ARMED CONSTABULARY FORCE.

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G.—No. 14,

the year been undisturbed, except by unfounded rumours ; there is a gradual return and increase of country settlers, and the future prosperity of the district, while peace can be so effectually maintained, remains undoubted. Conclusion. —ln conclusion, I may state that, owing to the short period in which I have had command of the district, this report, if considered insufficient, may be excused on that account. I have, &c, H. F. Tueneb, Major, The Commissioner, A.C. Force, Wellington. Inspector A.C., Commanding District.

Enclosure 7 in No. 1. Inspector Tuice to the Commissiohee, Armed Constabulary Force. Sib,— Armed Constabulary District Office, Taranaki, 31st May, 1872. I nave the honor, in compliance with the instructions contained in your Circular No. 89, of the sth April, 1872, and in terms of your Circular No. 47, sth June, 1871, to forward a report upon the various duties performed by the Armed Constabulary Force in the district under my command during the past year. Militakt Duties. Average Strength. —The average strength of the force in this district for the past year, including mounted men, has been 78, all ranks. Parades and Brills. —The force at "Wai-iti and New Plymouth is paraded for inspection twice a week (once in heavy marching order), and occasionally exercised in light-infantry movements. In addition to the usual parades, the force has been put through a course of musketry. Field Operations. —During the year no active operations of this nature have taken place, but the force is occasionally marched out for field exercise, &c. Patrols and Scouts, —The non-commissioned officer in charge of theOkato Station has orders to patrol between his post and the newly-erected telegraph station and neighbourhood three or four times a •week. No other regular patrol is required, but could be at once established, if necessary. Conveyance of Mails and Despatches. —No alteration in the conveyance of mails or despatches has taken place. As last year, regular communication is established between the different posts and headquarters twice a week. Escorts, Guards, Sfc— Escorts continue to bo furnished by the mounted men whenever required, for the conveyance of arms, stores, or prisoners. At Wai-iti, a sergeant and six men mount guard daily during the day; a picquet of two ia furnished by the guard, and stationed at a point overlooking the approaches to the Camp. Target Ranges.— Since the removal of the bushrangers' camp, a new 600 yards range has been cleared at Wai-iti, in close proximity to the Camp, affording every facility for target practice, and a proper butt has also been erected for the convenience of the markers. Issuers and Storekeepers. —An issuer is allowed to the contractors, as last year. The District Clerk acts as issuer of clothing, arms, &c.,at New Plymouth. Erection of Redoubts and Stockades. —No new field works have been erected, but all necessary repairs to the various redoubts, including the renovation of the Okato Stockade, have been effected from time to time as required during the year. Civil Duties. Prevention of Crime. —Every assistance has been afforded to the civil police for the preservation of order at the different race meetings, &c, and whenever required. A store having been broken into at Wai-iti, the stolen property was traced, and the offenders arrested, and convicted on the evidence of the members of the force. Census. —Six men were placed at the disposal of Mr. C. D. Whitcombe, the Enumerator, to collect the agricultural statistics of the Province, which duty was performed expeditiously and well. Public and Useful Woeks. About 37 chains of road, 27 feet wide, have been formed on the track between the Mimi and Wai-iti Rivers. A slip on the Oneiro Hill repaired, and the road partially re-made. A track round the base of the cliff at Wai-iti has been cut through the rock for several chains, enabling horsemen to avoid a point frequently dangerous, and avail themselves of the beach at half-tide. Various repairs of a necessary but less important nature have been performed at different points of the road. Bridges. —A substantial bridge has been built over the Waiau Stream near Tikorangi, on the North Inland Eoad, and about 10 chains of approaches formed thereto. A substantial horse bridge has been erected over the Kaiauai Stream. The timber and other plant required for this bridge was found by the Provincial authorities, who lent every assistance in their power. An important bridge is now in course of construction over the ITrenui River, and will be pushed on as expeditiously as possible, the scarcity of timber hitherto causing some delay. About 16,000 feet of heavy timber has been sawn and drawn out already, and a party is employed cutting approaches, &c. Somes, Stables, Sfc.—A. large whare has been erected at Wai-iti, answering the purposes of a general mess and reading room, theatre, &c. A room at Marsland Hill has been fitted up as a gymnasium, and a rough gymnasium in the open has been erected at Wai-iti. 4