THE POLICE AND THE PEOPLE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CV, Issue 12537, 26 June 1901, Page 4

THE POLICE AND THE PEOPLE.

The local polios have, from time to time, encountered so much unfavourable criticism from the Press and, the pubho that it is particularly gratifying to be able to compliment them upon the manner la which they discharged their very onerous duties during the Royal visit to Christ* church. No one can have mingled with the great crowds that thronged the city on Saturday and Monday without noticing the tact and vigilance with which the members of the Force, from Mr Commissioner Tunbridge down to the newest special constable, watched over the comfort, and safety of the people. The task imposed upon them,-was sufficient to tax their resources to the utmost. In addition to maintaining order in the streets by night and; day, they had to regulate an immense amount of traffic in and out of the city, and to keep a watchful eye upon the scores of doubtful characters who always seek their opportunities to do “ business ” when honest people are keeping holiday. We say nothing about the protection of the Royal party, for though that entailed a good deal of ceremonial work, no one, except, perhaps, his Excellency the Governor, looked upon it as a very serious responsibility. Inspector Ellison had been engaged for weeks in making preparations for the great occasion, selecting and training special constables, giving precise instructions to his regular men, arranging. for the importation of a little army of officers from other centres, and he must be given much of the credit for the very satisfactory result. But, of course, the presence of Mr Commissioner Tunbridge was of great assistance to the local officers. It was not the first time that the Commissioner had been in attendance on Royalty, and, besides having the confidence and readiness that are bom of experience, he had, the knowledge of holiday crowds that is indispensable to their proper control. If their Royal Highnesses have any further favours to distribute at the conclusion of their New Zealand tour they will doubtless . remember the assiduous attention of the head of the police. The Government, at any rate, should not overlook the new claims of this excellent officer. Nor should the services of the rank and file of the Force be allowed' to go unnoticed. Both officers and men are entitled to the highest praise, they have acquitted themselves admirably, and the comforting recollection that neither a serious accident nor a serious crime was reported during the recent festivities should not be their only memento of a great event in the history of the colony.