THE POLICE FORCE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXVI, Issue 15, 15 December 1945, Page 6

THE POLICE FORCE.

The Prime Minister’s recent statement in the House of Representatives denying in effect that there is any discontent in the Police Force is not borne out in reports of meetings held in several places. Nor was his scant

consideration given to the matter of resignations in order. Meetings both at Christchurch and Wellington during the week have brought to the public notice the desires of the Police Association for an improvement in general working conditions. It was definitely stated at Christchurch that “discontent exists in local districts . . . Twelve men have recently tendered their resignations . . . and most had considerable service in the Police Force.” At Wellington the principle of a 40-liour week was advocated and until it can be put into operation it was resolved to seek overtime for hours worked in excess of this number. The privileges of unionists working on statutory holidays are also to be sought, and concern was expressed over the housing position. There is no question of disloyalty in these resolutions. The police have affirmed and always proved tlieir loyalty to the Commissioner and the State. They are however entitled to the fullest consideration of their claims. Their week at present is one of 48 hours compared with 40 in practically every other industry and State Department today. For these extra hours they receive a war payment . of £2l to £26 a year. For working such overtime wharf labourers or miners would receive at least four times this sum if not more. The Association’s members have a definite grievance in this matter, and also having to work on statutory holidays when unionists receive three times their ordinary rate of pay if called upon to work. Moreover, the general level of policy salaries is not as high as they should be. These and other matters to which the Association has drawn attention demand the Government’s prompt consideration.