H—l6

Finger-prints of 105 persons were received from other countries for inquiry, of which 8 were identified as those of persons previously convicted in New Zealand; the finger-prints of 37 New Zealand offenders were sent overseas for inquiry, 18 being identified as having been previously convicted outside this Dominion. The finger-print system has to date been responsible for the identification of 8,320 persons. In conjunction with the Arms Bureau, various photographs and lecture slides were prepared. Auckland Crimindl Registration Branch.—On the 31st March, 1946, the finger-print collection in the Auckland Criminal Registration Branch totalled 11,291 sets. During the year 1,171 prisoners' finger-prints were received, duly classified, searched, and filed. The photographs of 281 prisoners were taken and 1,405 prints were made from the negatives; also, numerous photographs of scenes of crimes and motor-accidents were taken. The total number of photographs produced by the Branch during the year was 2,415. Six volumes—i.e., 1,800 —of photographs of New South "Wales prisoners were received, card indexed, and filed in order of finger-print classification. In 18 cases offenders who would not otherwise have been known as having been previously convicted were traced by their finger-prints, and in 13 other cases prints left by offenders when committing crimes were identified and the offenders duly arrested and dealt with by the Courts. Most of the latter were serious offences, including breaking and entering, unlawful conversion of motor-vehicles, theft, assault and robbery, and mischief. In many cases the offenders admitted other offences. Arms Bureau.—During the year the volume of work of the Arms Bureau increased considerably, mainly because of the reports required on the substantial number of firearms that have been brought back to New Zealand as war trophies, and because of an increased number of cases where arms were unlawfully used. This work was in addition to the assistance given throughout the year in investigations where persons were killed or injured through the discharge of firearms. Unfortunately, there were more accidents this year than has been the case for some time. No fewer than 62 cases, of which 23 were fatal, came under the notice of the police. The firearms and ammunition exhibits are examined in practically all fatal cases and a report issued for the information of the Coroner. The recovery of filed-out serial numbers and other marks of identification from metal objects has also received attention and has resulted in establishing successfully the identity and ownership of electric motors, an electric clock, bicycles, and other such articles. It is expected to complete shortly for the Army Department the work of assessing the compensation payable to the owners of impressed Service rifles which have been damaged, lost, or converted permanently to Army use. Lectures on the use of firearms and related subjects have been given to the police in various districts. This most important and useful work will be continued and extended. The frequency with which criminals and others have been found in the unlawful possession of firearms is causing some uneasiness, and indicates the necessity for strict enforcement of the provisions of the Arms Act to keep the matter under control.

4