THE POLICE FORCE.

Press, Volume LXV, Issue 13613, 23 December 1909, Page 5

THE POLICE FORCE.

RESIGNATION OF COMMISSIONER DINNIE.

MR F. WALDEGRAVE TO TAKE * CHARGE.

STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER.

(from a correspondent.) WELLINGTON, December 22. An important statement regarding the Police Commission was made to the House this morning by Joseph Ward. The Government, he said, had come to a conclusion about this most important matter, and he went on to recall to memory the steps tliat preceded tlie appointment of a Police Commission. It was set up by the request of the Commissioner of Police, and the Minister of Justice informed him who the Commissioner would be, and also gave him an opportunity of teeing how tho Commission would be set up. Mr Dinnie concurred in both, in the selection of Mr H. \\*. Bishop, as Commissioner, and also in the conditions under which the Coramiscion would be set up. It was known to him that Mr Arnold would be sent for, and that he was against the Commissioner (Mr Dinnie). It was not desirable, in view ot the important interests involved, that the Police Commissioner should continue in his official position. His resignation would be accepted, and he would receive six months' pay. Thero was nothing in tho evidence, nor anything in Mr Bishop's report, that showed that the "Police Commissioner had done anything throughout his career either dishonourable or in any way reflecting upon his character or his integrity. Sir Joseph testified to tlie way in which Mr Dinnie had carried out his duties as Police Commissioner in this country. However, it was highly important that thero should hot be any possibility of friction remaining, in so very important a Department, between the members of the force or anyone connected with the Commissioner in his official position, and as the publio interests had to supersede all other considerations, it was in the interests of the Department and everyone else that Mr Dinnio's resignation should be accepted. Sir Joseph concluded his remarks with tho intimation that this decision was in accordance with the intimation made by Mr Dinnie before the Commission commenced its sittings, that he would resign when tho Commission's report was presented. Mr T. E. Taylor: "Can the Prime Minister intimate who is likely to be Mr Dinnie's successor?" Sir Joseph Ward: "It is intended, SO' far as the police force is concerned, that it shall remain under the UnderSecretary for Justice. It is not intended to appoint a Commissioner. Later on, and as soon as it is possible to do so, there will bo a chief inspector cf ' police, who will be under the UnderSecretary for Justice. The Under-Sec-retary for Justice will bo the head of the police so far as the Department is concerned." Mr T. E. Taylor said that the Commissioner's inter, ity had never been in question, but his ability was. In Mr Waldegrave' the Dominion had a fine public servant, whose appointment would prevent tho heart-burning that would havo resulted if a police officer had been appointed. Mr Arnold said he was very pleased to_ hear the statement made. In view of what had been decided upon, and in consideration of the lateness of the session, he did not think it was necessary to say anything further. Mr Herdman: "Will the Prime Minister tell -us whether there is any intention on the part of tho Government to make any changes amongst the higher officers ? " Are any changes to be made between the officers at Auckland and Wellington?" Sir Joseph Ward: "I cannot at this stage intimate what will be done in that respect. The Minister of Justice will go into the whole matter." (SPECIAL TO "THE PRESS.") WELLINGTON, December 22. A statement has been published that Mr Dinnie will be offered the position of Inspector of Prisons. There is no foundation for this statement. There is very general satisfaction at the announcement that Mr F. Waldegrave is likely to take charge of the Police Department. If he does so there will "of a. certainty be several changes at headquarters. It is recognised that Mr Waldegrave's task for the first year or two will be rather a difficult one.