AUCKLAND POLICE OFFICERS

Otago Witness, Issue 3275, 20 December 1916, Page 18

AUCKLAND POLICE OFFICERS

RELIGIOUS QUESTION RAISED. AUCKLAND, December 15. In the course of the hearing ot oases in the Police Court witnesses for the defence have been asked by Sub-inspector M'llveney what their religion was. On several occasions Mr Frazer, S.M., expressed surprise at the question being asked. This afternoon the matter was carried further. Mr V. G. Ewington, after giving his evidence, said he was a Protectant, and ho was then asked by the Sub-inspector if he had heard that the Protestant community of Auckland was desirous tor the immediate removal of Superintendent Kiely or any other police officer. The witness replied in the negative, and added that ho had not heard of any representations having been made to the Minister on the subject. Later on, Mr J. S. Dickson, M.P. for Parnell, was being cross-examined by tho Sub-inspector. He said he was not aware that tho Protestant community.. of Auckland was desirous of Superintendent Kiely's removal from Auckland, but it would bo correct to say that the Protestant community desired a change in the personnel of the Auckland police force. Sub-inspector M'llveney : How ? Witness: By the removal of Sub-inspector M'llveney.

Witness said that, as a member of Parliament, ho had introduced two deputations to tho Minister requesting tho removal of the Sub-inspector owing to his activities and religious opinions. Tho Magistrate: What is all this questioning about religion ? Tho Sub-inspector then read a letter from Mr Ilanan to tho Hon. Dr M'Nab. He asked Mr Dickson if the dissatisfaction was general, and the witness replied that ho heard it was from a religious standpoint, and on other grounds, that the dissatisfaction existed, and that complaints had been made by the public and members of the force regarding the number of. Roman Catholics in high office in the Auckland police force. An inquiry had been asked for, and witness understood that one was being held. The Sub-inspector said he know nothing of tho complaints, and ho hoped tho court would accept his assurance that he had not been in church for several years. He was not of a religious turn of mind, and his wife was a member of the Church of England. Ho added that he did not take any part in religious questions, and, so far as he knew, enjoyed tho confidence and respect of every member of the force and tho Auckland public. His Worship said it was a pity to introduce the orange and green question, and he was sorry it had been introduced. Tho matter was then dropped.