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2

In the absence of any arrangements for the classification of prisoners in the Mount Eden Gaol, the want of a Reformatory in Auckland is much felt; and as there is a large number of juvenile delinquents, the establishment of such an institution would certainly be followed there, as in other places, with satisfactory results. In connection with " The Arms Act, 1569," tho small force set apart under Inspector Thomson for giving effect to its provisions has had great difficulties to contend against, as the knowledge that special attention was directed to offences against the Act naturally caused the utmost caution to be observed by offenders. Nevertheless, in two out of the three cases which were brought to light during the past year, convictions were obtained, and heavy sentences passed on the accused. The services of this branch of the force have not, however, been exclusively confined to the detection of offences under the Arms Act alone, but have been extended to the suppression of crime generally, by which means the perpetrators of several grave offences have been brought to justice. I attach more importance, however, to the certainty that the illegal traffic in arms and ammunition has diminished since the existence of a force specially set apart for its prevention became known. I attach the report of Captain Stack, the Officer Commanding the Depot, and Instructor of Musketry of Armed Constabulary. He observes upon the annual training, and points out tho improvement in the shooting of the Force, as evidenced by the five following facts : — 1. That the figure of merit is higher than it was last year. 2. That there are a greater number of marksmen this year than last, though the strength of the Force is somewhat less. 3. That the shooting of winners of Armed Constabulary Prizes (20 men) was throughout better than last year. 4. That the number of men qualified for representatives at the Colonial Prize Firing was nearly three times what it has hitherto been. 5. That of the representatives there were more winners of prizes at the Colonial Meeting, one mounted sergeant coming within two points of tho score of tho Cavalry Champion for the year. This officer has carried on the duty of training and disciplining the recruits at the Depot well, expeditiously, and to my entire satisfaction. In concluding this report, I would venture to say that, should the services of tho Armed Constabulary bo required in the field, judging from their training and character, they will be found an efficient and reliable Force. I have, &c, W. Moule, Lieut.-Colonel, Tho Hon. the Native Minister. Commissioner A.C. Force.

/Enclosure 1. Inspector Lyon to the Commissioner, Armed Constabulary Force. Sir, — Head Quarters, Cambridge, 16th June, 1873. In accordance with instructions contained in Circulars No. 122 and 47, I have the honor to submit the following report for the information of the Hon. the Native Minister: —■ Military Duties. Average Strength. —The average strength of the Armed Constabulary Force in Waikato District from the Ist June, 1872, to 31st May, 1873, was 7 officers and 140 non-commissioned officers and constables. Parades and Drills. —The usual Divine service and heavy marching order parades were held at each station during the year. When the men were in quarters during the winter months, their time was occupied from 9 a.m. till 4 p.m. in Company and Light Infantry drill, and station fatigues. In addition, the whole force iv the district was put through the annual course of musketry instruction. Patrols. —Parties of the Armed Constabulary, consisting each of 1 sergeant and 5 constables, from Orakau and Kihi Kihi, patrolled from an hour before until an hour after daylight the banks of Puniu River on tho frontier line outside all settlements, meeting at the Tokanui Ford. These patrols were commenced on the 25th April. Small bodies of the Te Awamutu and Cambridge Volunteer Cavalry Corps have been employed patrolling in front of their respective districts. Mails and Despatches. —From the 20th June, 1872, to the 21st December, 1872, a weekly mail between Hamilton, Te Awamutu, and Alexandra, was carried by a trooper of the Armed Constabulary, but was discontinued on Mr. Quick taking the mail contract. Despatches have been conveyed by the mounted men of the force from head-quarters to out-stations, and vice versa. Escorts and Guards.- —Escorts have only been needed for the conveyance to Auckland Gaol of prisoners sentenced to imprisonment by the Resident Magistrate, except on one occasion, when ammunition for the Te Awamutu Cavalry A'olunteers was sent from Alexandra to Kihi Kihi. A guard of honor consisting of 1 officer, 4 non-commissioned officers, and 50 constables was in attendance on His Excellency the Governor during his stay in Ngaruawahia, in the month of March, 1872. Night guards were mounted at all the frontier stations when there were men available for the purpose. Target Banges. —New rifle ranges, 1,000 yards in length, with the necessary butts and mantlets, were made at Alexandra and Ngaruawahia Stations, but in the latter the distance beyond 600 yards has not been marked off. Telegraph Linemen. —Two members of the Armed Constabulary Force are employed at the present time, one at Cambridge and the other at Alexandra. Occasional assistance has been afforded to the Telegraph Department in repairing the lines when out of order.