THE POLICE FORCE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 10575, 16 October 1897, Page 5

THE POLICE FORCE.

pgPDTATION TO THE HON. T. THOMPSON.

DEMAND FOR AN INQUIRY.

•JO SYMPATHY FROM THE MINISTER.

[If IOHUII,-r«H SB ASSOOIMION.j Wellington, Friday. jgi Minister of Justice was waited by a deputation of members of the House, glided by Mr. Meredith, this evening, ykao the neoessity was impressed upon him fa an inquiry into the police force of the loolony. The deputation expressed the ppinlon that nothing short of an inquiry by , tribunal competent to elicit the true ,l»te of affairs would suffice the House and Its public conscience. Several members goniidered a Select Committee of the House would be the proper tribunal, but the mjority considered that a Royal Commislion would be preferable. The necessity {or the reorganisation ef the force was also dealt with by a member of the deputation. ' In reply the Hon. T. Thompson said the imputation was aware that the Government lid not decided to set up a Royal Compjifsion, nor was there any desire on the part of the Government to do so. Both the premier and himself had stated that matters should be allowed to stand as at present until the arrival of the new Commissioner of Police, and the Cabinet considered it would be unwise to hold any enquiry until (ten. Asked if the Cabinet) would refuse fresh representations made on the matter, Mr. fhompson said the Cabinet would nob set itself against a resolution of the House on He subject. He could not be expected to piy that he would adopt the views expressed by the deputation, but it would be lis duty to place the views before the Cabinet at the earliest opportunity.