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

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1939 Session I, H-16

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1939. 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 01? Police to the Hon. the Minister in Charge of Police Department. Police Department, Wellington, 13th July, 1939. I have the honour to present the annual report on the Police Force for the year ended 31st March last. Strength of Force. On the 31st March last, the number of members of the Force of all ranks was 1,439, being an increase of eleven during the year. The total is made up as follows :— Superintendents .. .. .. .. .. 6 Inspectors . . .. .. .. .. 15 Sub-Inspectors .. .. .. .. .. 6 Senior sergeants .. .. .. .. .. 34 Sergeants . . .. .. .. .. .. 114: Constables . . . . . . .. . . 1,107 Temporary constables . . .. . . . . 66 Senior detectives .. .. .. .. .. 4 Detective-sergeants .. .. .. .. .. 31 Detectives .. .. .. .. .. .. 56 Tn addition to the above there were — Police surgeons . . .. .. . . .. 15 Matrons .. .. .. .. .. .. 8 District constables .. .. .. .. .. 3 Native constable .. .. .. .. .. 1 The temporary constables were appointed under section 2 of the Police Force Amendment Act, 1919, the majority of them being on probation with a view to filling vacancies in the permanent staff if found suitable. The following are the losses in personnel for the year ended 31st March last: Retired under section 26, Police Force Act, 1919, 1 ; retired on pension under the Public Service Superannuation Act, 8 ; retired as medically unfit, 5 ; died, 11 ; resigned voluntarily, 16 ; dismissed, 1; total, 42. Stations. New stations were established during the year at Wataroa and Northland, and the station at Matainui was closed. 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 5,679 on the figures of 1937. The proportion of offences to the population was 2-73 per cent., as against 2-41 the previous year. There were increases during the year under the following headings, viz. : — Assault (common) .. .. 99 Unlawfully using horses, motor-cars, &c. 130 Theft (petty) .. . . . . 144 Following the occupation of bookmaker 44 Theft by clerks or servants .. .. 34 Maintenance offences .. .. 515 Theft of animals .. .. .. 25 Ship-desertion .. .. .. 66 House or shop breaking, &c. .. .. 120 Breaches of prohibition orders .. 124 Breach of the peace or behaviour with intent 126 Causing death or bodily injury through Drunkenness .. .. .. .. 842 reckless driving .. ... .. 14 Drunk and disorderly .. .. 55 Being intoxicated in charge of motorUsing profane, indecent, or obscene language 74 vehicle .. .. .. .. 176 Vagrancy .. .. .. .. 78 Minor breaches of Motor-vehicles Act .. 4,199 Assaulting, obstructing, or resisting constables, &c. .. .. .. 75 The principal decreases were — False statements and declarations .. 165 Stealing postal packets, mail-bags, &c... 39 Carnally knowing girls under sixteen years 63 Found on licensed premises after closing False pretences .. . . .. 182 hours .. .. .. .. 185 Burglary .. .. .. 34 Selling or exposing liquor for sale without Receiving property dishonestly obtained .. 24 a license, and offences against provisions Forgery .. .. .. 58 in force in no-license districts .. 172 Mischief .. .. .. 41 Opium-smoking .. .. .. 30 Sunday trading .. .. .. 107 Reckless or negligent driving .. .. 192 Found in common gaming-house .. 125

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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 1938 was 93-92, the figures of the preceding year being 93-39.

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 :—

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Number o£ Offences Number in which p t\- . 1 1 i Number of in which Arrests no Arrests Offences reported. or Summonses or Summonses resulted. resulted. Wliangarei .. .. .. .. .. 1,571 1,495 76 Auckland .. .. .. .. .. 12,328 11,339 989 Hamilton .. .. .. .. .. 3,059 2,873 186 Gisborne 1,589 1,536 53 Napier .. .. .. .. .. 1,893 1,790 103 New Plymouth .. .. .. .. 1,402 1,330 72 Wanganui .. .. .. .. .. 1,423 1,382 41 Palmerston North .. .. .. .. 2,218 2,148 70 Wellington .. .. .. .. 7,304 6,968 336 Nelson .. .. .. .. .. 846 809 37 Greymouth .. .. ,. .. 914 867 47 Christchurch .. .. .. .. 4,834 4,417 417 Timaru .. .. .. .. .. 856 735 121 Dunedin 2,963 2,871 92 lnvereargill .. .. .. .. 1,108 1,058 50 Totals .. .. .. .. 44,308 41,618 2,690

1937. 1938. Crimes. AT , „ n Number of AT , ~ Number of Number 01 r ,r? . Number of Offences m n <¥«„««« Oftences in reported which Arrests ,, which Arrests reported. refmlted- reported. resulted . Arson .. .. .. .. .. .. 12 8 15 13 Robbery and aggravated robbery .. .. .. 8 8 14 13 Burglary, breaking into shops, dwellings, &c. .. 1,116 819 1,206 916 Forgery and uttering .. .. .. .. 173 159 118 105 Murder.. .. .. .. .. .. 4 4 7 6 Murder, attempted .. . . .. .. 5 4 Rape .. .. .. .. .. 5 5 12 11 Receiving stolen property . . ., .. 122 123 98 96 Wounding witli intent .. .. .. .. 3 3 4 4 Totals .. ■■ ■■ .. 1,448 1,133 1,474 1,164

Offencea. 1937. I 1938. _J Unnatural offence .. . . .. .. . . 16 27 Unnatural offence, attempted . . . . . . . . 12 5 Indecently assaulting a male .. .. .. .. 73 61 Incest .. . . . . . . .. .. 20 21 Indecent acts .. .. . .. .. 19 35 Concealment of birth .. . . .. .. . . 4 1 Assault, indecent .. .. .. .. .. 112 102 Rape .. .. .. .. .. .. 5 12 Rape, attempted . . .. .. .. .. 15 8 Carnally knowing girls .. .. , . .. 92 .29 Carnally knowing girls, attempted .. . . . . 9 9 Abortion, procuring, &c. .. .. . . .. 18 14 Exposure of person and grossly indecent acts .. .. 222 222 Totals .. .. .. .. .. 617 546

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Drunkenness. There has been an increase of 897 in the number of prosecutions for drunkenness during the year as compared with the previous year. The number charged with drunkenness in 1938 was 5,446 (5,293 males and 153 females), whereas in 1937 the number was 4,549 (4,399 males and 150 females). From the following table it will be observed that 32-02 per cent, of the males and 32-02 per cent, of the females had previous convictions recorded against them, and 3-48 per cent, of the males were not permanent residents of the Dominion.

Return showing the Number of Persons charged with Drunkenness during the Year 1938, and the Number of Previous Convictions against them, so far as is known.

Number of foregoing who were members of the crews of vessels in port, 184. The following table shows the convictions for drunkenness per ten thousand of the population for each year from 1933 to 1937 in Australia and New Zealand :— 1933. 1934. 1935. 1936. 1937. Commonwealth .. .. 67-6 68-9 76-3 83-7 78-4 New Zealand .. .. 23-3 22-3 21-6 28-8 31-6 Prosecutions against Hotelkeepers. The number of prosecutions against hotelkeepers during the year shows a decrease of 15 as compared with the preceding year. There were 603 prosecutions, resulting in 428 convictions during 1938, as against 618 prosecutions and 419 convictions in 1937. Sly-grog Selling. There were 106 prosecutions during the year for selling liquor without a license, resulting in 93 convictions, and there were also 45 prosecutions, resulting in 45 convictions, for other offences against the provisions of the Licensing Act in force in no-license districts. The fines imposed on the sly-grog sellers during the year 1938 amounted to, £2,639 15s. Gaming Offences. There were 598 prosecutions, resulting in 559 convictions, during the year under the Gaming Act, against 681 prosecutions and 662 convictions in 1937. Prosecutions of Bookmakers. The following return shows the result of prosecutions in connection with bookmaking during the year ended 31st March, 1939 : —

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Males. Females. Total. Not previously convicted .. .. .. 3,598 104 3,702 One previous conviction .. .. .. 492 11 503 Two previous convictions .. .. .. 319 11 330 Three previous convictions .. .. .. 196 5 201 Four previous convictions .. .. .. 144 3 147 Five previous convictions .. .. .. 98 2 100 Over five previous convictions .. .. 446 17 463 Totals .. .. 5,293 153 5,446

,-. ff , Number of Number of Amount of Fines n(je- Prosecutions. Convictions. imposed. £ Carrying on business of bookmaker .. .. 107 104 2,884 Keeping common gaming-house .. .. Ill 107 4,405 Found in common gaming-house .... 8 7 12 Laying totalizator odds .. • ■ • • 2 2 10 Publishing betting-charts ...... 3 2 25 Street betting .. • ■ • • • • 5 4 200 Betting with bookmaker ...... 4 4 9 Totals .. .. 240 230 7,545

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Growth of 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:—

