H.—l6.

During the year there were 111 fresh candidates, who, after inquiry, measurement, etc., were found to be eligible for the service. Twenty-three men were taken on during the year. The nationalities, religions, and occupations of these twenty-three men are as follows : Nationalities—New-Zealand-born, 17 ; English, 3 ; Scotch, 2; and Australia, 1. Beligions — Church of England, 9; Presbyterian, 6; Roman Catholic, 5 ; Wesleyan, 1 ; Lutheran, 1 ; and Congregational, 1. Occupations—Labourers, 8; miners, 3; farmers, 3; grocer's assistant," 1; cooper, 1; blacksmith, 1; survey linesman, 1; clerk, 1 ; tanner, 1 ; station-hand, 1; asylum warder, 1 ; and engine-driver, 1. Police Provident Fund. The present state of above fund is much more satisfactory than its most sanguine supporters could have anticipated at the time of its conception three years ago. On the 31st March last the amount standing to the credit of the fund was £14,578 lis. 3d., •being an increase on the year of £5,392 18s. lid. On same date there were on the fund : One exInspector, seven ex-sergeants, eleven ex-constables, one ex-detective, and the widow and three orphans of a deceased constable, their aggregate annual allowances being £1,896 14s. 9d. Since the Act came into force the Government has saved the sum of £5,947 15s. 7d. in the form of compassionate allowances, which would no doubt have been paid had it not existed. Stations, etc. Although votes -were taken last session for the erection of new stations, &c, at Onehunga, Tolaga Bav, Patea, Denniston, Akaroa, and additions to Mount Cook (Wellington), the work has not yet been carried out. These buildings are still much needed, as also are new stations at Helensville, Kihikihi, Raglan, Te Awamutu, Waihi, Waiuku, Mangaweka, Havelock, Gore, and additions to Lambton Quay (Wellington) and Ponsonby. Uniform. The free issue to sergeants and constables of new waterproofs, night-duty coats, shakos, and leggings, and materials for jumpers, trousers, and riding-pants has been much appreciated by the members of the Force concerned. Strength and Distribution of Force. For above, see Appendix B. For the reasons stated in my last report, demands for the establishment of new stations or increases to existing stations continue, and, notwithstanding the augmentation granted last session, a further augmentation will soon be required to satisfy the legitimate demands of the public. Cost of Police, etc. A return is herewith annexed (Appendix D) giving the proportion of police to population arid the cost of police per inhabitant in each of the Australian States and in this colony. Inspectors' Reports. Extracts from the annual reports of the officers in charge of districts are hereto annexed. With the exception of Auckland the officers are new to their present districts, having taken them over on the Ist ultimo. This is consequent on the impending retirement of Inspectors Pender and Pardy. I have, &c. J. B. Tunbridge, Commissioner of Police.

EXTRACTS FROM ANNUAL REPORTS OF OFFICERS IN CHARGE OF DISTRICTS. Inspector J. Cullen, Auckland, Waikato, and Bay of Islands. The conduct of the men has been good during the past year. I have referred in previous reports to the necessity of having a law passed dealing with the licensing and supervision of second-hand dealers. I again beg to state that the need of such a law is very pressing in Auckland. Twelve additional constables are needed in Auckland City to bring the Force up to its working requirements, and an additional constable is also required at each of the following stations, viz : Devonport, Karangahake, Newmarket, Parnell, Ponsonby, and Waihi. A strong feeling exists and is growing up amongst members of the Force that the percentage deducted from their pay as contributions towards the Pension Fund is fixed at too high a rate, and should be reduced as early as possible. Members of the Force are also of opinion that, as the bringing in force of the Police Provident Fund Act has been the means of the Government effecting a saving of the amount they would otherwise have paid as compensation to retiring members, an equivalent sum should now be placed to the credit of the Provident Fund.

Inspector E. Macdonell, Napier and East Coast District. There have been no cases of sly-grog selling reported in the district for the year 1901, and only fifteen prosecutions for breaches of the licensing laws, resulting in five convictions, as against fourteen prosecutions in 1900, resulting in two convictions.

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