11.—16.

During the year the following promotions were made to fill vacancies and to provide for increases in strength : three to commissioned rank, nine to grade of senior sergeant, twenty-two to rank of sergeant, and eleven to rank of detective-sergeant. This number of promotions for a year constitutes a record in the Service. Police Buildings. During the year a good deal of work has been done in renovating and improving police dwellings throughout the Dominion, the sum of £18,000 having been spent in that direction. A great deal has to be done yet, but it will take time ; the work is being pushed on expeditiously. Land has been acquired at Whaniarei, Hamilton, Mount Cook (Wellington), and Levin for the purpose of building offices and provid ng accommodation for single men at headquarters stations. Negotiations are proceeding for acquiring additional land at Auckland, Wellington, and New Plymouth. Two sites have also been acquired at Mission Bay and St. Heliers Bay, Auckland, for the erection of police-stations at an early date. Properties with good dwellings on them were purchased at Papatoetoe, Matawai, Millerton, National Park, and Manurewa. Erection of new stations has been authorized at EUerslie, Rotorua, Manaia, Linwood, Matainui, Balclutha, Mosgiel, St. Clair, and Pleasant Point. Plans are in course of preparation for additions to Auckland Central, Christchurch Central, and Dunedin Central Stations, providing increased office accommodation and quarters for single men and matrons. Plans are also being prepared for the erection of new headquarters stations at Whangarei, Wanganui, Nelson, Greymouth, and Timaru to replace old dilapidated buildings in those towns. The erection of a new headquarters station at Palmerston North has been started, and in the course of a few weeks' time it is expected the foundation-stone will be ready to be laid. New Buildings are also to be erected at Omakau, Oturehua, Whakatane, Katikati, Port Chalmers, and Roslyn as soon as the plans can be finalized. New offices have just been completed at Newmarket, Auckland. They are excellent in layout, and provide every modern convenience, including a surgeon's room. New stations have been built at Kaeo, Manunui, To Whaiti, and Moera (near Lower Hutt). The police quarters in Waring Taylor Street, Wellington, have been remodelled, at a cost of £4,000. The old barn-type of sleeping-quarters has been removed, and two flats in the building have been turned into very comfortable sleeping-quarters, each man being given a single room with plenty of ventilation, natural light, central heating, floor covered with lino, and furniture to the extent of a duchess and wardrobe provided in each room. The dining-room, kitchen, and staff quarters have all been remodelled, giving comfort and convenience, A small electric lift has also been installed to convey stores and goods to the kitchen flat. Police Regulations. —The regulations governing the police examinations have been revised. Provision has been made in the new regulations for setting up an Examination Board (although a Board existed in the past, it never had any legal status —the new Regulation puts this matter in order), and the raising of the standard of the examinations to be passed by members of the Force qualifying for promotion. A partial pass has also been provided for. The consolidation of the general regulations is now in hand. Training-school.—No recruits have been trained since November last, as our actual strength has been maintained fairly well. Owing to retirements, resignations, and the discharge of some men found unsuitable, they not measuring up to the standard required by the Department, it will be necessary to reopen the training-school immediately for the training of a batch of recruits to fill existing vacancies. A good type of recruit is still offering, and no difficulty is being experienced in obtaining the necessary recruits required. The conditions in the Service to-day are better than they ever were, and a young energetic man has good prospects of advancement. Recreation. —Members of the Service are encouraged to take part in all healthy sport. Wherever possible, provision is made for tennis-courts for the recreation of the men when off duty. In at least one centre, Invercargill, the police have their own bowling-green. In many centres the police have their own orchestra to play at their social evenings. In Wellington the police have their own Highland Pipe Band, whose services are frequently requested at public functions in aid of deserving causes. The band is very pleased to be able to assist in such cases. Women Police. —The Government recently decided to inaugurate women police. Provision is being made for an amendment to the Police Force Act so as to put this policy measure into operation. Police Association. —The association, which was formed some eighteen months ago, has been functioning satisfactorily, and gives the members of the Force an opportunity of discussing in a legal way matters concerning their welfare. General Conduct of the Police.—l am very pleased to be able to report that the general conduct of the police has been very good. All branches of the Force have co-operated whole-heartedly, and the utmost harmony prevails throughout the Service. Many members of the detective and uniform branches of the Service have been called upon to perform long hours of duty in the detection of serious crime—in some instances the round of the clock without any relaxation . These duties were keenly undertaken and followed up until brought to a conclusion. This is typical of the Service generally. In cases of detection of crime, hours of duty are not considered—they cannot be—clues must be followed up immediately and offenders brought to justice irrespective of hours of duty. When waves of crime break out, everybody must give of his best, and when the culprits have been captured, then an equivalent of overtime worked is allowed as time permits. Extracts from reports of officers in charge of districts are appended. D. J. Cummings, Commissioner of Police.

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