Police Commission.

Colonist, Volume XLI, Issue 9097, 15 February 1898, Page 3

Police Commission.

Wellington, February 14. The Police Commission was opened this morning. Mr Wardell was appointed Chairman, and it was decided to admit the press, lt was also resolved that any person making oomplaints or those against whom complaints were made could attend personally or be represented by counsel ; to advertise throughout the colony in all newspapers other than weeklies the terms of the Commission and the course the Commissioners intended to take in the investigation ; that officers of the police force or constables be j invited to bring before the Commission any charges they desired, The Commission will probably sit here until March 1. Colonel Pitt's suggestion that the period over which the Commission investigated should be five years was favourably received, but ultimately the commission decided that it would limit the period, but that the case3 of former periods, if especially serious, would be inquired into. The Commission decided first to examine Mr Evans, Secretary of the Department, as to the organisation of the force, etc. Probably documentary evidenca will then be produced, and, later on, Col. Hume will be examined. Before the Commission adjourned until 2-30 o'clock, Col. Hume, who had been in charge of the Police Department from lst July, 1890 UDtil October last, asked the Commissioners permission to attend and examine or call rebutting evidence in connection with any matter during his administration of the Department which might be brought up. This request was readily conceded. The proceedings to-day will be purely formal. So far no complaints have been lodged against the police here.