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

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1924 Session I, H-16

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1924. 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 ok Police to the Hon. the Minister in Charge of Poltoe Department. Police Department, Wellington, 21st July, 1924. I have the honour to present the annual report on the Police Force for the year ended 31, st March last. Strength of Force. On the 31st March last the number of permanent members of the Force of all ranks was 1,009, being an increase of 29 during the year. The total is made up as follows : — Superintendents .. .. .. . . .. .. .. 7 Inspectors .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..12 Sub-Inspectors .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 4 Senior Sergeants .. .. .. .. .. .. 29 Sergeants .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 91 Constables .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 819 Senior Detectives .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 9 Detective-sergeants .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 6 Detectives .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..32 In addition to the above there were — Police surgeons .. .. .. .. .. .. 12 Matrons .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 8 District constables .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 7 Native constables .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 4 There were also 18 temporary constables appointed under section 2 of the Police Force Amendment Act, 1919 : 1 of these was a recruit undergoing a period of probationary service with a view to .permanent appointment; the remaining 17 wore temporary constables appointed during the war period who were over age or otherwise unsuitable for permanent appointment. Stations. New stations have been established at Henderson, Moturoa, and Pukehuia, and the stations at Waiotira and Bealey Flat have been closed. Casualties. The following are the casualties for the year ended. 31 st* March last: Retired on pension under the Public Service Superannuation Act, 12 ; retired as medically unfit, 3; died, 5; resigned voluntarily, 39 ; called, upon to resign, 5 ; dismissed, 1 : total, 65. This is 4 less than in the preceding year. Criminal Statistics. The criminal statistics (Appendix A) deal with offences reported to the police during the year ended 31st December last, and show an aggregate net increase of 1,420 on the figures of 1922. The proportion of offences to the population was 1-93 per cent., as against 1-86 the previous year. The principal increases during the year appear under the following, headings, viz.: — False declarations .. .. •• ... 25 Caming offences .. ~-> .. ..11l Assault (common) .. .. .. 77 Failing to maintain wives and children .. .. 485 Theft by clerks or servants .. .. 45 Ship-desertion .. .. .. 50 Forgery .. .. .. .. ..77 Selling liquor after hours .. .. .. 125 Drunkenness .. .. .. .. .. 625 Being found on licensed premises after hours .. 62 Using profane, indecent, or obscene language .. 43 Breaches of Arms Act .. .. .. 70 There were decreases in the following : — Theft (undescribed) .. .. .. ... ■88 Arson .. .. .. .. 25 Theft from the person .. .. ■. 25 Breaches of the peace .. .. .. .. 116 Theft from dwellings .. .. .. .. 206 Vagrancy offences .. .. .. .. 106 House and shop breaking, &c. .. .. ..119 Illegally using horses, motor-cars, &c. .. .. 86

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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 : —

The percentage of arrests or summonses resulting from offences reported during the year 1923 was 93-25, the figures of the preceding year being 92*48. Serious Crimes. The following is a return of the number of serious crimes as compared with the previous year :—

Indecent and sexual offences were as under: —

Police District. Number of Offences Number of j in which Arrests Offences reported. or Summonses resulted. Number in which no Arrests or Summonses resulted. I Whangarei Auckland Hamilton Gisborne Napier New Plymouth ... Wanganui Palmerston North Wellington Greymouth Christchurch Timaru Dunedin 827 789 6,121 5,585 2,036 1,912 945 9321,244 1,171 764 722 1,138 1,106 1,282 1,225 4,335 4,020 1,236 1,204 3,235 2,894 854 795 1,267 1,196 835 805 38 536 124 13 73 42 32 57 315 32 341 59 71 30 Invercargill Totals 26,119 | 24,356 1,763

1922. 19! 18. Crimes. Number of Offences reported. Number of Offences in ihidh Arrests resulted. Number of Offences reported. Number of Offences in which Arrests resulted. .rson iobbery and aggravated robbery Surglary, breaking into shops, dwellings, ka. 'orgery and uttering lurder lurder, attempted ... 33 11 872 156 5 10 4 138 33 10 626 133 5 9 2 136 8 10 743 242 7 1 9 121 3 3 8 498 230 6 1 9 121 3 tape deceiving stolen property bounding with intent Totals ... 1,229 954 1,144 879

Offences. 1922. 1923. Unnatural offence Unnatural offence, attempted Indecently assaulting a male Incest Indecent acts Concealment of birth Assault, indecent ... Rape Rape, attempted .. Carnally knowing girls Carnally knowing girls, attempted ... Abortion, procuring, &c. Exposure of person and grossly indecent acts ... 8 2 43 8 27 3 85 4 11 29 12 5 231 6 3 42 9 27 5 90 9 12 30 7 28 232 Totals 468 500

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Drunkenness. There has been an increase of 626 in the number of prosecutions for drunkenness during the year as compared with the previous year. The number charged with drunkenness in 1.923 was 7,035 (6,665 males and 370 females), whereas in 1922 the number was 6,409 (6,088 males and 321 females). The following return shows the number of prosecutions for drunkenness in each police district during the year 1923 as compared with 1922 : —

From the following table it will be observed that 39-44 per cent, of the males and 63-78 per cent. of the females had previous convictions recorded against them, and 6-25 per cent, of the males were not permanent residents of the Dominion.

Return showing the Number of Persons charged with Drunkenness during the Year 1923, and the Number of Previous Convictions against them, so far as is known.

Return showing the Number of Persons arrested for Drunkenness within each Principal Centre during the Years 1922 and 1923, the Number convicted, the Number discharged or otherwise dealt with (Males and Females shown separately), and the Increase or Decrease in Arrests.

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Drunkenness. There has been an increase of 626 in the number of prosecutions for drunkenness as compared with the previous year. The number charged with drunkenness in 1923 was 7,035 (6,665 males and 370 fi in 1922 the number was 6,409 (6,088 males and 321 females). The following return shows the number of prosecutions for drunkenness in eac during the year 1923 as compared with 1922 : — i during the year iMiiales), whereas ;h police district Police District. Number of Prosecutions, 1922. Number of Proseoutions, 1923. Increase. Decrease. Whangarei ... Auckland Hamilton Gisborne Napier New Plymouth Wanganui ... Palmerston North Wellington ... Greymouth ... Christchurch Timaru Dunedin Invereargill ... 225 1,385 470 207 283 139 308 275 1,434 176 787 306 275 139 211 1,609 567 210 333 140 365 309 1,513 218 765 295 341 159 224 97 3 50 1 57 34 79 42 14 "22 11 66 20 Totals ... I 6,409 7,035 I 673 47 6,409 7,035 673 From the following tabl of the females had previous not permanent residents of t e it will be observed that 39-44 per cent, of the males and 63-78 per cent, convictions recorded against them, and 6-25 per cent, of the males were he Dominion. Return showing the Numbei Number of • of Persons charged with Drunkenness during the Year 1923, and the Previous Convictions against them, so far as is known. Police District. Not previously convicted. M. F. One Pro- Two Pre- Three Pre- Four Previous Con- vious Con- vious Con- vious Conviction, victions. victions. victions. I . M. P. M. P. M. P. M. I P. Five Previous Convictions. OvorPivo Previous Totals. °^«»< Convictions. oag^.S •£'o5i w i — Sl^ 0 " M. P. M. P. |ggo» I &;.£_.> M. P. Whangarei Auckland Hamilton Gisborne Napier New Plymouth Wanganui Palmerston North.. Wellington Greymoui h Christchurch Timaru Dunedin Invereargill 183 709 435 112 194 111 259 1371 984 1 130 347 171 161 103 29 5 2 5 8 8 i 10 37 5 16 1 6 2 20 187 44 26 41 7 49 41 180 30 112 32 36 19 2 i 1 2 4. 7 5 91 21 14 18 4 17 30 83 10 64 30 29 11 2 2 8 i 1 96 17 8 12 4 12 29 46 13 43 14 13 5 io i 2 72 6 9 10 1 5 16 19 6 32 10 19 2 14 2 i 2 55 5 9 14 14 20 7 3T 11 24 4 6 1 4 211 .. 3 275 56 1,485 124 149 31 1 559 8 29 .. 207 3 3 37 1 326 7 13 4 .. 131 9 11 .. 353 12 3 24 .. 291 18 95 22 1,427 86 111 11 .. 213 5 16 57 11 692 73 83 24 .. 292 3 13 39 7 321 20 14 13 .. 157 2 9 275 31 29 37 4 11 24 93 11 57 24 39 13 6 9 1 1 10 1 4 9 8 io i i Totals 4,036 134 824 28 433 34 313 27 209 27 200 22 ! j 650 98 650 6,665 371 871 417 Return showing ih the Years 19', (Males and i 3 Nw, 12 an nbet i 11 of P >23, ti .own , ersons ai he Numb separateh resti ',d for Dr onvicted, md the It 'he te •mess with lumber di \e or Deer in & Ischa each Princij urged or oil ■e in Arresti ach F :rged in A pal Cent; lerwise d intr j d\ e during '.all with er c 0, « "email a si icr ■ea, •ease Number arrested, 1922. Number arrested, 1923. Num convicted ber 1, 1923. Number discharged or otherwise dealt with, 1923. Increase in Decrease in Centre. Arrests. Arrests. M. F. M. F. M. P. M. P. M. andF. !M. and F. Auckland and suburbs ... Wellington and suburbs Christchurch and suburbs Dunedin and suburbs ... 887 1,078 465 211 43 74 52 15 919 1,115 457 251 81 76 70 18 917 1,115 456 250 81 75 70 18 2 i l "l 70 3!) 10 43 Totals ... 2,641 184 2,742 245 2,738 244 162

