THE POLICE FORCE OF THE COLONY (ANNUAL REPORT ON).

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1896 Session I, H-16

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1896. NEW ZEALAND.

THE POLICE FORCE OF THE COLONY (ANNUAL REPORT ON).

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

• ■ • The Commissioner of Police to the Hon. the Minister of Justice. Sir,— Police Department, Commissioner's Office, 15th June, 1896. I have the honour to submit for your information the annual report on the Police Force of the colony, together with the criminal statistics of the year ended 31st March, 1896 : — 1. On the Ist April last the strength of the Force was 484 of all ranks, being a decrease of three during the year. The totals are made up as follows : Inspectors —first-class, 3 ; second-class, 3; sergeants-major, 3 ; sergeants —first-class, 20; second-class, 15; third-class, 13; constables— first-class, 111; second-class, 111; third-class, 192 ; detectives —first-class, 3 ; second-class, 5 ; third-class, 2; fourth-class, 3: total of all ranks, 484, with 101 troop-horses. In addition to the above there were 16 district and 9 Native constables. 2. New stations have been formed at Avondale, Pahi, Waihi, Carlyle Street (Napier), Te Puke, Te Whaiti, Mokau, and Seddonville. Normanby has been reopened, and Maketu, Pukearuhe, Pahautanui, and Southbridge closed. District constables have been appointed at Ohaeawai and Cheviot. 3. Increases have been made at the following stations : Newton, 1; Ponsonby, 1; Wairoa, 1; Fielding, 1; Palmerston North, 1; Greymouth, 1; Eeefton, 1; Timaru, 1; Port Chalmers, 1. Decreases have been made at the following stations : Auckland, 3 ; Napier, 1; New Plymouth, 1 ; Hawera, 1; Wellington, 2; Masterton, 1; Kumara, 1; Christchurch, 2 ; Addington, 1; Akaroa, 1; Sydenham, 1; Temuka, 1; and Dunedin, 2. 4. The casualties in the Force during the past year have been: Eetired on medical grounds with compensation, 7 ; resigned, 3; services dispensed with, 2 ; dismissed, 15; suicides, 1; died, 3 : total, 31. 5. The question of periodical transfers from one station or district to another which are imperative for the maintenance of a thoroughly efficient Police Force, is one of the most fruitful sources of trouble to the department. I say without fear of contradiction that it is easier to move any other officer of the public service than a constable, and in this statement I feel I shall be fully borne out by any Minister who has had charge of the department. The plan of forwarding a petition to prevent the transfer of a constable is often resorted to, but, in my opinion, if any proof was wanted that a constable should be shifted, the fact of a petition against it being forwarded from the residents of the district is that proof. If a really efficient and reliable Force is to be maintained, periodical transfers must be carried out, and in this particular the department has the right to expect the assistance of the community at large. 6. It cannot be expected that a Police Force can escape a considerable amount of criticism and censure, and often hard criticism is made when, if the truth were fully known, commendation would and should have been bestowed. This is particularly applicable as regards the enforcement of the liquor laws, especially as to Sunday-trading and closing houses at the stipulated hours, gambling, the social evil, and suppression of larrikinism. The Press have a great deal to say about the Force being disorganized, and the advantages that would accrue from a Eoyal Commission being held to inquire into the organization and internal management; but I must positively assert that there is no disorganization or evils that call for any such inquiry, and the colony has, at the present time, a thoroughly efficient and trustworthy Police Service; were it otherwise, I should not hesitate to ask for an investigation. A certain class of the community are for ever crying down the Police, and apparently endeavouring to manufacture grievances and discontent. It is not for a moment argued that in a Force of some five hundred men there are not some unworthy members, but it is argued that such are only a very small portion, and, as a rule, do not last long. I—H. 16.

