POPULAR POLICE OFFICER

Press, Volume LXX, Issue 21329, 23 November 1934, Page 19

POPULAR POLICE OFFICER

* PRESENTATION AT STATION INSPECTOR POWELL'S TRANSFER "I have known Inspector John Powell and worked with him for some time in Hawke's Bay, before we came together down here, and have alway3 found 'him an able and efficient man to work with," said Mr D. J. Cummings, Superintendent of Police at Christchurch, at a farewell gathering to Mr Powell at the Central Station yesterday evening. He added that all at the' station knew that Mr Powell had recently been promoted fom the rank of sub-inspector at Christchurch to inspector at New Plymouth, and wished him the best of fortune in his new position. It was a well-earned command. I During his short stay at Christchurch Mr Powell had made many friends, continued Mr Cummings, and had always been ready to help those below him as he had been to assist those in a superior position. The best wishes of all in the police force at Christchurch went with him to his new position. He then presented Mr Powell with a gold wristlet watch. Senior-Sergeant John Fox paid a tribute to the personal qualities of Mr Powell and said that he would like to add his own best wishes to those of the superintendent. Chief-Detective W. H. Dunlop spoke briefly on behalf of the detective branch. Sergeant L. T. Moore, on behalf of the sergeants, and Constable J. Kearns were the other speakers. "I was very pleased to hear that I was coming to Christchurch when I was appointed to this station," said Mr Powell in his reply, "and the excellent treatment I have had here will make me remember these among the happiest days of my service." Though his stay in the city had been very short—a matter of only seven months—he had already been associated with the superintendent for a long period. In one way he was pleased that he was going back to the North Island, as he had served there a long time and he liked' the climate, but he was sorry to break those friendships that he made in his short stay in Christchurch. He wished to thank them all for their good wishes, and also for the very handsome present which he had been given.