Drunkenness. There has been an increase of 626 in the number of prosecutions for drunkenness as compared with the previous year. The number charged with drunkenness in 1923 was 7,035 (6,665 males and 370 fi in 1922 the number was 6,409 (6,088 males and 321 females). The following return shows the number of prosecutions for drunkenness in eac during the year 1923 as compared with 1922 : — i during the year iMiiales), whereas ;h police district Police District. Number of Prosecutions, 1922. Number of Proseoutions, 1923. Increase. Decrease. Whangarei ... Auckland Hamilton Gisborne Napier New Plymouth Wanganui ... Palmerston North Wellington ... Greymouth ... Christchurch Timaru Dunedin Invereargill ... 225 1,385 470 207 283 139 308 275 1,434 176 787 306 275 139 211 1,609 567 210 333 140 365 309 1,513 218 765 295 341 159 224 97 3 50 1 57 34 79 42 14 "22 11 66 20 Totals ... I 6,409 7,035 I 673 47 6,409 7,035 673 From the following tabl of the females had previous not permanent residents of t e it will be observed that 39-44 per cent, of the males and 63-78 per cent, convictions recorded against them, and 6-25 per cent, of the males were he Dominion. Return showing the Numbei Number of • of Persons charged with Drunkenness during the Year 1923, and the Previous Convictions against them, so far as is known. Police District. Not previously convicted. M. F. One Pro- Two Pre- Three Pre- Four Previous Con- vious Con- vious Con- vious Conviction, victions. victions. victions. I . M. P. M. P. M. P. M. I P. Five Previous Convictions. OvorPivo Previous Totals. °^«»< Convictions. oag^.S •£'o5i w i — Sl^ 0 " M. P. M. P. |ggo» I &;.£_.> M. P. Whangarei Auckland Hamilton Gisborne Napier New Plymouth Wanganui Palmerston North.. Wellington Greymoui h Christchurch Timaru Dunedin Invereargill 183 709 435 112 194 111 259 1371 984 1 130 347 171 161 103 29 5 2 5 8 8 i 10 37 5 16 1 6 2 20 187 44 26 41 7 49 41 180 30 112 32 36 19 2 i 1 2 4. 7 5 91 21 14 18 4 17 30 83 10 64 30 29 11 2 2 8 i 1 96 17 8 12 4 12 29 46 13 43 14 13 5 io i 2 72 6 9 10 1 5 16 19 6 32 10 19 2 14 2 i 2 55 5 9 14 14 20 7 3T 11 24 4 6 1 4 211 .. 3 275 56 1,485 124 149 31 1 559 8 29 .. 207 3 3 37 1 326 7 13 4 .. 131 9 11 .. 353 12 3 24 .. 291 18 95 22 1,427 86 111 11 .. 213 5 16 57 11 692 73 83 24 .. 292 3 13 39 7 321 20 14 13 .. 157 2 9 275 31 29 37 4 11 24 93 11 57 24 39 13 6 9 1 1 10 1 4 9 8 io i i Totals 4,036 134 824 28 433 34 313 27 209 27 200 22 ! j 650 98 650 6,665 371 871 417 Return showing ih the Years 19', (Males and i 3 Nw, 12 an nbet i 11 of P >23, ti .own , ersons ai he Numb separateh resti ',d for Dr onvicted, md the It 'he te •mess with lumber di \e or Deer in & Ischa each Princij urged or oil ■e in Arresti ach F :rged in A pal Cent; lerwise d intr j d\ e during '.all with er c 0, « "email a si icr ■ea, •ease Number arrested, 1922. Number arrested, 1923. Num convicted ber 1, 1923. Number discharged or otherwise dealt with, 1923. Increase in Decrease in Centre. Arrests. Arrests. M. F. M. F. M. P. M. P. M. andF. !M. and F. Auckland and suburbs ... Wellington and suburbs Christchurch and suburbs Dunedin and suburbs ... 887 1,078 465 211 43 74 52 15 919 1,115 457 251 81 76 70 18 917 1,115 456 250 81 75 70 18 2 i l "l 70 3!) 10 43 Totals ... 2,641 184 2,742 245 2,738 244 162

Drunkenness. There has been an increase of 626 in the number of prosecutions for drunkenness as compared with the previous year. The number charged with drunkenness in 1923 was 7,035 (6,665 males and 370 fi in 1922 the number was 6,409 (6,088 males and 321 females). The following return shows the number of prosecutions for drunkenness in eac during the year 1923 as compared with 1922 : — i during the year iMiiales), whereas ;h police district Police District. Number of Prosecutions, 1922. Number of Proseoutions, 1923. Increase. Decrease. Whangarei ... Auckland Hamilton Gisborne Napier New Plymouth Wanganui ... Palmerston North Wellington ... Greymouth ... Christchurch Timaru Dunedin Invereargill ... 225 1,385 470 207 283 139 308 275 1,434 176 787 306 275 139 211 1,609 567 210 333 140 365 309 1,513 218 765 295 341 159 224 97 3 50 1 57 34 79 42 14 "22 11 66 20 Totals ... I 6,409 7,035 I 673 47 6,409 7,035 673 From the following tabl of the females had previous not permanent residents of t e it will be observed that 39-44 per cent, of the males and 63-78 per cent, convictions recorded against them, and 6-25 per cent, of the males were he Dominion. Return showing the Numbei Number of • of Persons charged with Drunkenness during the Year 1923, and the Previous Convictions against them, so far as is known. Police District. Not previously convicted. M. F. One Pro- Two Pre- Three Pre- Four Previous Con- vious Con- vious Con- vious Conviction, victions. victions. victions. I . M. P. M. P. M. P. M. I P. Five Previous Convictions. OvorPivo Previous Totals. °^«»< Convictions. oag^.S •£'o5i w i — Sl^ 0 " M. P. M. P. |ggo» I &;.£_.> M. P. Whangarei Auckland Hamilton Gisborne Napier New Plymouth Wanganui Palmerston North.. Wellington Greymoui h Christchurch Timaru Dunedin Invereargill 183 709 435 112 194 111 259 1371 984 1 130 347 171 161 103 29 5 2 5 8 8 i 10 37 5 16 1 6 2 20 187 44 26 41 7 49 41 180 30 112 32 36 19 2 i 1 2 4. 7 5 91 21 14 18 4 17 30 83 10 64 30 29 11 2 2 8 i 1 96 17 8 12 4 12 29 46 13 43 14 13 5 io i 2 72 6 9 10 1 5 16 19 6 32 10 19 2 14 2 i 2 55 5 9 14 14 20 7 3T 11 24 4 6 1 4 211 .. 3 275 56 1,485 124 149 31 1 559 8 29 .. 207 3 3 37 1 326 7 13 4 .. 131 9 11 .. 353 12 3 24 .. 291 18 95 22 1,427 86 111 11 .. 213 5 16 57 11 692 73 83 24 .. 292 3 13 39 7 321 20 14 13 .. 157 2 9 275 31 29 37 4 11 24 93 11 57 24 39 13 6 9 1 1 10 1 4 9 8 io i i Totals 4,036 134 824 28 433 34 313 27 209 27 200 22 ! j 650 98 650 6,665 371 871 417 Return showing ih the Years 19', (Males and i 3 Nw, 12 an nbet i 11 of P >23, ti .own , ersons ai he Numb separateh resti ',d for Dr onvicted, md the It 'he te •mess with lumber di \e or Deer in & Ischa each Princij urged or oil ■e in Arresti ach F :rged in A pal Cent; lerwise d intr j d\ e during '.all with er c 0, « "email a si icr ■ea, •ease Number arrested, 1922. Number arrested, 1923. Num convicted ber 1, 1923. Number discharged or otherwise dealt with, 1923. Increase in Decrease in Centre. Arrests. Arrests. M. F. M. F. M. P. M. P. M. andF. !M. and F. Auckland and suburbs ... Wellington and suburbs Christchurch and suburbs Dunedin and suburbs ... 887 1,078 465 211 43 74 52 15 919 1,115 457 251 81 76 70 18 917 1,115 456 250 81 75 70 18 2 i l "l 70 3!) 10 43 Totals ... 2,641 184 2,742 245 2,738 244 162

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Return showing the Number of Persons arrested for Drunkenness on Sundays within each Principal Centre during the Years 1922 and 1923 (Males and Females shown separately).

The following table shows the convictions for drunkenness per ten thousand of the population for each year from 1918 to 1922 in Australia and New Zealand : — 1918. 1919. 1920. 1921. 1922. Commonwealth .. .. .. 85-3 79-5 92-6 96-9 101-8 New Zealand .. .. .. 63-5 67-0 71-3 69-4 48-7 Prosecutions against Hotelkeepers. The number of prosecutions (501) against hotelkeepers during the year shows an increase of 62 as compared with the preceding year.

Return showing the Number of Prosecutions against Hotelkeepers in each District during the Year 1923 as compared with 1922, the Number convicted, and the Number discharged or otherwise dealt with.

Return showing the Number of Prosecutions against Hotelkeepers within each Principal Centre during the Year 1923 as compared with 1922, the Number convicted, and the Number discharged, or otherwise dealt with.

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Return showing the Number Centre during the of Persons arrestee Years 1.922 and li i for Drunkenness < 123 (Males and Fen <>n Sundays within each P; nales shown separately). rincipa! Number arrested, 1922. Number arrested, 1923. Nun Numbor convicted, dischai 1923. otherwi: with, M. F. M. nber •ged or se dealt 1923. Centre. M. F. M. F. F. Auckland and suburbs ... Wellington and suburbs... Christchurch and suburbs Dunedin and suburbs 67 28 7 8 4 2 1 1 46 23 9 6 5 2 1 46 5 23 2 9 1 6 Totals ... ... 110 8 84 8 84 8 84 84 The following table shows the convictions for drunkenness per ten thousand of the population for each year from 1918 to 1922 in Australia and New Zealand : — 1918. 1919. 1920. 1921. 1922. Commonwealth .. .. .. 85-3 79-5 92-6 96-9 101-8 New Zealand .. .. .. 63-5 67-0 71-3 69-4 48-7 Prosecutions against Hotelkeepers. The number of prosecutions (501) against hotelkeepers during the year shows an increase of 62 as compared with the preceding year. Return showing the Number of Prosecutions against Hotelkeepers in each District during the Year 1923 as compared, with 1922, the Number convicted, ark the Number discharged or otherwise dealt with. r., , , . Prosecutions, Prosecutions, Convictions, Discharged or District. 2922 1923 1923 otherwise dealt with, 1923. __ , , , Whangarei ... ... ... ••• 4 1 1 Auckland ... ... ... ... 31 44 15 29 Hamilton ... . . 13 12 1 11 Gisborne ... ... ... ... 6 16 11 5 Napier 16 22 18 4 . New Plymouth ... ... ... 19 38 24 14 Wanganui ... ... ... ... 9 13 3 10 Palmerston North ... - ... ... 32 73 27 46 Wellington ... 78 76 52 24 ',- Greymouth ... ... 152 101 46 55, ' Christchurch ... .... ... 31 48 32 16 Timaru ... ... ... ••• 13 34 15 19 Dunedin 15 18 12 6 Invereargill... ... ... ... 20 5 4 1 4 31 13 6 16 19 9 32 78 152 31 13 15 20 1 44 12 16 22 38 13 73 76 101 48 34 18 5 1 15 1 11 18 24 3 27 52 46 32 15 12 4 29 11 5 4 14 10 46 24 ', 55, ' 16 19 6 1 Totals ... ... ... 439 501 261 240 439 501 , 261 240 Return showing the 'Number of Prosecutions the Year 1923 as compared with 1922 otherwise dealt with. against Hotel ', the Numbei 'eeepers within each Principal Centre during ' convicted, and the Number discharged or Centre. Prosecutions, 1922. I Prosecutions, Conviotions, or 2923 1923 otherwise dealt with, 1923. Auckland and suburbs Wellington and suburbs Christchurch and suburbs Dunedin and suburbs 19 13 9 8 23 13 23 7 8 6 L6 R 15 7 7 1 Totals ... 49 66 36 30

