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

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1909 Session II, H-16

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1909. NEW ZEALAND.

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

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

The Commissioner or Police to the Hon. the Minister of Justice. j-ir, Police Department, Commissioner's Office, 4th June, 1909, I have the honour to submit for your information the annual report on the Police Force of the Dominon (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 771 of all ranks, being an increase of 37 during the year. The total is made up as follows :— Inspectors .. .. .. .. • • • • •• • • 9 Sub-inspectors .. .. .. • • • • • • •■ 7 Station sergeants .. .. .. • • • • • • ■ • 4 Sergeant-major .. .. .. .. • • • • • • 1 Sergeants .. .. .. ■ • • • • • • • .. 82 Constables .. .. .. .. •• •• •• ..619 Chief detectives .. .. .. •. • • • • • • 5 Detectives .. .. .. • • • • • • • • .. 30 Acting-detectives .. .. •. ■ • • • • • .. 14 In addition to the above there were — Police surgeons .. .. .. • • • • • • • • 4 Matrons . . .. .. • • • • • • • • • • District constables .. .. .. .. • • • • .. 20 Native constables .. .. . • • • ■ • • • .. 10 Troop horses .. .. .. • • • • • • • • .. 43 Stations. New stations have been formed at Eastbourne, Horopito, Karori, Kerepehi, Ongaonga, Eanfurly. St. Kilda, Tairua, Waikari, and Wanganui East. The district constable at Karamea has been replaced by a regular member of the Force, and the station at Whangamomona has been closed. Casualties. The following are the casualties for the year ended the 31st March last: Retired under Police Provident Fund Act, 15 ; died, 3 ; resigned voluntarily, 27 ; dismissed, 6 ; called upon to resign, 4 ; transferred to other Departments, 4 : total, 59. This is 1 less than in the preceding year. Criminal Statistics. The crimina' statistics (Appendix A) deal with all offences reported to the police during the year ended the 31st December last, and show an aggregate net increase of 306 on the figures of 1907. The ncrease in the strength of the Police Force no doubt accounts to a degree for the increase in the number of arrests shown. The proportion of offences to the population was 233 per cent, as against 2-37 the previous year.

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The principal increases during the year as shown by the statistics were as follows, viz. :— Burglary, breaking into shops, dwellings, &c. 126 | Gaming offences . . . . 16 Deserters and absentees from merchant i Illegally on premises .. .. 88 vessels .. .. .. 22 Malicious injury to property .. . . 22 Deserting and failing to provide for wives Obscene and profane language .. . . 52 and children . . . . .. 126 Receiving stolen property . . .. 36 Disobeying orders of Court and summonses 59 Soliciting prostitution .. .. 32 Drunkenness .. .. .. .. 140 Theft (undescribed) .. .. .. 228 Forgery and uttering .. .. .. 37 Theft from dwellings .. .. 34 The principal decreases were : — Assaults, common .. .. ..118 Opium, smoking or being in possession of .. 49 Breaches of the peace .. .. .. 135 j Sly-grog selling . . . . 25 Carnally knowing girls . . .. . . 24 Sureties of the peace . . . . 27 Failing to support parents and near relatives 91 Trespass .. .. .. .. 107 Indecent exposure or behaviour . . .. 82 Vagrancy .. .. . . 67 Obstructing thoroughfares .. .. 64 The increase (126) in the number of burglary cases and theft (228) has resulted partly through the influx to the Dominion of an unusual number of Australian criminals, and I ascribe this in a degree to the licensing of bookmakers and the indiscriminate granting of betting-licenses by racing authorities, which has induced a number of Australian undesirables to become bookmakers, who, with their followers when not engaged in bookmaking, resort to crime. Juvenile offenders are, I regret to say, responsible for many of these offences. The percentage of arrests or summonses resulting from all offences reported during the year under review is 95-63, the figures of the preceding year being 95-86. The following return shows the number of offences reported in each Police District during the year, the number of cases in which arrests or summonses resulted, and the number in which no prosecution followed : —

Serious Crimes. The following is a return of the number of serious crimes as compared with the preceding year:-

During the last eight years the number of serious crimes as above described has varied from 520 to 723, so that the present total (759) is not abnormal on a population basis.

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District. Oi Number of all Offences reported. nuinuur oi i. >ffences repor an rt<" Number of Offences in which Arrests or Summonses resulted. Number in which no Arrests or Summonses resulted. Auckland Thames Napier Wanganui Wellington Greymouth Christchurch Dunedin Invercargill 5,055 908 2,311 2,480 5,865 754 3,304 2,213 620 4,825 879 2,236 2,407 5,643 719 3,155 2,033 587 230 29 75 73 222 35 149 180 33 23,510 22,484 1,026

1907. 191 08. Crimes. Number of dumber of all Offences ? fi ? n f 9 m , i reported. whloh £ rr , ests , F resulted. Number of Offences reported. Number of Offences in which Arrests resulted. Arson Assault and robbery ... Burglary (breaking into shops and dwellings) Forgery and uttering Murder ... . ... ... „ attempted Rape Eeceiving stolen property Shooting with intent .... 12 12 47 43 350 242 98 87 5 5 1 1 4 3 29 29 2 2 13 35 476 135 6 12 11 65 6 8 32 364 114 5 12 10 63 5 548 424 759 613

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The murder case above recorded as undetected occurred in Courtenay Place, Wellington. It is one of those unfortunate occurrences in which the culprit may be known to police, but lack of evidence has prevented a prosecution. A reward has been offered, but thus far without result. The number of indecent and sexual offences dealt with during the year under review was 323, being 128 less than during the previous year. The majority (267) were cases of indecent exposure or behaviour. The exemplary punishment inflicted for outrages on girls of tender years has apparently had the desired result. Drunkenness. There has been an increase of 140 in the number of persons prosecuted for drunkenness during the year as compared with the previous year. "From the following table it will be observed that 41-57 per cent, of the males and 70-25 per cent, of the females had previous convictions recorded against them, and 8-99 per cent, of the males were not permanent residents in the Dominion. Return showing the Number of Persons charged with Drunkenness during the Year 1908, and the Number of Previous Convictions against them, so far as is known.

The number charged with drunkenness in 1907 was 10,203 (9,368 males and 835 females), whereas in 1908 the number was 10,343 (9,637 males and 706 females). Return showing the Number of Persons arrested for Drunkenness within each Principal Centre during the Years 1907-8, the Number convicted, the Number discharged or withdrawn (Males and Females shown separately), and the Total Decrease in Arrests.

Total decrease, 341. Return showing the Number of Persons arrested for Drunkenness on Sundays within each Principal Centre during the Years 1907-8 (Males and Females shown separately).

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Not 1 VioU! Oonvi I'resly cted. One F vious ( victi< 're- Two 3on- vious Dn. victit Pre- Three Pre- Four Con- vious Con- vious ins. victions. victii Pre- Five 3on- vious me. victii ?re- Over Five Don- Previous Totals. his. Convictions District. I M. F. M. F. M. F. M. F. It. F. M. P. M. F. M. F. l|sii — to Auckland Thames .. Napier Wanganui Wellington Greymouth Christchurch Dunedin Invercargill 917 216 647 ■ 897 1,533 172 590 535 123 36 4 10 65 32 6 45 12 200 49 209 127 358 45 197 122 15 15 .. 4 VI 17 1 17 4 1 106 19 92 49 313 12 97 53 14 12 2 7 19 2 9 4 74 18 44 24 I 269 8 53 40 4 12 3 16 1 5 4 51 14 20 13 148 2 58 27 2 9 2 80 1 4 3 52 7 32 12 53 8 44 11 1 6 13 1 36 305 11 70 21 119 7 172 127 19 83 9 8 58 1,705 329 1,114 1,143 •2,793 249 1,211 915 178 173 4 38 93 208 11 114 64 1 237 55 1 290 18 88 168 10 3 3 31 34 5,630 i 210 1,322 71 755 55 529 41 335 49 215 62 851 218 9,637 706 867

Number arrested, 1907. Number Number arrested, 1908 convicted, 1908. Number discharged or withdrawn, 1908. Total Increase in Arrests. Total Decrease in Centre. Arrests. M. F. M. P. M. F. M. P. M.andP. M.andP. Auckland and suburbs ... Wellington and suburbs Christchurch and suburbs Dunedin and suburbs ... 1,311 2,299 811 581 180 245 146 86 1,348 2,091 651 708 165 1,341 185 2,091 108 648 62 706 165 185 106 61 7 ... 3 2 2 ! 1 22 268 198 103 Totals ... 5,002 657 4,798 520 4,786 517 12 125 466

Number arrested, 1907. Number arrested, 1908. Number convicted, 1908. • Number discharged or withdrawn, 1908. Centre. M. P. M. F. M. F. M. F. Auckland and suburbs ... Wellington and suburbs ... Christchurch and suburbs Dunedin and suburbs 12 14 104 4 2 3 1 19 26 18 7 ■2 4 2 1 19 26 18 7 2 4 2 1 Totals ... 40 10 70 70

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Prosecutions against Hotelkeepers. The number o± prosecutions (177) against hotelkeepers during the year shows a decrease of 48 as compared with the preceding year. Generally speaking, hotels in the Dominion are well conducted, and licensees seem to realise that it is in their own interests to observe the law. the Number of Prosecutions against Publicans in each District during the Year 1908 as compared with 1907, the Number convicted, and the Number discharged or withdrawn.

