H.—l6.

of the Force who have been drawn in the military service ballots, and their cases have been adjourned sine die. While the desire of members of the Force to take their part in the operations of the Military Forces of the Dominion overseas is fully appreciated, the necessity for maintaining an efficient Police Force in the Dominion cannot be overlooked. If all who desired to join the armed Services were released, the ranks of the Force would be so depleted that it would be practically impossible to maintain the necessary standard of efficiency. Conduct of Police.—The general conduct of the police has been very satisfactory. All branches of the Force have worked in harmony, arid some excellent work in the investigation and detection of crime has been accomplished. Of the four murders that occurred during the year and were detected the case at Waikino, near Waihi, was the only one that gave any difficulty in the detection. After some weeks of inquiry the offender was arrested and subsequently convicted of murder. The police engaged in the inquiries in this case did very fine work, and with the aid of chemistry and pathology a very strong case was presented to the Court. The additional duties caused by war conditions and the shortage of staff have been undertaken without complaint. Transport.—The efficiency of the transport system of the Department has been maintained throughout the year. The use by members of the Force outside the four centres of their own cars on police duty on payment of an annual or mileage allowance continues to give efficient and satisfactory service. In cases where extra running has been involved in the supervision of vital points and protected places an increased allowance has been granted to meet the additional cost. Some difficulty has been experienced by members of the Force, in common with other members of the community, in obtaining motor-car tires and tubes on account of the shortage of stocks in the Dominion. It is expected that some arrangements will be made at an early date to overcome this difficulty. It is of the utmost importance that efficient means of transport should always be available for members of the Force. Buildings. —Considering the difficulties in connection, with the shortage of draughtsmen for the preparation of plans and specifications, and of labour and materials, some very good work has been done during the year in the erection of new police-stations to replace buildings which have become beyond repair, and in the improvement and renovation of other stations. It is hoped that during the current year financial and other conditions will permit of work being done in connection with tbe many buildings still urgently requiring attention. Women Police. —During the year it was decided as a commencement to appoint ten women police under the provisions of the legislation which had been passed for that purpose. It is proposed to station three at Auckland and Wellington and two at Christchurch and Dunedin. Applications were invited, and after each suitable applicant had been interviewed personally by me a selection of ten candidates was made. These are now undergoing a period of three months' instruction in the training-school at Wellington, and, if they qualify, will in due course be posted to their respective Stations for duty. Liquor at Dunces. —The legislation prohibiting the drinking of liquor at dances has enabled the police to cope with a position that was causing considerable anxiety and has been instrumental in bringing about an abatement of an evil that was becoming widespread. The section requires slight amendment, and it is suggested that this be done during the coming session. That the law has been rigidly enforced is shown by the fact that during last, dancing season there were 1,058 convictions for offences of drinking or being in possession of liquor in or in the vicinity of dance halls. Aliens.—The immense amount of work arising out of the administration of the Aliens Regulations has necessitated the employment of a special staff, which has given excellent service. Comprehensive inquiries in respect of each enemy alien have been undertaken and completed. The police attend to the presentation of the facts before the Aliens Authority in each district, and before the Aliens Appeal Tribunal. I have received many expressions of commendation from the authorities on the able and efficient conduct of the inquiries and of amazement at the amount of work involved. Every enemy alien has been interviewed, and particulars of his or her previous history obtained and, as far as possible, verified to facilitate classification by an Aliens Authority. Provision is made for the classification of enemy aliens into five separate groups, according to the circumstances in each case. Very careful inquiries bave been made in all cases in which information has reached the police indicating that there is reason to doubt the bona fides of any particular alien. Upon the completion of the classification of enemy aliens a similar investigation was undertaken in regard to other nationals, several of whom have been brought before the authorities with a view to clarifying their position and, if necessary, to permit of their classification. War activities. —In addition to the supervision of the wharves and shipping and many vital points such as oil installations, freezing-works, fertilizer-works, power-stations, and numerous other important industries, and the large number of inquiries made on behalf of the Army, Navy, and Air Departments, a great deal of additional work has devolved upon the police. All has been undertaken cheerfully and given the best possible attention. Although the Force to-day is comprised of a very large number of men with short service, I am pleased to say that they are performing their duties with tact and energy and marked success. We have bad a good deal of trouble with a few organizations who persisted in subversive propaganda. A firm stand was taken in every case, and many prosecutions were taken with successful results. A very careful watch is being kept on these organizations and on individuals suspected of having subversive tendencies. This entails a great amount of supervision and extensive inquiries. In order to cope with the work now required to be performed by the Department an additional six sergeants and thirty-four constables are required at an annual cost of £14,454. Extracts from reports of officers in charge of districts are appended. D. J. Cummings, Commissioner of Police.

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