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

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1903 Session I, H-16

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1903. 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, Ist May, 1903. I have the honour to submit for your information the annual report on the Police Force of the colony (together with the criminal statistics) for the year ended 31st March last. Strength of Force. On the 31st March last the strength of the Force was 613 of all ranks, being an increase of 9 during the year. The total is made up as follows : Inspectors, 8; Sub-Inspectors, 4 ; sergeantsmajor, 1; sergeants, 58; constables, 522; detectives, 20. In addition to above, there were 4 police surgeons, 4 matrons, 20 district constables, 11 Native constables, and 79 horses. Stations. New stations have been formed at Piriaka, Eahotu, Rongotea, Shannon, and Blackball. Ohingaiti and Pungarehu have been closed; a district constable has been appointed at Cowes (Waiheke Island); and the district constables at Kawhia, Motueka, and Richmond have been replaced by permanent constables. Casualties. The casualties (Appendix C) have been: Eetired under the Police Provident Fund Act, 15; resigned, 14 ; died, 4 ; services dispensed with, 4 ; dismissals, 2 : total, 39. This is 13 more than in the preceding year. Criminal Statistics. These statistics (Appendix A) deal with all offences reported to the police during the year ended 31st December last, and show an aggregate net increase of 384 on the figures of 1901. The principal increases are : Arson, 38 ; assaults, common, 49 ; burglary, breaking into shops, dwellings, &c, 135 ; cruelty to animals, 28 ; deserting and failing to provide for wives and children, 107; disobeying orders on board ship, 46 ; drunkenness, 212; false declarations, 22; gaming offences, 153; indecent exposure or behaviour, 58; obscene and profane language, 70; obstructing thoroughfares, 29; theft of cattle and horses, 33 ; trespass, 68; and vagrancy, 29. The principal decreases are : Assaults, indecent, 35; breaches of the peace, 138; deserters and stragglers from H.M. ships, 39; disorderly and riotous conduct, 35; failing to supportparents and near relatives, 89; game, illegally shooting, 24 ; obstructing and resisting police, 28; sly-grog selling, 26; stone-throwing, 72; theft of sheep, 20; theft from dwellings, 58; and theft from the person, 40. Remarks on Criminal Statistics. The net increase (384) in the number of offences over the preceding year does not, from a population basis, represent any real increase at all, inasmuch as in 1901 the proportion of offences to population was 236 per cent., while in 1902 it was 2-35 per cent.; or, in other words, there was in 1901 one offence to every 42-35 of the population, whereas in 1902 there was one offence to every 42-53 of the population. I—H. 16.

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Cases of lunacy and escaping from lunatic asylums, which have hitherto been included in the criminal returns, are now omitted therefrom for the first time. Preventible offences, such as burglary, breaking into shops, dwellings, &c, forcible entry, forgery, malicious injury to property, and thefts of various kinds, have increased during the year by 45—viz., from 3,432 in 1901 to 3,477 in 1902. This increase, however, is not in proportion to the increase in population, the figures being one offence to every 239-25 of the population in 1901, whereas in 1902 there was but one offence to every 241-85 of the population, thus showing that there has been no deterioration in the efficiency of the Force as far as these preventible offences are concerned. The percentage of arrests, summonses, &c, to the number of offences against the person reported during the year, which was 9855 in 1901, was during 1902 97-49 ; while for offences against property the percentage of arrests, <tc, rose from 72-98 in 1901 to 76-02 in 1902, and this is much the highest yet attained. The percentage of arrests or summonses to all cases reported, irrespective of class, also shows slight improvement, the figures being, for 1901, 93-86, while for the year under review they were 94-45 ; thus demonstrating that as a detective body the Force still continues to improve from year to year, notwithstanding that the population goes steadily on increasing, which renders detection more difficult. The number of indecent and sexual offences shows practically no change. During the year 1901 there were 315 of these offences, while during 1902 the number was 318. The revolting crime of incest has, however, risen from 4 in 1901 to 7 in 1902. The increase from 26 in 190] to 66 in 1902 in the cases of arson appears somewhat alarming, but it is attributable to the action of two boys, aged fifteen years, who amused themselves by roaming around Auckland and setting fire to places for the mere pleasure afforded them of witnessing the fire brigade turn out. These two boys were the cause of no less than forty-two fires. They were ultimately arrested, convicted, and sentenced to seven years' imprisonment each. This fire-raising mania is becoming very common. Quite recently there have been five cases, in addition to the boys named above, and in two of these cases the culprits, when caught by the police, were, at the instance of their friends, committed to asylums as lunatics to escape the disgrace of a conviction for arson. It is to be regretted the parents abstained so long from taking action, thereby endangering the lives and property of their neighbours. If this indifference, which is so prevalent on the part of many parents, as to the manner in which their offspring spend their spare time, especially after working or school hours, continues, it will become a moot question if, as a matter of equity, the law should not be made to cast upon parents responsibility for the mischievous acts committed by their children. Deunkenness. There were 8,269 persons charged with drunkenness throughout the colony during the year (7,405 males and 864 females), against 8,057 (7,081 -males and 976 females) during the preceding year, being an increase of 212. The number contributed by each of the four principal centres was : Auckland, 1,154 (1,028 males and 126 females), against 1,529 (1,292 males and 237 females) in 1901, being a decrease of 375 ; Wellington, 1,740 (1,437 males and 303 females), against 1,172 (924 males and 248 females) in 1901, being an increase of 568 ; Chnstchurch, 871 (703 males and 168 females), against 950 (766 males and 184 females) in 1901, being a decrease of 79; Dunedin, 480 (380 males and 100 females), against 550 (453 males and 97 females) in 1901, being a decrease of 70. In the four principal centres there were 135 arrests for drunkenness on Sundays during the year, against 168 in 1901, being a decrease of 33. This number is made up as follows : Auckland, 16 (11 males and 5 females) ; Wellington, 39 (30 males and 9 females); Christchurch, 38 (33 males and 5 females) ; and Dunedin, 42 (36 males and 6 females). Although this shows a considerable diminution on the preceding year, these Sunday arrests continue to demonstrate that Sunday trading still exists to a considerable extent; and I reiterate that until the law is amended in the direction of making it illegal for persons other than lodgers or bond fide travellers to be on licensed premises during prohibited hours it will be absolutely impossible for the police to keep this illegal trading within reasonable bounds. There were 230 prosecutions against publicans throughout the colony during the year, resulting in 94 convictions, against 219 prosecutions and 91 convictions in 1901. These prosecutions were distributed as follows : Auckland District, 38, with 21 convictions, against 25 prosecutions and 11 convictions in 1901 ; Napier District, 30 prosecutions with 7 convictions, against 15 prosecutions and 5 convictions in 1901 ; Wanganui District, 48 prosecutions with 18 convictions, against 32 prosecutions and 13 convictions in 1901; Wellington District, 18 prosecutions with 7 convictions, against 13 prosecutions and 7 convictions in 1901; Westland District, 26 prosecutions with 14 convictions, against 51 prosecutions and 26 convictions in 1901; Canterbury District, 46 prosecutions with 18 convictions, against 44 prosecutions and 13 convictions in 1901; Otago District, 13 prosecutions with 5 convictions, against 39 prosecutions and 16 convictions in 1901 ; and Southland (a new district created since last report), 11 prosecutions with 4 convictions. In the four principal centres the prosecutions were : Auckland, 19 prosecutions with 11 convictions ; Wellington, 9 prosecutions with 3 convictions (as before stated, one of these three convictions has been quashed on appeal, and another is now the subject of an appeal) ; Christchurch, 18 prosecutions with 6 convictions; and Dunedin, 11 prosecutions with 5 convictions: the proportion of convictions to prosecutions throughout the colony being only 4086 per centum, and this does not include the convictions quashed on appeal. . The following table gives the number of previous convictions against the persons charged with drunkenness, so far as known to the police; also the number of persons who, when charged, were members of the crews of vessels in the various ports of the colony. It will be observed that

