9

H. -16

Superintendent Willis, Dunedin District. The total number of offences reported during the year was 1,588, as against 1,614 for the previous year, being a decrease of 26. Two crimes of a serious nature were dealt with during the year. In the first case a Chinese miner working in a very isolated locality at Upper Kyeburn was callously shot and killed by a young man who was subsequently arrested and charged with the murder. He was convicted of manslaughter and was sentenced to imprisonment for life. The second case was that of a young man who murdered a young woman, by battering her head with a stone and then cutting her throat. The murderer himself then committed suicide. During the year the conduct of non-commissioned officers and men has been very good, with two or three exceptions. Inspector Fahey, Invercargill District. The total number of offences reported during the year ended 31st December, 1928, was 1,209, as against 1,035 for the previous year, being an increase of 174. There was no increase in serious crime reported during the year. The conduct of all ranks, with one or two exceptions, has been good. Four constables were dealt with for breaches of Police Regulations.

2—H. 16.