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1913. NEW ZEALAND.

THE POLICE FORCE OF THE DOMINION (ANNUAL REPORT ON).

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

The Commissioner of Police to the Hon. the Minister op Justice. Police Department, Wellington, 23rd June, 1913. I have the honour to present the annual report on the Police Force for the year ended the 31st March last. Strength of Force. On the 31st March last the strength of the Force was 846 of all ranks, being an increase of 11 during the year. The total is made up as follows : — Superintendents .. .. .. .. .. .. ~ 4 Inspectors .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 7 Sub-Inspectors .. .. .. .. .. .. ~ 6 Senior sergeants .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 19 Sergeants .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 74 Constables .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 683 Chief Detectives .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 5 Detective sergeants .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 14 Detectives .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 22 Acting-detectives .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 12 In addition to the above there were — Police surgeons .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 4 Matrons .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 4 District constables .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 16 Native constables , . . .. .. .. .. .. 8 The rank of Superintendent has been created, and the Inspectors in charge at Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin have been appointed thereto. The strength of commissioned officers has been increased by two Inspectors, stationed at Auckland and Wellington respectively. Stations. New stations have been established at Takapuna, Havelock North, and Gonville; and the station at Scinde (Napier) has been closed. The boundaries of the Auckland and Thames Districts have been altered by transferring fifteen stations in the southern portion of the Auckland District to the Thames District. The enlarged district so formed is now known as the Hamilton District, the headquarters having been transferred from Thames to Hamilton. Casualties. The following are the casualties for the year ended the 31st March last: Retired on pension under Public Service Superannuation Act, 4 ; retired as medically unfit, 3; died, 9 ; resigned voluntarily, 30; called upon to resign, 1 ; transferred to Civil Service, 2 ; dismissed, 4 ; services dispensed with, 3 : total, 56. This is the same number as in the preceding year. Criminal Statistics. The criminal statistics (Appendix A) deal with all offences reported to the police during the year ended the 31st December last, and show an aggregate net increase of 982 on the figures of 1911. The proportion of offences to the population was 2-35 per cent., as against 2-32 the previous year.

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The principal increases during the year appear under the following headings, viz. : — Absconding from industrial schools .. 34 Furious riding and driving . . 81 Abusive, insulting, or threatening words or Gaming offences .. .. . . 193 behaviour .. .. . . . . 114 Malicious injury to property .. 82 Deserting or absenting from merchant vessels 120 Mischief .. . . ... 80 Discharging firearms . . .. 37 Neglected or criminal children .. 54 Drunkenness .. .. .. .. 185 Soliciting prostitution .. . . 30 Failing to provide for wives, children,- or [ Stowing away on board ships .. 53 relatives . . .. .. .. 76 j Sureties of the peace .. .. . . 118 Forgery and uttering .. . . .. 37 ] Theft of cattle and horses . . 22 The principal decreases were, — Assaults, indecent .. ... ... 19 Maliciously killing or maiming animals .. 17 Breaches of the peace .. .. 73 Sly-grog selling .. .. .. 65 Cruelty to animals .. .. ..25 Theft from dwellings .. .. ..14 Disobeying orders of Court and summonses.. 24 Theft of sheep .. .. .. 20 Illegally on premises .. .. 24 Vagrancy . . .. . . 30 Indecent exposure or behaviour .. .. 70 The percentage of arrests or summonses resulting from all offences reported during the year 1912 was 95-59, the figures of the preceding year being 93 r 97. The following return shows the number of offences reported in each police district during the year, the number of cases in which arrests or summonses resulted, and the number in which no prosecution followed :—

Sebious Crimes. The following is a return of the number of serious crimes as compared with the preceding year :—

During the last ten years the number of serious crimes as above described has varied from 520 to 759, the present total (617) being slightly below the average.

District. Number of Offences Number in which Number of all i in which Arrests no Arrests Offences reported. or Summonses or Summonses resulted. resulted. ■ Auckland Thames Napier Wanganui Wellington Greymouth Christchureh Dunedin Invercargill 6,833 971 2,197 2,445 6,025 1,013 4,011 1,773 713 6,478 961 2,156 2,370 5,720 976 3,821 1,682 673 355 10 41 75 305 37 190 91 40 25,98L 24,837 1,144

1911. 19 .2. Crimes. Number of Number .of Offences i f reported. j whlcb rr , es H F resulted. Number of Offences reported. Number of Offences in which Arrests resulted. Arson ... ... ... Assault and robbery ... Burglary, breaking into shops, dwellings, &c. Forgery and uttering Murder Murder, attempted ... Rape Eeceivitig stolen property Shooting with intent 15 19 371 122 5 1 5 42 13 16 284 108 5 1 5 42 12 19 367 159 3 1 6 46 4 12 19 312 148 2 1 6 46 4 ■ 580 474 617 550

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Indecent and sexual offences were as under :—

Drunkenness. There has been an increase of 185 in the number of persons prosecuted for drunkenness during the year as compared with the previous year. Prom the following table it will be observed that 3812 per cent, of the males and 6138 per cent, of the females had previous convictions recorded against them, and 597 per cent, of the males were not permanent residents in the Dominion : —

Return showing the Number of Persons charged with Drunkenness during the Year 1912, and the Number of Previous Convictions against them, so far as is known.

The number charged with drunkenness in 1911 was 11,699 (10,896 males and 803 females), whereas in 1912 the number-was 11,884 (11,076 males and 808 females).

Return showing the Number of Persons arrested for Drunkenness within each Principal Centre during the Years 1911 and 1912, the Number convicted, the Number discharged or otherwise dealt with (Males and Females shown separately) , and the Increase or Decrease in Arrests.

. Net increase, 28.

Offences. 1911. 1912. Assaults, indecent ... Bestiality Carnally knowing girls Carnally knowing, attempted Concealment of birth Incest ... ... ,.. Indecent exposure or behaviour Rape Rape, attempted ... Sodomy ... Sodomy, attempted 72 3 31 6 4 6 378 5 13 6 2 53 1 36 4 5 3 308 6 4 a 4 526 .427

District. Not pre- One Pre- Two Previously vious Con- vious Coneonvicted. , viction. victions. Three Pre- Four vious Con- vious victions. victii pre- Five Don- vious ins. victim 28* L're- Over Five "-'SS>t Don- Previous Totals. o J,gtS ins. Convictions. | o = o °^ —: Iff i-i P. • M. F. M. F. £ o SO® I I *** M.. P. M. F.' M. F. ■ M. " F. M. P. M. Auckland Thames .. Napier .. Wanganui Wellington Greymouth Christchureh Dunedin 1,536 142 680 863 2,028 249 j 828 387 141 13 15 39 167 279 54 285 221 555 48 218 81 36 19 ' "9 .6 46 2 24 3 3 334 26 79 85 304 30 106 35 28 23 1 1 5 26 1 11 6 54 14 56 48 190 9 69 28 8 12 1 2 42 66 , 5 18 23 44 ■ 5 49 23 8 29 1 1 27 35 10 16 30 4 40 21 5 21 6 170 14 26 29 8 146 118 21 68 15 2,474 249 1,142 1,282 3,180 353 1,456 693 247 185 1 27 53 329 137 65 8 97 4 35 2 411 44 4 59 6 56 18 4 10 2 6 4 7 3 23 29 1 Invercargill 6,854 312 1,777 112 241 68 163 1,027 74 476 69 37 538 136 11,076 808 662

Number arrested, 1911. Number arrested, 1912. Number convicted, 1912. Number discharged or otherwise dealt with, 1912. Increase in A crests. Decrease in Arrests. Centre. M. P. M. ' P. M. P. M, P. M. and P. M. and P. Auckland and suburbs ... Wellington and suburbs Christchurch and suburbs Dunedin and suburbs ... 1,847 2,158 897 559 165 295 130 58 • 1,659 183 2,534 306 779 119 494 63 1,659 2,533 779 494 183 306 119 63 1 387 170 129 60 Totals ... 648 5,466 671 5,465 5,461 671 387 359

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Return showing the Number of Persons arrested for Drunkenness on Sundays within each Principal Centre during the Years 1911 and 1912 (Males and Females shown separately).

The following table shows the convictions for drunkenness per ten thousand of the population for each year from 1907 to 1911, in Australia and New Zealand : — 1907. 1908. 1909. 1910. 1911. Commonwealth ... 127-7 119-5 119-4 126-0 133-2 New Zealand... ... 1108 112-3 110-1 117-0 1123 Prosecutions against Hotblkekpkks. The number of prosecutions (255) against hotelkeepers during the year showe a decrease of 39 as compared with the preceding year.

Return showing the Number of Prosecutions against Publicans in each District during the Year 1912 as compared with 1911, the Number convicted, and the Number discharged or otherwise dealt with.

Return showing the Number of Prosecutions against Publicans within each Provincial Centre during the Year 1912 as compared with 1911, the Number convicted, and the Number discharged or otherwise dealt with.

