THE POLICE FORCE

Otago Witness, Issue 3396, 16 April 1919, Page 46

THE POLICE FORCE

INCREASE IN PAY. April 4. The Hon. Mr Wilford announces that a further increase has been approved by the Cabinet in the way of pay for sergeants' and constables in the Police Force, and that a scale for permanet increases to all other officers is now being prepared. It is considered that the recent increase of Is 6d per day is insufficient. Suitable men are not being attracted to the force, and since the armistice there have been numbers of resignations. The force numbered about 1000 before the war, but it has now been reduced to 800.

A commission consisting of the Attorneygeneral, the Acting Minister of Finance, and the Minister of Justice reported to the Cabinet that it was impressed with the gravity of the position disclosed in view of the special qualifications demanded. in recruits. The commission • was of opinion that the granting of an increase would not provide argument for a corresponding increase in other branches of the public service. Public order could not be preserved unless a sufficient number of men so qualified and trained were maintained in the dominion in a state of contentment and complete discipline. The commission advised that the. rate of pay be increased by a further Is 6d per day to all constables and sergeants. The cost of the increases is estimated at about £22,000 annually. The commission also recommended that the house allowance for married men be increased from £27 7s 6d per annum to £39. Mr Wilford stated that all the recommendations of the commission had been adopted by the Cabinet. Increases to other officers will be announced as soon as they are considered by the Cabinet, and all the increases will take effect from April L