Return showing the Number Centre during the of Persons arrestee Years 1.922 and li i for Drunkenness < 123 (Males and Fen <>n Sundays within each P; nales shown separately). rincipa! Number arrested, 1922. Number arrested, 1923. Nun Numbor convicted, dischai 1923. otherwi: with, M. F. M. nber •ged or se dealt 1923. Centre. M. F. M. F. F. Auckland and suburbs ... Wellington and suburbs... Christchurch and suburbs Dunedin and suburbs 67 28 7 8 4 2 1 1 46 23 9 6 5 2 1 46 5 23 2 9 1 6 Totals ... ... 110 8 84 8 84 8 84 84 The following table shows the convictions for drunkenness per ten thousand of the population for each year from 1918 to 1922 in Australia and New Zealand : — 1918. 1919. 1920. 1921. 1922. Commonwealth .. .. .. 85-3 79-5 92-6 96-9 101-8 New Zealand .. .. .. 63-5 67-0 71-3 69-4 48-7 Prosecutions against Hotelkeepers. The number of prosecutions (501) against hotelkeepers during the year shows an increase of 62 as compared with the preceding year. Return showing the Number of Prosecutions against Hotelkeepers in each District during the Year 1923 as compared, with 1922, the Number convicted, ark the Number discharged or otherwise dealt with. r., , , . Prosecutions, Prosecutions, Convictions, Discharged or District. 2922 1923 1923 otherwise dealt with, 1923. __ , , , Whangarei ... ... ... ••• 4 1 1 Auckland ... ... ... ... 31 44 15 29 Hamilton ... . . 13 12 1 11 Gisborne ... ... ... ... 6 16 11 5 Napier 16 22 18 4 . New Plymouth ... ... ... 19 38 24 14 Wanganui ... ... ... ... 9 13 3 10 Palmerston North ... - ... ... 32 73 27 46 Wellington ... 78 76 52 24 ',- Greymouth ... ... 152 101 46 55, ' Christchurch ... .... ... 31 48 32 16 Timaru ... ... ... ••• 13 34 15 19 Dunedin 15 18 12 6 Invereargill... ... ... ... 20 5 4 1 4 31 13 6 16 19 9 32 78 152 31 13 15 20 1 44 12 16 22 38 13 73 76 101 48 34 18 5 1 15 1 11 18 24 3 27 52 46 32 15 12 4 29 11 5 4 14 10 46 24 ', 55, ' 16 19 6 1 Totals ... ... ... 439 501 261 240 439 501 , 261 240 Return showing the 'Number of Prosecutions the Year 1923 as compared with 1922 otherwise dealt with. against Hotel ', the Numbei 'eeepers within each Principal Centre during ' convicted, and the Number discharged or Centre. Prosecutions, 1922. I Prosecutions, Conviotions, or 2923 1923 otherwise dealt with, 1923. Auckland and suburbs Wellington and suburbs Christchurch and suburbs Dunedin and suburbs 19 13 9 8 23 13 23 7 8 6 L6 R 15 7 7 1 Totals ... 49 66 36 30

Return showing the Number Centre during the of Persons arrestee Years 1.922 and li i for Drunkenness < 123 (Males and Fen <>n Sundays within each P; nales shown separately). rincipa! Number arrested, 1922. Number arrested, 1923. Nun Numbor convicted, dischai 1923. otherwi: with, M. F. M. nber •ged or se dealt 1923. Centre. M. F. M. F. F. Auckland and suburbs ... Wellington and suburbs... Christchurch and suburbs Dunedin and suburbs 67 28 7 8 4 2 1 1 46 23 9 6 5 2 1 46 5 23 2 9 1 6 Totals ... ... 110 8 84 8 84 8 84 84 The following table shows the convictions for drunkenness per ten thousand of the population for each year from 1918 to 1922 in Australia and New Zealand : — 1918. 1919. 1920. 1921. 1922. Commonwealth .. .. .. 85-3 79-5 92-6 96-9 101-8 New Zealand .. .. .. 63-5 67-0 71-3 69-4 48-7 Prosecutions against Hotelkeepers. The number of prosecutions (501) against hotelkeepers during the year shows an increase of 62 as compared with the preceding year. Return showing the Number of Prosecutions against Hotelkeepers in each District during the Year 1923 as compared, with 1922, the Number convicted, ark the Number discharged or otherwise dealt with. r., , , . Prosecutions, Prosecutions, Convictions, Discharged or District. 2922 1923 1923 otherwise dealt with, 1923. __ , , , Whangarei ... ... ... ••• 4 1 1 Auckland ... ... ... ... 31 44 15 29 Hamilton ... . . 13 12 1 11 Gisborne ... ... ... ... 6 16 11 5 Napier 16 22 18 4 . New Plymouth ... ... ... 19 38 24 14 Wanganui ... ... ... ... 9 13 3 10 Palmerston North ... - ... ... 32 73 27 46 Wellington ... 78 76 52 24 ',- Greymouth ... ... 152 101 46 55, ' Christchurch ... .... ... 31 48 32 16 Timaru ... ... ... ••• 13 34 15 19 Dunedin 15 18 12 6 Invereargill... ... ... ... 20 5 4 1 4 31 13 6 16 19 9 32 78 152 31 13 15 20 1 44 12 16 22 38 13 73 76 101 48 34 18 5 1 15 1 11 18 24 3 27 52 46 32 15 12 4 29 11 5 4 14 10 46 24 ', 55, ' 16 19 6 1 Totals ... ... ... 439 501 261 240 439 501 , 261 240 Return showing the 'Number of Prosecutions the Year 1923 as compared with 1922 otherwise dealt with. against Hotel ', the Numbei 'eeepers within each Principal Centre during ' convicted, and the Number discharged or Centre. Prosecutions, 1922. I Prosecutions, Conviotions, or 2923 1923 otherwise dealt with, 1923. Auckland and suburbs Wellington and suburbs Christchurch and suburbs Dunedin and suburbs 19 13 9 8 23 13 23 7 8 6 L6 R 15 7 7 1 Totals ... 49 66 36 30

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Sly-grog Selling. There wen; 81 prosecutions during the year for selling liquor without a license, resulting in 57 convictions, and there were also 95 prosecutions, resulting in 88 convictions, for other offences against the provisions of the Licensing Act in force in no-license districts. The fines imposed, on sly-grog sellers during the year 1923 amounted to £1,640. The amount of fines in the various districts is as follows :— £ £ Whangarei .. .. 150 Greymouth Auckland.. .. .. 113 Christchurch .. .. 215 Hamilton.. .. .. 125 Timaru .. .. .. 90 Gisborne .. .. .. .. Dunedin .. .. 110 Napier .. .. .. .. Invercargill New Plymouth .. .. 15 Wanganui .. .. 631 Total .. .. £1,640 Palmerston North .. .. 12 - Wellington ... .. 174 The direct cost to the Department in detecting and prosecuting sly-grog sellers during the year was £325, this being £1,315 less than the amount of fines imposed. Gaming Offences. There were 435 prosecutions, resulting in. 358 convictions, during the year under the Gaming Act, against 324 prosecutions and 290 convictions in 1922. Criminal Registration Branch. The finger-impressions of 3,071 persons were received, classified, searched, and filed during the year; 289 persons were identified as previous offenders either in this Dominion, the Australian. States, or England ; 988 photographs wen; taken by the photographers attached to the branch ; the photographs of 1,875 prisoners (7,015 photographs) were dealt with, and 664 photographs were reproduced in the Police Gazelle. In several cases photographic enlargements and plans were prepared and. produced, as exhibits in the Supreme Court. One unknown deceased man was identified by his finger-prints. In 16 cases of breaking and entering, finger-prints left by offenders when committing the crime were identified, the most notable being a series of breaking and entering in Auckland, in which the offender was identified from the finger-print exhibits sent to this branch. When arrested he pleaded guilty to each offence ; he was a stranger to Auckland and previously unknown to the police there. On the 31st March the finger-print collection consisted of the impressions of 31,929 persons, an increase of 1,645 on last year's figures. The following table shows the increase of the finger-print collection since the introduction of the finger-print system of identification in March, 1903 : —

Appointments to Police Force. Ninety-four men were permanently appointed to the Force during the year, their birthplaces, religions, and occupations being as follows : Birthplaces : New Zealand, 60 ; England, 14 ; Scotland, 8 ; Ireland, 9 ; Australia, 1 ; Tahiti, 1 ; Fiji, I. B-eligions : Church of England, 40 ; Presbyterian, 34 ; Roman Catholic, 14 ; Salvation Army, 1 ; Baptist,!; Methodist, 3 ; Unitarian,!. Occupations: Bushmen, 2 ; carpenter, 1 ; carter, 1 ; cheeseraaker, 1 ; clerks, 2 ; cooper, 1 ; ex-constables, 9 ; electrician, 1 ; farm labourers, 27 ; fire-brigadesmen, 2 ; guide, 1 ; labourers, 25 ; mailman", 1 ; machinist, 1 ; miners, 3 ; motor mechanic, 1 ; painter, 1 ; roadman, 1 ; signalman, 1 ; storemen, 3 ; seamen. G ; sheep-farmer. 1; warehousemen, 2 ; watchmaker, 1.

Year. Number of Prints in Collection. Increase on Previous Year. Prisoners traced as Previous Offenders. Year. Number of Prints in Collection. Increase on Previous Year. Prisoners traced as Previous Offenders. 1904 1905 1906 1907 1908 1909 1910 1911 1912 1913 1914 3,500 4,200 5,000 6,151 7,622 8,718 9,919 10,905 12,097 13,552 15,302 3,500 700 800 1,151 1,471 1,096 1,201 986 1,192 1,455 1,750 117 72 88 104 123 138 140 148 178 183 230 1915 1916 1917 1918 1919 1920 1921 1922 1923 1924 16,682 18,134 19,508 20,982 22,332 23,686 26,650 28,408 30,284 31,929 1,380 1,452 1,374 1,474 1,350 1,354 2,964 1,758 1,876 1,645 270 218 166 132 153 176 232 255 292 289

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Growth op Department. 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 Dominion had its own. Police Force, and reliable data are not available :—

Police Buildings, etc. The following works in connection with police-stations have been carried out during the year by the Public Works Department: — New police-stations were erected at Devonport, Nuhaka, and St. Albans ; the erection of a constable's residence at Clyde, lock-up and office at Ruatorea, and additional office accommodation at Wanganui were put in hand, and houses for use as police-stations were purchased at Henderson and Taneatua. Renovations and improvements were effected at Aratapu, Kawakawa, Kaitaia, Waipu, Whangarei, Whangaroa, Auckland Central, Avondale, Birkenhead, Ellerslie, Epsom, Frankton, Grey Lynn, Hamilton, Hamilton East, Huhtly, Kingsland, Morrinsville, Mount Eden, Mount Roskiil, Ngaruawahia, Newton, Otorohanga, Onehunga, Paeroa, Ponsonby, Pukekohe, Raglan, Remuera, Thames, Waihi, Whakatane, Rotorua, Taupo, Taumarunui, Rangaroa, Ongarue, Waipukurau, Takapau, Port Ahuriri, Picton, Southbridge, Rangiora, Ashburton, and Ranfurly.

