POLICE COMMISSION.

Evening Post, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 119, 16 November 1909, Page 2

POLICE COMMISSION.

IO THE EDIJCOE. Sir, — I have carefully followed the evfc I dence given during the Police Commißsion. and, with many others, congratulated myself on tho splendid Police Force we have in the Dominion ; and I was struck dumb when I read the report of the Royal Commissioner. Surely there is a screw loose somewhere. I am satisfied no one over expected such a condemnatory report as -'that which was fur£ uished by Mr. Bishop. Reading between the lines, however, it will be seen at a glance that it is not so serious as it might at first sight appear* To show the inconsistency of the report, I " quote th» following extracts from it, which conclusively provo that the first impression of the general public was tho correct one: — _ ".Tho force to-day is in a good position as far as discipline is concerned." "Tho force taken as whole/ is a credit to the Dominion, and compares favourably with any similar force in the worl'l." j "Absolute freedom from allegations of bribery, corruption, or oppression." • "Commissioner deserves credit for the high state of efficiency of tho finger-print branch." "Police Gazette : The publication is very creditable to tho department." "Excellent practice that has for somo years that sergeants on' appointment should do duties in cities before bo^ ing soni to out-stations." "There is little in general to find fault with in the manner in which the detcot ; tive branch has been dealt with." "The headquarters staff are no doubt very competent in their vocations." "Most distinct independence cf ten© adopted in refusing to accede to the request of politicians." "As regards morality: There is little to cavil at." "Tho conduct generally o£ the men has been good." "Great importance attached to the in* struction classes." \ "Training depot * approved as established and managed." « "Taking tho force a* a whole, I believe it to be thoroughly efficiont; tho criminal statistics show, the efficiency most clearly." Surely, Mr. Editor, this is ail that can be desired or attained ? And who is responsible for this very excellent condition ir which the force is found to bo, after 6uch a lengthy and searching enquiry?. Why, tho very man the Royal Commissioner would 'try and make us believe has committed so many errors of judgment ! I say, lot us be careful in condemning an officer with such a high ro* putation and varied experience. I am awaiting the publication of thf Police Commissioner's reply, which, I understand, is to be placed on the table of tho House. I trust tho whole matter will then bo thoroughly weighed before any definite conclusion • is arrived at, or action takon in the matter, and that no injustice will be done to an officer who, according to the Royal Commissioner's own showing, has placed the force in such a high state of efficiency and satisfactory condition. — I am, etc., FIAT JUSTITIA RUAT COELUM. Wellington, 15th November, 1909.