9

H.-16

Inspector Till, Wanganui District. The total number of offences reported was 1,152, an increase of 135 on the number for the previous year. There was no crime of a serious nature. There was a slight decrease in the number of juvenile offenders during 1929. The conduct of the police generally throughout the district was good. Only two members of the Force were dealt with for breaches of the regulations. Inspector Simpson, Palmerston North District. One constable has been added to the strength at Palmerston North during the year, this being the only change in the strength since last year. The conduct of the Force has been generally good, and a high standard of efficiency maintained, only three constables being dealt with under the Police Regulations. The offences return for the year 1929 shows the total number of offences reported as 1,475, as against 1,246 in 1928, an increase of 229. Of the offences reported 1,382 were dealt with either by arrest or summons. The crime reported has been of the ordinary class with the exception of one case of murder. In this case a mother whose mind was mentally deranged killed her child by drowning it in a bath. She was subsequently committed to a mental hospital by order of the Supreme Court. Inspector Lewin, Nelson District. For the year ended 31st December, 1929, the total number of offences reported was 788, compared with 682 for the previous twelve months, being an increase of 86. Of the offences reported, 702 were accounted for by arrest or summons, leaving 86 undetected. With the exception of one case of' causing grievous bodily harm (accused sentenced to seven years' imprisonment), the district has been free from serious crime. The conduct of the Force in this district, with the exception of one constable, who was dismissed from the service for misconduct, has been good. As a result of an earthquake on the 17th June, 1929, which for a time seriously affected the district, ten persons lost their lives in the Murchison Sub-district, and one at Tarakohe, near Takaka. Inspector Fitzpatrick, Greymouth District. A new station was opened at Tiroroa, Buller Gorge, where there is a Public Works camp, in connection with the construction of the Westport-Inangahua Junction railway. The placing of a constable at Tiroroa had the desired effect of maintaining law and order. The offences return for the year ended 31st December, 1929, shows the total number of all offences reported to be 1,627, as compared with 1,404 for the previous year, being an increase of 223. The principal increase has been in respect of charges of drunkenness (39) and being found on licensed premises after closing-hours (209). The only serious crime committed during the year was that by two men who committed rape on a girl seventeen years of age. They were each sentenced to seven years' hard labour. The general conduct of members of the Force in this district has been good, and the duties satisfactorily performed, only two constables being dealt with for breaches of the regulations during the year. The northern portion of the district had a severe set-back owing to the earthquake which occurred on the 17th June, 1929, in particular Karamea and Maruia districts, where several farms were ruined. Inspector Bird, Timaru District. The strength of the Force at this district was increased by a constable being stationed at Waitaki Hydro Works. The number of offences reported during the year was 1,220 as against 1,131 last year, being an increase of 89. The only serious crime was a case of arson. A man who set fire to a dwellinghouse was convicted and sentenced to two years' reformative detention. The conduct of the members of the Force has generally been good, one sergeant and three constables being dealt with for breaches of Police Regulations. Inspector Cameron, temporarily in charge Invercargill District. I took temporary charge of the Invercargill Police District on the Bth October, 1929, owing to the death of Inspector J. Fahey. The total number of offences reported during the year 1929 was 1,311, as against 1,209 for the previous year, being an increase of 102. There was no serious crime during the year. The conduct of all ranks, with one or two exceptions, has been good. Five members of the Force were dealt with for breaches of the regulations.

2—H. 16.