Sly-grog. There were 113 prosecutions during the year for sly-grog selling, resulting in 69 convictions, against 178 prosecutions and 123 convictions during the preceding year. The fines imposed on sly-grog sellers during the year 1912 amounted to £1,440 10s., as against £2,670 in 1911.

Number arrested, 1911. Number arrested, 1912. Number convicted, 1912. Number discharged or otherwise dealt with, 1912. Centre. M. P. M. P. M P. M. P. lUckland and suburbs ... Wellington and suburbs... ihristchurch and suburbs )unedin and suburbs 34 41. 19 4 7 2 37 32 19 5 2 5 1 37 32 19 5 '■A 5 1 Totals ... 98 93 93

District. Prosecutions, Prosecutions, 1911. 1912. Convictions, 1912. Discharged or otherwise dealt with, 1912. Auckland Thames Napier Wanganui ... Wellington ... Greymouth ... Cbristchurch Dunedin T nveroargill ... 83 20 9 29 25 73 30 12 13 28 21 15 39 4-5 56 36 15 5 7 12 6 22 12 34 16 4 4 16 9 9 17 33 22 20 11 1 Totals ... 294 255 117 138

Centre. Prosecutions, I Prosecutions, 1911. 1912. Convictions, Discharged or iqio otherwise dealt with, 1912. I Auckland and suburbs Wellington and suburbs Christchurch and suburbs Dunedin and suburbs 7 17 15 10 22 1 1 3 12 14 8 1 Totals ... 35 38 17 21

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The amounts of fines in the various districts are as follows : — £ a. d. Auckland .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 498 10 0 Thames .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 170 0 0 Napier 3 25 0 0 Wanganui ...... .. .. .. .. .. 112 0 0 Wellington .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 182 0 0 Greymouth «.. .. .. .. .. .. .. 25 0 0 Christchurch .. .. .. .. .. .. 247 0 0 Dunedin .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 75 0 0 Invercargill .. .. .. .. .. ~ .. 106 0 0 Total .. .. .. .. .. £1,440 10 0 The direct cost to the Dominion in detecting and prosecuting sly-grog sellers during the year was £385 12s. Id., this being £1,054 17s. lid. less than the amount of fines imposed. Gaming Offences. There were 345 prosecutions, resulting in 301 convictions, during the year under the gaming laws, against 152 prosecutions and 120 convictions in 1911. Ceiminal Registration. This branch of the Department continues to be of great value to the Police Force. During the year the Police Gazette increased in volume by 88 pages of printed matter ; 1,062 photographs were taken by the photographers, an increase of 244 over the preceding year ; the portraits of 1,361 prisoners were dealt with ; 183 prisoners were traced as previous offenders ; and 6 detections were entirely due to finger-print. identification. The work for the last quarter shows an increase of 60 per cent. On the 31st March last the finger-print collection consisted of the impressions of 13,552 offenders, being an increase of 1,455 on the previous year. The following table shows the increase of the finger-print collection, and prisoners traced thereby, since the introduction of the finger-print system of identification in March, 1903 : —■

Candidates foe Force. Sixty-eight men were taken on during the year, their nationalities, religions, and occupations being as follows :—Nationalities : Australia, 2 ; England, 10 ; Ireland, 15 ; New Zealand, 26 ; Scotland, 15. Religions : Baptist, 1 ; Brethren, 1 ; Church of England, 19 ; Presbyterian, 26 ; Roman Catholic, 18 ; Wesleyan, 3. Occupations : Artillerymen, 2 ; bakers, 2 ; blacksmiths, 5 ; carrier, 1 ; clerks, 2 ; engine-driver, 1 ; ex-constables, 30 ; farm labourers, 7 ; joiner, 1 ; labourers, 11; ploughmen, 2; railway-surfacemen, 2 ; storekeeper, 1 ; weaver, 1. First Aid to the Injured. During the year ended 31st March, 1913, 48 probationers presented themselves, at the conclusion of their course of training at the depot, for examination in " first aid to the injured," the examinations being held under the auspices of the St. John Ambulance Association. jßy.Of the 48 men who sat, all passed. JQJIJThe maximum number of marks was gained in one case, the average of those who passed being 86-83. (Maximum, 100 ; bare pass, 50.) The lecturer was in each case Dr. Henry, Police Surgeon, and the examiners different medical men appointed by the Association.

Year. Number of Prints in Collection. Increase on Previous Year. Prisoners traced as Previous Offenders. 1904 1905 1906 1907 1908 1909 1910 1911 1912 1913 3,500 4,200 5,000 6,151 7,622 8,718 9,919 10,905 12,097 13,552 3,500 700 800 1,151 1,471 1,096 1,201 986 1,192 1,455 117 72 88 104 123 138 140 148 178 183

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Stations, etc. During the year the following works have been carried out: — New Buildings erected. Houhora (look-up). . Te Kuiti. Murchison. Waipu. Taumarunui. Ohristohurch (lock-up and storeroom). Maungaturoto. Hastings (Sergeant's residence). Islington. Onehunga (lock-up). Wakefield. Temuka. Otorohanga. New Buildings in course of Erection. Warkworth. Gisborne. Ashburton. Huntly. Cobden. Mataura. Properties purchased. Howick.g Northcote (site). Mohaka. Kingsland. Shortland. Kilbirnie. Additions, improvements, &c, were also effected at the following stations : Dargaville, Eden Terrace, Newmarket, Epsom, Pukekohe, Hamilton, Waihi, Katikati, Taupo, Tauranga, Christchurch, Little River, Timaru, Alexandra, Clyde, Milton, Waitahuna, and Waikaia. Growth of Department. The following return shows the growth of the Department, the continued increase of the population, and the total number of offences (irrespective of by-law offences) reported, and in which arrests or summonses resulted, each year since 1877, prior to which date each province in the Dominion had its own Police Force, and reliable data are not available :—■

In addition to the strength of the Force as shown above, there were 16 district constables, 8 Native constables, 4 police surgeons (one in each city), and 4 matrons (one in each city).

Year. to £ !J £ cO a Via O H 01 > O CO Q R QQ i=1 o O Total. Police to Population. Cost per Inhabitant. Population. Offences r monses resulted. Arrests for Drunkenness (included in " Offences reported "). I 1878 1879 1880 1881 1882 1883 1884 1885 1886 1887 1888 1889 1890 1891 1892 1893 1894 1895 1896 1897 1898 1899 1900 1901 1902 1903 1904 1905 1906 1907 1908 1909 1910 1911 1912 1913 25 25 25 13 13 13 13 20 20 20 13 13 12 7 7 7 7 7 6 7 7 11 11 11 12 12 12 12 14 14 15 16 16 15 15 17 90 84 86 73 72 72 70 65 66 (59 69 65 66 61 60 53 5S 51 ;V1 45 56 53 56 50 58 59 59 65 7! 7K 83 87 86 87 89 93 14 16 21 18 19 20 17 17 18 18 17 17 13 14 14 11 13 13 13 12 16 15 20 20 20 20 21 25 25 30 32 35 34 38 39 41 329 364 379 337 343 356 365 372 390 395 388 389 403 404 401 407 410 ! 416 414 453 457 475499 504 514 522 534 553 557 577 604 633 639 648 692 695 458 489 511 441 447 461 465 •474 494 502 487 484 494 486 482 481 485 487 484 517 536 554 586 591 604 613 626 655 667 699 734 771 775 788 835 846 1 to 944 1 to ■ 948 1 to 949 1 to l,136f 1 to 1,1581 1 to 1,173) 1 to 1,263 1 to 1,293 1 to 1,266 1 to 1,265 1 to 1,328 1 to 1,347 1 to 1,346 1 to 1,375 1 to 1,401 1 to 1,439 1 to 1,472 1 to 1,495 1 to 1,530 1 to 1,461 1 to 1,435 1 to 1,414 1 to 1,359 1 to 1,381 1 to 1,375 1 to 1,388 1 to 1,398 1 to 1,375 1 to 1,387 1 to 1,375 1 to 1,331 1 to 1,308 1 to 1,330 1 to 1,333 1 to 1,287 1 to 1,303 p '3 ,-a O CD • 3/3 3/0f 3/2 3/2i 3/l| 2/lOf 2/10f 2/lli 2/9 2/8* 2/71 2/6f 2/7* 2/7* 2/8 2/9i 2/10f 2/101 2/10i 2/10i 2/101 2/1.01 2/101 3/0 3/21 3/41 3/31 3/41 3/5 3/8 432,352 463,572 484,939 500,976 517,626 540,753 587,295 613,212 625,849 I 635,215 646,913 652,125 664,855 668,353 675,775 692,426 714,258 728,121 740,699 754,016 768,910 783,317 796,359 816,290 830,800 851,068 875,648 900,682 925,605 961,604 977,215 1,008,373 1,030,657 1,050,410 1,075,250 1,102,389 14,157 16,374 17,837 16,635 18,613 18,775 18,263 18,955 18,135 17,752 12,897 12,945 13,115 12,674 13,153 13,165 13,530 14,010 14,673 15,219 16,378 16,865 18,358 19,909 19,771 20,736 21,066 20,249 21,160 23,204 23,510 23,930 25,106 24,999 25,981 13,959 14,696 16,723 15,212 17,470 17,727 17,322 17,723 17,000 16,500 11,854 11,885 12,177 11,748 12,187 12,100 12,500 12,435 13,171 14,042 14,730 15,561 17,131 18,742 18,802 19,867 20,118 19,251 20,241 22,244 22,484 22,880 23,949 23,492 24,837 6,668 6,794 6,484 5,587 6,860 7,572 7,151 7,034 6,260 5,226 5,387 5,444 5,866 5,416 5,360 5,251 4,594 4,636 5,005 5,204 5,532 6,289 7,299 8,057 8,269 8,815 9,615 8,707 9,210 - 10,203 10,343 10,657 11,718 11,699 11,884 S