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7. Now, as regards the proposed control of licensed houses, it was stated last year and is now reiterated, that what is required on our Statute-book is clause 25 of the Imperial Licensing Act, 1872, in toto, and not as at present merely the last few lines of that clause. 8. Then the larrikin nuisance. I am glad to be able to report that considerable success has attended the endeavours of the Police to cope with this evil during the past year, but it cannot be effectually put down till power is given to arrest, instead of merely summon, lads and boys who loiter about street-corners and make themselves generally objectionable to the annoyance of passers, more especially to unprotected females. This matter is drawn special attention to in the extract from the report of Inspector Broham. 9. One great disadvantage the Force labours under, and it becomes more apparent every year, and requires no inquiry to find it out, is that many of the sergeants and some of the constables have passed the age of activity required to fill the positions; but, owing to there being no superannuation scheme in force, it seems somewhat heartless to turn away an honest and willing servant, who has given the best part of his life to the service, and grant him merely twelve months' pay as a compassionate allowance, and from this cause the efficiency is doubtlessly impeded. I should like to see such billets as messengerships in Government buildings given as a reward for long service to some members of the Force who are now from old age unfitted for the active life of a policeman. 10. There has been little or no promotion during the last few years, owing to the rank of sergeant being overmanned; and I hope the classification scheme I submitted last year may receive your favourable consideration. I believe such a classification would give general satisfaction and remove many sores caused by men being promoted for considerations other than those of merit and seniority. I have no hesitation in saying that if the proposed scheme of pay and advancement were adopted good standards of efficiency and discipline must be the result. 11. Owing to fears of interference with the surveyors in the King-country by the Maoris, Inspector Emerson and twelve members of the Force, accompanied by a strong detachment of the Permanent Militia, under Lieutenant Hume, proceeded to Te Whaiti at the end of April, 1895, and remained up there till early in August last, and no doubt their presence was the means of putting an end to any obstruction that may have been contemplated, so that their services were not actually required. When the main body was withdrawn a police-station, with a sergeant and four constables, was established at Te Whaiti, and by gradual reductions the strength there is now one constable. 12. Owing to the continued absence of so many of the Permanent Force, as referred to in the foregoing paragraph, it was found that qualified men could not be provided to fill the existing vacancies in the Police by the Permanent Militia, and consequently the department for some time was considerably hampered through vacancies remaining unfilled; and when the Force returned from the King-country, there were so many vacancies existing that there were not enough qualified gunners to fill them, and after all that fulfilled the requirements had been taken there still remained many vacancies to be filled in the Force, and resource had to be had to men who had not previously served in the Permanent Force; and by a careful selection on your part of duly qualified men, those admitted have so far given entire satisfacton, and are proving a valuable addition to the Force. 13. It will thus be seen that the system of recruiting for the Police from the Permanent Force entirely broke down, and this is only a forerunner of what is certain to happen should war break out, and the Permanent Force be required for active service. The fact of selection for the Police being limited to the ranks of the Permanent Force, or about 180 men, renders the field of choice altogether too limited, and allows no scope for picking and choosing ; whereas if a selection was made from the general community, a much better stamp of men for constables could be secured. The system of taking the best men from the Permanent Force for the Police no doubt seriously affects the efficiency of that Force, and though I see no reason why a man who shows aptitude for the Police should be debarred from joining it because he is a member of the Permanent Force, still the regulations making it compulsory to recruit the Police from that body should be at once cancelled. There is at present a list of some 200 applicants for the Force, who from their physique, education, general character, and recommendations should make good constables, so that there is not likely to be any difficulties in filling vacancies in future. Another advantage in recruiting outside the Permanent Force is, that those selected are strangers to each other, and have not a large circle of friends in the various towns ; whereas those joining from the Artillery have been comrades in barracks, and have played football and joined in other sports with the citizens, amongst whom they have to perform police duty afterwards, which hampers them considerably in properly carrying out their duties. 14. The object of confining the recruiting for the Police to the Permanent Force was to provide a reserve of trained gunners, to he available for augmentation in time of war; but owing to the fact of the constables composing this reserve being scattered all over the colony, it is extremely doubtful whether they could be concentrated in the centres expeditiously enough to permit of their being of any real value. It has also been found that men who have gone through their service in the Permanent Force with exemplary characters are often unable to resist the temptations which naturally beset the path of constables. 15. The criminal statistics for the past year show an increase of 480 in the total number of all offences reported in the colony during the year as compared with the previous twelve months. The principal increases are : Abortion, procuring, 7 ; assaults, common, 76 ; assaults, occasioning bodily harm, 20; burglary, breaking into shops, 63; coinage offences, 15; cruelty to animals, 47; deserting and failing to provide for wives and children, 160; drunkenness, 42; failing to support near relatives, 53 ; gaming offences, 33; murder, 8 ; murder (attempted), 4 ; obscene and profane language, 45 ; obstructing railway-lines, 5; sly grog-selling, 23 ; sodomy, 3 ; theft as bailee, 27; theft of cattle and horses, 21 ; theft of sheep, 18 ; theft from dwellings, 49; theft from the person, 51; vagrancy, 38. Other crimes have decreased as follows : Arson, 9 ; assaults, indecent, 19; assaults on police, 8; breaches of the peace, 56; embezzlement, 16; false pretences, 25; forgery and utter-

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ing, 13; illegally on premises, 23 ; indecent exposure, 9; keeping disorderly houses and brothels, 25 ; malicious injury to property, 72 ; neglected and criminal children, 48 ; obstructing and resisting police, 77 ; perjury, 7 ; rape, 14 ; theft, undescribed, 27. 16. A return is attached showing the proportion of police to population, and cost of police per head in each of the Australian Colonies. 17. Extracts from the annual reports of Inspectors in charge of districts are attached, and a perusal of them will be found interesting. 18. By the sudden death of Inspector Thomson, when in the execution of his duty, which occurred at Patea on the 2nd March last, the department was deprived of the services of an experienced, reliable, painstaking officer. This gentleman joined the Southland Police, from Victoria, in 1863, was in due course transferred to the Otago Force, and on the formation of the General Police was appointed an Inspector, and continued to serve in it till his death. During his long career he gained the esteem and respect of those who had served under him, and his death was generally deplored, many feeling that they had not only lost an old comrade but also a true friend. 19. I said in my report last year that one of the main objects aimed at in the administration of the department is to bring the Police in closer touch with the people, and thereby establish and maintain a system of confidence and reliance on each other ; but, while still holding those views, I am by no means of opinion that the members of the Force should become too closely identified with the local community among whom they may be stationed. 1 take this opportunity of pointing out that by the Police regulations, made under the authority of " The Police Force Act, 1886," the Commissioner is held responsible for the peace and good order, and for the security of life and property throughout the colony, and in general for the discipline, obedience, and organization of the Police. I have no desire to lay it down as an axiom that the Force must be controlled entirely by the sole will of one individual. I do say, however, that interference with the administration of the Force, without due cause, must result in a breaking of the bonds of discipline and a consequent loss of efficiency. New Zealand has at the present moment a smart force, and one that keeps crime in check throughout the colony, and a body of men who, with very few exceptions, if any, are thoroughly loyal and faithful, and discharge their duties to the best of their ability. I have, &c, The Hon. the Minister of Justice. A. Hume, Commissioner.

