THE POLICE DEPARTMENT.

Otago Witness, Issue 2883, 23 June 1909, Page 61

THE POLICE DEPARTMENT.

MINISTER OF JUSTICE IXTER-

VIEWED. WELLINGTON, June 19.

The Minister of Justice, interviewed by a Post reporter in regard to the charges recently made against the administration of the Police Department by Commissioner Dinnie, said that so far the charges were couched in such vague and general terms as to make investigation practically impossible. H-e had made inquiry in every case where definite allegations had reached him, but so far none of the allegations had. upon inquiry, been sustained. He recognised that the administration of the Police Dcpaitment should not only be prupe.-ly, and therefore impartially, carried on, but should be. as far as possible, abo\e any public suspicion and negligence or impiopi.ely. In justice both to hiimelf and to ths Commissioner, definite details in connection with tho allegations made during a recent debate in the House should be furnished, and a full inquiry mads by a competent and fully-empowered tribunal. It was to be assumed, said the Minister, that members of Parliament recognised their responsibility in making such charges as those referred to, and that if asked they would afford the Minister the iull-est assistance in making an investigation. In view of all these circumstances, the Cabinet this morning had resolved to recommend to the Governor that Mr Bishop, S.M., of Christchurch, be appointed a Royal Commisioner to inquire into the charges that had been made, and to make such further inquiries and investigations in connection with the Police Force as might be deemed proper and expedient.

" It is obviou3," continued the Minister, " from Mr Bishop's long experience as a magistrate, especially as a police magistrate, and his sound judgment, that he has all the, qualifications- necessary - to^ deal

with the inquiry with which he will be entrusted. It is due to Commissioner Dinnie to say that he. has earnestly asked me to have the fullest inquirj' made by an independent tribunal into the allegations brought against his administration. As regards the duty of the Minister oi Justice in connecton wth this Police, Force and my administration of the department, I will take the earliest and most appropriate opportunity of speaking" from the public platform."