REFUTING AN ACCUSATION.

Auckland Star, Volume XXVI, Issue 5, 7 January 1895, Page 2

REFUTING AN ACCUSATION.

inspector hickson speaks out.

When the six men charged with perjury were before the Court this morning, Inspector Hickson said thab he wished to make ft few remarks. A fortnight ago when some of the accused were first brought before the Court, Mr Baumo made certain accusations againsb the conducb of the'police. J "/'"-./ ' ''-:' - ■'./■.- ' ' \ Mr Northcroft, who was on the Bench, drew attention to the fact thab Mr Baume was not in court, and suggested that ib would be as well to wait until thab gentle* man was present.

Inspector Hickson said thab if a false' sbabemeub gob a long start ib was very hard bo overtake ib. Ib was already a fortnight since the accusations were made. A week ago he deferred replying because Mr Baume was nob present, bub now he thought ib . righb to go on. I*l6 accusation had been made bhab bhe police unlawfully entered privabe premises, that in facb bhey broke into them. It was nob ebabed that they were in pursuit of persons for whom warrants had been issued. The police* ' were charged with having unwarrantably and unlawfully made forcible entry. He might say thab very little inquiry would have shown that there was not a shadow of truth in the accusation.

Mr Northcroft: I have nothing to do with it. Why nob make bhe statement when counsel ia present.

Inspector Hickson : I have telephoned to Mr Baume, but he is not in his office. It is my duty to see that police duty is properly performed. Mr Northcroft: Still, I think it would be well to wait until counsel iB present. ,

Inspector Hickson said it was his duty to see that the police acted properly in the execution of bbeir duby. In bhis accusation there was nob a shadow of truth, and he dared them to lay an information. If they did, ib would be followed up as some other ' charges had already been- He would, however, mention the matter again when, Mr Baume was presenb.