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1 £ •S 5 . Offences Arrests for 3 Sfl id <§ D , Cost per ntf where Drunkenness Year. S 5 O 3 Total. T) 0 'P 0 ,. ° Inhabit- Population. '1 , Arrests or (included in g g-g g I Population. ant _ reported. Summonses offences B S o resulted. reported"). ° A a — - 1878 25 90 14 329 458 1 to ("432,352 14,157 13,959 6,668 1879 25 84 16 364 489 1 to 948 Not 463,572 16,374 14,696 6,794 1880 25 86 21 379 511 1 fro 949 I obtain- J 484,939 17,837 16,723 6,4841881 13 73 18 337 441 1 to 1,136 j able. 500,976 16,635 15,212 5,587 1882 13 72 19 343 447 1 to 1,158 | 517,626 18,613 17,470 6,860 1883 13 72 20 356 461 1 to 1,173 J 18,775 17,727 7,572 1884 13 70 17 365 465 I to 1,263 3/3 587,295 18,263 17,322 7,151 1885 20 65 17 372 474 1 to 1,293 3/0f 613,212 18,955 .17,723 7,034 1886 20 66 18 390 494 1 to 1,266 3/2 625,849 18,135 17,000 6,260 1887 20 69 18 395 502 1 to 1,265 3/2i 635,215 17,752 16,500 5,226 1888 13 69 17 388 487 1 to 1,328 3/lf 646,913 12,897 11,854 5,387 1889 13 65 17 389 484 1 to 1,347 2/1 Of- 652,125 12,945 11,885 5,444 1890 12 66 13 403 494 1 to 1,346 2/10f 664,855 13,115 12,177 5,866 1891 7 61 14 404 486 1 to 1,375 2/111 668,353 12,674 11,748 5,416 1892 7 60 14 401 482 1 to 1,401 2/9 675,775 13,153 12,187 5,360 1893 7 53 14 4-07 481 1 to 1,439 2/8J 692,426 13,165 12,100 5,251 1894 7 55 13 410 485 1 to 1,472 2/7J 714,258 13,530 12,500 4,594 1895 7 51 13 416 487 1 to 1,495 2/6f 728,121 14,010 12,435 4,636 1896 6 51 13 414- 484 1 to 1,530 2/7J, 740,699 14,673 13,171 5,005 1897 7 45 12 453 517 1 to 1,461 2/7$ 754,016 15,219 14,042 5,204 1898 7 56 16 457 536 1 to 1,435 2/8 768,910 16,378 14,730 5,532 1899 II 53 15 475 554 1 to 1,414 2/9J 783,317 16,865 15,561 6,289 1900 11 56 20 499 586 1 to 1,359 2/10f 796,359 18,358 17,131 7,299 1901 II 56 20 504 591 1 to 1,381 2/10J 816,290 19,909 18,742 8,057 1902 12 58 20 514- 604 1 to 1,375 2/10$ 830,800 19,771 18,802 8,269 1903 12 59 20 522 613 1 to 1,388 2/10$ 851,068 20,736 19,867 8,815 1904 12 59 21 534 626 1 to 1,398 2/10J 875,648 21,066 20,118 9,615 1905 12 65 25 553 655 1 to 1,375 2/lo| 900,682 20,249 19,251 8,707 1906 14 71 25 557 667 1 to 1,387 2/10$ 925,605 21,160 20,241 9,210 1907 14 78 30 577 699 1 to 1,375 3/0 961,604 23,204 22,244 10,203 1908 15 83 32 604 734 1 to 1,331 3/2J 977,215 23,510 22,484 10,343 1909 16 87 35 633 771 1 to 1,308 3/4£ 1,008,373 23,930 22,880 10,657 1910 16 86 34 639 775 1 to 1,330 3/3} 1,030,657 25,106 23,949 11,718 1911 15 87 38 648 788 I to 1,333 3/41 1,050,410 24,999 23,492 11,699 1912 15 89 39 692 835 1 to 1,287 3/5 1,075,250 25,981 24,837 11,884 1913 17 93 41 695 846 1 to 1,303 3/8 1,102,389 25,415 24,364 11,707 1914 17 94 40 719 870 1 to 1,304 3/9 1,134,506 27,563 26,494 13,189 1915 19 100 37 755 911 1 to 1,257 4/1 1,145,840 28,412 27,096 13,268 1916 19 104 36 757 916 I to 1,258 4/2-f 1,152,669 24,920 23,848 10,833, 1917 20 108 36 734 898 1 to 1,280 4/3 1,150,002 21,724 20,701 8,800 1918 20 111 38 732* 901 1 to 1,274 4/6$ 1,147,391 19,067 18,043 7,228 1919 20 112 41 705* 878 1 to 1,319 5/2$ 1,158,156 24,278 23,312 8,216 1920 21 114 38 743* 916 1 to 1,325 4/llf 1,214,184 26,106 24,718 8,979 1921 23 112 47 768* 950 1 to 1,310 6/4f 1,244,620 26,551 25,054 8,671 1922 22 118 43 826*1,009 1 to 1,289 6/3f 1,300,967 24,699 22,843 6,409 1923 23 118 44 818*1,003 1 to 1,321 5/8J 1,325,301 26,119 24,356 7,035 1924 23 120 47 837*1,027 1 to 1,312 5/8| 1,347,853 27,025 25,048 7,470 1925 23 121 51 831*1,026 1 to 1,344 5/9$ 1,379,487 30,470 28,668 8,277 1926 24 121 52 888*1,085 1 to 1,299 5/9$ 1,409,692 31,615 29,199 7,854 1927 22 123 56 895*1,096 1 to 1,312 5/8$ 1,437,980 32,144 29,799 6,884 1928 23 127 54 913*1,117 1 to 1,301 5/9 1,453,517 33,138 30,622 6,601 1929 23 128 56 948*1,155 1 to 1,273 6/lf 1,470,649 34,250 31,575 6,810 1930 22 127 54 943*1,146 1 to 1,298 6/1 1,488,612 37,214 33,690 6,125 1931 25 120 65 959* 1,169 1 to 1,292 6/0$ 1,510,940 36,680 32,659 4,687 1932 25 123 65 944*1,157 1 to 1,317 5/5 1,524,633 35,368 32,006 3,868 1933 24 121 67 983*1,195 I to 1,286 5/6$ 1,536,964 33,302 30,133 3,499 1934 23 124 72 992*1,211 1 to 1,279 5/6J 1,548,909 32,286 29,427 3,294 1935 28 127 74 990*1,219 1 to 1,280 5/7 1,559,624 33,168 30,601 3,170 1936 26 123 77 1,000*1,226 1 to 1,283 5/9|- 1,573,300 35,448 33,052 4,186 1937 25 127 911,012*1,255 1 to 1,265 6/3 1,587,211 38,629 36,078 4,549 1938 26 145 93 1,164*1,428 1 to 1,123 7/6 1,604,479 44,308 41,618 5,446 1939 27 148 91 1,173*1,439 1 to 1,129 7/5| 1,624,714 * Includes temporary constables.

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Police Prosecutions. The following is a return of the number of convictions for which fines were imposed and the total amount of such fines in respect of prosecutions instituted by the police during the year ended 31st March, 1939 :—

Criminal Registration Branch. At Headquarters during the year the finger impressions of 3,220 persons were received, classified, indexed, and filed ; 284 persons were identified as previous offenders who, had it not been for the finger-print system, would have passed as first offenders ; 2,737 photographs were taken by the photographers attached to the Branch ; the photographs of 2,881 prisoners (5,143 photographs) were received and dealt with ; 720 photographs were reproduced in the Police Gazette ; 18 wanted persons located ; and 2 unknown deceased persons identified by finger-prints. Finger-prints left by the offenders when committing 27 crimes were identified as belonging to 22 persons, who were prosecuted. All pleaded guilty with the exception of 2, who were convicted on finger-print evidence. During the year the sub-division of the groups in the main collection was completed. The finger impressions of 2,622 persons over the age of seventy-five years were removed from the main collection and filed separately, together with the index cards relating thereto. Finger-prints of 417 persons were received for inquiry from other countries, of which 38 were identified as those of persons previously convicted in New Zealand ; and the finger impressions of 100 New Zealand offenders were sent overseas for inquiry, 36 being identified as having been previously convicted outside this Dominion. It is interesting to note that in New Zealand the finger-print system has, to date, been responsible for the identification of 7,224 persons. The above figures indicate a marked general increase in the work of this branch. In addition to the usual illustrated lectures on finger-prints, <fcc., given to the police trainees at the depot, the senior officer of this Branch visited twenty-three towns throughout the Dominion and gave illustrated lectures and instructions to members of the Force. The comparison microscope, besides being in constant use in the Arms Bureau, has already been the means of clearing up two shooting cases, establishing the fact that the bullets were fired from certain rifles. It was also used to great advantage to prove that a strip of material used to tie the top of a bag containing stolen money dug up from the ground was part of a handkerchief found in a suspect's pocket. The balopticon has been used to project illustrations during lectures given to members of the Force. The other instruments procured during the year, especially the ultra-violet-ray and spot lamps, have also been found of the utmost value for the examination of questioned documents, &c. The following table shows the increase in the finger-print collection since the introduction of the finger-print system of identification in March, 1903 : —

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,, , Number of Total Amount of Fines payable to Convictions. Fines imposed. £ s. d. Consolidated Fund 12,135 29,790 15 7 Main Highways Revenue Account (section 24, Motor-vehicles Act, 1924) 7,806 15,337 13 3 Local authorities (by-law offences) .. .. .. .. 439 400 6 7 Total 20,380 £45,528 15 5

Number of Increase on Number of Increase on l" 80 ' 1618 Year. Prints in Previous Year. Prints in Previous traced as Collection. Y.„. C.llMta, Y„, „ P ~ 1904 .. 3,500 3,500 117 1922 .. 28,408 1,758 255 1905 .. 4,200 700 72 1923 .. 30,284- 1,876 292 1906 .. 5,000 800 88 1924 .. 31,929 1,645 289 1907 .. 6,151 1,151 | 104 1925 .. 33,802 1,873 267 1908 .. 7,622 1,471 123 1926 .. 35,844 2,042 292 1909 .. 8,718 1,096 j 138 1927 .. 37,808 1,964 255 1910 .. 9,919 1,201 ! 140 1928 .. 39,409 1,601 276 1911 .. 10,905 986 148 1929 .. 40,852 1,443 208 1912 .. 12,097 1,192 178 1930 .. 42,371 1,519 239 1913 .. 13,552 1,455 i 183 1931 .. 43,973 1,602 257 1914 .. 15,302 1,750 230 1932 .. 45,692 1,719 215 1915 .. 16,682 1,380 , 270 1933 .. 47,306 1,614 213 1916 .. 18,134 1,452 I 218 1934 .. 48,545 1,239 183 1917 .. 19,508 1,374 166 1935 .. 49,796 1,251 200 1918 .. 20,982 1,474 132 1936 .. 51,053 1,257 207 1919 .. 22,332 i 1,350 153 1937 .. 52,461 1,408 164 1920 .. 23,686 1,354 176 1938 .. 54,062 1,601 260 1921 .. 26,650 1 2,964 ! 232 J1939 .. 55,801 1,739 284

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Auckland Branch. —On 31st March, 1939, the finger-print collection in Auckland totalled 6,619 sets. During the year 886 sets of finger-prints were received from the Mount Eden Prison or taken at the Criminal Registration Branch, and were duly classified, searched, and filed. The photographs of 239 prisoners were taken, and 1,! 95 prints were taken from the negatives ; also a large number of photographs of scenes of crimes and motor accidents, &c., were taken ; the total number of photographs produced by the Branch during the year being 2,020. The remanded-prisoner forms, together with the results of the cases inserted, for 464 prisoners were dealt with and returned to the Criminal Registration Branch in Wellington. In 16 cases offenders who would not otherwise have been known as having been previously convicted were traced by their finger-prints. In several of these cases persons arrested at the time of, or soon after, their arrival in New Zealand were found to have criminal records overseas, and some were able to be deported on that account. The " modus operandi " or " classification of crime " index is working efficiently, and, although in operation for approximately only one year, already over 3,000 index cards are filed. Akms Bureau. The Arms Bureau has been fully occupied, particularly with the investigation of shooting accidents, selection of firearms for the collection of arms suitable for ballistic tests, and lecturing to police regarding firearms. The lecture tours covered the North Island twice and the South Island once during the year. A balopticon lantern was used in most of the lectures, and was of great assistance in demonstrating the effects of gunshot woixnds and physical exhibits such as bullets and shells. Practical instruction in the use of official weapons has also been given to members of the Force, and satisfactory progress has been made. During the past three years all districts have been visited at least twice, and the majority of them three or four times, and instruction in the handling and care of automatic pistols and other firearms has been given to the members of the Force. In addition, each class of recruits in the Training Depot has been given similar individual instruction during the period of training. The lectures have been well received and appreciated. Special attention has been given to the causes of accidents with firearms, and it is hoped that the better understanding of these causes will assist the police in their investigations and enable them to give some good advice to young sportsmen who apply for firearms certificates, and so help to minimize these accidents. In response to representations to manufacturers of firearms to provide safer mechanical designs, several firms are now making greatly improved models, and have in several instances withdrawn unsatisfactory ones. It is safe to say that the worst types of small calibre rifles (-22 in.) have now been eliminated from those being imported for sale. The improved models do not appear to be any more costly to the public than the unsatisfactory ones. The double-barrelled hammer shotgun is again a heavy contributor to the accident rate. There have been thirteen accidents with it during the year. The safer hammerless gun has been responsible for only four, which is a higher percentage than in any other year. The following is a brief summary of the accidents with firearms for the year ended 31st March, 1939 : Fatal, 19 ; non-fatal, 28 —a total of 47. Hammer shotguns, 13 (6 fatal) ; hammerless shotguns, 4 (2 fatal) ; -303 rifles, 3 (all fatal) ; -22 rifles, 24 (7 fatal) ; pistols, 1 (fatal) ; other weapons, 2 (non-fatal). There were three other shooting fatalities which the Coroner was unable to decide were accident or suicide. The average age of the victims was twenty-seven years, and all except two were males. It is safe to assume that there were many other accidents of a less serious nature which did not come under the notice of the police. Attention is drawn to the increasing number of accidents caused through carrying loaded firearms in motor-cars and leaving arms and ammunition within reach of children. The recently acquired scientific equipment, which includes a ballistic comparison microscope, has proved of great assistance, and the Arms Bureau, in collaboration with the Criminal Registration Branch, has assisted the police in several important investigations. 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 Balclutha, Ellerslie, Linwood, Manaia, Wataroa, Moera, Pleasant Point, and St. Clair ; an office was built at Tokaanu ; additions and alterations were carried out at Manurewa, Ruatoria, and Wellington Central, and garages were provided at Greymouth, Otahuhu, and Portobello. Houses and sections were purchased for police-stations at Khandallah and Northland. Sites for police-stations were acquired at Clive, Hamilton, Levin, Mission Bay, Mount Cook (Wellington), Nelson, New Plymouth, Paekakariki, St. Heliers Bay, Waiheke Island, Wellington Central, and Whangarei. Repairs, renovations, and/or improvements were effected at the following stations : — Whangarei District.—Hikurangi, Houhora, Kaikohe, Kaitaia, Mangonui, Rawene, and Waipu. Auckland, District. —Auckland (Central), Avondale, Balmoral, Birkenhead, Epsom, Freeman's Bay, Helensville, Henderson, Howick, Manurewa, Mount Albert, Newmarket, Newton, Northcote, Onehunga, Otahuhu, Papatoetoe, Point Chevalier, Ponsonby, Pukekohe, Takapuna, Thames, Warkworth, and Whitianga.

