INQUIRY OPENS

Hokitika Guardian, 11 December 1940, Page 6

INQUIRY OPENS

INTO POLICE METHODS. (Per Press Association—Copyright). PALMERSTON N., Dec. 11. The hearing of evidence was commenced by the Commission of Inquiry into police investigations ,tho members being Mr Justice Ostler, Alessrs Cornish (SolicitorlGencraf), O’ Leary (President of the Law Society),. The counsel are: H. 11. Biss (for four police officers concerned), AV. P. Rollings (on instructions from the Police Association and for detectives; Mr A. I. Young, for the young woman concerned and her family. Police Commissioner Cummings, and the local inspector (Air Scott), were also present. The name of the young woman was suppressed, also all references to the ilaces of her occupation which might lead to her identification, the witness being referred to as “Miss X.” In evidence, Aliss “X” said she was cooking an evening meal at her home, when two men with suitcases came- to the back door and said they were detectives. , They asked witness about a man who went in a inilcar to Palmerston North. Asked if she had given him a paper, witness said “Yes.” They said they knew everything that had happened in Palmerston North. One man asked if she had seen two Women on the. station. Witness said “No.” A man said a newspaper reporter had seen her with the women. Newspaper reporters not not tell lies. The men were Detective-Sergt. Jarrold and Detective All-sop. Witness’s' father arrived and went on to the. verandah with Jarrold. Detective Allsopp told witness not to worry.' That if she told the truth she would io all right. Jarrold came back and the two detectives started taking down V statement from witness on a typewriter. Nothing was said to witness that she need or need not make a statement. Several times witness was told not to worry. If she told the truth she would be all right. Tire detectives asked her about any letters. Sbe said she bad burnt them. They said it was funny for her to burn love letters, that she should tie them up with a blue ribbon and keep them. Witness secured one letter she had leceived the day before and gave it to them. When witness’ mother and father came in for tea, witness and the detectives left the kitchen. When witness’ mother came in, a transfer-was made to the sitting room, the =■ door of which was shut. The making of the statement commenced about 5.30 p.m. Air A'oung: Did they tell you they were going, to prosecute you, or might prosecute you. AVitnoss; No. They-did not tell me. Air Young;...Did they indicate to'you tlnu they were going to prosecute anybody else. Witness: No.