CONSTABLES AND A UNION.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIV, Issue 89, 15 April 1913, Page 8

CONSTABLES AND A UNION.

(To the Editor.) Sir, —If the public knew how the men an blue are treated, it would cause great indignation. The remarks made an; Saturday's '•' Star" re the encroachment on the private life and time of the constables w«re quite right, only not put strong enough. The nighWuty men goa on duty at 8.45 till "5 a,m. If any of , them have the " misfortune " to arrest a person during the night, he must attend Court at 10.30, which means lie only gets about three hours' sleep. The labourer works eight hours a day, and if Jie works overtime he gets paid for it; but the man in blue is not considered worthy of overtime or time off. Again, the new regulations are being enforced too stringently. If stand at ease on the street and one of your superior officers passes by, you wjJJ receive a " Please explain." If you speak to a/person, or if a stranger stops you to make inquiries, one is frightened to answer; for if you are fpund out, you will be Drought up for gossiping (which has been done). Barrack life is getting intolerable. The men used to spend time to make the rooms look like home. Now, through orders, all pictures are taken down, even your shaving brush must not he seen, i and the -rooms loole like a prison. The only diffe/ence is the men are allowed to have sheets. • The Superintendent, in his remarks, stated that the men can have their grievances ventilated. They can in this way: If reported, a constable has to go on the carpet in front of the superintendent, inspector and sergeant, and be cross-questioned, and even bullied, but he must not open his mouth, for if lie does he is told bis statement cannot be relied on, and also he cannot Dring a#y of his comrades as witnesses. In fact, before lonpr, if a constable Wows liis nose, lie Mill he liable to get a "Please explain."—l am, etc., ONE WHO KJTOWS. '