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3369 per cent, of the males and 662 per cent, of the females had been previously convicted, and that 1339 per cent, of the males were not permanent residents of the colony when convicted. I repeat the remarks in my last report anent the futility of attempting to coerce the chronic drunkard into sobriety by the imposition of a monetary penalty or temporary loss of liberty. These unfortunate persons should, be treated as if suffering from a disease, and for their own sake as well as for the benefit of the community generally should be placed in some institution, there to be medically treated until they regain their self-control, meanwhile being employed upon some suitable remunerative labour, the proceeds of which should go towards the cost of their maintenance.

Return showing the Number of Persons charged with Drunkenness during the Year 1902, and the Number of Previous Convictions against same, as far as known.

Sly-grog. There were during the }ear 122 prosecutions for sly-grog selling, resulting in 64 convictions, against 148 prosecutions and 82 convictions in 1901 ; the aggregate amount of fines imposed being £762 35., against £1,164 ss. during the preceding year. The sly-grog sellers still have the sympathy of those opposed to prohibition, and this sympathy frequently assumes the tangible form of wilful perjury to save the sly-grog dealer from conviction. On the other hand, those in favour of prohibition will not assist the police in procuring convictions, their excuse being that it is the duty of the police to enforce the law without the assistance of the public. It is needless to add that under these circumstances the police experience great difficulty in procuring the necessary evidence to carry a conviction. The direct cost to the colony in detecting and prosecuting sly-grog cases during the year was £578 ss. 5d.; but owing to the additional prohibited areas after 30th June next, as the result of the recent local-option poll, the expenditure under this head will be much increased in future. It is not, however, likely to exceed the amount of fines imposed, therefore there will be no actual loss to the public funds. Gaming Offences. There were 256 prosecutions, resulting in 212 convictions, during the year under the gaming laws, against 104 prosecutions and 83 convictions in 1901. I reiterate the remarks in my previous reports anent the difficulty the police experience under the existing laws in dealing with the illegal " tote" betting man, and the necessity for amended legislation on the lines of the Bill presented to Parliament a few years back. The so-called public billiard-rooms are still increasing rapidly throughout the colony, and up to the present the municipal authorities have failed to pass the necessary by-laws giving power to regulate them, with the result that many of them habitually keep open until the early hours of the morning, and occasionally all night. Some of them also open on Sundays. In Wellington quite recently the proprietor of one of these rooms was brought before the Court by the police, charged under " The Police Offences Act, 1884," with keeping his place open on Sunday, but the Magistrate held that the statute did not apply, and the case was dismissed. There were about twenty young men in this saloon when the police visited it on the Sunday in question. As I have before pointed out, the large majority of these billiard-rooms are the resort of spielers and other undesirable characters, who inveigle respectable young men into the rooms for the purpose of gambling. Some months back, owing to the Australian Commonwealth Federal postal laws interfering with the transmission of money to Tattersall's sweeps, an agency was opened in Wellington for the reception of money in payment of tickets in the various sweepstakes drawn in Hobart. These agents were prosecuted by the police for conducting a lottery against " The Gaming and Lotteries Act, 1881," and a conviction was obtained in the Magistrate's Court. This conviction was appealed against, and the appeal came before a full Court, consisting of four Judges, who held that the statute named did not apply to foreign lotteries, and quashed the conviction accordingly. The position now is that although a lottery cannot be conducted in this colony, it is not illegal to receive money within the colony for a lottery conducted elsewhere. To me this appears an anomaly with which Parliament should be asked to deal.

District. Net Pre- One PreviouslyCon- viouR Convicted, viction. Two Pre- Three Pre- Foar Pre- Five Pre- Over Five vious Con- vious Con- vious Con- vious Con- Previous Totals, vietions. victions. victions. victions. Conviet'ne. §5 m ® ■» M. F. M. F. M. P. M. F. i M. P. M. P. ! M. F. M. P. Auckland, Waikato, 844 andBayof Islands Napier and East 347 Coa«fc Wanganui and Weet | 645 Coa"-t Wellington and 1360 Marlborough Nelson and West- ! 182 land Canterbury and 851 North Otago Danedin .. 410 Southland .. j 271 4,910 10 13 29 136 54 152 22 4 9 117 5 j 27 ! 2 79 j 6 68 8 41 21 5 12 38 .. 15 52 ! 16 27 8 1.. <) 2 28 10 4 1) :i 189 40 40 69 7 4 1,423 511 973 132 36 48 134 14 19 163 93 23 90 ' 20 12 16 10 75 76 1,713 320 554 10 44 2 8 I 1 1 1 2 2 238 19 28 43 189 14 119 8 73 4 42 3 36 7 186 106 1,496 185 108 14 10 70 35 11 1 57 3 10 2 25 5 22 26 .. 10 306 39 ; 169 i ' I 4 12 6 6 73 24 63 5 669 382 106 18 122 13 292 773 86 507 47 113 37 627 332 7,405 864 992 31

