THE POLICE COMMISSION.

Auckland Star, Volume XL, Issue 205, 28 August 1909, Page 5

THE POLICE COMMISSION.

FURTHER EVIDENCE TAKEN. A REPLY TO MR. TAYLOR, M.P. At yesterday's sitting of the Police Commission it was stated that one of the delegates appointed by the constables, Constable Hammerly, had 'complained at the method of conducting the business in the Magistrate's Court, without being authorised to make such a statement by his fellow constables. Constable Hammerly again came forward, and was asked by Mr. Bishop on what authority he had brought this question up. Witness replied that he had done so at the unanimous wish of of the men on the station. Mr. Bishop: At the meeting?— No. Mr. Bishop: Then how do you know? Witness: Through talking with them all. The meeting broke up before we had settled on all the points -we wished to bring forward, and it was decided to leave the delegates a, free hand to bring up any other matter of importance. The men on the station feel that there, is reason to complain at the time taken up in the Magistrate's Court in dealing with cases where the accused have pleaded '"guilty." Mr. Bishop: The Magistrates think there has been a grave breach of discipline. Perhaps you and your comrades would not regard it in the light that more matured officers do. Your. Inspector has expressed his strong disapproval. Witness: It does not affect mc as it, does other men on the station, as I never do night duty. Mr. Bishop: ] would not treat it as a breach of discipline so much as an error of judgment. Inspector Cullen: Most of the men at the station are very young; many of them have not been in the service more than twelve months. Mr. Bishop: Very well; I do not want to say anything more. As far as I nm concerned, the incident is closed. Nothing can be dor.c now to whittls away the effect of what has been said. Constable G. R. Mackay (of the Eden Terrace station) appeared to complain that he had been fined when at Wellington for an offence in regard to which he had been permitted no- opportunity of pleading his defpnee, or answering the charge brought against him. Mr. Bishop said he would have the papers forwarded to him, and promised to look thoroughly into the circumstances of the case. Evidence was also given by Sergeants Ferguson, llognn, Rowell, Kales, Bsskille, Harvey, anl Ramsay, all of whom stated that they had no fault to find wit!i the working nf the force or method of thp administration. Sergeant Ramsny, in answer to Mr. Dinnie, stated that there was no justification at all for the allegations made by Mr. T. Taylor, M.P.. to the effect that he was transferred for any special purpr>?e from Chiistrhurch. The resson for Mr. Taylor taking up this attitude was that witness refused to give evidence against Inspector Emerson in 1008. when Mr. Taylor requested him to do so. Mr. Dinnie: Then Mr. Taylor has yet to come forward and make mc eat my ■words. The Commission then adjourned till Monday.