POLICE FORCE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 18066, 5 April 1919, Page 10

POLICE FORCE.

INCREASED PAT GRANTED. [Per Ffess Association.] WELLINGTON, April 4. The Hon T. M. Wilford announces that a further increase has been approved by Cabinet in the p:t' of sergeants and constables of the Police .Force, and that a scale for permanent increases to all other officers is notv being prepared. It considered that the recent inorease of Is 6d per day was insufficient, suitable men not being attracted to the force, and since tho armistice there have been numbers of resignations- The force numbered about 1000 before the tvar and tvns now reduced to 800. A commission consisting of the Attorney-General, the Acting Minister of Finance and the Minister of Justice reported to Cabinet that they were impressed with tho gravity of tho position disclosed in view of the special qualifications demanded in recruits. The Commission was of opinion that the granting of an increase would not provide an argument for a corresponding increase in other branches of the Government service. Public order could not bo preserved unless a sufficient number of men so qualified and trained was maintained in the Dominion in a state of contentment and complete discipline. The Commission advised that tho rate of pay should he increased by a further Is 6d per dav to all constables awj sergeants. Hie cost of the increases is estimated at about £22,000 annually. The Commission alsr recommended that tho house allowance for married men should be increased from £27 7s 6d per annum to £39. Mr Wilford stated that, all the recommendations of the Commission had been adopted hv the Cabinet. Increases to other officers won la ho announced as soon as they were considered by the Cabinet, and all increases would take effect from April 1.