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Second-hand Dealbbs. The Second-hand Dealers Act of last session supplies a long-felt want. It is too early to speak definitely upon the measure, but already benefit has accrued, and it promises to answer the purposes for which it was intended. "Infant Life Peotection Act, 1896." During the year there were 583 registered homes throughout the colony, representing 936 infants, against 565 homes and 943 infants in 1901. Forty-four deaths occurred in the homes during the year, against 29 in the preceding year, being equal to 47 per thousand, against 30-75 during 1901. This increased mortality is due to the epidemic of scarlet fever and measles, which has been general throughout the colony. The mortality throughout the colony of infants under four years of age (the age to which the Act applies) rose from 2637 per thousand in 1901 to 31-11 last year. The mortality in the homes will always considerably exceed the general mortality of the colony, for the reasons I have stated in previous reports. During the year 18 licensees were prosecuted for breaches of Act, and 12 convictions resulted, against 11 prosecutions and 10 convictions in 1901, and one license was cancelled. Conduct of Members of the Foece. During the past year, I regret to say, it has been found necessary to impose a larger number of punishments than during the preceding year, although taking it generally the conduct of the men cannot be said to have deteriorated to any appreciable extent. Two men were dismissed during the year, and the services of four others were dispensed with. Six men were convicted for offences in connection with drink, but in none of these cases was the offence one of downright drunkenness on duty. Two of the last-named offenders are no longer in the Force, and in the other cases reductions in pay and substantial fines were imposed. Training-depot, Candidates, etc. The training-depot continues to work well, and its effect on the men who have passed through it is very marked. The benefit to the-public arising from the instruction irr ambulance-work received by every man who passes through the depot is demonstrated from time to time by the efficient " first aid " rendered in cases of accidents, &c. Instruction in the system of taking the finger-prints of persons for the purposes of identification will in future be imparted to all men passing through the depot. The number of eligible candidates continues to be very much in excess of the vacancies to be filled. At the commencement of the year under review there were several hundreds of eligible candidates on the list. During the year there were 129 fresh candidates, who, after inquiry, measurement, &c, were found to be eligible for the service. Forty-eight men were taken on during the year. The nationalities, religions, and occupations of these 48 men are as follows: —Nationalities: New-Zealand-born, 35; English, 3 ; Scotch, 4 ; Irish, 2 ; Australian, 3 ; and American, 1. Religions: Church of England, 23 ; Presbyterians, 10; Roman Catholics, 11 ; and Wesleyans, 4. Occupations : Labourers, 18 ; farmers, 9 ; miners, 3 ; storemen, 3 ; ploughmen, 2; carpenters, 2 ; carters, 2 ; clerk, 1; asylum warder, 1; baker, 1; road contractor, 1; station-hand, 1 ; platelayer, 1; hotel-manager, 1 ; seaman, 1; and enginedriver, 1. Police Provident Fund. On the 31st March last the amount standing to the credit of the fund was £18,418 ss. 3d., being an increase on the year of £3,839 14s. On the same date there were on the fund 3 exinspectors, 10 ex-sergeants, and 15 ex-constables, 1 ex-detective, and the widow and 3 orphans of a deceased constable, their aggregate annual allowances being £3,021 15s. lid. Since the Act came into force the Government have saved the sum of £9,646 10s. 7d. in the form of retiring-allowances, which would no doubt have been paid had it not existed. Stations, etc. During the year the following buildings have been erected or are now in course of erection, viz. :— New stations at —Denniston ; Havelock ; King Street, Dunedin ; Onehunga ; Ormondville ; Patea; and Taihape. New lock-ups at —Invercargill; Mount Cook, Wellington ; and Weber ; and new stable at Ongaruhe. Extensive additions, repairs, &c, have been carried out at the following stations, viz : Ashburton ; Christchurch (Inspector's residence); Dannevirke ; Fairlie; Geraldine; Kaiapoi; Kawhia ; Leeston ; Lumsden ; Napier; Ponsonby ; Port Awanui; St. Bathans ; Temuka ; Waitotara ; and Woodville. New stations are much required at—Akaroa; Featherston (in place of one recently destroyed by fire) ; Gore ; Helensville; Karangahake; Kihikihi; Lower Hutt; Mangaweka ; Raglan ; Te Awamutu; Tolago Bay; Waiuku ; and Whangarei; and constable's quarters at Waihi. The additions to Lambton Quay and Mount Cook Stations, for which votes were taken last session, are much needed; and the single men's quarters at Christchurch, which are old and insanitary, require replacing by new. A new station for the accommodation of about twenty men, with sergeant's residence, is also much needed in the Newton district of Auckland, to supersede the three small stations now in that locality. Three sections have recently been leased by the Government from the Auckland City Council for the erection thereon of the required station, and this should be put in hand without delay.

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Stkength and Disteibution of Foece. For above, see Appendix B. Owing to the increase of population, especially in the principal centres, the gradual opening up of the back country, the close settlement of large estates, and the increase of shipping, especially foreign-going, at the various ports, continual demands are being made for the opening of new stations or additions to existing stations, and to meet the legitimate requirements of the community I consider an augmentation of at least twenty-five constables absolutely necessary. This augmentation, if granted, would represent an increase of about Id. per head of the population per annum, and would advance the cost per head from 2s. 10|d. to 2s. 11-Jd. The cost of police in this colony would still be much less than in any of the Australian States, the lowest of which last year was South Australia, where the cost was 4s. 2-|d., and the highest Western Australia, which was iis. ioja. Cost of Police, etc. A return is herewith annexed (Appendix D) giving the proportion of police to population and the cost of police per inhabitant in each of the Australian States and in this colony. Inspectors' Eeports. Extracts from the annual reports of the Inspectors in charge of districts are hereto annexed. They call for no comment from me. Valedictoby. As I am about to sever my connection with the New Zealand Police Force, I embrace this opportunity of expressing my gratitude to the Government for being pleased to adopt practically all the recommendations made by me which I considered would be for the benefit of the Force, and to which adoption I attribute whatever measure of success may have attended my administration. I also desire to sincerely thank the officers and men of the Force for their loyalty to me and their readiness at all times during my regime to faithfully carry out their duties in enforcing a reasonable observance of the law, sometimes under very difficult and trying conditions. I have, &c, 0. B. Tunbeidge, Commissioner of Police.

