SECURITY POLICE

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30127, 10 May 1963, Page 14

SECURITY POLICE

Abolition Move Defeated (N.Z. Press Association) WELLINGTON, May 9. A move calling for the abolition of the Security Police was soundly defeated at the Labour Party’s annual conference today. Instead, a suggestion that consideration be given to making the service a branch of the Police Force was endorsed When the resolution was put, Mr O. Gager (Papanui) moved for the abolition of the Security Police on the grounds that it was against New Zealand principles to have a ‘‘secret police." Mrs P Bradbury moved that the matter be referred to the policy committee for investigation with a view to suggesting appropriate legislation defining both the powers of the Security Police and the rights of the individual. Both amendments were overwhelmingly rejecte 1 on the voices after the convener of the sub-committee studying the question, Mr J H Collins, said it was an unfortunate fact that a modern society needed security police, but the committee's suggestion was that it be part of the police, and therefore under the jurisdiction of the Minister of Police. At present the Security Police is under the jurisdiction of the Prime Minister’s office.

Fire Hazard. Children playing with matches were the cause of three fires last month according to a report received by the Christchurch Metropolitan Fire Board.