THE POLICE FORCE.

Otago Witness, Issue 3084, 23 April 1913, Page 5

THE POLICE FORCE.

DISCONTENT IN WELLINGTON. WELLINGTON, April 15

Inquiries among the local police disclose the existence of some measure of discontent, which is regarded so seriously by some that they suggest that it may develop into something serious unless measures are taken to remedy the grievances. The example sot by the Auckland men in the forming of a union is appealing to some of the men in Wellington, and though no steps have yet been taken in that direction a. largo number of constables consider that strong stops should bo taken to remedy their gr.evanccs. STATEMENT BY THE MINISTER. WELLINGTON. Audi 15. The Auckland telegram regarding the dissaffcction was brought under thp notice of the Hon. A. L. ilerdman (Minister of Justice), who emphatically denied the suggestion that he had in any way refused or neglected to meet the men. When lie was in Auckland lie inspected the force, and communicated with the men openly, thating that if they had any complaints or grievances to bring before him as Minister of Justice, that was the opportunity. He went into the inspector’s room, where he was interviewed by a number of detectives aqd some sergeants, and when ho left the police station lie understood that no other member of the force had any complaint to bring under his notice. As to the discontent said to exist in Wellington, no complaint from the police force had been officially brought under his notice, and he was unaware of any ground for complaints. When he inspected the Lambton station recently the men had had a full opportunity to put forward grievances against the new regulations. He remarked ut the time that he would prefer that the men should come before him in a straightforward manner and frankly state their complaints rather than make complaints behind his back. Subsequent to the inspection the superintendent reported to him that no member of the force had any matter to bring under his notice. At Dunedin and Christchurch a number of men had come forward with requests of a general nature, relating chiefly to transfers and other departmental matters easy of adjustment, but there were no complaints of a serious character.