EXTEACTS FEOM ANNUAL EEPOETS OF OFFICEES IN CHAEGE OF DISTEICTS. INSPECTOE J. CuLLEN, AUCKLAND, WAIKATO, AND BAY OF ISLANDS. The authorised strength of the district on the 31st March last was 132 of all ranks, but this number has never been available for duty at any one time during the year, inasmuch as there are always vacancies existing, and in addition to these vacancies there are men on sick-list, leave, escort, and relieving duty. An additional constable is required at each of the following places—viz., Ponsonby, Devonport, Karangahake, and Waihi —in addition to the twelve constables and three detectives required for Auckland City. There has been a slight decrease in the total number of offences reported during 1902 as compared with 1901; but there has been a considerable increase in the number of cases of housebreaking and burglary, which I attribute to the large number of Australian criminals who have arrived here from time to time, and the want of a sufficient number of constables and detectives to look after them. The conduct of almost all the senior members of the Force stationed in this district has been satisfactory, but some of the junior men have not conducted themselves as well as they ought. Some of the returned troopers and ex-Artillerymen have not given satisfaction in either their conduct or manner in which they discharged their duties, there being an evident desire amongst them to shirk their duties and responsibilities as much as possible. There is also a noticeable tendency on the part of some of the younger men to report themselves sick, and thereby enjoy a few days' rest, when there is really very little the matter with them. Inspectoe E. Macdonell, Napiee and East Coast Disteict. The return of crime for year ended the 31st December, 1902, shows that during that year 1,485 offences of various kinds were reported to the police, as against 1,540 reported in the year 1901, while 1,418 persons were either arrested or proceeded against by summons for various offences. Thirty informations for breaches of the licensing laws were laid during the year, resulting in only seven convictions, as against fifteen prosecutions resulting in five convictions the previous year. While on this subject I may say I never experienced greater difficulties in proving breaches of the licensing laws than in this district, and the difficulties appear to have increased since the result of the licensing poll in November last, especially where reduction was carried, and consequent serious result of indorsements on licenses. I may say the poll referred to has certainly caused an improvement in the conduct of the great majority of hotels, and much greater care is now taken by landlords in the selection of men to run their establishments. This should still further lead to an all-round improvement in the future. Perhaps I may be permitted to remark that, according to my observations in this district, in places where the licensing laws appear to be the least observed the stronger was the vote of the people for temperance, thus showing that they desire to see the licensing laws strictly adhered to.

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The casualties during the year have been five resignations, one retirement under the provisions of the Police Provident Fund Act, and one death. I am pleased to say that on the whole the conduct of sergeants, constables, and detectives has been good, and that they appear to perform their various duties very fairly. I also note with pleasure that every effort has been made by the Department to make the sergeants' and constables' quarters as comfortable as possible throughout the district. Extensive improvements and repairs have been effected to stations during the year.

Inspector N. Kiely, Wanganui and West Coast Distkict. The licensing laws are well looked after, with the result that the publicans of this district observe the law fairly well. This is particularly noticeable in and about Wanganui. The police throughout the district have in a great measure been successful in stopping the supply of liquor to native women at races, tangis, and other such meetings. The conduct of the members of the Force in this district has been very good during the past twelve months, except in one or two cases, where punishment has been inflicted for breaches of the regulations. On the whole, the men are sober and attentive to their duties. The free issue of clothing is greatly appreciated by them.

Inspector J. W. Ellison, Wellington and Maklboeough District. Undetected offences show a considerable decrease, the numbers being 204 for 1902, against 274 for 1901. Many of these were very trivial cases. The increase in cases of drunkenness was confined to Wellington City. At the country stations there was a decrease of ten arrests in the aggregate ; but in Wellington there was an increase of 541. Out of a total of 1,740 arrested for drunkenness in Wellington City, 554 were firemen and seamen belonging to vessels in port. Some of the causes for this increase are : Late decisions on the charge of " permitting drunkenness " (on licensed premises) have diminished the risk of conviction, and some Licensing Committees have not been disposed to listen to any complaints, thus a feeling of security was given to hotelkeepers who permitted excessive drinking on their premises. There was also general prosperity and plenty of work during the year, which made it easier for persons so inclined to obtain liquor. The conduct of the members of the Force has been good. A few breaches of discipline were dealt with, and one constable had to be discharged by you for continued neglect of duty. A word of praise is fairly due to the detective staff, all of whom have exerted themselves willingly and successfully; their work has been done smoothly and carefully. The sergeants and men in charge of stations have also been attentive and painstaking, and likewise the clerical staff. At two or three of the stations in busy country towns (Carterton, Greytown, and Otaki), where constables act as Clerks of Court and Old-age Pensions officers, the clerical work of such duties, added to that of Factory Inspector, encroaches seriously on police duty, to the disadvantage of the latter; in fact, it will be necessary very soon to add another constable at one or two stations in this district, on account of the clerical work of other departments requiring the greater part of the constables' time. I beg to recommend that at least two constables be added to Lambton Quay station, Wellington, one to Manners Street, and one to Lower Hutt, and that provision also be made for an extra man at Petone. It is impossible to work the city beats with the number of constables now available. Provision should also be made for a station in the neighbourhood of Ohiro Road or Brooklyn, for a constable to work Brooklyn, Mitchelltown, and Aro Street. An additional constable at Manners Street, and the removal of the Clyde Quay station to Oriental Bay, would be a great advantage. At present a house cannot be got at the latter place, but one may be secured later on. The Second-hand Dealers Act of last year promises to be a most useful statute, and will, I believe, in a great measure answer the principal purposes intended—namely, check the manufacture of juvenile criminals, and aid in detecting old offenders who were in the past able to skilfully " fence " stolen property without difficulty. The question of regulating public billiard-rooms and other similar places by statute deserves some attention. These places are frequened by mere boys, as well as persons of shady character. They are practically kept open all night, and often on Sundays crowds of young men assemble in them for questionable purposes. Section 16 of " The Police Offences Act, 1884," does not always apply, as many of the rooms are not kept open to public view on Sundays, and the persons admitted cannot be termed the public. Municipal authorities have powers for licensing billiardrooms being places of public amusement, but in many places this is not done, whilst many public billiard-rooms are outside boroughs. These places might with advantage be brought under the Police Offences Act as to closing and opening hours. " The Gaming and Lotteries Act, 1881," gives the police the right of entry into them at any time.