Year. ca Im O ® o i i IS I , trj O fl 8 $ S 5 ffl a-1 Q GO CD CO p O O Total. Police to Population. Cost per Inhabitant. j Population. 0ffen ° e ? r reported. Offences where Arrests D or ( Summonses ' resulted. t Arrests for 'runkenness included in ' Offences ■eported "). 1878 1879 1880 1881 1882 1883 1884 1885 1886 1887 1888 1889 1890 1891 1892 1893 1894 1895 1896 1897 1898 1899 1900 1901 1902 1903 1.904 1905 1906 1907 1908 1909 1910 1911 1912 1913 1914 1915 1916 1917 1918 1919 1920 1921 1922 1923 1924 25 25 25 13 13 13 13 20 20 20 13 13 12 7 7 7 7 7 6 7 7 11 11 11 12 12 12 12 14 14 15 16 16 15' 15 17 17 19 19 20 20 20 21 23 22 23 23 90 84 86 73 72 72 70 65 66 69 69 65 66 61 60 53 55 51 51 45 56 53 56 56 58 59 59 65 71 78 83 87 86 87 89 93 94 100 104 108 HI 112 114 112 118 118 120 II 16 21 18 19 20 17 17 18 L8 17 17 13 11 14 14 13 13 13 12 16 15 20 20 20 20 21 25 25 30 32 35 34 38 89 41 40 37 36 36 38 •11 38 47 43 44 47 329 364 379 337 343 356 365 372 390 395 388 389 403 404 401 407 410 416 414 453 457 475 499 504 514 522 534 553 557 577 604 633 639 648 692 695 719 755 757 734 . 732* 705* 743* 768* 826* 818* 837* 458 489J 511 441 447 461 465 474 494 502 487i 484 ! 4941 486! 482 481 485 487 484 517 536 554 586 591 604 613 626 655 667 699 734 771 775 788 835 816 870 9.1.1 916 898 901 878 916 950 1,009 1,003 1,027 1 to 944\ 1 to 948 1 to 949[ 1 to 1,136 f 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 to 1,461 1 to 1,435 1 to 1,414 1 to 1,359 1 to 1,381 1 to 1,375 1 to 1,388 1 to 1,398 1 to 1,375 1 to 1,387 1 to 1,375 1 to 1,331 1 to 1,308 1 to 1,330 1 to 1,333 1 to 1,287 1 to 1,303 1 to 1,304 1 to 1,257 1 to 1,258 1 to 1,280 1 to 1,274 1 to 1,319 1 to 1,325 1 to 1,310 1 to 1,289 1 to 1,321 1 to 1,312 I I o __2 ■ 3/3 8/0f 3/2 3/2* 3/lf 2/10f 2/10| a/ii* 2/9 2/8* 2/7* 2/6| 2/7* 2/7* 2/8 2/9* 2/10| 2/10* 2/lOi 2/10* 2/10* 2/10* 2/10* 3/0 3/2* 3/4* 3/3* 3/4* 3/5 3/8 3/9 4/1 4/2| 4/3 4/6* 5/2* 4/"4 6/4f 6/3* 5/8* 5/8J 432.352 14,157 463,572 16,374 484,939 17,837 500,976 16,635 517,626 18,613 540,753 18,775 587,295 18,263 613,212 18,955 625,849! 18,135 635,215 17,752 646,913 12,897 652,125! 12,945 664,855 13,115 668.353 12,674 675,775 13,153 692,426 13,165 714,258 13,5.30 728,121 14,010 740,699 14,673 754,016 15,219 768,910 16,378 783,317 16,865 796,359 18,358 816,290; 19,909 830,8001 19,771 851,068 20,736 875,648 21,066 900,682 20,249 925,605 21,160 961,604 23,204 977,215 23,510 1,008,373 23,930 1,030,657 25,106 1,050,410 24,999 1,075,250 25,981 1,102,389 25,415 1,134,506 27,563 1,145,840 28,412 1,152,669 24,920 1,150,002 21,724 1,147,391 19,067 1,158,156 24,278 1,214,184 26,106 1,244,620 26,551 1,300,967 94,699 1,325,301 26,119 1,347,853 constables. 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 j 18,802 19,867 20,118 19,251 20,241 22,244 22,484 22,880 I 23,949 j 23,492 24,837 24,364 26,494 27,096 23,848 20,701 18,043 23,312 24,718 25,054 22,843 24,356 6,668 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 10,657 11,718 11,699 11,884 11,707 13,189 13,268 10,833 8,800 7,228 8,216 8,979 8,671 6,409 7,035 * Includes te: mporary i

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General. Arms Act. —The importance of regulating the possession of arms is receiving the attention of the authorities in many parts of the world. At a recent International Police Conference held at New York, at which representatives from England, Ireland, Canada, South America, and nearly all the European States attended, the matter was fully discussed. The carriage of firearms was referred to by those representing the United States as " our national menace and our national weapon." The praotice of carrying weapons was unanimously condemned, and the ownership of such weapons shown to be foolish and unnecessary. Heavy license fees up to 100 dollars were advocated for the right to possess or transfer a pistol. This confirms the opinion I have previously expressed that the possession of pistols is quite unnecessary in this country, and should be discouraged in every possible way. There can be no doubt that they only lead to the loss of life, both intentionally and accidentally ; they serve no useful purpose, and in the hands of inexperienced persons, as most respectable citizens are, they become a source of danger to the owner and his family. The Act of 1920 has already proved useful, and will continue to do so. Some people resent not being allowed to land or purchase revolvers, but it is only in very exceptional cases that permits are granted, and, as revolvers are constantly being surrendered to the police by persons who no longer desire to be bothered with the necessary registration on change of address, it is only a matter of time when the number held will be materially reduced. Buildings. —Extensive repairs to stations have been effected during the year, and it will be necessary to continue spending far more than the average amount for some years to come to bring the buildings up to date. Only very urgent work has been put in hand for some years past, and single men have been sent to places where stations should be provided and married men stationed. Candidates. —The number of candidates for the Force during the year was 215 ; of these 102 were rejected, 85 placed on list, and 28 are still under inquiry. As about 70 are required, each year to fill vacancies, it will be seen that a sufficient number of suitable men is offering ; but the margin iB not great enough to allow of only the best men being selected. On the whole a good class is offering, and I have no fault to find with them. The fact that not more are seeking to join the police is very good evidence of the prosperity of the Dominion and the abundance of private employment. Detective Branch. —This branch is in a very satisfactory state and doing good work. During the year the detective allowances were revised by the Government, and the increase granted has made the detective staff a much more contented body of men than formerly. Discipline. —Discipline has been maintained during the year, and all ranks have been energetic and well conducted. As may be expected, a number have been punished for breaches of regulations, but I am pleased to say that serious offences have been conspicuous by their absence. Drunkenness. —There has been a slight increase in the number of persons arrested for drunkenness during the year —viz., 626 —but, as the previous year's returns showed a phenomenal decrease, the present year's figures call for no comment. Gaming Act. —The police are frequently criticized for not suppressing bookmakers ; they might with equal reason be blamed for not suppressing all crime. They do their best with the means at their disposal, and will continue to do so, but while the general public support bookmakers and sympathize with them, as indicated by acquittals by juries of persons charged with bookmaking on clear evidence, it is not so easy to suppress them as at first sight appears. The police have been active in this direction during the year, and large fines have been inflicted by Magistrates. Promotions. —The following officers have been promoted during the year : Inspectors W. Fouhy, W. H. Mackinnon, W. B. Mcllveney, and C. R. Broberg to be Superintendents ; Sub-Inspectors J. K. Simpson, S. Till, and W. Ecclcs to be Inspectors ; Senior Detective .). Mcllveney and Senior Sergeants A. S. Bird and D. C. Fraser to be Sub-Inspectors. Three sergeants were promoted to the rank of Senior Sergeant, and. ten constables to the rank of sergeant. In the Detective Branch one detectivesergeant was promoted to the rank of Senior Detective, one detective to the rank of detective-sergeant, and six acting-detectives were appointed detectives. Serious Crimes. —Under this heading there has been a decrease of 85 offences reported ; there were 129 less burglaries and breaking and entering cases, but there was an increase of 86 forgeries. There were 7 murders, as compared with 5 the previous year, and in 6 cases the offender was arrested. The only case in which no arrest was made was that of the murder of Mrs. Oates at Wanganui, referred to in extract from Superintendent Fouhy's report annexed. Inquiries are still being continued. Strength of Force. —The actual strength on the 31st March last was 1,009 permanent members and 18 temporary constables, as compared with 980 permanent and 23 temporary in March, 1923, a net increase of 24 men. Officers in charge of districts ask for 83 more men to meet the requirements of the service, and as the population increases there can be no doubt that the strength of the police must be increased at the same ratio to carry on the work in an efficient manner. In 1915 the proportion of police to population was Ito 1,257 ; at the present time it is Ito 1,312. To bring up the Force to its proper standard at least 45 more men are required. Trainirtg-depol. —Tho training-depot continues to do good work, and tho instruction afforded is of the greatest value to the recruits, who start their actual police duties with a very fair knowledge of their powers and responsibilities. During the year 83 recruits were trained and added to the strength. 1 append extracts from reports of officers in charge of districts. A. H. Wright, Commissioner of Police,

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EXTRACTS FROM ANNUAL REPORTS OF OFFICERS IN CHARGE OF DISTRICTS. Inspector Emerson, Whangarei District. The strength of the Force in this district at the 31st March shows an increase of one sergeant, due to the promotion of the constable engaged as District Clerk at Whangarei, and an increase of one constable, transferred from Auckland to Whangarei. A temporary constable at Rawene has been replaced by a permanent constable. The extra constable at Whangarei has been a great help in carrying out police duties there. We are now able to keep up a regular day and night patrol. Waiotira Station (a single-man station on railway-works) was closed on the 21st January, 1924, and Pukehuia Station opened instead. One constable retired on voluntary resignation, and a, temporary constable was discharged on com pulsory resignation. The number of offences reported during the year total 827, as against 787 for the previous year, being an increase of 40. Action was taken in 789 out of the 827 cases reported. No serious crime was reported during the year. The conduct of the police throughout the district has been good. The population is on the increase, and there is every sign of prosperity throughout the district. SUPERINTENDENT HENDREY, AUCKLAND DISTRICT. During the year the strength has been increased by one constable at Mount Eden Station, one constable at Newton. Station, two constables for detective duty, and. one constable at Henderson—a total increase of five constables. Increase of strength is urgently required at following stations : — Freeman's Bay : One constable, to enable two constables to be kept on night patrol. The present night-duty beat takes nearly two hours to patrol, and should be divided into two beats. Queen Street Wharf : Six additional constables are required for this station. The Prince's Wharf is now near completion, and will be open for traffic in May. This is the largest wharf in Auckland, and will require constant supervision. An increase of three constables will permit this being done. In addition, three men are required to act as watchhouse-keepers and reserve men at the wharf station. Mount Eden Station : Two extra sergeants are required for this station, one for day duty and one for night duty. At present the sergeant in charge has to supervise Mount Eden Station, Mount Eden South, Kingsland, Mount Roskill, and Mount Albert Stations, and he is therefore unable to give adequate supervision to the men on duty at all points in his large district. Newton Station : An increase of five constables is required at this station —two extra men for beat duty, one to relieve the pointsmen for refreshments, &c, and three extra constables for watchhouse duty. There are now thirteen constables at this station, and this permits a relief of four constables, with one man for inquiry duty, which takes up all his time. Auckland Station : An increase of twenty constables is required at this station to permit all beats and fixed points to be filled, and to make up for the daily loss of men through sickness, escort, relieving, and other duties. St. Heliers Bay : One constable is required for a new station at this growing seaside resort. A police-station has been opened at Henderson during the year, where quarters were purchased. No station has been closed. Casualties during the year amounted to sixteen, made up as follows : Resignations, thirteen constables; retired medically unfit, one constable ; deaths, one constable and one sergeant. The offences return for year ended 31st December, 1923, shows that the total number of all offences committed amounted to 6,121, a net increase of 948 over the previous year. Of the 6,121 offences reported, 5,585 were accounted for by arrest or summons, leaving 536 offences undetected. Of the cases dealt with, 388 males and 28 females were committed for trial or sentence, 4.512 males and 270 females were summarily convicted, and. 370 males and 17 females were discharged. Of those committed for trial, 315 males arid 11 females wore convicted, and 73 males and. 17 females were acquitted. Figures show an increase, in drunkenness and drink offences, and a decrease in offences against rights of property, indicating that work and money have been more plentiful than during the preceding year. No serious crime has been committed that calls for special comment. The conduct of the police on the whole has been satisfactory. Twenty-four constables and one sergeant were punished for breaches of Police Regulations, none of which were of a serious nature. The population of the district continues to steadily increase ; large numbers of dwellinghouses have been and are being erected in the city and suburbs. Men willing to work have been able to find work, and this condition is likely to continue. Inspector Wohlmann, Hamilton District. On the 31st March last the authorized strength was 68, being the same as in 1922. The actual strength of constables was one below the authorized strength. Four constables resigned during the year, one on reaching retiring-age and three on their own application. District Constable Grant died as a result of injuries received in the Main Trunk train accident in July, 1923. As recommended, last year, increases in strength are required as follows : — Te Kuiti : One constable. The work of this subdistrict is increasing, chiefly due to additional sawmills, demanding continuous absence of one constable in the country. Not infrequently both constables and the sergeant have been called from the town. The heavy night-train traffic and necessity for alertness by the police to check surreptitious introduction of liquor make the hours of duty unduly long.

