Gentleman John

NZ Truth, Issue 1173, 24 May 1928, Page 6

Gentleman John

A DIGNIFIED figure indeed 1b the Regular Army sergeant-major

when he goes on parade. Shoulders back, ■chest out and a brisk stepper. Such is the sergeant-major of song and story. But the Army is not the only force that oan boast such models of dignity and -physical perfection. The police force, for instance. And at once the stately figure of BubInspector J. Fitzpatriok, of Christchurch, comes to mind. No sergeant-major that is— or was-^ has ever battered Fitzpatriok m the art of knowing how to wear a uniform, m the poise of head and shoulders or briskness of step that makes people turn round as he passes m the street and ask: "Who is that?" But, unlike the traditional sergeantmajor, although he has all his external signs j and symbols, Fitzpatriok is no martinet whose steely eye shrivels the raw recruits m the flames of terror.

Ask any constable m Christchurch, or — for that matter — m any part of the Dominion where Fitzpatrlck has served, and there is only one description for the sub -inspector: "A man and a gentleman," is their tribute. And to know this courteous and kindly man is to agree with the members of the force, for gentlemen of his stamp are rarely met with.