Inspector E. Wilson, Nelson and Westland District. Out of 692 offences reported, 662 offenders have been dealt with for 669 offences, leaving some 23 offences undetected. These figures, I submit, are satisfactory, and speak for the vigilance of the police in the district. I would again bring under notice the great necessity for additional constables at Westport and Greymouth. The strength of the latter town is seven, and whenever any of the out-station men go on leave a man has to be sent from here : this leaves this town much undermanned; in fact,

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we have not sufficient to enable one man to be kept continually on duty, night and day —a service warranted by the growth, shipping, and importance of the place. Another constable is urgently required at Westport to maintain a continuous tour of duty. The Pension Fund has given great satisfaction and contentment to all the elder members of the Force. Amongst the younger —in fact, in all ranks—a feeling is growing up that the payments are rather heavy, and that sufficient provision is not made for widows.

Inspectok E. J. Gillies, Cheistchukch and North Otago District. New barracks are urgently required for accommodation of the men at Ghristchurch. The old buildings, which are used as a dormitory, are now quite unfit for occupation, and as they are in the last stage of decay I consider it would be a waste of money to attempt further repairs. These buildings, which were erected of wood over thirty years ago, could not have been designed for a permanent structure. Had they been in view of the public street I have no doubt they would have been condemned many years ago, and would now be looked upon as a disgrace to the city. I have therefore to urge that new barrack accommodation be provided with as little delay as possible. It will be seen that out of the 3,777 offences reported there were 3,702 persons arrested or summoned, hence the percentage of undetected crime is small in the district during the year, and in the majority of cases remaining undetected, such as thefts, the property in question was not identifiable, this, I submit, proves that both energy and zeal were efficiently displayed by the members of the Force throughout the district during the year. I beg to recommend an augmentation of seven men to the strength of this district. These are now required for duty in Christchurch City and suburbs. As two men were recently transferred to New Brighton and Sumner, their places should be filled at Christchurch (besides an addition of two men). An additional man is wanted for St. Albans, a detective or plain-clothes constable for Lyttelton; and a station should be opened at Upper Riccarton, where a mounted constable is required.

Inspector T. O'Brien, Dunbdin District. Sly-grog selling, both in the city and the prohibited area, has been considerably checked during the year by the imposition of heavy fines and the passing of long terms of imprisonment. Owing to tberesult of the voting at the last general election, it may be expected that after the 30th June next this class of offence will be on the increase, and strenuous efforts will have to be made in order to insure observance of the law. Proceedings against hotelkeepers during the year have again shown the necessity for amendment in the licensing laws. It has been found that it is most easy to evade the law in the absence of a provision making it punishable for any person other than a lodger, the licensee, his family or his servants, to be found in licensed premises during the time such premises are directed to be closed; and, further, it should be made illegal for a boarder or lodger to purchase liquor for all and sundry, some of whom he may have never seen before. I would also suggest that only one bar be permitted in each licensed house. I must again draw attention to the necessity of some provision in the law for the regulation of the conduct of private billiard-rooms. At present there is nothing to prevent such places being kept open all night ; and where that may happen it is safe to predict that gambling in some shape or form takes place. The municipal bodies do not appear to take advantage of the powers conferred upon them by " The Municipal Corporations Act, 1900," to regulate such matters, and even though they did, they could only regulate in boroughs, and many of the worst-conducted places would be left uncontrolled. I would suggest that all such places be closed not later than 10 p.m., and that the person having charge of the room be made liable to a penalty not exceeding £5 for allowing any person apparently under the age of eighteen years to be in such room. I cordially welcome the addition made to the statute law during the last session in the shape of the Second-hand Dealers Act. The benefits of the measure have already been felt in Dunedin, and care will be taken that its provisions are strictly enforced. It is needless to refer to the advantages of the Police Provident Fund Act, as that is a matter of common knowledge; but, seeing the rapid rate at which the fund is accumulating, I would suggest that a reduction in the stoppages for that purpose be considered with a view to the amendment of the Act in that direction.

Inspector A. J. Mitchell, Southland District. I have the honour to report that the district was established on the Ist October last, and comprises eighteen stations, with a strength of four sergeants, twenty-six constables, one detective, one district constable, and a female searcher. The township and borough of Invercargill, having an area of 1,000 acres, and a population of over 6,400 persons (still steadily increasing), is inadequately patrolled at night. Two additional constables are much needed here to afford the necessary protection after dark. Members of the Force are agreed that the time has arrived when the percentage of contribution to the Police Provident Fund should be reduced.

H.—l6.

APPENDIX A. Return showing the Number of Offences reported, Persons apprehended, and Comparison of Crime during the Year ending 31st December, 1901, and Year ending 31st December, 1902.