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Hamilton District.—Hamilton, Mataraata, Paeroa, Putaruru, Rotorua, Tauranga, To Kuiti, Te Puke, Te Whaiti, and Waihi. Gisborne District. —Gisborne, Patutahi, Ruatoria, Taneatua, Te Araroa, Tikitiki, Tokomaru Bay, and Tolaga Bay. Napier District.—Carlyle Street, Dannevirke, Havelock North, Napier, Nuhaka, Porangahau, Taradale, Takapau, Waipawa, and Waipukurau. New Plymouth District.—Fitzroy, Hawera, Inglewood, Manaia, Normanby, Opunake, Rahotu, Stratford, and Waitara. Wanganui District.—Manunui, National Park, Ohakune, Raetihi, Rangaroa (Taumarunui), and Wanganui East. Palmerston North District. —Cuba Street, Feilding, Pahiatua, Palmerston North, Terrace End, and Woodville. Wellington District. —Eastbourne, Greytown, Island Bay, Johnsonville, Karori, Lower Hutt, Martinborough, Masterton, Mount Cook, Murphy Street, Taranaki Street, Tinakori Road, and Wellington Central. Nelson District. —Collingwood, Havelock, Motueka, Murchison, Richmond, Takaka, and Wakefield. Greymouth District.—Ahaura, Dunollie, Greymouth, Hokitika, Reefton, Ross, and Westport. Christchurch District. —Addington, Amberley, Ashburton, Bingsland, Chatham Islands, Christchurc.h Central, Coalgate, Fendalton., Kaikoura, Leeston, Lincoln, Lin wood, Lyttelton, Methven, New Brighton, Phillipstown, Rakaia, Rangiora, Sydenham, and Woolston. Timaru District.—Duntroon, Fairlie, Geraldine, Hampden, Oamaru, Pleasant Point, Temuka, and Timaru. Dunedin District. —Balclutha, Caversham, Cromwell, Dunedin Central, Kaitangata, Middlemarch, Mornington, North Dunedin, North-east Valley, Ophir, Outram, Owaka, Port Chalmers, Roxburgh, Waikouaiti, and Waitahuna. Invercargill District. —Bluff, Clinton, Gore, Invercargill, Riverton, South Invercargill, Tuatapere, and Wyndham. General. Efficiency. — The lectures given weekly to junior constables and fortnightly to the senior constables, sergeants, and detectives, continue to give general satisfaction, and are very helpful to them in the carrying-out of their duties. Special lectures given by our finger-print expert and arms expert have been well attended and greatly appreciated. The new instruments supplied to the Finger-print Branch and Arms Bureau are giving excellent service. There has been some delay in finalizing the installation of a wireless plant, due to the fact that it is going to be more difficult and expensive than was at first anticipated. The expert who has the matter in hand for the Department is still giving it his attention and hopes before long to be able to equip one car in Wellington for a trial. Some excellent work in the detection of crime has been performed during the past year, notably in the case known as the Piha crime. Very fine work was done by the detectives and experts engaged in that case. It is very gratifying to know that the police, with the aid of scientists, can detect offenders who commit such crimes. The forty-eight-hour week is working well and giving general satisfaction both to the men and the Department. General Conduct of Police. —A few men had to be disciplined, but apart from these few instances I am pleased to be able to report that the general conduct of the police has been excellent. The utmost harmony and good will prevails throughout the Service, and all branches of the Service co-operate splendidly. Transport.—During the year three new high-powered motor-cars have been added to the present fleet—one at Wellington, one at Christchurch, and one at Dunedin. Two modern vans for conveyance of prisoners have also been procured —one for Wellington and the other for Auckland. A new van is required for Christchurch to replace the present heavy, clumsy one which has done good service in the past, but is too costly to run and is more fit for converting into a lorry. When a new van is supplied to Christchurch that city will have a good transport system of three fast cars and a modern fast van. Dunedin has now three fast motor-cars, and Wellington four good cars and an excellent van. Auckland has six cars, four of are in excellent order. Two are now getting beyond their usefulness through age and will require to be replaced at an early date. The new van there is giving excellent service. A light run-about truck was procured during the year for cartage of exhibits to and from Court and between stations at Auckland. When the two cars mentioned above are replaced Auckland will have, an efficient transport service. The four chief centres will then have an excellent fleet of fast transport, something unheard of previously in the Service. At the smaller centres officers of the Department supply motor-cars and are paid mileage or annual allowances when they use their cars on duty. This system is working very satisfactorily, and has met every emergency that has arisen. In addition to this, should the necessity arise, cars can be hired from motor garages or taxi-proprietors at a moment's notice. In the country districts the constable in charge is provided with a motor garage by the Department, and he supplies a car, for which he is paid an annual allowance. I can say that to-day our transport system is good, and no difficulty has been experienced in giving efficient service with it.

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Buildings. —During the year good progress was made in modernizing and improving old buildings throughout the Dominion. Only those that were sound and worth alterations were attended to. There is a good number still requiring attention, and these will be dealt with as time and finance permit. Many of the old residences were past repair ;• in fact, were tumbling down with dry rot and decay. Several of these were replaced by new modern residences during the year. The new district headquarters station at Palmerston North is nearing completion, and should be ready for occupation in about three months' time. New stations are also in course of erection at Katikati, Wbakatane, Mosgiel, and Oamaru (senior sergeant's residence). Erection of new buildings at Rotorua, Port Chalmers, Oturehua, Little River, Levin, Clive, Omakau, St. Heliers Bay, and Papakura has been authorized, and in many cases tenders have been called for the work. A new headquarters station is badly required at Whangarei, where an old four-roomed cottage is at present doing service as a station. Additional land has been acquired there at a cost of £1,050 to permit of building a suitable suite of offices. At Auckland additional land had to be acquired in order to give reasonable space to build upon. The acquiring of the necessary land has been somewhat protracted, but has now been sufficiently advanced to permit of proceeding with the preparation of sketch-plans. Satisfactory arrangements have been made to provide improved accommodation for the single men until the plans and specifications for the new building have been completed and ready for the calling of tenders. At Wanganui, where new district headquarters offices are required, difficulty is being experienced in obtaining a foundation on. our present site, which is a good one, owing to the sand bottom. This is holding up the preparation of sketch plans. At New Plymouth additional land adjoining the present site has been secured at a cost of £625 to provide the necessary land on which to erect new offices in the near future. At Nelson additional land had also to be obtained, and some little difficulty has arisen in negotiating with one owner, but it is nearing completion. When this is done the sketch-plans can be got ready. Tlie offices and general accommodation at Greymouth are bad. Sketch-plans are now in course of preparation. Sketch-plans are practically completed for new buildings at Timaru. The accommodation there is also bad, but not so bad as at Greymouth. The position in respect of accommodation at Dunedin is difficult, and a great amount of consideration has been given to sketch-plans for the proposed new buildings. However, it is hoped soon to have a complete plan ready which will meet requirements. Police Examinations. —The new regulations governing the police examinations were put into effect for the first time last year. The provision for granting a partial pass is greatly appreciated by candidates. A record number sat for the examination. Training-school.—The training-school has been kept at top speed during the year. As only thirty trainees can be accommodated at one time we have been little more than able to keep existing vacancies filled. Although authority was granted last year for an increase of twenty-five men to the Force, we have not been able to train that number in addition to those required to fill vacancies. Unfortunately, we have had a larger number of deaths during the past year than is usual. In all cases death was due to natural causes. There has also been a number of retirements and resignations. An excellent class of recruit is offering, and no difficulty is experienced in filling vacancies ; in fact, far more candidates are offering than we have vacancies. This gives the opportunity of making a good selection. Candidates are selected from all classes of professions and vocations in life, with credentials from the University down to the Sixth Standard. Men of good physique, personality, education, and possessing sound common-sense are the candidates aimed at in selecting recruits for training. The conditions in the Service are so attractive to-day that no difficulty is experienced in getting the best class of recruit. Women-police. — Provision was made last session for the inauguration of Women Police. Applications are now being received and considered. Additions to Staff. —During the year the authorized strength of the Force was increased by 9 sergeants, 1 detective-sergeant, and 6 constables. These were distributed as follows : 4 Sergeants at Auckland, lat Marton, lat Pahiatua, lat Wellington, lat Christchurch, and 1 a,t Bluff; I detective-sergeant at Lower Hutt; and 1 constable each at Whangarei, Otahuhu, Parnell, Hawera, Taihape, and Northland. To fill vacancies due to retirements, &c., and increases of strength, the following promotions were made : Seven to commissioned rank, three to grade of senior-sergeant, one to grade of seniordetective, nine to rank of sergeant, and six to rank of detective-sergeant. In view of the fact that the Centennial Exhibition is to be opened in November next and is to continue for six months, and this is to be followed by the visit of Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Kent, additional police will be required to deal with the extra work that will be thrown upon this Department. To cope with this work and supply extra men for some of the districts where there are not sufficient men to meet the calls made on the police I consider that provision should be made for thirty additional constables. The cost for this financial year will be approximately £4,800. Extracts from reports of officers in charge of districts are appended. D. J. Cummin GS, Commissioner of Police.

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EXTRACTS FROM THE ANNUAL REPORTS OF OFFICERS IN CHARGE OF DISTRICTS. Inspector O'Hara, Whangarei District. During the past year the strength of the district has not increased, but additions are required as follows : A constable at Kamo, a constable on the northern side of Hokianga Harbour, and a sergeant with a sub-district embracing the Bay of Islands County. The offences reported show the usual fluctuating increases and decreases with no extraordinary features. One crime of murder was reported. The body of a child was found on the bank of the Wairoa River. As the result of inquiries a young woman was arrested for the murder of her illegitimate child, and was dealt with at the Supreme Court. The conduct of the police has been good and no breach of discipline was reported. Superintendent Cummings, Auckland District. The district was taken charge of by me on 18th February, 1939. On 31st March, 1939, the strength of the Force was 320, of all ranks. I recommend an increase of fifteen constables at the Central Station, one constable for Pukekohe, and two sergeants —one for Takapuna and one for Mount Eden. The increase would enable all the necessary relieving duty to be carried out, and generally enable all requirements to be met adequately and efficiently. A new modern station is urgently required at Auckland Central. During the year a new police-station and a new residence for a sergeant were built and opened at Ellerslie. Several of the stations in the district have been renovated during the year, some are at present being renovated, while a few others require it. An additional constable was appointed to both Parnell and Otahuhu Stations. The offences return for the year ended 31st December, 1938, shows a total of 12,328 offences reported, as compared with 7,739 for the previous year, an increase of 4,589. Of the total reported, 11,339 were accounted for by arrest or summons. The principal increases were in false pretences, declarations in connection with unemployment, unnatural offences, indecent assault on males, attempted suicide, assault, petty thefts, thefts by clerks and servants, false pretences, house and shop breaking, breaches of the peace, drunkenness, profane and indecent language, vagrancy, assaulting and obstructing police, unlawful conversion of motor-cars, failing to maintain wives and children, ship-desertion, breaches of prohibition orders, being intoxicated in charge of motor-vehicles, reckless and negligent driving, and other breaches of the Motor-vehicles Act and regulations. There were decreases in the cases of carnally knowing girls under sixteen years, forgery, mischief, Sunday trading, being found in common gaming-house, stealing postal packets, selling liquor without a license, and opium-smoking. The following serious crimes occurred : — Robbery under Arms : On Bth August, 1938, two men armed with a shot-gun robbed a man of a leather brief-bag containing £219 9s. which was the property of a taxi company. One offender, following his arrest in Sydney, Australia, was sentenced to four years' hard labour, as also was his accomplice, who was arrested in Christchurch. Demanding Money with Menaces : Pretending to be an Electric-power Board Inspector, a man called on 20th December, 1938, at a house in Remuera, assaulted the occupant, and demanded £2 in money. He was sentenced for these offences to three years' hard labour and declared an habitual criminal. Interfering with Human Remains, and Arson : On 6th February, 1939, two men arrived in New Zealand from Australia. They took a bach at Piha, and allegedly burned it down on the night of 11th to 12th February, 1939. One man escaped and reported that the other, who was insured for £40,000, had been burned to death. It was later discovered that a grave at Waikumete had been interfered with and the body removed. Following extensive investigations, both men were arrested on charges of interfering with human remains, and arson. They were convicted and sentenced to four years' and two years' imprisonment respectively. The conduct of members of the Force in the district has been satisfactory during the year, a fairly high standard of efficiency being maintained and both branches of the service performing good work. Twenty constables were dealt with for breaches of the regulations. I would recommend that section 278 of the Crimes Act, 1908, be amended so as to include all buildings. I suggest that section 55 of the Police Offences Act, 1927, be amended to deal with persons escaping from police lock-ups, so that the offender may be dealt with summarily. I recommend that " enclosed area "in sections 52 (i) and 54 of the Police Offences Act, 1927, be defined to include that portion of land around a house or building which would in the ordinary manner have been enclosed with a fence. This would deal with schools, &c., that have no gates on their property. I also recommend that section 189 (b) of the Justices of the Peace Act, 1927, be repealed so that offenders with a previous conviction who come before the Court on indictment may be dealt with summarily. If this amendment were made, it would dispense with sending a number of offenders to the Supreme Court and save considerable unnecessary expense. They would still have the right of trial by jury.

