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over figures for 1904 in common assaults, 15; cruelty to animals, 16; deserting wives, &c, 24; disobeying orders on ships, 37 ; theft (undescribed), 42; and theft by servants, 18. Of crimes of a more atrocious character, such as arson, there were 5 ; assaults occasioning bodily harm, 8; assault and robbery, 10; carnally knowing girls, 3; incest, 2 ; attempted rape, 1; and all were detected, the perpetrators being brought to justice. During the year a police gaol was opened at Palmerston North, at the chief station there. There was also a new station opened in Willis Street, Palmerston North. There has been an augmentation of three constables to the police in Palmerston North and suburbs, thus bringing the strength of the Force in the district up to 1 Inspector, 4 sergeants, 59 constables, and 3 detectives. The Town of Palmerston North is still giving a lot of trouble on account of a large number of criminals making it a resting-place owing to the prosperity there. Money being plentiful the class in question is attracted there, and generally remain until either hunted out or sent to gaol. However, very few crimes go undetected, and with the change lately effected in the detective branch even better results may be expected. There is still improvement in the management and conduct of hotels in this district, especially in the Town of Wanganui. The conduct of the constables in this district, with one or two exceptions, has been very good. Inspector J. W. Ellison, Wellington District. The general prosperity of -the district has been well maintained during the past year, and a great many persons have arrived from other places to settle in the district. The census to be taken this year will, I feel certain, show a very large increase of population both in town and country. In making a comparison of crime, the year 1905 shows a decrease of 349 offences, as compared with 1904. As will be seen by the return of arrests furnished, there was a decrease of 295 for drunkenness. Other offences showed in some cases a small decrease, and in some slight increases, the net comparison being in favour of last year. There were no serious crimes calling for special reference. The large number of persons arriving at the Port of Wellington requires continual vigilance on the part of the police, as occasionally criminals from other places find their way here; but the result of the year's work shows that the police have been fairly successful in keeping criminals in reasonable check, although at the same time giving individuals of this class who show a desire to lead honest lives every opportunity to do so. The police buildings and Government property have been kept in serviceable condition, although a few of the buildings are getting much the worse of age—viz., at Masterton and Carterton. Improvements are now in progress at the head station, Wellington, which will be a great benefit to the Department. A new station in a rented house has been opened in Tinakori Road, where one constable is stationed ; and another constable is now under orders to Petone, as jin increase to that rapidly improving borough. The addition recently made of a station sergeant and a sergeant for street duty to the city is a most beneficial one. A few constables have shown little energy or aptitude for police-work ; some of these have been got rid of during the year, otherwise the conduct of the police of all ranks has been good, in many eases most exemplary, both as to energy, tact, and good behaviour. Inspector E. Wilson, Greymouth District. I have the honour to furnish report on the Greymouth Police District. I may mention, however, that I am including herein the Nelson Sub-district up to the 19th March, 1906, the date on which it was added to the Wellington Police District, consequently I report all changes therein up to that date. The strength of Greymouth District on 31st March was: 1 Inspector, 5 sergeants, 1 detective, 22 constables, and 2 district constables. During the year 1 sergeant and 4 constables were transferred from other districts, while 1 sergeant and 5 constables were transferred to other districts, and 7 constables were transferred to stations within the district. One sergeant was pensioned off during the year under the Police Provident Fund, and 2 constables were promoted to the rank of sergeant. A new station was opened during the year at Murchison, and a district constable appointed there. As already alluded to, the Nelson Sub-district comprising the following stations —viz., Collingwood, Motueka, Nelson, Richmond, Spring Grove, Takaka, and the Port—have been added to the Wellington District, together with 1 sergeant and 12 constables occupying them. The conduct of the men has been good, and they have given general satisfaction while doing their duty fairly and firmly, and there have been no complaints from the public. Our criminal statistics for 1904 show 695 offences reported; and for 1905, 678 offences reported, out of which 560 summary convictions were obtained; while 16 persons were committed

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