THE POLICE FORCE.

Press, Volume LXV, Issue 19732, 24 September 1929, Page 13

THE POLICE FORCE.

*0 KDITOB or THS fRSSSSir, —I am obliged to "Police Pensioner" for his letter in Tke Press of the 21st inst., as it gives me the opportunity of writing again to explain more fully my object in writing on behalf of the Police Force as a body collectively. Being a free citizen, I am at liberty to do so. I hsve nothing to gain by it, in fact I do not know more than half a dozen men in the service in Christchurch ■at present time. But tie Force is now paid sufficiently to induce young men to join it and encouragement should be given them to enroL I am quite sure that while the Hon. Mr Herdman was the Minister in '-harge of the Department, and Mr Cullen Commissioner, no men with less than a fifth standard educational certificate were appointed as constables. Previously, when political influence prevailed, the position may have been different. Of course during tho war period the regulation p 'escribed for candidates had to be reduced owing to the shortage of men. However, I quite agree with "Police Pensioner'' that there arc too many in want of a better education, and who ! have to work their way with ordinary intelligence and common-sense —in the rank of constable. —Yours, etc., avonside. September 21st, 1929-