POLICE COMMISSION.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXVII, Issue 3439, 21 May 1898, Page 4

POLICE COMMISSION.

COMMISSIONER TUNBRIDGE AND ME TAYLOR, M.H.R. POLITICAL INFLUENCE OP THE DEPARTMENTAL HEAD DENIED. At yesterday morning’s sitting of the Commission Sergeant O’Malley gave evidence with regard to the Jeffries case and Constable O’Rourke, of Otati, appeared in defence of certain charges made against him by one Francis Eumsay. The constable traversed the allegations made against him, but admitted having played a game of cards in a hotel. This he did not consider an offence.

Constable Gillespie, who had been transferred from Foxton to do street duty in the city, was also heard on the subject of his grievance. After luncheon. Constable Johnston attended on behalf of the local force, and intimated to the Commissioners that the

members of the local force had unanimously decided to adopt a pension scheme.

Sergeant-Major Mason, cross-examined by Constable Gillespie, said he had been in the New-Zealand Police Force for 30 years. Had known his questioner for about six months, and had seen nothing during that time to indicate that he was unfit to take charge of a station. Regarded Gillespie as a sober and reliable man who perfectly understood his duty. To Colonel Hume: Did not know much, of Gillespie’s taco, but he had repeatedly acted as sergeant with satisfactory results. Gillespie's case was then closed for tho present, but will be re-opened when the Commission sets at- Palmerston North. Tho Chairman stated that in the meantime Gillespie would be allowed to read certain departmental documents, and to re-examine Colonel Hume when the matter again cropped up. ‘ Commissioner Tunbridge, in reply to Mr T. E. Taylor, M.H.R., gave details of his appointment, the facts of which were that towards the end of last June, while living at Hythe, in Kent, he received a communication from Sir Edward Braddon, Chief of Police, stating that the Premier of IJew Zealand had been to Scotland Yard for the purpose of getting an officer from the Metropolitan Force to take up the position of Commissioner, The person required was, in addition to having police experience, also to have a knowledge of the Criminal Investigation Department. The writer stated that ha and Dr Andrewschief of the criminal branch-—were prepared to recommend him (Mr Tunbridge) for the post. After some further correspondence, a meeting was arranged with Mr Seddon .at the Savoy Hotel. On that oocasion the Premier stated that there had been con-

siderable dissatisfaction expressed in New Zealand as to the manner in which the force had been directed for some years. This had caused the Government considerable embarrassment, and they would be very glad to get an officer to take the whole thing over and the responsibility with it. He also said that there was much discontent among the man themselves at not: having an experienced police officer over them. The interview was very brief, and after a few words as to salary and terms he left, not seeing Mr Seddon again until after arrival in New Zealand. He never saw the Agent-General that made his arrangements for passage out with Mr Reeves’ secretary. The Premier, then, admitted the unsatisfactory condition of affairs ? He said there was dissatisfaction, and that tho force was hot giving satisfaction either to the country or men ?—Practically that. Replying to further interrogations, Mr Tunbridge explained that no details, such as to the methods of appointment of recruits, were gone into, and no discussion had taken place on the snbjeet since. It is within *the power of the Governor under the Police Act to make appointments, this probably meaning the Governor-in-Counoil. Upon arrival in the colony—about the same-day—the question of appointing a commission came up. Had a conversation with Mr Seddon about the speech made by the member for Christchurch in the House and suggested on that occasion that a commission of inquiry should be set up, as, if the charges made were true, then the force might be purged of bad characters; if, on the other hand, they were untrue, then no harm would be done. Had never refused to be a commissioner, but realised the fact that had he been one he would have been in a false position. Ministers had permitted him to administer the affairs of his department absolutely without interference. Since his arrival in New Zealand had promoted 17 constables to the rank of sergeant, 25 from secondclass to first-class, 21 from third-class to second-class, and had made three fourthclass detectives. The sergeants were all appointed on the recommendation of tlio inspectors, but she witness had made the other advancements from an inspection of the seniority book and the men’s defaulters’ sheets.

May a man not be lacking in intelligence and generally' Unfit for service, and have a clear sheet?—You would generally find something in such a man’s sheet. ' If an inspector reported to you that a man was a tippler, and had every appearance of being a confirmed sot, would you refuse to take notice of that?—No. In such ■ a case' I would have the constable examined by a medical board, and would certainly not allow it to stand. As a matter of fact, this coarse has been adopted within the last few weeks. The Commissioner farther went on to say that he approved confidential reports being made by (inspectors in some case. I He had not discussed the recent promotions with the Minister, who, without question, |

signed the list as submitted. No doubt the recent promotions had bad a salutary effect. He had been consulted about all the appointments made to the force since his arrival. Did not think it was wise to continue the present method of enrolling recruits without a searching inquiry into their moral character. The force in New Zealand compared favourably —apart from numbers—with any similar body the witness, knew of, performing a variety of work that ia not done elsewhere. To get a thoroughly efficient force it was absolutely necessary to have a pension system# Mr Taylor having finished his examination, the Commissioner went on to say:— ** X should like to say something at this stage in regard to licensed houses. I have never been approached either directly or indirectly by any Minister or other person to influence me in the way these licensing laws should be carried out, and have nothing to lead me to suppose that Ministers have any desire to prevent the law being properly observed. I say this because some men have stated that they had reason to believe they would incur displeasure if they endeavoured to carry out the law. I have taken every possible step to remove this impressiony and in conversing with officers have always impressed on them the necesfor seeing that the law was properly carried out/*

After answering a few unimportant questions arising out of this statement the Commissioner's evidence concluded.

The Commission then adjourned till Monday.