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General. The old regulations, which had been in force in the Department for upwards of a quarter of a century, and which had become quite obsolete, were replaced by a new set which took effect from the Ist of last March. The present Police Force Act, which was passed in 1886, is also obsolete, and should be replaced by a new and up-to-date one. A new scale of pay was devised, which came into force on the Ist of April, being the completion of a scheme which was initiated by my predecessor. A new style of uniform has also been introduced, which gives a smarter appearance to the wearer than the old style did. Blue and white helmets replace the shako, which was neither useful nor ornamental as a head-dress. The connection of police-stations with the telephone-system has been extended, the number of stations in which the telephone is installed having been increased by 24 during the year. The linkingup of police-stations with the telephone bureaux, especially in the remoter districts, is a great advantage to both settlers and the police in getting police matters attended to expeditiously. Considerable advantage is also derived from the use of bicycles in the performance of police duty. There are about 180 members of the Force who use their own bicycles on duty and who are granted an allowance for the same. By this arrangement the mobility and efficiency of the Force is considerably increased in city and suburban districts, and in the country where the roads are well graded and metalled. During the year a strike took place among the men employed in the gold-mining industry at Waihi and Waikino, which necessitated over 80 members of the Force being drafted there from various parts of the Dominion to protect life and property and keep order as between the strikers and free labourers who came to fill the places vacated by the former. The police, during the five or six months they were on special duty at Waihi, had to perform very harassing duty, and were subjected to gross insults and abuse from the strikers and their womenfolk, yet, notwithstanding the irksome duties the men had to perform and the abuse and insults levelled at them, not a solitary case of misconduct was reported against any member of the Force. The tact and forbearance exercised by the police enabled them at all times to maintain a complete mastery of the situation at.Waihi, and I have no hesitation in stating that they proved themselves to be a body of men that the Dominion should be proud of. Owing to a strike having occurred among the coal-miners at Huntly, a detachment of police had to be sent there for a few Weeks, but, as very little disturbance took place and the men returned to work, the police were soon withdrawn. The steady increase in population throughout the Dominion and the consequent increase in police work is causing a constant demand from the public and from the police officers in charge of districts for more police in the city and suburban areas as well as in the country towns and more remote country districts. These demands cannot, however, be granted till such time as a substantial numerical increase to the present strength of the Force has been authorized. The taking-over of the control of the street traffic in certain localities also calls for an increase in the number of the police in those places. The Auckland Exhibition, which opens on the Ist December next, will also cause a demand for extra police in Auckland City and at the Exhibition itself, which must be complied with. It is to be hoped that when the numerical strength of the Force is increased it will be found possible —without lessening the police protection of the streets —to deal liberally with the requests of police constables for more regular Sunday leave, and for time off in lieu of time spent by them in attending Court when off duty, than they at present receive. Definite instructions have already been issued that these concessions must be given whenever possible. To meet all these demands for extra police would entail an increase of fully 100 men to the present authorized strength, but as this would involve an additional sum of £17,000 to the cost of the Department, I cannot ask that such a large increase be made in any one year. I am, however, reluctantly compelled to ask for an increase this year of 30 constables to the present authorized strength of the Force. For very many years the police have been performing work for other Government Departments that does not come within the scope of ordinary police duties ; and year by year the work so performed has increased in volume and variety, with the result that the police, while attending to these extraneous duties, have to be withdrawn from, or to neglect, their own duties to a certain extent, which means a loss of efficiency in the service, while the Departments for which the work has been performed thereby gain in efficiency and economy at the expense of this service. I think the time has now arrived when the question should be considered as to whether those Departments which make such free use of the police should not have to pay a specified annual amount for the services rendered. As this Department has to pay for all services rendered to it by other Departments, it is only reasonable to expect that it should receive some remuneration for the services it renders to other Departments. Reports of Officers in charge of Districts. Extracts from the annual reports of the officers in charge of districts are hereto annexed. J. Cullen, Commissioner of Police.

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EXTEACTS FROM ANNUAL REPORTS OF OFFICERS IN CHARGE OF DISTRICTS. Superintendent Ellison, Wellington District. The authorized strength of the district on the 31st ultimo was 156, as against 149 at the end of the previous year. The increase is made up by one Inspector promoted to Superintendent and another Inspector added to Wellington Station ; 4 sergeants transferred to Wellington so as to establish a city sectional station at Manners Street, 1 sergeant permanently added to Lambton Quay Station, who has been there temporarily, and 1 constable added to Kilbirnie Station. No stations have been opened, and none closed. New buildings have been erected at Wakefield, and a quarter of an acre of land, with a house thereon, has been purchased at Kilbirnie. During the year 2 constables died, 6 resigned, and 2 were dismissed. One senior sergeant, 2 sergeants, 2 detectives, and 20 constables were transferred to other districts ; 1 Inspector, 1 detective sergeant, 7 sergeants, and 10 constables were transferred from other districts, and 15 trained recruits were appointed to the district. The general conduct of the Force in this district has been good. Two men were dismissed for grave misconduct; but apart from these two cases, there was nothing to specially complain of, only 6 men having been fined for breaches of discipline. For the year ended the 31st December, 1912, the number of all offences reported was 6,025, as against 5,513 for the previous year. Out of this number, 5,720 were arrested or prosecuted by summons, leaving 305 unaccounted for. The undetected or unaccounted-for offences consist principally of petty thefts and ship-desertion. The increases are principally under the headings of —Drunkenness, 466 ; abusive or threatening behaviour, 22 ; ship-desertion, 25 ; disobeying orders of Court, 27 ; obstructing police, 18; soliciting prostitution, 37; thefts, 70. Decreases appear principally under-—lndecent assault, 9 ; breaches of peace, 26 ; burglary and housebreaking, 27 ; | carnally knowing young girls, 5 ; failing to provide for relatives, 14 ; false pretences, 12 ; illegally on premises, 17 ; opiumsmoking, 10 ; refusing to quit licensed premises, 12 ; vagrancy, 18. The district has been very free from serious crimes. The worst description, coming under the heads of burglary, forgery, and indecent assaults, all show a decrease for the past year. lam not disposed to suggest any additions to statute law at present. The number of Acts passed since the statutes were consolidated in 1908 indicates that we have about enough law to go on with for a few years. When an opportunity does arise for amending the licensing laws, I think some attention should be given to benefits for the general public who make use of licensed premises as a necessary boon and convenience, so that a better scale of accommodation might be ensured in cases where such is required. I understand the difficulty of opening the question owing to the divergent opinions of the two parties who take such keen interest in the subject, one desiring to destroy and the other to defend the existence of licensed houses, so that travellers, tourists, and the general public who desire to use licensed hotels for legitimate and necessary purposes have been ignored altogether. I desire to mention that the Police Regulations recently published, and the general tendency to improve the Police service which has been apparent for the past six or nine months, should have a beneficial effect on the Police Force in general. If the examinations to be held in the various ranks are prepared so as to be a test of the practical knowledge, common-sense, and discrimination of the candidates, and that plain legible writing and good spelling be one of the principal points by which marks are to be gained, then a splendid result may be anticipated. The fact that the highest position in the service is now open to the members of it, instead of making little of and shunting aside competent qualified officers in favour of experimental outsiders, as has been the custom in the past, is already being favourably felt throughout the service. An addition of at least twelve constables to Wellington City will be required, consequent upon the establishment of a new city section (Manners Street), and the regulation of all street traffic under agreement with the City Council. Old beats, which have in the past been very long, will have to be curtailed and new beats established, as well as three permanent points in the busiest thoroughfares. I also beg to suggest that a new residential station for one constable be established at Kelburne, and that arrangements may be made for moving the station now located at Clyde Quay from there to a convenient position about Oriental Bay, where there can be more supervision of Roseneath, a growing suburban locality. Superintendent Mitchell, Auckland District. The strength of the Force in the Auckland District on the 31st March last was 1 Superintendent, 1 Inspector, 1 Sub-Inspector, 3 senior sergeants, 16 sergeants, 133 constables, 1 Chief Detective, 2 detective sergeants, 7 detectives, 2 acting-detectives, 6 district constables, 4 Native constables, 1 matron, and 1 surgeon. On the Ist February last the following stations were detached from this district and added to the Hamilton Police District: Hamilton, Cambridge, Frankton Junction, Huntly, Kawhia, Kihikihi, Kirikiriroa, Ngaruawahia, Ongarue, Otorohanga, Raglan, Raurimu, Taumarunui, Te Awamutu, and Te Kuiti. This involved a transfer of 1 senior sergeant and 22 constables to the latter district. Pukekohe and Otahuhu Stations have been increased by 1 constable each, and Onehunga by 2 constables. I beg to recommend that at least 6 additional constables be added to the strength of the Central Station, and 1 constable to the Newmarket Station, so that adequate protection may be afforded property and a rapidly increasing population.

