THE NELSON POLICE FORGE.

Colonist, Volume XLV, Issue 10407, 13 May 1902, Page 2 (Supplement)

T HE NELSON POLICE FORGE.

WHOLESALE CHANGES

Though the departmental enquiry held some few weeks ago by Commissioner Tunbridge into certain charges made against various membors'of the local Police Force was not open to the public, a certain amount of information naturally got abroad, as the evidence of outside witnesses was then tendered. Since the enquiry closed there has^ been much speculation as to the finding of the Commissioner. On April 22 the information was received that Sergeant Mackay is to be transferred to Chnstchurch, Constable Bird to Blenheim, and Constable Kemp and Constable Williams to Wellington. Constable McGrath and Constable Jefferies (at the Port) are not mentioned, and presumably stop here, nor has any word been sent with regard to Constables Burrellaad Durbridge, but it is accepted. that both these constables will be dismissed from the service. The names of Sergeant Duigan,. Constables Kelly, Tomkinson, and Fitsssimrnons (the latter was lately relieving Constable Jefferies at the Port) are given as the successors of those whose transfers we have noted. The natural assumption is that the charges to warrant such a complete -jhange of staff as indicated must be of a serious nature, and the public mind is much- exercised thereby, and it is a matter for comment that the influentially signed petition sent in to the Minister of Justice by the Mayor has not been officially replied to." Rumor is rife, and " certain influence" is freely alleged— indeed, tho feeling of indignation is so strong that many desire a public meeting in protest. " Mr Graham, M.H.R., has telegraphed to the Minister of Justice asking him to stay proceedings for a time, and stating the public feeling on the matter here, t-r'i There is great difficulty in dealing with a matter of this kind, where the pnrtios most interested are subject to departmental regulations and restrictions, and cannot afford information, but in view of what has transpired, there does not seem to have been disclosed against any of those implicated any offence sufficient to warrant, such severe punishment as has been meted out. However, in all probability, the public mind would be set at rest if satisfied that these changes and punishments were recommended by Commissioner Tunbridge as a result of the enquiry held by him.