THE POLICE FORCE.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1202, 10 August 1911, Page 5

THE POLICE FORCE.

COMMISSIONER'S REPORT. Tho Commissioner of Police (Mr. 'Walde. grave), in his annual report, states that the strength of tho force on March 31, 1911, was 788 of all ranks,, an increnso of 13 during tho year. Tho inspectors have asked lor additions totalling 50 men, 30 being required for tho Auckland dis; tricl. It is proposed to summon a conference of inspectors shortly to discuss tho draft regulations. A vote has been taken for the enlargement of the training depot, including provision for a gymnasium, and tho Commissioner is arranging with tho defenceauthorities for a drill instructor to giva tho recruits "setling-up" drill. There is no reason to believe that any irregulaiities duo to lack of supervision, havo occurred at the depot. A new scalo of house and travelling nU lowancbs is in operation, Sergeants now receive a house allowanco of Hs. a week, instead of 12s. Gd., and constables 10s. Cd,, instead of 7s. (id. Recommendations as to pay of tho force aro deferred because tho increase in house and travelling al. lowancos caused a considerable increase in the annual vote, Tun Commissioner thinks the present rates of pay aro not inadequate, but that in some of'the ranks the intervals between (he regulation increments are too long. It takes a constable 1C years to rise from tho minimum uf 7s. Cd. a day to the maximum of as. Cd. If this period were shortened and a small allowance made for long sorvico and good conduct, good results might ensue. Al Wellington votes linvo been taken for additions at' Lambton Quay and Mount Cook. The additions at Lambton Quay involve a complete rearrangement', and satisfactory plans have not yet been completed. The additions at Mount Cook are in hand. Inspector Ellison, reporting on the WolImgton police district, urges tho erection, oi a now station at Mas'lorton. and Hid 1 purchase of houses at Islmd Bay, Kilbirnie, Eastbourne, and Brooklyn, Th o increnso of suburban ponulntioii at Kilbivnie, Lyall Bay, and Mirnmar will *oon demand another constable in that locality. Ho anticipates that another constable will bo required at Lvall Bay