H.—l(s

4

Return showing the Number of Prosecutions against Publicans in each District during Year 1903, the Number convicted, and Number discharged or withdrawn.

Return showing the Number of Prosecutions against Publicans within each Principal Centre during the Year 1903, the Number convicted, and Number discharged or withdrawn.

Sly-grog. There were 216 prosecutions during the year for sly-grog selling, resulting in 151 convictions, against 122 prosecutions and 64 convictions during the preceding year. This is a considerable increase both in the number of prosecutions (94) and convictions (87), which is accounted for by the additional prohibited areas existing since June, 1903, and the special exertions of the police in endeavouring to minimise this class of offence. The difficulties to contend with in detecting and proving cases of sly-grog selling are considerable, and special means have to be resorted to occasionally, which are not generally approved, although indispensable if success is to attend our efforts to check this evil. I refer to the employment of private individuals, whose evidence is generally corroborated by the police. The recent disturbances at Ashburton during sly-grog prosecutions demonstrate the sympathy those opposed to prohibition have with such offenders, and to save a conviction wilful perjury is frequently resorted to; whilst, on the other hand, those in favour of prohibition render the police no assistance whatsoever in enforcing the law. The fines imposed on sly-grog sellers during the year 1903 amounted to £946 Is., against £762 3s. in 1902; but a number of those prosecuted in 1903 were sentenced to imprisonment without the option of a fine. The amounts of fines in the various districts are as follow :— £ s. d. Auckland ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 375 0 0 Wanganui... ... ... ... ... ... ... 11 10 0 Wellington .... ... ... ... ... ... 155 5 0 Greymouth ... ... ... ... ... ... 60 0 0 Christchurch ... ... ... ... ... .. 94 0 0 Dunediu ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 115 0 0 Invercargill ... ... ... ... ... ... 135 6 0 Total ... ... ... ... ... £946 1 0 The direct cost to the colony in detecting and prosecuting sly-grog sellers during the year was £961 Bs., this being £15 7s. more than the amount of fines imposed. Gaming Offences. There were 229 prosecutions, resulting in 124 convictions, during the year under the gaming laws, against 256 prosecutions and 212 convictions in 1902. A necessary amendment to "The Gaming and Lotteries Act, 1881," is being drafted in order to bring agents who collect money in this colony in payment for tickets in sweepstakes (such as Tattersall's in Hobart) drawn abroad within the scope of the Act, so that they can be dealt with as if the actual lottery originated in New Zealand. I trust that during the present session this amendment will be passed into law.

District. Prosecutions. Convictions. Discharged or withdrawn. Auckland Napier ... Wanganui Wellington 5reymouth jbristchurch Dunedin 46 45 31 14 35 30 24 6 21 29 9 5 18 10 12 6 25 16 22 9 L7 20 12 invercargill 231 110 121

Centre. Proseoutions. Convictions. Discharged or withdrawn. Auckland and suburbs Wellington and suburbs ... Christchurch and suburbs ... Dunedin and suburbs 14 9 14 14 8 3 5 8 6 6 9 6 51 24 27