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Frankton Junction : For the reasons given in my previous reports, I beg to recommend the appointment of a sergeant to take charge of this station. The work is beyond the two constables now stationed, at Frankton, and is not receiving the attention necessary. The business portion of Frankton also requires more constant patrol than the present staff can perform. The conduct of members of the Force in this district has generally been good. The two or three exceptions have been adequately dealt with under the regulations. The amount of sickness experienced by members of the Force has been above normal. Two constables were seriously injured in the execution of their duty. Constable Monson, while arresting a violent mental patient at Te Aroha, had his ankle broken. Constable Olsen, of Waihi, was shot in the abdomen when endeavouring to arrest Higgins, who had just murdered two school-children at Waikino Public School. Both officers were off duty for several months. The administration of the Arms Act is now working so smoothly as to call for but passing notice It is effectively answering the purpose for which it was passed. The growth, of population is being steadily maintained, except in the gold-mining districts. The closing-down, for the present at any rate, of the Grand Junction Gold-mine at Waihi has caused some two hundred men to seek work in. other localities. About thirty miners were absorbed by the Waihi Gold-mining Company. A large temporary increase of some thousand men, who will be employed on the Arapuni electrical works, will require an increase of police in the Putaruru subdistrict. The offences return for year ending 31st December last shows 2,036 offences reported, compared with 1,749 for previous twelve months, being an increase of 287. Of the offences reported 1,912, or 94 percent., were accounted for by arrest or summons, leaving 124 offences undetected. 240 offenders were committed for trial, being 78 in excess of the previous year : 200 of the 240 were convicted. On the 19th October, 1923, the community was shocked by the enactment of a terrible tragedy in the little mining township of Waikino, when John Christopher Higgins, a settlor, visited the public school armed with an automatic pistol, dagger, and gelignite. After parleying with Mr. R. T. Reid, the headmaster, who courageously endeavoured to prevent Higgins attacking the school-children, Higgins shot Mr. Reid through the jaw, and then, visiting the class-rooms, fired rapidly at the terrified children. Two little boys, McLean and Stewart, were shot dead, and four other children were wounded by bullets. The local citizens surrounded the schoolhouse to endeavour to capture, the murderer, but were kept at bay by Higgins, who fired from the master's window. Later the arrival of the police, also further civilian assistance with two rifles, induced Higgins to surrender. While besieged Higgins, firing through a door, shot and wounded Constable Olsen. He was tried on the two charges of murder at Auckland Supreme Court and. convicted. Sentence of death was subsequently commuted by the Executive on grounds of Higgins's insanity. Inspector Hutton, Gisborne District. The authorized strength of tho Police Force in the Gisborne District on the 3.lst March, 1.924, was 33. No stations were opened or closed during the year, and there wen; no additions to the staff. A constable is very much required at Kaiti, in the suburbs of Gisborne, and the inhabitants have been applying and pressing for such for some years. A constable is also required in the Taneatua Township, as the railway-works are progressing in that locality. On account of the many demands made, an additional detective should be stationed at Gisborne. There is too much work for one man, as he is frequently away in other parts of the district engaged on important cases, and there is no one to fill the gap. The local police will not suffice to satisfy the settlers' demands, as nothing but a detective is wanted. Tho conduct of the police, generally speaking, has been good during the year. Five monetary penalties were inflicted for breaches of the Police Regulations. Two constables recently voluntarily resigned—-one at Gisborne, and one (temporary constable) at Whakatane to better his position. Few complaints were made by the public. For the year ended 31st December, 1923, the total number of offences reported was 945, as against 807 for the previous year, an increase of 138. Arrests or summonses resulted in 932 cases, leaving 13 unaccounted-for. Of the cases dealt with, 47 were committed for trial, and 41 resulted in convictions, 833 were summarily convicted and. 52 discharged. A serious crime of murder and outrage occurred at Makaraka, three miles from Gisborne, on the night of the 28th January, 1.924, a girl aged eleven years being attacked in a lane at 8 p.m. when returning homo from a message. The offender was subsequently arrested and tried at the Supreme Court, Gisborne, and found guilty, sentenced to death, and executed. There has been little change in the population of the district during the year. The railway-works between Awakeri and Taneatua, the opening-up of the roads in the Urewera country, and surveys have attracted a certain amount of labouring population of a migratory character. Inspector Mathieson, Napirr District. 1 took charge of the district on the 31st March, 1924. The authorized strength of the Force on the 31st March was fifty-one, the actual strength on that date being the same as authorized. The strength has not been increased or decreased,since last annual report. An extra constable is required at Port Ahuriri so that then; may be more supervision at night. One constable voluntarily resigned and two constables retired on superannuation, during the year. Inspector Dew died on the 31st January, 1924.

•2—H. 16.

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The offences return for the year ended 31st December shows a total of 1,244 offences reported, as compared with 1,210 during the previous year, making an increase of 34. Of the offences reported, 1,171 were accounted for by arrests or summonses, leaving 73 oases undetected. Of tho cases dealt with, 123 were committed for trial, 958 summarily convicted, and 90 discharged. 122 of those committed for trial were convicted. The police duties in this district have'been carried on in a satisfactory manner during the past year. The conduct of the police; has been good, only a few having been dealt with for minor breaches of the regulations. The population of this district is on the increase. This has been a very prosperous year for Hawke's Bay, on aooount of the enhanced value of wool sold during the; year. Inspector Murray, New Plymouth District. Tin; authorized strength of the police in this district on the 31st March last was thirty-two. An increase in the rank of sergeant was brought about by tin; promotion of the District Clerk. Another constable is required at Stratford so that a more efficient night patrol may be provided. During the year one constable retired on superannuation and one resigned, to take up other employment. The offences return for this district shows that in 1923 a total of 764 offences were reported, as compared with 677 the previous year. 722 were accounted for by arrest or summons, leaving 42 undetected. 41 males and 1 female were committed for trial, 36 males and 1 female being convicted. 603 males and 18 females were summarily convicted, and 53 males and 6 females discharged. The conduct of the police has been good, and the duties satisfactorily performed. Tho population of this district is steadily increasing. During the past five years the population of tin; Borough of New Plymouth has increased from 8,500 to approximately 15,000. Superintendent Fouhy, Wanganui District. The strength of the Force on the 31st March last was forty-one all told, an increase of one over the previous year. The authorized strength of Wanganui has been increased by one detective and one Constable. Another constable each is required at Wanganui and Taihape, and two at Taumarunui. The number of offences reported during the year ended 31st December, 1923, was 1,138, as against 1,105 for the year 1922, an increase o_ 33. At 8.15 p.m. on the 26th October, 1923, a Mrs. Oates left her husband in his shop at Aramoho and went to her home, about half a mile distant. About an hour and a half afterwards her husband returned home, and states : " I left my bicycle, on which was a bag containing more than £100, near the back door. When opening tho back door I was struck from behind on the head with some blunt instrument and felled inwards on to the kitchen-floor. Here, though on my back, I defended myself successfully with my arms and feet against the; further attacks of my assailant, whom I did not see on account of the blood from my wounds trickling down over my eyes. When the assailant disappeared I found that my bag and contents had also disappeared, and immediately afterwards found my wife in another room with her head battered in. She died three hours aftorwards without regaining consciousness." Exhaustive inquiries have, so far, failed to trace the offender. Sly-grog selling in tho King-country is well kept in check. The fines imposed for this offence during the year amount to £631. The behaviour of the members of the Force has in general been good ; only two defaulters. The district continues prosperous and the population of Wanganui and suburbs continues to increase. On the 6th July, 1923, at 6 a.m., the night express train, Auckland to Wellington, struck a large boulder which had fallen off the hill on to the railway-line at Ongarue. Part of the train was derailed and sixteen passengers killed. Inspector Simpson, Palmerston North District. The strength of the Force in the Palmerston North District on the 31st March, 1924, was fortythree. During the year an additional detective was placed on the strength at Palmerston North. There is urgent need for at least three constables for beat duty at this station, the present number being inadequate to give the town proper attention. The population is rapidly increasing in the town and district, and the work of the police increased in consequence. An additional constable is also required at Feilding, where the present staff is insufficient to afford an all-night patrol and give the town the attention due to a place of its size and importance. A new station is required at Marton Junction, where, owing to the considerable railway traffic and inquiry work, a constable could be kept fully employed. The duties of attending to the town and surrounding districts, the population of which is rapidly increasing, are quite sufficient to keep the two constables at present stationed at Marton fully employed. A request has been made for an additional constable at Otaki. The constable stationed there has to attend to all police work as far south as Paekakariki—twenty miles distant. lam of opinion, however, that a constable stationed at the latter place would be more useful than a second constable stationed at Otaki. One sergeant resigned during tho year. An increase is shown this year in the total number of offences dealt with in the district—viz., 1,282 cases, as against 1,119 for the previous year. There has been, no serious crime in the district to call for special remark. The increase of offences may be attributed to the increased population and the number of outsiders attracted by tho. public works going on in tin; district. Of the, offences

