty Bay Taupo Taupo Poverty Bay Te Wairoa Poverty Bay Poverty Bay Taupo Taupo Taupo Poverty Bay Taupo Tauranga... Tauranga... Poverty Bay Poverty Bay Poverty Bay Te Wairoa Taupo Te Wairoa Whangan ui-Patea Poverty Bay Waikato ... Poverty Bay Taupo Te Wairoa Tauranga... Te Wairoa Poverty Bay Taupo Tauranga... Taranaki ... Waikato ... Taupo Poverty Bay Taupo Poverty Bay Taupo Taupo Taupo 2376 1458 564 1030 1919 52 1609 1673 2037 2185 1684 1499 1262 2102 31 38 1816 1657 1559 739 164 2191 2019 1878 767 1909 2321 2189 1844 1838 1032 2057 2226 754 1367 20S3 1233 2049 1928 2101 2188 1862 2182 537 2099 603 Constable Jas. G. Blako ... „ ' Joseph Gallagher 1st Class Sergeant Thos. Strachan Constable John Chase W. C. Dudley 2nd Class Sergeant Geo. Keys ... Constable J. B. Birch „ Louis Stott „ Prank Borrell ... „ Ernest Ensor ... B. Reed 1st Class Sergeant J. H. Greene... 2nd „ „ P. Stanhope ... Constable Win. Strew „ D. Campbell ... „ Win. Ebbett ,, James King „ H. B. Brown 2nd Class Sergeant A. C. Mathias Constable Geo. Davoren ... „ J. Henderson ... • ,, W. Currio Prob. 2nd Class Sergt. J. Trcanor Constable John Watt „ A. McKnight ... ,, A. MeGowun ... „ Wm. A. Teaguo ,, Jas. Braithwaite 2nd Class Sergeant C. E. S. Rose Constable H. Froggatt ... „ W. Chalklin F. W. Blaekwell 2nd Class Sergeant Aporo Apiata 1st „ „ Peter Eberle Constable B. Gately „ Lewis Davies ... 1st Class Sergeant C. M. Taylor... Constable L. Fitzpatrick ... ,, Jas. Charlton ... „ Amos Collins ... „ J. Fenton „ Samuel Swainson J. R. Phillips P. MeHugh „ H. Jas. Poole ... 1st Class Sergeant Patrick Sheehy 68 89 17 51 62 53 46 89 53 89 80 41 52 •7 r,l 60 52 ■17 66 42 •IS 50 48 43 36 41 42 42 41 44 45 46 36 38 40 35 38 41 48 83 88 35 35 46 82 48 46 58 46 42 41 40 45 50 30 48 27 41 33 36 32 32 29 33 25 37 30 28 34 32 38 33 32 32 32 29 28 27 35 32 29 33 30 27 25 31 34 32 32 22 34 23 104 97 93 93 93 93 91 89 89 87 87 85 85 83 83 82 81 80 80 79 78 78 77 75 74 74 74 74 73 73 73 73 71 70 69 68 68 68 68 67 67 67 67 67 66 66 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th 11th 12th 13th 14th 15th 16th 17th 18th 19th 20th 21st 22nd 23rd 24th 25th 26th 27th 28th 29th 30th 31st 32nd 33rd 34th 35th 36th 37th 38th 39th 40th 41st 42nd 43rd 44th 46th 46th £ 10 4 4 4 4 4 2 Q 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 v> 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 •j 2 2 2 n 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 Prizes £110 Badges 20 £130 65 in 1st period. 49 in 1st period. 49 in 1st period. 42 in 1st period. • 52 in 1st period. 46 iu*lst period. W. G. 'ack, luske Captai try In! m, jtru: :tor A.C. Force.
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Table No. 4. RETURN showing the NUMBER of OFFICERS, NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS, and CONSTABLES struck off the Strength of the ARMED CONSTABULARY FORCE, from 1st JULY, 1575, to 31st MAY, 1876.
Cause of becoming Non-effective. Discharged at own Bequest, or on Completion of Service. Dismissed for Misconduct. Deserted. Deceased. Total. 38 1 8 115 By .uthority: Geokge Didsbuet, Government Printer, Wellington.—1876. 'rice Is.
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Bibliographic details
ARMED CONSTABULARY FORCE. (ANNUAL REPORT OF COMMISSIONER.), Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1876 Session I, H-16
Word Count
18,946ARMED CONSTABULARY FORCE. (ANNUAL REPORT OF COMMISSIONER.) Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1876 Session I, H-16
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