N.Z. POLICE

Grey River Argus, 7 August 1937, Page 5

N.Z. POLICE

COMMENT BY VISITOR. [Per Press Association]. WELLINGTON, August 6. A glowing tribute to the efficiency of the New Zealand police was paid by Sir Herbert Layard Dowbiggin, former Inspector-General of Police in Ceylon, when interviewed prior to his departure, last evening, for Christchurch. Yesterday, he was shown round various departments of the New Zealand Police Headquarters, where a number of probationers are training for the Force. “There are 122 men in the training depot at Trentham,’ he said, “and I think that what most impressed me was their magnificent physique. 1 am a very keen Rugby follower, and could not help thinking what splendid material they would make for New Zealand’s national game. Another thing that surprised me was tnat these trainees are in charge of only two sergeants. It is a remarkable, feat, for two men to be able to train such a large number efficiently. I take off my hat to them.” He said that one of the best features of the training camp at 'l'renthem was the gymnasium, which was the property of the Defence Department. It was wonderfully complete in all respects, and was one of the most complete buildings of its Kind he had seen. The men who built and furnished it must have known their jobs. When told it. was about 18 years old, he was even more impressed. The finger-printing and photographing departments were both notably efficient, he remarked. Photography has become one of the greatest factors in criminology, and New Zealand should be proud of the fact that it is well up with the latest advances in that science. He described it as really in the very front rank of crime detection and other branches. In the Bayly case, a high-light was when a piece of wood was found which had borne a bloodstain. Accused had attempted to remove the stain by cutting the wood with a knife. Photographs and demonstrations established that the knife used was the same as one found in accused’s home.