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

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1898 Session I, H-16

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1898. 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 Commissionee of Police to the Hon. the Ministee of Justice. Sic, — Police Department, Commissioner's Office. 2nd July, .1898. I have the honour to submit for your information this my first annual report on the Police Force of the colony (together with the criminal statistics) for the year ended 31st March last. Steength of Fobce. I assumed charge of the Force on the 25th October, 1897, and on the 31st of that month the total strength of the Force was 541 of all ranks, made up as follows : —lnspectors—first-class, 6; third-class, 1 ; sergeants-major, 2 ; sergeants—first-class, 19 ; second-class, 12 ; third-class, 8; constables —first-class, 120 ; second-class, 113; third-class, at 7s. a day, 127 ; at £10 a month, 94 ; detectives —first-class, 4 ; second-class, 3 ; third-class, 3; fourth-class, 2 ; district constables, 16; Native constables, 7 ; matrons, 4 ; and 97 troop horses. On the 31st March last the total strength was 563 of all ranks, being an increase of 20 during the year, made up as follows: —lnspectors—first-class, 6; tbird-class, 1; sergeants-major, 2; sergeants —first-class, 22 ; second-class, 14; third-class, 18 ; constables—first-class, 126; secondclass, 115 ; third-class, at 7s. a day, 95; at £10 a month, 121; detectives—first-class, 4; secondclass, 4 ; third-class, 3 ; fourth-class, 5 ; district constables, 17 ; Native constables, 7 ; matrons, 4 and 98 troop horses. Stations. New stations have been formed at Hikurangi, Kaikohe, and Karangahake; Southbridge has been reopened ; and Dunganville and Bealey have been closed. Augmentations. Augmentations have been made at the following stations : Auckland, 3 ; Paeroa, 1; Parnell, 1; Ponsonby, 1; Thames, 1; Hastings, 1; Wellington (head station), 4 ; Mount Cook, 1; Beefton, 1 ; Hokitika, 1; Ohristchurch, 2 ; Invercargill, 1 ; South Dunedin, 1. Seductions. Eeductions have been made at the following stations : Ashburton, 1; and Dunedin (central), 1. At Moawhango the district constable has been replaced by a member of the regular Force. Casualties. The casualties in the Force during the past year have been : Eetired on medical grounds, with compensation, 6; resigned, 8; dismissed, 5; died, 7; transferred to Permanent Militia, 1; discharged, 2 ; total, 29. Criminal Statistics. These statistics, which include all offences reported, are made up for the year ended the 31st December, 1897, and show an aggregate increase of 546, as compared with the totals of the preceding year. The principal increases are: Abortion-procuring, 4; absconding from industrial schools, 35; assaults —common, 32 ; assaults—indecent, 17 ; assaults and robbery, 6; burglary and breaking into shops and dwellings, 49; carnally knowing girls, 13; cruelty to children, 4; cutting and wounding, 5; damaging police uniforms, 21; deserters and stragglers from Her Majesty's Ships, 32; deserting from merchant vessels, 21; disobeying orders of Court and summonses, 17 ; disturbing meetings and congregations, 44; drunkenness, 199; failing to support parents and near relatives, 121; false pretences, 29; fish—illegally taking, 47; lunacy, 47; malicious injury to I—H. 16,

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property, 89; manslaughter, 5; murder, fi ; obstructing railway lines, 10; obstructing thoroughfares, 11; receiving stolen property, 26; shooting with intent, 4; sly grog-selling, 92; theft undescribed, 180; theft from dwellings, 28 ; trespass, 119. Other offences have decreased as follows: Abusive and threating language, 12 ; arson, 11; bankruptcy offences, 7 ; concealment of birth, 4; cruelty to animals, 25 ; deserting and failing to provide for wives and children, 250; disorderly and riotous conduct, 68 ; embezzlement, 11; forgery and uttering, 12 ; gaming offences, 8; illegally on premises, 15; indecent exposure and behaviour, 8 ; keeping disorderly houses and brothels, 24 ; neglected and criminal children, 50 ; rape, 10; rape—attempted, 7; smuggling, 11; theft of cattle and horses, 50; theft of sheep, 46 ; theft from the person, 29 ; vagrancy, 41. Eemakks on Ceiminal Statistics. The most serious increases of offences against property have been burglary and breaking into shops and dwellings, 49; malicious injury to property, 89; theft undescribed, 180; and theft from dwellings, 28. The rise or fall in the number of offences against property are generally accepted as a fair criterion of the inefficiency or efficiency respectively of a Police Force, the primary duty of which is to prevent crime ; and as offences against property are as a general rule admitted to be preventable crimes, it necessarily follows that so long as these preventable crimes increase the Police Force cannot be considered efficient. The principal increase in serious offences against the person have been : Abortion, 4; carnally knowing girls, 13; cutting and wounding, 5; manslaughter, 5; and murder, 8: total increase, 35. The total number of these offences reported during the year was 51, and the total number of persons apprehended or summoned for those offences was 49. It will therefore be seen that the Police have been able to cope fairly well with this class of offences. I find from reference to previous returns that there has been an annual increase in the number of offences reported since the year 1891, the highest being 663 for the year 1896. In my opinion the principal causes for the inefficiency of the Force, disclosed by these annual increases in crime are fourfold, namely—(l) Numerical weakness ; (2) a want of proper training of men on being taken into the Force; (3) a lack of subsequent supervision ; and (4) incapacity of many members of the Force owing to advanced age or bodily infirmity. Towards remedying above, I suggest (1) an immediate' augmentation of fifty men ; (2) the establishment of a training depot at which recruits should be kept for training at least three months ; (3) the appointment of four sub-inspectors to have general supervision over the four populous centres, thus leaving the Inspectors in charge of those districts greater liberty to supervise their districts; and (4) the establishment of a pension system. Drunkenness. The total number of persons proceeded against for drunkenness throughout the colony during the year was 5,604, being an increase of 199 on the figures of the preceding year, and although this is not so large an increase as that for 1896, which was 369, still it is a matter for regret. Sly-geog Selling. There were 146 persons proceeded against for this offence during the year, an increase of ninety-two on the figures of the preceding year. Although this may show an increased activity on the part of the police, I fear it cannot be accepted as an indication that the evil is being stamped out. The prosecutions serve to make the dealers more wary, and now it is only in rare instances that they can be induced to sell to persons who are unknown to them, it therefore follows that after each prosecution the police experience greater difficulty in getting the necessary evidence to justify proceedings being taken ; and it is only by the adoption of subterfuge, or the promise of a money reward to persons to become informers, both of which practices should only be resorted to in extreme cases, that in the great majority of instances can any evidence whatever be obtained. No doubt if liquor was allowed to be sold under license in the districts where sly-grog selling is most prevalent the traffic could be more easily regulated by the police, but this question of license versus non-license is one more of policy than of police procedure. Sunday and Afteb-hour Trading. That there is a great deal of illegal Sunday and after-hour trading on the part of many publicans throughout the colony cannot be denied, and so long as the law remains as it is this cannot be checked to any appreciable extent, even if the whole Police Force of the colony were engaged on this particular duty. It is well understood by the unscrupulous licensees in many parts of the colony that, in the event of proceedings being taken against them, all that is necessary to break down the evidence of the witnesses for the prosecution is to bring forward an equal number of persons to swear to the contrary, and, although it is palpable to every one that in most cases the evidence of the persons so called is entirely unreliable, still, as it is a case of one person's oath against another's, the prosecution usually fails. As an instance of the difficulty the police experience in procuring convictions, I will quote a recent case :— On a certain Sunday evening a police constable visited an hotel, and found in front of the bar in company with the licensee persons who were neither bond fide travellers nor lodgers. On the bar near them were empty wine-glasses, corresponding in number to the persons present, and an empty wine-bottle. The licensee, in reply to the constable, stated he had been shouting champagne for the others, and later on he repeated this statement in the presence of two police officers. The licensee was summoned, and when the case came on for hearing he, in giving evidence for the defence, swore that the wine contained in the bottle seen on the bar on the Sunday

