Sept. 18.] THE NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE. 2915

They shall take the same oath as other members of the Force, and never forget that they have sworn to serve without favour or affection.

Divorce Cases.

257. The Police shall not undertake inquiries in connection with divorce proceedings at the instance of any person.

Fires.

258. On an outbreak of fire the Police—including those who are off duty—may be required to turn out in uniform, and render every aid in their power which circumstances may demand.

In cities where a sufficient Force is generally available to cope with ordinary fires, officers in charge may relieve constables off duty from turning out should they consider it expedient to do so.

Where there are fire brigades established the duty of the Police will be simply to preserve order, protect life and property, and procure free scope for the exertions of the firemen and the parties more immediately interested; and with this view they will clear the street or ground in the immediate vicinity of the fire of all persons not usefully employed, taking care that all adjoining streets, as far as may be practicable, are kept clear of obstructions by crowds or vehicles so that the fire-engines may not be delayed. The attention of the Police is directed to the provisions of the Municipal Corporations Act, 1908 (sections 256 and 257), and the Fire Brigades Act, 1908 (sections 30 to 34).

Every assistance possible will be given by the Police for the security of property, conformably with the wishes of the Superintendent of the fire brigade or proprietors.

259. The Police will collect upon the spot all the information they can obtain relative to the origin of the fire, together with the circumstances attending it, which will be reported fully as soon as possible to the officer in charge on the proper form.

Where fires occur in unoccupied buildings careful note should be taken, where possible, of the state of the door and window fastenings, so that the Police can give evidence on that point should it arise.

260. In all cases where the origin is in doubt, or where the circumstances are suspicious, care should be taken that nothing is disturbed after the fire has been suppressed, so that the premises can be viewed by the Coroner in the event of an inquest.

Should an inquest be held, the usual report will be made on the proper form by the officer attending and forwarded to the Commissioner.

Fuel and Light.

261. At district headquarters the allowance of fuel will be as follows:—

A ton and a half of coal per annum for each fire required in offices, watchhouses, &c.

Where messes are established an allowance of 1 ton of coal per annum for each man in the mess.

262. At places where there is sufficient clerical work to warrant the expenditure, an office allowance of coal may be drawn if approval is first obtained from the Commissioner.

263. In localities where wood is more conveniently obtained than coal it may be used, and two cords of wood will be considered equivalent to a ton of coal.

264. Where Government contracts exist, coal must be purchased from the contractor, otherwise it may be purchased at current rates.

265. Gas, electric light, or kerosene will be provided for all offices or watchhouses at places where more than one man is stationed, but on no account shall they be allowed for quarters occupied by any married member of the Force.

Government Property.

266. In each district a Government Property Book shall be kept, in which shall be entered all property belonging to the Government of a movable nature in that district; but supplies such as coal, oil, disinfectants, soap, &c., which are taken for immediate use, need not be entered therein.

The property shall be entered alphabetically, and the balance on hand on the 1st day of July in each year shown in the proper place.

267. All articles purchased during the year shall be entered as received, and a total struck on the 30th day of June in each year.

268. When any articles become unserviceable application must be made on the proper form to the Commissioner for authority to write them off charge. Such application shall show whether the articles are saleable or unsaleable, and if approval is given they should be either sold or destroyed as authorized. No property must be written off charge without authority being first obtained.

269. When the property has been destroyed or sold, the authority must be endorsed to that effect and sent with the Property-book to the Police Storekeeper to be checked as soon after the 1st day of July in each year as possible.

270. A record of all arms and accoutrements on issue to districts shall be kept in a similar manner, and the same rules shall apply thereto.

271. The foregoing rules shall apply to stations as well as districts. Every member of the Force in charge of a station shall keep a book showing the property and arms on his station, and shall furnish returns on the proper forms at the end of each year to the officer in charge of the district.

272. A summary of all property and arms must be prepared in each district yearly, and filed in the district office, so that it may be seen whether the property on charge at the various stations agrees with the district return.

Horses and Forage.

273. Horses for the Force shall be purchased by the Commissioner, or by some officer authorized by him, and the horses so procured shall, whenever practicable, be examined by a veterinary surgeon, and their soundness, age, and general fitness for service certified before payment is made.

274. Each officer in charge of a district shall keep a register of the horses under his charge, in which their numbers and description shall be carefully entered. The numbers will be allotted by the Commissioner.

275. When a horse is purchased a descriptive return shall be at once forwarded to the Commissioner’s office.

276. In all reports upon horses belonging to the Department the registered number of the horse shall be quoted.

277. Every member of the mounted Police supplied with a Government horse will be held responsible for its treatment and general condition. Any member of the Force ill-treating, or permitting to be ill-treated, or neglecting any horse under his charge, shall, in addition to such punishment as may be inflicted upon him, be dismounted and ordered to return to foot-police duty, or, in extreme cases, dismissed.

F