A STRIKING TRIBUTE

Matamata Record, Volume XIX, Issue 1789, 7 December 1936, Page 7

A STRIKING TRIBUTE

• POLICE FAREWELL COMRADE Constable J. Murphy Retires Function at Putaruru

"After- over 33 years’ service in the New Zealand Police Force, the major portion of which was spent as officer in charge of the Putaruru district, Constable James Murphy officially retired on Monday.

A striking tribute was paid this popular constable by representatives of the Department of Justice and Police, who met to bid him farewell at iPutaruru on Monday night. The function, which took place at Mr. and Mrs. Murphy’s private residence, was attended by Mr. S. L. Paterson, S.M., Inspector C. W. Lopdell, Senior Sergeant E. J; 'Carroll, Sergeant G. S., Saunders, Sergeant T. Kelly, Detective Sergeant J. Thompson, Detective A. J. White, Constables M. Kirby, W. G. (“Darkie”) Wright, T. Cotter, H. Hodge, J. McGrath, A. D. Brown, W. A. Moore, T. J. Grace (arms officer) and ex-Constable A. Skinner.

Duty First

The gathering was also graced with the presence of officers’ wives. A number of apologies were read, the excuse in every case being that duty prevented the writer from being present. Among these was one from Commissioner D. J. Cummings, who stated: “ Sorry official duties prevent me from being present. Have known Constable Murphy for very many years as a most efficient constable, and wish him and his wife every success.” Inspector Lopdell personally apologised for the absence of his wife and daughter, who would have liked to have been present

Many complimentary speeches were made, most of which were from the "heart, particularly those of two former comrades in critical expeditions, Alf. Skinner and “ Darkie ” Wright. These were stories of true friendship and heroism. The Early Days Senior Sergeant Carroll said the evening was held in appreciation of painstaking efficient officer and his long association with Constable Mur- . phy commencing in Auckland, and 7 . they had experienced., the" ups and downs ‘ and'liUrdships -of those early .. days. The Senior Sergeant said Constable Murphy had come to the • Rotorua police district before -hi,nr; but in taking charge he had found quite early that the constable at .Putaruru relieved him of anxiety, in that he was prepared to deal with his own district —he was in charge and knew that, the officer higher up did not want to be worried with every minor matter. A further feature of his work was that he secured the confidence of the public and was thus able to keep his district com-

paratively free from major crimes. He had had great assistance from Mrs. Murphy, and could truthfully state that they had well merited retirement. It was the wish of the force that they should enjoy life to the full for many years ahead. “The Country “Cop.” Mr. S. L. Paterson, S.M., in his opening remarks, said he would speak not as a Magistrate but as a member of the general public who saw a little more of the “country cop ” than others. There were songs written regarding soldiers and sailors, but references to the police were invariably in caricature. Yet the policeman deserved every consideration of his country—particularly the country policeman. He was likely to be called upon at a moment’s notice to show the utmost discretion and sometimes heroism, to take on the most unpleasant tasks and maybe to risk his life. He had also to live in small communities where tongues sometimes wagged—to live among the people and yet carry out the duties pertaining to his oath impartially. There was another phase of country police work which was not readily recognised by the public the assistance which could be and generally was rendered by the constable’s wife. He personally knew that this assistance had been given by Mrs. Murphy. As a Magistrate, Mr. Paterson also paid tribute to Constable Murphy. The most important remark was that he had found him. perfectly fair. Mr. Paterson concluded by extending his best wishes for Mr. and Mrs.-Mur-phy’s future success. The address was greeted with prolonged applause. later Inspector Lopdell, Senior Sergeant Carroll and exConstable Skinner referred to Mr. Paterson’s remarks and thanked him for his well-chosen references to the life of a country policeman. Mr. Skinner said the remarks “should go on record by being published in the Police Gazette.” (Laughter). It was one of the best tributes that he had ever heard paid a constable, and Jim Murphy deserved every word of it.

Strenuous Days

Detective-Sergeant Thompson also spoke of the excellent work done by Constable 1 Murphy, particularly referring to the tact displayed during the strenuous days when the Ara- j puni dam was being built. There were difficult situations in those day* and the absence of any really ser-ious-crime was a tribute in ; itself to; ! the capable manner ip which the district had been qoptrqlled; : ; ; v- .-/< Constable Wright abd • exrConstable Skinner claimed old comradesid, and in reminiscent mood incidents of various' expeditions and the ccoutage shown* by - Constable MUrphy. Constable' Skinner said' no finer tribute could be paid than the presence at the function of one of the best Magistrates and one of the best inspectors. Big Heartedness Constable T. Cotter, who has succeeded Constable Murphy, stated that he was only 22 when he first became associated with the latter, and had been with him ever since.

Tributes had been paid by previous speakers to Constable Murphy’s big heartedness. No one knew better than the speaker how true that was over the latter years of his service. Constable Cotter took the opportunity on behalf of himself and his wife of thanking . Mr. and Mrs, Murphy for their great advice and kindness. Sergeant T. Kelly, in adding a feeling tribute, said he had known Jim Murphy for 31 years. When he first met him Jim was one of the ablest and fittest men in the force; in fact, one of the greatest feats in the history of the New Zealand Police Force was credited to him ;:-r----that of saving the life of a comrade at the risk of his own.

Good Men Out

Inspector Lopdell, in making a presentation of a heavy travelling rug and a box of cigars as a token of esteem, spoke his regret that in such a short space, of time at Hamilton he had seen the retirement of three capable constables —O’Sullivan, Skinner and Murpliy. He looked upon, Constable ‘Murphy as a true comrade,' and endorsed the remarks of Senior Sergeant Carroll, particularly, those* stating that he had always been able to place implicit faith in the retiring constable. What They Deserve Constable M. Kirby was among the later speakers. He .said . the . occasion was a touching one, in that ne?ct to ex-Constable Skinner he was the senior member of the force present. His turn for retirement would be coming. If their comrade, Jim, and his wife lived as long as they deserved, then they would live to a very old age.

Constable McGrath also spoke.

Constable Murphy replied under very deep feeling, extending his grariude to all the speakers for them kindly remarks. A bountiful supper was served, and the balance of a memorable evening was devoted to singing and dancing.

Among those contributing were various ladies, Detective-Sergeant J. Thompson, Constable J. McGrath (recitation y and Mr. A. G. Yardley. The accompaniments were played by Miss Brougham.