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reported, 95 per cent, were accounted for either by arrest or summons. The conduct of the members of the Force has been very good. Three constables wore dealt with for breaches of the regulations. The population of all towns and rural districts appears to be steadily increasing; the increase in population and apparent prosperity in the; Town of Palmerston North being very noticeable at present. Superintendent Mcllvenky, Wki.lington District. On the 31st March, 1924, the authorized strength of the Force in this district was 186. During the year there was an increase of four constables to provide for contingent details at the Central Station in the City of Wellington and at Wellington South Station. 1 recommend an early increase of two sergeants and twelve constables, to moot requirements at the Central and Taranaki Street Police-stations and at Blenheim. At the latter station an additional constable for night duty is necessary, as at present there is only one constable available for that duty, and his services are inadequate. In Wellington City a sergeant is needed to take charge of the watchhouse at night, and four constables to meet demands at the Central Station and give attention to outlying suburbs where stations have not been opened ; and a sergeant and seven constables at Taranaki Street Station are actually required, in order to give adequate service in the commercial area of the city, and at Clyde Quay, Oriental Bay, and Roseneath. Within the past five years there has not been 'an addition in the number of sergeants here. Since last annual report no stations have been opened or closed in this district. The casualties were : One acting-detective, eight constables, and one temporary constable, by voluntary resignation ; one constable by compulsory resignation ; two temporary constables by discharge ; and one constable by dismissal. For the year ended 31st December, 1923, the total number of offences reported was 4,335, as against 4,463 for the previous year —a decrease of 128—and 4,020 prosecutions resulted. The increases do not call for special remark excepting in the cases of murder, unlawful detention of children, and procuration of abortion. These offences were detected during the investigation of baby-farming cases for which Daniel Richard Cooper was responsible. Offender was convicted and executed for the murder of one of his victims. The general conduct of the police and the standard of efficiency maintained have been satisfactory and creditable. The population of Wellington urban area is now estimated at 113,560, and is steadily increasing. Suburban stations are required at Kelburn (population 3,250) and Wadcstown (population 1,750). Recent legislation has been found to work smoothly and well, and in some instances to have materially strengthened the hands of the police. I recommend favourable consideration of an extension of the age of juvenile offenders under Part 111 ol the Justices of the Peace Act, 1908. Inspector Eccles, Greymouth District. The strength of the. Force on the 31st March last was forty-four, which shows an increase of one constable compared with last year's return and one constable short of authorized strength of the district. 1 recommend an increase of one constable for Greymouth Station, as a constable is urgently required for duty as day watchhouso-keeper, and he could also assist the Senior Sergeant in the Arms Office. No now stations were opened during the year, and none were closed. The police-station at Rimu was destroyed by fire on the 14th April, 1923. At the time of the lire the station had been unoccupied for a few days, owing to the transfer of the constable to another station. The origin of the fire is unknown. One constable retired on pension, and one constable compulsorily resigned during the year. The offences return for the year ended 31st December, 1923, shows that the total number of all offences reported was 1,236, as compared with 1,347 for 1922, a net decrease of 111. Of the offences reported, 1,204 were accounted for by arrest or summons, leaving 32 undetected, a very small percentage. Of the cases dealt with, 11 were committed, for trial, 1,043 were summarily convicted, and 150 were discharged. Of those committed for trial, 5 were convicted and 6 acquitted. The only serious crime during the year worthy of mention was a case against a ship's fireman, who was committed for trial on a charge of manslaughter, and was acquitted. There was also a case where a seaman stabbed another seaman, and he was committed for trial on a charge of assault, causing actual bodily harm. He was convicted, and admitted to probation for two years. The conduct of the police has been very good, and no fines were inflicted during the year. The population of the district shows a slight increase, due to the fact of improved railway communication, the Otira Tunnel being opened for railway traffic on the 4th August, 1923. There appears to be plenty of employment in this district, and the people are apparently fairly prosperous. I am of the opinion that the law should be amended so as to give a Stipendiary Magistrate power to deal summarily, without the right of trial by a jury, in the following offences —viz., offences mentioned in sections 41, 42, 50, 51, and 52, Police Offences Act, 1908, and also the offences mentioned in section 179, Justices of the Peace Act, 1908. Section 3, Police Offences Amendment Act, 19.19, should be amended so as to give the police power of arrest. Superintendent Mackinnon, Christchurch District. The actual strength of the Force in this district on the 31st March, 1924, was 126, being an increase of two during the year. An extra constable has been added to the strength of St. Albans and New Brighton Stations respectivel} r . A considerable amount of work is thrown upon the Police Force by other Government Departments —namely, Education, Railways, Defence, Pensions, State Advance's, and Internal Affairs ; and 1 find, to cope with the extra work entailed, that I must ask for a considerable augmentation to the

f1.—16

12

present staff. Christchurch Station should be. increased by at least one sergeant and ten constables in order to carry out the work efficiently. Another constable is also required at Lyttelton Station. These increases were recommended by my predecessor last year. Bealcy Flat Station was closed during the year —the completion of the Otira Tunnel permitted of this being done—and the work of that station is now performed from Otira and Darfield Stations. Leeston Station is still being worked from Southbridge. This does not make for efficiency; and I recommend that the building of a new station at Leeston be put in hand at the earliest possible moment. Leeston is an important centre, and a constable should be stationed there. The casualties in the district during the year are as follows : One sergeant and four constables resigned, one constable retired medically unfit, and one Superintendent and one constable retired on superannuation on reaching the age-limit. The offences reported during the year ended 31st December, 1923, numbered 3,235, compared with 3,445 in 1922, a decrease of 210. Two cases of murder were reported during the year. In one case an old man named McKenzie was murdered by a youth named Kissell, and in tin: other an infant was' murdered by an imbecile named Jameson. In both cases the accused persons were acquitted on the ground of insanity, and they have been ordered to be detained during His Majesty's pleasure. The conduct of the non-commissioned officers and constables (including the Detective; Branch of tlio Force) has boon good, and all, ranks have shown a commendable zeal in the efficient performance of their duties. The district has enjoyed a fair measure of prosperity, and the population is steadily increasing. An amendment to the Licensing Act, 1908, in the direction of prohibiting any delivery of liquor from the bar to any person after closing-hours would, in my opinion, be of great assistance to the police in suppressing after-hours trading. Inspector Willis, Timaru District. The strength of the Force in this district on the 31st March last was forty. In accordance with the usual practice, a temporary station has been opened at Pareora, for the period of the killing season, at the local freezing-works, at the end of which it will be closed again. During the year one; Senior Sergeant and one sergeant retired on superannuation, one constable was discharged as medically unfit, and one constable resigned from the Force. The number of offences reported during tin; year ended 31st December last was 854, as against 870 for the previous year, being a decrease of 16, Tin; figures generally are very much tho same as for the previous year, and do not call for special comment. No crime, of a serious nature was reported during tho year, and I am glad to say that the whole district has been remarkably free from serious crime. The conduct of members of the Force during the year has been satisfactory, nothing more serious than a few minor breaches of discipline having to be dealt with. The population of the district continues to increase, and most noticeably so in Timaru and Oamaru. Notwithstanding that farmers have had rather a bad year, owing to the abnormally dry season, the district on the whole is very prosperous, and there has been no unemployment. Tin; several amendments of the law contained in the Justices of the Peace Amendment Act of last session have proved extremely valuable, particularly so the section which extends the jurisdiction of Stipendiary Magistrates in certain cases. Superintendent Norwood, Dunedin District. The authorized strength of the Force in the district on the 31st March was 105. No new stations were opened and no stations were closed during the year. The casualties were — Two deaths (one Chief Detective and one constable, tin; latter being accidentally drowned) ; one detective and four constables resigned. The total number of offences was 1,267, as against 1,196 for the previous period, an increase of 71. 1,196 cases led to prosecutions. There have been no serious crimes in the district during the year that require special review ; the staff has been fairly successful in dealing with all serious crime. The conduct of the police during the year has been satisfactory ; all ranks appear to be cordially working together in the discharge of their duties. Inspector McNamara, Invercargill District. The present strength of the Force in the district is the same as last year, less one constable transferred, which leaves one constable; in excess of authorized strength. During the year one constable resigned, and one sergeant retired. Three additional constables for Invercargill are much needed. With the present strength only the main streets can be patrolled with regularity ; other patrols are needed for the ingress and egress. For the year 835 offences were reported, as against 751 for the preceding year, an increase of 84. Arrests or summonses followed in 805 cases, leaving only 30 cases undetected. Fifty-six males and 1 female were committed for trial during the year ; 48 males were convicted, and 8 males and I female were acquitted. The percentage of convictions in connection with the crimes and offences reported is 96-66. The Detective Branch has been hard pressed during tho year. Another detective for tin; district is much needed. No stations have been opened or closed during the year. Additions were made at Waikaia Station, and a new office was supplied at Invercargill North. A residence is required for the Inspector at Invercargill. Police property to build one on is available. A motor-car for police use in the centre is a necessity. The district is prosperous and growing in population.

H.—l6.

APPENDIX A. Return showing the number of offences reported, the number of Offences for which Persons were apprehended or summoned, and Comparison of Crime during the Year ended 31st December, 1922, and Year ended 31st December, 1923.

13

1922. to to a to i o O Cl) 19SJ8. lucre! Decrej Nnml Oft'ei repoi ise or tse in >er of ices 'ted. Offences, CO CO CO CO O CDfj m a a"" 2 5 -*9 "3 "£ rH H *§ ii g a& a fl "s 3 u 3fO^ 5 a Kesults of Oases in which P* apprehended or summ (Charges against Males ani separately.) Committed Summarily for Trial. convicted. M. P. M. P. srsons were roiled. d Females Dismissed. Number of Convictions amongst those committed for Trial. ... M. P. M. P. or CO Si eg F to a to I to o fi M. Chimes amd Justices of the Peace Acts, etc. i Seditious offences Misleading Justice. Perjury and false oaths Kalse statements and declarations Attempt to defeat justice i 21 I 6 4!) I 5 47 1 4 18 1 1 !) 5 1 14 2 14 ] 2 25 Escapes and Rescues. Breaking prison Escaping from prison or lawful custody 2 33 II 23 11 23 9 (i 2 14 9 5 9 2 1 io Offences against Religion. Disturbing public worship .. ... Publishing blasphemous libel 2 1 12 12 7 5 io 1 Offences against Morality. Unnatural offences Unnatural offence, attempted Unnatural offence, assault with intent to commit Indecently assaulting a male Indecently assaulting a male (attempted) Incest Indecent acts 8 2 I li 3 I 0 2 1 4 1 I 2 1 4 1. I I 2 13 42 39 38 1 35 I 8 27 9 10 2 8 1 1 1 9 27 i) 22 3 8 1 Offences against the Person, &c. Neglecting duties tending to the preservation of life or health Murder Murder, attempted Manslaughter .Suicide, attempted Concealment of birth Wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm Endangering safety of persons on railways or tramways Administering poison or other noxious things with intent to injure or annoy Assault causing actual bodily harm .. Causing actual bodily harm under circumstances that, if death had been caused, would be manslaughter Assault, indecent Assault with intent to commit a crime Assault Rape Rape, attempted Carnally knowing girls under sixteen years .. Carnally know girls under sixteen years, attempts to Carnally know idiots or imbecile women, , attempts to Defilement of women or girls, procuring, _ permitting, or conspiring to induce, &c. Abortion, procuring Abortion, supplying moans of proouring Abortion, procuring own Bigamy Abduction Stealing children under fourteen years Unlawfully detaining children Assault, aggravated Assault with intent to commit rape .. Shooting with intent to do bodily harm ' 85 25 726 4 II 2!) I 5 10 io 72 3 (i I 31 8 90 803 !) 12 30 7 I 15 65 5 3 2 24 3 (i 1 15 65 4 3 I 24 3 80 694 9 11 25 5 1 11 2 3 16 1 70 4 0 11 22 1 2 2 51 I 2 I 560 I 23 12 0 96 2 2 1 4 2 1 ii 3 1 0 2 13 1 59 3 3 8 14 1 2 2 :i 6 77 5 1 I il I 7 4 25 7 5 1 2 12 7 7 0 1 3 5 I I 1 l 3 2 10 15 3 16 I 3 Hi 2 I 10 15 3 16 1 3 Hi 2 1 2 15 0 3 5 2 I 3 3 7 13 3 !) 7 1 3 11 7 2 3 1 8 3 10 2 1 8 1 I 1 2 2

H.—l6.

APPENDIX A—continued. Return showing the number of Offences reported, the Number of Offences for which Persons were apprehended or summoned, and Comparison of Crime during the Year ended 31st December, 1922, and Year ended 31st December, 1923 — continued.