2—II. 16.

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I suggest that provision be made in the Motor-vehicles Act, 1924, making it a summary offence to make false statements or false entries in respect of motor-drivers' licenses or certificates of fitness, or in connection with the hiring of a motor-vehicle from a garage-proprietor. This would enable offences of this kind to be dealt with summarily instead of going to the Supreme Court. On 31st March, 1939, there were ten motor-vehicles on charge at the Auckland Headquarters Station —viz., two vans used exclusively for transport of prisoners, one truck for a general runabout and towing motor-vehicles, two Chevrolets in good order, two Fords in good order, one Hillman in satisfactory order, and one Vauxhall showing a mileage of 80,618 miles in indifferent condition, and one motor-cycle in fair order. The exigencies of the service here make it necessary that the motor transport should be up to a high standard. The night patrol has been a success in checking and detecting crime. The police continue to do a very large amount of work for other Departments, and in consequence of the time taken up in performing such work with our limited strength police work proper must suffer. Inspector Lopdell, Hamilton District. On 31st March, 1938, the strength of the staff stood at eighty-four of all ranks, and the strength remained the same throughout the year. The senior sergeant was replaced by a Sub-Inspector at Rotorua. Steps are being taken to establish a new station at Mount Maunganui, Tauranga, and also a new station at Piopio, where the growing need's of the district make such an increase necessary. The increase in the strength of the Force at Te Awamutu, recommended in my last year's report, is receiving attention. The appointment of a Sub-Inspector at Rotorua will relieve the Inspector here of a good deal of travelling and inspection in the area remote from Hamilton which is placed under him. A necessary increase of one constable at Putaruru Station is under consideration. Last year 2,925 offences were reported. This year there were 3,059. The increases are spread over quite a number of offences and call for no special mention, except in the case of intoxication in charge of cars. This serious offence is on the increase. Last year there were 77 charged and 74 convictions ; this year 103 convictions out of 107 persons charged. This, of course, is only a portion of such offenders who are on the road. All the laudable efforts to make the road safe for road-users will fall short of accomplishing the end desired whilst intoxicated men are driving. Two Hindu storekeepers in a remote Native locality called Taharoa were living together and one disappeared under circumstances which created suspicions that he had been murdered and his body disposed of. A large body of police was employed searching for the body, but without success. The continued absence of the missing man confirms the original suspicions, but as the body cannot be found no actual crime has been established. The conduct of the police has been of a high standard and duties are being performed in an efficient manner. Two minor disciplinary offences were dealt with. I think there should be some legal machinery to control drinking at dances, which, besides being a scandal and destroying the social pastime, is, in its relation to car-driving, becoming an increasing danger. In connection with offences of intoxication while in charge of motor-vehicles, we have evidence where serious accidents have occurred, and in one case fatalities, that intoxication was the cause and that the liquor was procured from licensed hotels after hours ; there is strong suspicion that this is so in many cases. I suggest that during closing-hours in hotels there be a total prohibition of the supply of liquor. Inspector Edwards, Gisborne District. The authorized strength of the Force in the Gisborne district on 31st March, 1939, was forty-two. There has been no increase during the past year. A section of land has been obtained at Te Kaha, and it is hoped to have a police-station erected thereon in the near future. The offences return for the year shows a total of 1,589 offences reported, as compared with 1,560 the previous year, an increase of 29. Arrests and summonses resulted in 1,536 cases being dealt with, leaving 53 undetected. The most noticeable increases were assault, theft of animals, drunkenness, illegal supply of liquor to Natives, intoxicated in charge of motor-vehicle, and other breaches of Motor-vehicles Act. The principal decreases were false statements and declarations, theft (undescribed), false pretences, and house and shop breaking. The only serious crime committed was that of a man charged with murdering his wife. Accused was alleged to have seriously assaulted his wife, who died two days later from the injuries she sustained. The husband was charged with murder, and the jury brought in a verdict of manslaughter, accused being sentenced to ten years' imprisonment. During the year the general conduct of the members of the Force has been good and their duties have been satisfactorily performed, there being only two defaulters for minor breaches of the regulations. Inspector Cameron, Napier District. On 31st March, 1939, the actual strength of the Force in this district was sixty-six. There has been no change since last return. I recommend an increase of one constable at Napier and two constables at Hastings. It would give better police supervision as a result of the forty-eight-hour week and the growth of the business area in Hastings.

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Approval has boon given for the opening of a new station at Tuai. A constable has been selected, and will take charge at an early date. For the year ended 31st December, 1938, the total number of offences reported was 1,893, an increase on the previous year of 194. Of the offences reported 1,790 were accounted for by arrests or summonses, leaving 103 undetected. The principal increases were theft (undescribed), drunkenness, found on licensed premises, selling or supplying liquor at unauthorized times, and reckless or negligent driving. The principal decreases were false pretences, false statements (Employment Promotion Act), and minor breaches of the Motor-vehicles Act. The increased number of thefts were mostly of a petty nature, and juveniles were responsible for the majority of them. The increase in drunkenness is no doubt due to the increased spending-power of the people, while the vigilance of the police is responsible for the increased number of convictions under the Licensing Act. The increase in reckless and negligent driving can be accounted for by the heavy increase in motor traffic during the past year. On 2nd October, 1938, a woman was fatally shot at her home at Westshore. A young man was arrested for the offence and charged with murder. The jury returned a verdict of manslaughter, and he was sentenced to twelve years' hard labour. The conduct of the members of the Force has been very good. There were no defaulters during the year. Inspector Powell, New Plymouth District. On 31st March, 1939, the authorized strength of the Force was fifty. An extra constable has been allocated to Hawera daring the year, and will prove a decided advantage. I would like to draw attention again to the necessity of increasing the strength of the New Plymouth Station by two constables. The offences return for the year ending 31st December, 1938, shows that the total of all offences reported to be 1,402, as compared with 1,329 for the previous year, an increase of 73 offences. Of the number reported, 1,330 were accounted for by either arrest or summons. The most noticeable decrease is mischief. The principal increases are house and shop breaking (there were forty-four cases of this nature reported, out of which 39 cases were successfully dealt with), drunkenness, failure to pay maintenance moneys, offences against the provisions of no-license in Native proclaimed areas, and breaches of the Motor-vehicles Act. The conduct of the Force has been very good during the year, two members only having been dealt with for breaches of the regulations. The duties have been carried out in a satisfactory manner, the uniform and detective branches of the service working well together. Superintendent Lander, Wanqanui District. The authorized strength of the force on the 31st March, 1939, was fifty-five. This is an increase of one constable during the year, added to the strength at Taihape. It was rendered necessary owing to the increase of police duty in that sub-district and to the operation of the forty-eight-hour week. No increase had been made there when that system commenced. An additional sergeant and a detective are required for city duty, also an additional constable for Ohakune. The additional sergeant is required to improve supervision of beat duty and to relieve the senior sergeant. The detective is needed as an addition to the local staff. An additional constable at Ohakune would provide more supervision at the railway-station and that portion of the town adjacent thereto, as well as provide relief on the weekly day off there and at Raetihi. The offences return for the year ended 31st December, 1938, shows a total of 1,423 offences reported. This is an increase of 303 on the previous year, 1937. Of the 1,423 offences reported, 1,382 were accounted for by arrest or summons. The principal increases were house or shop breaking, breaches of the peace, drunkenness, bookmaking, failing to maintain wives or children, breaches of prohibition orders, found on licensed premises during closing-hours, selling or exposing liquor for sale without a license, supplying liquor to Natives in proclaimed districts, being intoxicated in charge of a motor-vehicle, and other breaches of the Motor-vehicles Act. The principal decreases were carnally knowing girls, burglary, and found in common gaming-houses. It will be noticed that the increases are principally in connection with breaches of the Licensing Act and offences the cause of which was over-indulgence in intoxicating liquor. This was probably brought about by increased spending-power in the hands of irresponsible members of the community. The increase in house and shop breaking was traced mainly to young offenders. In some instances a lack of home control was noticeable, but in many cases the offences were committed to gain money or convertible property for purposes of pleasure. The only serious crimes dealt with during the year were unnatural offences, 6; indecent assaults on males, 4 ; attempted incest, 2 ; putting explosive substances in places with intent to do bodily harm, 2 ; setting man-trap, 1. The three last-mentioned offences were committed by males, caused probably by unwarranted jealousy. They are not likely to recur. One male was convicted and sentenced for causing death by driving a motor-vehicle while intoxicated. The vehicle driven by him collided with a passing motor-car, a young woman, a passenger in the passing car, being killed. There was no serious undetected crime. The conduct of members of the Force in the district was very good. In many instances a high degree of efficiency was shown in the performance of duty. One constable only was dealt with for breaches of regulations during the year, and he was fined.