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No stations have been opened or closed during the year. One constable was discharged as medically unfit, and 6 constables resigned voluntarily. The conduct of the members of the Force, with few exceptions, has been good. The. population in the City and Suburbs of Auckland is rapidly increasing, and in many of the outlying parts of the district there is a steady increase. There is undoubted evidence of prosperity existing more or less throughout the district. During the year ended the 31st December, 1912, there were 6,833 offences reported, as against 6,622 the previous year. The increase is largely due to 183 cases under the Gaming Act resulting from raids made. 95 per cent, of the offences reported during the year were detected. The evil known as the " one-woman brothel " exists very largely in Auckland, and I would suggest that legislation be passed to cope with this nuisance. SUPERINTENDENT KIBLY, ChrISTCHURCH DISTRICT. On the 31st March last the strength of the Force was as follows : 1 Superintendent, 2 Sub-Inspectors, 4 senior sergeants, 10 sergeants, 105 constables, 5 detectives, and 5 acting-detectives. A matron and a surgeon are attached to the Christchurch Station. There was 1 death, 8 voluntary resignations, and 2 dismissals during the year. An increase of 5 constables to the strength of Christchurch Station is necessary to enable a further extension of the beats within the city. An additional constable will be required at Fairlie Station, owing to the very large district the constable in charge has to travel over, and the increase of population for some time past in the town and the locality surrounding it. A station will be required to be opened in the vicinity of Caroline Bay, a suburb of Timaru. The number of stations in the district is 45. There were none opened or closed during the year. New offices and quarters for men have been provided at Ashburton ; new sergeants' quarters have been provided at Rangiora ; and new constables' quarters have been erected at Temuka. Thirteen constables were punished by fine for breaches of the Police Regulations ; the offences were of minor description, but 2 constables were dismissed for drunkenness. The conduct of the men otherwise was very good. I am of the opinion that the discipline to be carried out under the new regulations will have a good effect upon the younger members of the service, who show occasionally an inclination to lapse into carelessness when on duty. It is in the best interests of the service that the men as a body should endeavour to maintain a high standard of good conduct and efficiency, and the new regulations contain all the instructions necessary for their guidance. The old regulations were obsolete and useless for modern requirements, and should have been discarded years ago. The total number of offences reported during the year ending on the 31st December, 1912, was 4,011, and the number of persons apprehended or summoned was 3,821. An increase of 40 offences is shown in comparison with the number of offences reported for the year 1911. The principal increases in offences for the year are as follows : Absconding from industrial schools, 37 ; assaults occasioning bodily harm, 6 ; assaults on police, 14 ; deserting from merchant vessels, 34 ; discharging firearms, 6 ; disorderly and riotous conduct, 19 ; failing to provide adequate maintenance for wives, &c, 54 ; forgery and uttering, 15 ; manslaughter, 6 ; mischief, 58 ; neglected and criminal children, 39 ; obscene and profane language, 19 ; obstructing and resisting police, 11 ; obstructing thoroughfares, 12 ; sly-grog selling, 12 ; suicide, attempted, 10 ; theft, attempted, 13. The principal decreases for the year are as follows : Assaults, common, 29 ; assaults, indecent, 7 ; breaches of the peace, 11 ; burglary, 8 ; disobeying orders of Court, 35 ; drunkenness, 69 ; offences under Fisheries Acts, 11 ; malicious injury to property, 20 ; theft (undescribed), 43 ; theft by servants, 18; theft from dwellings, 21 ; vagrancy, 27. lam pleased to have no serious outbreak of crime [in the district to report. In comparison with 1911 there has been an increase of 40 in the number of offences reported, but none of these call for any special mention ; and of the total number of all offences reported during the year, 4,011, there were 3,821 persons arrested or summoned, which indicates that the police of the district are efficient, and have shown that by zeal and energy they have succeeded in maintaining fairly good order. Superintendent Dwyer, Dunedin District. The authorized strength of the Force in the district on the 31st March was 106, made up as follows : 1 Superintendent, 1 Sub-Inspector, 2 senior sergeants, 11 sergeants, 86 constables, 1 Chief Detective, 3 detective sergeants, and 1 detective. There have been no new stations opened in the district, and no stations closed. The following casualties have taken place during the year : 2 constables died, 2 retired on pension under the Public Service Superannuation Act, 5 resigned voluntarily, and 1 was called upon to resign. The conduct of the sergeants and men in the district has, with few exceptions, been very good. The offences return as compiled for the 31st December last shows that 1,773 offences were reported, and 1,682 persons apprehended or dealt with by summons. These figures show a decrease of 167 reported offences as compared with the previous year's return, when 1,940 offences were reported. This decrease is accounted for by a falling-off in drunkenness, disobeying orders of Court, and thefts (undescribed).

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There have been, no serious crimes committed in the district during the year to call for special mention. I have no recommendations to make as far as any alteration in the law is concerned. The licensing laws have been strictly enforced during the year, and sly-grog selling in no-license areas has been kept well in check. The increase in pay and the recent promotions in the Force have given better heart and encouragement to the rank and file, and have brought about a better state of contentment in the service. Inspector Wilson, Wanganui District. The authorized strength is 1 Inspector, 1 Sub-Inspector, 2 senior sergeants, 5 sergeants, 69 constables, 2 detective sergeants, 1 detective, 1 acting-detective, and 1 district constable, being an increase of two since my last report. Wanganui has had an increase of 1 constable, and a new station at Gonville accounts for the other. Thc v following increases are required : 1 constable at Hawera, the 2 constables already there being insufficient to meet the very many calls, escort duty, &c. I would ask that a plain-clothes constable be sent to Wanganui, owing to the very many calls on Detective-Sergeant Siddells, whom I have frequently to send out over a very large area (between Rangitikei and Waiongora Rivers). I therefore require a young and energetic man to look after the petty thieves and spielers who visit the town from time to time —a man who could devote the whole of his time to the town, to note and generally look after suspicious arrivals. The size and growth of the town warrants this. I strongly urge that these men be given me. I am also of opinion that another constable should be posted at Eltham, or a station opened at Kaponga in the near future. The casualties during the year were —1 sergeant retired medically unfit, 1 constable died, 1 constable resigned, and 2 constables dismissed. With the exception of 2 constables whose services were dispensed with, the conduct of the constables has been good, and fairly satisfactory. The offences return shows a decrease of over 200 offences. There were substantial decreases in the number of persons charged with drunkenness, assaults, breaches of the peace, false pretences, thefts, and vagrancy. There were only 75 undetected offences, or less than 4 per cent, of the total, showing that the work of the police must be held to be fairly successful. lam pleased to say the district has been particularly free from serious crime during the year. The Judges have invariably commented on this fact when opening the Supreme Court sessions. In this district there are upwards of 1,800 motor-cars, motor-cycles, and motor-vehicles registered. In all the boroughs and some of the counties all vehicles must carry lights at night, but in the rest of the district there is no rule on the subject. I would suggest an amendment of the Police Offences Act, making it an offence to drive a vehicle along any public road after sunset without a light. lam sure, in view of the greatly increased traffic, as evinced by the above list of motor-vehicles, that it is necessary in the interests of public safety. Section 7of the Police Offences Act requires amendment. Under the first clause of section 7 a person is liable to a fine or two months' imprisonment; under subsection (3) a person is liable to six months' imprisonment, and he may claim the right to be tried by a jury. I submit all such cases should be dealt with summarily and that this contradiction should not exist. Difficulty is frequently experienced in getting Magistrates to alter the gaol in a warrant of commitment ; they say there is no authority. For instance, a man is convicted and fined 10s., or 48 hours, for drunkenness or some petty offence, and is given by the Magistrate a week to pay ; he clears out, and when the warrant is issued to the police, may have gone to the other Island. When he is found he declines to pay, aud has to be sent to the prison mentioned in the warrant, at a very great expense, in some cases arriving at the prison only in time to be discharged. I submit some clause should be inserted in the Justices of the Peace Act to empower a Magistrate to alter the warrant of commitment or issue the warrant in first instance to the nearest gaol when found. There is still a small trade carried on in sly-grog selling in the prohibited area of Upper Wanganui and King-country, and there have been a number of prosecutions and convictions during the year. As there are in nearly all towns a number of men who make books on races, and it is almost impossible for the local police to deal with such offences, perhaps it would be possible to organize a small section of the detective branch of the service to take the matter in hand through the Dominion. I feel confident it would greatly abate the trouble. I understand a scheme somewhat similar to this has been working in Victoria for some time. Inspector O'Donovan, Napier District. On the 10th June, 1912, I arrived on transfer from Invercargill, and took charge of Napier District, in succession to Inspector Dwyer. The authorized strength of the Force in the district on the 31st March last was 50, the same as on the 31st March, 1912. One sergeant was promoted to the rank of senior.sergeant, and 1 detective to the rank of detective sergeant; but no further changes ensued upon these promotions.

