THE POLICE FORCE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 80, 30 November 1945, Page 2

THE POLICE FORCE

DISCONTENT REPORTS DENIED PRIME MINISTER’S STATEMENT REMUNERATION CONSIDERED ADEQUATE (From Our Parliamentary Reporter) Wellington, Nov. 29. "I would like the opportunity of dispelling two erroneous ideas—that there is general discontent in the police force and that remuneration in the force is not adequate,” said the Prime Minister (Mr Fraser) in the House of Representatives during discussion on written ministerial replies to questions. Mr T. L. Macdonald (National, Mataura) and Mr A. S. Sutherland (National, Hauraki) had asked for a statement of Government policy on the building-up of the police force to an adequate strength, and if the Government were prepared to make conditions of service more attractive so that service in the force would not suffer by comparison with other occupations. The written reply of Mr Fraser, as Minister in Charge of the Police Department, was that it was proposed to build up the force to an adequate strength as suitable recruits became available. Pay and conditions in the force, he added, were better now than ever before. The pay and allowances of a constable on appointment amounted to £4OB a year, which compared very favourably with that paid in other occupations. Many of the recent resignations were those of temporary constables appointed during the war period. Some of them were not up to the physical standard set for recruits before the war, and which had nowbeen reinstated.

Amplifying the written reply, Mr Fraser said it might be that some members of the force were discontented and wanted to get out. A list he had showed that the majority of those wishing to resign wanted to go farming or share-milking. Plus house allowance the amount received by a constable was now £434 a year. While the Government would always be willing to receive representations regarding remuneration no one could claim that the police force was underpaid. Mr Fraser quoted other rates of remuneration from constable to superintendent, who would receive £BOO to £B2O. To say that the police were discontented not only misrepresented the position, but was a serious reflection on the men themselves. Mr R. M. Algie (National, Remuera) said if there were discontent it should be put right. The cause of resignat: ms should be investigated. The Prime Minister: We know the causes of them all. There has been no resignation where we would not be willing to let the man out of the force. Mr Algie: I gathered the resignations were due to the fact that the men found there was no career in the force and not sufficient inducement. Mr Fraser: On the figures I have quoted that is nonsense. Mr E. L. Cullen (Government, Hawkes Bay) suggested that the Prime Minister should give special consideration to returned men when appointments were being made to the force and that members of the Maori Battalion should be considered. For a considerable period there had been only one Maori policeman in New Zealand, but he thought there must be a number of men from the Maori Battalion who would make good police officers. The Maori race had shown its capacity as farmers and many Maoris had been well educated. The opportunity should also be given to some Maori girls to become wardens in the institutions under the control of the Minister of Justice.

Mr F. Langstone (Government, Waimarino) declared that the suggestions of grave discontent in the police force were all moonshine and humbug. There was an association which dealt with complaints from the police force, and it had the right of collective bargaining. He believed that now the war was over many suitable men would enrol, and he was astonished at the suggestion that the force was in a state of insurrection.