AFTER FORTY-THREE YEARS

Evening Star, Issue 18925, 27 April 1925, Page 2

AFTER FORTY-THREE YEARS

SUPEHIHTEKDEtfT WIIMD SETIBES Having served forty-three years with t.he New Zealand Police Puree, Superintendent Norwood luis retired on superannuation. In finishing his career in the Dunedin district, this officer is following in the footsteps of his two predecessors, hut, unlike these and many others who have made a bee-line for northern climes immediately on being finally realesed from duty, ho is making Ins homo in Dunedin. iSuporintondcnt Norwood was always recognised as a disciplinarian; a stickier for coirect conduct, and the upholding of the dignity and reputation of the force, that this characteristic had not lessened the esteem in which ho was held by the officers, non-commissioned officers, and men who liar served under him was clearly manifested on Friday afternoon, 'when, in the billiard room at the Central ’rolice Station, a large and representative gathOiing expressed their goodwill towards him and presented him with a group of good and useful as a further token of that goodwill. In addition to the members of the police force there were picsent Dr Evans (police surgeon) and the Rev. G. Bryan King (representing Social Service Workers). Chief-detective Lewis in the absence of Inspector who had left Dunedin lor Napier on promotion) made the presentation. Ho had, he said, for many years been in close contact with Mr Norwood, and had always found him a conscientious officer, who took his full share of the responsibility, and did ills full share of tno work ably and willingly. To some of those present, however, Mr Norwood was not so well known, end to many ho was just a superintendent who was leaving the service. For the benefit of the latter it might bo slated that Air Norwood joined to force at a time when conditions were not so good as they were now, and when the work generally was of a much more strenuous nature. In those days Air Norwood was one of the pioneers who bore the brunt of that rough work, hut ho had come through with flying colors. He (the speaker) had known him twenty-four years ago, when he had been made sergeant in Wellington, and later in Napier. Air Norwood was then as active and conin his duties as ho was right to the finish, and always as willing to insist and advise. And now after long and faithful service, ho was leaving the force willi an honorable record, and to the regret of all who knew him.

The chief-detcctivo then, on behalf of the police force of Dunedin, made the presentation, which consisted of a handsome asritoire, an embossed rnetal coal scuttle, a Loewe pipe, and a searchlight, and wished the recipient and Airs Norwood a long, Happy, and prosperous life. Senior-sergeant Alathicson said he had served under Air Norwood at the depot when he joined the force in 1891, and again at Riverton iri 1912, and had always found him courteous and willing to advise and assist. Ho wished the retiring superintendent and Airs Norwood all happiness. Sergeant AFEntee added a few words. Their superintendent, he said, had had some rough fields to conquer during’his forty-th reo years of service, but he had come through successfully, and was still hale and hearty. Some credit, he thought, for their “ general’s ” success was due to the army which he had helped to lick into shape. Air Norwood had carried out a policy that was always for the betterment of the force generally, and deserved praise for persistency, conscientiousness, and consistency. Sergeant Dunlop also recalled his former association with the rctriing superintendent at Invercargill. Air Norwood was a man who invariably gave of his best, and expected others to do the same; and when his men did their best, they had no need to fear any consequences. The sergeant concluded by expressing the hope that in their last years Air and Airs Norwood would experience very greqt happiness, and that they would always look upon the gifts just handed over as mementoes of many pleasant days spent in Dunedin. The Rev. V. G. Bryan King said ho had attended in order to show the deep respect and esteem that Superintendent Norwood had evoked in (lie harts of (he social workers, who in their frequent contact with him had found him always courteous, kind, and helpful. Years ago, in Queenstown, said Air King, Air Norwood had conducted a case in which they were some unsavory features. The presiding magistrate, in talking to him (Air King) afterwards, said: “When Norwood takes charge of a case it always cleans the at, inosplicrc of the court." Air Norwood, said the speaker, had probably never heard of this remark; but it was a wonderful tribute from one of the leading magistrates of the day. Aijr Norwood, in acknowledging the gifts, said that he had come here fourteen or fifteen months ago to fill a. gap, so was pleasantly surprised that they should honor him as they had done that day. He had always tried to fulfil the conditions of the service, and to do his duty fearlessly and without favor. In upholding discipline and in seeing that the sergeants looked after their men he had perhaps made enemies. Sometimes, too, young fellows coming straight from the training depot thought they could do as they liked, and they had to be taught. But ho laid been severe only for their benefit and for the benefit of the force; otherwise they would not have a police force worthy of the name. The superintendent wont on to thank the sergeants for their assistance in upholding discipline. The sergeants, he added, were the backbone of the force, and without good sergeants there would never bo a good police force. The chief-detcctivo and his staff, too, had been loyal and helpful. Dunedin was very fortunate indeed in having such a fine detective staff. He also thanked the district clerks for their efficient help. HTs successor would, ho said, be coming into a splendid district, and ho would find the force in good form and (it for the hard work that was ahead of them. Dunedin possessed one of the finest of climates, and the most law-abiding people in the dominion. He thanked the speakers for their expressions of goodwill; he would ever remember then with gratitude.