EXTEACTS FEOM ANNUAL EEPOETS OF OFFICEES IN CHAEGE OF DISTEICTS. Inspector J. Hickson, Auckland, Waikato, and Bay op Islands. In compliance with circular No. 11/96 of the 2nd instant, I have the honour to submit the following report upon the districts under my command for the year ended the 31st March last: — New stations have been opened at Avondale, Pahi, and Waihi; and Tairua Station has been closed. A district constable has been appointed at Ohaeawai. New buildings have been erected at Kawakawa and Waihi, and a building has been purchased at Pahi for the use of the constable stationed there. If a building affording accommodation for all the men and officers were provided in a central place in Auckland, similar to the one in Dunedin, much convenience would be afforded to the public and to the Police Department; a constable would be within call at all hours of the day and night, and a considerable saving in the management could be effected. Owing to an increase of population at Coromandel, a second constable is much needed there. The quarters provided for the married constable at Coromandel are in a dilapidated state. They are not worth repairing. I recommend that new quarters, lock-up, and office be erected as soon as possible. I suggest that a room be added to the office, which would answer as a bedroom for a second constable. I beg to again refer to the question of augmenting the strength of Auckland Station. The number of constables available for duty is, in my opinion, quite inadequate to exercise sufficient supervision over the city. Much difficulty has been experienced by the police in enforcing the law against disorderly houses. No power is given the police to demand entrance to such houses. The keepers may lock their doors and refuse—as they have in some instances done—admission to the police; and when the police gain admission and find visitors there, there is no law to compel such visitors to give their names and addresses, consequently the police are in most cases unable to obtain evidence to warrant a prosecution. In enforcing the licensing laws considerable difficulty has been experienced in cases similar to the following : When passing a hotel after the hour of closing, the bar and rooms adjacent are seen lighted up, and the noise of men drinking is heard; the police enter and find a considerable number of men drinking; the licensee states he believes they are all either lodgers or travellers, or he remains silent; the men refuse to give their names and addresses—there is no law to compel them. In such a case there could be no moral doubt but the law was being violated, but there was no evidence for the prosecution to warrant a conviction. I recommend that the onus of proving they were lodgers or travellers within the meaning of the licensing law should be thrown on the licensee.

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Many complaints have been made of sly grog-selling in what is known as the " King-country." Every effort has been made by the police to detect, but as the vendors will not sell to strangers it is almost impossible to obtain evidence to justify conviction. Occasionally a detection is effected, but a conviction at rare intervals has not had a deterrent effect. On the 19th April, 1895, by directions of the Hon. the Premier, I proceeded, in charge of a party of Police and Permanent Artillery, in all fifty men, to the Drewera-country to protect surveyors who had been obstructed by the Natives in that district. At Whakatane I was joined by Colonel Eoberts, S.M., of Tauranga, and in a few days the Hon. Mr. Carroll arrived in camp. Leaving Sergeant Kiely and five constables at the camp, I returned with the remainder of the party on the 3rd of the following month. On the 3rd of March I received information that a large number of Natives from Hokianga Tribes had formed a camp at Mangatoa, about seven miles from Kaikohe, under a chief named Hone Toia. From their demeanour it was thought they had unlawful intentions, and some alarm was created amongst the settlers from a rumour that the Natives were armed. The constables from Kawakawa, Eussell, and Eawene visited the camp and a close watch was kept on the Natives in question. All dealers in arms, ammunition, Sec, in Auckland and the Northern District were cautioned not to supply any arms or ammunition to Natives without permit. Subsequently the Natives delivered their arms to Mr. Clendon, Stipendiary Magistrate, and Hone Toia assured" him their objects were peaceful. The offences return for the year ended the 31st December, 1895, which has been forwarded to you shows that during the past year 2,987 offences of all kinds were reported, being an increase of 173 over the previous year. The total number of persons apprehended was 2,358, being an increase of 93 over the previous year. The principal increases were : Common assault, 16 ; assaults causing bodily harm, 5; assaults on police, 5; burglary and breaking into shops, Sec, 6; coinage offences, 9; cruelty to children, 5; deserting wives and families, and failing to provide for children and relatives, 49; neglected and criminal children, 10; deserters from Her Majesty's ships, 27; drunkenness, 48; disorderly and riotous conduct, 20 ; obscene and profane language, 33 ; perjury, 7 ; receiving stolen property, 7 ; thefts, 62. The principal decreases were : Arson, 5 ; assault and robbery, 12; breaches of the peace, 43; disobeying orders of Court, 45; malicious injury to property (mischief), 24 ; obstructing and resisting police, 31; attempted suicide, 6. The casualties during the year have been one death, four dismissed, and one discharged on compensation on account of ill health. With the exception of the men who have been dismissed, and a few others who have been punished for minor offences, the conduct of the sergeants, detectives, and constables has been satisfactory.

Inspector J. Emerson, Napier and East Coast. I have the honour to report on the Napier and East Coast Police District for the year ended on 31st March last, as follows :— The criminal statistics for the district during the year 1895 show a falling-off of 135 offences, as compared with the previous year. Of this number drunkenness is* responsible for the decrease to the extent of 56 cases; disorderly conduct, 20; wife-desertion, 22 ; and resisting police, 13 cases ; but, on the other hand, the offence of forgery increased from 8 cases in 1894 to 27 in 1895; theft, 79 in 1894 to 123 in 1895; and horse-stealing, 14 cases in 1894 to 24 in 1895. All the offences reported in 1895 were of the ordinary character. Of 89 cases committed for trial. 54 resulted in conviction in the Supreme Court. On the 29th April, 1895, under instructions from the Commissioner, I proceeded to Te Whaiti with a party of eight Police, further strengthened on the 21st May following by Lieutenant Hume and fifty-one rank-and-file of the Permanent Artillery, the expedition being sent to cope with the anticipated trouble with the TJrewera Natives in connection with survey and road-making through that hitherto inaccessible country. Tents and equipage were taken to Te Whaiti and a camp formed, the men being afterwards employed in erecting whares for their use, cutting tracks through virgin country, erecting a bridge over the river, and other practical pioneer work, which will be of the utmost service to those engaged, if required at any time for duty in the field. I returned to Napier on 20th July, the Police party being subsequently withdrawn, and Lieutenant Hume and men of the Permanent Artillery left in charge. These were in turn withdrawn, and a police-station, with a sergeant and four constables, stationed there on 14th September—now reduced to one sergeant and constable. After the arrival of the expedition at Te Whaiti the Maoris refrained from causing any further trouble, and the utmost good feeling prevailed between them and the men under my command during our stay there. On the 19th April a similar trouble to that at Te Whaiti occurred at Euatoki, near Whakatane, necessitating Inspector Hickson and party being sent from Auckland. After a short stay Inspector Hickson returned to Auckland, leaving Sergeant Kiely, of Tauranga, and six constables in charge of the camp formed at Euatoki, where they remained until 9th July. The presence of the Police in this case also had the effect of preventing any further obstruction to the survey party. The Hon. the Minister has since signified his appreciation of the conduct and cheerful bearing of those engaged in these expeditions under unusual and trying circumstances. On the 18th April, 1895, Maketu Station was closed, and a new station formed at Te Puke. On 21st February, 1896, a new station was formed in Carlyle Street, Napier.

