NEW ZEALAND POLICE

Evening Star, Issue 19349, 8 September 1926, Page 8

NEW ZEALAND POLICE

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —-As a citizen who has observed closely the good work 'of our local police, especially during the strenuous period of the Exhibition, I think it is high time that tho conditions under which they wftrk should be brought to tho standard of all other police departments in the British Empire. s Tho first weakness is not represented by a union or association, as in the case of Australia and Great Britain. I think i£ would be wiser for the authorities to step in and bring conditions to a standard equal to those of Australia, and the Old Country. .Although tho Force is allowed twenty-four days’ leave per year, which, by the way, is deemed a privilege only, its members have to work approximately thirty-four Sundays, as well as all holidays, with no overtime allowances, as in other departments. It has been proved, according to statistics, that tho cost per head of policing Now Zealand is far below any other part of tho British Empire. If such is the case, tho conditions under which they work should ho on a par with, if not better than, those of other countries. A married constable living in tho city has a struggle jo make ends meet. Ho has to live in a respectable locality handy to his work. > This means that a good portion of his wages is spent in paying tho exorbitant rent which is charged for tho privilege of living in the city. Hence, when his leave falls duo he simply cannot afford to go for a holiday, which, in my opinion, is absolutely necessary if our Force is to bo kept efficient. For the authorities to sit back until general dissatisfaction forces their hands, which will no doubt eventuate if the present conditions do not receive consideration, would he an absolute fallacy. Some of tho alterations I would suggest are: (1) That members of the Force be allowed one whole day per week off, as in the case of Australia and England._ (2) AH members of the Force be paid in the department’s time, as in the case of all other Government departments. The ordinary navvy has this privilege. At present'tho police are requested to parade for inspection and pay twice each month in their own time, apart from being inspected twice daily. Tho Prime Minister, according to a statement made by him some time ago, seems well satisfied with the loyalty and efficiency of our Police Force, and no doubt any recommendation for the benefit of the Force by him would receive just consideration'by the Minister of Justice,_ and also the newly-appointed Commissioner of Police.—l am, etc., Efficiencv. September 8.