BRITISH POLICE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20451, 4 July 1928, Page 7

BRITISH POLICE

THE NEW COMMISSIONER. VISOOUNT BYNG OF VIMY. (British Official Wireless.) (United Press Association.) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) RUGBY, July 2. The Home Secretary announced in the House of Commons that Sir William Horwood, Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, had intimated early in the year his intention of retiring in the late autumn on attaining the age of 60. The King had approved of the appointment of Viscount Byng of Vimy to succeed Sir William Horwood. APPOINTMENT CRITICISED. STORM OF LABOUR QUESTIONS. LONDON, Julv 2. The announcement of Viscount Byng's appointment produced a storm of Labour questions. Why was tn army instead of a police officer chosen T Why was a man of 65 selected when his predecessor had resigned on. the attainment of the age limit of 60? Why was the appointment made before the inquiry into police methods had reported? What salary and pension would Viscount Byng receive? Sir William Joynson-Hicks said he took full responsibility for the appointment. The only policy was to obtain the best man for the job. The recent inquiry in no way impugned Sir William Horwood's conduct. Viscount Byng made no stipulation regarding salary or pension, only insisting on freedom to retire the moment he felt unequal to the task. He accepted the position only as a stern call of duty. The Labourites intimated that they would later oppose the appointment.— Australian Press Association —United Service.