9

H—l6

On the Ist April, 1915, a constable was reported missing, and is now believed to be dead, as no trace of him has been found. Three constables resigned voluntarily, 1 constable and 1 Native constable retired on superannuation, and 1 district constable was dismissed. The total number of offences reported during the year 1915 was 2,169, as compared with 2,214 for 1914, showing a decrease of 45 for the year. Of .the 2,169 offences reported, 2,038 resulted in prosecutions, leaving a total of 131 undetected offences for the year. Of all offences reported 93-9 per cent, were detected. The, following are the principal, increases and decreases : Increases : Abusive and insulting words or behaviour, 36 ; disobeying orders of Court and summonses, 16 ; failing to provide for wives and children, 25 ; false pretences, 20 ; forgery and uttering, 10 ; gaming offences, 15 ; theft (undescribed), 55 ; theft from dwellings, 13; theft of sheep, 11. ; Decreases: Arson, 6 ; burglary and breaking and entering, 16 ; drunkenness, 168 ; furious riding and driving, 22 ; neglected and criminal children, 10 ; obscene and profane, language, 11. The conduct of the police throughout the year has been good, and both the uniform and detective branches have performed their duties willingly and well.

Inspector Wilson, Wanganui District. The authorized strength is 1 Inspector, 2 Sub-Inspectors, 3 senior sergeants, 2 detective-sergeants, 6 sergeants, 73 constables, and 1 district constable. The additional sergeants at Palmerston North and Wanganui have proved a great benefit, the extra supervision having improved the efficiency and zeal of the men. An increase of 1 constable is urgently required at Ohakune. The place continues to grow, and a great number of people travelling by the Main Trunk line make it a stopping-place, besides which a considerable number of men are employed on the Ohakune-Raetihi Railway construction-work. During the year 4 constables resigned, 1 constable, retired on superannuation, and 1 was dismissed. A police-station was opened at Kaponga, and a station at Te Wera closed. Fine station, buildings have been erected at Marton and Kaponga. The conduct of the men, with one solitary exception, has been good, and they have shown keen interest in the discharge of their duties. The offences return shows a small decrease in the number of offences reported and dealt with. Drunkenness has fallen off, there, being 109 eases less this year than last. lam pleased to be able to say that no very serious crime has been reported during the year.

Inspector Cruickshank, Greymouth District. The strength of the Force in this district on the 31 st March, 1916, was 1 Inspector, 1 senior sergeant, 4 sergeants, and 37 constables. This total of 43 is 1 constable short of the authorized strength of 44. During the past year the strength, at Greymouth. has been decreased by 1 detective and increased by 1 constable. During the year 2 constables resigned from the Service, 1 constable was dismissed, and 1 constable lost his life while endeavouring to save a woman from drowning. The conduct of the members of the Force throughout this district has been good, only one member being fined. There were 834 offences reported during the year, being a decrease of 59 on the number reported the previous year, the decrease principally being under the heading of " Thefts (undescribed)," and cases of abusive and threatening language. No crime of a very serious nature or worthy of mention took place.

Inspector Norwood, Invercargill District. On the 31st March, 1916, the authorized strength of all ranks was as follows : 1 Inspector, 1 senior sergeant, 3 sergeants, 34 constables, and 1 detective sergeant. Queenstown Station has been reduced by 1 constable, the police work there not being considered sufficient to employ two men. An additional constable has been stationed at Gore, in order to arrange for a night patrol. Two constables died from ordinary illness during the year. For the year ended the 31st December last, 867 offences were reported, as against 1,013 in the preceding year. Of the 867 cases reported, 848 resulted in prosecutions, including 36 cases committed for trial in the Supreme Court. There were increases under the following headings : Assaults (common), 5 ; cruelty to animals, 6 ; forgery and uttering, 4 ; gaming offences, 4 ; indecent publications, 4 ; malicious injury to property, 6. A general decrease covers all other classes of offences to the extent of 146 oases, the most notable decrease being under that of drunkenness —41 cases less than last year. None of the cases dealt with were of an abnormal character. The conduct of all ranks of the Force in this district has been satisfactory. In only three instances had fines to be inflicted for breaches of the Police Regulations.

2—H. 16.