THE POLICE FORCE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 14715, 24 December 1909, Page 8

THE POLICE FORCE.

RETIREMENT OF THE COMMISSIONER. STATEMEXtIJV MP, DIXXTE. (Per United I'hess Association.! WELLINGTON, December 23. On being questioned regarding. Sir J. G. Ward's statement in Parliament on the changes in the Police (Department Mr Dinnio said:—" What the Prime Minister said •.•oncci'iiiii,; my resignation was incorrect, and he must have been misled. I told Dr Eindlay. at Christcliui'cli during the currency of the commission, that heroic any mention was made of the inquiry J had intended to tender my- resignation, and - my reason was that 1 had been■ placed under the Justice Department, and had to submit all papers and correspondence to I lie Minister through Hint department, the result being that 1. found that 1 could not carry out my duties to my own satisfaction. . I never said that t would resign at- the termination of the commission, and I had no intention of doing so. After the commission was sot up I entirely abandoned my intention to resign, as J thought the inquiry might bo followed by some alteration in the system, especially in regard to dealing with correspondence.'' On being asked if he had any plans for the future Mr Dinnie replied:—"No, I have made no plans. 1 may say that only yesterday morning 1 was offered the position of Inspector of Prisons, Kit the offer was withdrawn the same evening. Why, I know not. 1 consider that I have been treated most unjustly, but I leave the liublic to judge. After allegations which [ made against the Royal Commission 1 think the matter should not bo dropped, but an inquiry should be held into the evidence and files of the department with the view to seeing who was in the right and who wan in the wrong. The statement ,-s to friction in connection with the force and my oflice was merely put forward as an excuse."

Mr Dinnio said he would relinquish his oiiicial duties at the cud of the present month, and would have six months' leave of absence on full pay.