KING’S POLICE MEDAL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18875, 30 May 1923, Page 8

KING’S POLICE MEDAL

A EARE DISTINCTION. - xviiSENTATION AT WANGANUI. "THE VICTORIA CROSS OF THE CIVIL FORCE." (Pee United Press Association.) WANGANUI, May 29. At a largely-attended public meeting held this evening the King's Police Medal Was presented to' Constables F. O'Donoghue and R. Wilson by Sir Francis Belj on behalf of the Government. Sir Francis Bell said the award was ma<le for the arrest of two armed burglars at Wangn.nui in May. 1921. It was a striking instance of gallantry, and the constables were to be congratulated on the example they had set. The award was regarded as 'the Victoria Cross of the civil force. The hunt of the savage class of criminal was attended with grave danger. The police were called upon at any time to carry their lives in their hands, and when constables rendered meritorious servico they were entitled to recognition. On behalf of the Government he thanked both constables for- having won for New Zealand such a rare distinction, it being the first occasion in the dominion when an award was made for gallantry by the police. Sir l'raneis Bell read a message from the Governor-General (Viscount Jellicoe) congratulating the constables on their courage and bravery. Commissioner Wright said both constables acted up to the best traditions of the New Zooland_ police force, and reflected glory on their comrades, who were proud of them. The meeting passed a resolution of appreciation of the conduct of Thomson Bros, owners of thb grocer's shop where the arrests took place, and who assisted the police in arresting the burglars.