Police.

• 13a. The number of serious crimes committed in Maori districts has hitherto been small. But it is necessary, in order to quiet men's minds and to keep up confidence and good feeling between the races, that proof should be given, when needed, of the existence and nearness of a power strong enough to repress wrongdoers and protect the peaceful and well-disposed. For this purpose an efficient police force is needed, which should receive its orders from the Civil Commissioner. A Native police force might be raised by calling on the friendly tribes throughout the country to supply volunteers. No combination need be feared in such a force. The position of every such guardian of the peace should be made valuable and honourable. Their duties should be clearly defined. Amongst ourselves in old times the duties of ministerial officers of the law were in some cases set out very minutely in the page 9oaths of office. Some such forms might under our circumstances be found useful, and be made impressive by being formally and publicly administered before the Commissioner.