H.—l6.

further batch of sixty-two men there training to fill vacancies and allow for increasing the staff at various places throughout the Dominion where additional men are required, and for which authority was granted last session. Here I wish to return my sincere thanks to the Defence Department for their kindness and co-operation in giving us the use of Trentham Camp for training. I also desire to thank the Y.M.C.A. for the many acts of kindness extended to our recruits at Trentham Camp while undergoing training and also for placing at their disposal the commodious premises of the Y.M.C.A. for social purposes in the evening. Recreation.—The men have been encouraged to take part in all kinds of sport. Provision has been made in some centres for tennis-courts where tennis and Badminton can be played. They are also encouraged to hold social evenings. In some centres we have our own orchestra to play at our social evenings. We also have a Highland Pipe Band in Wellington, which is very popular with the public and in great demand at public functions. It is difficult at times to arrange for the bandsmen being exempt from duty to allow them to take part in all the functions they are asked to. Police Association.—Permission was granted by the Hon. the Minister in Charge of the Police Department (the Hon. P. Fraser) and the Government to the members of the Police Force to form an association for their mutual benefit. The regulations were amended to permit this, and the association was successfully formed and is now functioning. This concession was greatly appreciated by the men. General Conduct of Members of the Force.—l am pleased to be able to report the general conduct of the members of the Force has been good. All branches of the Service have worked hard during the year. Extracts from reports of officers in charge of districts are appended. D. J. Cummings, Commissioner of Police.

EXTRACTS FROM THE ANNUAL REPORTS OF OFFICERS IN CHARGE OF DISTRICTS. Inspector O'Hara, Whangarei District. During the year two additional sergeants have been appointed to this district—one at Kaitaia and the other at Whangarei. An additional constable has been stationed at Kaikohe. An extra constable is required at Kaitaia. The time has now arrived when a sub-district should be created on the northern side of the Hokianga Harbour (dividing Rawene), and the stationing of a constable in that locality considered, to expedite police duty in that region. I have previously reported on the necessity for reopening the Kamo Police-station. A reliable constable stationed there would be a valuable addition to the strength of the district. Forgery and false pretences show a marked increase, but one individual was responsible for practically all the offences reported. Receiving stolen property also shows increase, but again the charges concerned only two or three persons. Breach of the peace, drunkenness, and unlawfully using horses or motor-cars all show increases, but through no special cause. Offences under the Destitute Persons Act show a decrease possibly due to better times financially. The detection of the illegal supply of liquor to Natives was successful during the past year, and the convictions entered will probably have the desired effect. Breaches of the Licensing Act generally show an increase, but this may only be a sign of better times. On 9th June, 1936, at Waihou Valley an elderly and prosperous farmer named Ernest Severin Nelson was murdered (by shooting with a 12 gauge shot-gun) in his own driveway about 100 yards from the Mam North Road. The crime was committed in the darkness of the early evening, and the criminal made good his escape, leaving no clue. A strong body of police was soon on the scene, and exhaustive inquiries were made over a period of six months. A substantial reward was offered' but so far the murderer has not been apprehended. The locality of the crime and surrounding circumstances suggest that the murder had been planned. The conduct of the members of the Force in the district has been satisfactory, with three exceptions. Superintendent Till, Auckland District. Subdistricts were formed and stations opened at Surf dale and Manure wa. Kerepehi (one constable), Paeroa (two constables), and Waihi (one senior sergeant and four constables) were transferred to Hamilton Police District. Huntly and Ellerslie stations were placed in charge of sergeants. The offences return shows increases in drunkenness, being found in gaming-house, selling liquor after hours, and breaches of the Motor-vehicles Act. There were decreases in theft, false pretences, house-breaking, and failing to maintain. The total number of offences for the year 1936 was 7 262' as against 7,237 for the previous year. There were 690 undetected offences. The increases indicate that there was more money being spent in drink, gambling, and motoring. Seven constables were dealt with for nine breaches of the Police Regulations. The good conduct of members of the Force in this district has been well maintained. On visits of inspection members of the Force were found to be smart and tidy in appearance and all police records properly kept. The buildings and premises were clean and tidy.

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