POLICE COMMISSION.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 589, 18 August 1909, Page 4

POLICE COMMISSION.

'.. ■ ". ! ~ "» ' ' :'- : " /■" THE QUESTION OF, POLITICAL INFLUENCE. (Bγ Telecraph.-l'rcßs Association.) m> '„ ~ : „ .' Napior, August 17. lho Police Commission sat. here l to-day. The evidence was mainly on the lines of that given, elsewhere. . i ■; l • , ■ Constable Wilton, as spokesman for local constables, expressed a unanimous desire for an increase of pay and house allowance, frco railway passes,- and extended holidays. Tho I promotion of district clorks caused dissutis.taction, and it was suggested that they be a clerical forco only. .-. • Sergeant Smart thought the force compared very favourably with that of years gone by. Ho knew nothing of political influence. Merit should govern promotion. ■: Sergeant Cruickshauk thought the physique and intelligence of the force were not up'id the old standard; • He had seen' a semblance of political influence; things had occurred which he could account for in no.other way. Sergeant Folley complained of sergeants having to travel Second-class, whilst,* junior cadot of-the Civil, Servico was allowed a firstclass faro. A man should not be given, the option of refusing proraotiou. r •■■'.;■ Serjeant Hutton complained of the-differ-ence in tho rates allowed sergeants (65.) and detectives (Bs.) when on special expeditions. . Commissioner Dinnie stated that" the grievance with regard to steamer fares was .now being remedied. ' ' ■ : ■ '. : Detectivo Hill said* that when he came to Napier thero were a lot of "special men" hero, but they had'now been , wooded but. The. district' had been in a bad way), but oortain changes were made' and things were very much, better now.. ' .'■;■' . Inspector Diryer (Napier) said bo did not think the rate of pay was sufficient to induce good men to join the force. In Napier Uip corporation labourers were receiving Bs. » day, which'was more than tliat paid to a oonstablo, who, as in London, should receive pay. equal to mechanics. Men' joining ' the force should receive tire approval or inspector of the district. Ho regarded tho district clerk as the most responsible man next to the inspector, and ho did not think. th>ey or 'their assistants ■ should ho put on Sunday duty^-'Ho-thought, for the of the harmony of the force it would be bettor to mako. district clerks a> special allowance; and not promote them to sergeants-hips over other men.. .The channels of promotion should be open-to detectives, allowing for-merit. The general; conduct of- tho men, underM-Ms control,was\very good. When lie came into the district -there was a little trouble, _but this bad now been- removed. Promotions should bo made ou tho recommendation of the insixjctors in order of seniority. He had never hoard any complaint of ■ memos. eont to sergeants by, distriot clorks., Kβ,thought that before; sergeants were promoted they should be medically oxaminod. . > r '■ To Mr. Dinnie: Ho believed in seniority and merit being considered in promotion. Ho know.of no.general dissatisfaotion regarding tho control in the force, and Imew, nothing of political influence.. ..Candidates for the. force were now subjected to a most searching examination. ' ; ' . - . ■-.. • To Sergeant Folley. Ho chd notvsco how the police could avoid' some duties imposed on them by other. Departments, -i ; . ' Tho, hearing of evidence was, cpnamaeV and tho commission adjourned. . ; :