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The new police-station at Napier was finished and occupied on 6th March, 1896, the sergeant's quarters being also thoroughly renovated. One constable was dismissed, the services of a constable and a Native constable were dispensed with, and another constable resigned. The two former were for misconduct. With these exceptions, the conduct of the force in the district has been satisfactory.

C. W. Hendrey, District Clerk, Wanganui and West Coast. I respectfully beg to submit the following report on the Wanganui and West Coast District for the year ended 31st March last, for your information: — The total number of offences reported during the past year was 964, as against 845 reported during the year of 1894, being an increase of 119 offences reported. The principal increase being in bankruptcy frauds, 6; burglary, breaking and entering, Sec, 17 ; deserting wives and families, 9 ; disobeying orders of Court, 10; disorderly conduct, 10 ; failing to support parents, See., 15 ; illegally shooting game, 13 ; gaming offences, 12 ; obscene language, 19; theft, 15 ; cattle-stealing, 6 ; sheepstealing, 9. While the principal decrease was in drunkenness, 18; sly grog-selling, 4; and theft from dwellings, 10. 81 males and 4 females were committed for trial during the year: 61 males and 2 females were convicted; 9 males and 2 females still awaiting trial. The monthly meetings are still held at Parihaka, but their success has been marred owing to the bitter rivalry between the two Parihaka chiefs, Te Whiti and Tohu. A very large number of Natives gathered at Parihaka during the month of March last, there being quite a number of influential Natives from all parts of the colony present, and I understand great efforts were made to reconcile Te Whiti and Tohu, but without success. As far as can be ascertained, nothing of a political nature took place, only the usual feasting and merry-making usually indulged in by Natives at such gatherings. The behaviour of the Natives generally was very good, and the European visitors were most hospitably entertained. During the year a new police-station has been formed at Mokau, the Normanby station has been reopened, and the Pukearuhe Police-station has been closed. A new police-station is much required in the upper portion of the Wanganui district, the most suitable position for which would be Eaetihi, about midway between Pipiriki and Karioi. A constable stationed at Eaetihi would be very useful in checking sly grog-selling and sheep-stealing, which have been very prevalent in that portion of the district, and also in looking after the members of the criminal class, Sec, who seem to have made the Karioi district their headquarters. A successful seizure of an illicit still was made at Waverley during the year, and the owner of the plant was convicted and fined £50 and costs. The Police in the Wanganui portion of the district have been very successful in obtaining convictions against noted sly grog-sellers, who, for years past, have been the curse of the country about the Upper Wanganui and Karioi During the year the casualties have been by death, 1; discharged, medically unfit, 1; dismissed, 2. On the Ist March last, Inspector John Bell Thomson, who was in charge of this district, while absent from headquarters on inspection duty, was seized with a sudden illness when near Patea. He was taken to the Patea Hospital where he died after a short illness, and his body was buried at New Plymouth on 4th March, his untimely death being lamented by all ranks. The conduct of the sergeants and constables throughout the district has, with few exceptions, been very good, and the manner in which they have carried out their ordinary police duties, as well as the numerous other duties they are called on to perform, has been very creditable, and I am aware that the late Inspector was well pleased with the manner the various duties were performed. A new police-station and quarters for the sergeant in charge have been built at Wanganui; and the rest of the police-station buildings, with one or two exceptions, are all in fair condition, and will require but little expenditure for repairs during the year. In conclusion, I respectfully beg to state that business people who should know say that this district is one of the most prosperous in the colony. Settlement is rapidly being extended, and there is little or no real poverty in the district.

Inspector P. Pender, Wellington and Marlborough. In compliance with the instructions contained in your circular No. 11/96, I beg to submit the following report upon the Wellington Police District for the year ended 31st March, 1896 :—• The strength of the force on that date was as per monthly state already forwarded to your office. No new stations have been opened during the year, and only one closed—namely, Pahautanui—■ leaving twenty-nine stations as on the 31st March, 1896. The casualities for the year are as follow: Discharged on compensation, 3; dismissed, 2; discharged, 1; resigned, 1. The conduct of the men on the whole has been good, and punishments, I am glad to say, have been very few.

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The Offences Eeturn already furnished to your office shows an increase of 122 offences; the numbers being 3,310 for 1894, and 3,432 for 1895. Of these, 130 were committed for trial, 2,527 summarily convicted, and 468 discharged. The return does not call for particular notice, there being no great difference between it and the previous year. The City of Wellington continues to make great progress, a large number of fine buildings have been erected during the year, and the population must have increased considerably. Larrikinism and offences of the kind have been kept well in hand, and very few complaints have been received. The members of the Force of all ranks have worked well together, and have been very successful in preventing and detecting crime in the district. I may state that on several occasions strangers have remarked to me that the City of Wellington is a particularly quiet and orderly place. With your permission, I again beg to ask your consideration of my suggestion to erect cottages for the married members of the Force. In consequence of the increase of the population of the city, it is very difficult to get cottages unless at places a long distance from the central station. The rents charged in all cases are very high indeed, and in order to keep within their means married men with families have a very hard struggle and are compelled to occupy an inferior class of houses. The result is that the married men in the city are unsettled, and are constantly on the look out to get transferred to some country station, where they can keep their families at a more reasonable cost. The only remedy that I can suggest for this state of things is for the department to erect a number of suitable cottages on a section close to the central station and let them to the married men at a reasonable cost. I believe if this plan was adopted it would add very much to the comfort of the men and at the same time increase the efficiency of the Force generally. I need scarcely point out that it would be a great advantage to the department in a city like Wellington to have the men located together and available in cases of emergency, instead of being scattered as they are now all over the city. I therefore recommend this matter for your favourable consideration.

