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Police Buildings, etc. The following works in connection with police-stations have been carried out during the year by the Public Works Department: — New police-stations were erected at Taradale and St. Johns (Wanganui), and additions were made to the police-station at Otahuhu. Repairs, renovations, and improvements were effected at a number of stations, the principal being Bulls, Caversham (Dunedin), Christchurch Central, Clyde, Dunedin Central, Dunedin North, Eastbourne (Wellington), Featherston, Fendalton (Christchurch), Green Island (Dunedin), Geraldine, Gore, Greymouth, Hamilton, Hampden, Hastings, Hawera, Hikurangi, Hunterville, Invercargill Central, Kawakawa, Kingsland (Auckland), Levin, Mangaweka, Matawai, Napier, Ongarue, Opotiki, Otautau, Otira, Owaka, Pahiatua, Palmerston North, Pembroke, Port Ahuriri (Napier), Eavensbourne (Dunedin), Rongotea, Roxburgh, St. Andrew's, St. Bathan's, Taumarunui, Te Kuiti, Te Whaiti, Tokaami, Waikaia, Waipukurau, Waitara, Wanganui, and Whangarei. A fairly heavy building programme will have to be faced within the next two or three years, as new headquarter stations are becoming increasingly necessary at Whangarei, Palmerston North, Wanganui, Greymouth, and Timaru. The present Police buildings in these towns are old and defective. Geneeal. Training and Equipment. —With the object of increasing the efficiency of the Force, a course of quarterly lectures on criminal investigation, law, medical jurisprudence, ballistics and firearms, the finger-print system, photography, &c, was delivered during the year by distinguished pathologists, barristers, and other experts, to the Police in the four principal cities. It is hoped to extend the scope of these lectures and embody the course as a permanent contribution to police training. Also during the year small libraries of works on crime investigation in its more technical and scientific aspects have been provided in the four principal cities for the special benefit of the detective branch. It is hoped to gradually extend these technical libraries to other Police districts. I have pleasure in stating that my request to the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Force, London, that two New Zealand detectives yearly may receive a course of training at New Scotland Yard has been received with generous helpfulness. Arrangements are now so far advanced that it is hoped to be able to send two specially selected detectives to London at an early date. During the past year technical equipment at Headquarters has been increased by provision of modern photographic and other appliances. It is hoped to add further instruments from time to time. Motor-vehicles at Auckland and Wellington have been added to, thereby increasing police mobility and providing a very necessary increase in night motor patrol at Auckland. When finances permit, this patrol will be extended to other cities. The recent appointment of four additional Sergeants so that one will be always on duty all night at the watchhouse of the four principal cities has been made to give increased attention to public requirements. The improved standard of recruits to the Force is being maintained. With the reopening shortly of the Police Training Depot a more thorough course of training than that hitherto given will be instituted. Police Reserve. —The establishment of a small Police Reserve commenced last year in each of the principal cities is now taking effective shape, and should prove not only a valuable training-ground for recruits for the regular Force, but a useful adjunct to the Service. Increase to Strength. —An increase of twenty additional regular constables to the Service is urgently necessary to meet the need for additional police protection at various points. Social Conditions. —The return to normal social conditions noted last year is happily being maintained. Efficiency and Conduct. —The efficiency of the Service has been maintained, and recent improvements to conditions should enhance that efficiency. The general conduct of the members of the Force has been excellent. Extracts from reports of officers in charge of districts are appended. W. G. Wohlmann, Commissioner of Police.

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