Return showing the Number of Prosecutions against Publicans within each Principal Centre during the Year 1908, the Number convicted, and the Number discharged or withdrawn.

Sly-grog. There were 158 prosecutions during the year for sly-grog selling, resulting in 127 convictions, against 182 prosecutions and 125 convictions during the preceding year. The difficulty experienced in former years in securing evidence in sly-grog cases still obtains, and it is only by having recourse to methods which are repugnant alike to the public, the police, and those who assist the latter that the necessary evidence to warrant prosecutions can be obtained. On the whole sly-grog selling is kept well in check, but if more severe penalties were inflicted better results would ensue. The fines imposed on sly-grog sellers during the year 1908 amounted to £1,749 15s as against £1,391 2s. in 1907. ° The amounts of fines in the various districts are as follows :— £ s . <1 Auckland .. .. .. .. . . ~ 316 10 0 Thames .. .. .. .. .. .. _ 16 0 0 Napier • • ■ • • ■ • • .. .. .. 62 0 0 Wanganui .. .. .. .. .. ~ ~ 310 0 0 Wellington .. .. .. .. .. .. 160 0 0 Greymouth Christchurch .. .. .. .. ~ 335 q () Dunedin [] [\ 235 5 0 Invercargill .. .. .. .. .. ~ ~ 315 0 0 Total •■ •• •• •■ .. .. £1,749 15 0 The direct cost to the Dominion in detecting and prosecuting sly-grog sellers during the year was £921 7s. 9d., this being £828 7s. 3d. less than the amount of fines imposed. Gaming Offences. There were 213 prosecutions, resulting in 184 convictions, during the year under the gaming laws against 193 prosecutions and 142 convictions in 1907.

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Prosecutions', 1907. Prosecutions, „ . .. 1908 Convictions. Discharged or withdrawn. Distr'ct. Auckland Thames Napier Wanganui ... Wellington ... Greymouth ... Christchurch Dunedin Inveroargill... 48 15 35 40 32 30 14 10 1 24 6 80 L3 11 45 26 23 1 5 2 18 5 5 18 10 12 L9 3 17 H 6 ■27 15 11 1 Totals ... 225 177 70 107

Centre. Prosecutions. Convictions. Discharged or withdrawn. Auckland and suburbs Wellington and suburbs ... Ohristchurch and suburbs ... Dunedin and suburbs 24 5 1 1 4 1 10 7 19 8 3 Totals 89 14 25

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The provisions of the Gaming Act as regards betting-houses, street betting, restrictions on betting telegrams, betting advertisements, and use of totalisator are eminently satisfactory ; but, having regard to the licensing of bookmakers and the indiscriminate action of racing authorities in issuing betting licenses to all applicants in a position to pay the necessary fee, irrespective altogether of character or fitness to hold a license, the result has been quite contrary to that intended. Bookmakers and their followers have seriously increased, the majority of them being totally unfit both pecuniarily and otherwise to hold licenses. If bookmakers are to be licensed to bet at race meetings (a provision which from a long and varied experience of racing I could not support) the law should provide that none but those holding a certificate of fitness from a Magistrate (on the report of police) or Chief of Police of the district concerned should be licensed. Nor should any one be permitted to act as a bookmaker at any race meeting whatsoever unless he holds such certificate. A full report on the working of the Gaming Act, with suggestions for amendments thereto, has already been submitted for consideration. Conduct of Members oi the Force, etc. With the exception of a number of young constables, who have, as usual, had to be stringently dealt with for misconduct in order to maintain discipline, several having been discharged, the conduct of members of the service, especially the senior members, has been highly satisfactory. Serious | breaches of Police Regulations have been of rare occurrence, and only a very few members have had to be dealt with for overindulgence in drink. On the whole, the efficiency of the Force has been well maintained. Both branches of the service have worked harmoniously together, with good results. Many meritorious arrests have been effected during the year, and only a very few serious crimes remain undetected. The clerical staff at headquarters and in district offices have also given entire satisfaction in carrying out the executive work of the Force. It has been suggested that important changes and reforms would be expected, with increased efficiency and reduced expenditure, if the Force were properly organized. lam afraid that, if the efficiency of the Force is to be considered, those expecting great reforms will be disappointed. At the present time, and for some years past, the Department has been worked on most economical lines. A reference to Appendix C (on last page of this report), showing the proportion of police to the population and the cost of police per inhabitant as compared with the Australian States, should satisfy any inquirer on this point. The numerous appointments held by police, and consequent saving to other Government Departments, is also a matter which should not be overlooked when considering the cost of the Police Force. Retrenchment can undoubtedly be effected at any time, but certainly not without minimised efficiency. I cannot, therefore, recommend it. On the contrary, continued demands are being made for additional police protection, and if order is to be maintained and crime kept in check, the Force must necessarily grow with the population. The backbone of efficiency is proper training, facilities for obtaining a thorough knowledge of police work and the law pertaining thereto, vigilance in selecting the best-qualified men for advancement to the higher grades, firmness in dealing with defaulters, and, above all, the maintenance of a proper system of supervision, without which no force can be efficient. It cannot be said that egotism is my forte, but I do claim that the Police Force of the Dominion compares most favourably with any other Police Force, and that our system is superior to many; and I say so with a varied knowledge of Police Forces generally which few possess. Anonymous Press correspondents have occasionally commented disparagingly in respect to the organization, &c, of the Force; but, as the source from which such comments emanated was apparent, and the motive a personal and vindictive one, intended to mislead the public, their attempts to decry the Department were treated as merited —with silent contempt. A satisfactory explanation of any representation made detrimental to the Force is always available when required by the proper authority. Finger-print Branch. On the 31st March last, the finger-print collection consisted of the impressions of 8,718 offenders, being an increase of 1,096 on the previous year. During the year J3B offenders, whose antecedents were unknown to the police of the district in which they were in custody, were, by means of their finger-impressions, identified as previously convicted persons, showing an increase of 15 over last year. It has been the custom since the introduction of the finger-print system in the Dominion, when a person whose antecedents are unknown to the local police is in custody charged with an indictable offence, to apply for a week's remand, and cause his finger-impressions to be taken and forwarded to the branch for inquiry ; should the prisoner's impressions be untraced, they are at once photographed and sent to all the Australian States or to any other place from which there is reason to believe the offender may have come. In this manner impressions of persons in custody here have been identified in each of the Australian States, in Johannesburg, and in Denmark as those of persons previously convicted in those places. During the year 43 articles bearing finger-marks (chiefly in housebreaking cases) have been submitted to the branch by the Inspectors of the various districts for identification. In several of these cases the finger-marks were too indistinct to be of any value, and in many other cases the impressions were found to be those of the occupants of the houses entered; but in four cases the prints on the articles were found to be identical with those of criminals whose prints were already recorded in the office of the branch. Prosecutions and convictions followed in each of these four cases. Since the end of the year two very important cases have occurred, which clearly demonstrate how important a factor in the detection of crime this branch of the service has become.

