5

H.—l6

Another instance showing the value of the system occurred at Auckland. A man was convicted there of breaking and entering the Roman Catholic Convent, Orphanage, and Bishop's Palace. This offender was brought to justice through the branch identifying certain finger marks found on the Orphanage as those of the person now convicted of the offence. As the offender was known to have recently arrived from Sydney, a set of his finger impressions were forwarded there. Comparison of his prints with some found on the window of the North Sydney Convent, which had been broken into some time previously, showed beyond doubt that this man had also committed that offence, for which the Sydney Police now demand his extradition. All photographs required by police are still taken by members of the Force, the Finger-print Branch alone supplying during the year over 1,800. Training of Candidates, etc. The training of candidates is still proving highly satisfactory. The benefits derived from the instruction imparted to probationers in education, drill, ambulance work, technical police duties, police Acts, and the finger-print system of identification is having a marked effect on the men. Eligible candidates are still plentiful, but I regret to say that, owing to want of accommodation at Mount Cook Police-station for training purposes, I have been unable up to the present to fill all the extra vacancies which occurred during last year, and to augment the strength as authorised. A section of land has, however, now been purchased at Newtown, which is admirably suited for the erection of a police-station and training-depot, and I trust the recommendation made for a sum being voted for that purpose will be approved of, so as to remove existing difficulties. During the year there were 98 fresh candidates, who, after inquiry, measurement, &c, were found to be eligible for the service. Eighty-seven men were taken on during the year. The nationalities, religions, and occupations of these 87 men are as follows : —Nationalities : New-Zealand-born, 46; English, 4; Scotch, 14; Irish, 10; Australian, 11; Canadian, 1; Manxman, 1. Religions: Church of England, 21; Presbyterians, 30; Roman Catholics, 30; Wesleyans, 5; Salvationist, 1. Occupations: Labourers, 38; fanners, 11; miners, 4; artillerymen, 3; ex-constables, 3; asylum warder, 1; carters, 5 ; platelayer, 1 ; shepherds, 2; ploughmen, 3; blacksmiths, 4; grooms, 2; bootmakers, 2 ; sailor, 1; lighthouse-keeper, 1 ; machinist, 1; joiner, 1 ; storemen, 2 ; porters, 2. Police Provident Fund. On the 31st March last the amount standing to the credit of the fund was £27,121 2s. 6d., being an increase on the year of £2,245 lis. 4d. On the same date there were on the fund 3 exInspectors, 15 ex-sergeants, 31 ex-constables, 3 ex-detectives, and 2 widows and 3 orphans of deceased constables, their aggregate annual allowances being £5,037 lis. Id. Since the Act came into force the Government have saved the sum of £14,932 18s. lid. in the form of retiring allowances which would no doubt have been paid had it not existed. Stations, etc. During the year the following works have been completed : — New Buildings. Belfast ... ... Lock-up. I St. Andrew's ... ... Lock-up. Cambridge ... ... „ Taumarunui ... ... „ New Brighton ... Te Awamutu ... ... „ Palmerston North ... New cells, &c. Waiuku ... ... Station. Rotorua ... ... Lock-up. New Buildings in Course of Erection. Bingsland ... ... Station. Hokitika ... ... Lock-up. Christchurch ... ... Barracks. Newton (Auckland) ... Barracks. Gore ... ... Station. Additions, Repairs, &c. Amberley ... ... Additions, &c. ; Milton ... ... Renovations. Ashburton ... ... Improvements. Napier ... ... Additions to serAuckland ... ... Conversion of Bri- geants' quarters. gade Office into Napier (Carlyle Street) ... Renovations. Inspector's quar- Onehunga ... ... Fencing. ters, and improve- Opunake ... ... Renovations. ments to married Pahiatua ... ... Drainage. men's quarters. Papanui ... ... Improvements. Christchurch ... ... Improvements. Pleasant Point ... Additions. Clyde ... ... Renovations. Pukekohe ... ... Renovations. Dunedin ... ... Improvements. Reefton ... ... „ Eltham ... ...• Water supply and Ross ... ... „ drainage. Timaru ... ... Additions and renoGreytown North ... Improvements. vations. Hikurangi ... ... Renovations. Waimate ... ... Renovations. Hokitika ... ... Repairs, &c. Waipukurau ... ... Additions and imHowick ... ... Repairs to lock-up. provements. Mangonui ... ... Renovations. Whangaroa ... ... Renovations.