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1898. NEW ZEALAND.

THE POLICE FORCE OF THE COLONY (ANNUAL REPORT ON).

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

The Commissionee of Police to the Hon. the Ministee of Justice. Sic, — Police Department, Commissioner's Office. 2nd July, .1898. I have the honour to submit for your information this my first annual report on the Police Force of the colony (together with the criminal statistics) for the year ended 31st March last. Steength of Fobce. I assumed charge of the Force on the 25th October, 1897, and on the 31st of that month the total strength of the Force was 541 of all ranks, made up as follows : —lnspectors—first-class, 6; third-class, 1 ; sergeants-major, 2 ; sergeants—first-class, 19 ; second-class, 12 ; third-class, 8; constables —first-class, 120 ; second-class, 113; third-class, at 7s. a day, 127 ; at £10 a month, 94 ; detectives —first-class, 4 ; second-class, 3 ; third-class, 3; fourth-class, 2 ; district constables, 16; Native constables, 7 ; matrons, 4 ; and 97 troop horses. On the 31st March last the total strength was 563 of all ranks, being an increase of 20 during the year, made up as follows: —lnspectors—first-class, 6; tbird-class, 1; sergeants-major, 2; sergeants —first-class, 22 ; second-class, 14; third-class, 18 ; constables—first-class, 126; secondclass, 115 ; third-class, at 7s. a day, 95; at £10 a month, 121; detectives—first-class, 4; secondclass, 4 ; third-class, 3 ; fourth-class, 5 ; district constables, 17 ; Native constables, 7 ; matrons, 4 and 98 troop horses. Stations. New stations have been formed at Hikurangi, Kaikohe, and Karangahake; Southbridge has been reopened ; and Dunganville and Bealey have been closed. Augmentations. Augmentations have been made at the following stations : Auckland, 3 ; Paeroa, 1; Parnell, 1; Ponsonby, 1; Thames, 1; Hastings, 1; Wellington (head station), 4 ; Mount Cook, 1; Beefton, 1 ; Hokitika, 1; Ohristchurch, 2 ; Invercargill, 1 ; South Dunedin, 1. Seductions. Eeductions have been made at the following stations : Ashburton, 1; and Dunedin (central), 1. At Moawhango the district constable has been replaced by a member of the regular Force. Casualties. The casualties in the Force during the past year have been : Eetired on medical grounds, with compensation, 6; resigned, 8; dismissed, 5; died, 7; transferred to Permanent Militia, 1; discharged, 2 ; total, 29. Criminal Statistics. These statistics, which include all offences reported, are made up for the year ended the 31st December, 1897, and show an aggregate increase of 546, as compared with the totals of the preceding year. The principal increases are: Abortion-procuring, 4; absconding from industrial schools, 35; assaults —common, 32 ; assaults—indecent, 17 ; assaults and robbery, 6; burglary and breaking into shops and dwellings, 49; carnally knowing girls, 13; cruelty to children, 4; cutting and wounding, 5; damaging police uniforms, 21; deserters and stragglers from Her Majesty's Ships, 32; deserting from merchant vessels, 21; disobeying orders of Court and summonses, 17 ; disturbing meetings and congregations, 44; drunkenness, 199; failing to support parents and near relatives, 121; false pretences, 29; fish—illegally taking, 47; lunacy, 47; malicious injury to I—H. 16,