NEW COMMISSIONER

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21550, 1 November 1944, Page 4

NEW COMMISSIONER

N.Z. POLICE FORCE SUPT. JAMES CUMMINGS IP:A'.) WELLINGTON, Nov. 1. The appointment of Superintendent James Cummings as Commissioner of Police was formally announced to-day by the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. P Fraser. He succeeds his brother, Mr. D. J. Cummings, who retired from the position of commissioner yesterday. Mr. Fraser commented that Mr, D. J. Cummings left behind him an illustrious record of service and an abiding memory of duty well done No man had brought to the office of commissioner a greater record of personal distinction. He rose from the ranks.' joining the police force as a constable". As a sergeant he_ attracted special notice by his skill as a prosecutor, and soon became known for his wide legal reading and his nrofound knowledge of intricate case law, notably that relating to licensing. He was rarely at fault in his method of launching a prosecution, and he earned the respect of the Bench and Bar. It was said, too. that he even earned through his scrupulous fairness the admiration of those he prosecuted.

The peak of his active service career was his administration during the Hawke’s Bay earthquake. The organising ability he displayed there was typical of the quiet efficiency which characterised his whole lifetime of official service.