Ha—l 6,

2

The men's quarters, arms, &c, were clean and in good order. At the Thames I found the detachment under Sub-Inspector Bullen in a satisfactory state, though I consider there are hardly sufficient constables to do the work. A great proportion are married men. At Tauranga the men paraded for my inspection in heavy marching order. I had no fault to find; arms, accoutrements, Government property, in good order. I observe that the kit was worn across the shoulder instead of knapsack fashion. At Oropi I inspected the road party (Native) in charge of Sub-Inspector Gascoigne, and was much struck by their clean and soldier-like appearance. This is the first time I had seen the Native part of the Force. I rode on to Taupo, and was met there by Inspector Scannell. There were but few men at the station, being at head-quarters for musketry instruction. After inspecting the station, which was most satisfactory in every respect, I went in a Government w*agon to Opepe ; remained there next day (Sunday). The men turned out in heavy marching order, in a highly creditable manner. Inspected the barrack-rooms, Government property, magazine, books in the orderly-room, and found all in good order. Next day I went on by coach to Tarawera, Sub-Inspector Carlyon in charge, and remained there the night. The men at the station were employed on the line of road towards Napier repairing damages done by heavy rains. From Napier I went to Gisborne by the s.s." Bangatira." Sub-Inspector Gudgeon came from Ormond. As the steamer remained only a few hours, I had not time to visit that post, and the road, owing to the heavy rains, was nearly impassable. At Gisborne I inspected all the Government property, block-house, &c, and found everything in good order. In conclusion, I beg to state, from what I have seen during my tour through the districts already mentioned, I consider tbe Force is in a most efficient state, and a credit in every way to the colony. During my term of offioe as Commissioner, there has been no instance of any serious crime. I have discharged a few men whom I considered as detrimental; and I may further add it has been my aim, during your absence, to carry out the same system as laid down by you, and have in no instance that I am aware in any way departed from it. I have, &c, William C. Lyon, Lieut.-Colonel, The Commissioner Armed Constabulary, Wellington. Inspector Armed Constabulary.

Enclosure 2 in No. 1. Inspector St. John to the Hon. the Native Minister. Sic, — Wairoa, 29th December, 1875. I have the honor to report that, in accordance with your instructions, I have inspected in the Wairoa the Armed Constabulary stations as under: — Te Kapu, Ohuka, Marumaru, Onepoto. Te Kapu. —Te Kapu Station, under the charge of Sub-Inspector Bennett, now on the sick list, was inspected on Thursday, 23rd instant. The strength on parade was as per annexed state, the constables at tbis post being 16 for duty and 4 mounted men. I paraded the men ; they were clean and smart ; arms in good order; boots, great coats, and waterproof sheets the same. They were put through drill by Inspector Bichardson, and acquitted themselves fairly. The stores were next seen. Here I found old Enfield rifles and ammunition, which I recommend should be sent to the general store in Wellington. The powder magazine is good. On the subject of saddlery, I forward the proceedings of a Board assembled by my order. Some fresh issue is needed at this post. I learn from Inspector Bichardson and the men who use them, that the saddles obtained in Sydney are thought highly of. The horses at this station, and all of those in the Wairoa, are in first-rate condition, and it is evident, from their appearance, that Inspector Bichardson looks after them well. The feed has been so good that he has been enabled to put his horses on half-rations, thereby effecting a saving. I also find that he has got out of the Government paddock a stack of bay, which should last well over the next winter. The books were found to be kept in very good order, and all the buildings, library, &c, were in a state deserving of praise. Weekly State and Distribution. —On Parade : 1 inspector, 1 sergeant-major, 1 first-class sergeant, 1 second-class sergeant, 4 mounted constables, 16 foot constables ; total, 24. On road work: 2 foot constables. At Ohuka : 1 second-class sergeant, 1 sub-inspector (sick). Marumaru. —At this station I only found one non-commissioned officer and a mounted constable, the other two constables who compose the station being at road work. The buildings (slab huts) are in a shocking state from wet getting through them, and I strongly recommend that this station be abolished. This will give a non-commissioned officer to Te Kapu, and put the two men from it at road work on the strength of Te Kapu. Ohuka. —l inspected this station on my way to Waikaremoana. It consists of a sergeant, one mounted man, and two foot constables. Everything was in good order. I find the two foot constables are necessary here, as this is a pack-horse resting-place, and the daily work cannot be carried on with less. Onepoto. —l then visited Onepoto, the strength being 1 sub-inspector, 2 sergeants, 1 mounted constable, 14 foot constables. The usual inspection took place here, and I had no fault to find with the men of the station, except that they were somewhat slow at the little drill Sub-Inspector McLean put them through before me. The buildings for the men are old, and in a thorough state of disrepair. In such an exposed situation it is really necessary that some fresh buildings should be put up before the winter. Inspector Bichardson has had men sawing, but now he has notice from Heri Wharerangi that sawing is to be stopped in the only bush near Onepoto, where suitable timber is to be procured.