Inspector F. McGovern, Nelson and Westland. The present strength is as follows—viz.: one Inspector, five sergeants, thirty-three constables, and two district constables, being an increase of two constables since the 31st March, 1895. During the year a station has been opened at Seddonville. There has been an increase, as compared with last year, in the number of offences reported, but I am happy to say they are chiefly composed of offences of a minor kind, this district being, comparatively speaking, free from crimes of a serious nature. There was an increase of four cases of " theft from a tail-race," but the punishment meted out to two offenders who were detected, will, no doubt, have a salutary effect, and reports of offences of this kind are now few and far between. Drunkenness has slightly increased, some sixty-three additional cases having been dealt with; these cases are, in a great measure, due to the recent mining booms, which have caused money to be rather more plentiful. There is still an increase in the number of offences in connection with the maintenance of parents, relatives, illegitimate children, Sec The larrikin element is, on the whole, kept well in hand and it is only from out-of-the-way townships, devoid of permanent police supervision, that occasional offences of this nature are reported. Sly grog-selling is not flourishing on the West Coast, but during the past year convictions were obtained against two offenders. The publicans, a numerous class in Westland, seem to observe the law and give the Police little or no trouble. The majority of the licensed houses are in good condition and suitable to the requirements of the community. Towards the end of March last the terrible disaster at the Brunner Mine occurred in which no less than sixty-five men perished. This unfortunate calamity cast quite a gloom over the whole coast and caused a deal of additional policework. Willing hands came from all parts eager to take part in the rescue of the entombed miners. Notwithstanding the large number of strangers assembled at Brunnerton everything passed off without a hitch. The departmental buildings throughout the district have been kept in repair, and are now in good condition. A new building has been erected at Nelson, and is now in the occupation of the sergeant in charge. The quarters at Mokihinui and Hokitika have been completed and are now occupied. The conduct of the members of the Force throughout the district has, on the whole, been good, and the police and numerous additional duties have been satisfactorily performed.

Inspector T. Broham, Canterbury and North Otago. The criminal statistics for the year 1895 were forwarded to your office on the 11th March last. These statistics show that for that year 2,743 cases of crime of various kinds were reported to the Police, and 2,559 persons were taken into custody or proceeded against by summons. During the year 1894 2,573 cases of crime were reported ; it thus appears that an increase of 170 cases occurred

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during 1895. The increase was occasioned principally in the number of arrests for wife-desertion, failing to support parents, breaking and entering houses, and drunkenness. During 1894 41 cases of wife-desertion were reported, against 93 for last year ; for failing to support parents, 16 cases were reported, against 38 for last year; for breaking and entering houses, 55 cases were reported, against 112 for last year ; and for drunkenness, 937 arrests were made, against 970 for last year, being a total increase of 33. I am glad to be able to report the satisfactory operation of the Infant Life Protection Act. During the year 120 certificates were issued, after inquiry, to different females to allow them to receive infants, and, so far, they seem to have complied with the provisions of the statute in every respect. Complaints are still made of the growth of larrikinism, and of the existence of " pushes," as they are now called. Large numbers of this class are constantly summoned before the Courts here, at the instance of the Police, for various breaches of the Police Offences Act —such as throwing stones, using insulting language, committing assaults on unoffending citizens, and such like—but owing to the difficulty of identification and the unity of statement of the accused, they too frequently outswear the witnesses for the prosecution and escape punishment. I have frequently urged that an amendment be made in the law so as to allow constables to arrest in all such cases without having to go through the slow and cumbrous process of laying information and obtaining summonses. In my last annual report I suggested the desirableness of having second-hand dealers in goods brought under the law, as is the case with pawnbrokers. Pawnbrokers are obliged to keep books and enter up all their dealings, and their books are open to inspection by the Police. There is no such restriction placed upon the second-hand dealer, who can do as he pleases, and numbers of them are well-known receivers of stolen property. During the year the station at Southbridge has been closed, and a new station has been opened at Cheviot. The police-buildings throughout the district are in a more satisfactory state than they have been for many years past.

Inspector W. S. Pardy, Otago, Southland, and Lakes. The strength of this district is 109, made up as follows, and distributed among fifty police stations: one Inspector, fourteen sergeants, ninety constables, one district constable (at Stewart Island), and three detectives. By the Offences Eeturn forwarded to your office for the year ending the 31st December, 1895, it will be seen that there has been a small increase of 27 in the number of offences reported, but this increase is almost entirely confined to the lighter offences. In the serious crime of murder, there has been an increase of one over the former year of 1894—the murder of the bailiff, Stewart, at Balfour, by John McKewan. In the minor kind of thefts, there has been a large decrease; but in those of a more serious nature, such as theft of horses, theft from dwellings, and from the person, there has been a considerable increase, but a decrease, taking the whole of the offences coming under the heading of theft. In regard to sly grog-selling, the Police in this district have been very successful in securing convictions, and although they have not entirely stamped out the evil, they have succeeded in greatly minimising it. The Infant Life Protection Act, has been enforced so far as possible, but until it has been amended, it will be of little use in securing the object for which the Act was passed—viz., the protection of infants against the avarice of baby-farmers. With regard to the discipline of the Force in this district, I may say that, with a few exceptions, the sergeants, constables and detectives, have performed their duties with zeal and discretion, with the result that crime of every description has been successfully kept in check, and the many outside duties the Police are called on to perform faithfully carried out. As regards the exceptions, it was found necessary to dispense with the services of four constables during the year. The police-buildings throughout the district are all in fair condition, repairs having been carried out where necessary.

