POLICE PROMOTIONS.

Observer, Volume 7, Issue 234, 7 March 1885, Page 3

POLICE PROMOTIONS.

I am glad to hear that further promotion has been granted to two officers of the Armed Constabulary who have well earned advancement-. I allude to Sergeants McG-overn, of Hamilton, and Gillies, of Te Awamutu. It will be remembered that in hope of the reward", and in patriotism to their country, they broke out of the narrow bonds of redtape, and, by the aid of the giant half-caste Bob Barlow, captured the dastardly Maori •murderer, Winiata. BrycewasNative Minister then, and whether he was jealous and thought he should have had all the credit, or what it ■was, he sat down on these two zealous and clever officers (then 3rd class sergeant and constable), and, but for the look of the thing, would have cashiered them, instead of piling honours on them, as they" deserved, for their

vindication of the honour of their Queen and country's laws.. Had two American officers planned such a clever coup, and carried it out with such perfect success, no eulogies 'would have been thought too high for them, or no reward too great for such cool vindication of the majesty of the law. But the petty mind of John Bryce could grasp no such views. He not only did not reward theni, but actually refused to authorise the sums they expended in the capture, and thoy wei'e out of pookefc till just lately. The force of public opinion and the comments of the Press, however, compelled some recognition of their zeal, and reluctantly enough he made Me Govern a Ist class sergeant, and Gillies a 3rd class. The advent of the Stout-Yogel Ministry has, however, inaugurated a better state of things, and I am very glad to be able to announce that these two deserving members of a useful and little considered profession have at length met with some equitable recognition at the hands of the Government of the country they have so long and faithfully served. It was announced on Tuesday last by telegram from Colonel Reader to fSupt. Thomson that the Hon. Mr Ballance had promoted Ist Class Sergeant McGovern to be Sergeant - Major, and 3rd Class Sergeant. Gillies to be Ist Class Sergeant. I am sure that in the districts where these two officers serve their promotion will be hailed with great satisfaction. The promotion is stated in the general order to be l{ in recognition of special services rendered in connection wiih the capture of "Winiata, the murderer."