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1875. NEW ZEALAND.

ARMED CONSTABULARY FORCE. (ANNUAL REPORT OF COMMISSIONER.)

Presented to both Souses of the General Assembly by Command of Sis ZExcellency.

No. 1. The Acting Commissioner, Armed Constabulary Force, to the Hon. the Native Ministee. Sic, — Armed Constabulary Office, "Wellington, 30th June, 1875. In compliance with clause No. 159, of the Armed Constabulary Eegulations, I have the honor to submit the following report for the year ending 30th June, 1875 : — Being merely in command of the Armed Constabulary during the absence (on leave) of the Commissioner, and only having taken over that command on the 11th March last, I have been unable since that time to visit the several districts and inspect the various posts in occupation by the Force. I must therefore base this report on the information to be gathered from the returns received weekly and monthly, as well as the annual reports from officers commanding districts, which are hereto annexed, showing the military and civil duties, public and useful works, on which the members of the Force have been employed in their respective districts. At tho close of the last financial year, the Force consisted of GGB of all ranks. During the year there have been 211 enrolled and 142 discharged, leaving the strength at the close of the year 737. (Vide Tables 1, 2, 3.) The Native Contingent, under the command of Captain Mair, and consisting of 2 officers, 3 sergeants, and 39 privates, also that under the command of Captain Preece, consisting of 2 officers, 5 sergeants, and 41 privates, have been amalgamated with the Armed Constabulary—the former on the Ist October, 1874, and the latter on the Ist January, 1875. There are fifty-six stations in this island, exclusive of Auckland and the depot, "Wellington, in occupation by the Armed Constabulary, being an increase of five during the year. The efficiency in the use of the Snider rifle is well maintained, and is due in a great measure to the zeal displayed by the District Musketry Instructors, as well as by the interest taken by the Force generally. It appears, by the report of the Musketry Instructor of the Force, that the percentage of Marksmen this year is much greater than last, and that forty-six members of the Force qualified for Colonial Prize Firing, being an increase of four in the year. Four men attended the meeting as Government representatives, and thirteen at their own expense. The Cavalry Champion Belt was won by a mounted member of the Force ; and a foot constable tied with the winner of the Infantry Belt. There were thirty-five other prizes taken by members of the Armed Constabulary. During the year 600 Snider carbines were imported from England to replace the medium Snider rifles on issue to the Force, but on arrival it was discovered that, instead of short saw-backed knife bayonets, they had long sword bayonets, very unsuitable either when fixed on the carbines or for use in the bush. They have since been issued to the Volunteer Artillery throughout both islands. Subsequently 700 short Snider rifles with saw-backed bayonets have arrived, and are now being issued to the Force. I beg to draw attention to the exhaustive report submitted by Inspector Broham, of the Auckland Police, and consider that great credit is due to that officer and those under his command for the very effectual manner the duties have been performed, especially when it is taken into consideration the insufficient number of men employed. Notwithstanding the large annual increase to the population, no addition is made to the Police Force, and it is only with the utmost exertions of the police the graver cases of crime receive due attention. Petty thefts, &c, to a great extent remain unpunished, owriug to the paucity of constables. The remarks on the operation of the Destitute Persons' Belief Ordinance are well worthy of consideration. In conclusion, I have much pleasure in stating that the discipline of the force is well maintained. But few constables are brought before their officers, except for offences of a trivial nature, crime being unknown. I have, &c. William C. Lyon, Lt.-Col., The Hon. the Native Minister. Acting Commissioner A.C. I—H. 10.