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Two constables resigned voluntarily in this district during the year. There are now in the district 1 Inspector, 1 senior sergeant, 3 sergeants, 1 detective sergeant, 2 detectives, 42 constables, 4 district constables, and 1 Native constable. Increases in the strength are required at Hastings, Gisborne, and Napier. The station in Shakespeare Road, Napier, known as Scinde Police-station, was closed on the sth October, 1912, and the constable in charge was transferred to a new station which was opened at Havelock North on. the same date. I anticipate next year's report by recording that on the 4th April the opening of a new station at Motu, on the Gisborne-Opotiki line of railway was authorized. A rented house was secured, and a constable appointed forthwith to take charge. Takapau, in the Waipawa County, on Napier-Woodville 'Railway line, and Te Araroa, in Waiapii County, east coast, are the only places which require consideration in respect of new establishments. The total number of offences reported during the year ending the 31st December, 1911, was 1,874. and for the year 1912, 2,197, an increase of 323. Of this number, 2,156 were prosecuted —that is, 98 per cent. The principal increases are found in the summary offences, viz. : Assaults, 15 ; disturbing congregations, 15 ; drunkenness, 134 ; failing to maintain, 21 ; fisheries offences, 16 ; furious riding, &c, 31 ; introducing liquor into Maori pa, 10 ; neglected children, 27. Increases are found in the following classes of serious crime : Abortion, procuring, 3 ; burglarious crimes, 10 ; detaining postal packets, 6 ; offences against girls, 6 ; forgery and uttering, 12 ; malicious injury, 17 ; mischief, 10 ; theft (undescribed), 19 ; theft by servants, 7 ; theft of cattle, 3. The following crimes show a decrease in numbers : Assaults on police, 5 ; gaming offences, 22 ; indecent exposure, 10 ; maliciously killing and maiming animals, 7; perjury, 4; theft, attempted, 7 ; theft from the person, 5. There were 2 cases of manslaughter, 1 being convicted ; and 1 case of wife-murder, resulting in acquittal on the substituted charge of manslaughter. It is pleasing to record that in the following classes of serious offences no cases were reported : Abandoning children ; arson and attempted arson ; assaults, indecent; assault and robbery ; bankruptcy offences ; coinage offences ; cruelty to children ; incest; keeping disorderly houses ; rape or attempted rape; robbery or extortion : smuggling ; theft as bailee; theft from the person ; threatening letters ; wounding with intent. Examination of the figures show that it is impossible adequately to account either for the increase or non-commission of the offences to which they relate. It is not possible to assign any common cause, or to summarize any number of causes to account for fluctuation in the number of so many different kinds of crime unconnected with each other, and committed in places wide apart. Had there been an abnormal increase in any one class, it might be possible to ascertain a reason for it. What is material is that it is clear from the percentages of prosecutions that increases are not due to inactivity on the part of the police in dealing with reported crime. Generally speaking, the conduct of the Force throughout the district has been excellent. In only two cases have penalties been inflicted. The men have displayed self-denying alacrity in discharging extra duty when called upon during absence or illness of comrades. Attention and thoroughness characterize the work of the majority. The serious crime reported in the district affords no grounds for alarm as regards excess. A part of the increase in the offences is no doubt due to increase in population and the attraction the district has in the form of ready employment, at good wages, for persons of roving habits and criminal tendencies. Only a small portion of the serious crime has been undetected. The most serious case of this kind was the dynamiting of a tradesman's safe in Napier. Nothing identifiable was taken, and nothing left which would afford a clue to the offender. I consider it would be advisable to embody in the Police Force Act power or authority to arrest, without possession of the warrant, any person for whose arrest or commitment to prison a warrant is known to exist. This power has been in existence in New South Wales for many years. It is better that the power should exist than that it should be practised without authority and at the risk of the officer. This may involve a repeal or modification of section 61 of the Crimes Act, 1908. Under section 263 of the Justices of the Peace Act, 1908, power is given to issue a warrant to search for goods which have been stolen ; and under section 365 of the Crimes Act, 1908, power is given to obtain a warrant to search for things which afford evidence of a crime, for which the offender may be arrested without warrant. There are some serious crimes for which the offender cannot be arrested without a warrant —for example, crimes relating to abortion, sections 220 to 223 of the Crimes Act; and conspiracy to defraud, under section 259. These are cases in which instruments, poison, drugs, and books are commonly exhibits as eviden-ce of the crime, yet there is no power to issue a warrant to search for them, though it is frequently desirable to do so before the arrest of the offender. Besides, the power of search accruing from the arrest of accused is not sufficient to meet all possible requirements. The defects of section 365 of the Crimes Act have often been felt in practice. The success and advantages following upon the provisions first enacted by the Indictable Offences Summary Jurisdiction Act, 1900, and now embodied in the Justices of the Peace Act, 1908, to enable accused persons to plead guilty to indictable offences when the depositions for the prosecution have been concluded before Justices or a Magistrate, suggest the question as to whether provision should not be made in purely summary cases to enable defendants on being served with a summons to enter at once a plea of guilty. In many cases defendant does not intend either to appear or defend, and the case goes by default upon formal proof of the offence. Defendant, however, is loaded with the cost of the witnesses, and the latter attend at much inconvenience, and perhaps disturbance of their own business or occupation. Often defendant intimates to the constable who serves the summons that he intends to plead guilty, and in such cases the attendance of witnesses can, as a rule, be dispensed with. The time and convenience as well as the expenses of witnesses are matters deserving consider-

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ation. A form of plea of guilty could be conveniently indorsed on the summons, and defendant could record the plea on the Court copy in the presence of the constable who has served it, or he could take his own copy before a Justice, indorse thereon his plea of guilty, and transmit it direct to the Court. This course need not preclude defendant from attending at the hearing and submitting an explanation or matter in mitigation. The provision at the outset might be made applicable only to offences punishable with a penalty in the first instance, of which breaches of by-laws are typical instances. In case of possible error, the right of rehearing would be available as a remedy. The new regulations came into force on the Ist March, 1913, and so far I have received no representation respecting any hardship or inequality likely to be caused by them. Like all other regulations in the nature of by-laws, a good deal depends upon a proper discretion in enforcing them, as local circumstances differ widely. The regulations respecting examination for promotion, being an innovation as far as our Force is concerned, have attracted most attention. I think that, on the whole, the idea of examination is acceptable, though some good men will find a difficulty in preparing for it, owing to their time and attention being engrossed by their official work, as in the case of sergeants in charge of the more important stations where there is no other noncommissioned officer, or constables in charge of busy stations ; but I have no doubt that improved conditions will soon adjust this matter. The provision of an instructor to coach for examination seems to be appreciated. Some of the constables have already applied for his assistance, others are evincing an interest in the subject, and are taking or considering other means to obtain assistance in preparation. The knowledge that examinations are now compulsory is in itself a stimulating influence, and a marked interest in knowledge of regulations and law bearing on duty is becoming manifest. Hence it follows that whether candidates succeed or fail in their examinations one result will be an access of increased efficiency due to better knowledge. Another important result is that every member of the Force knows now definitely the conditions upon which his promotion depends. The provision of a regulation for weeding out proved inefficients within a reasonable limit of time after being sworn in is needed as a corollary to the regulations regarding examination for promotion. During the year a new residence for the sergeant at Hastings was built. At Gisborne new barracks, in brick, are just completed, which will afford good accommodation for a number of unmarried constables, whereby the allowances now granted in lieu of quarters will be saved. Incidentally a cottage for the accommodation of a married constable will be provided by adaptation of the former offices. A new police residence requires to be built at Patutahi. The lock-up is built on the Police Reserve, and is too remote from the constable's residence (rented). At Tokomaru Bay, the constable, a single man, lodges at a place remote from the lock-up, with a river-, liable to flood, between. A residence for a married constable should be built on the reserve on which the lock-up stands. Inspector Wright, Hamilton District. On the Ist February last the Thames Police District was extended to take in the following stations, viz. : Cambridge, Frankton Junction, Hamilton, Huntly, Kawhia, Kihikihi, Kirikiriroa, Ngaruawahia, Ongarue, Otorohanga, Raglan, Raurimu, Taumarunui, Te Awamutu, and Te Kuiti; and the headquarters were removed to Hamilton. The district as enlarged is now known as the Hamilton Police District. The authorized strength on the 31st March was as follows : 1 Inspector, 1 senior sergeant, 6 sergeants, 51 constables, 1 detective sergeant, 2 district constables, and 3 Native constables. During the year an increase of 1 constable at Hamilton and 1 at Te Aroha has been made. At Opotiki, Taumarunui, and Te Kuiti the constables in charge have been replaced by sergeants, a muchneeded alteration, which will provide the necessary supervision for the districts surrounding those, stations. Increases are now required as follows : 1 detective and 1 constable at Hamilton, and 1 constable at Rotorua. There is ample work for a detective at Hamilton and the surrounding stations, and another constable is indispensable, to provide for the proper performance of beat duty in the town. One man's time is almost wholly taken up with escorting and relieving duty, so that the beat duty has to suffer continually. At Rotorua beat duty cannot be kept up as it should be, and another constable is badly needed. The past season has been a very busy one, and the tourist traffic is increasing every year. With the present staff a constable can only be kept on duty during certain hours of the night, and a place like Rotorua should have a constable always on duty. No stations have been opened or closed during the year. During the year 2 constables died in the district, 1 constable retired on pension, and 1 resigned. The offences return for the year ending 31st December, 1912, shows that 971 offences were reported, as compared with 842 the previous year, the net increase being 129. The increase is accounted for as follows : Abusive language and behaviour, 74 ; assaults, 29 ; failing to provide maintenance, 27 ; sureties of the peace, 115. The abusive-language, assaults, and sureties-of-tie-peace cases mostly arose through the Waihi strike. There were decreases under the head of drunkenness, 60 ; mischief, 10 ; obstructing thoroughfares, 14 ; sly-grog selling, 13 ; theft, 52 ; theft from dwellings, 9. With the exception of the Waihi cases, there is nothing in the return to call for special mention. Out of 971 offences reported, 961 were accounted for either by arrest or summons.

