THE POLICE FORCE.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 15612, 9 June 1916, Page 6

THE POLICE FORCE.

QUESTION OF ENLISTMENT. . I fersoAL to "ins thess.") ; WELLINGTON, June 8. In reply to some remarks by Payne to-day, tho Hon. A. L. V| j said that he desired members and the s||\. public to understand tho real position, of the police force. Some comment had been made as to the members til the force not enlisting, but tho respofr,-' 4 eibility for that rested upon and upon the Commissioner of Poli4£.. They were refusing, cxcent in specftl cases, to accept men of military a& ; in their ranks, and as a result tho fort®j ■; was gradually being depleted, and permission were given to enlist without; loss of superannuation, they would to*® at once from the force 176 men. Since the war started very many extra duties had boen laid upon tho police fort*, . They had to register and supervise W , aliens in New Zealand and receive re - ports from those not interned; to raak»r enquiries respecting allegations of eaeniy, trading; to enquire respecting tho 6i»listment of aliens and men of alien ■. birth in the Expeditionary Force; to locate and arrest deserters; to assist in connexion with the Discharged Sol-'., ' r diers' Department; to enquire in refer* : ;• j ence to permits and passengers and also. in regard to the sale of arms and am- ;• munition. All this involved extra work on the police force, and its pri- . mary duty was the protection of the public and property and the suppre*6ion of crime. Further depiction of their ranks could not be endured.