H.—l6.

Return showing the Number of Offences reported, Persons Apprehended, and Comparison of Crime during the Year ending 31st December, 1894, and Year ending 31st December, 1895.

8

1894. 1895. m 0. So o 3_ ft o 111 ".a o Persons a] iprehended or summoned, is _, _j o c_ o a. g a -j fl 0 O fl O Summarily D13- a « j p Convicted. charged. «M| 1r _M i +i *y Ai _, o 0 a M. F. M. F. 6< *o Number of Convictions amongst those committed for Trial. Offences. Committed for Trial. Summarily Convicted. o Ol cV A O a r-i ffli o P M. j F. m. F. M. F. Abandoning children Abduction Abortion, procuring Absconding from apprenticeship Absconding from bail Absconding from industrial schools Abusive and threatening language Armed, with felonious intent Arson Arson, attempted Assaults, common Assaults, indecent Assaults, occasioning bodily harm Assaults on bailiffs Assaults on police Assaults and robbery Bankruptcy offences Begging .. Bestiality Bigamy Breaches of the peace Burglary, breaking into shops, dwellings, &c. Being in possession of housebreaking implements Carnally knowing girls Carnally knowing, attempted .. Cattle- and horse-stealing (see Theft). Cattle-maiming Coinage offences Concealment of birth Conspiring to defraud Contempt of Court Cruelty to animals Cruelty to chidren Cutting and wounding.. Damaging police uniform Defiling an imbecile woman Demanding goods with menaces Deserting and failing to provide for wives and children Deserters and stragglers from H.M. ships Deserting merchant vessels Discharging fire-arms Disobeying orders on board ships Disobeying orders of Court and summonses Disobeying terms of release under First Offenders' Probation Act Disorderly and riotous conduct.. Dissuading witness from giving evidence Distillation offences Distributing obscene literature .. Disturbing meetings and congregations Drunkenness Embezzlement Enchantment, pretended Escaping from custody Escaping from custody, abetting Escaping from lunatic asylums.. Failing to support parents and near relatives False declarations False pretences False trade-marks Fish, illegally taking Forcible entry Forgery and uttering Fortune-telling Furious riding and driving Game, illegally shooting Gaming offences Illegally on premises Indecent exposure and behaviour l "i 2 4 3 8 4 4 2 1 1 2 3 3 8 1 "2 3 3 7 "2 24 254 1 30 7 689 34 22 2 65 38 47 9 4 42 235 2 21 10 765 15 42 2 57 42 46 9 1 5 270 458 40 125 2 1 15 4 1 07 4 42 234 2 10 1 754 10 37 2 57 29 42 8 1 3 269 203 4 18 27 1 19 4 '2 1 4 2 3 76 9 1 6 18 '2 469 1 5 1 47 1 7 8 20 232 3 12 1 5 12 9 32 1 1 8 2 20 19 1 15 26 i 3 1 8 22 4 '8 i 1 i i 2 1 56 27 "l 1 i 5 326 395 124 i 206 46 6 2 i 3 106 "l 63 56 3 5 1 3 1 5 1 2 7 3 5 5 5 3 2 3 11 1 10 11 1 98 5 22 15 7 16 1 2 2 1 3 3 "2 15 4 8 9 145 8 10 24 1 1 479 i 1 7 100 3 1 22 8 9 145 8 10 24 1 1 448 6 10 3 4 1 8 1 1 40 2 1 1 1 i 8 47 3 '2 "l 7 "2 12 1 1 1 9 1 1 160 319 297 13 127 io 1 32 71 60 1 61 39 10 14 47 219 7 13 50 191 4 9 47 137 2 3 33 4 11 50 170 3 3 1 28 4 3 3 3 1 198 217 1 1 183 11 21 2 217 1 1 19 1 5 9 55 1 1 1 4 9 *72 '51 21 72 17 4,594 39 2 6 1 4 100 4,636 23 °4 3,761 15 829 42 2 4 4,636 21 42 16 2 4 7 "2 4 'i "l "l 1 i 7 153 "7 81 59 i "7 141 3 53 6 179 8 5 104 6 58 25 43 127 101 2 154 1 21 7 91 4 80 18 76 104 92 20 1 59 9 2 77 '20 1 1 71 13 60 82 70 5 "2 33 1 7 8 i 1 2 135 1 21 7 78 4 78 18 76 104 85 2 23 '45 "8 16 7 4 25 7 13 2 7 5 14 14 8 22 h 2 8 7 33 23 9

H.—l6.

Return showing the Number of Offences reported, Persons apprehended, and Comparison of Crime during the Year ending 31st December, 1894, and Year ending 31st December, 1895 — continued.

2—H. 16.