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In December, 1906, the Government Printing Office, at Wellington, was broken into and stamps to the value of £800 stolen. On the loss of the stamps being discovered by the Printing Office staff, a finger-print expert was sent over to examine the premises for finger-impressions, and, on examination, found a number of finger-impressions on the broken glass of the window through which access was gained to the premises and on the broken glass of the window of the room from which the stamps were taken. The finger-marked glass was carefully extracted and taken possession of by the expert and the prints carefully photographed. Search for corresponding impressions amongst those filed in the finger-print cabinet was without result. Exactly a year afterwards the premises of Messrs. Whitcombe and Tombs, of Wellington, were broken into, and goods, chiefly gold-mounted fountainpens, to the value of £140 were stolen. On the show-case containing the fountain-pens a number of finger-prints were found, and comparision of the impressions with those found at the Government Printing Office showed that they were identical. That the person who broke into the Government Printing Office was the same person who committed the offence at Messrs. Whitcombe and Tombs was now certain, but as to his identity no evidence was forthcoming until the latter part of April of this year, when the prints of a man named Hemingway, who was in custody at Wellington on a charge of breaking and entering the General Post Office were submitted to the branch for inquiry as to his antecedents. On receipt of these prints they were within a quarter of an hour identified as those of the person who broke into the Government Printing Office and Messrs. Whitcombe and Tombs, and, on the fact being made known to Hemingway that his finger-prints had been thus identified, he admitted his guilt, pleaded guilty to the two offences, and was sentenced to three years' imprisonment — a lenient sentence under the circumstances. But for the finger-prints being traced and identified, these two serious crimes would have remained undetected. The photographic portion of the branch is still of great service in photographing and enlarging finger-impressions. The photographs of prisoners in Wellington Gaol are also taken by the branch, and prepared for insertion in the Police Gazette. From the foregoing it will be observed that the efficiency of this branch of the service has been well maintained, and its importance cannot be overestimated. The system which obtains in classifying finger-prints, recording the previous convictions of criminals, and filing photographs is complete, and has been carefully and diligently worked by the two finger-pririt experts employed therein. Training of Candidates, etc. The accommodation now provided for the training of probationers is eminently satisfactory. New barracks, with latest improvements and every convenience, have recently been erected at Newtown, which provides for a long-felt want. The benefits derived from the instruction imparted to probationers at the training-depot still prove beneficial, and is of the greatest'assistance to them when appointed to ordinary police work. The weekly classes held in the four cities enable young constables to continue their instruction, and afford every opportunity of a thorough knowledge of police work being obtained. During the year there were 137 fresh candidates who, after inquiry, measurement, &c, were found to be eligible for the service. A sufficient number of suitable candidates is still forthcoming to fill all vacancies and augmentations to the strength of the Force, but, generally speaking, the class of candidate now offering is not quite so satisfactory as one would desire. The only means to improve the standard of applicants for employment in the Force is to offer some inducement in the form of an increased rate of pay, which would undoubtedly supplement the number of candidates and result in a better selection being made from a larger field than exists at present. I know of no Police Force in which more strict investigation is made in respect to the previous character, &c, of applicants, none being accepted unless their records are unblemished, and unless their educational qualifications are equal to the Fifth Standard. They receive a sound training whilst on two months' probation, and it is only when tried and proved it is found that a number of those selected lack energy, and pay no regard to the duties required of them, occasionally indulging too freely in intoxicants, which results in their downfall and discredit to the Force. I cannot, however, say that present candidates are inferior in class to candidates for other Police Forces, as from experience I am aware that young constables are generally the greatest source of trouble to the heads of Police Departments, and it is advisable to dispense with their services as soon as evidence of their uselessness is forthcoming. It is of course impossible to always forsee and pre vent an occasional undesirable occurrence arising in any large body of men no matter how strictly supervised. Ninety-six men were taken on during the year ; their nationalities, religions, and occupations arc as follows : —Nationalities : New-Zealand-born, 37 ; Australians, 18 ; Irish, 20 ; English, 12 ; Scotch, 7 ; Tasmanian, 1 ; Manxman, 1. Religions : Church of England, 34; Roman Catholics, 32 ; Presbyterians, 22 ; Wesleyan, 1 ; Baptist, 1 ; Protestants, 4 ; Luther, n, 1 ; Congregationalist, 1. Occupations : Labourers, 24 ; farm labourers, 10 ; miners, 2 ; artillerymen, 6 ; butcher, 1; carters, 3 ; clerks, 6 ; baker, 1 ; shepherd, 1 ; ex-constables, 5 ; grocer, 1 ; asylum attendants, 2 ; blacksmiths, 5 ; ploughman, 1 ; soldier, 1 ; storekeeper, 1 ; groom, 1 ; cycle engineer, 1 ; motorman, 1 ; shoemaker, 1 ; farmers, 8 ; tutor, 1 ; railway porters, 2 ; cheesemaker, 1 ; surfaceman, 1 ; cabinetmakers, 2 ; dredgeman, 1 ; sheet-iron worker, 1 ; salesman, 1 ; school-teacher, 1 ; coachman, 1 ; commercial traveller, 1 ; plumber, 1. Police Provident Fund. On 31st March last the amount standing to the credit of the fund was £31,813 7s. 10d., being an increase on the year of £1,276 2s. 3d. On the same date there were on the fund 4 ex-Inspectors, 23 ex-sergeants, 46 ex-constables, 4 ex-detectives, and 2 widows of deceased constables, their aggregate annual allowances being £7,529 15s. 7d.

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Since the Act came into force the Government have saved the sum of £20,389 Is. sd. in the form of retiring-allowances which would no doubt have been paid had it not existed. Recommendations for necessary amendments to the Police Provident Fund Act have been submitted for consideration of the Government. Stations, etc. During the year the following works have been completed :— New Buildings. Addington .. . . Cells. Petone .. .. .. Station. Carterton .. .. Station. Raglan .. .. ~ Cheviot .. .. „ Ranfurly .. .. „ Clinton .. .. ~ Richmond . . . . ~ Kaiapoi .. .. „ Seddon .. . . Cells. Newmarket .. .. „ Waikari .. .. „ Newtown . . .. Training depot and station. New Buildings in course of erection. Hamilton . . . . Quarters. Otira .. .. . . Lock-up. Dunollie .. . . Station. Rakaia . . .. Station. Kaikohe .. .. ~ Takaka.. .. .. ~ Kaitaia. . .. .. ~ Thames .. .. Offices. New Plymouth . . .. „ Additions, Improvements, &c. Aramoho .. . . Renovations. . Nelson .. .. . . Renovations Auckland . . .. Additions i Palmerston North .. ~ Blenheim .. .. Renovations. Port Awanui Cambridge .. .. „ Rangiora Denniston .. .. ~ Seddonville .. .. ~ Ellerslie .. .. „ Sheffield . . . . Additions. Epsom .. .. .. Lock -up and out - i St. Andrew's . . .. Fencing, &c. buildings. Stratford . . .. Renovations. Greymouth .. . . Renovations. ; Taihape .. . . Office. Hamilton .. . . ~ i Tolaga Bay . . . . Clearing reserve. Hastings . . . . ~ AVaimate .. . . Renovations. Lyttelton . . .. ~ Wanganui .. .. „ Mosgiel .. . . „ Whangarei .. . . Additions Additional Improvements, &c, in Hand. Havelock .. . . Drainage. Warkworth .. .. Improvements. Wairoa .. .. Stable, &c. Properties Acquired. Blackball .. .. Site. South Invert-argil] .. Site. Granity .. .. Station. Sydenham .. .. „ Lincoln. . .. . . Site. Thames .. .. Additional land. Morrinsville .. . . Station. Upper Riccarton . . Site. Miscellaneous. Police Instruction Classes. The weekly police instruction classes are still continued, and prove beneficial in raising the standard of education and efficiency of the men. The third annual examination, which consisted of a selection of subjects from the Police Acts, was held in January last. Twenty-five members offered themselves for examination :17 passed and 8 failed. On the whole, the examinations showed that the members examined possessed a considerable knowledge of the subjects referred to. Photographs of Discharged Prisoners. Arrangements have now been made for the monthly insertion in Police Gazette of the photographs of discharged prisoners, together with those of notorious criminals in the Australian States and elsewhere who may either he wanted on some charge or may visit the Dominion. The finger-print classification and reference to the description, &c, of the criminals are affixed I hereto, so that at every policestation in the Dominion these photographs are now filed, and are available at all times to every member of the service, besides being transmitted to other Police Forces. This arrangement has thus far proved highly satisfactory in the tracing and identifying of criminals, both in the Dominion and elsewhere. First Aid to the Injured. During the year ended March, 1909, 76 probationers presented themselves, at the conclusion of their course of training at the depot, for examination in " first aid to the injured," the examinations being held under the auspices of the St. John Ambulance Association. Of the 76 men who sat, all passed.

