WHO WILL BE DUNEDIN’S NEW POLICE CHIEF ?

Grey River Argus, 26 February 1949, Page 4

WHO WILL BE DUNEDIN’S NEW POLICE CHIEF ?

DUNEDIN, February 25

The question of who is to be Dunedin’s next superintendent of police has been freely asked in the city since the recent surprise announcement that Superintendent J.. Bruce Young was not coming here. Superintendent Young, who had been promoted to the rank of superintendent al few weeks ago, was expected to arrive in Dunedin last week. The fact that he did not do so caused some surprise in various quarters, and then came the announcement that he was not going to Dunedin, but to Christchurch. That created the greatest surprise of all. It seemed to indicate that Dunedin was not particularly sought after by superintendents of police, _ and emphasis was given to this point by what has happened in the last nine months. When Superintendent D. Scott retired from the position of superintendent about nine months ago, his place was taken by Superintendent D. Caldwell. He, however, remained here only about three months. His successor, it was officially announced from Wellington, was io be Superintendent D. Hewitt, from New Plymouth. The weeks weiat on, however, but the superintendent still remained in Taranaki. and it was later learned that he would not come to Dunedin owing to an accident suffered by his wife.

STILL THERE Superintendent C. Harley was then promoted to fill the position. He duly appeared in Dunedin, and seemed to be destined to remain here for some time, when it was reported that he had been shifted to. Auckland and that Superintendent J. B. Young would fill the vacancy. In the meantime, Superintendent Harley is still here.

Rumour has been busy during the past week with the names of those likely to be in the running. No supersleuthing powers are required for the task of “picking the winner”, as the police grading list must be considered a reliable guide. But whether it is reliable or not, it affords the only possible clue in view of official reticence. SURPRISED! The popular selection for the position, with the grading list as the sole guide, is Inspector J. Mclntyre, of Gisborne. When the Daily Times got in touch with the inspector by telephone on Monday night, however, he expressed surprise that his name had been mentioned. He was emphatic that he had not even received a hint from official quarters about the possibility of his promotion to superintendent and his transfer to Dunedin. His chief concern was that he might find Dunedin’s climate a little trying after the hot weather they had been having in the north. Many accomplished police officers have filled the position of superintendent in Dunedin, amongst their'number in recent years being Superintendents S. P. Norwood, J. C. Willis and S. Rawle. Not only were these men capable administrators, but they were highly popular as citizens, and on their retirement expressed their regret at leaving. In view of this it would come as a surprise that police officers are really showing any reluctance to come here, especially as it is understood that a satisfactory house is available.