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Inspector Harvey, Whangarei District. There lias been a falling-off in offences committed during the year, the number reported being 722, resulting in 703 prosecutions, as against 890 offences reported for the previous year. There has been a decrease in drunkenness, thefts, and house or shop breaking. The conduct of the members of the Force during the year has been good, except that one constable was dismissed and one constable fined for breach of regulations. A motor-car is greatly needed for use at this station. Inspector Eccles, Hamilton District. The number of offences reported for the year ended 31st December, 1927, was 2,255, as compared with 3,017 for the previous year, showing a decrease of 762. The principal decrease was in drunkenness, and offences usually associated therewith. Of the offences reported 2,204 were accounted for by arrest or summons, leaving 51 undetected (a small percentage). The conduct of the police during the year has been satisfactory, only one constable being convicted for a breach of the regulations, and the standard of efficiency has been well maintained. Inspector o'Hallora.n, Gisborne District. For the year ended 31st December, 1927, the total number of offences reported was 1,025, being a decrease of 138 on the previous year. Of the offences reported 998 were accounted for by summons or arrest, leaving 27 unaccounted for. The district has fortunately been free from serious crime during the twelve months. The conduct of the members of the Force has been satisfactory. Two constables were dealt with on seven breaches of regulations, none of which were of a serious nature. Inspector Cummings, Napier District. The strength at Hastings Station was increased by the appointment of a senior sergeant in charge there and a sergeant appointed to charge of the Spit Station, making an increase of two in the strength of the district. For the year ended 31st December, 1927, the total number of offences reported was 1,484, as against 1,550 the previous year, a decrease of 66, being principally breaches of the Motor-vehicles Act—l,44l prosecutions resulted, leaving a small percentage undetected. None of the cases call for special note. The general conduct of the police has been good, only a few cases of breaches of the regulations being dealt with. Inspector Fraser, New Plymouth District. During the year the strength was increased by three constables, two of whom were posted to New Plymouth and one to Stratford. The increase at Stratford now provides for continuous patrol for day and night duty. An increase of one constable is still required at New Plymouth. The offences return for the year ending 31st December, 1927, shows the total number of all offences reported to be 1,046, compared with 1,055 for the previous twelve months, being a decrease of 9. Of all offences reported, 977 were accounted for by arrest or summons, leaving 69 undetected. The conduct of the members of the Force has been satisfactory. During the year only one constable was dealt with for a breach of the regulations. Inspector Till, Wanganui District. The total strength of the district on the 31st March last was 44, which is the same as for the previous year. It is becoming evident that a third constable is required at Taihape. There was a decrease in the total of all offences reported, the principal decreases being in assaults, theft, drunkenness, false pretences, and offences under the Licensing Act. There were increases in thefts from dwellings, breaking and entering, uttering forged documents, failing to maintain wives and children, and drunkenness while in charge of motor-vehicles. The conduct of the Force in this district has been good. Inspector Simpson, Palmerston North District. Within the past year the strength has been increased by two additional constables at Palmerston North and one at Feilding for beat duty. The offences return for the year ended 31st December, 1927, show the total number of offences reported 1,359, as against 1,242 in 1926, an increase of 117 on the whole. Of the offences reported, 1,317 were dealt with either by arrest or summons. The conduct of the police for the past year has been very good, and their efficiency well maintained. Superintendent Emerson, Wellington District. During the year the authorized strength of this district has been increased bv eight. For the year ending 31st December, 1927, the total number of offences reported was 5,398, being an increase of 48 on previous year. The principal increases were thefts by clerks or servants, house and shop breaking, receiving stolen property, breaches of Motor-vehicles Act, failing to maintain wives, &c., and vagrancy. There was no serious crime during the year. The conduct of the members of the Force has been satisfactory. Sixteen constables and one detective were dealt with for breaches of the regulations.

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