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evening in question had been supplied on the previous Saturday night to two members of a certain theatrical company. These two gentlemen were subsequently called by the police, and proved that they did not arrive in the town in which the hotel was situated until three days after it had been sworn that they drank the wine ; therefore that part of the defence fell to the ground. The licensee admitted that he had made a mistake as to the date, and then stated the wine had been supplied to two other men, whose names he gave. In support of this, the licensee, his wife, and the two men in question were called, and all swore that the wine had been supplied to these two men on the particular Saturday night preceding the Sunday when the bottle was seen by the police, and one of the men stated that he paid for the wine in consequence of having backed a certain horse that had won a race that day. Upon that evidence the summons was dismissed. After the dismissal the police discovered that the particular race upon which the man had sworn he had won the money, and in consequence of which he had paid for the wine, was not run on that Saturday at all, but on the following Saturday. A fresh summons was then issued, and the case again came on for hearing. Of course, the second statement had to be abandoned. The defence then was a denial on the part of two of the persons who were found on the premises by the police that they had been supplied with drink in the house on the occasion in question, and the police not being in a position to disprove this, as they had done the two previous statements, the Court was satisfied, and dismissed the second summons. Now, it is clear the persons who made all the foregoing incorrect statements did so either without proper consideration as to what they were saying, although on their oath, or that they were swearing what they knew to be untrue. Had one incorrect statement only been made, the more charitable construction might reasonably have been placed on their action; but it is difficult to understand how any person who had any regard whatever for the oath could have innocently fallen into two such mistakes. My predecessor has, in his annual reports, advocated the inclusion in the licensing laws of the colony something equivalent to the 25th section of " The Intoxicating Liquor Act, 1872 " (35 and 36 Vict., c. 94), and I repeat his recommendation most strongly, in justice to the Police Force, who are now blamed for not enforcing a law which is practically unenforceable. Gaming Laws. The laws relating to gambling, particularly street betting, require amending. As the law is at present, the police are unable to cope with the evil. In the streets of the principal cities of the colony street betting is becoming an intolerable nuisance to the inhabitants who have no sympathy with the persons conducting this traffic. It is also becoming a danger to young persons using the streets, who would probably never think of betting if the law made it possible for the police to cleanse the thoroughfares of these betting-men, and thus remove in a measure the great facilities that now exist for indulging in this form of gambling. In November last I submitted suggestions to you, which, in my opinion, would meet this want, if carried into law. Inspbctoes. The Inspectors, considering the immense amount of work they have to perform, especially in the four large districts, have performed their duty well, but it is impossible to disguise the fact that owing to advanced age some of them are incapable of throwing into their work the amount of energy, both mental and physical, required of men holding such responsible positions, and, consequently, the efficiency of the Force suffers to some extent. They are, however, with one exception, men of vast experience and very long service, during which they have faithfully served the colony, and therefore have a right to expect liberal treatment in their old age. Sub-Inspbctoes. I consider the cities of Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin demand the whole services of an officer above the rank of sergeant or sergeant-major, and I recommend the creation of the rank of Sub-Inspector. At present, whenever the Inspector leaves his headquarters at the places named, the whole control of these cities devolves on a sergeant or sergeant-major, the official correspondence and other matters accumulate, and, as a consequence, the public wants are neglected, and the efficiency of the service suffers. A Sub-Inspector would be an assistant to the Inspector, and would assume charge in the absence of the latter from headquarters. He would also attend the Magistrate's Court to conduct police cases, and generally direct the police work of the city. These Sub-Inspectors would also be in training for Inspectors. The step from sergeant to Inspector is too great, and but few men can adapt themselves readily to a position so much in advance of that held by them so recently. Very many of the complaints made by the public of police inefficiency are due solely to the fact that the Police Force has not kept pace with the everincreasing demands arising from the continual expansion of the four cities above named. Seegeants. It is a well-established fact that the sergeants are the backbone of a Police Force. Good sergeants make good constables, and vice versd. Now, I regret to say, the sergeants of this Force are its weakest part. When I assumed command there were thirty-nine sergeants in the whole Force, fourteen of whom were upwards of fifty-five years of age. I have since promoted seventeen constables to the rank of third-class sergeants, but up to the present, with few exceptions, these freshly promoted men scarcely realise their new position. With a little more experience in their new rank, and by being kept up to their work, most of them will no doubt develop into good sergeants, but means should be found to clear away many of the older sergeants, and thus make room for as many younger and more active men. A pension system would meet this difficulty.

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Constables. The constables are a fair average lot of men. Generally, they carry out their duties satisfactorily. The Force would, no doubt, be improved if some who are of loose habits, and others who are either mentally or bodily unfit, were got rid of. Those coming under the former head can be weeded out by closer supervision, and a pension system would remedy the latter. There is an abundance of suitable material in the colony from which to select recruits, and with the closer selection suggested under the heading of "Recruiting," and better system of training, I feel convinced the Police Force of this colony could soon be made to compare favourably with any of the other colonial Forces. That the men, as a body, are not lacking in intelligence, is clearly demonstrated by the general satisfaction they give in carrying out the multifarious duties outside that of police constable which they are called upon to perform for the various Government departments and local bodies. Instances occasionally arise of constables becoming lax in carrying out their duties, but this cannot be wondered at, considering that in many out-of-the-way places these men have not in the past been visited by their superior officer on an average more than once a year, and in some very isolated places not even as frequently as that. Detectives. The Detective Branch of the Force is doing its work fairly well, but re not sufficient in numbers. If the augmentation I have asked for, and my application for an allowance of Is. a day to men employed temporarily in plain clothes be granted, it will give me greater opportunities than I now possess to employ men in plain-clothes work, and thus enable me to discover any latent detective talent that may exist in the Force. Conduct. In this Force, as in all others that I have been acquainted with, there are a certain number of men who misconduct themselves, and this will always be so in a greater or lesser degree, as, unfortunately, the frailties of human nature apply to policemen as well as to other classes of the community. In all cases of misconduct that have come under my notice I have meted out such punishment as I considered the case demanded, and I trust that if the increased means of supervision I have already suggested be granted me I may be able to weed out and get rid of the objectionable members now in the Force, and thus reduce to a minimum the causes of complaint upon this score. Eeceuiting. The present system of recruiting needs alteration. A candidate now fills up a form giving, in addition to his age, height, &c, particulars of the four last places where he has been employed. This form also purports to be signed by some persons who recommend him. No inqiiiry is made, and, without being seen by any police-officer or by the Minister, he is appointed a constable, if he can produce a satisfactory medical certificate as to his physical fitness, the certificate being paid for by the candidate himself. In my opinion, before any candidate is taken on, his private character should be carefully inquired into by a responsible police-officer; he should be required to attend at Wellington, to be there seen by the Commissioner; he should be required to pass an elementary educational examination ; and should be certified physically fit by a medical gentleman appointed and paid for by the department. The present age is from twenty-three to forty. This should be changed from twenty-one to thirty. If the candidate is deemed suitable for the Force he should be drafted to a depot at Wellington as a probationer, and there placed under a competent sergeant, to be instructed (1) in company drill, (2) the Police Act and regulations, and (3) the Acts of Parliament that are mainly enforced by the police. He should also attend the Magistrate's Court to learn how to give evidence and conduct cases, and, towards the end of his probation, be sent for a few hours daily on beat duty with an experienced constable. If at the end of three months the probationer is found to possess the intelligence and aptitude required to make a good constable he should be drafted into the Force, but if he lacks those qualifications he should be sent about his business. Pay and Classes. The rates of pay and system of classes require revision. At present a constable joins at £10 a month, and rises at some uncertain period to 7s. 6d. a day, with a still further rise, also at some uncertain period, to Bs., which, to all men joining subsequent to the 12th February, 1887, is the maximum pay of a constable. All men who joined the Force prior to the date named receive longservice pay at the rate of 6d. a day after five years' service, and an additional 6d. a day after ten years' service. At the present rate of advancement it takes a constable about nine years to get his first rise, and about twelve years his second. I suggest that when a man is taken on as a probationer he shall receive 6s. a day, with lodgings at the depot. Immediately he is appointed a constable his pay shall be 7s. a day. After four years' service he shall, unless retarded in the meantime for misconduct, be advanced to 7s. 6d. a day; after eight years, Bs. a day; and after twelve years, Bs. 6d. a day. All well-conducted men, on completion of twenty years' service, and who have not attained promotion to sergeant, shall be given an additional 6d. a day, making the maximum pay of a constable with not less than twenty years' service 9s. a day, which would be equal to the present first-class constable's pay with long-service pay included. Sergeants should commence at 9s. 6d. a day, and advance to their maximum of 10s. 6d. in six years by two increments of 6d. a day every three years. Inspectors to start as at present at £300 a year, and rise to their present maximum of £400 a year by increments of £25 every two years.

