MR. HERDMAN INTERVIEWED

Auckland Star, Volume XLIV, Issue 90, 16 April 1913, Page 11

MR. HERDMAN INTERVIEWED

; i (By Telegraph.—-Press Association.). : ; - Tuesday '' An Auckland telegram regarding police disaffection was brought under .the notice of the Hon. A. L. Herdman (Minister for Justice), who emphatically denied the suggestion "that .he had in any way refused or neglected to meet the men ■when he was in Auckland. He inspected the force and communicated with the meni openly stating that if they had any complaints or grievances to bring before lim as Minister for Justice, that was the opportunity. He went into the inspector's room, where he was interviewed by a number of detectives and some sergeants, and when he left the police station lie understood no other member of the force lad any conjplaint' to bring under his notice. As to the discontent said to exist' in Wellington, Mr. Herdman said no complaints' from the police force had. been officially brought under his notice, and he was unaware of any ground for complaints. When he inspected LambtonQuay station the men had full opportunity to put forward grievances against the new regulations. He remarked at the time that he would prefer the men to come before him in a straightforward manner and frankly to state complaints rather than make complaints behind his back. Subsequent to the-inspection the superintendent reported to him that no member of the force had any matter to bring under his notice. At Dunedin and Christchurch a number of men had come [forward with requests of a general nature, relating chiefly to transfers and, other departmental matters easy of adjustment, but there were no complaints of a serious character. -i