SCOTLAND YARD METHODS.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18007, 12 July 1928, Page 9

SCOTLAND YARD METHODS.

Commission of Inquiry. Credibility of evidence. (United Press Association —By Electrio Tolegraph—Copyright.) (Australian Press Association —United Service.) (Received July 11, 8.15 p.m.) LONDON, July 11. The Savidge tribunal findings, which ■consist of two lengthy reports, a majority report signed by Sir John Eldon Bankes and Mr J. J. Withers C.8.E., and a minority report signed by Mr H. B. Lees-Smith, have been presented to Sir William JoynsonHicks. It is stated that the difference of opinion reflected by the conclusion reached in the two reports proceeds from the acceptance on the one side and the rejection on the other of the police evidence on the disputed points of the case. The conflict of evidence presented the greatest difficulty encountered by the Commissioners. The reports indicate clearly that the Commissioners are still divided on the question of credibility. It is understood that the majority report accepts without qualification the police declaration that the alleged improper questions were not put to Miss Savidge at Scotland Yard, and that the alleged demonstration did not take place. It is stated that the report affirms that no blame attaches to the police for anything done or said in connection with the interrogation of Miss Savidge, and Bodkin acted properly in taking action. The minority report challenges the basic conclusions of the majority report, in that the former rejects the police version in the evidenoe on the disputed matters. The minority report ci’iticises and censures the police in respect of certain aspects of (-he case; and comments on the extent to which the issue of liberty of the subject is‘raised by the whole episode and suggests that there are many matters in the administration of the police which urgently demand the grave attention'of the authorities.

I It is understood that while accepting the police version, the . majority report makes suggestions for a modification of the existing practice, where statements are required by the police from witnesses whose personal 'character might be involved.

[On May 23 last, a Commission consisting of Sir John Eldon Bankes (formerly Lord Justice Bankes), a retired Lord Justice of Appeal, Mr J. J. Withers, C.8.E., Conservative member for Cambridge University, and Mr H. B. Lees-Smitn, Labour member for the Keighley Division of the West Riding of Yorkshire, was set up by the British Government to inquire into the action of the police in connection W'ith their interrogation of Miss Savidge at Scotland Yard on May 15. Miss Savidge, a 22-year-old girl, and Sir Leo. Money were acquitted on a charge of improper conduct in Hyde Park.]