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Manawatu Herald, Volume I, Issue 17, 22 October 1878, Page 2

Constable Pcucell. — Wo have seen tho petition which is in course of signature against the Foxton constable, Mr John Purcell. It is addressed to the C.-lonial

.-'ecretary, and sots forth (1) That Mr Purcell has boon in Foxton so long ns to become mixed up in the local jealousies and prejudices, leading to partiality. (2) That he is a large stock-owner, and lias used his po.-itbn. for personal and business purposes. (3) That he holds so many ofiices. as Lo be unable to discharge his duties properly as a constable. We write from memory but believe the above is the substancd of the petition. We would express a distinct opinion that the petitioners have made a great mtstake, and are inclined to believe that unless tlioy aro individually prepared to come forward with proof of the grave but indistinct charges m;ide, they have hud themselvos open to an action for libel, if not for defamation of charrcter. If Constable Pure .4l is not fitted for the position, by all means let him bo removed^ but we believe that for every one who will sign the petition, 20 will be foun'l to testify to the zeal which he displays in t'ue discharge of his duties. Wo frequently see very late at night going his rounds, and although not old residents of tho district, are aware that at \Yelliugton the local polico oliicer is held in high esteem by hia superiors. In the correspondence which has appeared, the chief ground of complaint has been of Constable Purcell being a stockowuer, and yet poundkeeper. If tho two things are anomalous, let the petitioners ask tho proper body to appoint another poundkeeper. The office is only worth £10 a year, aud wo aro cure Mr Purcell would not regret the loss of that. As a polico officer, pure and simple, no charge can possibly bo laid against Mi* Purcell, we believe ; and if ho is a ffcocko Jiraer, more credit to him. Whilst others Bpend their wages foolishly, he has laid by a storo for a rainy day. Now that he has for over 14 years acted in thopoliceforoe of New Zeal md, and has earned the pension dao to long service both hero and at home, we should as a matter of j ustice regret to sto him deprived of his just rights, by the action of a small number of zealous but mistaken petitioners.