I.— &A,

2

proceedings. In one case when, notwithstanding tbe remonstrance of the prosecutor, the police declined to take up a case of forgery, and where a conviction was obtained by the perseverance of a private individual, the action of the Inspector was inexcusable. 3. Favouritism and Partiality in recommending and objecting to Publicans' Licenses, and in the general Supervision of Publichouses. —This charge has not been made out; but the Committee is satisfied, on the evidence, that too much power has been left to the police in this district, and that practically a recommendation or objection on the part of the police without further evidence has bad too much weight in the granting and refusal of licenses. 4. Laxity of Discipline and Breach of Regulations. —There has been considerable laxity with respect to the police regulations. Under the system recently inaugurated, matters have improved in this respect; but the police have been too much in the habit of frequenting publichouses, and a policeman appears in one case at any rate to have been allowed to live in one. Charges have been made against the police of improperly accepting rewards from private individuals for duty clone. There is no evidence of corrupt intention, but officers have been open to suspicion in consequence of the prevalence of a bad system. No reward should be given for police services by private individuals, except through the bead of the department, who should give instructions for its distribution. It has further appeared on evidence that at the Wellington Station there has been no proper system of recording papers or keeping books. In conclusion, the Committee desire to record their deliberate opinion that no police system will be satisfactory which allows officers and men to remain too long in one place. Even if their judgment does not become warped by local influences, they are subject to the suspicion of being unduly influenced. The evidence taken before the Committee, and the demeanour and expressions of witnesses, revealed a fear of the consequences of offending the police, which leaves a painful impression. One of the advantages to be obtained by the establishment of a New Zealand Police Force is the possibility of moving officers and men from one place to another from time to time. The Committee recommend the periodical transfer of police officers from one station to another. The evidence taken is appended to this report. Charles C. Bowen, 23rd October, 1878. Chairman.