9

1894. 1895. © 13 g © ■sfil So ° 0_ ft A _j fc fc g _ aM So£ £_. ft CO CD Persons a] iprehended or simmoned. _a -*____ © 'o f_. _Q c_ © © N O fi O p t/_ © rj ooft" Number of Convictions amongst those committed for Trial. Offences. Committed for Trial. Summarily Convicted. Discharged. d EG © O 0 H 6 en _S ID A O <_ q _ M. F. M. F. M. F. M. F. Keeping disorderly houses and brothels Killing animals with intent to steal the carcases Libel, criminal Lunacy Malicious injury to property Manslaughter Murder Murder, attempted Neglected and criminal children Obscene and profane language .. Obstructing Fire Inspectors Obstructing Inspectors of Factories Obstructing and resisting police Obstructing railway-lines Obstructing railway officers Obstructing thoroughfares Obstructing a mine Pawning, illegal Perjury Personating electors Poison administering Prisons offences (loitering about, and communicating with prisoners) Prize-fighting.. Rape Rape, attempted Receiving stolen property Refusing to quit licensed premises Rescuing cattle from being impounded Removing survey-pegs.. Sacrilege Sheep-stealing (see Theft). Shooting with intent Sly grog-selling Smuggling Sodomy Sodomy, attempted Soliciting prostitution .. Stamps, fraudulent removing .. Stamps, counterfeiting and uttering Stone-throwing Stowing away on board ships .. Suicide, attempted Sureties of the peace Theft (undescribed) Theft as a bailee Theft, attempted Theft of children Theft of cattle and horses Theft of dogs Theft of pigs Theft of sheep Theft from dwellings Theft from the person Theft of post letters Theft by servants Threatening to shoot Travelling by rail and refusing to pay fares Trespass Vagrancy 62 37 10 22 3 36 25 3 3 2 390 492 4 6 2 195 376 3 355 420 6 14 6 147 421 1 9 3 1 5 8 4 1 1 1 216 260 94 17 35 95 6 1 12 43 io 9 i 3 355 383 6 16 5 147 421 1 9 2 1 4 2 1 1 1 1 1 2 8 4 35 72 83 304 1 9 44 61 8 13 48 3 45 1 6 178 1 2 64 1 2 31 3 101 6 6 49 1 2 24 8 1 3 !.0 2 5 45 1 2 1 1 10 1 1 3 101 5 6 49 1 2 24 8 1 3 i 5 4 77 1 i 15 17 6 1 i "i 1 2 *9 5 7 1 5 1 7 2 i 4 22 10 20 31 12 5 8 9 25 43 21 7 4 i 1 26 5 8 1 2 5 1 4 12 16 11 £> 5 8 8 25 43 20 "i 5 5 12 9 14 1 2 3 1 1 1 1 1 2 4 50 11 6 73 12 3 2 9 3 3 34 8 ii 3 22 4 6 6 73 12 3 2 9 3 2 23 1 3 2 2 2 3 3 2 2 1 3 "i 2 7 1 3 100 46 43 25 1,882 10 6 111 41 39 40 1,855 37 11 1 128 3 1 56 336 151 2 17 1 17 92 35 11 28 759 7 1 l 18 4 13 9 195 13 1 111 39 39 40 1,106 30 11 1 70 1 1 38 169 72 2 16 1 15 11 5 4 9 i 2 3 52 3 "i 15 75 10 9 1 36 6 19 oi 3 27 5 1 21 27 l 107 7 5 38 287 100 5 11 "l8 16 1 32 1 3 105 22 4 4 26 17 21 2 6 3 7 14 1 9 17 19 13 2 17 17 11 1 5 3 8 18 49 51 2 1 1 a 6 I | '3 4 4 17 13 i 41 349 84 387 62 234 1 86 17 52 3 15 83 387 43 38 Totals 13,530 14,010 595 50 8,659 It 5 1,577 199 12,435 j 428 33 1146 666 Inc 480

H.—l6.

Return showing the Strength and Distribution of the New Zealand Police Force on the 31st March, 1896.

10

Stations. to , f-. to I If fi © m j m O- CO fi 3 .S 3 -p O w 2 © fi >_ co o Q o H -t- <u .23 4-_ o o_ © © r-j g_ tS "_ O O Stations. ta u Q o © a a H » $ i 3. a 3 CD CO q © > r-i O | 5 B a (A +3 © .8 3 S d -0 CO 0 3 o w o <_.-_! S_ Auckland, Waikato, and Bay of Islands— Auckland Aratapu Avondale Cambridge Coromandel Dargaville Devonport Eden Terrace Freeman's Bay .. Hamilton Helensville Howick Huntly Kaikohe Kamo Kawakawa Kihikihi Mangawai Mercer Mongonui Newmarket Newton . Ngaruawahia Ohaeawai Okupu,Gt. Barrier Onehunga Otahuhu Otorohanga Paeroa Panmure Papakura Parnell Ponsonby Port Albert Pukekohe Pahi Raglan Rawene Russell ■ Shortland Surrey Hills To Aroha To Awamutu Thames Waihi Waipu Waiuku Warkworth Whangarei Whangaroa Whitianga 1 5 29 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 1 2 1 2 37 .. 1 .. 1 .. 1 .. 1 .. 1 .. 2 .. 2 .. 1 .. 2 .. 1 2 Wanganui and West Coast — New Plymouth .. Waitara Inglewood Stratford Eltbam Normanby Hawera Patea Waverley Waitotara Manaia Opunake Pungarehu Mokau Wanganui Ohingaiti Hunterville Marton Bull's Kawhia 1 i 4 1 ' 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 6 1 1 1 1 5 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 8 1 1 1 1 i 1 .. 1 i i 2 1 1 1 .. 1 .. 1 .. 1 1 1 1 3 1 .. 1 "I 1 .. 1 .. 3 .. 1 l 1 i 4 27 31 " Totals 1 j I , I " 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 4 1 1 .. 2 ..I 1 .. 1 .. 1 .. 1 .. 1 .. 2 " 1 .. 1 : i .. i .. i .. i .. i .. i .. 5 .. ; 1 ..! 1 I i l 1 1 i "l Wellington and Marlborough— Wellington Clyde Quay Manners Street .. Mount Cook Thorndon Quay .. Wellington South Ashurst Carterton Eketahuna Featherston Feilding Foxton Greytown North Johnsonville Lower Hutt Makuri Martinborough .. Masterton Otaki Pahiatua Palmerston North Petone Te Nui Terrace End Upper Hutt Blenheim Cnllensville Havelock Picton 1 1 3 i 29 1 5 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 2 36 1 6 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 .. " 1 2 1 2 5 1 1 1 1 4 1 1 2 1 3 1 2 6 1 1 1 1 5 1 1 2 1 '.'. l i ! " l i 1 1 1 1 '.'.\ i .. i .. i .. i i Totals _L 7 80 ■2 UO 7 i 5 i Napier and East Coast — Napier Carlyle Street Clivo Dannevirke Gisborne Hastings Herbertville Katikati Moawhango Opotiki Ormond Ormondville Port Awanui Rotorua Spit Taradale Taupo Tauranga Te Pake Te Whaiti Tokaanu Tologa Bay Waipawa Waipiro Waipukurau Wairoa Whakatane Woodville l " 1 1 1 8 1 1 1 5 1 1 1 1 1 1 I 1 1 1 1 1 1 I 1 11 .. 1 ..! 1 ..I 1 .. 6 .. 2 .. 1 :: ! .. l .. 1 .. 1 • • l ..! 2 . J l i l i l Totals Nelson and Westland— Greymouth Brunnerton Ahaura Reef ton Lyell Westport Denniston Seddonville Charleston Dunganville Kumara Stafford Hokitika Kanieri Ross Okarito Nelson The Port Richmond Spring Grove Collingwood Takaka Motuoka 1 1 1 " 7 1 i 69 1 5 1 1 2 1 3 1 1 1 1 1 2 80 7 1 1 2 1 4 1 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 1 1 7 1 2 1.. I , .. I .. i l 2 1 1 1 6 1 1 1 1 l 1 2 ,.| .. " ..; i .J 2 ] '.'. 1 .. 1 .. 1 1 1 1 'i ' '.'. 1 1 1 I 1 1 1 1 i I '.'. Totals 1 5 33 39 , 2 4 2 : .. Totals 1 1 4 37 1 44

