"THEY TOOK MY HAT."

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 14150, 27 August 1909, Page 6

"THEY TOOK MY HAT."

A* SINGER'S GRIEVANCE. One of the witnesses who came forward at the Police Commission yesterday was a Mr. J. W. Taylor, M.A., who stated that he desired to speak upon the matter of the inadequacy of polico protection. Mr. Bishop (the Commissioner) said that this hardly came within the scope of the Commission, which was appointed to inquire into the efficiency of the force. He asked whether Mr. Taylor had anything to say as to the* efficiency of the force. Witness: No, I have nothing to say as to their efficiency, but they are undermanned. Mr. Bishop: This is a personal grievance, is it —Yes. Mr. Bishop : Did you complain to the inspector at the time? Mr. Taylor: Yes, and I got satisfaction, but I am now referring to another case. Mr. Bishop: What was that? Mr. Taylor : The throwing of stones and the damaging of my hat a new one— (laughter)—and no notice was taken of it. (Laughter.) . Mr. Bishop: What is your occupation? Mr. Taylor: Gentleman. I am a retired New South Wales Civil servant. Mr. Bishop: It is an old saying that you can never get the polico when they are wanted. Witness (very emphatically) : Oh, that is not true. They got me one night when they were not wanted. (Laughter.) Mr. Bishop :Oh ! Is thoro anything else that you complain of? Mr. Taylor: Yes, I am in the habit of going to the Seamen's Mission Hall and giving songs and reciting, and while doing so on one occasion somebody went off with my hat —a new and valuable hat. Mr. Bishop (drily): Well, I think if I were you I would give up singing and reciting. It is not worth it if you lose a new hat every time. (Laughter.) ' Witness : I have not done so -since, and will not do so again. (Laughter.)