BY ARMED CONSTABULARY.

9

D.^Mo. ie.

that they shall do duty in time of peace, as well as in time of war, and lays down what that duty is. Following the example of early colonizers in other countries, the Government has entered upon an extensive system of road making, which the Armed Constabulary of all ranks are, wherever practicable, instructed to forward to the best of their ability. Of all the mistakes which are occasionally made by young soldiers, there is none greater than the belief that the use of the pick and shovel is degrading to the profession; it is a fallacy put forth by the idle and careless; and the proof that proficiency with axe and spade is a necessary adjunct to any force of armed men, is to be found over and over again in the pages of historians. In the second place, having assembled an efficient force, it is the aim of the Government to keep it in this state by preserving it in proper health, and keeping up its bodily and mental powers. The results accruing from a state of inaction at a frontier outpost are familiar to Colonial Forces, and it must be expected that men who have been shut up for months in a redoubt, without any exercise will, when called upon suddenly to take the field, and march heavily laden and without cover at night, break down under the sudden strain put upon them, with the results to themselves of impaired constitutions, and to the country of the loss of whatever their previous services may have cost, and of their absence when most urgently required for active service. Both therefore for the well being of the force itself, and for the advantage of New Zealand, the employment of the Armed Constabulary on road work is a step considered by the country at large as one of the highest importance, and one which has largely increased the favor with which the force is regarded. With a view of stimulating the exertions of every individual member in it, and of proving that it is not only in the field that merit can exhibit itself and meet with proper reward, but that diligence and zeal can be as well appeciated in times of peace, the Government have decided that notice shall be taken of energy and talent displayed on road works by individuals, just as if they had distinguished themselves in action. It must be remembered that spasmodic activity will not be recognised, but that continuous good service on whatever works members of the Armed Constabulary maybe employed, will serve as a recommendation for advancement. I have, &c, The Officer Commanding. Donaxd M'Lean.

Enclosure 2 in No. 9. Memoeandum Confidential. Officees commanding districts will, from time to time, send in to the Commissioner's office confidential reports, giving the names of officers, non-commissioned officers, and constables who display especial zeal or ability on the works on which they are employed; and vice versa, shewing those who through carelessness, laziness or incapacity, do not come up to the required standard, and whose services could in consequence be dispensed with. A report of this kind, retrospective, is to be sent in by the 30th June. Donald M'Leait. The Inspector in charge.