POLICE ASSOCIATION

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 8732, 14 May 1914, Page 4

POLICE ASSOCIATION

It is some time since the public was favoured with any remarks by Hit Minister for Justice concerning tin Police Association. Indeed, it is good while since anything particula. .vas heard from or about Mr Herd man at all. Perhaps the honourable gentleman is busy in assisting to prepare that policy of which ho mention ed tho absence when he addressed an assemblage of early-door patrons ano ‘■specials” in the Wellington Town Hall. However, the point just now is the Police Association. We should like to know if Mr Herdman still adheres to his decision—wo mean his determination —that such a body as tin Police Association cannot be tolerated ; and if so, does the Minister know that the association exists and prospers nevertheless, and what is he going to do about it? This little matter is mentioned just now because we have some information which may be useful to Mr Herdman —which may help him to recede from his attitude of hostility, and that would certainly bo appropriate in election year. Me notice that the New South Wales In-spector-General of Police recently informed tho members of tho department that the Chief Secretary Las intimated that he sees no objection to the formation of a Police Association. This applies to the largest police force in Australasia, a force that controls the regulation of traffic and the registration of vehicles in the city of Sydney, and perform many other duties which are cast upon policemen by virtue of State enactments in addition to tho ordinary actual police work. In another State- in Australia the oolice have been openly organised (as they are secretly in New' Zealand) for over a year without any dreadful consequences. The Commissioner of Police in ■ West Australia says in his latest report to the Minster: —“The Police Association bos just completed the first year of its existence, and is. so to speak, still on its trial. Successive Governments have granted permission to other branches of the Public Service to form themselves into associations. The police thought they, as a civil and not a military body, were entitled to the same consideration. . Time alone will prove whether such a departure will ho in the best interests of. the State. Personally, I see no reason why it should not be, always provided that no interference is permitted in either discipline or management, and the association continues to he a non-political organisation. .. . As Minister controlling the police force, you have already acceded to many of the association s requests, which will he duly gazetted as amendments to the present regulations.” ' What a contrast to the arrogant attitude of the New Zealand Tory Government!