G.-No. 5,

4

ANNUAL REPORT ON THE

Referring to the number of men discharged at their own request on completion of service, as shewn on Table No. 3, I beg strongly to urge an alteration in the term of service from one to three years, as in the event of the force having to take the field, and the probability of rough work, the greater part could, and, doubtless some would, claim their discharge on giving the required three months, notice. I am satisfied that good men will be found to enrol as readily for three or five years as for twelve months. The exertions of the small Detective force under Inspector Thomson have been so far successful as to obtain during the past year the committal and conviction of three persons for selling arms and ammunition to Natives. These convictions will, no doubt, convince the public that the authorities are on the alert in this matter, and by spreading a feeling of uncertainty as to the particular district in which the members of this branch of the service may be engaged, will, I am inclined to think, have a deterring effect upon those who might otherwise feel disposed to risk incurring the heavy penalties consequent upon conviction under the Arms Act. The Auckland Police which forms a part of the Armed Constabulary Force, has, under Inspector Broham, performed its various duties iu a most satisfactory manner, and many of its members have received grants of money from the " Reward Fund" for their zeal and vigilance in recovering stolen property, and bringing offenders to justice. Enclosed are reports from Officers Commanding Districts, shewing the Civil and Military duties, also Public and useful AVorks, performed by the Armed Constabulary in their several Districts. A reference to these reports will shew, that in addition to the usual Camp duties, a considerable amount of Road and other useful work has been performed; as also the taking of the Census, which, I believe, was done at a small cost, and to the satisfaction of the Enumerators of Provinces appointed by the Government. In conclusion, I would say that the Armed Constabulary is now composed of healthy, sober, and intelligent men, who are daily improving in discipline and efficiency, and I have no doubt they will continue to do so, till a standard of excellence is reached such as the colony has a right to expect of the force. I have, &c, The Honorable the Defence Minister, W. Moule, Lieut-Colonel, AVellington. For Commmissioner A. C. Force. Enclosure No. 1. Lieut -Colonel Lyon to the Commissioner Armed Constabulary. Head quarters, Sir,— Hamilton, Waikato, 24th July, 1871. In accordance with instructions contained in Circular No. 47, Wellington, sth June, 1871, I have the honor to submit the following report for the information of the Hon. Defence Minister. Military Duties. The average strength of the Armed Constabulary Force in Waikato District, from Ist June, 1870, to 31st December, was 6 officers and 100 non-commissioned officers and constables, but in consequence of the attitude assumed by the King Natives, the force was increased to 200, at which strength it remains at the present time. Parade and Drills. —I have invariably ordered parades to take place at 8 a.m. for fatigue, viz., making paddocks for Government horses, erecting, removing, and repairing stables, sawing timber in bush for the erection of Government stores, and repairs of the Government buildings. AVhen not so employed, parades for drill without arms, company, and light infantry, three times in the course of the day. Operations in the Field. —AVith the exception of two panics (the word panic is peculiar to the Waikato) ; one caused by the murder of Mr. Todd, in the Pirongia ranges, and the other by a false report brought into Alexandra, by a man named Reynolds, who lives about three miles from that station, that the Hauhau's were coming in force to attack the place, nothing has occurred to disturb the peace of this district, or that could necessitate active operations in the field. Patrolling. —The Te Awamutu Cavalry A xolunteere perform the dat_»s of patrolling and scouting on the frontier line. Mails, Despatches. —Mail services are performed by civil servants of the Government, who are employed as contractors to perform that duty, and carry it out most satisfactorily. Despatches are -conveyed by mounted men of the Armed Constabulary from head quarters to out-stations and viae versa Guards and Escorts. —Guards are maintained at all the frontier posts, viz., Harapipi, Alexandra, Orakau, Kihi Kihi, and Cambridge, and consist of one non-commissioned officer and as many men as the strength of the station will admit of Escorts are only needed for prisoners sentenced by the Resident Magistrate to imprisonment in the Auckland gaol. Targets. —Parties of the armed Constabulary have been employed at various times in improving the target ranges at Hamilton, Cambridge, and Alexandra. Telegraph. —No members of .he force have been employed in the Telegraph department. Storekeepers. —A sergeant of the Armed Constabulary acts as storekeeper, to issue on requisition, and look after all clothing, tools, arms, ammunition, &c, &c, supplied from the Depot. Issuers, none. Erection of Redoubts, fyc. —On the 30th June, 1870, the state of the redoubt at Ngaruawahia, on which men of the Armed Constabulary were employed, was as follows:—The earthworks were completely finished, with the exception of one half of the ditch, which required sodding. The outer wall of the tower was built to] a height of 6£ feet, and required to be raised another 9 feet 8 inches. There were on hand 14,000 bricks ready made, but requiring to be burned. During the year 1870-