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The detectives should also advance from their present minimum to their present maximum by increments of 6d. a day every three years. Constables who are temporarily employed in plain clothes as assistant detectives, and constables or sergeants who are employed as clerks, and who are, of course, of superior education, with very responsible duties, extending over very long hours, to perform, should receive an allowance of Is. a day as long as they are so employed. On the Ist February, 1895, my predecessor, with a view of introducing a system of increments versus classes, received permission to reduce the pay of all men joining the Force after that date from 7s. a day to £10 a month, and all men who have joined since that date are now receiving the latter rate of pay. The object for which this reduction was made has long since been abandoned ; and as the retention of this reduced rate only causes dissatisfaction, I recommend that, on and after the Ist proximo, the old rate be reverted to, both as regards the men now receiving £10 a month and to men joining the service after that date, as provided for in the estimates. I may say that the new scale of pay I have suggested for the whole Force will not be affected in the least by the adoption of the above suggestion. Unifobm. I recommend that the men be found their uniform free of cost, which is the practice in almost every Force that I am acquainted with. The cost to the constable for uniform is very considerable, and the present system leads to a want of uniformity in pattern, as tailors in various parts of the colony are employed to make up the uniforms. I also think the jumper should have a military collar with the number of the constable on each side thereof, instead of the numerals being in the shako as at present. The numbers should also run consecutively throughout the whole colony instead of by districts as at present. The practice of men wearing white gloves when on ordinary duty should, in my opinion, be discontinued. These gloves can remain a part of the uniform as laid down by the Police Eegulations, but should only be worn when the men are engaged in connection with some public ceremony or on like occasions. Lodging Allowance. At present the Inspectors and sergeants are granted a lodging allowance if unprovided with free quarters. All single constables and all men in charge of stations are also provided with free quarters; the only men who at present have to provide their own lodgings are the married men not in charge of stations. As this causes a great deal of dissatisfaction, I recommend that all men of over three years' service unprovided with free quarters be granted an allowance of Is. a day in lieu thereof. There are not many men who would come under this regulation, therefore it would not be a very serious item of expenditure. Pensions and Geatuities. At present there are in the Force many officers and men who, owing to old age and bodily infirmity, are entirely unfit for active police work, but, owing to the want of a pension system, these men are retained in the service to the prejudice thereof. According to the present arrangements, when a man is returned as unfit for further service he, if a constable or sergeant, is invariably granted a compassionate allowance of one year's pay. If an Inspector the compassionate allowance is, I understand, at the rate of one month's pay for each year's service. At present there are in the Force five Inspectors, seven sergeants, and five constables over sixty years of age, and in addition there are one Inspector, seven sergeants, and nineteen constables between fifty-five and sixty years of age. Besides those I have named there are several who have prematurely broken down in health. To make the Force efficient the majority of those above referred to, especially sergeants and constables, should be retired forthwith, but it would be a cruelty to throw those men upon the world with one year's pay. In my opinion a pension system could be started and maintained by the following payments being made into a pension fund : (1) 4 per cent, per annum to be deducted from each man's pay; (2) all fines and penalties imposed under the Acts relating to the sale of intoxicating liquors, the gaming laws, and Police Offences Act; (3) all fines inflicted on, and stoppages from the pay of, constables; (4) the amount at present standing to the credit of the police reward fund; (5) all salaries and emoluments, or a portion thereof, received by constables in connection with the offices they hold outside that of constable ; (6) all Government departments for which the police at present perform work gratuitously to contribute an annual sum to the pension fund commensurate with the work performed by the police ; and (7) the Government to pay to the pension fund, on the retirement of any constable, a sum equal to the amount now paid in the way of compassionate allowance. The scale of pensions and gratuities I recommend is as follows: Any constable with not less than five years' service or more than fifteen years' service, if compelled to retire from the service through ill-health, shall receive a gratuity of one month's pay for each year's service completed, but in no case is the amount so paid to exceed twelve months' pay. Any constable who has completed fifteen years' service to receive a pension at the rate of one-fiftieth of his pay for each year's service completed up to thirty years' service, but no matter how long he may remain in the service he shall not increase his pension beyond three-fifths of his pay. The pension or gratuity to be based on the amount of pay received at the time of retirement, unless the constable shall within five years prior to his retirement have served in any rank beneath the rank held by him at the time of his retirement, in which case the pension or gratuity shall be based on the average amount of pay received during the last seven years of his service. Any constable who has not completed less than twenty-five years' service, and who shall not be under fifty-five years of age, shall be allowed to retire on the pension due to him at the time of his retirement without being returned medically unfit,

