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three years, is becoming more urgent because of the increasing population and the growth of railway traffic at this important railway juction. The work of the constable stationed at Otaki is still too much for one man, and, as I suggested in my last report, the opening of a new station at Paekakariki would be the best means of relieving the situation. The casualties for the year were as follows : Three constables resigned voluntarily, one constable resigned compusorily, and one constable retired on superannuation. The offences return for the year ended 31st December, 1924, shows the total number of offences reported as 1,239, in comparison with 1,282 for the year 1923 —a net decrease of 43. Of the offences reported, 1,165 were dealt with either by arrest or summons, leaving 74 undetected offences. Of the cases dealt with, 58 persons were committed for trial, of whom 47 were convicted. The offences reported were of the ordinary kind, and there has been no very serious crime to call for special comment. The conduct of members of the Force has been good during the year, only four constables having been dealt with for breaches of the regulations. The population of most towns and rural districts continues to increase steadily, the growth of the Town of Palmerston North being very apparent, and the prosperity of the district is general. Superintendent Mcllveney, Wellington District. On the 31st March, 1925, the authorized strength of the Force in this district was 191. During the year there was an increase of five to provide for contingent details at the Central Police-station, Wellington. Of these, two are for the Detective Branch, one as a special patrol constable for the regulation of pedestrian traffic and enforcement of by-laws within the City of Wellington, one for the supervision of traffic on the Hutt Road, and one for point duty at Courtenay Place. I beg to renew my recommendation for an early increase of two sergeants and twelve constables, to meet requirements at the Central and Taranaki Street Police-stations and at Blenheim. Since last annual report no stations have been opened or closed in this district. The casualties were eleven constables by voluntary resignation, one constable by compulsory resignation, two temporary constables by discharge, two constables by retirement as medically unfit, and one constable by discharge on pension. For the year ended 31st December, 1924, the total number of offences reported was 4,486, as against 4,335 for the previous year, and increase of 151 ; and 4,202 prosecutions resulted. The increase does not call for any special remark, as it was not due to serious crime : in fact, the absence of serious crime during the period has been noticeable. The general conduct of the police has been very satisfactory. All branches of the service have contributed of their best towards harmonious working, efficiency has been maintained, and the general result has been commendable. The population continues to increase, and suburban stations are required at Kelburn and Wadestown. The recent amendments to legislation are proving satisfactory. Inspector Eccles, (treymouth District. The strength of the Force on the 31st March last was one Inspector, two Senior Sergeants, three sergeants, one detective-sergeant, and thirty-seven constables, including one temporary constable. This total of forty-four is the same as compared with last year's return, and one constable short of authorized strength of the district. I recommend an increase of one constable for police-station, Greymouth, as a constable is urgently required for duty as day watchhouse-keeper, and he could also assist the Senior Sergeant in the Arms Office. No new station was opened during the year, and none was closed. The constable in charge of the Rimu subdistrict is at present residing at Kanieri, and a new police-station is now being erected at the latter place. I recommend that the name of police-station " Rimu " be altered to " Kanieri." One sergeant retired on pension during the year. The offences return for the year ended 31st December, 1924, shows the total of all offences reported to be 1,230, as compared with 1,236 for 1923, a net decrease of 6. Of the offences reported, 1,214 were accounted for by arrest or summons, leaving 16 undetected, a very small percentage. Of the cases dealt with, 6 were committed for trial, 1,023 were summarily convicted, and 185 discharged. Of those committed for trial, 4 were convicted and 2 acquitted. The conduct of the police has been very good, and no fines were inflicted during the year. The population of the district shows a very slight increase, and there appears to be plenty of employment, and the people are fairly prosperous. Superintendent Mackinnon, Christchurch District. The actual strength of the Force in the district on the 31st March, 1925, was 122, made up as follows : One Superintendent, one Inspector, one Sub-Inspector, two Senior Sergeants, eleven sergeants, ninety-one constables, five temporary constables, one Chief Detective, one detective-sergeant, three detectives, and five acting-detectives. This is four less than last year. An addition of one constable has been made to the strength of Lyttelton Station, and a constable has been stationed at Leeston. Christchurch Station is considerably understaffed, and I must reiterate my request of last year for an increase of one sergeant and ten constables to meet requirements. Leeston Station was reopened during the year : this has filled a much-needed want.