H.—l6.

The free uniforms have been a great boon to the uniform men, and are very much appreciated by them ; and, if not out of place, I would say if some equivalent were given to the plain-clothes men, especially those engaged in clerical work, the satisfaction would be universal at the liberal treatment of the Force by the present Government. Sub-Inspector N. Kiely, Wanganui and West Coast District. Judging from the reports to hand, the licensing laws are enforced in a satisfactory manner by the police throughout the district, particularly in the Town of Wanganui. There have been twenty-nine cases of sly-grog selling during the year, with the result of greatly checking that offence. I notice all through the district the police are making every effort to stop the supply of liquor to Maori women, and are successful in a great measure. The conduct of the members of the Force throughout the district has been very satisfactory during the past twelve months, a great deal of which is owing to content now reigning in every brancb of the service since the pension scheme has become established.

Inspector J. W. Ellison, Wellington and Marlborough District. The Police Offences Amendment Act of 1901 has so far proved a very beneficial and necessary enactment. By careful and judicious application of this Act the police should be able to render the public good service by keeping in check the criminal vagrants who have been for some years past growing in numbers, and are usually found consorting together in towns, or travelling round to the different race-meetings or other public gatherings for the purpose of gaining a living by criminal methods, or supporting themselves in idleness on the earnings of their immoral female companions. There is a great drawback at Wellington station in the want of quarters close to the station for the Sub-inspector and Inspector. It is impossible for these officers to carry out their work to the best advantage to the public whilst living at a distance from the station : both are liable to be wanted on short notice at any hour of the day or night.

Sub-inspector E. Wilson, Nelson and Westland District. As I have only been in the district some three weeks I have not been able to visit the outstations to note their requirements and the manner in which the duties are carried out. From the absence of any serious entry in the men's conduct-sheets, etc., I conclude the conduct of the men has been good, and the various police and other duties have been carried out in a fairly satisfactory manner.

Inspector R. J. Gillies, Christchurch and North Otago District. It would appear (with few exceptions) that the conduct of the police of all ranks in this district has been satisfactory, and, considering the numerous duties members of the Force have to perform outside their duties as constables, it is highly creditable to them that they have been so successful in keeping down crime.

Inspector T. O'Brien, Dunedin, Southland, and Lakes District. A large number of sly-grog sellers were successfully prosecuted during the year in the Clutha district, Otago Central Railway works, Ophir, and Naseby, with the result that there appears to be a great decrease in this illicit trade, and many of the offenders and persons suspected have cleared out, as they think the business is too risky. The provisions of the Infant Life Protection Act have been strictly enforced. Five deaths of infants occurred in licensed homes during the year. Inquests were duly held by the Coroner, no blame being attached to any of the licensees. The conduct of the sergeants, constables, and detectives during the year has been satisfactory, and they have been attentive to their duties. In many small townships there, are billiard-rooms which in many instances are kept open up to late hours of the night, if not to the early hours of the morning, and there is reason to believe that the games carried on in such places, especially after 10 p.m., are not always confined to the legitimate game of billiards. I would suggest also that " The Gaming and Lotteries Act, 1881," with all its amendments, be added to the list of enactments enumerated in " The Evidence Further Amendment Act, 1901," section 2; such an amendment would materially assist in prosecutions for breaches of such statutes.

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