ARMED CONSTABULARY FORCE.

11

G.—No. 5.

3. Operations in the Field. —One officer and four men who proceeded with the Tologa Bay expedition to Tologa, after Te Kooti, in July last. 4. Patrolling and Scouting. —Since the Mounted Constables arrived in the District (Nov. 1870), on an average one has been scouting daily in company with one of the Poverty Bay Mounted Volunteers, in the directions of Ngatapa and Mungatu. 5. Carrying Mails and Despatches. —On an average one mounted constable has been engaged on these duties between Ormond, Gisborne, and Te AVairoa. 6. Escorts and Guards. —One non-commissioned officer and three men are on guard, and patrol nightly. 7. Making and improving Target ranges. —A range of 600 yards has been cleared at Camp Ormond. 8. Telegraph Linemen. —None. 9. Lssuers and Storekeepers. —None. 10. Erection of Redoubts and Stockades.- —-The Ormond Redoubt (100 x 100ft.) was commenced by the Ormond Military Settlers, but the principal portion of the work has been performed by the Armed Constabulary. Civil Duties. 1. Steps taken for the prevention of crime. —Since the 22nd August, 1870, one constable has been engaged on patrol duty at Gisborne, and one in charge of block-house and prisoners. The routine of duty has been two constables on duty, and one off. One sergeant on permanent duty. From 22nd August, 1870, to 31st May, 1871, forty-six cases of breaches of the Police Act have been heard. Six cases of Larceny and three of Felony. Two cases of Larceny have been reported, in which no arrests were made. 2. Attending Civil Courts. —There have been thirty-three sittings of the Court, at which one SubInspector, one Sergeant, and the prosecuting constables were in attendance. 3. Attending Native Lands Court. —During the sittings of the Native Lands Court, one Inspector, one Sergeant and two constables were in attendance for a period of fourteen days. 4. Taking Census. —Four mounted constables and one foot constable were employed for twelve days in taking the Census in Sub-Districts, Nos. 4 & 6, East Coast Electoral District. Public and Useful AVorks. 1. Nature and extent of Roadwork. —About three chains of bush on the main road from Gisborne to Ormond has been cleared and improved. Also thirty chains of bush clearing. One side cutting made at AVahanui two chains in length, and eight feet in depth. Two at Ormond, about the same dimensions. 2 Building Bridges and Culverts. —One culvert made at Ormond, in the bush clearing. 3. Building Houses, Stables, Sfc. —One weather board building, 36 x 12, for Orderly Room, Store, and Reading Room, seven raupo whares, capable of accommodating four men each, also two strong substantial slab huts with shingled roofs, a large Mess Room, 25 x 12, with chimney, a slab stable containing six (6) stalls During the hay season six (6) tons of meadow hay was mowed and stacked for the use of Government horses in winter. 4. Fencing Paddocks and laying doicn in grass.- —216 puketia posts have been split and morticed, also 300 rails, and are ready to fence a Government paddock at Mahunga, near Ormond. Five (5) acres of land have been cleared, and is now ready for ploughing. 5. Erecting and repairing Telegraph Lines. —None. 6. Building Sea Walls. —None. Remarks. In reference to the present state of this District, I may state for your information, that at the time I took command of the Armed Constabulary in this District, about 16 months ago, I. found all the settlers living in or close to the township of Gisborne. Since that period the settlement of Ormond has been formed, and all the old settlers have come out into the country, to their original homesteads. The European population has also increased greatly. These facts will, in themselves, show that the presence of an armed body of men, although few in number, have inspired the settlers of the District with confidence, so as to enable them to return to their farms. I would beg leave to suggest, that the force most adapted for this District shcmld be a force of about fifty mounted men. I believe, if such a plan should be adopted, more settlers would come to the District, and the increase of the revenue would cover the extra expense. I have, &c, C Dean Pitt, Inspector, The Commissioner Armed Constabulary Force, Commanding A. C, Poverty Bay District. Wellington.

Enclosure 5. Inspector Cumming to the Commissioner Armed Constabulary. Sir,— Wairoa, Ist July, 1871. In compliance with the instructions contained in Circular No. 47,1 have the honor to forward the following Report, shewing the Civil and Military duties, Public and Useful Works, performed by the members of the Armed Constabulary Force, Te Wairoa District, between the Ist June, 1870, and the 30th June, 1871. Military Duties. 1. Average Strength of Officers and Men in District. —2 officers, 1 medical officer attached, 45 rank and file. 2. Nature of Parades and Drills. —Parade Drill, 6.30 a m.; Fatigue, 8 a.m., and 1 p.m,; Inspection,