"RAMPANT IN THE FORCE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 14148, 25 August 1909, Page 8

"RAMPANT IN THE FORCE.

POLICE AND POLITICAL INFLUENCE. A CONSTABLE'S ALLEGATIONS. "It is my honest belief that political influence is rampant in the force," said Constable Dunn, of Ponsonby, in giving evidence before the Police Commission yesterday. On being asked his reasons for making the statement, he said that every constable who had served in the Bay of Islands, except Constable Sefton and himself, had received promotion, and it had been offered to the last-named, but declined by him. The Commissioner (Mr. Bishop),: What do you deduce from that? Witness : That political influence had been used. Mr. Houston, the late member for the district, is a kind-hearted man, and I honestly believe that he moved in the direction of getting these men promoted.

Why did he not get you promoted?— Well, he said to me many times, "Can I do anything for you in Wellington." He never offered me anything direct, but ho threw out suggestions.

You think that if you had said, "Yes," you would have been promoted?—l think I would have had a very good chance.

The inference then, is that the other men asked him to do something for them ?

The witness referred to a remark, "We

have managed that," which he said, had' been made by a certain person in his hearing, just before Sergeant Pardy's promotion.

Mr. Bishop: Was Inspector Cullen in harge of the district at that time?— Yes.

Mr Bishop: I understand that the inspectors are called upon to furnish lists of constables deserving of promotion. What do you suggest That Ministers have been got at. Mr. Dinnie : I suppose that- if efforts were made to exert it, political influence might be brought to bear on the inspectors, as well as on the Commissioner. Mr. Bishop : Yes, certainly. Mr. Dinnie said that he had promoted two constables without a recommendation, and Sergeant Pardy#las one of them. He had made these appointments as the result of information received from the previous Commissioner.

Mr. Bishop (to witness) : Do you suggest that influence was used upon the inspector?—l do not suggest that influence has been used on Inspector Cullen at all. What do you suggest?— That influence has been used by members of Parliament on Ministers. * I understand that Commissioner Dinnie recommends the appointments, and that the Minister approves?— Yes; but there is such a thing as the Commissioner being asked to make a recommendation. How would that be gone about?— Well, a member would probably go to the Premier. And what would the Premier do then?

He would simply order a promotion. > Mr. Bishop: By and by I shall ask the Commissioner to what extent political influence has been brought to bear upon him. He may, of course, deny that it has ever been used.

Witness: I can only give circumstantial evidence. Witness also referred to the appointments of a number of sergeants, who, he said, had not been appointed in order of seniority. Such cases as these, he said, caused discontent in the force.