DETECTIVE RESIGNS.

Auckland Star, Volume LI, Issue 41, 17 February 1920, Page 7

DETECTIVE RESIGNS.

AND DEMANDS INQUIRY. (By Telegrnph.—Special to "Star.") WELLINGTON", Monday. Detective M. .Mason, a well-known member of the police force, has resigned, and through his solicitors has asked the Commissioner of Police and the Minister for Justice for an inquiry 'before a Supreme Court judge into the alleged causes for his resignation.

Mason alleges that in a recent case before the Cuurt, which he investigated, he wad not satisfied of the guilt of the accused persons, yet his advice was not taken, and in the witness-box he had to tell the truth as to his opinion on the matter. He fears this and other matters affected his service, and in the interests of justice and the public lie »sk6 for an independent inquiry, in lieu of that provided under the Police Force Act. Hie resignation has been accepted.

Detective Mason stated that if such tactics acj had foeen resorted to in the case were allowed to be repeated in other cases a scandal must inevrtaWy result sooner or later, and he desired not to be implicated in anything of the kind. He was forced to the conclusion by what bad happened in this case, that under existing conditions in Wellington an officer who showed fairness to persons accused wae not regarded -with favour.

Mr. Mason's solicitors, in a letter to the Minister of Justice, referred to Mr. Mason's long service in the police force, and called attention to the fact that the Supreme Court judge in the trial of the casa had complimented Mr. Mason upon the fair manner in which he had given his evidence. They, therefore, asked on Mr. Mason's behalf for an impartial and independent inquiry before a judicial officer accustomed to sifting evidence.

Detective Mason states that having tendered his resignation, and the commissioner having accepted it, he did not feel bound by the provisions of section Iβ of the Act.