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The duties of the police in connection with traffic accidents are onerous and exacting. The use of motor-vehicles owned by members of the Force both at fixed and mileage rates has proved to be of wonderful value in providing mobility to attend to such duty expeditiously, particularly on main highways and country roads. The judicious use of these cars has also proved very effective in expediting inquiries into offences reported where prompt action is essential. Inspector Scott, Palmerston North District. The authorized strength of the Force in this district on the 31st March, 1939, was fifty-eight, being an increase of two sergeants during the year, one being appointed to Marton and one to Pahiatua Station. An additional sergeant and two constables are required in Palmerston North City. The additional sergeant is necessary to relieve the senior sergeant and five sergeants in the district for annual leave, and to improve the supervision over the beat-duty constables, especially at night. The two additional constables are necessary on account of the rapidly increasing population and consequent increase in inquiries, and also to enable more effective patrol duty to be carried out. The new police buildings which are in the course of construction at Palmerston North should be ready for occupation in the near future. The offences return for the year ending 31st December, 1938, shows a total of 2,218 offences reported, against 1,761 for the previous year, an increase of 457. Of the total number of offences reported, 2,148 were dealt with by arrest or summons. The principal increases were in thefts, false pretences, house and shop breaking, mischief, breaches of the Gaming and Licensing Acts, reckless or negligent driving causing death ; but the most notable increase was in the number of persons found in charge of motor-vehicles while in a state of intoxication, no less than ninety-nine persons being dealt with for this class of offence, an increase of sixty-nine over the previous year. The principal decreases were in offences against morality, trespass on racecourses, failing to maintain wives and children, and breaches of the Employment Promotion Act. On the 10th August, 1938, a sexual offence of a serious nature was committed on a child seven years of age. The ofEender was subsequently apprehended and sentenced to five years' imprisonment. On the sth November, 1938, an old lady, eighty-two years of age, was assaulted and robbed at Levin. The offender tied her to a chair and threatened to strangle her if she called out. He then stole a sum of money from her purse. He was later arrested and sentenced to three years' imprisonment. The conduct of the police during the year has been very good and a high standard of efficiency maintained. There were no defaulters. Superintendent Lewin, Wellington District. On the 31st March last the authorized strength of the district was 240 of all ranks. During the year the authorized strength was increased by one sergeant, to make better provision for relieving duty on account of annual leave, sickness, &c., one detective-sergeant for duty at Lower Hutt, and one constable for duty at Northland following the establishment of a police-station there. I consider that an increase in the strength of the city Force is urgently required, and recommend the appointment of four additional men at Wellington Central, two at Taranaki Street, and two at Mount Cook. Kilbirnie is a growing district that has received a great influx of motor traffic since the opening of the new tunnel, and includes Hataitai and Evans Bay. The present staff is not sufficient to carry out properly the work entailed. I recommend that the strength at Kilbirnie, Petone, Lower Hutt, and Wellington South be increased by one constable in each case. This is necessary in order to cope with the many duties now devolving on the police. The total number of offences reported during the year ended 31st December, 1938, was 7,304, compared with 7,616 for the previous year, a decrease of 312. The chief increases were breaches of the Motor-vehicles Act, found unlawfully on licensed premises, gaming offences, breaches of the peace, and attempted house-breaking. Substantial decreases were shown in the case of false statements and declarations, indecent assault on males, theft, burglary, house or shop breaking, reckless or negligent driving, Sunday trading, and sly-grog selling. On the 7th May, 1938, two members of the crew of the s.s. " Pakeha," which was lying berthed at the Picton Wharf, were painting the ship's side when they discovered a suit-case resting on the edge of a beam underneath the wharf. Upon investigation it was found to contain human remains, and the Picton police were at once notified. Police examination showed the contents to be the torso of a male person ; and later, with the services of a diver, a further suitcase containing a human head and legs was recovered from the bed of the harbour in the same locality. Police inquiries soon established the identity of these human remains as being those of a middle-aged married man who was a resident of Wellington. Urgent inquiries in the Wellington and Nelson Districts definitely connected the deceased's son with the crime, and on the 10th May, 1938, a warrant was obtained for his arrest on a charge of murder. The same morning the Auckland police effected his arrest. On the 23rd July, 1938, following a lengthy trial at the Wellington Supreme Court, the accused was found guilty of manslaughter, and received a sentence of ten years' hard labour. The conduct of members of the Force in the district has been good, breaches of the regulations dealt with being of a minor nature only. •

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A Satisfactory standard of efficiency has been maintained by both branches of the Service. I suggest that an amendment to section 18 of the Police Offences Act, 1927, in regard to Sunday trading might be considered. Subsection (2) makes the keeping open and not the trading the offence. Keeping open in stores and shops is generally difficult to prove where the trading is done per medium of the back door, as invariably the back door is kept closed until such time as someone calls to purchase goods. Further, the back doors of most shops are not in or in view of a public place ; therefore the subsection referred to might be suitably amended by inserting the words " opens or " immediately before the words " keeps open any house, store, shop, &c." Inspector Carroll, Nelson District. The strength of the Force in this district is thirty-eight. During the year one of the detectives stationed at Nelson was transferred to Blenheim, thereby giving effect to a recommendation of my predecessor in his last annual report. In that report there was also a recommendation that a station be opened at Renwicktown, which recommendation I fully endorse. Renwicktown is on the main Blenheim-Nelson highway, about eight miles from Blenheim, and is at present worked from Blenheim. The nearest station on the other side is Havelock, which is twenty-eight miles from Blenheim. If a station were opened at Renwicktown, part of the territory at present worked from Havelock, Blenheim, and Picton stations could be more conveniently worked from there. There is very heavy motor traffic on the main highway passing through Renwicktown, which I think requires more supervision than it can receive at present. For the year ended 31st December, 1938, the total number of offences reported was 846, against against 886 for the previous year, a decrease of 40. Arrest or summons resulted in 809 cases, and 37 were undetected. The principal decreases were in breaches of the Employment Promotion Act, after-hour trading on licensed premises, mischief, and drunkenness. There was an increase in the number of house or shop breaking offences. On the morning of the 16th December last a woman, and her son aged ten years, were found dead in their beds at Uruwhenua, about ten miles from Takaka. They had been shot through the heads, apparently while they slept. The woman's husband was found in a demented condition with a rifle in his hand.- He was arrested and charged with murder, but was subsequently found not guilty on the grounds of insanity in respect of the murder of his wife, and ordered to be detained in a mental institution. The charge of murdering his son was adjourned with a view to obtaining leave to enter a nolle prosequi. The only other serious matter reported in this district was in connection with the finding of the body of a man, minus the head and legs, in a suit-case in Picton Harbour on the 7th May.. In that case inquiries revealed that the man had been killed in Wellington by his son, who brought the body to Picton for disposal. The offender was arrested and dealt with in Wellington. The conduct of all members of the Force during the year has been good ; there were no defaulters. Inspector Mac Lean, Greymouth District. On the 31st March, 1939, the strength of the Force in this district was forty-eight. A new station was established at Wataroa, and the station at Matainui was closed, during the year. The station at Waiuta at present in use is rented and the building is unsuitable. Arrangements are being made to build a new station there. The total number of offences reported during the year ending 31st December, 1938, was 914, compared with 1,112 reported during the previous year. Of all the offences reported, 867 were dealt with by arrest or summons. The principal decreases were persons found illegally on licensed premises, theft, house and shop breaking, and offences by publicans. The principal increases were failing to maintain wives and children, drunkenness, and breaches of the Arms and Motor-vehicles Acts. No serious crimes were reported during the year, and none of the cases call for special mention. The general conduct of the police has been excellentonly two constables were dealt with for breaches of the Police Regulations. Superintendent Cameron, Christchurch District. On the 31st of March, 1939, the authorized strength of the Force in this district was 169, being an increase of one on the previous year. The strength of sergeants has been increased by one. The total number of offences reported during the year was 4,834, compared with 4,666 during the previous year, being an increase of 168. The principal increases appear under the following headings : Obtaining credit by fraud, shop and house breaking, mischief, drunkenness, unlawfully using horses, motor-cars, &c., injuring pillar-boxes, being intoxicated in charge of motor-vehicles, reckless or negligent driving, and other breaches of Motor-vehicles Act. There were decreases in the following cases : False pretences, burglary, Sunday trading, found in common gaming-house, and failing to maintain wives and children. ' Of the increases, it might be stated that in the cases of obtaining credit by fraud the offences were under the Employment Promotion Act. In breaking, entering, and theft the offenders were mostly youths and young men, while boys were mainly responsible in the cases of mischief. The increases in drunkenness can be accounted for by the improved working-conditions of the working classes, while youths are mainly responsible for the unlawful conversion of motor-cars. The increase

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in the cases of intoxicated motor-drivers can be accounted for by the increased number of drivers. The decrease in Sunday trading is probably due to the fact that so many traders realized that heavy fines quickly reduced their profits. During the year one person was charged with the murder of his aged father. The offender was a mental defective, and is now detained in a mental hospital. In several cases under the Motorvehicles Act of causing death, there was evidence of the drivers having taken intoxicating liquor. Recently on a Sunday evening the detectives were patrolling in search of warehouse-breakers and came upon two men under suspicious circumstances. As the detectives approached the men the latter ran away in opposite directions. When pursued by the officers one of the men fired a rifle at his pursuers, and both men escaped arrest, and so far have not been traced. On the 4th of October a married woman residing with her husband in a public-works hutment at Claverley mysteriously disappeared about 8.30 p.m. Her husband did not report her disappearance to the police, and it only came to their knowledge nearly three weeks later. Claverley is on the seashore, about twenty miles south from Kaikoura. The missing woman did not take any clothing with her. Inquiries have been made from her relatives and friends. The seashore has been searched from Clarence River to Akaroa, and a very close search has been made inland, by a large body of police, but 110 trace has been found of the missing woman or her remains. The conduct of the members of the Force on the whole has been good. Four constables were dealt with for breaches of Police Regulations ; of these, one was dismissed, and the remainder were fined. The great majority of the men take a keen interest in their work, and the lectures delivered by experts on finger-prints and firearms have been much appreciated. The vigilance of some of the young constables on night duty has been rewarded by the capture of several shop-breakers. The office staffs and inquiry men have carried out their duties efficiently, and the Detective Branch have retained their efficiency and have been responsible for some very creditable work. Inspector Shanaiian, Timaeu District. The strength of the Force in the district on the 31st March, 1939, was forty-five, being two under the authorized strength. An increase of one constable at Timaru and one at Oamaru is still required in order to satisfactorily carry out ordinary beat duty, relieving duty, &c. The appointment of a detective-sergeant is again recommended for duty at Oamaru. The total number of offences reported for the year ended 31st December, 1938, was 856 as compared with 733 for the previous year, an increase of 123. Arrests or summonses resulted in 735 cases. The principal increases were in respect of assault, theft from dwellings, obtaining credit by fraud, house or shop breaking, drunkenness, breaches of the Arms Act, and breaches of the Motor-vehicles Act. The most notable decreases were assault with intent to commit a crime, false pretences, breach of the peace, using profane, indecent, or obscene language, damaging telegraph equipment, offences against provisions in force in no-license districts, being intoxicated in charge of a motor-vehicle, and reckless or negligent driving. The district has been free from crime of a serious nature during the year. The general conduct of the police in this district during the year has been very good and their duties have been performed in a satisfactory manner. There were no defaulters. Superintendent Rawle, Dunedin District. On the 31st March, 1939, the actual strength for the district was 118. The actual further increase required to enable the duties to be satisfactorily carried out in this district is twelve men. To man the beats and provide relief for annual and weekly leave and sickness seven men are required—three men for a new beat to include the wharves, oil and other stores, in Dunedin, which is very necessary ; for assistance at Alexandra and in the Detective Office two further men are required. It is anticipated that St. Bathans and Ophir Stations will be closed and new stations at Oturehua and Omakau will be opened this year. The annual offences return for the year ended 31st December, 1938, disclosed that 2,963 offences were reported, as against 2,892 for the previous year, being an increase of 71 offences. Of the number reported, 2,871 persons were arrested or summoned, leaving 92 undetected offences. Of those charged, 68 persons were committed for trial or sentence, and of these 61 persons were convicted. The principal increases included the following : Assault, theft, mischief, causing death or bodily injury through reckless driving, and other breaches of Motor-vehicles Act. Decreases included false statements and declarations, drunkenness, obscene language, selling liquor at unauthorized times, found on licensed premises, sly-grog selling, and reckless or negligent driving. A disquieting feature for the year 1938 is the increase of juvenile crime, which rose to 118 for the quarter ended December, 1938, as against 44 for the same period in 1937 ; the figures for 1937 were 165, whilst those for 1938 rose to 281. The increase, in my opinion, is due to the lack of fear of the consequences of their acts, and to the greater liberty allowed children from ten up to seventeen years by their parents.

14

H.—l6

A man was charged with murder, convicted and sentenced to death, the sentence being subsequently commuted to one of life imprisonment. The short facts were that the man had been engaged to marry a young woman, and her mother resented the engagement, which was broken off. Following this, the man, on the night of 14th April, 1938, entered the mother's bedroom and killed her by blows on the head with a 7 lb. hammer. A woman was charged with murder of her husband, and the jury found her guilty of manslaughter, and slie received a sentence of eighteen months' reformative detention. In this case the husband had neglected his wife for other women, and on 12th December, 1938, following an argument, she attacked her husband, who was in bed, with a tomahawk, and inflicted injuries from which he died. The general conduct of the police during the year has been satisfactory, all members taking a keen interest in their duties, which have been well performed, the duties of the Detective Branch being particularly well carried out. Five constables were dealt with during the year for breaches of the regulations, and fines inflicted in each case. Inspector Gibson, Inveroargill District. The strength of the Force in this district on 31st March, 1939, totalled fifty-three, an increase of 1 sergeant, caused by the placing of a sergeant in charge of Bluff Police-station. I again recommend an increase of one constable at Gore, this being essential to provide efficiency, especially for relieving duties at Gore and out-stations attached to Gore sub-district. The offences return for the year ended 31st December, 1938, disclosed a total of 1,108 offences reported, this being a decrease of 6 compared with the previous year. The principal decreases were in theft, assault, and drunkenness. The principal increases were being found unlawfully on licensed premises, breaking, entering, and theft, and false pretences. There has been no serious crime during the year. The conduct of some of the police has been only fair, it having been necessary to severely deal with three members for breaches of the Police Regulations. There are still large numbers of men engaged by the Public Works Department at the Hollyford Valley, Milford Sound, and Haast Pass. This considerably increases the work of and entails long journeys by the constables stationed at Lumsden and Pembroke.