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Sly-grog selling has shown a considerable decrease as compared with previous years, and there is every reason to believe that the substantial penalties that have been inflicted have had a good effect. The fines foi sly-grog selling last year amounted to £170, as compared with £340 the previous year. Of 32 persons committed for trial, 27 were convicted at the Supreme Court. The population throughout the district is steadily increasing, and the whole district is in a prosperous state. Settlement is progressing in every direction, and there are no unemployed. The population of Waihi was affected considerably by the strike, but is now on the mend. It has been held that the premises used by a wholesale dealer are not " licensed premises " within the meaning of the Licensing Act, and it is therefore no offence under that Act for the licensee to sell at all hours of the day or night, or on Sundays, so long as he does not sell less than 2 gallons, and it is no offence for a person to be found on such premises in pursuit of liquor. I think it would be an advantage if the wholesale dealers were restricted as regards hours of business the same as retail dealers, and that section 194 of the Act be made to apply also. Under section 3, subsection (cc), of the Police Offences Act, 1908, it has been held that either an intent to provoke a breach of the peace must be proved or that a breach of the peace must actually take place before a conviction can be recorded. The consequence is that a lot of abusive language and conduct can be used in a public place to the serious annoyance of respectable citizens, and the only remedy is by way of application for sureties. I think it would be a distinct advantage if the section was amended by omitting all words after " passers by." Inspector Norwood, Invercargill District. The authorized strength of the district on the 31st March last was : 1 Inspector, 4 sergeants, 32 constables, 1 detective sergeant, 1 acting-detective, and 1 district constable. During the year there has been no alteration in the strength or disposition of the men in the district. The casualties were 1 death, 1 dismissal, and 1 voluntary resignation. lam of the opinion that the time has arrived for stationing a constable at Tokonui. The necessity for this was fully gone into in my predecessor's annual report for last year. Tenders for new police-stations at Mataura and Tapanui were advertised for in 1912, but there is no indication of any commencement being made to build. Both stations are badly required. The constables at both places are living in rented houses. During the year ending the 31st December, 1912, 713 offences were reported, as against 697 the previous year, an increase of 16. Of the 713 cases reported, arrests or summonses resulted in 673 cases. The principal decreases occur under the following headings : Drunkenness, 42 ; sly-grog cases, 20 ; disorderly conduct, 17 ; vagrancy, 8. The principal increases were assaults, 5 ; breaches of the peace, 7 ; burglary, breaking and entering, 27 ; deserting vessels, 7 ; failing to provide, 21 ; illegally on premises, 8 ; theft, 18. The increase in the number of burglary and breaking-and-entering cases, and also theft, is accounted for by the unusual number of youths who committed these offences and were dealt with in the Juvenile Court. All the cases dealt with were of the usual kind, and none of them warrant any special comment. The amount of fines inflicted for sly-grog selling during the year amounted to £106. Several offenders were also sent to gaol without the option of a fine. The conduct of the men, with one or two exceptions, has been excellent. In 3 instances fines were inflicted for breaches of the regulations. Both the detective and uniform branches have been most assiduous in the performance of their duties. They have worked in harmony for the good of the service, with the best results. There has not been a large increase of population in the district during the year. InvercargilJ and Gore are probably the only places where there has been an appreciable increase. The inauguration of the tramway service at Invercargill has caused an impetus of population in the suburbs, and it will not be long before additional police will be required to ensure a systematic patrol in the thickly populated parts in the outskirts. The district has received a serious set-back by the extensive floods which took place on the 28th and 29th March, resulting in the drowning of two settlers. The police-stations at Gore, Mataura, Wyndham, and Otautau all had from 1 ft. to 3 ft. of water in the buildings, causing damage to furniture and effects. Inspector Phair, Greymouth District. The strength of the Force in this district on the 31st March last was 1 Inspector, 2 senior sergeants, 3 sergeants, 36 constables, and 1 detective sergeant, being 1 constable short of the authorized strength of 44 allowed for this district. No new stations were opened in this district during the past year, but a new station, now n earing completion, at Cobden will be opened shortly. New police buildings at Murchison have also been erected during the year, and are at present occupied by the constable there. During the past year 1 constable resigned, voluntarily. There were no other casualties.

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During the year 1912, 1,013 offences of all kinds were reported, as against 877 for 191.1, an increase of 136. The principal increases were gaming offences 13 ; assaults, common, 21 ; failing to maintain near relatives, 13 ; malicious injury to property, 31 ; opium-smoking, 15 ; and thefts (undescribed), 36. The increase in the number of offences for gaming and opium-smoking is attributable to more attention having been given by the police to the Chinese quarters in Greymouth and other towns in this district; while the number of cases of maintenance and theft are attributable to the dull times, owing to the miners (about 700) in the Consolidated Group of mines at the Globe and Waiuta being on strike for over six months. The increase in the number of offences for malicious injury to property is difficult to account for, except, it be a spirit of mischief which at times prevails among a certain section of this and all other communities. Of the offences reported, 976 were detected and the offenders either arrested or summoned, leaving a balance of about 3| per cent, undetected. The conduct of the members of the Force in this district during the past year has been generally good, and I have only found it necessary to inflict one fine. No serious offences were reported during the past year. I have no recommendations to make as to any amendment iti the criminal law, which at present seems sufficient to meet all-purposes. There is, however, one matter to which I beg to draw attention, viz. : at present there seems to be no power given to Stipendiary Magistrates to vary their decisions, when given and entered in the criminal-record book, committing an offender to a certain prison, although he may afterwards be arrested a considerable distance from that particular prison, and much nearer another prison, the cost of escort thus being thrown upon the Police Department. Two instances of this kind have lately arisen in this district, the Magistrate holding he had no power to vary the warrant from one prison to another.

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APPENDIX A. Return showing the Number of Offences reported, the Number of Offences for which Persons were apprehended or summoned, and Comparison of Crime during the Year ending 31st December, 1911, and Year ending 31st December, 1912.

