H.—l6b

VII

need for revision, and such need has been recognised and admitted by the Commissioner; but nothing has been done, and I may say at once that I can see no excuse for leaving neglected such an important matter for so long a time. I understand that new regulations will shortly be gazetted. It is thus seen that the practical control of the Force is with Your Excellency, acting by the Minister in charge of the Department. The Commissioner possesses certain powers under the Act and the regulations, and exercises a limited authority in certain departmental matters. The system of enrolment is settled by section 59 of the regulations. This states that vacancies in the Force will be filled from candidates selected by the Commissioner, subject to the approval of the Minister. Candidates have to produce a certificate or other satisfactory evidence that they have passed the Fifth Standard examination prescribed under the Education Act, or some other examination of at least equal grade. They must be of unexceptionable moral character, of which satisfactory testimonials will be required. They must be not less than twenty-one and not more than thirty years of age. An exception up to forty years of age is made in favour of members of the Permanent Militia who joined that Force before the Ist December, 1898. They must be not less than 5 ft. 9 in. in height, with 38 in. chest-measurement. They have to pass a medical examination. If selected they have to undergo two months' training in the Training Depot, where they are required to undergo a farther departmental examination, and can be discharged if not fit. Men who have previously served in the New Zealand or any other Police Force may, in the discretion of the Commissioner, be enrolled in the service and exempted from depot training if not more than forty years of age. The Training Depot at the present time has accommodation for sixteen recruits. The instructor is Sergeant Dart. He has qualified as a solicitor of the Supreme Court, and he gives his whole time to the instruction of the recruits. In addition to drill and general police training, he skives instruction in the provisions of those statutes which specially pertain to the work that a constable is called upon to perform. Sergeant Dart takes great interest in his work, is specially Qualified to discharge his duties with advantage, and, so far as I have had the opportunity of judging, shows excellent results. He does not live on the premises. There are no facilities available, either by gymnasium or otherwise, for any degree of physical training that one might regard as almost indispensable in the making of a properly efficient constable. The probationers receive instruction in ambulance work and first aid. Each man while in the depot is paid 6s. per day, no distinction in this respect being made between married and single men. Every recruit has to live in the depot, and the average cost of messing is 2s. 3d. per man per day, thus leaving a margin merely of 3s. 9d. per day. This, of course, makes it next door to impossible that married men can join the Force, and vet these are the men that I would encourage in every way. The more young married men who can be induced to join the better for the Force. This I feel very strongly. During the night, when Sergeant Dart leaves the depot, oversight is exercised by the sergeant at Wellington South, who is then practically in charge. T cannot say whether this system is entirely satisfactory. Tarn inclined to think that closer supervision in a properly defined way will be necessary. At present there is no settled arrangement, and what is done is merely by a mutual understanding between Sergeants Dart and Mathieson. I think that the Commissioner should have controlled this in a proper and systematic way. The present position contains an element of weakness, and therefore of danger. It may be convenient here to refer to what is done in respect to applicants for enrolment. In the appendix will be found the document which has to be filled in and signed by every applicant. On the receipt of this, and on proof of the necessary formalities having been complied with, inquiries are made respecting the applicant, dating back to the time of his leaving school, and through the whole course of his various employments. Speaking: generally, the inquiries would appear to be thorough and far-reaching, and, in the case of most New-Zealand-