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By the foregoing it will be seen that the men would very largely provide their own pension fund. During the sitting of the Eoyal Commission on the Police Force, the opinion of many of the men was obtained upon the proposal here set forth, and which I have already given in evidence before that Commission, and it was found that they were almost unanimously in favour of the scheme. I may say that the scheme here described is not nearly so liberal as that in vogue in many of the police forces I am acquainted with. Medical Opficbks. I most strongly advocate the appointment of medical officers to be paid by the department at every possible place. I consider this an absolute necessity, to act as a check on men going on sicklist improperly, to detect cases where men abuse their constitutions through their vicious habits, and to relieve the men of paying for medical certificates when going on sick-list. The attendance of the medical officer should be given the men free of charge, but for every day a man is on sick-list Is. should be deducted from his pay. These medical officers could either be paid so much per annum for each man under them or receive an annual salary. As the number would fluctuate at each place the former would be the most equitable mode of payment. During the sittings of the Police Commission several instances have occurred showing very plainly the necessity of appointing police medical officers. Bicycles. Bicycles have been used by detectives at Christchurch, and by suburban constables, with good results, and, as the department is a considerable gainer by the use of these machines, I think it but fair that the men who use their own machines should receive some allowance for wear and tear. I therefore recommend that an allowance of 2s. per week be made to every man who uses his machine in the execution of his duty, but the allowance to be paid only to such men as the Commissioner may consider can use their machines for the benefit of the department. This arrangement will, I am sure, be much more economical than if the department supplied machines for use of the men. Inspectoes' Bepoets. Extracts from the annual reports of the Inspectors in charge of districts are annexed. I desire to draw attention to the following matters referred to therein: — The remarks of Inspector Pender re the Silverstream murder, those of Inspector Broham re the Amberley murder, and those of Inspector McGovern re the Native troubles in connection with ploughing the settlers' land and the Parihaka murder case. In each of those matters the police engaged, in my opinion, acted admirably, and deserve the highest praise. Inspector Pardy and the constables under him stationed in the Clutha District, have worked hard in attempting to deal with the sly-grog traffic, and considerable success has attended their efforts. Inspector Cullen and those who assisted him in connection with the sly-grog traffic in the King-country also deserve praise for their work. By the deaths of Inspector Pratt, Sergeant-major Moore, Sergeant O'Donovan, and Constable Stephenson, the two latter from drowning while attempting to rescue others, the Force lost the services of four good officers. Disteicts. I think the headquarters of the Wanganui and West Coast District should be removed from New Plymouth to Wanganui, and the Palmerston North Sub-district, now in the Wellington District, be transferred to the Wanganui District. This would relieve the Wellington District, which is at present unwieldy. The Auckland District is also much too large, but it is so situated that no portion thereof could with advantage be transferred to any other existing district, therefore the only remedy is to create a new district, with headquarters at Thames, but I do not recommend this change at present. If, however, the Thames District Goldfields continue to go ahead, the above suggestion will ultimately have to be carried out. The Province of Marlborough, which is at present attached to the Wellington District, might with advantage be transferred to the Nelson and Westland District, and the headquarters of the latter district removed from Greymouth to Nelson. Nelson is by far the most populous place in the district, being about double that of Greymouth, the present headquarters. Stations, Cells, etc. New stations are urgently needed at Arrowtown, Hamilton West, Kaikoura, Mokau, Ormondville, Southbridge, and Waverly, in addition to those for which some provision was made in last year's estimates, and which have not yet been erected. These are : Auckland, Invercargill, Mauaia, Opunake, and Te Kuiti. Many other stations are by no means up to date ; but this more especially applies to the want of suitable accommodation for the public who call on matters of business, and necessary comfort and convenience for sick or insane persons and prisoners while detained at the police-stations. As regards the sick and insane, I recommend that a special cell or room be at once fitted up ac the following stations, viz. : Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin, Nelson, and Wanganui. During the year 1897 the number of insane persons detained at above stations were ; Auckland, 23 ; Wellington, 56 ; Christchurch, 34; Dunedin, 37 ; Nelson, 10 ; and Wanganui, 8. With respect to ordinary prisoners, additional cell-accommodation is urgently required at many stations to permit of a better system of classification of prisoners; and all cells, except those exclusively for the use of drunken or unclean persons, should be well ventilated, better lighted, and provided with hammocks and a settle.

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At the larger stations, wherever possible, there should be an enclosed yard in which prisoners who may be detained for a longer period than one night could be exercised. At no place in the colony is the want of additional cell-accommodation felt more than at Lambton Quay Station, and the question of a sum to cover the cost of providing the necessary additional accommodation being placed on the estimates has already been submitted to you. Increase of Population. The cities of Wellington, Auckland, Cristchurch, and Dunedin are extending their respective areas to such an extent that in the near future the question of police protection for those places will have to be very seriously considered. The great bulk of the crime of the colony, particularly against property, occurs in these cities, or the immediate neighbourhood thereof. In many of these suburban districts the system of police protection is by stationing single constables at various points, each constable acting independently of the others. My opinion is that better results would follow if many of these isolated stations were done away with and larger ones instituted, with at least three constables under a sergeant attached to each. A system of reliefs extending over the whole twenty-four hours could then be established. This system is already in operation in some of the suburbs and it should be extended as far as possible as occasion arises. Cost of Police, etc. A return is annexed hereto showing the cost of police per inhabitant, and proportion of police to population in each of the Australasian colonies, from which it will be seen that New Zealand is very much beneath either of the other colonies. I have &c, J. B. Tunbbidge, Commissioner.

EXTEACTS FBOM ANNUAL EEPOETB OP OFFICEBS IN CHAEGE OF DISTEICTS. Inspectoe J. Hickson, Auckland, Waikato, and Bay of Islands. In accordance with instructions contained in Circular No. 9 of the 12th instant, I have the honour to forward the following report on the Auckland, Waikato, and Bay of Islands Districts for the year ended the 31st March, 1898 :— The strength of the district on that date was one Inspector, ten sergeants, five detectives, ninety-two constables, eight district constables, three Native constables, and one matron, or a total of all ranks of 120, distributed amongst fifty-three stations. New stations have been opened during the year at Karangahake, Kaikohe, and Hikurangi. The casualties during the year are as follows : Death, 1; dismissed, 2 ; resigned, 4; and discharged on compensation, 1. About the average number of constables have been punished for breaches of police discipline. With these exceptions the conduct of the police has been generally good. The Annual Offence Eeturn, which was forwarded to your office on the 16th February last, shows an increase in all offences reported of 274 cases over the previous year. The chief increases being—common assaults, 51; burglary, breaking and entering shops and dwellings, 45 ; damaging police uniform, 17; disobeying orders of Court, &c, 28; failing to support near relatives, &c, 61; malicious injury to property, 29; sly-grog selling, 78; theft, 78. The chief decreases being— deserting wives and children, 95; drunkenness, 13; keeping disorderly houses, 19; horse- and cattle-stealing, 17 ; sheep-stealing, 27. During the year 147 males and five females were committed for trial, of whom 119 males and five females were convicted at the Supreme Court, being an increase over committals for previous year of ninety-two males and two females. Vigorous action has been taken during the year to stamp out the evil of sly-grog selling, and the numerous convictions obtained and the substantial penalties imposed on those convicted will, it is hoped, act as a warning to those who might feel inclined to engage in the illicit sale of liquor. During the year I have visited the country stations as frequently as I could, and have found the police to be attentive to their several duties, which they discharge in a satisfactory manner. Several of the station buildings require painting and repairs, an estimate of the cost of which will be forwarded to you in a few days. New buildings are required at Otorohanga and at other places, where rent is now being paid. During the year new police-stations have been erected at Hikurangi and Coromandel. The district is fairly prosperous, and population continues to increase. The influx of populafrom other parts of New Zealand and adjoining colonies is, no doubt, due to the gold-mining and timber industries, both of which are in a prosperous condition.