15

1911. 00 1911. 1912. lucre Decrei Numl Offe: repo] jaseor jaee in ber of incee irted. 05 03 O g Offences, 05 03 O g « o II q o 1 §£S ?| l-l .So JS* -3 SB i -5 Results of Cases in which Persons were apprehended or summoned. (Charges against Males and Females separately.) Committed Summarily T>i flm i eBe( a for Trial. convicted. Dlsmls80(1 - M. P. M. F. M. P. I ______________ Number of Convictions amongst those committed for Trial. ! fa 55 M. P. % O ti P Abandoning children .. .. 3 Abduction .. .. .. i Abortion, procuring . . .. 5 Abortion, attempt to procure .. j 3 Absconding from apprenticeship .. J 12 Absconding from bail .. .. j 11 Absconding from industrial schools .. 122 Abusive, insulting, or threatening words 233 or behaviour Animals Protection Act. offences under , 69 Arson .. .. . . .. : 15 Arson, attempted . . .. .. 1 11 Assaults, common .. .. .. j 827 Assaults, indecent .. . . .. 72 Assaults occasioning bodily harm .. 47 Assaults on bailiffs. . .. .. I Assaults on police . . . . .. 78 Assaults and robbery . . .. 19 Attempting to commit crimes not other- ' 8 wise specified in this return Bankruptcy offences . . .. j 14 Being in possession of housebreaking j 1 implements Being in possession of sheep-skins with i the ears cut off Begging . . . . . . .. 35 Bestiality .. .. .. .. 3 Bigamy .. .. .. ... 1 Breaches of the peace not otherwise 497 specified in this return Burglary, breaking into shops, dwell- 371 ings, &c. Carnally knowing girls .. .. • 31 Carnally knowing girls, attempted .. 6 Coinage offences .. .. .. 4 Concealment of birth .. .. 4 Conspiring to defeat justice, or corrupt- ; 2 ing juries or witnesses Conspiring to defraud . . Contempt of Cou rt.. .. Counselling the commission of an offence 7 Cruelty to animals . .. .. 240 Cruelty to children. . .. .. j 4 Damaging police uniform . . .. ! 32 Deserting or absenting from H.A1. ships 21 Deserting or absenting from merchant 225 vessels Detaining, opening, or destroying postal f> packets Discharging firearms .. •. ! 28 Disobeying orders on board ships .. 31 Disobeying orders of Court and sum- 863 monses Disorderly and riotous conduct .. 264 Disturbing meetings and congregations 30 Drunkenness .. • • ..11,699 Escaping from legal custody .. j 16 Failing to comply with conditions of 22 release under First Offenders' Pro- j bation Act Failing to provide adequate mainten- 1,248 ance for wives, children, parents, or other near relatives False declarations . . . . . • 21 False pretences .. ■ • • ■ 266 Falsifying accounts ■ ■ .. 5 Fisheries Acts, offences under .. 49 Forgery and uttering .. . . 122 Fortune-telling .. .. • • , Fraudulently destroying doouments . . 1 Furious riding and driving .. .. 91 Gaming offences ,. ,, . i 136 1 i 1 2 2 8 8 4 4 3 ! 2 8 . 8 156 ! 126 347 ! 347 . I l :: (i 2 2 1 2 i '.'. .. I 1 .. j 1 1 3 1 2 3 1 2 1 2 1 2 2 113 j 233: 4 .. j 13 0 105 I 34 114 9 3 ' ' i ' ' 3 -_ 57 \ 57 12 l 12 5 3 821 820 53 48 52 49 1 j 1 68 68 19 19 It 6 . . i .. 2 i 2 5 :: 41 ! .. 30 2 1 i .. 47. 4 ! ■ 1 I 9 Hi 2 3 2 30 24 12 3 6 6 19 555 3 8 1.8 i 232 .. j 4 .. i 9 "l 5 i.41:: i .. 66 3 I 5 i I i .. ' 2 10 1 10 2 ■ 6 6 1 I 2: .. I .. 2 2 2 1 s ! J . 1 I 55 55 l! i 3 3 42+ 424 2 ! 1 53 J 2 1 20 2 2 380 : 4 40 73 367 312 139 j 2 149 1 j 21 119 4 36 34 4 4 2 2 5 3 26 .. 3 .. 2 ' .. .. 3 8 .. ; 1 8 1 I 5 2 2 • ■ i • " ± i .. „ 2 5 5 4 J .. 5 2 ■ I ' • .. IS 15 215 214 12 12 33 33 30 ■ 15 345 244 . . ! . . 1 1 10 181 32 ! 14 240 .. I 5 1 32 3 4 1 1 4 1 1 ! 8 8 1 9 120 25 .. i .. .. i .. IS 18 18 .. 17 12 65 t>5 34 34 83.) j 751 63 33 583 2 2 j .. .. 1 28 138 i 138 37 3 28 2 24 268 : 268 50 ' 49 11.884 11.884 34 33 9 7 ::!:: 253 43 11,0.33 ; i 18 7 I I 2 2 13 6 808 I 23 (i I 808 6 13 6 23 1 4 20 185 18 8 .'. 8 "n 1,324 1.205 867 39 278 278 76 .■in 21 12 12 283 257 2 1 67 2 9 159 6 ! 23 1 9 6 2:{ 62 17 77 77 159 148 1 1 63 5 1 2 12 1 5 2 1 12 5 28 37 5 134 I 3 121 1 is si 81 193 1 m 168 349 345 i53 301 !! is .. 44

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APPENDIX A—continued. Return showing the Number of Offences reported, the Number of Offences for which Persons were apprehended or summoned, and Comparison of Crime during the Year ending 31st December, 1911, and Year ending 31st December, 1912— continued.

16

Offences. 1911. m s s o 21 s o a a CO g a & o "3 . a ft -• 01 W 'Si g » n °j3 . i! i la si 1912. Results of Cases in which Pi apprehended or sumo (Charges against Males ant separately.) ii'fions were oneri. I Feinalrs lucre Deere Num' Offe repc iaee or iase in ber of snces >rted. Number of Convictions j amongst those i committed for Trial. Committed tor Trial. Sumiiii convit irily ;ted. Dismissed. s S3 0* s 9 I n M. F. M. F. M. F. - M. ; F. Habitual criminal failing to comply with conditions of release Illegally on premises Illegally pawning Incest Indecent exposure or behaviour Indecent Publications Act, offences under Introducing liquor into Maori pa Keeping disorderly houses or brothels Killing animals with intent to steal th'e carcases Malicious injury to property Maliciously killing or maiming animals Manslaughter Manslaughter (accessory) Mischief not otherwise specified in this return Murder Murder, attempted Neglected and criminal children Obscene and profane language Obstructing or resisting police Obstructing railway-lines Obstructing railway officers Obstructing thoroughfares Opium, smoking or being in possession of Perjury Personating electors Poison-laying Prohibited immigrants, unlawfully land - ing Rape Rape, attempted Receiving stolon goods Refusing to quit licensed premises Rescuing cattle from being impounded Robbery or extortion Sending false telegrams Setting spring gun Shooting with intent Sly-grog selling j .. Smuggling Sodomy Sodomy, attempted Soliciting prostitution Stone-throwing Stowing away on board ships Suicide, attempted. . Sureties of the poace Theft (undesoribed) Theft as a bailee Theft, attempted Theft by servants Theft from dwellings Theft from the person .. Theft of cattle and horses Theft of dogs Theft of pigs Theft of sheep Theft of post-letters Threatening to shoot Travelling by rail and refusing to pay fares 9 8 1 5 2 I 9 137 5 6 378 7 36 27 8 113 I 13 95 6 12 24 5 3 70 5 3 6 3 308 2 33 21 14 3 304 2 33 21 13 3 S 278 2 29 7 1 (i 3 10 12 1 1 2 3 .. 1 1 10 1 i 1 1 6 439 20 9 3 73 521 3 12 492 1 12 3 413 1 12 59 5 2 82 i7 9 2 i 4 1 3 153 iso 1 iii 3 35 80 3 5 1 226 940 224 9 11 57 41 16 1 \\ 3 1 280 941 238 16 11 73 38 12 2 1 280 932 238 16 11 73 37 12 2 1 2 165 815 231 15 10 57 37 110 36 3 77 7 2 4 54 1 14 7 1 1 16 16 5 2 5 "3 "2 3 4 1 "' 7 3 5 3 2 6 1 5 13 42 126 35 6 4 46 ■5 ! 6 4 46 124 16 I 2 4 4 1 1 33 112 14 . 1 1 2 9 11 2 i 3 2 1 1 1 4 9 1 19 3 1 2 i 3 2 1 1 1 .. 180 3 6 2 64 115 33 55 21 2,341 7 18 109 215 65 40 ■ 12 6 26 16 3 39 4 115 4 113 2 1 i 66 ■2 2 36 7 1 1 4 65 3 3 3 4 94 108 86 66 139 2,332 4 19 110 201 55 62 6 2 6 12 4 48 4 94 105 86 66 139 I 1,816 3 19 108 137 45 54 3 3 1 3 3 2 30 85 84 53 114 1,437 91 18 1 4 22 177 3 2 1 8 3 120 53 11 118 7 1 77 3 4 46 63 25 44 i 4 68 '.'. 2 9 3 i 3 15 50 56 11 I :i 7 3 2 11 9 9 2 1 46 1 57 3 18 32 1 1 14 10 22 5 9 4 48 4 6 1 3 6 I .. 6 4 20 4 3 1 41 2 i 5 2 i 9 Trespass Unlawfully soiling arms to Natives .. Vagrancy offences not otherwise specified in this return Wounding with intent 70 2 684 62 60 58 2 8 2 30 654 654 1 455 160 35 3 I I I .. 4 5 5 5 4 4 1 Totals 24,999 25,981 24,837 855 33 20,693 1,517 1,660 79 683 683 19 1,590 608 . Inc. ., 982

H.—l6.

APPENDIX B. Return showing the Strength and Distribution of the New Zealand Police Force on the 31st March, 1913.

• 3—H. 16.

