INSPECTOR HARVEY

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIV, Issue 307, 24 November 1934, Page 2

INSPECTOR HARVEY

TRIBUTES ON RETIREMENT. FORTY YEARS’ SERVICE. Fully representative of the Palmerston North police district, of which he has been in charge since 1931, a large assembly of Police Force officers attended a gathering at this centre yesterday afternoon to farewell Inspector P. Harvey on the occasion of his retirement from the service.

Inspector S. ltawle, who succeeds Inspector Harvey, stated that the retiring officer was going into well-earn-ed leisure after practically forty years of service, and though it undoubtedly caused him regret to leave his associates, he would be in the pleasant position henceforth of being free from the restraint of responsible duties. The speaker said that he had known Inspector Harvey for 35 years, and in physical appearance he did not seem to have changed much in that period. No matter how difficult or onerous his duties, he had always maintained a very pleasant demeanour. He was a man of equable temperament, was ever ready to-impart his knowledge to others, and was most benevolent in his general outlook. This admirable combination of qualities had fitted him essentially for the position he was now relinquishing. Only 3.7 of the members who joined the Police Force, said Inspector Rawle, attained the heights in the service that Inspector Harvey had reached. Though he might have a lingering affection for his old position, Inspector Harvey, after twelve months in civil life, would probably appreciate the difference. Inspector Rawle said he was quite sure all the men under Inspector Harvey stood in the same relation to him as a personal friend. It was a remarkable tribute to his justice and the consistency of his reasoning, and now he was going out into’ a life free from official worries with the most cordial wishes of all for both his own happiness and that of Mrs Harvey. Stating that he had been asked -on behalf of the men to make the presentations as a gesture of their truest regard and inmost goodwill, Inspector ltawle asked Inspector Harvey to accept a handsome eight-day mantel clock, a brass kerb, fireguard, and equipment, and a gold wristlet watch for Mrs Harvey.

Senior-Sergeant E. J. Whiteliouse said that he had known Inspector Harvey since.the latter was a sergeant, and he cou'd say he had been very popular in every rank he had occupied. Senior-Sergeant Whitehouse endorsed the remarks made by Inspector Rawle and wished Inspector Harvey every happiness in the future. Stating that he had known Inspector Harvey for nearly forty years, Senior-Detective T. Quirke paid a warm tribute to his kindly and considerate nature, adding that he had exercised discipline with a complete absence of tyranny and was held in the highest regard for his splendid personality. Sergeant M. J. Angland (Feilding) said that he had known Inspector Harvey for twenty years. The retiring officer had enjoyed the trust and confidence of all under him, and was described by all his acquaintances as a fine type of man. Equally warm testimonies to Inspector Harvey’s qualities were paid by Sergeant F. Culloty, Constables A. Satherly (Otaki), R. Patterson (District Clerk), L. Skinner (Woodville), J. Blaikie (Shannon) and F. Burrell (Levin). The opportunity was also taken to welcome their new. superior officer, Inspector Rawle; Words failed adequately to express his feelings, said Inspector Harvey in responding. He paid a tribute to the class of men he had had under him at Palmerston North, and. thanked all for their loyalty and. support, commending to them his successor, Inspector llawlc. Inspector Harvey said he much regretted severing his association with the force. Inspector Rawle would find under him here an exceptional body of men. The district was at present practically free from crime. Thanks for the presen* tations were also expressed by inspector Harvey, who was accordecjj musical honours.

INSPECTOR RAWLE’S FAREWELL. GATHERINGS AT NEW PLYMOUTH. High appreciation of Inspector Rawle was expressed at a farewell gathering organised by the Taranaki Chamber of Commerce, at New Plymouth, on Wednesday. The speakers included Messrs W. C. Weston (president of the chamber), G. Fraser, E. It. C. Gilmour, H. R. Billing, Hon. J. McLeod, M.L.C., and Mr \V. H. Woodward,” S.M. • “The inspector is one of those men, and fortunately there are many in our town, oup country our Empire—who pour oil on the wheels of the world machine, while others throw in sand,” said Mr Woodward “No matter with whom Inspector Rawle was dealing, with prince or pauper, courtesan, or Communist, he could always be trusted to take the gentle, the kindly, the tolerant and essentially the just view. Inspector Rawle is a man of goodwill, and of very good sense. Though he knows almost all there is to be known about humanity, he still holds it in high regard. I think little more could be said for any man than this.”

inspector Rawle was farewelled at a large gathering of members of the uniform and detective branches of the police force in the evening. Representatives were present from all parts of the district. On behalf of the force in the district Senior-Sergeant E. T. C. Turner presented Inspector Rawle with two easy chairs and a brass wood-box. “Since Inspector Rawle came here in 1931 he has earned the respect and confidence of every man under his control,” said the Senior-Sergeant in making the presentation. He was recognised as a capable officer and was always willing to impart knowledge of which he had a large fund. So much was this a fact that he had coached five men at the New Plymouth station through the examinations qualifying them for the rank of sut>-insp<Jctors. All tho mombers of the force fully realised that they were losing a fine chief, but New Plymouth’s loss would be Palmerston North’s gain. He was going to a more important station, and he fully deserved the honour.