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The maximum number of marks was gained in two cases, the average of those who passed being 76-66. (Maximum, 100 ; bare pass, 60.) The lecturer was in each case Dr. Henry, Police Surgeon, and the examiners different medical men appointed by the Association. Brothels. The definition of a " brothel," aw provided by section 177 of " The Justices of the Peace Act, 1908," is not satisfactory, and seems to require amending, as it has been held that, according to the present definition, a prostitute can keep a house to which men resort for prostitution with her alone without infringing the Act, and as much mischief can be done in this way as when men and women resort to a house for similar purposes, provision is desirable to meet such cases. Sly-grog Selling. With the view of suppressing sly-grog selling in the King-country, I would suggest that the provisions of section 147 of the licensing Act relating to the sending of liquor into no-license districts be applied to districts proclaimed under section 272. This would compel liquor-dealers to keep a book showing the quantity of liquor ordered, to whom sent, and to notify the Clerk of the Court when sending liquor into the King-country, and it would thus generally assist police in tracing sly-grog sellers. Offensive Publications. For some years past there has been a noticeable development in a section of the Press of a type of immoral literature which is totally unfit for publication, and which is a disgrace to the public Press of the Dominion. It consists principally of extracts specially selected from police, Supreme, and Divorce Court proceedings, dealing with divorce and sexual offences, which are commented on with no regard to social consequences. Drastic legislation seems necessary in order to suppress all such corrupt journalism ; at the same time, care must be exercised to prevent interference with the liberty of the Press. The New Zealand Police Force. The following return shows the growth of the Department, the continued increase of the population, and the total number of offences (irrespective of by-law offences) reported, and in which arrests or summonses resulted, each year since 1877, prior to which date each province in the colony had its own Police Force, and reliable data are not available.

Year. (D 3 ES O m a a^ O a) O S 55 <D 3 5 I 09 a o o Total. Offences „ ,. Oost per ,.„ where Arrosts 5Bt --■ **—- ssa 13H suited. Arrests f&r Drunkenness (includod in " Offences reported "). .878 .879 .880 .881 .882 .883 .884 .885 .886 .887 .888 .889 .890 .891 .892 .893 .894 .895 .896 .897 .898 .899 900 .901 .902 903 .904 .905 .906 .907 .908 909 25 25 25 13 13 13 13 20 20 20 L3 13 12 7 7 7 7 7 6 7 7 11 II 11 12 12 12 12 II 14 15 10 90 84 86 78 73 72 70 65 66 69 69 65 66 61 60 53 55 51 51 45 56 58 56 56 58 59 59 65 71 78 88 87 14 16 21 18 L9 20 17 17 18 18 17 17 18 14 14 14 13 13 18 12 L6 15 20 2!) 20 20 21 25 25 30 32 85 329 364 379 337 343 356 365 372 390 395 388 389 403 404 401 407 410 416 414 453 457 475 499 504 514 522 534 553 557 577 604 633 458 489 511 441 447 461 465 474 494 502 487 484 494 486 482 481 485 487 484 517 536 554 586 591 604 613 626 655 667 699 734 771 1 to 944 \ 1 to 948 1 to 949 ! 1 to 1,186(1 1 to 1,1581 1 to 1,173/ 1 to 1,263 1 to 1,293 1 to 1,266 1 to 1,265 1 to 1,328 1 to 1,347 1 to 1,346 1 to 1,375 1 to 1,401 1 to 1,439 1 to 1,472 1 to 1,495 1 to 1,530 1 co 1,461 1 to 1 ,435 1 to 1,414 I to 1,359 1. to 1,381 1 to 1,375 1 to 1,388 L to 1,398 l.to 1,375 1 to 1,387 1 to 1,375 1 to 1,331 1 to 1,308 J a '3 O CO - 3/3 3/0f 3/2 3/2* 3/1* 2/lOf 2/10| 2/1H '2/9 2/81 2/7* 2/6f 2/7* 2/7+ 2/8 2/9* 2/1 Of 2/10* 2/10* 2/10* 2/TO* 2/10} 2/10* 3/0 3/2* 3/4* 432,352 463,572 484,939 500,976 517,626 540,753 587,295 613,212 625,849 635,215 646,913 652,125 664,855 668,353 675,775 692,426 714,258 728,121 740,699 754,016 768,910 783,317 796,359 816,290 830,800 851,068 875,648 WO, 082 925,605 961,604 977,215 1,008,373 14,157 16,374 17,837 16,635 18,613 18,775 18,263 18,955 18,135 17,752 12,897 12,945 13,115 12,674 13,153 18,165 13,530 14,010 14,673 15,219 16,378 L6,865 L8,358 L9.909 19,771 20,736 21,066 20,249 21,160 23,204 23,510 13,959 14,696 16,723 15,212 17,470 17,727 17,322 17,723 17,000 16,500 11,854 11,885 12,177 11,748 12,187 12,100 12,500 12,435 13,171 14,042 14,730 15,561 17,131 18,742 18,802 L9,867 20,118 19,251 •JO, 241 22,244 22,484 6,608 6,794 6,484 5,587 6,860 7,572 7,151 7,034 6,260 5,226 5,387 5,444 5,866 5,416 5,360 5,251 4,594 4,636 5,005 5,204 5,532 6,289 7,299 8,057 8,269 8,815 9,615 8,707 9,210 10,203 10,343

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In addition to the strength of the Force as shown above, there are 20 district constables, 10 Native constables, 4 police surgeons (one in each city), 4 matrons (one in each city), and 43 troop horses. In view of the present necessity of curtailing expenditure, lam recommending an augmentation of only 10 men to the present strength of the Force during the current year. Although this may not meet all demands for additional police protection, lam satisfied that with careful administration the necessary protection can be rendered to the public, and the efficiency of the Force maintained with that additional number. Inspectors' Reports. Extracts from the annual reports of the Inspectors in charge of districts are hereto annexed. I have, &c, W. DINNIE, Commissioner of Police.

EXTRACTS FROM ANNUAL REPORTS OF OFFICERS IN CHARGE OF DISTRICTS. Inspector Cullen, Auckland District. I have the honour to report for your information that the condition of crime in this district during the year 1908 has been normal, with the exception of the crime of housebreaking, which shows a considerable increase in the number of offences committed as compared with the preceding year. This increase is entirely due to the depredations of youths and boys—lo youths accounting for no less than 76 of the number of housebreaking cases reported. lam sorry to have to state that juvenile criminals are very much in evidence and on the increase in and about the City of Auckland. • No new stations have been opened in this district during the year just ended. The casualties in the Force here have been as follows : 2 constables were dismissed ;14 resigned ; I sergeant, 1 detective, and 1 constable were discharged on superannuation ; and Sub-Inspector Gordon, Sergeant Drake, Constable Slattery, and Matron McDonnell died during the year. As the late Sub-Inspector Gordon was a most capable and painstaking officer, his death has been a great loss to the Department. One constable was transferred to the Justice Department as bailiff. Inspector Kiely, Thames District. During the year there has been very little crime, and nothing of a serious nature, as will be seen from the following extracts from our Annual Offences Return : The total number of offences reported in 1907 was 783, and in 1908 the total was 908, an increase of 125. Of this increase, arrests for drunkenness accounted for 44 ; breaches of peace, 14 ; burglary, 18 ; disorderly conduct, 13 ; thefts undescribed, 19. The total number of prosecutions was 879, which shows a very small percentage of crimes undetected. The authorised strength of the district on the 31st March was 1 Inspector, 3 sergeants, 29 constables, 1 detective, an increase of 2 constables over last year. One constable was added to the strength of Waihi Station, and 1 constable took charge of station opened at Kerepehi. The conduct of the members of the Force in this district has been satisfactory. Inspector Dwyer, Napier District. The total number of offences reported during the year ending the 31st December last was 2,311. against 2,161 in the previous year. This shows an increase of 150, but this increase was chiefly for drunkenness. The licensing laws continue to be well observed in the district. There were 10 prosecutions for sly-grog selling during the year, resulting in 6 convictions and fines amounting to £62 imposed. The conduct of the members of the Force in this district has during the year, with a few trifling exceptions, been exemplary, and the utmost harmony prevails amongst all ranks. Inspector Wilson, Wanganui District. The strength of the Force is—l Inspector, 1 Sub-Inspector, 8 sergeants, 62 constables, and 3 detectives : total, 75, and 1 district constable. New stations have been formed at Horopito and Wanganui East. A Sub-Inspector has been stationed at Palmerston North and a sergeant has been placed at Stratford, a second constable at Marton, and an additional constable each at Palmerston North and Taihape. Settlement along the Main Trunk line, the Wanganui River, Whangamomona, and Mokau districts continues, and most of the land is taken up and is being brought under grass, extending the areas for police patrols and supervision. The conduct of the men has been very good, and, as a rule, they have been very careful in the execution of their duties. The criminal statistics for the year show 2,480 offences reported, 2,407 of which have resulted in arrests or summonses, leaving 73 undetected offences. The undetected offences work out at about three per cent, of the total cases reported. 2—H. 16.