8

1901. 1902. Oftences. ft O sis !"| I till I , HI Pers. Cor mlti forT: ins apprehended or summoi nied rial. Summi Convic &rily :ted. Dii charj led. b — f '• IgJI p. g 8-8 Number of Convictions amongst those committed for Trial. M. P. I I II _ " M. P. M. F. M. Abandoning children Abduction Abortion, procuring Abortion, inciting to procure Absconding from apprenticeship Absconding from bail Absconding from industrial schools Abusive and threatening language Administering a noxious thing .. 3 1 9 1 3 2 108 281 1 26 18 811 70 47 2 76 57 9 9 5 1 "2 •2 2 3 1 8 1 2 -1 1 3 110 270 1 2 96 270 1 1 90 197 f> 4 1 1 57 1 2 96 270 1 2 1 .. n 12 2 .. 11 1 00 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 Burglary, breaking into shops, dwellings, &c. Carnally knowing girls Carnally knowing, attempted .. Casting away a ship Cattle and horse stealing (see Theft). Cattle-maiming Cemeteries Act: Burying a body in other place than a cemetery Coinage offences .. .. I Concealment of birth .. Conspiring to defeat the course of justice Conspiring to defraud Conspiring to murder Contempt of Court .. Counselling the commission of an offence Cruelty to animals Cruelty to children Cutting and wounding.. Damaging police uniform Defacing brands on stook Deserting and failing to provide for wives and children Deserters from H.M. army Deserters from H.M. army, aiding Deserters and stragglers from H.M. ships Deserters from foreign navy Deserters and absentees from 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.. Dissuading a witness from giving evidence Dissuading a witness from giving evidence, attempted Distillation offences Distributing obscene literature .. Disturbing meetings and congregations Drunkenness Endangering lives of persons travelling m railway Escaping from custody Escaping from custody, attempted Extorting money by threats Failing to support parents and near relatives False declarations False pretences 64 9 860 35 45 2 69 52 6 11 8 61 6 844 30 44 2 69 48 6 10 8 53 2 5 14 22 1 1 2 563 9 12 2 64 4 23 4 4 214 7 13 2 39 61 8 844 30 48 2 69 53 6 10 8 49 2 4 10 16 1 38 49 38 .. 9 1 49 .. 35 2 2 32 3 17 6 1 2 1 24 7 5 3 7 5 "2 1 "6 3 "2 3 2 .. 3 .. 15 5 1 . 506 314 19 3 1 368 449 19 3 1 369 189 1 18 325 32 4 1 1 2 54 27 1 4 4 19 3 1 387 200 4 4 .. 2 '.'. 138 132 4 108 2 135 L35 .. 16 2 1 9 4 9 4 4 2 2 3 2 9 4 2 2 7 2 .. 1 2 1 4 2 2 2 1 2 '"] 10 4 1 1 3 7 "2 7 i 2 1 "2 8 1 1 "e 9 1 2 1 9 5 4 3 4 3 4 3 2 1 5 2 4 2 i 202 5 9 27 230 9 1 21 4 700 230 9 1 21 4 650 162 2 1 18 2 483 2 2 70 2 3 234 9 1 21 4 650 28 4 3 2 151 "8 6 593 11 a 4 107 6 1 75 36 21 21 21 6 1 39 5 111 120 103 90 13 103 *9 5 38 61 549 37 107 536 36 107 499 1 34 60 385 13 2 47 92 *7 36 107 498 46 1 13 7 10 9 1 6 1 1 9 1 3 327 292 2 290 2 2 272 6 15 2 295 2 "2 "2 35 1 1 7 12 38 2 2 57 2 2 54 1 2 50 1 12 2 2 62 19 5 10 8,057 8,269 8,269 1 7,389 1 862 16 2 8,269 1 212 1 9 16 1 16 1 12 1 1 2 1 16 1 12 7 1 3 313 224 220 140 12 62 6 220 "3 89 14 208 36 21S 36 192 4 25 2 15 106 3 11 11 42 1 9 36 193 2 17 2 22 9

H.—l6.

APPENDIX A— continued. Return showing the Number of Offences reported, Persons apprehended, and Comparison of Crime during the Year ending 31st December, 1901, and Year ending 31st December, 1902 — continued.

2—H. 16.

9

1901. 1902. Offences. A* 111 111 1-1 o ™ Persons apprehended or summoned. y . wfl jij — ■SfaS Sfl>-Si c °™\ Summarily Disl°l Jill forTrial. CouViCted - ° hargea ' g§g| j j o M. F. M. ; F. M. j F. ,O a> <D 03 S O S O 3 m oj q t*- *h rt H 3*!l Number of Convictions amongst those committed for Trial. 6 Summarily Convicted. Discharged. ® I U a M. '■ M. j F. M. P. 1 3 1 1 1 3 Falsifying company's books with intent to defraud Fish, illegally taking Forcible entry Forgery and uttering Fortune-telling Furious riding and driving Game, illegally shooting Gaming offences Illegally on premises Illegally pawning " .. Incest Indecent exposure or behaviour Keeping disorderly houses and brothels Killing animals with intent to steal the carcases Libel Malicious injury to property Maliciously killing animals Manslaughter Murder Murder, attempted Neglected and criminal children Obscene and profane language .. Obstructing and resisting police Obstructing railway-lines Obstructing railway officers Obstructing thoroughfares Offensive publications Perjury Pereonating electors .. Prison offences (loitering about and communicating with prisoners) Rape Rape, attempted Receiving stolen property Refusing to quit licensed premises Rescuing cattle from being impounded Restricted immigrants, unlawfully landing Sacrilege Sheep-stealing (see Theft). 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 break and enter.. Threatening to shoot Travelling by rail and refusing to pay fares Trespass Unlawful assembly Vagrancy Witchcraft .. 48 14 113 5 97 64 104 168 , , 4 176 36 6 5 513 18 7 11 9 162 579 223 6 15 84 1 14 2 15 i 8 26 118 25 1 10 11 29 112 17 3 48 6 99 24 106 40 257 149 1 7 234 32 494 8 5 7 8 177 649 195 9 11 113 8 21 2 6 48 4 90 24 104 40 256 148 7 233 32 469 8 4 I 7 i 8 177 649 195 9 11 113 3 22 2 6 9 11 29 112 17 1 74 • ■ " 1 .. i 1 5 5 2 2 4 ! 6 17 1 9 10 2 2 2 1 1 1 3 1 12 95 13 43 2 5 99 37 210 124 201 7 373 8 103 549 171 8 11 93 2 "5 8 "2 I 2 s 3 12 'is l! 65 59 ii ii "2 1 2 s 3 12 5 .. s .. 18 3 I 14 5 .. 8 .. 40 .. 18 3 ■•1 :: 23 .. 4 9 1 m 3 1 .. I .. 51 4 ■U 7 ■1A .. II .. 11 .. 1 .. 3 2 1 1 10 1:5 i 3 1 9 11 29 112 17 48 4 94 ■24 104 40 259 153 1 7 233 32 477 11 4 8 8 177 649 195 9 11 115 8 22 2 6 1 69 1 4 2 1 2 4 "9 4 4 2 2 1 1 1 o . . 'a .. I 14 19 j .. n 9 .. 24 1 KO 153 .. 19 1 1 .. n 3 .. KO 58 .. 4 6 5 19 10 2 4 1 15 .. 70 .. 28 3 .. 4 29 .. 2 .. n 7 .. n 2 .. A 4 .. 5 3 .. 3 .. 6 8 19 9 153 1 3 58 15 70 3 29 2 7 2 4 2 4 4 3 1 4 2 .. 1 1 .. 5 148 : 8 4 3 27 168 56 55 69 1,805 18 14 2 77 3 10 28 347 106 5 63 ' 3 5 122 15 1 1 23 96 65 36 77 1,824 17 9 5 122 15 1 1 23 96 65 36 77 1,404 13 8 3 68 12 • 11 1 46 4 1 1 6 5 116 16 1 1 23 99 65 36 77 1,440 13 8 1 26 7 .. 3 2 4 72 9 .. 19 8 .. 19 .. 1 5 2 33 .. 8 .. 5 20 58 40 i "l 19 1 1 3 4 •• 83 64 20 59 1,012 1 2 15 '2 7 17 203 10 3 4 1 26 73 1 1 "3 93 2 2 8 98 1 110 11 5 8 289 66 8 77 i 1 3 8 75 7 4 1 196 42 5 77 3 1 3 8 57 '' i "ii 2 "4 4 79 7 4 1 197 44 5 77 3 1 3 8 60 i ■ • I 65 13 2 29 1 1 4 3 1 102 15 3 39 10 4 14 9 2 56 7 2 25 1 1 "3 '2 "3 4 2 2 3 .. 14 .. 1 .. 1 .. 2 15 "5 23 ; "2 7 1 1 107 441 2 175 1 470 175 1 470 5 141 277 1 iie 33 54 26 175 5 470 5 68 .. 1 .. 29 .. •2 • ■ I Totals 19,887 19,771 18,675 ! 752 40 14,654 i,lii 1,728 217 18,802 589 19 1,306 922 Inc. 384

