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compelled to keep the older vehicles in use. It is hoped that some assistance will be forthcoming in the direction of making cars available to the police as their transport in country districts must be regarded as a matter requiring high priority. Communications. —Substantial advancement was made during the year by the provision of very-high-frequency radio equipment at Auckland, Christchurch, and Dunedin, in addition to that at Wellington where this equipment had been in Use for some time. The radio-communications system is now an integral and indispensable part of police equipment and although the cost of installing, maintaining, and developing the radio system has been considerable, the splendid results achieved in furthering police work fully justify the expenditure. It is hoped to extend the radio service to Palmerston North and Hamilton as soon as circumstances permit and to provide a wellequipped mobile van for use in emergencies. The value of such equipment was fully demonstrated in the outstanding performance with " makeshift " equipment in a recent rescue operation. The development of radio is being studied closely to ensure that advantage is taken of advancements in radio for adaptation for police purposes. Transfers. —Housing difficulties generally are causing serious embarrassment in connection with transfers and promotions. In the Police Force, owing to the constant changes in residence caused by transfers to meet the needs of the Department, it is generally not practicable for members to acquire houses by purchase in any particular locality. The securing of house accommodation on transfer and promotion is one of the most serious and pressing problems facing the members of the Force and the Department, and it is hoped that some relief will be afforded by the provision of departmental houses in the various centres to meet the requirements of the Department. It is to be regretted that adequate police protection cannot be provided in certain districts because of the inability of the police to secure house accommodation. Buildings.—The Department has a long list of building requirements, some of which have been outstanding for several years. The difficulties in letting contracts, due to shortage of labour and materials in the building trade, are fully recognized, but it is hoped that it will be possible for some of the work to be undertaken in the near future. Because of the dilapidated condition of some police residences and buildings, expenditure to effect even essential repairs has not been justified with the result that there has been rapid deterioration in many cases and the replacement of the building is a matter requiring urgent attention. The restriction of expenditure to matters of justifiable urgency has delayed the renovation of a number of police buildings, as only urgent repairs have been effected. With the rapid growth of population in certain areas, continual demands are being made for the establishment of new police-stations or an increase in the number of men at. existing stations, but these demands have necessarily to stand in abeyance until the strength of the Force permits expansion in these directions and suitable buildings are available. Uniforms. —Definite action has been taken to effect a change in the design of uniforms by the provision of a lapel-fronted tunic to be worn with a collar and tie. This type of uniform will be worn by officers, non-commissioned officers, and men, but as a measure of economy the changeover will be gradual. All good-condition tunics of the old style will be altered at a small cost, while those members whose present tunics are due for replacement will be issued with the new type as supplies of material become available. The present helmet is regarded as a distinguishing feature and is being retained. The reasons for the change to the open-neck and two-piece type of tunic are the inability of the Department to get tailors to make up the old style of collar and one-piece jacket, and to provide greater comfort for the wearers. With the old style of officer's jacket a great deal of braid was required to be sewn on it. This was very costly; and extreme difficulty was experienced in getting tailors competent and willing to make that type of tunic.

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