POLICE ASSOCIATION.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIV, Issue 180, 30 July 1913, Page 2

POLICE ASSOCIATION.

actxsg xrr good taith.

MR. ROSSER'S VOL"CNTART AID.

Mr. Artimr Rosser. when interviewed to-day concerning t"he discussion in the House yesterday as to his connection wnb tne New Zealand Police Association made a .-traghtforward statement upon ine matier. -If there be any credit for the fonnattos of the Police Association." he said, • I cannot claim it, becau.-e I did not organise the Association. The men. sma-iung under many grievances, which, individually small in themselves, yet when added to a small pay caused them to take measures to form an association, decided upon a course of action and arraiigrd_a time of meeting. I was asked by another -outside parry, on behalf of the police, to take the matter in hand, as the men in the force feared victimisation, in the lirst place, 1 was mentioned as secretary, but it was pninted out- that as secretary 1 would be in danger c r - infringing one of the police regulation?, so they appointed a secretary from among own number (Constable Smyth), and I was appointed president and organiser." "Mr. Yeiteh is quite right." Mr. Rosier continued, ''when he says that I was appointed because ;he Minister made it impossible for any member of the force to take the position. Mr. Herdman says he made it clear when lie met the members of the force in Auckland that everr one. had a right lo represent any g-rievancc to him through the Commissioner. The men took that assurance in pood faith, and the public has seen the result. The first secretary was exiled to G rev mon th-. and then dismissed: the second has also been transferred to an unimportant station against his own desire. A third secretary has been appointed, and so far he remains iu_ Auckland, but three other emergencies are ready 1.0 step Into the vacant position if he follows the first two. The .precaution tstke.n by the men in asking mc to act for them has. been amply justified 4rv results. ■'So'far as Mr. Bradney's opinions are concerned." said Air. Kosser. -he is so otrrionslv ignorant of the position that it is not worth while referring to them. I can, however. Teassure Mt. Isitt that mv services to the Association} are purely voluntary and honorary, and they will cease an soon as the Association is recognised by the department."