POLICEMAN'S DISMISSAL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume L, Issue 15326, 12 June 1913, Page 8

POLICEMAN'S DISMISSAL.

• EX-AUCKLAND CONSTABLE. ALLEGED DERELICTION DUTY. - [BY TELEGRAPH.-PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Gbeymouth, Wednesday. Constable Smyth has received notice of dismissal from the force. He was recently transferred to Greymouth from Auckland, allegedly owing to his efforts on behalf of the Police Association. The constable explained to . a reporter that he was on duty on the wharf watching timber trucks on account of reported thefts of timber. He mistook the time for five o'clock, and at 4 a.m. went to the station, and signed the book. He was rej»orted to • headquarters, and will be dismissed on Saturday next for leaving duty and making a false entry in the book. STATEMENT BY COMMISSIONER. FALSE ENTRY IN BOOK. [BY TELEGRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.] . < Wellington, Wednesday. Commissioner Cullen, speaking on the dismissal of Constable Smyth at Greymouth, said Smyth was deputed to watch timber trucks on Grey Wharf, in consequence of reports that serious thefts of timber had taken place. His watch was to last until 5 a.m., but at 3.50 a.m. the sergeant discovered Smyth in the watchhouse and a false entry in the book that Smyth did not visit the station till 5 a.m. Regarding Smyth's statement that ho mistook the time,, Commissioner Cullen said there, was a clock in the watch-house ' where Smyth was, which regulated the hours of duty at the station. At what time Smyth left the wharf his superiors did not know. "He abandoned his post, where he was placed for a very important purpose, and then aggravated his lapse ,by making a false entry. Neither the Department nor any private employer would stand that," said the Commissioner.