POLICE COMMISSIONER

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23052, 1 June 1938, Page 13

POLICE COMMISSIONER

NEW SOUTH WALES FORCE LEAVE OF ABSENCE GIVEN (deceived Juno 1, 1 a.m.) SYDNEY, May 31 The Police Medical Board to-day recommended 4hat three months' leave of absence "owing to temporary unfitness" should bo given the Police Commissioner, Mr. W. J. Mackay, who recontly asked to be allowed to retire on the ground* of ill health, since when there has been a lively controversy in _ the press, involving among other tilings the question of persecution of the commissioner. The Government has granted three months' leave. Mr. MacKay has been in ill-health for more than 12 months and underwent an operation six months ago. His recovery was slow and although he resutned duty ho was not restored to full health. He was submitted to great worry and anxiety as a result of the starting price betting commissions and attacks by some members of Parliament and a section of the press. Rev cently his mpther and brother died. _ Those trials, however, are not believed by many to have caused Mr. MaeKay to seek,-retirement. It is even said 'by his friends that his application to the Medical ltonrd was inspired from Ministerial quarters. Certainly he lost ® staunch supporter in the former Chief Secretary, Mr. F. Chaffey, who lost his Portfolio when the new Cabinet was formed. Mr. Chaffey is one who has hinted at intrigue to remove the commissioner. ,