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Police Buildings, etc. The following works in connection with police-stations have been carried out during the year by the Public Works Department: — New police-stations were erected at Cromwell, Culverden, Milton, and Palmerston South, and a new stable at Papakura Police-station. A contract was let for the erection of a police-station at Te Araroa, and repairs, renovations, and alterations were carried out at the following stations: Auckland (Central), Howick, Hamilton, Devonport, Onehunga, Epsom, Helensville, Mount Roskill, Avondale, Kihikihi, Kaikoura, Woolston, Chatham Islands, Christchurch, Coalgate, Oamaru, Mornington, Granity, Westport, Wairoa, Blenheim, Takaka, Wanganui, Mokau, New Plymouth, Raetihi, Stratford, Rotorua, Whakatane, Rawene, Feilding, Lower Hutt. General. Recruits. —As a necessary economy the training-depot has remained closed since July, 1930, when recruiting ceased. As the Force was then at full strength, it has so far been found possible to carry on with the present staff. Co-ordinated Districts. —Experience having disclosed defects in the system of co-ordinated control which had been under trial in the four principal centres, the established principle of relative responsibility through the various ranks has been reverted to. Buildings. —The urgent necessity for economy has delayed the renovation of a number of police buildings, only urgent repairs being effected. Conduct. —Discipline has been well maintained. Both Branches working harmoniously for the good of the Service, have been most assiduous in the performance of their duties. Many meritorious arrests have been effected during the year, and few serious crimes remain undetected. Several instances of meritorious devotion to duty and courage in the face of danger reflect credit not only on the individual members, but on the whole Service. Examinations. —Although the standard of the papers set for the annual police examinations is being steadily raised, the percentage of passes and marks gained indicate much study and an increasing level of knowledge and efficiency in the Service. Motor-vehicles. —Unfortunately, for financial reasons, it has not been possible this year to extend police motor patrol in cities at night, as it was hoped to do. As a preventative of crime the value of motor patrol is established, and provision for this valuable adjunct should be made as soon as circumstances permit. Arms Act.—During the yeaj the Arms Act has been so amended as to ease the irksomeness of some of its provisions without in a.ny material way lessening effective control. Hawke's Bay Earthquake. —The appalling catastrophe that befell the Hawke's Bay District on the 3rd February last, resulting in the loss of many valuable lives and immense damage to property, produced an inspiring wave of helpfulness, courage, and devotion to duty not only on the part of the local citizens, but also by many who hurried to their aid. In the difficult days following the earthquake the Hawke's Bay police did their duty well. Traffic-control. —In Wellington the control of traffic by mechanical means and by an extension of the activities of the city Traffic Department has released from several traffic points police whose services were required for regular police work. Extracts from reports of officers in charge of districts are appended. W. G. Wohlmann, Commissioner of Police.

EXTRACTS FROM ANNUAL REPORTS OF OFFICERS IN CHARGE OF DISTRICTS. Inspector Harvey, Whan&arei District. There has been ail increase of offences reported during the year —viz., 1,028, against 953 for the previous year —resulting in 974 prosecutions. There has been an increase in assaults, carnally knowing girls under sixteen years (committed by Maori youths with their own race), and housebreaking (committed by juveniles). There was no serious crime committed during the year. The conduct of the members of the Force during the year has been good, no member of the Force having been dealt with for breach of regulations. Superintendent Till, Auckland District. During the year the system of co-ordinated districts was abolished. This reduced the number of Inspectors to one. A Sub-Inspector was appointed to charge of the Detective Branch. This system is working very satisfactorily. The number of sergeants at Newton was increased from three to four, to enable the supervision of constables on night duty in the suburbs to be carried on from there. The station at St. Helier's Bay was closed, and a station was opened at Kohimarama. The name of the Mount Roskill Station was altered to Balmoral.

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