TOO MANY ATTRACTIONS.

Evening Star, Issue 14962, 23 August 1912, Page 3

TOO MANY ATTRACTIONS.

AUCKLAND'S CRIME RECORD. INQUIRY TNTO PRESS ALLEGATTONS. [FfiOM OCR PARLIAMENTARY REPORTER.] WELLINGTON, August 25. Mr Justice Cooper's comment upon the incr<ease of crime in Auckland and a newspaper suggestion as to the cause formed the subject of a question by Mr A. M. Myers yesterday afternoon. He quoted a leading article from tie Auckland ' Herald,' which alleged that the Force in Auckland were inadequately manned, and not only slow, but political mnuecog had notoriously been responsible for foisting into the Force men "who were below th* high standard of intelligence and ability required of police recruits. The member for Auckland East remarked that this wa» a serious allegation, and he hoped the Minister would inquire into so grave and direct a charge regarding the Justice Department's administration. The Minister of Justice (Hon. A. L. Herdiman) replied that this was the first time a charge had been made by the Press in Tegard to the Auckland Police Force. It was rediculous to suggest that the charge referred to the present Government. If there had been any political activity in connection with the manning of the Police FoTce and in Tegard to promotions it must have been before he took charge. Mr Myers : I have never suggested that it did.

The Minister added that the allegation deserved most serious consideration, and would he looked into at once. He would ■undertake to make a public statement as to the result. He thought the increase of crime referred to in Auckland was partly due to the rapid increase in population, and to the fact that when New South Wales criminals emigrated they made Auckland their first port of call.

Mr Myers : Owing to its many attractions. (Laughter.) The Minister : Yes; the Queen City of the North.