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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: — The erection of a new police-station at Te Araroa was completed ; new offices and lock-up were, erected at Opotiki; and a lock-up at Tolaga Bay. Office accommodation was provided at Anderson's Bay and Whangamomona. Repairs, renovations, and alterations were carried out at Coromandel, Wellsford, Warkworth, Whitianga, Mount Albert, Riccarton, Woolston, Leeston, Rangiora, Rakaia, Fendalton, Riverton, Tuatapere, Ravensbourne, North Dunedin, Gisborne, Tokomaru Bay, Denniston, Takapau, Port Ahuriri, Mohaka, Wairoa, Ohakune, Inglewood, Te Puke, Whangarei, Island Bay, and Petone. General. Recruits. —The necessities of the general financial situation have prevented the reopening of the Police Training Depot, which was closed in July, 1930. Shortages in strength have been filled by the appointment of temporary constables under the provisions of the Police Force Amendment Act, 1919. Buildings.—The urgent necessity for economy has this year, as in the last, delayed the renovation of a number of police buildings, only the most urgent requirements receiving attention. Conduct. —I am pleased to be able to report the continued good conduct of members of the Service, their devotion to duty under most trying conditions, and their sense of discipline. Several instances of meritorious conduct and courage in the face of danger reflect credit not only on the individual members, but on the whole Service. During the year the Detective Branch has done exceptionally well in the detection of crime. Motor-vehicles.— The regrettable increase in crime against property compels me to repeat my observations of last year on the urgency of increased provision for motor transport for police in the principal cities, so that police motor patrol can be maintained particularly at night. Social Disorder.—The effect of the world-wide economic depression felt severely by all classes during the year produced serious lack of employment and much distress. Seeking relief, many unemployed, particularly in the larger cities, gathered together in large numbers. Incited by a relatively small but active group of malcontents, riotous conduct was precipitated, resulting in damage to property and loss of trade to the business community. The police were required to use force to disperse the riotous element, many of whom were arrested and duly punished. This exhibition of lawlessness and challenge to the forces of law and order by an ill-advised section produced an immediate answer prompt and unmistakable from the mass of the citizens, who evinced their determination to check any attempt at mob law by furnishing such reserves of power behind the civil police as circumstances required. This prompt and highly valued help quickly changed the situation which very soon returned to normal conditions. Extracts from reports of officers in charge of districts are appended. W. G. Wohlmann, Commissioner of Police.

EXTEACTS FROM THE ANNUAL REPORTS OF OFFICERS IN CHARGE OF DISTRICTS. Inspbotoe O'Hara, Whangaeei District. There has been an increase of offences reported during the year —viz., 1,164 against 1,028 for the previous year, resulting in 1,052 prosecutions. There has been an increase in petty thefts, thefts from dwellings, house and shop breaking, forgery, and mischief. Most of these offences have been committed by young Maoris, in some cases owing to being unemployed, and juveniles. There was no serious crime committed during the year. The conduct of the members of the Force during the year has been good, only two members being fined for breach of regulations. Superintendent Till, Auckland District. I consider the strength of the Force in Auckland should be augmented by the addition of twenty men. Increased patrols could be carried out, especially at night, to endeavour to check the increasing number of burglaries. If these offences could be checked in this way it would relieve the strain on the detective staff in the detection of the offenders. With the surplus of men we would be able to meet almost any emergency that might arise. The detective staff needs also to be kept up to full strength. The unrest in the ranks of the unemployed and the communistic element greatly increases their work and responsibilities. I therefore earnestly submit application for an increase in the staffs here for favourable consideration. Probably on few occasions in the past has the Police Force so needed to be sufficiently and efficiently staffed and equipped as at present. During the year 1931 the number of offences reported decreased by 158. Whereas petty thefts have decreased, burglary and house and shop breaking have increased. The great majority of these latter cases occurred in the outer suburbs. It was found that when a motor patrol was maintained during the night these offences diminished. Apart from the offences committed by the two constables who were dismissed from the Force, the conduct of the men throughout this district has been very satisfactory.

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