MR. JUSTICE HERDMAN

Evening Post, Volume XCVI, Issue 137, 6 December 1918, Page 7

MR. JUSTICE HERDMAN

PRESENTATION BY POLICE. Taking advantage of the presence of Mr. Justice Herdman in Wellington on Tuesday .last, a committee of members of the Police Force invited him to the office of the Commissioner of Police to make him a presentation, which was decided upon when it became definitely known towards the end of-last. January that he was about to resign the portfolio of Attorney-General and Minister-in- Charge of Police. The Hon. T. M.-Wilford, Minister of Justice, presided. After the Commissioner of Police and other, officers present had spoken of the high esteem and regard in which the Hon. Mr. Herdman was held, of his strong personality, and of the- good work he had done for the organisation and welfare of the Police, Mr. on behalf ofthe made the presentation (a complete set of "The Laws of England" (Halsbury), easy and study chairs, a travelling, rug, a dress case, a silver cigarette case, and a pair of gold sleevelinks).

Mr. Justice Herdman expressed his appreciation of the motives which animated the donors in maUmg such a magnificent presentation. Though the term of his office was a particularly trying and difficult experience, he felt prond of his part in the administration of the Department and in the control of a body of men who had acquitted themselves honourably and creditably as our soldiers at the front had done, in every circumstance. He had good reason to know that the Police Force stood high in the estimation of the people, and he referred especially to the valuable assistance given him by, the then Commissioner, Sir. Cullen, and the present Commiseioner, Mr. o'Donova.n, whose ability he warmly praised. His successor, the Hon. Mr. Wilford, had the interests of the Force at heart, and would, he was confident, do still more to promote its efficiency, welfare and" credit.