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Renovations, alterations, and improvements were effected at Dargaville, Mangonui, Whangarei, Auckland (Inspector's residence), Avondale, Freeman's Bay, Grey Lynn, Northcote, Auckland (Central), Ellerslie, Hamilton, Howick, Waihi, Waiuku, Katikati, Opotiki, Rotoiua, Taupo, Tauranga, Te Puke, Raurimu, Tokaanu, Aramoho, Mangaweka, Ohakune, Wanganui, Waitara, Napier, Taradale, Waipawa, Waipukurau, Wellington (Central), Mount Cook, Taranaki Street, Palmerston North, Ponga roa, Murchison, Picton, Blackball, Cobden, Granity, Greymouth, Seddo v'lle, Amberley, Ashburton, Christchurch, Methven, Papanui, Southbridge, Timaru, Waimate, Balclutha, Dunedin, Duntioon, North-east Valley, and Invercargill. General. As I did not take charge of the Police Force until the Ist February, 1926, I prefer to withhold expression of opinion with respect to matters generally until my next annual report. I desire, however, to urge the necessity of an early increase in the strength of the Force. Officers in charge of districts have asked for increases involving five sergeants and seventy-two constables. With a view to coping with the more urgent contingencies, I recommend that provision be made for the appointment of fifty constables. In my opinion the present strength is below that required for efficient administration and satisfactory performance of the multifarious and widely extended duties of the Force. Apart from the ordinary increase of work consequent upon the increase in population, Departments of Government are showing an increasing rather than a decreasing tendency to avail themselves of our services. I append extracts from reports of officers in charge of districts. W. B. Mcllveney, Commissioner of Police.

EXTRACTS FROM ANNUAL REPORTS OF OFFICERS IN CHARGE OF DISTRICTS. Inspector Hollis, Whangarei District. On the 31st March, 1926, the authorized strength of the Force in this district was thirty-two, there being no increase for the year. For the year ending 31st December, 1925, the number of offences reported was 949, compared with 808 the previous year (an increase of 141), resulting in 927 prosecutions. The increase of offences is not due to any extension of serious crime in the district, but to such offences as false pretences, thefts, &c., caused no doubt by increase of the population and undesirables passing through the district. The general conduct of the members of the Force has been very good, there being only one defaulter, and efficiency has been maintained. Superintendent Wohlmann, Auckland District. This district was taken charge of by me on the 20th January last. The authorized strength on the 31st March last was 203 of all ranks. In addition there were : Two matrons, three district constables, and 1 surgeon. During the year the strength was increased by fifteen constables and one sergeant and a further increase of strength is required. A new station was opened at Point Chevalier. Casualties totalled thirteen, as follows : Died from injuries received on duty, one constable ; discharged as medically unfit, two constables ; dismissed, three constables ; discharged on resignation, seven constables. The offences return for year ending 31st December, 1925, shows a total of 8,544 offences reported, as compared with 6,637 in the previous year. The increase of 1,907 offences, equal to an increase of 28-5 per cent, over the previous year, is large. It is chiefly due' to the increase in population. The conduct of the police during the year has been, on the whole, satisfactory. Thirty constables have been punished for breaches of Police Regulations, none of which were of a serious nature. Inspector Willis, Hamilton District. The strength of the Force on the 31st March last was the same as at the date of the last annual report. The number of offences reported during the year was 2,501, as against 2,212 for the previous year, being an increase of 289. The figures do not call for any special comment, and the various increases and decreases are the fluctuations experienced from time to time. There was no very serious crime during the year. The conduct of non-commissioned officers and men has been very good with two or three exceptions, and the multifarious duties have been carried out with commendable energy and efficiency. Recent amendments to legislation are working satisfactorily, and have proved of much assistance to the police in the performance of their various duties.

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