Inspector J. Emerson, Napiek and East Coast. In compliance with Circular 9/98 of the 12th April instant, I have the honour to report upon the Napier and East Coast Police District for the year ended the 31st March, 1897, as follows :— The Annual Eeturn of Offences for the year ended 31st December, 1897, shows an increase of thirty-seven offences as compared with the previous year, the total being 1,205 offences reported in 1896, against 1,242 in 1897; of the latter, sixty-nine cases were sent for trial, resulting in forty-six convictions. Breaches of the peace show an increas of twelve ; disorderly and riotous conduct, 6; false pretences, 10 ; lunacy, 7 ; malicious injury to property, 13 ; obscene and profane language, 8-; and theft, 10. The other offences are about stationary. None of the cases dealt with are sufficiently seriqus to specially single out for remark,

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The strength of the district on the 31st March last was forty-eight of all ranks and fifteen troop horses, distributed over twenty-eight stations. The casualties for the year were : One constable discharged on compensation, being medically unfit for further service ; one district constable's services dispensed with, one constable dismissed, one sergeant and one constable drowned while endeavouring to reach Clive to rescue people in danger during heavy flood, one Native constable died. The promotions in the ranks of constables made in the beginning of this year have given great satisfaction to the men concerned, and I have no doubt will be a stimulus to increased energy and zeal in the discharge of their duties. The Hawke's Bay District received a very severe check by the disastrous floods which swept over the plains on the 16th April, 1897, resulting in the drowning of twelve persons, and enormous damage by the sweeping away and wrecking of houses, bridges, roads, &c, and the loss of the settlers' crops, tattle, &c. The silt deposited over the land averaged from lft. to 3 ft., and it will probably be some years before the district recovers its wonted prosperity. Amongst the twelve drowned were Sergeant F. O'Donovan and Constable A. Stephenson of Napier Station, who with eight others left in two boats at the request of an urgent message from Clive asking for assistance. They were both exceptionally steady and conscientious men, and respected by all, and their death was a great loss to the service. I am glad to say that the widows and orphans of all those drowned while on rescue work have been liberally provided for out of a relief fund by the purchase of annuities, the widows receiving 12s. 6d. per week, and each child ss. per week until they attain the age of fourteen years. The majority of the stations are in good order, but some will require additions and repairs during the current year.

Inspectok F. McGoveen, Wanganui and West Coast. In reply to your Circular No. 9 of the 12th instant, I beg to transmit my annual report upon the state of the Wanganui and West Coast Police District for the year ended the 31st March, 1898 :— The strength of the Force in the district is one Inspector, three sergeants, thirty-two constables, and one district constable. I regret to say that the Natives in the Taranaki portion of the district have been very troublesome during the year, and caused the police considerable hardship and worry by their illegal acts in ploughing up settlers' land and quarrelling amongst themselves over land and fences. In the early part of September last, the old Pihama land dispute between Te Whiti's and and Tohu's followers cropped up. They commenced by burning down each other's fences, and, had it not been for the timely interference and tact of the constables in the district, they would have burned down houses and whares, and have caused bloodshed. In the same month a similar dispute took place at Pungarehu, which led to the arrest of a Native man and two women. In the early part of October, a number of Natives commenced ploughing Europeans' land at a place known as Waihi, some six miles from Waitara, and although a number of them were arrested, they kept up the ploughing in different parts and in isolated places until the middle of November. This caused the police to be on the alert night and day, and no sooner was one batch arrested than another lot started ploughing in a different direction. There is no doubt but Te Whiti was the cause of all this trouble. I am, however, hopeful that after the firm manner in which the Stipendiary Magistrate, Mr. Stanford, dealt with the offenders, that the ploughing is at an end. The influence of Te Whiti and Tohu seems to be as great as ever over the minds of the majority of the Natives along this Coast, particularly between the White Cliffs and Patea, extending on beyond Mokau, but in a lesser degree. In the month of November last a Native named Bnoka murdered his wife at Parihaka. He was captured by Police the next morning after the murder, committed for trial, and sentenced to death at the late sitting of the Supreme Court, New Plymouth. No other cases of crime requiring special mention occurred in the district during the year. The number of offences reported was 1,015, showing an increase of twenty-eight. This increase is due to the Natives' ploughing. The population of the district is rapidly increasing, and the townships growing larger, particularly Stratford, Hawera, Bltham, Opunaki, and New Plymouth. The illegal traffic in sly-grog selling is still carried on to a certain extent between Ohingaiti, Karioi, &c. This is a very isolated portion of the district, but lam confident the Wanganui Police will soon stamp it out. The discipline of the Force in the district has been good and Police duties have been satisfactorily carried out.

Inspectok P. Pbndee, Wellington and Maelboeough. In compliance with Circular No. 9/98 of the 12th ultimo, I have the honour to furnish the following report upon the Force in the Wellington Police District for the year ending the 31st of March last. On that date the strength of the Force was, —one Inspector, one sergeant-major, eight sergeants, eighty constables, four detectives, three district constables, and one matron, distributed at thirty-one stations. No new stations have been opened during the year, and none closed. The only casualties during the year have been, —one constable dismissed, one sergeant discharged on compensation, and one acting-sergeant-major died. The conduct of the men on the whole has been good, and very few punishments have been necessary.

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A number of promotions have been made during the year which have had an excellent effect on the Force generally ; two constables have been promoted to the rank of sergeant, one to that of detective, and numerous other sergeants and constables have been promoted a step in their grade. ' The detectives have been successful in coping with crime, and very few offences of any consequence have gone undetected. One detective has been promoted from second-class to first-class. The Offence Eeturn for the year 1897 shows an increase of offences reported, as compared with 1896, of 348, the numbers respectively being 3,518 and 3,170 ; of this increase drunkenness contributes 152. The remaining increase is divided among serious and lesser offences such as may be looked for as population increases. There has been a notable decrease in the number of cattle- and sheep-stealing cases reported. There were twenty-four less cases of wife and family desertion in 1897 than in 1896. A particularly cruel murder took place in the Silverstream district in September last. On the 7th of that month a bushman named Prank Philpott murdered his mate, Ernest Alfred Hawthorne, and buried him in the bush close to the camp where they were employed wood-cutting. Hawthorne's disappearance was first reported to the police on the 6th of November, and immediate search was made for his body, which was found on the 12th. Philpott, who was apprehended on the 2nd of November on a charge of forgery, was charged with the murder, and after very careful investigation by the police the offence was brought home to him. He was tried at the February sittings of the Supreme Court here, —the trial lasting nine days, —found guilty, sentenced to death, and was executed at the Terrace Gaol on the 23rd of March, having previously confessed his guilt. The detective and other members of the Force employed in the case displayed great energy and zeal in collecting the evidence, &c, and were granted rewards for their successful efforts. Serious cases of larrikinism are, I am glad to say, not at all rife in Wellington. The Infant Life Protection Act works very well. The matron, who is very zealous in the discharge of her duties, has assisted very materially in making the provisions of the Act a success. High rents and the consequent difficulty experienced by married members of the Force in obtaining houses convenient to the police-stations, in my opinion, has a very detrimental effect on the general efficiency of the Force. The city and suburbs of Wellington are making rapid progress in wealth and population, about 425 buildings have been erected in the city during the year, the shipping accommodation has been found insufficient for the increasing trade of the Port, and the Harbour Board have initiated an extensive scheme of further wharf accommodation, which I understand will be proceeded with shortly. A short time since the Harbour Board applied for a second constable to be constantly employed about the wharves; at present three constables are employed on this duty, each performing eight hours work, and there can be no doubt that before long three more constables will have to be told off for this duty alone. In the Mount Cook sub-district the work increases fast, and, in my opinion, another constable must very shortly be stationed on the Adelaide Eoad. After careful consideration I have come to the conclusion that ten additional constables are required at Wellington to make the Force as efficient as it should be, and to meet the growing requirements of the place.