15

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, 1937, and Year ended 31st December, 1938.

16

1937. 1938 Increase or cp m a i Decrease in o o a Results of Cases in which Persons were Number of g g apprehended or summoned. WnT nh fl r ft f Offences 5 w a fc (Charges against Males and Females £r* reported. _ O O g Rflimrfltplv convictions Offences. gag separately.) amongst those 03 ® $ 1 committed * "8-i Committed Summarily nism issed for Trlal - H -g ,S uZ'S for Trial. convicted. Dismissed. , 8 {=! a> fe «>•« a oo2 ■§§, •§!§ g g B « q a> q-g a «h h ! M. F. M. F. M. F. M. F.. § jj CnrMEs and Justices of the Peace Acts, etc. Misleading Justice. Perjury and false oaths .. .. 1 2 2 2.. .. 2 1 False statements and declarations .. 562 397 396 3 .. 386 .. 7 3 .. .. 165 Corrupting juries or witnesses .. .. 1 1 1 .. ..■■<• 1 ' Escapes and Rescues. Escaping from prison or lawful custody 18 30 30 7 23 7 .. 12 Assisting or aiding escape from prison 4 .. .. .... .. .. .... .. .. .. 4 or lawful custody Offences against Religion. Disturbing public worship .. .. 3 .. .. .... .. .. .. 3 Offences against Morality. Unnatural offence .. .. .. 16 27 26 22 1 .. 3 22 .. 11 Unnatural offence, attempted .. 12 5 5 5.. .. 5 .. .. 7 Unnatural offence, assault with intent 1 .. .. .... .. .. .. 1 to commit Indecently assaulting a male .. 73 61 60 48 6 6 35 .. 12 Incest .. .. .. .. 20 21 21 20 .. .. 1 17 1 Indecent acts .. .. .. 19 35 34 7 26 1 9 16 Publishing obscene matter .. .. .. 1 1 1 .. .... .. .. 1 Offences against the Person, <Scc. Neglecting duties tending to the pre- .. 2 2 .... 1 1 .. 2.. servation of life or health Murder .. .. .. .. 4 7 6 42 .. 3 2 3.. Murder, attempted .. .. 5 .. .. .... .. .. .. 5 Manslaughter .. .. .. 3 5 5 31 .. .. 1 2 1 2.. Suicide, attempted .. .. 94 91 91 .... 45 41 3 2.. .. .. 3 Concealment of birth .. .. 4 1 1 .. 1 .. 1 .. 3 Wounding with intent to do grievous 3 4 4 4.. .. 2 .. 1 bodily harm Endangering safety of persons on rail- 1 2 2 .... 2 .. 1 ways or tramways Putting explosive substances in places .. 2 2 2.. .. 2 .. 2.. with intent to do bodily harm Administering poison or other noxious 1 2 2 2.. .. 1 .. 1 things with intent to injure or annoy Assault causing actual bodily harm .. 30 25 23 17 4 2 16 .. 5 Causing actual bodily harm under cir- 4 3 3 1 1 .. 1 .. .. .. 1 cumstances that, if death had been caused, would be manslaughter Assault, indecent .. .. .. 112 102 92 46 34 .. 12 32 .. .. 10 Assault with intent to commit a crime 11 8 7 7.. .. 6 .. .. 3 Assault .. .. .. .. 629 728 713 9 .. 632 15 55 2 6 99 .. Rape .. .. .. .. 5 12 11 10 1 .. 7 7 .. Rape, attempted .. .. .. 15 8 8 7.. 1 6.. .. 7 Carnally knowing girls under sixteen 92 29 29 24 1 .. 4 20 .. 63 years Carnally knowing girls under sixteen 9 9 7 5.. 1 .. 1 3 years, attempts to Carnally knowing idiots or imbecile 1 .. .. .... .. .. .... .. .. .. 1 women Carnally knowing idiots or imbecile 1 .. .. .... .. .. .. 1 women, attempts to Defilement of women or girls, procuring, 1 .. . . .... . . .. .. 1 permitting, or conspiring to induce, &c. Abortion, procuring .. .. 13 13 12 2 6 ,. . . 1 3 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, 1937, and Year ended 31st December, 1938 —continued.

3—H. 16.

17

1937. 1938. Increase or o, I ~ ' Decrease in g § "-a Results of Cases in which Persons were Number of g g $<£ apprehended or summoned. Number of Offences etj m m • (Charges against Males and Females Convictions reported. Offences. ® 5 S separately.) amongst those * °8l — committed o-g ot3 o| m Committed Summarily Dismissed for Trial - .J h'I for Trial. convicted. -Dismissed. . B a S ij <d-H m w U A Js, ■§■§! i ————— § I 3 u P ? S B M. F. M. P. M. P. M. F. Si 1s S5 | >3 H Crimes and Justices of the Peace Acts, etc. —continued. Offences against the Person, die. —cont. Abortion, supplying means of procuring 4 1 1 1 .. •• •• 3 Abortion, procuring own .. . . 1 .. .. .... .. ■ • •. 1 Bigamy .. .. .. .. 12 6 6 5 .. .... 1 5 .. 6 Abduction .. .. .. 6 3 3 .... 3 .. .. 3 Stealing children under fourteen years 1 3 3 .... 1 .. .. 2 .. .. 2 Offences against Rights of Property. Theft (undescribed) .. .. 5,865 6,009 4,601 117 3 3,920 413 135 13 96 2 144 .. Theft, attempted .. .. . . 25 34 34 4 22 4 4 2 .. 9 Theft from the person .. .. 8 14 6 3.. 2.. 1 3.. Theft from the person, attempted .. 2 .. • • • ■ 2 Theft from dwellings .. .. 251 265 140 35 .. 92 4 9 .. 35 14 .. Theft from dwellings, attempted .. 11 10 5 .... 4 1 .. •• 1 Theft by clerks or servants .. .. 75 109 105 57 43 .. 4 1 47 .. 34 Theft of animals (specified) .. .. 46 71 60 15 43 1 1 7 25 Theft of animals, attempted .. 2 4 4 .... 4 •• 2.. False pretences 911 729 672 69 .. 551 34 18 .. 64 ..182 False pretences, attempted .. .. 31 22 22 3 15 4 3 • • 9 Obtaining credit by fraud .. .. 117 127 123 .. .. 115 4 3 1 .. .. 10 False accounting by officials or clerks 12 3 3 .... 3 • • ■ ■ 9 False statements by officials or public 12 1 1 .... 1 •• •• H officers Fortune-telling or practising witchcraft 2 12 12 .... 9 2 .. 1 .. .. 10 Robbery and aggravated robbery .. 8 14 13 12 . . .. 1 8 6 Assault with intent to rob .. .. 3 5 5 3 1 1 2 2 Demanding with intent to steal .. 1 2 2 2.. .. 2 .. 1 Extortion by threats .. . • 2 .. . . .... .. Burglary .. .. .. .. 110 76 59 42 .. 15 1 1 .. 42 .. 34 Burglary, attempted .. .. 11 15 11 8.. 3 8 .. 4.. House or shop breaking, &c. .. 913 1,004 769 327 .. 431 .. 11 .. 318 .. 91 House or shop breaking, &c., attempted 82 111 77 47 21 .. 9 44 .. 29 Being found in dwelli&ghouse by night 1 6 6 .... 5 .. 1 •• •• 5.. Being armed with intent to break or 6 2 2 2.. .. 2.. .. 4 enter Being disguised or in possession of 7 5 5 4.. 1 4.. .. 2 housebreaking implements Receiving property dishonestly obtained 122 98 96 13 72 4 7 13 •. 24 Forgery .. .. ■ . . • 14-3 85 76 41 1 28 3 3 . ■ 36 1, . • 58 Uttering forged documents or false 30 33 29 23 6 22 .. 3 certificates Sending false telegram .. .. 1 3 3 .... 2 .. 1 .. .. 2.. Procuring execution of document by .. 1 1 .... 1 • • 1 .. false pretences Possessing forged bank-notes .. 5 .. .. .... .. Using or possessing machinery, &c., for 2 .. .. .... .. . • • • 2 making revenue or bank-note paper Personation .. .. •• 3 5 5 .... 5 .. 2.. Coin, offences relating to .. • • 3 3 .... 3 .. 3 Arson .. .. • • ■ • 12 15 13 4 3 6 3 3 3 .. Arson, attempted .. .. .. 9 2 1 1 .. Setting fire to crops, attempted .. 1 .. • • .... .. Wilfully placing obstruction on railways 3 2 1. .... 1 Mischief .. .. .. .. 879 838 795 4 .. 738 26 27 .. 4 . . 41 Mischief on railways and tramways .. 7 18 17 .... 14 .. 3 .. . • 11 .. Possessing or making explosive sub- •• 3 3 2.. 1 1 3.. stance, &c., with intent thereby to commit a crime Sending threatening letters .. .. 1 3 3 1 2 1 2.. Threatening acts with intent to intimi- 4 1 1 .... 1 •• •• 3 date Police Offences Act. Breach of the peace or behaviour with 586 712 708 1 .. 656 6 43 2 1 .. 126 intent Cruelty to animals.. .. .. 72 47 46 .... 37 1 8 .. .. .. 25 Drunkenness .. .. .. 4,360 5,202 5,202 .. .. 5,037 149 16 842 .. Drunk while in charge of horses, &c„ or 18 18 18 .... 18 .. .. .. loaded firearms Drunk and disorderly .. .. 171 226 226 .. .. 220 4 2 .. .. 55 Soliciting prostitution .. .. .. 7 7 .... ., 5 .. ' 2 .. .. 7 ..

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, 1937, and Year ended 31st December, 1938—continued.

