H.—l6.

or Inspector under the Act, with a provision that a duplicate of the permit should be delivered to the nearest police-station where it was issued, and that it be the duty of the person conveying the stock to have the permit with him, and obligatory to report and produce the permit at the nearest policestation to the place of delivery. Section 20 of the Motor-vehicles Act, 1924, provides a penalty of £5 for any person not the holder of a motor-driver's license found operating a motor-vehicle. An offender, who is deliberately operating a motor-vehicle during the period of disqualification from holding a license, has to be dealt with, at present, under the same section as an offender who has failed to procure or renew his license. In a recent case of the kind in this district the Magistrate remarked that it appeared strange that no provision had been made to deal with more severity with an offender operating a motor-vehicle during the period of disqualification. The amendment of last year to the Motor-vehicles Act, 1924, permits only trial on indictment of " hit-and-run " motorists. It would be only in exceptionally gross cases that a jury would convict an offending motorist for this offence. I feel sure that if the law were amended in a similar manner to the " unlawful conversion " provisions of the Police Offences Amendment Act, 1935, that substantial justice would be much more likely to result. Another matter that might be considered is the amending of the Justices of the Peace Act, 1927, by giving the Crown the right to lodge a " general appeal " in cases where a miscarriage of justice has resulted from a Magistrate's erroneous decision on " facts." At present offenders have a much wider right of appeal than the Crown has. Inspector Scott, Greymouth District. I recommend that a detective be appointed to Greymouth to assist the detective sergeant. I also recommend that a station be opened at Bruce Bay on account of the increase in population in South Westland due to a large programme of public works, including roads and bridges, now in hand, and the development of sawmilling, farming, and mining industries which are increasing in that district. The nearest police-station, Matainui, is sixty-six miles away. The offences return for the year ended 31st December, 1936, shows a total of 997, against 880 for the previous year, an increase of 117 offences. Of all offences reported, 917 were dealt with by arrest or summons. The principal increases were in thefts (undescribed), failing to maintain wives and children, persons found illegally on licensed premises, breaches of the Arms Act, and breaches of the Motor-vehicles Act. The principal decreases were in breaches of the peace, thefts by clerks or servants, and failing to comply with conditions of probation. No serious crimes were reported during the year. The general conduct of the police in this district during the year was very good,,and their work and general efficiency up to the required standard. There were no defaulters. Superintendent Cameron, Christchurch District. The total number of offences reported during the year is 4,177, compared with 3,616 reported during the previous year. Increases appear in the following cases : False statements, theft, house and shop breaking, mischief, and drunkenness. The increase in the number of persons charged with drunkenness is, no doubt, due to the improved financial condition of the country, and the same conditions probably account for the decrease in the number of persons charged with failing to pay on maintenance orders. The only offences involving death were the negligent driving of motor-cars and abortion. The conduct of members of the Force generally has been good. One constable was dismissed, and in seven other cases constables were convicted of breaches of the Police Regulations and fined. Good feeling exists between the members of the uniform and detective branches of the Service. The majority of the men show a very keen interest in their work, also ability. The work of several of the detectives is deserving of the highest praise. The restoration of full salary and wages and authority to form a police association are much appreciated. I respectfully suggest that an amendment to the Justices of the Peace Act, 1927, giving power to search for evidence where an offence has been committed, would be of advantage. Under section 365 (1) (a) and (b) of the Crimes Act, 1908, provision is made for such a warrant where a crime has been committed. Inspector Shanahan, Timartt District. I again recommend that the establishment of a police-station in the south end of the town, at Salt-water Creek, receive consideration. I consider that, owing to the founding of a commercial aerodrome and the increase of population in that area, a station is warranted there. The general conduct of the members of the Force in the Timaru District during the year ended 31st March, 1937, has been good, and no breaches of Police Regulations were dealt with. Police duties have been efficiently and satisfactorily carried out. The total number of offences reported for the year ended 31st December, 1936, was 678, being one less than the preceding year. The principal increases were in respect of offences relating to indecent and unnatural acts by males, thefts from dwellings, false pretences and obtaining credit by fraud, unlawful conversion of motor-vehicles, and persons being intoxicated while in charge of motor-vehicles. The principal decreases are in respect of offences relating to theft, house and shop breaking, and vagrancy. During the under review three offenders were successfully prosecuted for thefts of wool. For bome considerable time past systematic thefts of wool were being perpetrated throughout the district, and the apprehension and conviction of the offenders were very satisfactory.

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