H.—l6.

APPENDIX B. Return showing the Strength and Distribution of the New Zealand Police Force on the 31st March, 1903.

10

Stations. c I 'I. a M — "S □Q A -r. a 1—1 i . N CO s 11 r s CO O Q SM i i HI I en die o o A 1 I I CD ■rP Stations. I e ■ m P. I I j 5 \& i i § ! « o j Q 03 CO S i CD Auckland, Waikato, and Bay of IslandsAuckland Aratapu Avondale Cambridge Coromandel Cowes, Waiheke Island Dargaville Devonport Eden Terrace Ellerslie Freeman's Bay .. Hamilton Helensville Hikuraugi Hobsonville Hohoura Howick Huntly Kaikohe Kaitaia Karangahake Kawakawa Kawhia Kihikihi Mangawai Mangonui Mercer Mt. Roskill Road Newmarket Newton Ngaruawahia Northcote ' .. Ohaeawai Okupu, Gt. Barrier Onehunga Ongaruhe Otahuhu Otorohanga Paeroa Pahi Panmure Papakura Parnell Piriaka Ponsonby Port Albert Pukekohe Raglan Rawene Russell Shortland Surrey Hills Te Aroha Te Awamutu Te Kuifci Thames Waihi Waipu Waitekauri Waiuku Warkworth Whangarei Whangaroa Whitianga 1 1 '' i 1 6 40 1 1 1 2 i 2 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 ■J. r> l ] 5 53 1 1 1 2 1 2 8 1 1 a 1 1 1 1 i 1 i 1 1 i i i 5 1 I 1 1 1 1 1 i* 1 .. .. 1 Napier and East Coast — contd. Ormondville Port Awanui Rotorua Spit Taradale Taupo Tauranga Te Puke Te Whaiti Tokaanu Tolaga Bay Tuparoa Waikaremoana .. Waipawa Waipiro Waipukurau Wairoa Weber Whakatane Whatatutu Woodville Totals Wanganui and West Coast— Wanganui Aramoho Ashhurst Bull's Eltham Peilding Foxton Hawera Hunterville Inglewood Kimbolton Manaia Mangaweka Marton Moawhango Mokau New Plymouth .. Normanby Opunake Palmerston North Patea Raetihi Rahotu Bongotea Shannon Stratford Taihape Terrace End (Palmerston N.) .. Waitara Waitotara Waverley ] .. .. .. 1 .. ... 5 .. 1 .. I 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 "\ 1 2 39 10 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 I 1 1 4 1 1 6 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 ' * I ..1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 i ■2 'I 2 1 2 46 i;i 1 1 1 1 2 1 3 1 1 1 1 J 1 1 1 5 1 1 8 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 1 1 1 1 i 6 i 1 1 4 1 1 .. 1 8 1 1 1 •I 1 3 1 1 1 2 ] i •' 1 ■■ "i 3 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 \ 5 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 7 3 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 i •• ■• I. . !.. '.'. i- .. i 1 i" i ••I 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 "2; 1 i' Totals J i 52 2 59 3 Totals Napier and East CoastNapier Carlyle Street .. Olive Dannevirke Gisborne Hastings Herbertville Katikati Opotiki Ormond 1 1 1 i " 11 1 1 8 .. 1 \ 1 6 1 2 .. 1 115 5 1 133 11 1 1 2 7 8 1 8 3 1 1 Wellington and Marlborough— Wellington Clyde Quay Manners Street .. Mount Cook Ditto Training Depot Thorndon Quay.. Wellington South Carterton Eketahuna Featherston Greytown North Johnsonville Levin Lower Hutt Makuri 1 5 2 1 34 1 3 10 i 3 i i i i i i i 4 48 1 3 12 1 1 8 1 1 1 1 I 1 1 1 1 i' .. i .. 1 i' i 1 1 i

H.—l6.

