H.—l6,

There were decreases in assault, mischief, breach of the peace, drunkenness, and breaches of Motor-vehicles Act. There has been no serious crime during the year. The conduct of the police has been generally good, the only exceptions being that two constables were dismissed from the Service for breaches of Police Regulations. Superintendent J. Mcllveney, Dunedin District. There were 2,111 offences reported during the year, compared with 1,881 in 1931. Arrests or summonses resulted in 1,886 cases. The principal increases in offences reported appear in respect of false statements and declarations, theft, theft from dwellings, receiving property dishonestly obtained, mischief, drunkenness, inciting violence, disorder or lawlessness, damaging telegraph equipment, breaches of Arms Act, and breaches of Motor-vehicles Act. The principal decreases appear in respect of false pretences, house or shop breaking, vagrancy, stealing postal packets, and failing to maintain wife or children. On the 28th April, 1932, a man was found guilty of manslaughter at the Dunedin Supreme Court and sentenced to fourteen years imprisonment. He shot the husband of a woman who previously gave birth to an illegitimate child of whom he was the father. The probable cause of the crime was jealousy. One sergeant was reduced to the rank of constable and five constables were fined for breaches of the regulations, and one constable was dismissed from the Service. With these exceptions, the conduct of the members of the Force on the whole has been good, and both branches of the service have worked in the greatest of harmony. Inspector Gibson, Invercargill District. I beg to report that I took charge of the Invercargill Police District on 26th January, 1933. The strength of the Force in the district on 31st March, 1933, was the same as last year, and I would recommend that another constable be appointed here, as the city is increasing and requires another constable for night duty. The population is approximately twenty-six thousand. During the year the police-station at Orepuki was closed, the work from this station being divided between the constables stationed at Riverton and Tuatapere. On 13th December, 1932, Inspector McCarthy, who was in charge of this district, died. The offences return for the year ended 31st December last shows a decrease of all offences reported of 144 from the previous year. Thefts increased, due no doubt to the hard times and unemployment. There was no serious crime reported during the year. A long-drawn-out strike took place at Ohai Coal-mines, but it is now happily settled. The conduct of the police, with the exception of two constables, who were dismissed for breaches of Police Regulations, and four constables, who were punished for minor breaches, has been good. I wish to draw attention to a practice which is becoming common, and, in my opinion, should be made an offence under the Police Force Act. I refer to the persons who, from different motives, report to the police a bogus crime or offence —the motive benefiting the person making it. In my experience I have had persons complain of being robbed, &c, and recently a man reported his motor-car stolen and damaged, when in fact he himself was driving recklessly and damaged it. Provision is made under the Post and Telegraph Act to make such false statements a crime, and I would ask that some consideration be given my suggestion.

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