H—l6

Return showing the Strength, &c., of the New Zealand Police Force — continued.

Eeturn showing Casualties in the New Zealand Police Force during the Year ended 31st March, 1896. Retired on compensation .. .. . • ■ • .. . • ■. 7 Resignations .. . • • ■ ■ • • ■ • • ■ • • • 3 Services dispensed with .. • • ■ • ■ • ■ • ■ • • • 2 Dismissals .. .. • • • • • • ■ • • • • ■ • • 15 Suicide .. .. • • • • ■ ■ ■ • • • • ■ • • 1 Deaths .. . • • • • • • • ■ • • ■ • ■ • • 3 31

11

Stations. | |g ¥ etc? a to S 3 .5 o3 d -*_> © 4_> O £0 cfl © U d 4^ © o Q 02 O fi "3 o EH co +_. © og i o to" © £3 ts +3 <B co *g o Stations. 0u a o © ft to fi to 0^' O Af »I 02 »||s 3 3 .5 d J a. 4- o « _ _! <- ,__ <- O ® co q n CO +3 © .23 4_ * [_1~ sg £-3 <_ m lantorbury and North Otago— Christchurch Addington Akaroa Amberley Ashburton Bealey Bingsland Cheviot Coalgate Culverden Pairlie Geraldine Hampden Kaiapoi Kaikoura Kurow Leeston Lincoln Little River Lyttelton Methven Ngapara Oamaru Oxford Papanui ' Phillipstown Pleasant Point .. Rakaia Rangiora St. Alban's Sheffield Sydenham Temuka Timaru Waimate Woolston 1 1 3 1 25 1 1 1 5 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 1 1 1 1 4 1 1 6 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 7 2 1 3 33 1 1 1 6 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 _ 2 1 1 1 1 5 1 1 8 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 9 2 1 1 I .. Dunedin, Southland, and Lakes — contd. Bluff Cavorsham Clinton Clyde Cromwell Gore Green Island Half-moon Bay .. Invercargill Kaitangata Lawrence Lumsden Mataura Middlemarch Milton Mornington Mosgiel Naseby North-east Valley North Invercargill Ophir Orepuki Otautau Outram Palmerston Pembroke Port Chalmers .. Queenstown Ravonsbourne .. Riverton Roslyn Roxburgh St. Bathan's St. Clair South Dunedin .. South Invercargill Tapanui Waikaia Waikouaiti Waitahuna Waitati Winton Woodhaugh Wyndham 1 1 1 1 i 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 8 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 3 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 ! 2 1 1 2 1 2 1 10 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 4 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 4 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 " Totals 1 1 94 ■ • l ■• •■ •• 7 80 5 ; 1 Dunedin, Southland, and Lakes—■ Dunedin King Street Alexandra South Anderson's Bay .. Arrowtown Balclutha 1 5 1 25 4 1 1 1 1 2 33 5 1 1 1 1 Totals X i " 14 88 L06 1 I i " 3 Grand Totals.. i 6 I 3 48 414 13 484 16 9

H.—l6

12

Return showing the Proportion of Police to Population and Cost of Police per Inhabitant in each of the under-mentioned Places.

Note.—Populations are taken from official estimates as on 31st December, 1895. Approximate Cost of Paper. —Preparation, nil; printing (1,725 copies), £10 17s.

By Authority: JotiN Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington.—lB96. Price 6d.]

Place. Proportion of Police to Population. Cost of Police per Inhabitant. Remarks. New Zealand 1 to 1,530 s. d. 2 7J Number of police, 484 ; net expenditure (vide Appropriation Account for year ended 31st March, 1896), £97,555 2s. 4d. Population, 740,699 (including Maoris). Vide appropriation for 1895-96—viz.: Number of police, 1,414; vote, £247,590. Population, 1,181,769. Vide estimates for 1896—viz.: Number of police, 1,841 (exclusive of 60 Native trackers) ; vote, £325,013. Population, 1,277,870. Vide estimates for year ending 30th June, 1896—viz. : Number of police, 367 ; vote, £78,520. Population, 357,405. Number of police, 815 (exclusive of 10 supernumeraries and 100 Native trackers) ; vote, £159,710 (vide estimates for 1895-96). Population, 460,550. Victoria 1 to 842 4 2_ New South Wales .. 1 to 694 5 1 South Australia 1 to 973 4 if} Queensland 1 to 565 6 11