THE POLICE COMMISSION.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6121, 7 March 1898, Page 3

THE POLICE COMMISSION.

FPer Press Association.] WELLINGTON, March 7. Mr Taylor asked the Commission. if it •would hear charges of deliberate mendacity against members of the force. The Chairman said that they would consider the matter. Inspector Pender said that it was the exception rather than the rule for permanent artillerymen to make good constables. He had received a report front Detective Campbell two months ago, stating that there were no tote shops in Wellington. Witness did not know of one himself. The law required amendment to enable the police to deal with them. The licensing laws were exceedingly difficult .to administer, but Sunday trading here had recived a severe check of late and was not now very prevalent. The officers were more active, and frequently visited houses. Perjury was frequently committed by witnesses for the defence in liquor cases. He chose men to act as plain clothes constables, and had never been subjected to political or ministerial influence. He was quite certain that there was no disorganisation in his force. In answer to Mr Tunbridge, witness said that the police could not interfere with betting men in the streets unless they caused an obstruction. In dealing with tote shops the principal difficulty was to get documentary evidence. He never expected to be able to put down private gambling ; it seemed to be getting worse. Plain clothes men got no extra pay, and in fact were sometimes out of pocket. They were merely on probation for the detective force. In answer to the Commissioners, Inspector Pender thought it would be better for the community, and especially for the young people, if betting were made illegal. Sergeant Wright, Clerk at Wellington, brought before, the Commission,""^ grievance that when he was appoint^ 'fye was not allowed, to draw the shilling per day clerical allowance enjoyed by other clerks in the large centres. He spoke in favpur of the pension scheme proposed by Mr W. Hutchison in 1892. To his knowledge it was generally approved by the fqrcg in Dunedin, Christchurch and Auckland. The scheme was j practically self'rsuppor^pg after the first gra.nt. The f opce would so.onep have pansiots than longrseryice pay ?