POLICE AT REEFTON.

Otago Witness, Issue 2861, 13 January 1909, Page 29

POLICE AT REEFTON.

WELLINGTON, January 7. Protests against the drafting of polic* to -Reef ton in connection with the mining difficulty were forwarded to the Prime Minister through the Hon. A. R. Guinness. Sir Joseph, after inquiries, forwarded the following answer : — " In reference to your telegram re suggested massing of police constables at Eeefton, I find upon inquiry from the Justice Department that this is not correct. You state that 16 constables are proceeding to Reefton. 1 am advised by the department that seven constables were, at the request of the mine-owners, told off for special duty at the batteries — namely, one to each. — and that the same number of constables — namely, seven — were sent to replace those thus removed from their ordinary duty< This is a matter of. the ordinary administration of the police. It is not directed , by the Minister in charge or by the Government, and there is no reflection either directly or indirectly upon the miners, for whom I entertain the highest opinion, and I would not be a party to reflecting upon them in any way."