THE POLICE FORCE.

Timaru Herald, Volume XIIC, Issue 13942, 30 June 1909, Page 5

THE POLICE FORCE.

OFFICIAL. ENQUIRY. Per Press Association. AYrciiLIA'WTON, June 2D. Tho order of reference for the Commission set up iu consequence of tho recent allegations in. Part.iumnt and outside reflecting upofi the general administration and personnel of the polico force, has been prepared for Mr Bishop, S.M., the Commissioner. Mo is directed to enquire, into tlie following matters:-'— ' . The general organisation, control and enrolment of the polico force as-it-now exists in its several branches, and tho discipline and efficiency thereof, and.jg<Bte what respect the said force or any parb thereof could he better recruited, organised, controlled or efficient. As to the. ■ fliciency, conduct, sobriety and morality of the members of the'said force, or any of them. As to whether any political or other improper iiitcrfenmco exists in connection with the said force, and, if so, to what, ex lent and whether such interference has any influence in the administration of ihe said force. _ As to the methods of promotion of members of th" said force, and the tea-.. scis governing the selection of members of the force for promotion. The Commission has to report, on or before August Itlst, and ib is empowered husit at any place in the Dominion for the purpose of taking evidence on oath or otherwise, and examining documents, etc. 'Hie order of reference expressly excludes from, the enquiry such matters as the recent dismissal of two polico constables as a consequence of a Magisterial investigation, the terms of tho reference providing that —"no enquiry shall be held by vou into any matter or thing which' has already been investigated and determined before any judicial or other lawfully constituted ."tribunal, or where any member, of tho notice force has teen dismissed from the service, or whose services have been dispensed with in consequence of his misconduct, or for any other reason; if any allegation or statement is made lie fore the "Commission which, relates lo or alfects the personal conduct of an individual member or members of the police force, it shall not, enter upon any .enquiry in respect thereof, until the nerson so affected has had at least ->l hours' notice m wrilinx- .rj v ing such particulars as shall he deemed sufficient, full opportunity being afforded to mi.v such person to cross-examine any witness giving evidence against him, and to call any evidence in reply which ho may think Man————*