Constable’s Bravery

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31640, 28 March 1968, Page 12

Constable’s Bravery

Constable M. R. Banks, of the New Brighton police, who on December 2 last disarmed a youth in possession of a stolen, loaded firearm, was awarded a police certificate of merit at a special parade yesterday at the Christchurch Central Police Station. The officer in charge of the Christchurch police district (Chief Superintendent G. S.

Austing) presented the certi-i ficate to Constable Banks. | The certificate was issued by the Commissioner of Police (Mr G. C. Urquhart) for Constable Banks’s “initiative and courage displayed at personal risk.” Constable Banks’s actions, which might have averted a fatal shooting, were in accordance with the highest traditions of the New Zealand police, the citation said.

Chief Superintendent Austing also awarded the police 35-year clasp and star for long service to Constable W. A. Cromie, of Sumner.

Other long-service medals presented were: 28 years Clasp and star, Constables R. A. Henderson (Christchurch Central), D. A. Knight (Shirley), and W. J. Tait (Lower Riccarton); 14 years medal, Inspector R. P. Silk, Constables T. W. Harvey, E. A. Polson (all of Christchurch Central), C. J. W. Ribbins (Akaroa), R. J. Strachan (Rangiora) and P. B. Gilligan (Papanui).

The photograph shows Chief Superintendent Austing presenting the certificate to Constable Banks.