3

H.—l4.

Issuers and Storekeepers. —One sergeant of the Armed Constabulary acts as storekeeper to the force, to issue on requisition. Erection of Bedoubts and Stockades. —When I forwarded my last report, the redoubt at Alexandra was in course of erection, and was finished on the 3rd October, 1872. The length of time occupied in building this work w ras caused by the small number of men available for this duty the majority of the force being employed on road work, and undergoing their annual course of musketry instruction. A bastioned redoubt at Rotorangi (an island in the Moanatuatua Swamp, about eight miles from Cambridge and one mile off the New Swamp Road between Cambridge and Rangiaowhia) was commenced on the 23rd May, 1873, and finished on the 12th June, 1873. An average of 20 men was employed during that time. This work is now garrisoned by 28 men (all ranks), and is capable on emergency of holding from 60 to 70 men. Great credit is duo to the officer in command, Major and Sub-Inspector Clare, and the non-commissioned officers and constables, for the rapidity with which the redoubt was completed, as well as the excellence of the work put in. It is built of couchgrass sods, and there is reason to believe it will last for a length of time. Another redoubt, overlooking two of the fords of the Puniu River, on a hill half-way between Kihi Kihi and Alexandra and about three miles from Te Aw ramutu, is in course of erection by the Native Contingent under Sub-Inspector Tregear. On my last visit there I was much pleased with the amount of work performed and the manner in which it was done. A redoubt 50 feet by 50 feet, with two flanking angles, has been erected at Kihi Kihi. Other redoubts are in progress, a report of which will be forwarded on completion, together with plans showing the construction and relative positions. Civil Duties. —One or more constables have been specially appointed at each station for the prevention of crime and detection of criminals. The Resident Magistrate's Courts at Hamilton, Cambridge, Alexandra, and Ngaruawahia is attended by a member of the force, who acts as clerk, issues summonses, &c. The same duties are also performed for the Coroner of the district when required. Members of the Armed Constabulary were employed in the month of March taking the agricultural statistics of tho district in accordance with instructions. Useful Works. —At Alexandra, the graves of the soldiers of the Imperial army who fell in action at Wai-iri were enclosed with a bank and ditch and paling fence. The officers' quarters were repaired, and the old barracks, with detached kitchen, pulled down and removed into the redoubt. The new barracks are well on towards completion, and are commodious and comfortable, being lined and ceiled throughout. There are six large rooms capable of accommodating 14 men, but only one (the largest), 24 x 21 feet, is at present in use as a room by the men, it being sufficient for the garrison not including non-commissioned officers. No. 2 room, non-commissioned officers ; No. 3 room, surgery and sick ward ; No. 4 room, temporary magazine ; No. 5 room, empty; No. 6 room, readingroom. A brick chimney with double flue has been built, one fire-place in the reading-room, and the other in room No. 5. A kitchen has been built with two rooms —one for cooking range, and the other a large dining-room, with tables for thirty men to sit at one time. The fresh timber,. &c, required for re-erection of barracks, &c, amounts to 14,150 feet and 48,000 shingles, all cut and split by the Armed Constabulary Force. At Cambridge tho works during the year have been limited in extent, owing to the small number of men at disposal in the station. At Kihi Kihi, during the last twelve months, barrack accommodation has been erected. The building is 30 feet by 30 feet, with 10 feet studs, divided into four rooms, viz.,— One sleeping-room, 30 feet x 15 feet; One with brick chimney, 20 feet x 15 feet; One for non-commissioned officer, 10 feet x 7 feet; One for library, 10 feet X 7 feet. The old quarters have been converted into stables, 30 feet x 16 feet, with four stalls and a forage-room. A magazine 8 feet x 6 feet, with 5-feet studs, has been built in one of the flanking angles of the redoubt, of timber and galvanized iron. A flagstaff 46 feet high has been erected. Barracks and officers' quarters have been thoroughly painted at Orakau. The blockhouse at this station, besides being painted, has been repaired, re-blocked, and stayed ; also the palisading strengthened by another row of posts. A well 60 feet deep has been sunk inside the palisading, which affords a good supply of water. Substantial windlasses and well-heads have been provided for Kihi Kihi and Orakau. At Hamilton new blocks were cut and placed under the barracks and Government offices. A brick chimney has been built in the barracks. A magazine built of timber and galvanized iron has been erected on the hill behind the Government Offices, and a small earthwork, with two flanking angles, was built around it. A gymnasium 40 feet by 20 feet, with 12-feet studs, containing 8,000 feet timber and 13,000 shingles, is nearly finished; but in consequence of head-quarters being removed to Cambridge, only one carpenter has been left to complete it. A building for a mess-room, attached to the kitchen, has been built. At Ngaruawahia no work has been executed except the ordinary station fatigues. Public Works. —The return of works done by the Armed Constabulary in this district, under the Public Works Department, is shown in attached return, furnished by the Resident Engineer. Bemarks. —l have much pleasure in stating that the principal work of the Armed Constabulary during the past year —namely, that of road making —has been performed in a most satisfactory manner, and I think I may venture to assert that it is much appreciated by the settlers. The road across the Moanatuatua Swamp is completed so far as its formation, though as yet it is only partially gravelled. Great credit is due to the men of the force employed on this work.