H.—l6.

10

Fencing Paddocks. —At Pukearuhe, 14 chains of post-and-rail fence has been split and put up in the Government paddock, and 7 chains of fencing along the edge of the cliffs. The ditch and bank fence round the Government paddock has been repaired, and the ditches cleaned out. The fence round the paddock at New Plymouth has been kept in repair, and all other necessary work promptly attended to. Remarks. I have much pleasure in again reporting favourably of the general conduct of the Force in this district. The men have been kept usefully employed, and worked as well as can possibly be expected when it is taken into consideration that most of them (excepting the bridge party) are totally unused to manual labour. I bave noticed a considerable improvement in drill, and can safely say that quite two-thirds of the men are now fair average shots, in a great measure owing to private practice, which I continue to encourage as much as possible. The mounted party at Okato have carried the daily telegrams over 22,000 miles since my last report, without accident and in all weathers, for which they deserve credit. The bridge party has had to contend with many unforeseen difficulties, and have now completed their work satisfactorily. I should here mention that the piles of the Urenui Bridge, which sunk some inches, and were re-driven under the direction and superintendence of the District Engineer, have again sunk owing to some peculiarity in the strata, showing conclusively that no blame could attach to the constabulary work in the first instance. I would venture to suggest that the Force should be concentrated for at least a month or six months annually, and instructed in field work of all sorts in addition to drill. Such a course would, I am satisfied, prove beneficial, especially to recruits who have but little opportunity of instruction in this respect, while so many men are required for road and other work. I have, &c, Arthur Tuke, The Commissioner, Armed Constabulary. Inspector, Armed Constabulary.

Enclosure 8 in No. 1. Inspector Richardson, Wairoa District, to the Commissionee, Armed Constabulary Force. Armed Constabulary, Wairoa District, Te Kapu, Sir,— 13th May, 1876. In compliance with Circular Memorandum No. 181 from your office, I have the honor to forward, for your information, the following annual report of the duties, &c, performed by the Armed Constabulary Force, Wairoa District, during the past twelve months : — Military Duties. Average Strength of Force in District. —One inspector, 2 sub-inspectors, 1 surgeon, 6 non-commis-sioned officers, 7 mounted and 40 foot constables. Nature of Parades and Drills. —Divine service parades every Sunday; heavy marching order and inspection parades once every week; general inspection and drill at out-stations by officers commanding district monthly; weekly inspection of horses and mounted men's appointments by officer in charge of stations. Since the employment of the Force on road works, the road parties are drilled monthly. The annual course of musketry was commenced on 11th November, 1875, and finished on 26th February, 1876. Patrolling and Scouting. —No duties of this nature are now required, except at Onepoto Station, from whence a patrol is occasionally sent out in the Government boat on Lake Waikaremoana. All Native settlements in the district are also occasionally visited, but without any appearance of espionage. Conveying Mails and Despatches. —From Onepoto and Ohuka to head quarters, weekly mail; from Te Keinga and Opoiti, weekly; and from Marumaru, bi-weekly communication; between Wairoa and Mahia, an orderly every fortnight, alternating with the contract mail; between Clyde and Te Kapu, an orderly daily; the mail from Te Kapu Post Office to Clyde Post Office being also conveyed bi-weekly. Urgent despatches have been frequently sent to Onepoto, on application from Messrs. Locke and Hamlin. One sergeant was sent to Poverty Bay, with books, papers, &c, belonging to Native Lands Court under Judge Rogan ; and one mounted constable was sent to Poverty Bay with election papers. A mounted constable is also detailed to act as orderly to Judge Rogan. Escorts, Guards, &jc. —At Onepoto, two men were mounted nightly, until that station was reduced to its present strength, since which time one constable acts as night-watchman. At Te Kapu, stable and barrack orderlies by day, and night-watchman. At the other stations also night-watchmen are told off. In June, 1875, a Native prisoner was escorted to the Mahia, and handed over to the Gisborne police. Making and improving Target Ranges. —At Te Kapu, Ohuka, Marumaru, and Onepoto Stations, the ranges have been cleared and kept in good order and repair ; butts, platforms, and mantlets being erected. Issuers and Storekeepers. —One non-commissioned officer (Sergeant Williams) is appointed substorekeeper for the district under the Public Stores Act. Assistance is also rendered towards cleaning spare arms belonging to Militia and Volunteers in store. The Force in the district messing themselves, no issuers are required. At the different stations and road parties the officers and sergeants are held responsible for all tools, both Public Works and Defence. Erection of Redoubts and Stockades. —No fresh works of this nature have beeu constructed. At each station the redoubts have been kept in repair, and in some cases partly rebuilt. The brick magazine at Te Kapu has been covered with a coat of cement.