POLICE ASSOCIATION

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22449, 19 June 1936, Page 11

POLICE ASSOCIATION

STEPS FOR FORMATION IMPROVEMENT OF CONDITIONS [from our own correspondent] HAMILTON. Thursday Steps were taken at a meeting of members of the police force in the Hamilton district last evening to form a New Zealand Police Force Association. There was a large attendance. Detective C. P. Belton, who had taken an active part in organising the meeting, outlined proposals for the consideration of those present. Among the objects suggested was that members of the police should receive one day a week free of duty. It was also suggested that a maximum number of hours to be worked each week should be fixed, and that the maximum should not be exceeded except in cases of necessity. Details were given to show that the 40-hour weok could be applied to most of the branches of the service. It was proposed that a central executive should be elected from members who were stationed in Wellington, and that a full-time general secretary, to be selected, preferably from the force, should be appointed. The scheme provided for an annual conference to be held in Wellington, the members to be one delegate from each of the provincial districts and two from each of the four main centres. Mr. Belton suggested that each police district should hold an annual meeting, and that the committee should meet monthly. Tho proposals also provided for the establishment of a monthly police journal. It was pointed out during the discussion that there was nothing in the proposals to conflict with any of the existing police regulations. Tho principle of forming a New Zealand Police Association was approved by the meeting and it was decided that the proposals outlined should be circulated for discussion in the various police districts. Approval of the objects previously outlined was given, and Detective Belton was elected district secretary for the time being.