H.—l6.

Inspector at Invercargill, and additional land for police purposes was acquired at Lumsden. Alterations, renovations, and improvements were effected at a number of stations, the principal being —- Auckland. Wellsford. Marton. PortAwanui. Christchurch. Granity. Tauranga. Ross. Timaru. Levin. Kawakawa. Dunollie. Methven. Putaruru. Otaki. Napier. Invercargill. Maungaturoto. Johnsonville. Nelson. Milton. Waikiwi. Raglan. Richmond. Mataura. Picton. Manaia. Eltham. Tolaga Bay. Hamilton. Seddon. Taumarunui. Millerton. Cheviot. Raetihi. Whangarei. Blackball. Akaroa. Pongaroa. Wellington. Waipawa. Lyttelton. Thames. Petone. Motueka. Hampden. Whakatane. Levin. Blenheim. Tuatapere. Oamaru. Kaikaoura. Wanganui. Gisborne. Martinborough. Linwood. Te Kuiti. Greymouth. Frankton. Owaka. Mangonui. Reefton. Temuka. Whangamomona. Palmerston North. Westport. Glenavy. Onehunga. Lower Hutt. Ormondville. Dunedin. Chatham Islands. Tewhaiti. Takaka. Gore. Porangahau. Waitotara. Stratford. Riverton. Woodville. General. Conduct. —Generally speaking the conduct of the members of the Force throughout the Dominion has been excellent. In the execution of their duties increased attention and thoroughness have been outstanding indications of the desire of the majority to maintain the very high standard of efficiency to which the New Zealand Police Force has attained. Strength of Force.—Owing to the growth of population and the expansion of settlement, a further increase in the authorized strength of the Force will soon be required. It is not possible to provide all the additional police asked for from time to time. In some instances requests have been made on the slightest pretext and without justification, consequently they could not be granted. No endeavour has been spared to increase the staff where increases were essential. Co-ordinated Districts. — During the past year Auckland Police District was divided into three separate districts and placed under co-ordinated control. The three commissioned officers in charge of the respective divisions meet daily, or as often daily as may be required in case of special contingencies of grave importance, and decide upon the course to be followed in intricate cases or in circumstances demanding careful consideration as to police action. Provision has also been made for immediate telephonic consultation with the Commissioner as occasion may require. The responsible officers at Auckland have now reported that — (a) " At the end of the six months' trial the scheme has been proved a success —the public and Department receiving better service. The daily conference of the officers has proved valuable. (b) " The system of carrying out police work which enables all important matters to be closely reviewed and discussed by the three commissioned officers before deciding what action (if any) shall be taken has provided an effective means for correctly solving difficult problems which hitherto, in such a busy city as Auckland, caused considerable worry and anxiety under the old method of dealing with intricate police matters. It has operated remarkably well. (c) " The division of work between the three officers in charge tends to increased efficiency in that it permits of closer personal supervision. Good will, frank and full exchange of opinions and information are most important to its success. No difficulties have arisen. The new system has worked well." Motor-cars and Motor-cycles. — With the trend of modern transport making for considerable rapidity of movement it has become essential for the members of the Police Department to have at their command for immediate use in connection with the detection and prevention of crime high-class and powered motor-cycles. The time is approaching when a squad of motor-cyclists will be required at each of the principal centres of population. For constant and imperative supervision and inspection duties by the commissioned officers, to expedite the performance of their general work, and for emergency requirements of the detectives, suitable motor-cars are indispensable. An increase in the number of those at present in use is very urgently required. Horses. —Horses have ever played a prominent part in the operation of the Police Department. Though their sphere of usefulness has been cut by the advent of motor-cars and motor-cycles, they still are a necessity, and will continue to be so for a long time. In handling crowds they are invaluable. Of recent years there has been difficulty in obtaining suitable remounts, and it is not unlikely that in the not-distant future the Department will find it necessary to provide for a stud farm and breed the class of troop-horse required by it. Buildings.—For some years past only absolutely essential repairs to police-stations have been effected. The money provided each year has not been sufficient to keep all the buildings in a reasonable state of repair. I trust that an increase in the annua) grant for maintenance of police premises will be provided. Extracts from reports of officers in charge of districts are appended. W. B. Mcllveney, Commissioner of Police.

6