Police Inspector's Annual Report

Feilding Star, Volume XVII, Issue 87, 9 October 1895, Page 3

Police Inspector's Annual Report

In connection vita the annual report of the police force of the Colony, Inspector J. R Thompson writes as fohows • concerning Wanganm and the West c£SV-X™llte seen bytlie annual Offenoas Beturn from this district, nled in your office, there has been an increase in some offences during the year, and a decrease in others, the chief increase being in desertion of wives and families, false pretences, drunkenness (a slight increase only), and larceny from dwellings: the chief being in breaches of the peace, cattle and horse stealing, larcenyT obscene and profane language. No iew police stations haye been opened within this district, but the Normanby Station has been closed. The usual monthly meeting of Natives continues to be held at Parihaka by Te Whitd, the Maori prophet, the largest being as usual on March 17th, bnt for some time past they had led to no difficulty or trouble. Hakas and poi dances are indulged in daily, and the usual feasting goes on as long the food lasts, when the visitors disperse and return to then: respective settlements, ♦ some a long distance off, but no exces- * sive drinking takes place at these monthly gatherings. Although no seizure in connection with illicit distillation has been made in' this district during the year, the police are very watchful for any information that may lead to seizures and the arrest of offenders concerned. The conduct of the sergeants and constables throughout the district has been creditable to the department, and their discharge of their police duties, as well as the numerous other duties they have to perform, has been on the whole very satisfactory. In conclusion, I have to report that this district is fast increasing in population and importance, the work of settlement is making good progress, and the district throughout is in a fairly prosperous condition.