17

Stations. ">£ a Jsll 02 ft © ?f fcC gcc| g o 3 1C a o O <5 pi CD - One , © ■— R ■*=• a to I S3 "I Auckland trictAuckland Aratapu Avondale Birkenhead Cowes Dargaville Devonport Ellerslie Epsom Freeman's Bay Grey Lynu Helensville Herekino Hikurangi Hobsonville HouViora Howick Kaikohe Kaitaia Kawakawa Kingsland Mangawai Mangonui Maungaturoto .. Mercer Mount Albert .. Mount Eden Mount Roskill .. Newmarket Newton Northcote Ohaeawai Okupu (G. Barr'r) Onehunga Otahuhu Panmure Papakura Parnell Ponsonby Pukekohe Queen St. Wharf Rawene Remuera Russell Takapuna Waipu Waiuku Warkworth Wellsford Whangarei Whangaroa 1 1 57 1 1 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 I 1 ; 3 10 1 .. I " •• 76 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 6 1 i 15 1 1 ] 1 1 .. . .. 1 i '■ i i 8 ] 1 1 1 3 2 it 2 ] 1 1 1 3 3 2 e i i i i i i i i 2 1 1 1 1 3 5 2 7 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 1 i i! i Totals 1 1 1 33 16 133 1 2 7 2 167 6 i Samilton trictHamilton Cambridge Coromandel Frankton June. Hikuai Huntly Karangahake Katikati Kawhia Kihikihi Kirikiriroa Morrinsville Ngaruawahia Onga,rue Opotiki Otorohanga Paeroa Raglan Raurimu Rotorua Shortland Taumaranui Taupo Tauranga T« Aroha Tβ Awamutu Te Kaha Te Kuiti Tβ Puke Te Whaite Thames Tokaanu Waihi Waikino Whakatane Whitianga i 1 i 5 2 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 1 7 •A 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 ■1 1 2 1 i i 2 2 1 •J. •2 1 i 1 1 i 2 1 i 4 1 6 1 1 1 i 6 1 7 1 1 1 i i 2 Totals 1 i 6 50 i 59 2 3

Stations Mi S , S k ffll § a x M M ' i a 3 I § m o W £> 61 CD Q S "' i-' ° ■ S c > T c " Q £ 0) O ffi tc p < TO H O O If o3 en Napier DistrictNapier Carlyle Street .. Olive Dannevirke Gisborne Hastings Haveloek North Herbertville Mohaka Ongaonga Ormondville Patutahi Porangahau Port A wanui Rakauroa Spit (Napier) Taradale Te Karaka Tokomaru Bay .. Tolaga Bay Tuparoa Waipawa Waipiro Bay Waipukurau Wairoa Weber Whataupoko Woodville ] 2 8 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 . 1 . 10 .1 .. 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 9 Totals ] 1 ') 44 1 2 52 4 1 Wanganui District— Wanganui Aramoho Ashhurst Bull's Eltham Feilding Fitzroy Foxton Gonville Hawera Hvmterville Inglewood Kimbolton Manaia Mangaweka Marton Moawhango Mokau New Plymouth .. Normanby Ohakune Opunake • .. Palmerston N... Patea Raetihi Rahotu Rongotea Shannon St. John's (Wanganui) Stratford Taihape Terrace End (Palmerston N.) Tewera Waitara Waitotara Wanganui East.. Waverley Whangamomona Willis Street (Palmerston N.) 1 1 1 i 1 12 1 1 1 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 5 1 1 1 Jl 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 ] 15 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 3 1 1 1 ] 1 2 1 7 1 ] 1 15 I 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 ] 1 1 1 1 2 2 1 3 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Totals 1 1 2 5 69 2 1 1 82 1 Wellington trictWellington Blenheim Brooklyn Carterton Clyde Quay Gollingwood Gnllensville Eastbourne Eketahuna Featherston Greytown North Haveloek 1 1 1 5 1 35 4 1 2 1 1 1 1 7 1 54 6 1 2 I : 1 1 ] 1 li ] i i l 1 1

H.—l6.

APPENDIX B— continued. Return showing the Strength, etc., of the New Zealand Police Force— continued.

18

Stations. hi 1 & ® o ■ j= rrt QJ s = a, 1 »2 a I , g =Qgt, n i— < uS 8 o a a IS S a> <D to CD •2 ■ 5 : a t o O > & .11 a≥ ■a " 3 Q O CO Wellington District— contd. Island Bay Johnsonville Karori Kilbirnie Levin Lower Hutt Mangatainoka.. Manners Street Martinborough Masterton Motueka Mount Cook .. Nelson Otaki Pahiatua Petone Picton Pongaroa Richmond Seddon Takaka Tβ Nui The Port Thorndon Quay Tinakori Road Upper Hutt Wakefield Wellington S. .. Training Depot 1 1 1 4 3 1 1 1 2 2 2 1 12 1 3 1 15 6 1 1 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 19 1 1 1 1 1 0 n o 1 16 1 4 1 20 8 1 1 Q Q 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 t 20 1 •■I ! •■ • •! I • ■ i i 1 1 i i I i Totals i 1 1 i 16 135 1 2 7 n 170 1 Greymouth District— Greymouth Ahaura Blackball Blackwater Brunnerton Charleston Denniston Dunollie Globe Mine Granity Hokitika Karamea Kumara Lyell Murchison Okarito Otira Reef ton Riinu Ross Seddonville Stafford Waiuta Westport 1 '"I I " ••I • • i 1 I ■" I •• I * * 1 1 i 1 1 1 1 1 1 i 1 1 Q 1 1 1 1 1 O Q 1 1 1 1 1 A 8 1 1 n 6 1 ' ' I ••I I •• " "i Totals O Q 36 1 43 Ohristchurch District— Chr stchurch .. Addington Akaroa Annat Amberley Ashburton Belfast Bingsland Cass Chatham Islands Cheviot Coalgate Culverden Fairlie Fend al ton Geraldine Glenavy Islington Kaiapoi Kaikoura Leeston Lincoln Linwood Little River .. Lyttelton Methven New Brighton .. Oxford Papanui Pareora 1 Q 1 39 O .9 1 1 4 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 2 I 1 1 1 1 4 2 1 1 1 1 1 £ 4 5(3 n o K Q J I 1 1 1 1 6 2 1 1 1 1 1 1

Stations. I . cq ; §■■5 S.- ■»£ 31 §1 CD P If 61 o o IB O a> ©.£ 11 © p > i- *» or 1 o s a> ■ o tc > S'-S q CO 3 11 9 s Christchurch District — eontd. Phillipstown .. Pleasant Point Rakaia .. i Rangiora Riccarton St. Albans St. Andrew's .. Southbridge Sumner Sydenham Temuka Timaru Waikari Waimate Woolston 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 3 9 9 1 ] 1 2 I 2 1 1 1 4 2 12 i 1 1 1 1 1 9 i 1 Totals 1 2 i 10 105 1 1 3 5 132 1 Dunedin District— Dunodin Alexandra Anderson's Bay Balclutha Caversham Clyde Cromwell Duntroon Green Island .. Hampden Kaitangata King Street Kurow Lawrence Middlemarch .. Milton Mornington Mosgiel Naseby North-east Valley Oamaru Ophir Outram Owaka Palmerston S. .. Port Chalmers.. Portobello Ranfurly Ravensbourne .. Roslyn Roxburgh St. Bathan's .. St. Clair St. Kilda South Dunedin Waikouaiti Waitahuna Waitati Woodhaugh 1 1 1 5 1 1 1 27 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 5 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 6 1 1 1 1 4 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 40 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 3 6 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 8 1 1 1 1 5 ] 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 G 1 1 1 1 ■ ■ 1 1 1 1 Totals 1 1 2 11 82; I 1 g 1 102 Invercargill District— Invercargill Arrowtown Blufi Clinton Gladstone Gore Half-moon Bay Lumsden Mataura Nightcaps N. Invercargill Orepuki Otautau Pembroke Queenstown Riverton S. Inveroargill .. Tapanui Waikaia Winton Wyndham Totals 1 1 o 1 2 1 1 2 i i l! 1 il 2' lj 1 i i 13 1 3 1 1 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 ] 1 4 29 i i 36 1 Attached to headquarters staff 1 i 3 1 Grand totals 4 7 6 19 683 14 22 12 846 16 74

19

H.—l6

APPENDIX C. Return showing the Proportion of Police to Population and Cost of Police per Inhabitant in each of the undermentioned Places.

Approximate Cost of Paper. —Preparation, not given, printing (2,000 copies), £18.

Authority : John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington. —1913

Priet 9d.]

Place. Number of Police. Estimated Population (Hist Dec, 1912). Proportion of Police to Population. Cost of Police per Inhabitant. New Zealand Victoria New South Wales Queensland South Australia.. Western Australia Tasmania 846 1,736 2,490 1,053 512 490 231 i 1,102,389 1,380,561 1,777,534 636,425 430,090 306.129 197,205 1 to 1,303 1 to 795 1 to 713 1 to 604 1 to 840 ljto 624 1 to 853 s. d. 6 8 4 10| 5 10 8 8J 5 5| 8 4| 4 4|