Inspector Kiely, Thames District. During the year there has been very little crime, and nothing of a serious nature, as will be seen from the following extracts from our Annual Offences Return : The total number of offences reported in 1907 was 783, and in 1908 the total was 908, an increase of 125. Of this increase, arrests for drunkenness accounted for 44 ; breaches of peace, 14 ; burglary, 18 ; disorderly conduct, 13 ; thefts undescribed, 19. The total number of prosecutions was 879, which shows a very small percentage of crimes undetected. The authorised strength of the district on the 31st March was 1 Inspector, 3 sergeants, 29 constables, 1 detective, an increase of 2 constables over last year. One constable was added to the strength of Waihi Station, and 1 constable took charge of station opened at Kerepehi. The conduct of the members of the Force in this district has been satisfactory.

Inspector Dwyer, Napier District. The total number of offences reported during the year ending the 31st December last was 2,311. against 2,161 in the previous year. This shows an increase of 150, but this increase was chiefly for drunkenness. The licensing laws continue to be well observed in the district. There were 10 prosecutions for sly-grog selling during the year, resulting in 6 convictions and fines amounting to £62 imposed. The conduct of the members of the Force in this district has during the year, with a few trifling exceptions, been exemplary, and the utmost harmony prevails amongst all ranks.

Inspector Wilson, Wanganui District. The strength of the Force is—l Inspector, 1 Sub-Inspector, 8 sergeants, 62 constables, and 3 detectives : total, 75, and 1 district constable. New stations have been formed at Horopito and Wanganui East. A Sub-Inspector has been stationed at Palmerston North and a sergeant has been placed at Stratford, a second constable at Marton, and an additional constable each at Palmerston North and Taihape. Settlement along the Main Trunk line, the Wanganui River, Whangamomona, and Mokau districts continues, and most of the land is taken up and is being brought under grass, extending the areas for police patrols and supervision. The conduct of the men has been very good, and, as a rule, they have been very careful in the execution of their duties. The criminal statistics for the year show 2,480 offences reported, 2,407 of which have resulted in arrests or summonses, leaving 73 undetected offences. The undetected offences work out at about three per cent, of the total cases reported.

2—H. 16.

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10

The total number of offences shows a slight decrease. Although under the head of " Drunkenness/ there is an increase of 101 cases, there is a general decrease of all other crimes. There have been 13 prosecutions against publicans in 1908 for breaches of the Licensing Act, resulting in 5 convictions and 8 cases being dismissed or withdrawn. There have been 21 prosecutions against sly-grog sellers, resulting in fines amounting to £310 being inflicted ; and 3 persons have been sent to gaol for terms of imprisonment without the option of a fine. The only serious crime occurring during the year was the murder of Mrs. Klenner by Dr. Ooode, at Waitara, in December last; the trial took place before Mr. Justice Chapman, at New Plymouth. The charge was completely proved, but the jury was directed to acquil accused on the ground of insanity, and he will be detained in a mental hospital indefinitely.

Inspector Ellison, Wellington District. During the past year new police-stations have been opened at Day's Bay (Eastbourne) and Karori. An acting-detective and 9 constables have been added to the city staff, an increase that was much needed and is much appreciated. At Petone and Wellington South the constables who were in charge last year have recently been replaced by sergeants. New buildings have been erected at Petone, Richmond, and Wellington South, and a new station has been commenced at Takaka. The Offences Return furnished in January shows that the total number of offences reported was 5,865, an increase of 126 over the previous year ; whilst the total number of arrests was 5,643, an increase of 79. The principal increases are as follows: Assaults and robbery, 13; burglary and housebreakmg, 20 ; deserting wives and children, 89 ; disobeying orders of Court, 30 : illegally on premises, 26 ; obscene language; 74 ; sly-grog selling, 27 ; theft, 89. Decreases appear in the following: Abusive and threatening language, 10; breaches of peace, 22; drunkenness, 186 ; gaming offences, 58; indecent behaviour, 9 ; sureties of the peace, 26 ; obstructing and resisting police, 10 ; theft by servants, 8. In addition to the usual police work, a great deal of clerical work and inquiry is done lor other Departments, including reports re old-age pensions, machinery and boiler inquiries, reporting re applications for licenses (such as servants' registry offices), naturalisation applications, drivers, sharebrokers, adoption of children,-&c. The Sub-Inspector, station sergeant, and the detective staff have done good work during the year ; so also have the members of the clerical staff and the sergeants, and many constables. During the year 10 constables were discharged on resignation, 2 were dismissed, 2 discharged on pension, 33 constables and 2 Sub-Inspectors were transferred to other districts. The arrivals were 1 station sergeant, 2 sergeants and 19 constables from other districts, and 41 recruits.

Inspector Black, Grbymouth District. The authorised strength of the Force on the 31st March last was : 1 Inspector, 5 sergeants, 31 constables, and 1 detective, being an increase of 2 constables during the year. During the twelve months past 2 sergeants and 7 constables were transferred to other districts, and 2 sergeants and 8 constables were transferred here from other districts, while 1 sergeant and 3 constables were transferred to stations within the district. The district constable at Karamea resigned, and a member of the regular Force was sent there. The conduct of the men as a whole during the last twelve months has been good. The criminal statistics for the year are 754 offences reported, as against 561 in the previous year. The increase is due principally to drunkenness, gaming, and other offences not of a serious nature. Proceedings were taken by arrest and summons in 719 cases out of the 754, thus leaving 35 offences unaccounted for, or a little less than 5 per cent, on the whole, which I submit is fairly satisfactory. During the year there were 45 prosecutions against publicans for breaches of the Licensing Act, resulting in 18 convictions, as against 30 prosecutions and 18 convictions during the previous year. There have been no prosecutions for sly-grog selling during the past twelve months, and there is no reason to think that liquor is sold on the sly to any very great extent in this district. Inspector Gillies, Christchurch District. On the 31st March last the authorised strength of the Force was 139 men of all ranks, made up as follows : 1 Inspector, 2 Sub-Inspectors, 1 station sergeant, 13 sergeants, 112 constables, 7 detectives, and 3 acting-detectives. There is also 1 district constable, a surgeon, and matron. The casualties were : Medically unfit, 1 detective and 1 constable ; resignations, 3 constables ; dismissals, nil. The total number of all offences reported during the year ended the 31st December, 1908, was 3,304, and the total number of persons arrested or summoned during same period was 3,155, a reduction of 347 offences as shown in comparison with the year 1907. This must be considered satisfactory, notwithstanding a considerable increase in the population of the district. Credit is due to the Force for united vigilance in the prevention and detection of offences. The number of prosecutions under the city by-laws during the year was 433.