Inspector J. Cullen, Nelson and Westland. In compliance with circular No. 9/98, of the 12th April last, I have the honour to furnish the annual report in connection with the Nelson and Westland Police District. The strength of the district on the 31st March last was as follows— viz. : six sergeants, thirty-three constables, and two district constables, being an increase of one sergeant and one constable since date of furnishing last annual report. During the year the following changes have been effected—viz. : Appointments, two constables ; discharged on compensation, one constable; deaths, Inspector J. Pratt and Sergeant-major S. Moore. The number of offences reported during the year 1897 amounted to 644, being a decrease of sixty-nine as compared with the year 1896. Most of the offences reported were of a trivial character, and those of a serious nature, though not absolutely unknown, are of rare occurrence. Offences that might be classified as the work of "larrikins" are net numerous. _ The number of cases of drunkenness increased by twenty-six, and is due to the large number of strangers, labourers, who, from time to time, have been employed on works m connection with the recent developments in mining properties. Sly-grog selling, though no doubt carried on in some outlying portions of the district on a very small scale, shows a decrease on the previous year. During the latter portion of 1897 and the first month in the present year numerous fires, no doubt the work of a fire-raising fiend, occurred in Eeefton, and although extra police assistance was obtained the delinquent was not discovered. One arrest was effected, but the evidence forthcoming was not sufficient to obtain a conviction. As I have only been in the district for a period of about three months since the date of my assuming charge, I have not had many opportunities of visiting the outside stations, &c, but so far as I can judge, I consider the conduct of the members of the Force, as a whole, has been good, and the numerous duties have been faithfully performed.

Inspector T. Beoham, Chkistchubch and North Otago. In accordance with the request contained in Circular No. 9 of the 12th April, 1898, I have the honour to report upon the state of this district for the past year. 2—H. 16.

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The return of crime for the year ended the 31st December, 1897, forwarded to your office on the 24th February, 1898, shows that during the year 2,899 offences of various kinds were reported as against 3,089 reported during 1896, while 2,781 persons were either taken into custody or proceeded against by summons for various offences. Of these the most numerous were the arrests for drunkenness, for which 1,012 persons were apprehended as against 1,091 for 1896. There were 170 charged with common assaults as against 163 for 1896. Sixty-three cases of burglary were reported as against ninety-six for the previous year. Thirty-two persons were charged with breaches of the peace against sixty-one for 1896. Thirty-nine were reported for deserting their wives and families against l<ls for the previous year. There were 106 charged with failing to support their parents and near relatives against seventy for 1896. There were 135 arrests made for lunacy against seventy-five for the previous year. Eighty were charged with using obscene language against 103 for 1896. Seventy-seven were charged with malicious injury to property against sixty-six for the previous year. Forty-three were charged with resisting the police against forty-two for 1896. Fourteen were charged with assaulting the police against twenty-three for the previous year. There were 330 charges of ordinary theft preferred as against 294 for 1896. There was one case of murder, for which the offender was convicted and suffered the extreme penalty of the law. The case was no ordinary one, and was, in fact, one of the worst ever committed in this colony. The offender who for the last three years has destroyed so many horses in and around Christchurch is still at large, notwithstanding the exertions of the police and the large reward lately offered for his arrest. Prosecutions of publicans for Sunday-trading have been frequent during the year, but the fact that the public can gather in hotels upon Sundays in any number without such being a breach of the law places an obstacle in the way of prosecutions, over which the police find it difficult to get. To make the Act effective the law of New Zealand should be similar to the law in force in England, persons found in hotels upon Sunday should be liable to prosecution, unless they are either lodgers or travellers. I would again urge that a substantial increase be made in the strength of Christchurcb station. The total strength of the station twenty-one years ago, when the population of the place was certainly not more than half what it is at present, was fifty men of all ranks, now it is forty, though each year brings additional duties to the police to perform. Formerly a medical man was appointed to attend to the police of this station, but owing to retrenchment his services were dispensed with. I would be glad if a medical man were again appointed to the post. Medical bills are heavy items in the expenses of constables who receive such very small pay. A new station is required at Linwood, a suburb of Christchurch, and another at Belfast, about seven miles from here. A constable is also wanted during the summer months at New Brighton, a sea-bathing resort about five miles from Christchurch.

Inspectoe W. S. Pabdy, Dunedin, Southland, and Lakes. I have the honour to submit for your information the state of the Police Force in this district, together with the state of crime and other offences during the year ending the 31st December, 1897 :— The numerical strength of the district at the present time is 111, consisting of one Inspector, fifteen sergeants, ninety-three constables, and two detectives; also one district constable stationed at Stewart's Island and twenty-one troop horses, distributed amongst fifty police-stations. By the Annual Offences Eeturn, already furnished, you will see that the total number of offences reported during the year was 2,376, being an increase on the previous year of ninetyseven. In comparing the offences for the two years, 1896 and 1897, you will see that in some offences there has been a considerable increase during the past year—especially is this the case in regard to drunkenness, while in others there has been to a certain extent a corresponding falling off. Two serious crimes against the person were committed during the past year—viz., one of wife murder, and the other of attempted murder—in both cases convictions were obtained, and in the former case the death penalty has since been carried out; and in the latter a penalty of fifteen years imprisonment inflicted. The recent increase in the number of sergeants has had a beneficial effect on the Force through increased supervision, and the new hope it holds out to intelligent and honourable men of advancement in the service—such hope for years past having been completely dead. As regards sly-grog selling in the CTutha district, every effort has been made by the police to obtain convictions, and such efforts have been fairly successful. Although Clutha is called a prohibited district it contains a licensed publichouse, and a wholesale liquor store, so that the residents are not altogether dependent on the sly-grog sellers for their liquor. The casualties during the past year have been as follows: Retired on medical grounds, one first-class detective ; resignations, one third-class constable ; while eight members of the Force have been punished for minor offences. With few exceptions the conduct of the police of all ranks in this district has been satisfactory, and considering the numerous duties those members of the Force in charge of stations have to perform outside their duties as constables, it is highly creditable to them that they have been so successful in keeping down crime, seeing that their police work has often to give precedence to other outside duties. Many of the police-buildings are old and in constant need of repair to keep them habitable ; while others are in the same state from faulty construction. A summary of needed repairs, with their probable cost, is forwarded you with this report.

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Return showing the Number of Offences Reported, Persons apprehended, and Comparison of Crime during the Year ending 31st December, 1896, and Year ending 31st December, 1897.