18

1937. 1938. Increase or cp n a • Decrease in o o § Results of Cases in which Persons were Number of § g See apprehended or summoned. nF Offences 5 5 § rA (Charges against Males and Females p ® E reported. O O go-g flAnaratplv Convictions * Offences. separately.) amongst those <* 03 committed ots o§ Committed Summarily TMa»ninoft* fOT Tria1, „£ for Trial. convicted. Dismissed. . Sa , ob tC 2 || 11 ||g I g I M 3? I a M. F. M. F. M. F. M. F. 1 I S5 55 Zi fl p Police Offences Act—continued. Exposure of person and grossly indecent 222 222 214 8 .. 194 3 8 1 7 acts Using profane, indecent, or obscene 468 542 538 .. .. 511 17 10 .. .. 74 language Vagrancy (idle and disorderly persons, 231 309 308 .. .. 244 37 20 7 .. .. 78 rogues and vagabonds, and incorrigible rogues) Assaulting, obstructing, or resisting 88 163 162 .. .. 146 7 8 1 .. .. 75 constables, &c. Inciting violence, disorder, or lawless- 2 16 16 .... 15 .. 1 .. .. 14 ness Unlawfully using horses, motor-cars, &c. 786 916 752 68 .. 664 2 18 67 .. 130 Unlawfully on premises at night with- 158 147 147 .. .. 129 2 16 .. .. .. 11 out criminal intent Sunday trading .. .. .. 270 163 163 .. .. 125 33 3 2 107 False allegation re commission of offence 6 6 6 .... 5 1 Gaming Act. Common gaming-house, keeping or 112 119 119 .. .. 106 .. 13 ., .. 7 managing, &c. Found in a common gaming-house .. 332 207 207 .. .. 201 .. 6 .. .. .. 125 Gaming with instruments .. .. 50 61 61 .... 59 .. 2 .. .. 11 Publishing advertisements relating to 1 1 1 .... 1 .. .... betting on horse-races Lotteries, unlawfully establishing or 24 10 10 .... 7 12.. .. .. 14 conducting, &c. Betting, unlawful .. .. .. 23 19 19 .... 15 .. 4 .. .. .. 4 Following the occupation of bookmaker 76 120 120 .. .. 106 6 8 .. .. 44 Publishing betting-charts .. .. 36 7 7 .... 4 .. 3 .. .. .. 29 Trespass on racecourse .. .. 30 55 54 .... 50 4 .. 25 Post and Telegraph Act. Illegally opening or delaying postal 1 5 5 .... 5 .. 4.. packets Stealing postal packets, mail-bags, &c. 53 14 12 7 4 1 6 .. 39 Stealing money, &c., from postal packets 8 2 2 .... 2 .. .... .. .. .. 6 Unlawfully opening mail-bags .. 1 3 2 .... .. 2 .. 2.. Fraudulently secreting or detaining mis- .. 3 3 .... 3 .. 3.. delivered mail-bags, &c. Injuring post-office pillars or boxes .. 11 23 23 .... 23 .. 12 Damaging telegraph equipment .. 73 59 56 ., 54 .. 2 .. .. .. 14 Posting indecent postcards or letters .. 2 1 1 .... 1 .. .. 1 False statement re posting postal packet 1 1 1 .... 1 Destitute Persons Act. Failing to maintain wife or children .. 1,895 2,057 1,875 .. .. 1,683 9 179 4 .. .. 162 Failing for fourteen days to pay main- 2,241 2,594 2,451 .. .. 2,219 17 215 .. .. .. 353 tenance moneys Offences by husbands while separation 25 30 30 .... 25 .. 5 .. .. 5 orders are in force Olfences prescribed in sections 52 to 58 6 3 3 .... 3 .. .. 3 of Destitute Persons Act .. Shipping and Seamen Act. Ship-desertion .. .. .. 112 178 101 .... 93 .. 8 66 .. Absent without leave .. .. 13 18 11 .... 11 .. .... .. .. 5 Ofiences against discipline .. .. 2 2 2 .... 2 Embezzling cargo .. .. .. 2 .. .. .... .. .. .... .. .. .. 2 Stowing away .. .. .. 30 32 32 .... 29 .. 2 1 .. .. 2 Licensing Act. Permitting drunkenness or violent 7 1 1 .... 1 .. .. 6 conduct Selling or supplying liquor to intoxi- 6 3 3 .... 2 .. 1 .. .. .. 3 cated persons Permitting gaming, gambling, &c. .. 1 .. . . .... .. .. .. 1 Selling or supplying liquor, or exposing 661 661 661 .. .. 446 42 161 12 for sale, or opening or keeping open premises at unauthorized times Supplying liquor to persons under 54 48 48 .... 31 1 16 .. .. .. 6 twenty-one years Selling or supplying liquor to prohibited 12 15 15 .... 14 .. 1 .. .. 3 persons

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, 1937, and Year ended 31st December, 1938 —continued.

4—H. 16.

19

1937. 1938. I Increase or w tn a • Decrease in a o ""8 Results of Cases in which Persons were Number of g g $ & apprehended or summoned. Offences O O §83 (Charges against Males and Females Co™S reported. Oflences. iaj| separately.) amongst those ° ® w — committed o ■a "3 ■o "S 5 n Committed Summarily ' 0r Tria1, Sf Hi 8*1 forTrial - convkted - ' ' < * f& |& ||| — £ | | w | C | * H M. F. M. F. M. F. M. F. § S Licensing Act—continued. Permitting prohibited persons to be on 4 1 1 .... 1 .. ...... .. .. 3 premises Unlawfully employing females in or 2 2 2 .... 2 about a bar Employing minors in bars .. .. 1 4 4 .... 3 .. 1 .. .. 3.. Illegally supplying liquor to Natives .. 153 101 99 .. .. 87 .. 12 .. .. .. 52 Obstructing Inspectors or refusing 5 1 1 .... 1 .. .. 4 entrance to Inspectors or constables Using bottles with labels more than once 1 .. .. .... .. .. .... .. .. .. 1 Breaches of prohibition orders .. 517 641 636 .. .. 617 13 5 1 .. .. 124 Found on licensed premises after 2,048 1,863 1,859 .. .. 1,723 29 105 2 .. .. .. 185 closing-hours Refusing to quit licensed premises .. 15 30 30 .... 30 .. 15 Selling or exposing liquor for sale 167 107 106 .... 83 10 11 2 .. .. .. 60 without a license Found on premises where liquor was 122 75 75 .... 67 .. 7 1 . . .. .. 47 seized under a warrant Offences against provisions in force in 110 45 45 .... 45 .. .. 65 no-license districts Selling, supplying, or giving liquor to 39 57 54 .... 45 3 3 3.. .. 18 Maoris in Native licensing districts Offences against provisions of no-license 55 100 100 1 85 4 10 .. .. 45 in Native proclaimed areas Supplying liquor to Natives in pro- 98 139 139 .. .. 124 .. 15 .. .. 41 claimed districts Permitting consumption of liquor in 1 16 16 .... 7 .. 9 .. .. 15 restaurants after hours Miscellaneous. Absconding from industrial schools .. 9 23 23 .... 23 .. 14 Bankruptcy offences .. .. 7 7 7 4.. 3 4 Brothels or houses of ill fame, keeping, 6 4 4..1 1 ..2.. 1 .. 2 &c. Children, wilfully ill-treating, neglect- 2 7 6 .... 2 4 .. 5.. ing, abandoning, or exposing Deserting or absenting from His 33 43 25 .... 25 .. 10 Majesty's ships Drunk or behaving in a violent or 16 13 13 .... 12 .. 1 .. .. .. 3 offensive manner, &c., on a railway, &c. Failing to comply with conditions of 135 134 124 .. .. 116 5 3 .. .. .. 1 release under First Offenders Probation Act Habitual criminals or offenders, breach 15 13 11 .... 11 .. .. 2 of conditions of probationary license Indecent Publications Act, offences 5 26 26 .... 26 .. 21 under Opium-smoking, &c. .. .. 96 66 66 .... 62 .. 4 .. .. .. 30 Smuggling .. .. 6 2 2 .... 2 .. .... .. .. .. 4 Trespassing on railway and refusing to 24 33 33 .... 31 2 .. 9 leave, &c. Arms Act, breaches of .. .. 297 333 332 .. .. 325 1 6 .. .. 36 Second-hand Dealers Act, breaches of 7 4 4 .... 3 1 .. .. 3 Motob-vehicles Act. Causing death or bodily injury through 59 73 73 60 2 4 7 30 1 14 reckless driving Being intoxicated in charge of a motor- 634 810 806 1 .. 755 3 47 1 .. 176 vehicle Reckless or negligent driving .. 2,099 1,907 1,894 9 .. 1,650 54 177 4 8 .. 192 Other breaches of Act .. .. 6,975 11,174 11,160 5 .. 10,557 253 316 29 3 .. 4,199 '.. Totals .. .. .. 38,629 44,308 41,618 1,267 20 37,080 1,288 1,859 104 1,106 14 7,435 1756 *, J Y Increase .. .. .. .. .. .. .... .. .. 5,679

H.—l6.

APPENDIX B. Return showing the Strength and Distribution of the New Zealand Police Force on the 31st March, 1939.

20

ii I,I s i i I y sill i -• ii g | ii I. I a 11 MJ U i -• «i -i Stations. |! I S ? | £§&§ Stations. §| I ■§! 11 I $ §J I'f 'f g I | || 9s 5®5»» 9 S SB SS >' i £ .ago® "aftSftSSMS 9S S S • S » " .a B a tS 3 S g®|®8 fe g S B £$ | |"fe fe g -g W ng^g a S tc m o no na« n o o m a «> ® o So oft ■» n So Whangarei District— Hamilton District — Whangarei .. ..]... 1 1 13 2 18 .... continued. ! Dargaville 1 3 4 .... Ngaruawahia 2 2 .. Hikurangi 1 1 .. .. Otorohanga 1 1 .. Houhora 1 1 .. .. Paeroa 2 2 .. .. Kaeo .. 1 1 .. .. Putaruru '.. .. 1 1 .. Kaikohe 2 2 .. .. Raglan 1 1 .. Kaitaia 1 2 3 .. .. Rotorua 1 .. 1 8 10 .... Kawakawa 1 1 .. .. Taupo.. 1 1 .. .. Mangonui 1 1 .. .. Tauranga 1 3 4 .. .. Maungaturoto 1 1 .. .. Te Aroha 2 2 .. Ohaeawai 1 1 .. .. Te Awamutu 2 2 .. Rawene 2 2 .. .. Te Kuiti 1 4 5 .... Ruawai 1 1 Te Puke 1 1 .. Russell 1 1 .. .. TeWhaiti 1 .. Waipu 1 1 .. .. Tokaanu 1 1 .. .. Waihi 1 4 5 .. .. Totals .. .. 1 .. 1 3 31 1 .. .. 2 39 .. .. Totals .. ..1 1 1 6 72 .. .. 1 2 84 1 .. Auckland District — — — Auckland .. 1 2 2 217 107 25 1 615178 .. .. Gisborne District — Avondale 1 1 .. .. Gisborne .. .. 1 .. 1 1 17 .... 1 1 22 .... Balmoral 2 2 .. .. Bartletts 1 1 .. Birkenhead 1 1 .. .. Kaiti .. 1 1 .. .. Ooromandel 1 1 .. . . Makaraka 1 1 .. Devonport 1 • • 4 5 .. .. Matawai 1 1 .. EUerslie J- 2 3.. .. Opotiki 1 2 3 .. 1 Epsom 1 1 .. .. Patutahi 1 1 .. Freeman's Bay 1 5 6 .. .. Ruatoria 2 2 .. Grey Lynn 1 I . . .. Taneatua 1 1 .. Helensvillo 1 1 .. . . Te Araroa 1 1 .. Henderson 2 2 .. .. Te Karaka 1 1 .. Howick 1 I .. .. Tikitiki 1 . 1 Huntly 1 2 3 .. .. Tokomaru Bay 1 1 .. Kingsland Tolaga Bay 1 1 .. Kohimarama 1 1 .. .. Waipiro Bay 1 1 .. Manurewa 1 1 .. .. Whakatane 3 3 .. Mereer ) 1 .. .. — Mount Albert 2 2 .. .. Totals .. .. 1 .. 1 2 36 .. .. 1 1 42 .. 1 Mount Eden 1 • • 10 11 .. .. — Mt. Eden (South) 1 1 .. .. Napier District — Mount Roskill 1 1 .. .. Napier .. .. 1 .. 1 1 16 .... 1 2 22 .... New Lynn • • 1 1 .. .. Bay View 1 1 .. Newmarket 1 2 J2 15 .. ., Carlyle Street 1 1 .. .. Newton 1 3 17 1 22 .... Clive .. 1 1 .. .. Northcote 1 1 .. .. Dannevirke 1 4 5.. .. Onehunga 1 6 7 .. .. Hastings 1 1 12 .. .. 1 1 16 .. Otahuhu 1 5 6 .. .. Havelock North 1 1 .. Papakura 2 2 .. .. Kopuawhara 1 1 .. Papatoetoe 1 1 .. .. Mohaka 1 1 .. Parnell 1 4 5 .. .. Nuhaka 1 1 .. Point Chevalier 1 1 .. .. Ongaonga 1 1 .. Ponsonby 1 4 5 .. .. Ormondville 1 1 .. Port Fitzroy (Great 2 .. Porangahau 1 1 .. .. Barrier) Port Ahuriri 1 3 4.. .. Pukekohe 1 3 4 .. .. Takapau 1 1 .. Queen St. Wharf 1 • • 9 10 .. .. Taradale 1 1 .. (A) Waipawa 1 1 .. Remuera 2 2 .. .. Waipukurau 2 2 .. Surfdale 1 1 .. .. Wairoa 1 3 4 .... Takapuna 2 2 .. .. — — Thames 1 4 5 .... Totals .. .. 1 .. 2 5 53 .... 2 3 66 .... Thames South 1 1 .. .. —■ — Tuakau 1 1 .. .. New Plymouth DisWaiuku 1 1 .. .. trict — Warkworth 1 1 .. .. New Plymouth .. 1 .. 1 2 14 1 .. 1 2 22 .... Wellsford 1 1 .. .. Eltham 2 2 .. .. Whitianga 1 1 .. .. Fitzroy 1 1 .. — Hawera 1.. 6 7 .. .. Totals .. 1 2 2 7 31229 26 1 615 320 2 .. Inglewood 1 1 .. .. — Kaponga 1 1 .. Manaia 1 1 .. Hamilton District — Mokau 1 1 .. .. Hamilton .. .. 1 .. 1 1 26 .... 1 2 32 .... Moturoa 2 2 .. Cambridge 2 2 .. .. Normanby 1 1 .. Frankton Junction 1 3 4 .. .. Opunake 1 1 .. Hamilton East .... 1 1 .. .. Rahotu 1 1 .. Katikati 1 1 .. .. Stratford 1 5 6 .. .. Kawhia 1 1 .. .. Waitara 2 2 .... Kerepehi 1 1 .. .. Whangamomona 1 1 .. Kihildhi 1 1 .. .. — — Matamata 1 1 .. .. Totals .. .. 1 .. 2 3 40 1 .. 1 2 50 .... Morrinsville 2 2 .. ..

