THE POLICE.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXVII, Issue 10660, 31 May 1913, Page 3

THE POLICE.

Per Press Association. ! Wellington, May 30. The Hon. A. u. Heninmn. in a statement on the condition in thd police force in general and the discontented members in particular, said he had received the Commissioner’s report regarding the recent meetings with the men at Auckland, Palmerston North, Dunedin, Christchurch, Timara and Wellington. Tiie matters brought under the Commissioner’s notdOO included increased pa}’ ami house a.mu allowance for making up uniform, Sunday leave, time off for time spent in attending court, a special tribunal to deal with breaches of discipline, time for men on night dut}’ to obtain refreshment, free railway passes when on leave, and extra annual leave. Mr Herd man detailed the various scales of pay ami allowance during the past 25 years and stated that ho could not see his way to grant increases asked for. He compared the New Zealand force With the different Australian States, and said that with the boot and uniform allowance to bu granted, Now Zealand policemen would be bettor off than any Australian policemen, and probably their eonditiion would not be equalled in the British. Empire. The sum of £5 per year will be granted for making up uniforms ami boot allowance will ba paid monthly. Detectives will receive £2 10a boot allowance. Sunday leafo and time off for court work must be granted at the discretion of the officer in charge of the district. As previously breaches of discipline must be dealt with by responsible officers of the department, but a provision in the forthcoming Police Bill will allow decisions to ba reviewed, Under certain conditions time for refreshments is already unofficially allowed. Detinite instructions as to this and other matters will be issued later. ‘‘The railway authorities do not see their way to grant free passes,” Air Herd man continued, “and I cannot agree to extend the annual leave. I consider the present leave sufficiently liberal.” He concluded by stating that if any man was dissatisfied he was prepared to accept id a resignation *as he did not want discontented men in the force. It was impossible tn allow any police association to be formed. The force must be under strict discipline. The men’s representations would always receive the consideration of the Commissioner and the Minister.