14

1922. 1923. CO to to a £ IB O . •F.rC O CD if. A 00 9 9 a 9 o « . O <u li Is t. m m g-s» d £f oca ° a •2 a H fl fjj a-a o n r* Kesults of C apprei (Charges a lasosin which Pi hended or sumn gainst Males anr separately.) arsons were loned. 3 Females Increase or I! Decrease in ! Number of OiTences reported. Number of Convictions amongst those committed lor Trial. Oil'euces. Comrn: for Ti itted rial. Summarily convicted. Dismissed. cu a' s $ \_\ I M. F. M. I F. M. P. M. P. Offences against Rights of Properly. Theft (undescribed) Theft, attempted Theft from the person Theft from the person, attempted Theft from dwellings Theft from dwellings, attempted Theft by clerks or servants Theft of animals (specified) Theft of animals, attempted False pretences False pretences, attempted Obtaining credit by fraud .. False accounting by officials or clerks Conspiracy to defraud Fortune-telling or practising witchcraft Robbery and aggravated robbery Assault with intent to rob Demanding with intent to steal Extortion by threats Burglary Burglary, attempted House or shop breaking, &o. House or shop breaking, &c, attempted Being found in dwellinghouse by night Being disguised or in possession of house-breaking implements Receiving property dishonestly obtained I. orgery Uttering forged documents or false certificates Sending false telegram Personation Coin, offences relating to Arson Arson, attempted Wilfully placing obstruction on railways Mischief .. .Mischief on railways and tramways .. Possessing or making explosive substance, &c, with intent thereby to commit a crime Sending threatening letters Threatening acts with intent to intimidate Destroying Government documents .. Defrauding a guarantor Counselling commission of an offence 3.924 13 48 427 18 160 04 540 10 14 0 5 20 I I 2 1 1 109 3 714 40 5 3 3,850 12 23 2 221 5 205 52 9 507 II 21 .'! 15 I 10 7 I 109 8 5! >5 31 9 I 3.011 10 20 2 149 5 202 44 2 489 40 21 3 » 1 8 7 1 96 373 29 !) 1 219 II I 55 I 170 10 1 145 10 14 2 li 8 5 1 89 290 9 2 I 11 2 5 4 1 4 7 2.358 7 4 I 74 3 24 19 I 307 29 3 I 5 04 20 0 193 2 0 15 1 1 1 221 1 3 9 I 8 3 20 1 3 2 I 10 I 1 9 2 175 9 I 50 I 107 13 I 131 12 I 2 3 5 79 272 9 2 1. 9 2 5 4 I 7 2 45 2 31 7 10 5 5 4 68 1 25 200 13 12 39 3 19 I I 119 15 2 138 123 33 121 200 42 121 189 41 23 171 34 8 7 57 4 7 I 2 27 3 5 2 10 135 34 2 7 77 9 17 3 7 33 0 2 530 II 7 12 7 12 4 3 3 7 i 1 4 7 9 I 8 2 1 542 ll 1 3 2 I 530 10 1 2 I 1 " 1 I 402 8 1 2 1 •■ 7 25 4 I 3 16 49 2 I 0 1 I •• 1 I 1 1 I 1 3 3 3 3 8 I 0 1 1 5 1 I I'oijok i hTUNCEs Act. lli-each of the peace or behaviour with intent Cruelty to animals.. Drunkenness Drunk while in charge of horses, &c, or loaded firearms Drunk and disorderly Soliciting prostitution Exposure of person and grossly indecent acts Using profane, indecent, or obscene language Vagrancy (idle and disorderly persons, rogues and vagabonds, and incorrigible rogues) Assaulting, obstructing, or resisting constables, &c. Intimidation to restrict lawful acts .. Inciting violence, disorder, or lawlessness Unlawfully using horses, motor-cars, &o. Sunday trading 592 180 5,934 170 300 9 231 000 170 208 0,547 182 300 II 232 049 470 207 0,547 182 300 II 224 048 7 1 118 170 0, I7S .174 29S 200 591 12 303 I 5 S 0 24 13 31 5 7 3 10 29 1 3 1 3 3 0 28 013 12 2 1 43 110 755 019 049 1 519 III 53 15 101) 175 183 183 100 12 8 5 14 10 8 II 8 11 5 9 3 2 li I 1 Kit) 57 124 72 121 72 I Hi 13 26 5 o 15 30

H.-16.

APPENDIX A—continued. Return showing the Number of Offences reported, the Number of Offences for which Persons were apprehended or summoned, and Comparison of Crime during the Year ended 31st December, 1922, and Year ended 31st December, 1923— continued.

15

SS u a 9 o n & o a ® 55 1922. CO 9 9 a 9 i o * . •~>r> O CD U f (D U II s fi SO CO CO CO e " a Sh ° o a >_>£ a M 1 « L. CO a o „ ® 7. Itesu Its of Cases in which Persons were apprehonded or summoned, trges against Males and Females separately.) 1923. Increase or Decrease in Number of Offences reported. (Cha Nunil Convii among! comm forT ber of ctions st those .itted 'rial. Oifences. I IComr j for r lifted Summarily 'rial. convicted. P. M. I P. Dismissed. M. F. fj 9 u. *n 9 V S 1 3 t s M. M. F. Gaming Act. Common gaming-house, keeping or managing, &c. Found in a common gaming-house . . (laming with instruments Publishing advertisements relating to betting on horse-races Lotteries, unlawfully establishing or conducting, &c. Betting, unlawful Trespassing on racecourse (■ambling un a train Following occupation of bookmaker . . Holding illegal race meeting 32 42 118 3 22 lo 129 51 8 79 10 129 51 8 79 2 10 115 50 41 1 14 I 8 32 87 5 57 22 07 33 59 84 75 3 84 71 3 4 01 07 3 4 16 51 10 3 I 18 "l 18 Post and Telegraph Aot. Posting packet containing explosive, &o. Illegally opening or delaying postal packets Stealing postal packets, mail-bags, Sc. Stealing money, &c, from postal packets Unlawfully opening mail-bags Receiving property sent by post and stolen Fraudulently secreting or detaining misdelivered mail-bags, &o. Injuring post-office pillars or boxes .. Obtaining postal packet by false pretenoes Damaging insulators False statement re posting postal packets Damaging telephone Personating Postal officer Posting indecent post-cards and letters Fraudulently using postage-stamps .. 3 0 IS 7 I I 20 45 7 3 18 42 7 3 13 19 7 1 2 3 21 2 1 1 4 19 7 1 14 27 3 ] 3 (i 2 7 3 3 1 2 21 2 1 21 2 1 1 1 20 1 1 1 I 21 2 1 1 5 2 5 2 5 2 5 I 3 5 Dkstitute Persons Aot. Failing to maintain wife or children .. Failing for fourteen days to pay main-tenance-moneys Offences by husbands while separation orders are in force Offences prescribed in sections 52 to 58 of Destitute Persons Act 1,422 1,360 17 1,627 1,040 20 1,502 1,505 18 1,072 1,320 14 15 5 415 180 4 205 280 3 0 9 5 1 4 3 Shipping and Seamen Act. Misconduct endangering his ship or lives of persons thereon Assaults by officers Ship-desertion Absent without leave Offences against discipline . . Embezzling cargo Harbouring deserters Stowing away I 30 37 7 13 11 1 80 22 93 13 2 41 11 1 49 II 93 12 2 41 11 1 49 11 93 II 1 41 10 1 50 15 1 80 32 i 2 9 Lioensino Act. Permitting drunkenness or violent conduct Selling or supplying liquor to intoxicated persons Permitting gaming, gambling, &e. Selling or supplying liquor, or exposing for sale, or opening or keeping open premises at unauthorized times Supplying liquor to persons under twenty-one years Selling or supplying liquor to prohibited persons Permitting prohibited persons to be on premises 18 20 1 351 12 17 2 476 12 17 2 476 0 10 1 199 1 1 34 5 5 1 207 36 1 1 125 6 9 47 92 92 40 5 40 45 38 41 41 37 1 3 3 3 1 1 1 2

H.—l6.

APPENDIX A—continued. Return showing the Number of Offences reported, the Number of Offences for which Persons were apprehended or summoned, and Comparison of Crime during the Year ended 31st December, 1922, and Year ended 31st December, 1923— continued.

16

CO c_ to a to W o 73 1| a cd 3 n 55 1922. CO to to a o W o « . "S3 tO Ih £ o a o 3 Sf 65 m tn en 94= 9 £ a. m fc£2 . 9rZ W S A Results of C apprel (Charges aj 192S. liases in which 1'ersons were bended or summoned. .gainst Males and Females separately.) Increase or Decrease in Number of OiTences reported. OiTences. Number of Convictions amongst those committed for Trial Committed for Trial. M. P. Summarily m _____issed convicted. uisnu.sea. M. F. M. P. I i 6 9 & CD fH 'r* I I M. F. Licensing Act—continued. Unlawfully employing females in or about a bar Employing minors in bars Illegally supplying liquor to Natives Selling adulterated liquor Obstructing Inspectors or refusing entrance to Inspectors or constables Having or purchasing labels for bottling contrary to Act Using bottles with labels more than once Breaches of prohibition orders Found on licensed premises after closing-hours llefusing to quit licensed premises Soiling or exposing liquor for sale without a license Found on premises whore liquor was seized under a warrant Offences against provisions in force in no-license districts Selling, supplying, or giving liquor to Maoris in Native licensing districts Offonees against provisions of no-license in Native proclaimed areas Supplying liquor to Natives in proclaimed districts Failing to provide accommodation Permitting consumption of liquor in restaurant after hours 4 3 13 I 7 2 798 1,300 51 45 5 0 50 3 0 1 4 815 1,422 50 81 5 (i 50 3 0 1 4 811 1,421 50 81 I 3 2 .... 4 .. II 19 .. 7 .. 3 1 . . 4 1 1 I 3 1 . . 732 73 0 . . 1,211 14 100 .. 44 . . 0 . . 53 4 18 0 I 7 4 I 0 100 (i 18 li 1 I . . ! 1 3 13 2 4 17 02 30 1 1 19 5 5 4 .. 1 .. I 14 107 95 95 76 12 5 2 5 2 12 9 13 13 13 4 89 101 98 51 9 38 . . 38 12 27 37 37 33 4 .. 4 10 2 1 1 I 1 .. I . . .. 1 1 ! Miscellaneous. Absconding from industrial schools .. Bankruptcy offences Brothols or houses of ill fame, keeping, &c. Children, wilfully ill-treating, neglecting, abandoning, or exposing Deserting or absenting from His Majesty's ships Drunk or behaving in a violent or offensive manner, &c., on a railway, &c. Failing to comply with conditions of release under First Offonders Probation Act Habitual criminals or offenders, broach of conditions of probationary license Indecent Publications Act, offences under Opium-smoking, &c. Smuggling Trespassing on railway and refusing to leave, &c. Arms Act, breaches of Chattels Transfer Act, breaches of 09 j IH 10 83 96 51 23 17 24 59 135 42 22 17 9 59 116 14 5 1 1 35 7 II 9 58 I 105 7 2 1 3 3 1 3 9 4 1 18 8 3!) 18 0 24 15 0 0 6 9 3 2 2 1 1 1 28 I 14 44 2 40 44 2 40 32 2 30 12 10 1 20 2 2 512 4 582 582 560 1 21 70 4: Totals 24,099 26,119 24,356 1,071 85 85 19,534 992 1,957 117 1,391 51 2,598 . 1178 Inorease 1,42 10

H.—l6.

APPENDIX B. Return showing the Strength and Distribution of the New Zealand Police Force on the 31st March, 1924.

3—H. 16.