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

11

Stations. O i O 2 M » 3 » ® e? i to i <a S^ li: i b □G a : 4S o I ® o I fi a o O Oh "3 I! . « 11 PI 0 C a o o G CO Stations. 1 (A 3 i on a M II 1 i 3 r: a o o > D % Q J S o „• Be I .S3 bo a iO o O 4 3 5? Q ■ a o U CO C o s I Wellington and Maryborough— continued. Mangatainoka .. Martinborough .. Masterton Otaki Pahiatua Petone Tenui Upper Hutt Blenheim Cullensville Havelock Pioton Renwioktown i 1 .. 1 .. 4 .. II .. 2 .. 2 .. li .. 1 .. 4 .. 1 '.'. 2 .. ■ • • • 1 1 5 1 2 ■2 I 1 Canterbury and N. Otago — contd. Rakaia .. • • Rangiora .. St. Albans .. Sheffield .. .. Southbridge .. ■. Summer .. Sydenham .. Temuka . ■ Timaru •. Waimate .. Woolston .. Totals .. 1 l 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 7 2 1 •.. ... 1 .. 2 :: i .. i .. i .. 3 .. 2 9 .. 2 .. 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 I 11 101 *l .. 118 1 .. 1 1 i " •■• Totals 1 1 1 9 79 4 95 3 I 1 Dunedin— Dunedin, Central 1 King Street .... Alexandra South Anderson's Bay .. Balclutha .. Broad Bay .. Caversham .. Clinton . ■ Clyde Cromwell .. Green Island .. Kaitangata .. Lawrence .. Middlemarch .. Milton .. Mornington .. Mosgiel • • Naseby ■. North-east Valley .. Ophir .. Outram ■ • Owaka .. Palmerston South .. Pool burn .. .. Port Chalmers .. !.. Ravensbourne .. Roslyn .. .. Roxburgh .. St. Bathan's .. St. Clair .. I.. South Dunedin .. Tapanui .. Waikouaiti .. Waitahuna .. Waitati .. .. Woodhaugh .. .. ..! 1 Nelson and Westland— Greymouth Ahaura Blackball Brunnerton Charleston Collingwood Denniston Hokitika Kanieri Kumara Lyell Motueka Nelson Okarito Reefton Richmond Ross • Seddonville Spring Grove Stafford Takaka The Port Westport 1 1 30 4 1 1 1 3 .. m .. 5 .. i .. i .. i .. i 1 * ■ i "I " 2 1 5 .. 1 .. 1 .. I .. II .. 1 .. 1 .. a .. ii .. i .. i i .. 6 .. 1 .. 2 .. 1 .. 1 .. 1 .. 1 1 . 1 .. 1 .. 3 .. 7 1 1 1 1 1 ] I 1 1 1 1 7 1 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 4 I I ' "I I 1 1 i 1 1 1 1 1 : i 2 i i i i i i i i i i 1; 6 1 1 1 1 1 I " ! •■ .. i .. 2 .. 1 .. 1 .. 1 .. 2 1 ■ .. 1 • •I 1 .. ! 1 .. 2 .. 1 .. 1 .. 1 ••I 1 .. 1 .. 1 .. 4 .. 1 .. 1 .. 1 .. 1 .. 1 .. 7 .. 1 1 .. 1 .. 1 .. 1 1 .. ■ ■ ■ ■ . . . . i I 1 1 •■ 1 Totals 1 6 36 .. 43 ■• •• Canterbury and North Otago— Christchurch Addington Akaroa Amberley Ashburton Belfast Bingsland Cheviot Coalgate Culverden Fairlie Geraldine Glenavy Hampden Kaiapoi Kaikoura Kurow Leeston Lincoln Linwood Little River Lyttelton Methven New. Brighton .. Ngapara Oamaru Oxford Papanui Phillipstown Pleasant Point .. 1 ..I .. i i 5 i ■6H 1 2 1 5 1 1 3 ■18 1 2 1 6 1 1 i i Totals .. 1 i 75 .. 88 i 1 1 8 3 1 .. 1 1 1 1 1 1 •I 1 1 1 1 1 1 5 1 1 1 6 1 1 1 1 •■ ••I 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 6 1 1 1 7 1 1 1 1 i Southland— Inveroargill .. 1 Arrowtown .. Bluff .. .. Gore .. Half-moon Bay .. Lumsden .. Mataura .. Nightcaps .. North Invercargill .. Orepuki .. .. Otautau .. Pembroke .. Queenstown .. Riverton .. South Invercargill .. Waikaia .. Winton .. Wyndham .. 1 1 1 7 1 2 2 i 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 I 1 1 1 1 i 10 1 3 3 j 'i l l l i l l 2 1 1 1 1 1 i ! i i i ' ' i i '" Totals .. 1 1 4 25 1 31 1 i * ' Grand totals ..Jβ 8 4 1 58 522 20 '613 20 ii 4 4 • •! I

H.—l6

12

APPENDIX C. Return showing Casualties in the New Zealand Police Force during the Year ended 31st March, 1903. Retired under Police Provident Fund Act ".. .. .. .. .. 15 Resignations .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 14 Deaths .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 4 Services dispensed with .. ... .. .. .. .. .. 4 Dismissals .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 2 39

APPENDIX D. Return showing the Proportion of Police to Population and Cost of Police per Inhabitant in each of the undermentioned Places.

Approximate Cost of Paper.— Preparation, not given; printing (1,725 copies), £10 16s. 6d.

By Authority : John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington.—l9o3. Price 6d.]

Proportion of Place. Police to Population. Cost of Police per Inhabitant. Remarks. Sew Zealand .. 1 to 1,388 s. d. 2 10$ Number of police, 613 ; net expenditure (vide Appropriation Account for year ended 31st March, 1903), £122,900 10s. 9d. Population (estimated on 31st December, 1902), 851,068 (including Maoris). Vide Appropriation of Revenue, 1902-3 — viz.: Number of police, 1,516; vote, £270,512. Population (estimated on 30th September, 1902), 1,205,895. Vide Estimates of Expenditure, 1902-3 — viz.: Number of police, 2,223 (exclusive of 70 Native trackers); vote, £413,702. Population (estimated on 30th June, 1902), 1,895,600. Vide Estimates of Expenditure for Year ending 30th June, 1902—viz. : Number of police, 358; vote, £76,604. Population (census, 1901), 362,604. Vide Estimates of Expenditure for Year ending 30th June, 1903 ■—viz.: Number of police, 878 (exclusive of 10 supernumeraries and 80 Native trackers); vote, £167,413. Population (estimated on 30th June, W02), 514,722. Vide Estimates of Expenditure for Year ending 30th June, 1902 —viz. : Number of police, 517 ; vote, £127,651 2s. 6d. Population (estimated on 31st December, 1902), 215,083. Vide " Appropriation Act, 1902 "—viz. : Number of police, 237 ; vote, £37,964 10s. Population (estimated on 31st December, 1902), 177,077. Victoria .. .. 1 to 795 4 5J New South Wales .. 1 to 627 5 11 South Australia .. 1 to 1,013 4 2i Queensland .. 1 to 586 6 6 Western Australia .. , 1 to 416 11 10£ rasmania .. .. 1 to 747 4 3i