REWARD NOT PAID

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 257, 26 July 1930, Page 10

REWARD NOT PAID

Christchurch Fire Scare M.P.’S DISSATISFIED Dissatisfaction with the reply of the Minister of Justice, Hon. J. G. Cobbe, to a question as to what decision had been reached in regard to the payment of £250 reward offered for information leading to the conviction of the persons responsible for the incendiary fires in Christchurch last year, was expressed by Mr. D. G. Sullivan (Lab., Avon) in the House of Representatives yesterday. Mr. Sullivan also asked why the delay had taken place, and whether it was intended to do justice to Constable Gillum, who arrested the Gray brothers, and pay him the whole or portion of the reward that was offered. The Minister said that the Police Department had nothing whatever to do with the awarding or payment of the £250 reward referred to. It was offered by the Council of Fire Underwriters’ At;, sociations of New Zealand, and the State Fire Insurance Office “for information supplied to the police” that would lead to the conviction of the person or persona responsible for the damage or destruction by fire of four premises in Christchurch. The only information given to the police was that supplied by the offenders themselves after they were arrested on another charge. « “I regard the answer as most unsatisfactory," said Mr. Sullivan, who stated that the underwriters were willing and in fact anxious to pay the reward, but that the late Commissioner of Police had refused Constable Gillum permission to accept it, because that would be In conflict, with, the regulations. “I ask the Minister if he has been perfectly honest,” said Mr. Sullivan, who stated he could produce evidence of numerous cases where constables had been permitted to accept such rewards. “I ask that justice be done to Constable Gillum. Christchurch feels that this young man has been unfairly treated." Mr. R. W. Hawke (U., Kaiapoi) said the reply was not in keeping with the desires of the people who knew the circumstances.