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1896. 1897. Offences. m o w So ° S . Persons apprehended or summoned. Committed for Trial. Summarily Convicted. Discharged. a o s o Number of Convictions amongst those committed for Trial. M. F. 6 Cβ CD 3 a; I q O 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 Attempts to commit felony Bankruptcy offences Being in possession of housebreaking implements Begging Bestiality Bigamy Breaches of the peace Broaching cargo Burglary, breaking into shops, dwellings, &c. Carnally knowing girls Carnally knowing, attempted .. Cattle- anu horse-stealing (see Theft). Cattle-maiming Coinage offences Concealment of birth Conspiring to defraud Conspiring to murder Conspiring to defeat the course of justice Contempt of Court Cruelty to animals Cruelty to chidren Gutting and wounding.. Damaging police uniform Deserting and failing to provide for wives and children Deserters and stragglers from H.M. ships Deserting merchant vessels Discharging firearms Disobeying orders on board ships Disobeying orders of Court and summonses Disobeying terms of release under First Offenders' Probation Act Disorderly and riotous conduct.. Distillation offences Distributing obscene literature .. Disturbing meetings and congregations Drunkenness .. Embezzlement Escaping from custody Escaping from lunatic asylums.. Extortion Failing to support parents and near relatives False declarations .. . .. False pretences Falsifying a share-register Fish, illegally taking Forcible entry Forgery and uttering Fortune-telling Furious riding and driving Game, illegally shooting Gaming offences Illegally on premises Indecent exposure or behaviour 3 3 3 3 50 283 3 40 8 787 25 35 1 69 24 1 23 1 2 3 7 2 3 85 271 3 24 13 819 42 38 4 70 30 2 16 3 1 1 1 3 1 1 2 1 1 3 7 2 1 1 1 2 4 1 2 73 149 4 11 6 97 1 2 2 290 12 9 4 2 4 83 26y 3 15 4 805 39 37 4 70 13 2 16 3 35 12 12 2 4 2 4 7 12 2 10 2 4 20 15 1 1 1 455 7 11 26 1 29 5 32 17 3 3 1 6 1 10 1 1 3 8 64 1 2 5 1 2 12 1 '2 1 2 1 2 1 7 2 13 4 4 294 12 3 1 11 1 '2 12 3 ' 1 1 1 4 to 284 4 395 216 4 29 io 53 5 284 4 187 4 49 346 102 1 55 66 5 1 18 2 8 1 2 2 4 1 2 18 2 5 2 13 1 3 9 ♦ 5 7 3 7 1 1 4 4 1 1 1 2 i 6 1 1 4 4 2 4 6 4 4 4 4 8 137 1 3 25 587 1 112 5 8 46 337 96 1 1 44 172 16 1 1 112 5 8 46 308 7 25 i 7 i 2 "l 1 4 5 21 1 1 3 1 128 4 250 56 88 65 65 32 15 10 58 359 36 9 50 376 1 29 6 36 206 3 2 14 140 32 9 50 349 1 21 1 8 - 2 i 17 4 3 3 3 1 355 3 5 36 287 4 4 80 224 4 3 59 11 50 1 20 16 301 4 4 80 1 68 i 1 44 5,005 14 12 5,204 3 5 12 1 2 4,369 1,167 56 2 12 5,604 3 4 10 1 2 199 ii 7 2 10 12 1 154 1 275 169 2 84 12 267 121 9 141 2 170 3 66 1 22 3 ~2 1 85 9 32 27 3 2 153 3 66 1 18 3 1 29 3 47 7 19 2 83 37 1 i 2 12 69 54 63 79 104 71 3 58 42 55 64 96 52 5 1 56 36 38 53 71 1 1 3 1 6 17 8 19 2 61 3 58 42 55 64 95 SI 2 3 11 12 8 15 8 3 5

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Return showing the Number of Offences reported, Persons apprehended, and Comparison of Crime during the Year ending 31st December, 1896, and Year ending 31st December, 1897 — continued.

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Offences. 1896. a o o o Persons ap Committed for Trial. iprehendf Sumrm Convic sd or summoned. .. 1897. © T3 nd J2 (/i © oj aoSo 3 aa a) a <i-T f-l f-j fl & 4 O Number of Convictions amongst those committed tor Trial. irily Dis;ted. charged. 6 r: o γ-h o a 6 <s o c M. F. " M. V. m. ; V. M. F. Intimidation Keeping disorderly houses and brothels Killing animals with intent to steal the carcases Libel Lunacy Malicious injury to property Maliciously killing animals Manslaughter Murder Murder, attempted Neglected a,nd criminal children Obscene and profane language .. Obstructing and resisting police Obstructing railway-lines Obstructing railway officers Obstructing thoroughfares Pawning, illegal Perjury .. Personating electors Prison 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 Sacrilege Sheep-stealing (see Theft). Seals, illegally taking .. Shooting with intent Sly-grog selling Smuggling Sodomy Sodomy, attempted Soliciting prostitution 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 letters Threatening to shoot Travelling by rail and refusing to pay fares Trespass Unlawfully felling timber Vagrancy 1 21 1 4 1 21 1 24 45 1 6 10 1 1 1 1 1 3 368 385 1 4 4 178 416 139 2 3 34 2 17 3 415 474 1 6 12 5 128 409 141. 12 6 45 1 's 5 8 4 2 2 253 274 1 69 297 130 10 5 38 108 20 29 63 1 2 46 119 1 25 42 10 8 14 1 5 6 3 415 432 1 5 11 5 128 408 141 10 6 45 3 3 6 '2 47 89 1 5 8 1 50 7 1 4 2 10 3 11 3 2 1 16 4 11 12 1 2 1 2 2 16 4 11 6 1 4 5 6 11 12 2 7 46 42 31 8 12 2 6 46 42 31 10 2 12 14 20 43 81 1 5 8 19 37 19 2 4 1 1 16 5 11 1 1 1 4 26 10 7 1 1 2 2 1 1 3 2 59 21 2 6 151 10 1 2 17 85 35 26 53 2,122 1 6 3 69 2 10 21 279 133 10 9 5 1 18 3 1 1 2 30 \ 2 6 146 10 1 1 15 85 35 26 53 1,287 1 5 3 43 1 6 9 116 42 5 9 5 1 18 'a 1 1 '78 10 18 20 4 92 11 1 1 1 2 10 121 53 81 55 1,942 10 5 3 72 34 4 38 841 14 1 1 102 11 1 14 13 209 1 3 2 11 1 1 5 ' 1 20 2 7 36 18 5 2 100 6 62 2 180 9 2 1 2 1 1 1 3 119 9 1 67 251 162 3 2 1 1 14 30 4 18 13 5 1 3 1 1 1 1 81 6 8 4 4 12 18 1 1 4 17 4 10 10 4 1 3 1 9 28 7 7 4 50 7 46 29 4 1 3 1 1 14 4 4 73 4 392 192 1 165 1 21 4 192 119 351 225 69 36 19 349 4 41 Totals 14,673 15,219 517 36 9,659 1,707 1,886 237 14,042 337 13 1430 884 Inc. 546

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Return showing the Strength and Distribution of the New Zealand Police Force on the 31st March, 1898.

