H.—l6.

6

arrested at Tarawera. When brought before the Resident Magistrate's Court, he pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to three months' imprisonment in Napier Gaol. After completion of sentence, he was dismissed the Force. His Excellency the Governor visited this district in March. Two mounted constables left for Napier on 15th January, to attend the Hon. Sir Donald McLean, and returned on 4th March. On the 4th February, Sergeant Walker had to carry the Post Office mail from Taupo to Ohinemutu, owing to the neglect of the contractor in forgetting the same. Two deaths have occurred during the twelve months —namely, Sergeant-Major Leslie and constable Andrehen. Captain Humfrey inspected all Defence and Public Works stores, tools, &c, on issue to the district in May, 1876. Lieut.-Colonel Lyon, Acting-Commissioner, inspected the Taupo district in December, 1875, and found the men, barracks, buildings, &c, clean, and in excellent order. I have, &c., D. Scannell, Inspector A.C, The Commissioner A.C. Force, Wellington. Commanding Taupo District.

Enclosure 5 in No. 1. Inspector Lyon, Waikato District, to the Commissioner, Armed Constabulary Force. Armed Constabulary District Office, Waikato, Sir,— Hamilton, 20th May, 1876. In compliance with instructions contained in Circular Memorandum 181, of the 25th ultimo, I have the honor to forward, for your information, the following report of the duties performed by the Armed Constabulary in this district during the past year:— Military Duties. Average Strength of Officers and Men. —-The average strength of the Armed Constabulary in this district during the past year has been 4 officers, 2 surgeons, 1 acting veterinary surgeon, 17 noncommissioned officers, and 113 constables. Parades and Drills. —Divine service parade every Sunday at 10.30 a.m.; heavy marching order parade and drill once a week. There also have been inspection parade and drill for the officer commanding the district on his monthly visit to each station. The annual course of musketry instruction was conducted at head quarters commencing on the 11th November, 1875, and terminating on the 9th of March, 1876. Mails and Despatches. —A weekly mail is conveyed by mounted orderlies on Thursdays from Hamilton to Te Awamutu and Kihikihi, and on Fridays from Kihikihi and Te Awamutu to Hamilton. On Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, one from Kihikihi to Te Awamutu, to meet the subsidized mail running between Hamilton and Alexandra. A weekly mail is carried between Harapepe and Alexandra, and a bi-weekly one between Alexandra and Paterangi, as also frequent specials between Hamilton and Cambridge. Communication has also been maintained between head quarters and the out-stations by mounted orderlies. Escorts and Guards. —A party consisting of one non-commissioned officer and six constables proceeded to Auckland to do duty at Government House on the arrival of His Excellency the Governor from Wellington, and will remain until he takes his departure South. Two mounted non-commissioned officers and four constables attended His Excellency and staff on their tour through Waikato to the Lake District. Another party of one non-commissioned officer and six constables proceeded to Auckland to augment the police during the stay of the Naval Squadron in harbour. Escorts have also been frequently required in conducting prisoners to the Auckland and Ngaruawahia Gaols. Night guards at the various outposts, according to the strength of the detachments, have been regularly maintained. Target Ranges. —A target range of 800 y.irds has been cleared at Hamilton, and a new marker's butt erected. At Cambridge and Alexandra the ranges have been kept clear and in good order. Issuers and Storekeepers. —Sergeant White is employed as storekeeper and issuer at head quarters. Erection of Redoubts and Stockades. —No new redoubt or stockade has been erected during the past year. Civil Duties. A constable is specially employed upon civil duties at each township in the district, receiving the assistance of others as necessity may arise. Sergeant McGovern is assistant clerk of the Court at Hamilton, and constable Kirk clerk at Alexandra. Sergeant Bernard is attached to the Immigration Department, and receives and distributes the immigrants (of which there have been a considerable number) on arrival from Auckland. Six non-commissioned officers and constables were again employed in collecting the agricultural statistics of the Electoral Districts of Waikato and Waipa. Public and Useful Works. Road Work. —On the Patrol Boad, between Pukekura and Rotorangi, 39 chains of swamp have been formed, for which 1,990 fascines were used, and well covered with ballast. The party employed, on completion of this work, proceeded to Martyn's Bridge, between Hamilton and Cambridge, to fill in the approaches to a stone culvert, which has been built by members of the Force. Between Heathers' Creek and Te Rore 250 chains of road have been formed, and fascined where necessary, with a ditch cut on each side. At Ohote Creek, between Whatawhata and Heather's Creek, a small party have been employed at a very bad spot: 21 chains of road have been formed, and they are now engaged on a sidling. A party have also been employed between Orakau and Rangiawhia, and have performed good work on a piece of swamp hitherto nearly impassable. 4,600 fascines were cut, laid, and well covered with earth: five men of this party have been employed off and on cutting and preparing timber for a bridge on the Patrol Road. In consequence of the constant demand for men for the Auckland District, and the detachment.-, required at the present time for duty there, the strength of the different road parties has necessarily been small.