THE POLICE CELLS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXII, Issue 45, 22 February 1901, Page 3

THE POLICE CELLS.

At the City Council meeting- last

evening some discussion took place on

the subject of the proposed erection of polace ceils near O'llorke-street, at the Police Harracks. The Streets Committee made the following" recommendation on the protest ol: iiie residents round the Albert Park against the police cells being erected in the barracks yard: "We recommend that the Council offer the Government a bite fronting Victoria. Quadrant, at the rear of the Old Mechanics' Institute, at a valuation to be fixed."

Police Inspector Cullen, who was present, produced the plans ol' the proposed cells, and gave the Council some information on the subject, lie said the- cells would not be, in O'Korkestreet at all; they would be on the WellesleyrStreet side of the Police Barracks, and the entrance would be from Park Avenue. The cells would bo on a lower level than the barracks, and there would be a 10ft wall round them. It was never intended to convey the prisoners up to the cells through the Albert Park, or march them through the streets. They would all I>e taken up in conveyances (cabs or the police van). The cells would be so constructed'that there would be no noise; and there would be padded cells for lunatics. As to the site proposed by the Committee, there were serious objections to the site. Tt would involve serious extra expense to the department to have the cells and a police staff there. The cells should be close to the main building, for the sake of supervision and general convenience. It was proposed to lake the prisoners to and from the Court-house in the police covered van. Cr. Jamieson moved that the Council take no further action in the matter. They might as well back down gracefully. Cr. Patterson seconded the motion. Cr. Eaume suggested that the matter should be further considered by the I Committee. ■ i Cr. Hanuan also thought that the j matter might stand over for further consideration.

Cr. Entrican thought they might as well adopt the report of the committee in the meantime; it could do no harm, even though it might not have any effect on the Government.

Eventually Cr. Jamicson withdrew his motion, and the recommendation was adopted, on the- understanding that the Legal Committee would pursue the matter further.