Stations. TO a © I P 02 I 1 <o o in o f> o e> ID n O H +3 CD !! 2 OT o CO O o Auckland, Waikato,"t and Bay of Islands — Auckland Aratapu Avondale Cambridge Coromandel Dargaville Devonport Eden Terrace Freeman's Bay .. Hamilton Helensville Howick Huntly Hikuraugi Kawakawa Kihikihi Karangahake Kaikohe Mangawai Mercer Mongonui Newmarket Newton Ngaruawahia Ohaeawai Okupu, Gt. Barrier Onehunga Otahuhu Otorohanga Paeroa Panmure Papakura Parnell Pons.onby Port Albert Pukekohe Pahi Raglan Rawene Russell Shortland Surrey Hills Te Aroha Te Awamutu Thames Waipu Waiuku Warkworth Whangarei Whangaroa Whitianga Waihi Waitekauri i - - ! .. 4 1 1 i 38 1 1 1 2 1 1 2 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 4 47 1 1 1 -4 1 2 2 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 2 1 1 2 i i i i i l 1 1 2 2 1 2 2 i • • i 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 6 1 i i 1 1 1 1 4 1 1 'i 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 i Totals 1 10 91 5 107 i 3 Napier and East Coast — Napier Carlyle Street .. Olive Dannevirke Gisborne Hastings Herbertville Katikati Opotiki Ormond Ormondville Port Awanui Rotorua Spit Taradale Taupo Tauranga Te Puke Te Whaiti Tokaanu Tolaga Bay Tuparoa Waipawa Waipiro Waipukurau Wairoa Whakatane Woodville 1 1 1 1 8 1 1 5 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 11 1 1 1 6 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 "i 1 1 1 1 1 1 I '2 1 '2 1 1 2 1 1 1 ! 2 i ••I * •■ Totals 1 4 37 t! t 1 4

Stations. DQ I s 3 " o H & a a> « o 3 '"; c o Q to" I a CD P I •23 as CO W pg o II da O Wanganui and West Coast— New Plymouth .. Bull's Eltham Hawera ■ Hunterville Inglewood Kawhia Manaia Marton Mokau Moawhango Normanby Ohingaiti Opunake Patea Pungarehu RaeDihi Stratford Waitara Waitotara Wanganui Waverley 1 1 1 5 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 2 1 1 6 1 7 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 2 1 1 7 1 i 1 Totala 1 3 32 i 36 Wellington and Marlborough— Wellington Clyde Quay Manners Street .. Mount Cook Thorndon Quay .. Wellington South Ashurst Carterton Eketahuna Featherston Feilding Poxton Greytown North Johnsonville Levin Lower Hutt Makuri Mangatainoka .. Martinborough .. Masterton Otaki Pahiatua Palmerston North Petone Te Nui Terrace End Upper Hutt Blenheim Cullensville Havelook Pioton 1 1 4 1 34 1 2 8 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 3 43 1 2 9 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 1 4 1 1 1 1 4 1 1 4 1 1 6 1 1 1 1 5 1 i 1 1 1 i 2 1 1 2 Totals 1 1 8 80 4 94 3 Nelson and Westland— Greymouth Brunnerton Ahaura Reefton Lyell Westport Denniston Seddonville Charleston Kumara Stafford Hokitika Kanieri Ross Okarito Nelson The Port Richmond Spring Grove Collingwood Takaka Motueka 1 1 1 1 1 1 5 1 1 2 1 3 1 1 1 1 7 1 1 3 1 4 1 ± 1 1 1 4 1 1 1 7 1 3 1 1 1 6 1 1 1 .1 1 1 1 1 i i Totals_ _ 1 6 33 I 40 2 ..! I ..

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

Eetuen showing Casualties in the New Zealand Police Force during the Year ended 31st March, 1898. Retired on compensation .. .. .. ■ • • • ■ • • • 6 Resignations .. .. ■ • • • • • • - • ■ • • 8 Dismissals .. .. .. .. • • • • • • ■ • ■ • 5 Deaths .. .. .. .. • • • • • • • ■ • • 7 Transferred to Permanent Militia .. -. • ■ • • • • • • 1 Discharged .. .. .. .. . • ■ ■ • • • • • • 2 29

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Stations. I P I I I « id 02 (3 P i o H : E| I* J m <D.-i •SI "I anterbury and North Otago— Christchurch Addington Akaroa Amberley Ashburton Bingsland Cheviot Coalgate Gulverden Fairlie Geraldine Hampden Kaikoura Kaiapoi Kurow Leeston Lincoln Little Eiver Lyttelton Methven Ngapara Oamaru Oxford Papanui Phillipstown Pleasant Point .. Bakaia Eangiora St. Albans Sheffield Southbridge Sumner Sydenham Temuka Timaru Waimate Woolston 1 1 3 32 3 1 ., 2 ., 1 ., .. I .. 1 5 .. 1 ., 1 .. .. I .... 1 .. .. '.'... 1 . 1 . 1 ., 1 . 2 . 1 . 1 . 1 . 1 . .... 14 .. 1 .. 1 ., .... 17 .. 1 .. 1 .. 1 ., 1 ., 1 .. 2 . 1 . 1 .. 1 .. .... .. [ 1 ., .... 1 1 .. 2 ., .. i .. 1 7 1 .. i .. .. 2 .. .. .. .. 1 .. 1 1 3 1 1 32 1 2 1 5 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 4 1 1 7 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 I 2 7 2 1 3 40 1 2 1 6 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 5 1 1 8 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 2 2 9 2 1 •• 1 i I ' ' i ! '* i l 1 Totals 1 1 8 91 4 I 1 l 8 91 4 105 1 )unedin, Southland, and Lakes — Dunedin King Street Alexandra South Anderson's Bay .. Arrowtown Balclutha 1 .. 5 29 2 .... 14 .. 1 .. 1 .. 1 .. 1 .. 1 5 1 29 4 1 1 1 1 2 37 5 1 1 1 1

Stations. iff I DO I 8 i i i o H oi S3 !l 5 1 i II da Dunedin, Southland, and Lakes— ctd. Blufi Caversham Clinton Clyde Cromwell Gore Green Island Half-moon Bay .. Inveroargill Kaitangata Lawrence Lumsden Mataura Middlemarch Milton Mornington Mosgiel Naseby North-east Valley North Inveroargill Ophir Orepuki Otautau Outram Palmerston South Pembroke Port Chalmers .. Queenstown Bavensbourne .. Eiverton Eoslyn Roxburgh St. Bathan's St. Clair South Dunedin .. South Invercargill Tapanui Waikaia Waikouaiti Waitahuna Waitati Winton Woodhaugh Wyndham 1 1 ; 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 8 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 i 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 i 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 5 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 j 1 1 111 536 1 1 1 1 I "■ i I •• \ Totals 1 15 93 2 1 Grand Totals.. 7. 2 54 457 16 16 7

15

H.—l6

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

Proportion of i r t f p. l; . a Place. Police „»? Remarks, to Population. per ± nn at>itant. ' ~~ ~~~ ~ l ™ ~ "' ~~ s. d. New Zealand .. Ito 1,435 2 8 Number of police, 536; net expenditure (vide Appropriation Account for year ended 31st March, 1898), £102,858 10s. 7d. Population, 768,910 (including Maoris). Victoria .. .. Ito 833 4 4 Vide Appropriation of Revenue, 1897-98—viz.: Number of police, 1,412 ; vote, £254,963. Population, 1,176,238. New South Wales .. 1 to 702 5 Vide Estimates of Expenditure, 1897-98—viz.: Number of police, 1,886 (exclusive of 70 Native trackers) ; vote, £333.209. Population, 1,323,460. South Australia .. Ito 1,100 4 1J Vide Estimates of Expenditure for Year ending 30th June, 1898—viz. : Number of police, 330; vote, £75,037. Population, 363,044. Queensland .. Ito 578 6 llf Vide Estimates for 1897-98—viz.: Number of police, 839 (exclusive of 10 supernumeraries and 110 Native trackers); vote, £168,713. Population, 484,700. Western Australia .. Ito 335 13 5j Vide Estimates for year ending 30th June, 1898—viz.: Number of police, 483; vote, £108,792 7s. 6d. Population, 161,924.

Note. —Populations are taken from official estimates as on 31st December, 1896.

Approximate Cost of Paper.— Preparation, not given ; printing (1,750 copies), £12.

By Authority : John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington.—lB9B. Price 6d.