Inspector Gillies, Chkistchurch District. On the 31st March last the authorised strength of the Force was 139 men of all ranks, made up as follows : 1 Inspector, 2 Sub-Inspectors. 1 station sergeant, 13 sergeants, 112 constables, 7 detectives, and 3 acting-detectives. There is also I district constable, a surgeon, and mat run. The casualties were : Medically unfit, 1 detective and 1 constable ; resignations, •'! constables ; dismissals, nil. The total number of all offences reported during the year ended the 31st December, 1908, was 3,304, and the total number of persons arrested or summoned during same period was 3,155, a reduction of 347 offences as shown in comparison with the year 1907. This must be considered satisfactory, notwithstanding a considerable increase in the population of the district. Credit is due to the Force for united vigilance in the prevention and detection of offences. The number of prosecutions under the city by-laws during the year was 433.

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The detection of sly-grog sellers at Ashburton and Oamaru requires extra vigilance of the police. The total amount of fines for sly-grog selling during the year was £335. The conduct of the men as a rule has been satisfactory.

Inspector O'Brien, Dunedin District. The number of offences reported during the year was 2,213, as compared with 2,029 for the previous year, showing an increase of 184 ; and the number of persons arrested or proceeded against by summons during the year 1908 was 2,033. I regret to have to say that juveniles are again responsible for many of these offences. The offence of drunkenness shows an increase of 114 as compared with the preceding year ; apart from that, there is no marked increase or decrease in any other class of offence, and nothing calling for special comment. There have been 13 prosecutions for gaming offences during the year. Since the passing of the new gaming laws one of the most objectionable phases of this offence—namely, street betting—has conconsiderably diminished. Resorting to offices for the purposes of betting and wagering has, apparently, entirely ceased. The infatuating game known as " two-up " still goes on, but mostly in remote and isolated places, and chiefly on Sundays and holidays. Hotels in this district have, with very few exceptions, been very well conducted during the year. The majority of the licensees appear to realise that it is in their own interests to comply with the licensing laws ; there are, however, a few, chiefly in country places ; who still show a tendency to violate the law, particularly in respect of after-hour and Sunday trading. There have been 23 prosecutions against hotelkeepers during the year, resulting in 12 convictions. During the year there have been 9 prosecutions for sly-grog selling, and fines aggregating £235 ss. have been imposed. In the no-license area (Clutha district) sly-grog selling still prevails, but only to a limited extent. It is, however, very rarely that drunken persons are seen in this district, except those travelling by train. A new station was opened at Eanfurly on the 3rd November last, and on the Ist October last one was opened at St. Kilda. These arrangements are giving satisfaction. Since the opening of a new station at Portobello in September, 1907, complaints from that district have practically ceased. On the 31st March the strength of the Force in this district was 1 Inspector, 1 Sub-Inspector, 1 station sergeant, 11 sergeants, 74 constables, 2 district constables, 1 chief detective, 4 detectives, 1 acting-detective, and 1 matron. Casualties : Discharged or resigned, 4 constables. During the year the conduct of members of the Force has, with very few exceptions, been most exemplary ; only in a very few cases has it been necessary to inflict punishment. Their duties are multifarious, and, on the whole, they have been performed in a satisfactory manner. The Detective Branch of the service has during the year done good work, including the detection of many offences committed during the previous year and the arrest of offenders wanted in other parts of the Dominion. The conduct of members of this branch of the service has also been exemplary. Inspector Mitchell, Invercargill District. The strength of the Force in above district on the 31st March last was 1 Inspector, 4 sergeants 32 constables, 1 detective and 1 district constable. The casualties during the year were—l constable retired on pension, 1 constable dismissed, and 2 sergeants and 10 constables transferred to and 2 sergeants and 9 constables from other districts. With one or two exceptions the conduct of members of the Force has been good, and their satisfactory attention to duty is evidenced by the fact that of 620 offences reported 587 were detected—about 95 per cent. . The maintenance of order in the streets of Invercargill has been very marked during the year, and the number of cases of drunkenness (68) has been few remembering the facilities that exist for legitimately obtaining liquor. In all the cases except one or two the source whence the liquor was obtained was traceable to places outside the no-license area. The locker system is still in operation in several buildings in this town, and there can be no reasonable doubt that, as carried on, it is an evasion of the law ;at the same time, it is very difficult to obtain sufficient evidence to prove its illegality. ; There have been 23 convictions for sly-grog selling, resulting in several sentences of three months imprisonment, and fines totalling £315. lam pleased to say that at the present time there is no evidence that such offences are being committed in this district to any appreciable extent.

Inspector Mitchell, Invercargill District. The strength of the Force in above district on the 31st March last was 1 Inspector, 4 sergeants 32 constables,! detective and 1 district constable. The casualties during the year were—l constable retired on pension, 1 constable dismissed, and 2 sergeants and 10 constables transferred to and 2 sergeants and 9 constables from other districts. With one or two exceptions the conduct of members of the Force has been good, and their satisfactory attention to duty is evidenced by the fact that of 620 offences reported 587 were detected—about 95 per cent. The maintenance of order in the streets of Invercargill has been very marked during the year, and the number of cases of drunkenness (68) has been few remembering the facilities that exist for legitimately obtaining liquor. In all the cases except one or two the source whence the liquor was obtained was traceable to places outside the no-license area. The locker system is still in operation in several buildings in this town, and there can be no reasonable doubt that, as carried on, it is an evasion of the law ; at the same time, it is very difficult to obtain sufficient evidence to prove its illegality. ; There have been 23 convictions for sly-grog selling, resulting in several sentences of three months imprisonment, and fines totalling £315. lam pleased to say that at the present time there is no evidence that such offences are being committed in this district to any appreciable extent.

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APPENDIX A. Return showing the Number of Offences reported, Persons apprehended, and Comparison of Crime during the Year ending 31st December, 1907, and Year ending 31st December, 1908.

12

1907. ■ o Offences. J § « So o O 1fa 5**1 lit P ° Jll Pers< Coi mitt for Tl >ns apprehended or summoned. 1908. Mil S » » 5 Number of Convictions amongst those committed (or Trial. n:ed rial. Summarily Convicted. Diecharged. V fa o a M. F. M. F. M. F. 6 i o a M M. F. Abandoning children .. .. 5 Abduction .. .. .. 1 Abortion, procuring .. .. 4 Abortion, attempt to procure .. 4 Absconding from apprenticeship 2 Absconding from bail .. .. 2 Absconding from industrial schools 113 Abusive and threatening language 254 Arson .. .. .. 12 Arson, attempted .. .. 5 Assaults, common .. .. 926 Assaults, indecent .. .. 46 Assaults occasioning bodily harm ; 50 Assaults on bailiffs .. .. 1 Assaults on police .. .. 72 Assaults and robbery .. .. 47 Assault on sheriff .. .. 1 Attempts to commit crimes .. 3 Bankruptcy offences .. .. 12 Being in possession of house- 1 breaking implements Begging .. .. .. 17 Bestiality .. .. .. 3 Bigamy .. .. .. 1 Breaches of the peace .. .. 693 Burglary, breaking into shops, 350 dwellings, &c. Carnally knowing girls .. I 37 Carnally knowing girls, attempted: 6 Cattle-maiming .. ..I 1 Coinage offences .. .. 4 Concealment of birth .. .. 3 Conspiring to defraud .. .. 7 Contempt of Court .. .. 4 Counselling the commission of an 13 offence Cruelty to animals .. .. 214 Cruelty to children .. .. 10 Cutting and wounding.. .. 2 Damaging police uniform .. 27 Deserting and failing to provide 600 for wives and children Deserters and stragglers from 94 H.M. ships Deserters and absentees from 132 merchant vessels Detaining postal packets .. 2 Discharging firearms .. .. 50 Disobeying orders on board ships 65 Disobeying orders of Court and 649 summonses Disobeying terms of release under 19 First Offenders' Probation Act Disorderly and riotous conduct.. 368 Dissuading a witness from giving 3 evidence Disturbing meetings and congre- 31 gations Drunkenness.. .. .. 10,203 Escaping from custody .. 17 Failing to support parents and 359 near relatives False declarations .. .. 18 False pretences .. .. 272 Fish, illegally taking .. .. 57 Forgery and uttering .. .. 98 Fortune-telling .. .. 6 Found armed by night with 1 felonious intent Found by night disguised with 1 intent to commit a crime Furious riding and driving .. 86 Game, illegally shooting .. 40 Gaming offences .. .. 198 Habitual ciiminal failing to report himself 5 1 4 4 2 2 113 254 12 5 926 46 50 1 72 47 1 3 12 1 1 2 1 4 2 98 232 13 5 808 64 63 2 93 35 i 2 i 4 2 88 230 8 4 803 61 62 2 93 32 1 1 if I 23 J 1 2 1 4 2 88 230 8 805 61 62 2 93 33 1 1 1 4 1 2 3 3 2 79 149 7 18 1 2 50 1 2 188 8 3 .. "2 15 22 . . 6 1 2 52 36 1 2 568 1 20 2 80 1 24 5 1 1 5 1 2 35 26 1 118 2 18 13 1 21 1 '2 35 .. 26 1 23 2 10 9 -I 1 1 O 1 13 12 1 13 9 32 1 9 32 1 5 17 4 1 1 6 9 24 1 c 5 1 1-7 17 5 17 6 20 17 3 1 693 350 26 1 5 558 476 26 1 5 557 364 1 4 1 26 493 173 4 4 61 26 :: i i 26 5 559 366 1 1 3 1 1 3 9 4 2 135 162 1 134 ' 1 184 126 37 6 1 4 3 7 4 13 13 4 3 1 3 1 5 15 12 4 1 11 3 1 1 1 12 4 1 4 3 "2 24 2 2 1 5 15 2 1 5 15 3 2 1 1 1 6 4 13 2 1 2 214 10 2 27 600 208 8 1 31 726 208 ] 1 30 641 1 1 1 158 4 27 492 4 2 3 10 47 1 ! 209 8 1 30 641 1 1 1 6 2 1 138 1 4 126 94 72 48 46 2 48 22 132 154 152 139 13 152 22 5^ 65 649 30 64 708 30 64 670 1 27 60 533 2 4 136 30 64 670 1 2 20 1 1 59 19 27 21 5 16 21 S 8 368 3 363 363 330 8 25 363 5 3 31 50 50 45 5 50 19 10,203 17 359 10,343 18 268 10,343 15 253 2 9,597 12 180 703 1 6 40 62 3 5 3 5 10,343 15 253 2 140 1 91 18 272 57 98 6 1 30 252 49 135 15 29 235 49 114 15 6 43 105 2 1 17 149 37 4 1 2 10 1 28 12 2 1 '3 1 29 230 49 112 15 5 a 12 37 9 20 8 11 '3 I 1 1 2 2 1 1 2 1 1 86 40 198 85 65 214 1 85 65 213 1 73 51 184 1 12 14 28 85 65 212 1 25 16 1 1

