PROPOSED REMOVAL OF DETECTIVE CASSELLS.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 468, 29 March 1909, Page 6

PROPOSED REMOVAL OF DETECTIVE CASSELLS.

Sir,—lt was with great satisfaction that I read in your issuo of to-day that the order for the transfer of Detective Cassells to : Palmerston North had been temporarily suspended and hope that tho original order will bo cancelled. It must be with a feeling of satisfaction that the citizens of Wellington learn that there is yet hope that tho services of such an efficient officer as Mr. Cassells is not to be lost to them. What many want to know is, what is really at tho bottom of the proposed transfer? Is it in the best interests of tho service or on personal grounds ? No officer could have given to the public better or moro efficient service than that given by Mr. Cassells, extending over a period of some years, and I acclaim, without tho slightest hesitation, that although it may bo in tie best interests of tho criminal class in Wellington, that it is not in tho best interests of tho law-abiding citizens that Mr. Cassells should bo removed from tho scene of oporatious where he has shown such energy and good work. I feel that I am well Qualified to express an opinion on this subject as I have frequently been brought into touch with Mr. Cassells in my official capacity, and have always found that, although energetic and keen on suppressing crime, ho is at all times absolutely just and fair in his dealings with the criminal class, whom, although they to a certain extent fear him, at the samo time feel that they will get fair play at his hands. Unfortunately there is a strong feeling that Mr. Cassolls is not a persona grata at headquarters. It is well known that Mr. Justico Cooper highly complimented Mr. Cassells for tho skill and bravery displayed by him and another officer (Mr. M'Grath) in arresting Sinclair, Ferris, and Hamilton for burglary under circumstances which caused quite a sensation at the time, and that the Wellington Chamber of Commerce also complimented thorn, yet despito these facts the commissioner has steadfastly refused to allow any recognition of Mr. Cassells' services on that occasion, and totally ignores and disregards the high encomiums passed on Mr. Cassells. I trust that tho new Minister of Justico, who is in charge of tho.Police Department, will not allow Mr. Cassells' removal from Wellington, unless he is clearly satisfied that it is m the best interests of the service.—l am etc., ' JUSTICE OF THE PEACE. Wellington, March 26,\1909.