THE POLICE.

Evening Post, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 7, 8 July 1909, Page 3

THE POLICE.

ROYAL COMMISSION OF ENQUIRY SITTINGS IN INVERCARGILX. [BY TELtGRAPH — PRESS ASSOCIATION.] INVERCARGILL, 7th July. At the sittings of the Police Commission, Commissioner Dinnie's expressed desire for the fullest enquiry was endorsed by Mr. Bishop. An application to give evidence in connection \;ilh service in the crrned constabulary counting for a pension was reMised, on the ground that it did not come v/Hhrin the scope of the commission. Evidence n-as given by one constable, appoiU:;"! as a delegate :d bring certain general matters under the notice of the cemmiscion. These comprised statements that the pay of the police was an inadequate recompense for the services rendered. A house allowance was also said to be inadequate. Witness asked that a railway concession bo given to the police on holiday leave. He was unable to give evidence in regard to the sobriety or otherwise of members of the force, or cf their obligations in regard to political influence, and was pertectly satisfied with the system of promotion. The most important evidence was that of Constable Connell, of the local force, who is a disrated detective. He stated that he had sixteei y-irs' service, six years as acting detective, and two ynars as detective. Ho sp-.it eleven years in Lyttelton, having been appointed v,n -iccount of the prevalence of "thieving as the wharf there. Witness also alleged that steps were taken oy Mr Laurenson, AI.P., under presauro from his constituents, to' have witness removed from Lyttelton, because, as he said, he was too successful for the comfort or the constituents aforesaid. Witness alleged that Mr. Laurenson had actually said to him privately that beforo he came his constituents could furnish their houses and provide boots and clcthing from the ships in port. Subscnuentiy witness was removed to ChrisUifurch as acting-detective, and afterwards detective, but was reported for trifling offences, and was a "marked man." He was shifted to Dunedin, whr.-o ha was sub&equerftly disrated, alleging that no opportunity had been given for ar.swarmg the charges of neglect of duty made against him. It had been alleged that he drank, but he had never beon drunk in his life. He had three weeks' uniform duty in Dunedin, and' was then shifted to Invevcavgill. Ho considered his treatment cruel and unjust. This i.a*e will be further considered when the departmental files conic before the commission. Connp|i privately submitted to tho commission the name of one detective, who, he alleged, was in the habit of getting drnnk. Insperioi- Mitchell gave a vory favourable report of hia district. Fr. considered the difficulty of procuring recruits was dvi-» to a too high education test, which blocked a desirable class of candidates from the country. It could be by no means contended that a higher education standard conld mako a man a better constable. He endorsed the system of promotion. In reference to the headquarters staff, he thought it was not desirablo that in the absence of the commissioner the sub-inspector shouid have power to assume duties which made it necessary for him to dictate to men holding higher rank. MR. LAURENSON. "ALLEGATIONS ARE OF A MONSTROUS CHARACTER." CHRISTCHURCH, 7th July. Mr. Laurenson, M.P., was seen by a reporter with regard to the statements made in evidence by Detective Connell before the Police- Commission at Invercargill reflecting on Mr. Laurenson, and asked if he would make a statement for publication. Mr. Laurenson said : "In view of the allegations made, I will take early opportunity of going before the commission and giving evidence. The allegations are of a monstrous character, and I think I shall have no difficulty in disproving them at the proper time." Asked if he would go into particulars at present, Mr. Laurenson said that he did not desire to do so. The matters referred to had taken place some time ago, and he would require to look up details before he said anything on the subject. TELEGRAM FROM MINISTER OF JUSTICE. INVERCARGILL, 7th July. Mr. Bishop has received the following telegram from the Minister for Justice, and desires ifc to be brought under the notice of every police otiicer in New Zealand :—: — "For the purpose of ensuring that every police officer who gives evidence before the commission should do so freely, and without possible fear of consequences of his evidence, should it be adverse to the administration of the department, I, as Minister for Justice, desire you to give an assurance that the giving of such evidence will not be allowed to prejudice in any way the career in the police force of any such officers, provided, of course, that in your judgment as commissioner such evidence is not given falsely or in bad faith."