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compelled to state that the Province has received some of the most dangerous criminals of the Australian Colonies; and that, although the generality of the late arrivals seem to belong to a steadier class of miners than those who follow rushes habitually, yet a large number emphatically belong, if not to the criminal element, at least to that from which it is recruited.

It may be said of the persons composing the present rush, that they are divided into two classes, more widely separated than in any former instance. The steadier portion, more valuable accessions—and the remainder more undesirable colonists than have hitherto been attracted to the Province. The latter class also possessing a sprinkling of desperate criminals.

These circumstances have compelled me to place on the present Estimates, provision for an increase in the number of Constables which may at any time become necessary; as I do not consider it would be prudent at the commencement of the summer to limit myself to a strength which may be only equal to the moment.

I may, however, mention that my present strength is very slightly in excess of that provided for by last estimates; and it will be unnecessary to add that I shall not increase it unless public interests call imperatively for the additional expenditure.

Before passing to the consideration of the financial aspect of the service, I may state, that, with proper arrangements, I do not at present anticipate any serious difficulty in repressing the intentions of the criminal part of the population; but I beg to draw your Honor’s most serious consideration to the great advisability of adopting some measures to prevent the further increase of convicted offenders from other Colonies who at present take refuge here.

The Estimates for the current half-year have been divided as directed by your Honor, into salaries and services. Under the first of these heads, the saving during the past half-year, and previously alluded to, amounts to £1,149 18s. 2d., and results mainly from my having kept the strength below the limit voted. The Estimate for the ensuing half-year exceeds by £2,495 4s. 7d. that last passed, as previously explained. It also includes the following alterations and additions:—

Formation of the new rank of Quartermaster-Sergeant, at 19s. per diem.

Addition to the salary of the Clerk to Commissioner, of £50 per annum.

The first of these is merely a promotion from the rank of Sub-Inspector to the next superior grade provided for by the "Constabulary Force Ordinance," and is fully explained in my letter to your Honor, No. 29, dated 30th September.

The rank of Detective in charge has become necessary in consequence of the before-mentioned increase in the criminal class, and is intended to give more of the organisation peculiar to that branch of the service to the efforts of Detectives stationed at different parts of the Province.

The appointment of a Quartermaster-Sergeant is an economical measure, obviating the necessity of appointing a storekeeper.

With the foregoing exceptions, this portion of the Estimates for the current half-year agrees in the main with the rates passed for the previous one.

Under the head of Services I am gratified to be able to state that the expenditure for the last half-year has also been within the sum voted by £413 19s 2d. For the present half-year the increase of the Department causes a slight increase in totals, and there is an additional item (arms, &c.) which has become necessary from the same cause.

I may state that up to the discovery of the Dunstan gold field, but one vote on the Estimates (stores) was overdrawn, and that were it not for the expenses consequent thereon, the column for expenditure in excess of vote, would have had but that entry.

While reporting upon the financial affairs of the Department, I do myself the honor to express my conviction of the advantages to be gained by the adoption of a uniform system of public accounts as referred to in your Honor’s letter, No. 714, dated 26th June, 1862.

I have the honor to be,

Sir,

Your most obedient servant,

St. John Branigan,

Commissioner of Police.

Formation of the new rank of Inspector, at a salary of £400 per annum.

Formation of the new rank of Detectives in charge, at a salary of £260 per annum.