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APPENDIX A—continued. Return showing the Number of Offences reported, Persons apprehended, and Comparison of Crime during the Year ending 31st December, 1907, and Year ending 31st December, 1908—

13

1907. l908. Offences. sS"8 j>8 ' lit - SsS , ||1 - g<3 Coi miti forTi Persoi n;ed rial. is aj )prehendi Summi Convi< id or s' wily ;ted. linmoned. Discharged. Number of S 'O T3 Convictions •§§.§§ amongst -oco those zijSc committed -pSgS for Trial. o o ft™ H * 3 M. F. i H-t i w h a I M. F. M. F. M. F. _l 169 4 12 Illegally on premises Illegally pawning Incest Indecent exposure or behaviour Introducing liquor into Maori pa Keeping disorderly houses and brothels Killing animals with intent to steal the carcases Killing seal 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 Opium, smoking or being in possession of Perjury Personating electors Poison-laying 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 Robbery under arms Sending false telegrams Setting a spring-gun 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 by servants Theft from dwellings Theft from the person Theft of cattle and horses Theft of dogs Theft of pigs Theft of sheep Theft of post-letters Threatening letters Threatening to shoot Travelling by rail and refusing to pay fares Trespass Unlawfully assembly Vagrancy Witchcraft 106 2 4 :!49 '.) 194 5 7 267 4 198 5 7 256 4 1 4 2 1 18 2 19 1 200 5 1 7 4 1 255 1 4 1 4 1 88 8 8 ''220 4 14 82 5 42 24 24 1 6 8 4 5 24 1 1 18 6 6 4 4 4 4 .. 4 o 491 s ! 203 841 184 ! ! 5 12 132 6 90 3 513 9 10 ■i 196 893 211 6 7 68 13 41 3 ] 504 9 10 5 12 194 889 211 I 6 7 68 13 40 3 3 1 509 9 1 .. 11 4 5 2 1 12 8 194 889 3 211 8 7 68 13 .. 40 .. .. 3 1 1 1 1 10 4 9 441 7 12 58 1 2 J 1 1 4 2 8 22 11 6 i 2 1 3 52 18 3 1 11 107 780 195 5 7 64 5 36 82 16 3 '2 8 8 52 27 1 7 *8 " 1 8 8 4 5 64 "7 49 31 29 1 4 3 29 1 4 8 21 1 7 1 1 29 9 1 1 4 3 9 1 2 2 "2 3 i "2 3 1 ■ 4 10 29 I 126 43 11 10 65 137 44 10 10 63 136 44 4 6 18 2 1 31 127 26 4 3 7 7 16 10 10 5 60 2 137 44 .. .. 5 2 7 1 2 3 1 I 2 36 11 1 • I i 3 2 2 I 2 1 2 1 2 184 1 4 1 44 110 45 46 100 2,023 7 20 116 242 78 66 7 11 13 9 2 9 ) 24 12 ! 3 J 12 3 12 1 . 12 12 1 1 .. 12 1 12 1 6 159 11 3 4 76 102 48 58 73 2,251 9 3 122 276 73 72 10 4 28 17 1 I 5 I 39 5 158 11 2 4 76 101 48 58 72 1,781 9 8 112 189 62 56 5 2 16 9 1 5 38 4 'a 3 105 1 2 37 49 22 30 1 2 110 9 - 84 48 42 45 . 1,375 I 69 104 15 17 5 2 3 1 17 71 £ 115 .. ■ 21 2 1 15 7 15 165 2 I 18 14 9 '9 2 1 12 3 .. 157 I .. 11 2 2 4 2 .. 76 101 48 58 .. 72 i .. 1,774 87 9 8 J 2 112 25 181 44 62 12 1 56 24 5 2 16 2 .. 9 6 1 5 38 "3 2 2 87 2 25 44 12 24 "■ .. 4 10 3 32 3 12 I 228 2 25 1 8 27 12 1 3 •• i 8 8 1 6 34 1 6 3 5 •• 2 6 15 8 7 4 8 1 1 9 ' ! .. . .. 4 2 1 4 •36 15 220 18 696 3 .113 629 ! 113 629 6 100 426 137 13 42 18 113 629 6 .. "6 107 18 67 3 Totals 23,204 23,510 22,484 867 26 18,555 1377 1519 128 22,472 539 14 539 14 1,376 1070 Inc. 106

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APPENDIX B. Return showing the Strength and Distribution of the New Zealand Police Force on the 31st March, 1909.

