POLICE AND PUBLIC.

Evening Post, Volume LXXVII, Issue 133, 12 June 1909, Page 3

POLICE AND PUBLIC.

10 THZ EDITOR. Sir, — With reference to the letter appearing in to-night's issue of your paper, under the above heading, and signed "Pro Bono Publico," I trust you will spare me a little space in which to express my views on the matter. In the first place, I submit that the system of appointing policemen in the New Zealand force is not lax, as your correspondent inclines to think. Before a man enters the training depot, and during tha I time he is there, the most exhaustive enquiries are made as to his pact, both as regards his previous occupation and his private character. Perhaps ifc will surprise "Pro Bono Publico" to know that an intending constable has to furnish all details as to work that he engaged in, reasons for leaving same, and a host of other particulars, right back from the time he left school. Tho police authorities verify all these before they appoint him a constable. Reference is made to the constables recently dismissed the force, as a result of their action in a struggle which took place in the vicinity of the General Post Office, and in which a Mr. and. Mrs. Rolfe sustained injuries. Certainly, the whole affair proved very serious, specially by the unfortunate fact that Mrs. Rolfe was so badly hurt. I hold no brief for tho ex-^onstables, yet I must say it is quite possible that had not the Rolfes thought it their business to interfere, the matter would have remained what the three men say it was — nothing more than a wrestling bout — and ended as such. For a man accompanied by his uife to interfere »v.th any street Hicwl is, to my mind, a very indiscreet action. The public of New Zealand seem to use every opportunity to abuse its police force. I think it would be better for them to appreciate more the efforts of men who, I am thoroughly convinced, haye the protection of the public and llic-ir property 'it heart I could cite many cases, from my own personal experience, of kindness performed by constables, the great majority of whom are fine fellows. Many a deadbeat has got- the shilling for his bed from the kindly-disposed policeman on night duty. In conclusion, lot me say that, considering the comparatively small police force for such an extensive country as New Zealand, with its seaports which let in at intervals some very bad characters, I consider that the way in which the members of both branches of the police force fulfil their multifarious duties is excellent. Apologising for encroaching so much on your valuable space, # I am, etc., EX-SOUTH ISLAND POLICEMAN. P.S. — "The men who stooped to such hooliganism,'' to quote your correspon , dent, must have been of a very good grade, else they could not have held their positions for some years under such strict regulations as rule the New* Zealand Police Force.