H.—l6.

Inspector Bird, Timaru District. The number of offences during the year was 1,097, against 1,220 for last year, being a decrease of 123. The principal decreases were theft, drunkenness, and failing to pay maintenance. The only serious crime during the year was that of a man who murdered his wife with an axe. He was found not guilty, on the grounds of insanity, and committed to a mental hospital. The conduct of members of the Force in this district has been good, the exceptions being that four constables were dealt with for breaches of Police Regulations. Superintendent Willis, Dunedin District. The total number of offences reported during the year was 1,723, as against 1,583 for the previous year, an increase of 140. Principal increases were in mischief, drunkenness, and unlawfully using motor-cars. The district has been very free from crime of a serious nature during the year, the one exception being the theft of diamonds of a very considerable value from a local jewellery establishment. The abolition of the system of co-ordinated districts, with its entailed dual control, has had an excellent effect, and has made for the smoother and more efficient carrying-out of the multifarious duties. The standard of efficiency has been well maintained, and lam pleased to be able to report that, with only one or two exceptions, the conduct of non-commissioned officers and men has been excellent. Inspector McCarthy, Invercargill District. During the year the authorized strength has been increased by one constable, to enable regular night-duty patrol at Gore Station, which was urgently needed. The offences return for the year ended 31st December, 1930, shows 1,521 offences reported. This is an increase of 210 on the previous year. The principal increases were breaches of the motor-vehicles Act, selling and supplying liquor after hours, theft, and mischief. Of the offences reported 95-7 were accounted for by arrest or summons. There has been no serious crime during the year. With a few minor exceptions, the conduct of members of the Force in this district during the past year has been very satisfactory.

3- H. 16.

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