POLICE COMMISSION.

Timaru Herald, Volume XIIC, Issue 13957, 17 July 1909, Page 6

POLICE COMMISSION.

SITTING AT DUNKDIN. ARNOLD-DIN-ME T)[ 7 KL. Per Press Association. DUNEDIN, July IG. At the Police Commission 10-day, Station Sergeant King .said lu was labouring under a sense «>f injustice, tie complained thao when appointed Station Sergeant lie had to.iiuve u good station and lose 3s 6d per week, xle also complained that a man junior to him had been appointed sub-Inspec-tor. Witness went on to say that false reports had been circulated in connection with the Papakaio murder case, these being indirectly attributed" to him. The work of a Station Sergeant was the most irritating and unpleasant in the service, and he would like to know why he had been passed over when promotions was made. He had complained to the Minister of Justice, and the Commissioner had said that the two men recommended for promotion were considered superior in qualifications to witness. He thought that constables were underpaid. In reply to a question, Inspector O'Brien said had recommended King for a-sub-Inspectorship. Constable Dark, South Dunedin, qucfted instances of promotion of men over seniors to one-man stations. There was a widespread feeling that promotion could not be got in the Dunedin district, and that the sooner policemen got out of the district the belter. He also advocated increases in pav and bouse allowance. Mr'J. F. Arnold, M.P., then came forward for cross-examination, by Commissioner Dinnie. Commissioner Dinnie said it surprised him that Mr Arnold had made liis allegations without ascertaining whether there was any foundation for them. It was practically a stab in the back, both as regards himself and the Department. Mr Arnold dared 'not make (those staV-'ments outside, otherwise he might have had to appear before another Court-. Mr Arnold replied that he had made them since. Mr Dinnie said he was afraid that there was an ulto~ior object. In th* eourso of his evidence, Mr ■Vrnokl said that during Mr Tunbridge's time of oflice ().'> men were dismissed from the force, and nine resigned. During Mr Dinnie's term 140 men were dismissed and 22 resigned. The force h>d been goiii! r from bad to worse. The question of tilie linger print expert, getting six months' leavr- on full pay 1o go Home was raised, and Mr Arnold said in spite ol wl'-t the HI,;- m.-iv sav. he would ask Mr 'I >iiuii.-' <iT,»ri the hitler was giving evidence. If he would say on oath that six months' lerve of ab-?ire on fv=H pay was not granted.

Mr Dinnie offered to produce the file to show that he recommended one month's leave on full pay, the rest without pay. Mr Arnold suggested that the file had been altered. If Mr Dinnie swore then ho would decide whose word he would accept, Mr Dinnie's or the names of other people whom, lie would not at present name. He would take the Hon. Mr McGowan's word on oath. He thought it would be necessary for Mr McG'owan to come forward. Either Mr McGowan or Mr Dinnie would have to defend himself very seriously fie did not accent the file as the original file alter Mr Dinnie's statement that the, files might be faked. In the course of further examination Mr Arnold said ho complained about discrimination between Mr Dinnie's friends and others in the force. Mr Dinnie said his son was entitled to 30 days, nad got one month, while another constable got full leave. Mr Arnold said in that case Mr Dinnie was discriminating against his friends.

i Mr Dinnie: I might have, had an object.

Mr Arnold: I presume you had an obiect. Mr Dinnie: It w.u for such as yourself—a little bit of bait to pull at. Mr Arnold : Oh! nonsense.

Mr Dinnie: I knew what I was doing, and I knew it would be made public. Mr Arnold: You laid a tran for public men to fall.into? That is what it means.

Mr Dinnie: Yes; for men who arc seeking information of this kind; for men who are interfering with the Department. Commissioner Dinnie. was then sworn, and gave evidence relating to the question of enquiry .into constables' characters before joining the froce, after which the Commission adjourned till to-morrow.