CONTROL OF POLICE FORCE

Taranaki Daily News, 8 August 1930, Page 10

CONTROL OF POLICE FORCE

■ NO IMMEDIATE CHANGES. • AIR. WOHLAIANN INTERVIEWED. No immediate big changes.. in the police system are intended by the new Commissioner, , Air. W. G. Wohlmann. Such changes as are proposed, lie told a reporter at Christchurch bn Wednes-, dav, will be. made gradually, and will follow the lines of strictest economy. Air. Wohlmann passed through Chrisicliurch, on his way back to Wei-. lino-ton after a visit to police centres in.the South Island. He took.lip. appointment as Commissioner on ,I‘iidai. Liu’iist l, and as it was necessary for Inn? to discuss certain points of policy with his- major officers,/ -he decided tovisit them instead of asking. them to <v o to Wellington for .a conference. ° Air. Wohlmann said the reduction of the police-grant by -£15,000 inade. it necessary that the work of the Depaitment should be carried on as economically as possible. Nothing drastic, such as reduction in .wages or staffing, .was intended, but where' transfers or promotions were necessary costs of trans-

port would have to be considered'. One economy measure which had already been decided on, • said Mr. Wohlmann, was the “closing, for the’ time being of the.depot, at Wellington where recruits were trained for duty. The Department . was fully staffed at present, “and. nd./new men would -be enlisted for some time. Economy would also forbid: for the present The erection,, in Christchurch of a gymnasium in which tile local men could keep fit. However, he would do all he could to encourage the ..ineri to- take, part in sports. He approved the idea which had led * to’ Tl-ie formation, of'-.The .. polled social club at ■ Christchurch and would support the’ entry of police teams in football and cricket competitions In so far as they ■ did not interfere with the work ' .of the station. .-