JUDGE SUMS UP.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 156, 3 July 1936, Page 7

JUDGE SUMS UP.

PRESS AND POLICE. Blame for Both in Report of Commissioner. SHOOTING IN MELBOURNE. United Press Association.—Copyright. (Received 9.30 a.m.) MELBOURNE, this day. The report of Mr. Justice Macindoe, the Royal Commissioner who inquired into the shooting of Superintendent J. Brophy in Royal Park on May 22, was tabled in Parliament. It stated that there was 110 impropriety 011 the part of Mr. Brophy in taking two women when he went to meet an informer. There was nothing immoral or improper in Mr. Brophy's conduct. Dealing with the evidence of Sir Thomas Blarney, Commissioner of Police, his Honor said that, having regard to the nature and number of Mr. Brophy's wounds, he could not accept Sir Thomas' statement that he believed it was an accident when it was first reported to him. "I am forced to the conclusion that Sir Thomas was told the truth, namely, that Mr. Brophy had been held up and shot," said the Royal Commissioner, "and I believe that, being jealous for the reputation of the police force which he commands, he thought that reputation might be endangered if the whole truth were disclosed."

His Honor commented upon contradictions in the evidence of reporters at the interviews when information regarding the shooting was sought. He did not believe Sir Thomas ever said no steps were beijy; taken to investigate the shooting.

Police were in possession of very few facts which would lead to the identification of the criminal. The Royal Commissioner said he was satisfied that Mr. Brophy's original story of an accident was prompted by his desire to safeguard the reputation of the two women who were with him when he was shot.

It was revealed yesterday that, during the sitting of the commission, threats by telephone and anonymous letter were received by Mr. L. E. B. Stretton, counsel, assisting the Royal Commissioner, and by Mr. W. Ham, Iv.C., counsel for the "Herald," warning them to be careful or their houses would be bombed. Mr. Ham received three telephone messages and a letter, and Mr. Stretton two telephone messages.

At the inquiry both severely crossexamined police, witnesses, demanding the name of the informer whom Mr. Brophy went to see. The name was revealed to the judge alone.