KING’S POLICE MEDAL.

Otago Witness, Issue 3612, 5 June 1923, Page 59

KING’S POLICE MEDAL.

1 ixIiSENTATION AT WANGANUI. WANGANUI. May 29. At a largely-attended public meeting held this evening the King’s Police Medal was presented to Constables F. O’Donoghue and It. Wilson by Sir Francis Bell on behalf of the Government. Sir Francis Bell said the award was made for the arrest of two armed burglars at Wanganui in May. 1921. It was a striking instance of gallantry, and the constables were to be congratulated ori the example they had set. The award was regarded as the Victoria Cross of the civil force. The hunt of ihe savage elas3 of criminal was attended with grave danger. The police were called upon at any time to carry their lives in their hands, and when constables rendered meritorious service they were entitled to recognition. On behalf of the Government he thanked both constables for having won for New Zealand such a rare distinction, it being the first occasion in the dominion when an award was made for gallantry by the police. Sir Francis Bell read a message from the Governor-General (Viscount Jellicoe) congratulating the constables on their courage and bravery. Commissioner Wright said both constables acted up to the best traditions of the New Zealand police force, and reflected glory on their comrades, who were proud of them. The meeting passed a resolution of aj> preciation of the conduct of Thomson Bros., owners of the grocer’s shop where the arrests took place, and who assisted the police in arresting the burglars.