14

Stations. s c c I I i c it s ±2 .si Cβ OX +=> >- zn i . II $ 3 CD i ||i|H K V "ft tt 2 o Q " I 1 t-i 10 II s a "5 i eetc c z ■— •A Q h p in Stations. 2 aS §S 2 ■ u a i g 3 p o o > a c 9 ■ t> 8 HI 1 a-— '."it o ■j. o a 2 C mckland trictAuckland Aratapu Avondale Birkenhead Cambridge Cowes Dargaville Devonport Eden Terrace .. Ellerslie Epsom Freeman's Bay Hamilton Helensville Herekino Hikurangi Hobsonviile Hohnura Howick Huntly Kaikohe Kaitaia Kawakawa Kawhia Kihikihi Kingsland Mangawai Mangonui Mercer Mount Roskill.. Newmarket Newton Ngaruawahia .. Northcote Ohaeavvai Okupu (G. Barr'r) Onebunga Onparue Otahuhu Otorohanga Pahi Panmure Papakura Parnell Ponsonby Port Albert Pukekohe Queen St. Wharf Raglan Raurimu Rawene Russell Taumarunui .. Te Awamutu .. Te Kuiti Tuak-tii Waipu Waiuku Warkworth Whangarei Whangaroa 1 I ' * i "] 47 1 1 1 1 1 2 4 1 1 2 2 1 G 4 60 1 1 1 ] 1 1 2 5 1 1 1 66 l l 1 I 1 2 5 1 1 2 3 1 .. i Napier DistrictNapier Carlyle Street .. Olive Dannevirke FraRertown Gisbome Hastings Herbertville Ongaonga Ormondville Porongahau Port Awanui .. Scinde (Napier) Spit (NBpier) .. Taradale Te Karaka Tolaga Bay Tuparoa Waipawa Waipiro Bay .. Waipukuran .. Wairoa Weber Woodville 1 i i i 8 Q r O l 1 l l i 1 l i 1 i u lK O 1 l 1 ■1 1 1 1 ] 1 i i .... i ■■ 1 2 o . • ■ I ■ • 3 1 ! -■ I .. 1 1 1 1 ■ .. 1 .. 1 1 1 '.'. .. 1 •1 1 1 1 1 1 I 1 1 1 1 . .J .. ■ * ■ I * ' I 1 1 1 1 1 ] 1 1 1 1 1 i 2 2 .. i. . Totals i 4 35 2 i 43 3 i1 ■ I ■ • i *.' 1 4 1 1 1 1 3 10 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 3 3 1 1 6 J 1 1 1 : i " .. .. 2 .. • ■ • -I • • 1 ] 1 i Hi 1 1 3 1 1 1 1 1 8 8 1 1 7 1 1 1 1 \ 1 1 1 1 1 A 4 16 1 3 1 ■1 1 1 1 1 8 n 3 1 1 1 n " .. 1 .. 1 :: . 1 Wan garni i District— Wanganui Aramoho Ashhurst Bull's Eltham Peilding Poxton Hawera Horopito Hunterville Tnglewood Kimbolton Manaia Mangaweka Marton Moawhango Mokau New Plymouth Norman by Ohakune Opunake Palmerston N\ Patea Raetihi Rahotu Rongotea Shannon St. John's (Wan.) Stratford Taihape Terrace End (Palmerston N.) Waitara Waitotara Wangnnui East Waverley Willis Street (Palmerston N.) I 1 1 9 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 i 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 5 1 1 1 10 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 1 1 13 1 1 1 1 8 ■2 3 1 1 1 1 1 ] 2 1 7 1 1 1 13 1 I 1 1 1 1 3 3 1 1 I 7 1 1 1 1 1 1 • ■ 1 i 1 .. .. 1 1 .. .. 1 -t 1 1 1 i .. .. 1 1 1 3 1 1 I i 1 1 1 \ ■ 1 1 Totals 1 i ] 1C 126 8 41 4 157 157 8 5 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 ■ 'names DistrictThames Goromandel Karangahake .. Katikati Kerepehi Morrinsville Omaio Opotiki Paeroa Rotorua Shortland Tairua Taupo Taura , ga .; Te Aroha Tβ Puke Tβ Whaice Tokaanu Waihi Waikino Whakatane Whitianga 1 1 5 1 1 1 1 1 1 8 1 8 1 1 i i i i 4 1 i i i Totals Wellington trictWellington Blenheim Brooklyn Carterton Clyde Quay Collingwood Cullensville Eastbourne Eketahuna Peatherston .. Greytown North Havelock Island Bay Johnsonville .. Karori Kilbirnie Levin Lower Hutt 1 1 2 1 ■j 8 62 44 4 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 3 6 4 75 66 5 1 2 1 • 1 I 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 5 1 1 1 6 1 1 1 i i 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 ■2 i Total 1 3 28 1 33 3 3

H.—l6.

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

15

Stations, CD A n a i—i If 1! s.. i I l| i I t V> - § i 5 ""I B § O a I H £ us o m b E d o I 3 Stations. S , 5 § s 1—1 I—I 111! 11 I a: oo $ i o q 111 i o I s s «2 .22 eg 0 'ill ill ■XI. C ~l u S Wellington Dis trict' — contd. Mangatainoka,. Manners Street Martinborough Masterton Motueka Mount Cook Nelson Otaki Pahiatua Petone Pioton Pongaroa Richmond Seddon Spring Grove .. Takaka Te Nui The Port Thorndon Quay Tinakori Road Upper Hutt Wellington S. .. 1 4 1 1 1 1 1 4 1 19 6 1 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 i| '■'■ ..'■ i 1 1 1 5 1 24 8 1 2 3 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 4 Christchurch District — contd. Riccarton i. St. Albans St. Andrew's .. Sheffield Southbridge Sumner Sydenham Temuka Timaru Waikari Waimate Woolston .. j .. 1 * * I * * 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 3 2 8 3 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 4 2 11 3 1 1 . t j. * * I I * * Totals i 1 2 2 i Kl 113 7 3 140 1 ..ii 1 Totals Grey mouth District— Greymouth Ahaura Blackball Brunnerton Charleston Denniston Dunollie Granity Hokitika Kanieri Karamea Kumara Lyell Murchison Okarito Otira Reefton Ross Seddonville Stafford Westport 1 I • -| 2 1 i __i t 2 17 2 118 4 1 1 1 1 1 1 i i i i i i i 2 1 1 1 4 7 5 ]| .. • • • • 152 8 1 J 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 J. 1 1 I 1 1 _ Dunedin DistrictDunedin Alexandra South Anderson's Bay Balclutha Broad Bay Caversham Clyde Cromwell Green Island .. Kaitangata King Street Lawrence Middlemareh .. Milton .. I Mornington Mosgiel Naseby North-east Valley Ophir Outram Owaka • Palmerston S. .. Port Chalmers.. j Portobello Ranfurly Ravensbourne .. Roslyn Roxburgh St. Bathan's .. St. Clair St. Kilda South Dunedin Waikouaiti Waitahuna Waitati Woodhaugh 1 1 I.. I .. r . . . . h'. '.'. 1 1 1 i 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 5 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 4 1 44 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 ] 6 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 5 1 ..ii " 1 i .... .. . .i i 'i .. •. .. 1 1 2 1 1 ' 1 2 4 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 2 5 1 1 1 j 1 'i .. .. ■•I "■ i .. i •■ Totals 1 30 1 .. 37 Ohristchurch District— Christchurch .. Addington Akaroa Amberley Ashburton Belfast Bingsland Chatham Islands Cheviot Coalgate Culverden Pairlie Geraldine Glenavy Hampden Kaiapoi Kaikoura Kurow Leeston Lincoln Linwood Little River Lyttelton Methven New Brighton .. Ngapara Oamaru Oxford Papanui Phillipstown .. Pleasant Point Rakaia Rangiora 1 I 1 42 1 2 1 5 1 1 1 1 1 1 I 2 1 1 1 II 1 1 5 ! i 6 1 II 1 1 1 1 6 2 59 1 2 1 6 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 J 1 1 1 1 7 1 1 1 7 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 Totals Invercargill District— Invercargill Arrowtown Bluff Clinton Gladstone Gore .. j Half-moon Bay Lumsden Mataura Nightcaps N. Invercargill Orepuki Otautau Pembroke Queenstown Riverton S. Invercargill .. Tapanui Waikaia .. | Win ton Wyndham 1 1 1 i 1 " 1 i 1 11 a 1 1 74 10 1 2 1 1 2 1 1 I 1 1 ] 2 1 ! i i 5 1 1 14 1 3 1 1 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 94 O 1 ..ii i 1 1- •• •• - i •• ; • * •• 1 32j Totals l' .. r 4 i 38 1 On leave prior to retirement i 1 2 i Grand totals 9 7 4 1 82 619, J 35 14 771 -20j 10 i 4 9 7 I

H.^-16.

APPENDIX C. 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 (2,000 copies), £16 17s. 6d.

Authority : John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington.—l9o9.

Price 6d.\

16

Place Number of Police. Population. Proportion of Police to Population. Cost of Police per Inhabitant. New Zealand Victoria New South Wales.. South Australia Queensland Western Australia Tasmania 771 1,571 2,465 413 970 504 233 1,008,373 1,271,174 1,591,673 407,179 552,345 267,111 185,500 1 to 1,308 1 to 809 1 to 645 1 to 985 1 to 569 1 to 529 1 to 796 s. d. 3 4£ 4 5f 5 9} 4 I* 7 4| 9 0 4 11