THE MAN-HUNT

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 62, Issue 9, 22 October 1941, Page 3

THE MAN-HUNT

TRIBUTE TO THE SEARCHERS.

POLICE COMMISSIONER’S WORDS

(P.A.) GREYMOUTH, October 21. In a statement this evening the Commissioner of Police (Mr D. J. Cummings) paid a tribute to members of the police force engaged in the search and those assisting. “Altogether there were close on 9Q members of the police force engaged in the hunt,” he said. “Inspectors Calwell, Caryol, and Sweeney were assisted by nine sergeants and four detectives, the remainder being constables from various parts of New Zealand.

“All worked exceptionally long hours, completing an ordinary two days’ work in one day, sometimes working as long as 48 hours when engaged in long, difficult treks through the bush. All worked exceedingly hard and tirelessly, and I am very pleased that the: whole thing has been brought to such a successful conclusion without further loss of life among the searchers. “The uppermost thought in my mind at all times has been to see that our organisation reduced to a minimum the chances of further loss of valuable lives. The police organisation was very complete and satisfactory. This was due in large measure to the cooperation of my own officers and men with Army officers under Captain W. Mundy, of the Signals Branch, Burnham, and his personnel. The Army provided 28 signallers under two officers and three sergeants, with Captain Caldwell in charge of the signals unit. During the latter part of last week 11 miles of wire were laid for field telephones, of which 17 were used. Portable radio sets were also used, and there were some larger sets for longdistance work. The wireless sets kept contact with the numerous parties who were working well forward into the bush. These proved very successful for getting information from the parties.

“One party, under Sergeant Lawless, of the Army, who was accompanied by Sergeant G. Callaghan (Wellington) and four members of the signal unit,' and guided by Mr Harry Smith, who resides at Stopforth’s sawmill, undertook a three-day trek carrying the weighty equipment of a field wireless set with improvised packs. They maintained continuous communication with headquarters.

Telephone System.

“The field telephone system installed was laid to a number of strategic points • where police were stationed. This helped to facilitate news of the capture of Graham, thus giving us the opportunity of sending out reinforcements. As the message came along the lines it was picked up at each intermediate post, the personnel of which promptly proceeded towards the scene of activity.”

Mr Cummings disclosed that a running commentary of the capture of Graham was given by a telephone operator in a forward position. “This operator was able to observe many of the activities in the final stages, and gave a running com” mentary, which was relayed over civilian lines to police headquarters in the Koiterangi Hall. This signal unit did invaluable work, which will no doubt prove of great value in subsequent training for all purposes. “The party of signallers, reinforced by 12 men from Burnham who were expert in the use of Tommy and light machine-guns, were under lieutenants Craig and Williams, and only yesterday these officers, with police officials, climbed to the top of Mount Doughboy with a wireless set, being able to keep in touch with headquarters and examine the locality with a view to establishing, if it was necessary, an observation post. A medical orderly was also attached to the army units. “The Royal New Zealand Air Force bomber was of great assistance during the time it was in Hokitka. Pilot Officer McCormick, of Nelson, was m charge of the aeroplane, and the crew co-operated splendidly. “The Home Guardsmen gave excellent service in the early search, working alt hours. Many had to milk thencows very early, and after completing this came to see what help they could render during the day if require , even coming back after milking a night. The Home Guardsmen last week were relieved of further duty; but residents of the district, many or whom are Home Guardsmen, turned up every day to see what assistance they could give, and Avork suitable' for them Avas always found. Their local knowledge Avas of Avondorful assistance to us in completing our organisation and getting it under Avay. A great number had an excellent knowledge of the whole district, and this knoAvledge proved of immense value to us. 1 Women’s Work Praised. “I cannot speak too highly ol the service rendered by residents of the district, it Avas so outstanding that I think it Avould be unfair to mention any particular individual. They gave their cars and services freely and generously at all times. They billeted out men, so Ave could have them in outlying portions of the district adjacent to the bush, where they were in continual touch with all developments. “The Avomen gave outstanding service, working long hours, serving meals and preparing morning and afternoon t e a for. the men. Their organisation was excellent. It AV-ould not' bo aviso to mention the name of any woman in particular. All gave of their very best, and their services will never be forgotten by those engaged in the search. “ The postmistress at Koiterangi (Miss I. Smith) is deserving of special thanks. She had to work very long hours under trying circumstances, and reinJereH splendid service, doing a Inins: the round of the clock some days, transmitting messages and assisting us in the communication of telephone messages, of which there tfere many hun- ■ dreds, I would also like to pay a

tribute to the Army camp chef, who was responsible for providing an excellent menu for at times up to 200 individuals.”

Mr Cummings said that the Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. P. Fraser), Avith whom lie Avas in telephonic communication to-day, had requested him to extend to the people of the district his appreciation and that of the Government for the Avondorful ayoi k and assistance they had rendered the police. “Mr Fraser asked me to convey to everybody connected Avith the search the police, the Army, Air Force, Home Guards, civilians, residents, and .particularly the Avomen of the district grateful thanks for the Avork that had been done at .Koiterangi,” concluded Mr Cummings. THE COMMISSIONER PRAISED. (P.A.) AUCKLAND, October 21. The Commisioner of Police (Mr D. J. Cummings) lias undoubtedly been the master mind behind the organisation in the hunt for Graham, and it is due to his coolness in planning and patience that Graham was captured without further loss of life,” said the Minister for Labour (the Hon. P. C. Webb) to-day. “The Commissioner, his officers and men, Home Guardsmen, Territorials, and the women of the district, avlio cooked for the searchers, are entitled to the country’s admiration for their part in the search.” Mr Webb was Aeting-Minister-in-eharge of Police during the absence of Mr Fraser, and at the Prime Minister’s request, shortly after the first deaths occurred, visited the scene of the tragedy in company with the Commissioner of police.