THE UNREST IN THE POLICE FORCE.

Press, Volume XLIX, Issue 14645, 21 April 1913, Page 2

THE UNREST IN THE POLICE FORCE.

"POLITICAL AGITATION." (SJECIAI. TO "THE PRESS.") WELLINGTON, April 19. From enquiries made by a "Dominion" reporter, it is clear that some of the police force class tho recent local stir as political agitation. One valued member of the force declared that there is no general dissatisfaction among the m-jn, and that the men as a whole do not complain regarding tho examinations. The only persons who" do object are a few detectives. Tiie examinat'ens were to end political influence, ond tho men now had every reasonable hope of rising according to merit, tho forco was never better treated or working under hotter conjitions than to-day Tho talk of dissatisfaction was sneer political agitation, which tho men realised and regretted, as they believed t!»it they could get any reasonable improvements m due course.

GRIEVANCES OF CHRISTCHURCH ■MEN.

A "Press" reporter mndo enquiries amongst several members of the force some days ago, and he was assured that there was no trouble amongst the Christchurch men. No mention of forming an association was made, and Sub-Inspector Mackinnon declared that he had not bron approached by any man who harboured a grievancec, and as far as he could judge the constabW in Christchurch were a happy family. But these observations do not appear to serve tho whole force, as a "Press" reporter was informed by one Christchurch constahle on Suturdav that "a majority of tho local force intends to stand by the Auckland men." This majo-ity. it is stnted, is "sick and tired of this humbujynng, domineering way that is fast creeping into the New Zealand police force."

It is stated that one member of the local force was refused an interview by the Hon. A. L. Herdman (M'nister for Justice), when he was in Christchurch, and the force is dissatisfied with continually receiving the replj from tho Minister to complaints and grievances, "I will enquire into the matter." It is complained that men have been promoted in Christchurch who are years junior to men who have higher qualifications. Further state-' ments made to the Pressman go to showthat amongst a number of the Christchurch men at least there is a feeling of dissatisfaction. The men declare that they have no grievances against any of the officials hero; in fact, they consider that, as far as the head officials are concerned, they are better served in Christchurch than in any other town in New Zealand.