H.—l6.

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

21

w' £ £« J -3 42 8j3j8.$£j2<$ , P S <2 ' £ £ -jS 3 <8 b' <$ <$ S? .2 <5 +3$ <R M c ° °S S S £ 0 5 a £ *3 •§ 2 > 2 Ep o.fc 2 « -H 13 Stations. *| |=||| | | §| If || g f I| || Statlons - || |£g]jg | I |1 11 g I f | H II ! m n § iriss! H «§*§ -b-S I .H11IHIIS H «H Wanganui District— Nelson District — Wanganui .. 1 .. .. 1 1 20 .. .. 2 1 26 . . .. Nelson .. .. 1 .. 1 1 13 .... 1 .. 17 .. .. Aramoho .. 1 1 .. .. Blenheim 1.. 7 1 9 .. Castlecliff 1 1 .. .. Collingwood 1 1 Gonville 1 1 .. .. Havelock 1 1 Hunterville 1 1 .. .. Motueka 2 2 .. Mangaweka 1 1 .. .. Murchison 1 1 Manunui 1 1 .. .. Picton 2 2 National Park 1 1 .. .. Port Nelson 1 1 Ohakune 1 1 .. .. Richmond 1 1 Ohura.. 1 1 .. .. Seddon 1 1 .. Ongarue 1 1 .. .. Takaka 1 1 Patea .. 2 2 .. .. Wakefield I 1 .. Raetihi 1 .. 1 .. .. — Raurimu 1 1 .. .. Totals .. .. 1 .. 2 1 32 .... 1 1 38 St. John's (Wa- J 1.. .. 11 nganui) Greymouth D i s - Taihape 1 4 5 .. .. trict— Taumarunui 1 4 5.. .. Greymouth .. .. 1 .... 1 13 .... 1 1 17 .... Waitotara 1 1 .. .. Ahaura 1 1 .. Wanganui East I I .. .. Blackball 1 1 .. Waverley 1 1 .. .. Bruce Bay 1 1 .. .. Brunnerton 1 1 .. Totals .. 1 .. .. 1 3 46 . . .. 2 1 54 .. .. Charleston 1 1 .. .. — Cobden 1 1 .. Denniston 1 1 .. Palraerston North Granity 1 1 District— Hokitika 1 4 5 .. .. Palmerston North .. 1 .. 1 1 22 1 .. 1 3 30 .. .. Kanieri 1 1 Ashhurst I 1 .. .. Karamea 1 1 .. Bulls .. 1 1 .. .. Kumara 1 1 .. Cuba Street 1 1 .. .. Millerton 1 1 .. (Palmerston N.) Otira .. 1 1 Eketahuna 1 1 .. .. Reefton 1 2 3 Eeilding 1 4 5 .... Ross .. 1 1 .. .. Foxton 2 2 .. .. Runanga 1 1 Kimbolton 1 1 .. .. Waiuta 1 1 .. Levin .. 2 2 .. .. Wataroa 1 1 .. Marton ] 2 3 .. .. Westport 1 4 5 Otaki .. 2 2 .. .. — Pahiatua 1 2 3 .. .. Totals .. .. 1 .... 4 40 .... 1 1 47 .... Pongaroa 1 1 .. .. Rongotea 1 I .. .. Christchurch DisShannon 1 1 .. .. trict — Terrace End 1 1 .. .. Christchurch .. 1 1 1 2 8 62 17 1 3 7103 .. .. (Palmerston N.) Addington 1 1 2 .. .. Woodville 1 1 .. .. Akaroa 1 1 .. .. — Amberley 1 1 ,, Totals .. .. 1 .. 1 4 46 1 .. 1 3 57 .... Ashburton 1 6 7 .. .. — Beckenham 1 1 ,. Belfast 1 1 .. Wellington District— Bingsland 1 1 Wellington .. 11 2 19 66 5 1 49 99.... Chatham Islands 1 1 Brooklyn 1 1 .. .. Cheviot 1 1 Carterton 2 2 .. .. Coalgate 1 1 Eastbourne 1 1 .. .. Culverden 1 1 Featherston 2 2 .. .. Darfield 1 1 Greytown 1 1 .. .. Fendalton 1 1 Island Bay 1 1 .. .. Islington 1 X Johnsonville 1 1 Kaiapoi 2 2 Karori 1 1 .. .. Kaikoura 2 2 Kelburn I 1 .. .. Leeston 1 1 Khandallah 1 1 .. .. Lincoln 1 1 Kilbirnic 1 4 5 .. .. Linwood 1 1 Lower Hutt 1 8 .. .. 1 .. 10 .. .. Little River 1 1 Lyall Bay 1 1 .. .. Lower Riocarton 1 1 Martinborough 1 1 .. .. Lyttelton 1 .. 9 10 Masterton 1.. 7.. .. 1.. 9 .. .. Methven 1 1 Miramar 1 1 .. .. New Brighton 1 2 3 Mount Cook 1 3 20 7 31 .. .. North New Brigh- 1 1 Moera.. 1 1 .. .. ton Northland 1 1 .. .. Oxford 1 1 Paekakariki 1 1 .. .. Papanui 1 X Petone 1 .. 8 .. .. 1 .. 10 .. .. Phillipstown 1 1 Seatoun 1 1 .. .. Rakaia 1 1 Taranaki Street 1 3 29 3 36 .. .. Rangiora 1 2 3 Thorndon Quay 1 1 .. .. Riccarton (Upper) 1 1 Tinui .. 1 1 .. .. St. Albans I 2 3.. .. Tinakori Road 1 1 .. .. Southbridge 1 1 Upper Hutt 2 2 .. .. Sumner 1 1 Wadestown 1 1 .. .. Sydenham 1 5 6.. .. Wellington South 1.. 7 8 .. .. Waikari 1 1 Wharf(Wellington) 1 6 1 .... Woolston I 1 Totals .. 1 1 2 618180 15 1 7 9 240 .. .. Totals .. Ill 314121 17 1 3 7169

11-16.

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 Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given ; printing (975 copies), £35 10s.

By Authority: E. V. Paul, Government Printer, Wellington. —1939.

Price 9d.]

22

15 S S S S 8 &8 8 «» 8 «8 8 8 ! S S 8 a 8 S ;» 8 8 •sS 3 J Sc B 3 23 S.£-So £ ■= S3 £3 -Sf £ aS S« « 3 23 SS-Sa I -i .S3 £3 Stations. ».§ S s g g 8 S 3 &3 'af | 8 o | S3 S| Stations. !/§ I '3 I ! | S3'3€|S "8 | § * ©a B 1 d Q « o 11 M M m d » « ® S til) ® r I .S ® (3 « »h a03o, # M bt m Pi 1 <l> <1> .2 Si> r . .2 « S « s| | s i i 11 s *fl i «® O HO flfll fl O O fl .3 m m O HO A fl ® A o o Timaru District — Dunedin District — Timaru .. .. 1 .. 1 1 16 .... 1 1 21 .... continued. Duntroon St. Kilda 1 1 .. Fairlie 1 1 .. .. South Dunedin 1 7 8 .. .. Geraidine 1 1 .. .. Waikouaiti 1 1 .. Glenavy 1 1 .. .. Waitahuna 1 1 .. Hampden 1 1 .. .. Waitati 1 .. .. .... 1 .. .. Kurow 1 1 .. .. Woodhaugh 1 1 .. Oarnaru 1.. 8 9 .. .. — — — —- — Pleasant Point 1 1 .. .. Totals .. 1 1 .. 1 12 90 4 1 3 5118 .. .. St. Andrew's 1 1 .. .. — — Temuka 1 2 3.. .. Invercargill D i s - Waimataitai 1 1 .. .. trict — Waimate 1 3 4 .. .. Invercargill .. .. 1 .. 1 1 20 .... 1 2 26 .... ■— Arrowtown 1 1 .. Totals .. .. 1 .. 2 3 37 .. .. 1 1 45 .. .. Bluff .. 1 2 3 .. .. — — Clinton 1 1 .. Gore .. 1 4 5 .. .. Dunedin District — Half-moon Bay 1 1 .. Dunedin .. 1 1.. 1 9 37 4 1 3 5 62 .. .. Lumsden 1 1 .. .. Alexandra 1 1 .. .. Mataura 1 I Anderson's Bay 1 1 .. .. Nightcaps 1 1 .. Balclutha 2 2 .. .. North Invercargill 1 1 .. Caversham 1 1 .. .. Otautau 1 1 .. Clyde .. 1 1 .. .. Pembroke 1 1 .. Cromwell 1 1 .. .. Queenstown 1 1 .. Green Island 1 1 .. .. Riverton 1 1 .. Kaitangata 1 1 .. .. South Invercargill 1 1 .. Lawrence 1 1 .. .. Tapanui 1 1 .. Maori Hill 1 1 .. .. Tokanui 1 1 .. Middlemarch 1 1 .. .. Tuatapere 1 I Milton 1 1 .. .. Waikaia 1 1 .. Mornington 1 1 .. .. Waikiwi 1 1 .. Mosgiel 2 2 .. .. Winton 1 1 .. Naseby 1 1 .. .. Wyndham 1 1 .. North Dunedin 1 7 8 .. .. North-east Valley 1 1 .. .. Totals .. .. 1 .. 1 3 45 .. .. 1 2 53 .. .. Ophir .. 1 1 .. .. Outram 1 1 .. Owaka 1 1 .. .. Attached to head- 22 4 1 9 .... Palmerston South 1 1 .. .. quarters staff Port Chalmers 1 5 6 .. .. Lent to Cook Islands 1 1 .. .. Portobello 1 1 .. .. Administration Ranfuriy 1 ] Lent to Samoan 1 1 .. Ravensbourne 1 1 .. .. Administration Roslyn 1 1 .. .. On leave prior to 1.. .. 1.. 3 1 6 .. .. Roxburgh 1 1 .. .. retirement St. Bathan's 1 1 .. .. -— St. Clair 1 1 .. .. Grand totals .. 6 15 6 341141107 66 4 3l|561439 3 1 __ M 1 I I _

-p r .„. Number of Estimated of Cost of Police Place ' Police. Population. t0 p™\° a e tlon . per Inhabitant. a. d. New Zealand .. .. .. .. 1,439 1,624,714 1 to 1,129 7 5| Victoria .. .. .. .. 2,283 1,873,760 1 to 821 8 4| New South Wales .. .. .. 3,699 2,735,695 1 to 740 10 0J Queensland .. .. .. .. 1,358 1,004,150 1 to 739 11 7| South Australia .. .. .. 866 595,109 1 to 687 10 6f Western Australia .. .. .. 580 462,461 1 to 797 10 6£ Tasmania .. .. .. .. 281 241,407 1 to 859 10 9