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Inspector Eccles, Gisborne District. The strength of the Force in this district on the 31st March, 1926, was thirty-four. For the year ended 31st December, 1925, the total number of offences reported was 1,024, as against 1,039 for the previous year, a decrease of fifteen. The only cases of serious crime worthy of mention were two cases of murder, and one of concealment of birth. The first case was that of an uneducated, simple-minded Maori woman, who was committed for trial on a charge of murdering her infant child. The presiding Judge at the Supreme Court instructed the jury to return a verdict of " Not guilty " on the charge of murder, and she pleaded guilty to a charge of concealment of birth, and was sentenced to two years' reformative detention. The second case of murder was that of a married woman, living apart from her husband, who was committed for trial on a charge of murdering her infant child. In this case the grand jury returned "No bill." One constable was fined for a breach of the Police Regulations. With this exception the general conduct of the police in the district has been good. The Motor-vehicles Act, 1924, and the Police Offences Amendment Act, 1924, have proved of great assistance to the police in prosecuting offenders under the Acts mentioned. Inspector Cummings, Napier District. On the 31st March last the authorized strength of the Force in this district was fifty-two, the same as the previous year. For the year ended 31st December, 1925, the total number of offences reported was 1,467 as against 1,293 the previous year, an increase of 174, and 1,436 prosecutions resulted. The only case calling for special mention was the Opapa railway fatality. Part of the Wellington-Napier express left the rails at Opapa as the result of the engine being driven at an excessive speed. Three persons were either killed or died shortly afterwards as the result of injuries received. The driver of the train was arrested for manslaughter, convicted, and sentenced to a term of reformative detention not exceeding two years. The general conduct of the police has been very good, only one constable being dealt with for a breach of the regulations during the year. Inspector Murray, New Plymouth District. The authorized strength of the police in this district on the 31st March last was thirty-four. During the year one detective-sergeant retired on superannuation, and one constable resigned. The offences return shows in 1925 a total of 882 offences reported, as compared with 802 the previous year ; 829 were accounted for by arrest or summons, leaving 53 undetected. Two persons were charged with murder at the last sessions of the Supreme Court at New Plymouth, and in each case the jury returned a verdict of " Not guilty " on the grounds of insanity. The presiding Judge directed that they be detained in a mental hospital during the pleasure of the Minister of Justice. The conduct of the police has been good, and the duties satisfactorily performed. Inspector Till, Wanganui District. The strength of the Force in the district on the 31st March, 1926, was forty-two, being the same as the previous year. During the year one constable was dismissed and one detective resigned. The total number of offences reported during the year 1925 was 1,172, as against 1,065 the previous year. The conduct of the police in this district was good with the exception of one constable, who was dismissed. There were a few penalties inflicted for minor breaches of the regulations. Inspector Simpson, Palmerston North. On the 31st March, 1925, the actual strength of the Force in the Palmerston North district was forty-three. No changes have taken place in the strength since the previous year. The offences return for the year ending 31st December, 1925 shows the total number of offences reported as 1,033 as against 1,239 for the previous year, a decrease of 206. The offences reported were of the ordinary class, with the exception of a case of attempted murder and arson near Feilding in February last, a case of infanticide in Palmerston North in the same month, and the placing of obstructions on the railway-line between Palmerston North and Feilding. The conduct of the police during the year has been satisfactory, and their general efficiency well maintained. Recent legislation is working satisfactorily, the legislation in connection with motor traffic being specially helpful to the police in carrying out their duties. Superintendent Emerson, Wellington District. I took over charge of this district on the Bth February last, having been promoted to the rank of Superintendent on the Ist February. On the 31st March, 1926, the authorized strength of the Force in this district was 191. There are also two matrons attached to Wellington Central Station. During the year one Senior Sergeant was discharged on pension, three constables resigned voluntarily, and 1 resigned compulsorily.

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