17

Stations. ® • 3 P CO ® 00 N s v Si 00 a , 8 3 a) on a. a to So ■S S a S 05 5 CD CO s a s m to £ » * is '3 ** o © O Q i • II ■ScS Q co > o a £ 5 ?00 l£ I 05 . g' o CO fig o i 03 I I Q)r--j Mj B0 I Whangarei District— Whangarei Aratapu Dargaville Hikurangi Houhora Kaikohe Kaitaia Kawakavva Mangawai Mangonui Maungaturoto Ohaoawai Pukehuia Rawene Russell Waipu Whangaroa 1 1 i 6 .. 1 .. 1 .. 1 .. i .. 1 .. 2 .. 1 .. 1 .. 1 .. 1 .. I 10 1 2 l 1 l 1 .. 2 .. 1 .. 1 .. 1 .. 1 Totals .. ! 1 2 23 .. 28 2 2 —I IAuckland District — Auckland .. 1 Avondale Birkenhead .. Cowes Devonport .. • ■ • Ellerslie Epsom .. • • • Freeman's Bay Grey Lynn Helensville .. • • • Henderson .. • ■ ■ Hobsonville .. • • • Howiok .. • • • Kingsland .. • • • Mercer .. • • • Mount Albert .. • • - Mount Eden .. • • . Mouiit Eden South • • . Mount Roskill Newmarket Newton Northcote Okupu (G. Barrier) .. . Onehunga Otahuhu .. ■. . Panmure Papakura Parnell Ponsonby Pukekohe Queen St. Wharf .. . Kemuera Takapuna Tuakau Waiuku Warkworth Wellsford 1 1 1 1 2 i 1 l 8 3 68 1 1 I 3 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 8 1 1 4 11 1 ■■>, > .. " 7 r 9i 5 16 1 i i i . .. i l 8 l i 2 4 2 i i l 5 3 1 8 4 2 7 1 2 1 1 1 1 i 1 1 1 1 1 1 4 5 3 9 1 2 1 ] 1 1 ..i, Totals .. 1 1 1 l 32 2\ 140 3 l 8 179 4 4 lamilton District — Hamilton Cambridge Coromandel Prankton Junction .. . Huntly Katikati Kawhia KeTepehi Kihikihi Kirikiriroa Matamata Morrinsville Ngaruawahia Otorohanga Paeroa Pytaruru 1 1 13 9. 18 a l 2 2

! i Stations. » a' 9 ■r. CO* K 1 , i « 3 a; & co c 05 « a a 1-1 M 0 n't ,8 90 5 a. i si lilsil^li , s |.2.£!sg;.E 5 gtS'gSl t in '$ CO 2 tJJ o 9 •• S, » !<§ fi' oS la , -i«: <» o 3 S««°i - « §11 ■£§.£« igaihi ! I Hamilton District — continued. Raglan Rotorua Taupo Tauratiga Te Aroha Te Awamutu Te Kuiti .. Te Puke .. .. Te Whaite Thames Thames South .. Tokaanu Waihi .. Whitianga I i 1 l 4 1 2 2 2 2 1 , i 5 1 2 2 2 3 1 ii 5 1 2 2 21 ?l .. i 1 .. ..... .. .. 1 .. 1 4 1 1 4 1 5 1 1 5 1 5 ....... 1 1 i 1 1 r. 5 1 1 Totals .. 1 1 .. 3 3 58 2 07 1 S7 .. 1 .. Gisborne District — Gisborne Motu .. Opotiki Patutahi Port Awanui Ruatorea Te Araroa Te Karaka Tokomaru Bay Tolaga Bay Waipiro Bay Whakatane Whataupoko | i 1 i 11 15 1 2 1 1 1 .5 1 1 2 .. ..! 1 1 1 .. .. .. 1 1 .. .. .. 1 1 .. ..).. •• i 2 1 1 2 1 1 2 1 i 1 o 2 i 1 i 1 2 .. .. 1 i •• 1 Totals 1 l 3 23 1 29 9 .. .. 2 Napier District — Napior Carlyle Street Clive .. Dannevirke Hastings Havelock North Mohaka Nuhaka Ongaonga Ormondville Petane Porangahau Spit (Napier) Takapau Taradale Waipawa Waipukurau Wairoa Weber .. 1 1 2 i 13 1 1 3 6 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 i 2 1 1 J 1 2 '• 1 18 1 1 4 8 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 3 8 2 .. .. 1 1 1 1 A 4 8 i 1 i 1 I 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 I 2 i '' i i 1 i 1 1 i 3 i . .. 1 .. Totals .. i 2 4 39 l l 48 2 l 8 2 1 .. New Plymouth DistrictNew Plymouth Eltham .. .. Fitssroy Hawera Inglewood Kaponga Manaia Mokau .. Moturoa Norman by Opunake Rahotu Stratford Waitara Whangamomona ..I I i •2 6 1 11 1 1 1 .. .. 1 I I ■• i Totals .. il .. 1 4 25 1 32ji 1 1 1 .. .. ..

H.—l6.

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

18

i Stations. G co fi g| g b i) ° "S ° "a Stp P« SHi ® S ai i o5 to gl 3 o> sgi > SI g '"«oS » 0 H ?^ 111 HO 0 6 ■i. S 51 ID CO ca to Wanganui District— Wanganui Aramoho Castlecliff Gonville Hunterville Mangaweka Manunui Matiere Moawhango Ohakune Ongarue Patea Raetihi Raurimu St. John's (Wanganui) Taihape Taumarunui Waitotara Wanganui Bast.. Waverley r .. .. .. .. 1 2 18 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 19 1 l 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 i " ■■ 1 1 2 2 1 1 1 3 3 1 1 1 1 33 41 - Totals 1 •• 4 2 1 — — -- Palmerston North District — Palmerston North Ashhurst Bull's Cuba Street (Palmerston N.) Ekctahuna Feilding Foxton Kimbolton Levin Marton Otaki Pahiatua Pongaroa Rongotea Shannon Terrace End (Palmerston N.) Woodvillo 1 .. 1 1 2 11 1 1 1 1 :s 2 I 2 ■2 i 2 1 1 1 1 • • 2 18 1 1 1 1 I 2 I 2 2 1 2 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 Totals 1 1 3 84 1 2 42 1 Wellington Districts Wellington Blenheim Brooklyn Carterton Collingwood Eastbourne Featherston Greytown North Havelock Island Bay Johnsonville Karori Kilbirnie Lower Hutt Lyall Bay Martinborough .. Masterton Motueka Mount Cook Nelson Petone Picton Richmond Seatoun Seddon Takaka Taranaki Street.. Tinui The Port Thorndon Quay.. 1 l 2 1 49 4 1 2 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 5 1 21 7 4 2 1 1 1 1 25 1 1 ll 2, 64 5 1 2 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 6 1 25 8 5 2 1 1 I 1 29 I 1 1 1 _ i " i l 1 1 8 1 i *3

I I Stations. I a. u CO a - ■ji. CO CO E U o , o 5 Jo CO 3 CO a. « a CO CO \S 3 o a a 3 °.£ •§ CO b£ OB (O I CD q CO 'to Sr Sri a ooS * co cd I g I pq OS 1 ED >\ p4 CO a I \i If 18 s ° Ho o« coiS co to i cS "^ s-|5a O I Q Wellington District— continued. Tinakon Road .. Upper Hutt Wakefield Wellington South Wharf (Wellington) Totals i i 1 1 1 5 6 1 1 1 6 8 i l 1 1 7 i:s 156 2 5 186 2 — — — — Greymouth District — Greymouth Ahaura Blackball Brunnorton Charleston Oobden Denniston Dunollie Granity Hokitika Karamea Kumara Millerton Murchison Okarito Otira Reefton Rimu Ross Seddonville Waiuta Wcstport \ ■ 1 2 'i 8 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 5 .., .. ..' 181 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 4 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 6 :•: :: :: :: •• • • i i 1 .. .. " ■■ ■ ■ i • ■ i Totals 1 2 4 35 1 43 1 — Christen urch District— Christchtirch Addington Akaroa Amberloy Ashburton Belfast Bingsland Chatham Islands Cheviot Coalgate Culverden Darfield Fendalton . .. Islington Kaiapoi Kaikoura Leeston Lincoln Linwood Little River Lower Riccarton Lyttolton Methven New Brighton .. Oxford Papanui Phillipstown Rakaia Rangiora Riccarton St. Albans Southbridge Sumner Sydenham Waikari Woolston 1 i 6 1 50 2 1 1 5 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 I 1 1 1 5 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 3 1 1 2 1 5 68 8 1 1 6 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 6 1 2 1 1 1 1 2 1 3 1 1 4 1 1 a " I ••I ••I •'I ••I _ I "' • . " .. •• •• ■• .. i 1 i •• i i i i Totals .. 1 1 1 2 11 98 21 21 1 5 122 4

H.—l6.

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

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

Approximate Coat of Paper. —Preparation, not given ; printing (925 copies), £32.

By Authority : W. A. G. Skinner, Government Printer, Wellington.—l 924.

Price 9d.]

19

Stations. L » E s ,3*1 , S Sii o ■2s nT3 CO 5 CO §•§ a">a ... CO CO CO ,co<S a a fell I a co co ™ co co co a co|co o 00 o I s B 03 tD ■"IS Q CO cd .2 a IS 18 00 (D > CD o n O 35 K-a is II Ho 00 ■S3 co c2 fig o CD II o Timaru District— Timaru Duntroon Fairlie Geraldine Glenavy Hampden Kurow Oamaru Pleasant Point .. St. Andrew's .. Temuka Waimataltai Waimate .. V .. " "\ " . . . ., . . 1 1 1 12 1 1 1 1 1 1 8 1 1 2 1 2 1 16 1 1 1 1 1 1 9 1 1 3 1 3 1 l l Totals .. 1.1 .. i o 3 33 lj 40 Dunedin District — Dunedin Aloxandra Anderson's Bay.. Balclutha Caversham Clyde Cromwell Green Island Kaitangata Lawronce Middlomarch .. Milton Mornington Mosgiel Nasoby North Dunedin .. North-east Valley Ophir Outram Owaka Palmerston South Fort Chalmers .. Portobello Ranfurly Ravensbourne .. Roslyn Roxburgh : St. Bathan's St. Clair St. Kilda 1 .. 1 1 1 i i 82 1 1 1 1 1 1 I 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 5 1 1 1 1 1 4 i l l 2 1 1 1 1 1 45 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 6 1 1 li 1 1 5 1 1 I 1 1 ) » ■ i • ■ i I ■ ■ i I • • I ■• I

Stations. ffjUl rwj CO a co a a a M a »JI s § .EC 81 3 CD a 3 .2 ► •§ a > O o (D CD a. , i ', . '.' o H ag « o Hc3 to co « CO „ CO CO" CO—. ■SrO >ja 3 tf a d .2 "S .« » n a a H o o o o Dunedin District — continued. South Dunedin.. Waikouaiti Waitahuna Waitati Woodhaugh . 5 1 1 1 1 6 1 1 1 1 1 Totals 1 1 1 11 78 1 3 96 1 Invercargill District— Invorcargill Arrowtown Bluff Clinton Fortrose Gore Half-moon Bay.. Lumsden Mataura Nightcaps North Invercargill Oropuki Otautau Pembroke Quoenstown Riverton South Invercargill Tapanui Tuatapere Waikaia Waikiwi Winton Wyndham 1 1 1 i i . 14 1 2 1 1 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 I 1 1 1 I 1 I 1 I 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 18 1 8 1 1 4 1 ! 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Totals 1 1 8 39 1 45 Attached to headquarters staff Lent to Cook Islands Administration Lent to Samoan Administration On leave prior to retirement 1 1 1 Grand totals 7 4i 29 91 ! 819| 9 ~e 8l 18 7 7 4 12 1009,

Place. Number of Police. jNumoer ( Police. Estimated Population. Proportion of Police to Population. Cost of Police per Inhabitant. New Zealand Victoria New South Wales Queensland South Australia.. Western Australia Tasmania 1,027 1,838 2,816 1,126 585 508 236 1,347,853 1,625,380 2,209,445 811,168 524,748 353,815 219,074 1 to 1,312 1 to 884 1 to 784 1 to 720 1 to 897 1 to 696 1 to 928 s. d. 5 8} 7 0_ 9 ll| 10 5 8 0J 10 2_ 7 2 i