THE MELBOURNE POLICE

Auckland Star, Volume LVI, Issue 31, 6 February 1925, Page 5

THE MELBOURNE POLICE

COMMISSION OF INQUIRY, j WHY THE MEN MUTINIED. I J SPIES IN PLAIN CLOTHES. (By Cable.—rress Association.—Copyright.) ilWeived 11 a.vi.l MELBOURNE, this day. The report of the l'olice Commission set up to inquire into the mutiny in the -Melbourne police force stales: "We are of opinion that the non-restoring of pensions created a situation in which, and in which alone, a general strike in the police force heoame a possibility. While I not wishing to rellect on Mr. Nicholson's] capacity on the ground of his age, we arc of opinion that it is a decided handicap to any man to enter upon the arduous duties of Commissioner of the Police Force at an age when insufficient years remain to the holder of the office to enable him to acquire experience in many problems which confront him ami to work out his schemes and policies."' The report, says that however desirable it may have been tn exercise more supervision over constables on beat duties, it xvas not xvise tn exercise such duties through the agency nf men in plain clothes. Anything which is in the nature of spying is likely lo be repugnant to a body of men. the majority of xvhnm do not feel conscious of the necessity of being spied u|M>n. The report adds that it would have been much more judicious and in accordance xvith the sane demands of the situation of the Chief Commissioner, upon the facts being reported to him, had quietly ordered the suspension of the men concerned and had them charged in accordance xvith tlie provisions of the Police Regulations Act, xvhich is designed to meet these emergencies. Temperate action <.f this nature might xvell have operated greatly to restrict subsequent trouble. — (A. and N.Z. Cable.)