POLICE FORCE.

Manawatu Times, Volume XLVII, Issue 2762, 2 October 1923, Page 5

POLICE FORCE.

GENERAL INCREASE IN PAY.

MINISTER'S TRIBUTE TO MEN IN BLUE.

SPECIAL PRAISE FOR DETECTIVES.

[Per Press Association.]

AUCKLAND, Oct. 1

Increase in pay covering all branches of the police f force, operates from today. The increase ranges from 6d a day for constables in their first period of service to proportionate amounts for men with longer service. Sergeants, senior-sergeants, sub-inspec. tors, and inspectors also benefit. Members of the detective branch will receive a special allowance

The Hon. C. J, Parr stated that since taking over the portfolio of Justice a few months ago he had closely investigated the matter of the pay of the police force. He found it was not sufficient to loeep some af the younger men in the force, and that New Zealand was losing a number of them to Australia. Cabinet felt there were special circumstances which merited recognition of the work of the force by a small increase in pay. The Government was impressed with the need for men of fair education and reliable character for the force. An efficient police force was a strong safeguard of the liberty of the people and at the maintenance of order in the com. munity. The Government-■ wanted a contented force, and therefore, for all these reasons, it was thought an increase in remuneration was justified. The detective branch was especially deserving of consideration, and the allowance granted if was intended as a special recognition of the satisfactory wonk accomplished.

The Minister paid a tribute to the general efficiency of tho police force, and the manner in which hazardous tasks were faced and carried out.