POLICE METHODS

Greymouth Evening Star, 29 November 1940, Page 10

POLICE METHODS

PREMIER ORDERS INQUIRY [per press association.] WELLINGTON, November 28. The intention of the Government to 'have an-inquiry into the conduct of police investigations in a case which came before the Chief Justice (Sir Michael Myers) in the Supreme Court, Wellington, yesterday, was announced by the Prime Minister (Mr. Fraser) in the House of Representatives to-day. The case concerned a young woman who had pleaded guilty to permitting the unlawful use of an instrument, and attempting to conceal birth. The following comments by the Chief Justice were quoted by Mr. Fraser from a newspaper report of the proceedings: —“This case calls for a strict inquiry. It calls, in my opinion, for something more than departmental inquiries. I don’t intend to prejudge it in any way. I cannot do that. I do not know the various sides of it; but it calls for inquiry by a competent tribunal of men who know something about the conduct of justice in criminal cases.”

Mr. Fraser said that in view of the serious nature of the comment, he felt it his duty to lose no time in informing the House and the country that an inquiry would be held at the earliest possible opportunity. That was not to be construed as a reflection on the police officers concerned, or on the Police Force generally; but as the matter had been raised in such a pointed way the sooner it was cleared .up the better for all concerned.